The solution for mankind
K.M. Mahmood ur Rahman
In this mechanical and materialistic world, man has become far too pre-occupied with his worldly pursuits and in the competition for material gains. There is hardly any time for doing justice to the art of rational living. We have to recognise the fact that man is the dividing factor between body and soul. We spend far too much time for our bodily and worldly pursuits and have hardly any time to tend to the needs of our soul. This is indeed a pathetic situation despite mind boggling technological achievements of the modern world.
Despite the enormous technological advancement, the decadence of human values worldwide continues unabated and is making life increasingly tensed and complicated. This degenerating state of the modern world cannot be a part of an aspiration of healthy conscious human society. This complex social situation needs to be analysed so that remedial measures could be undertaken.
The consequence of such an unwanted transformation has already adversely affected the present day society. The same needs to be rectified in order to bring back the cherished ‘happy state’ of mankind through re-generation of a good and healthy mental attitude and mindset for a better society.
In an attempt to help people and bring about changes in habits and life styles, it is best initially to spend time and effort trying to educate and enlighten people and create understanding rather than to reprove and condemn. These are golden rules set by the greatest Prophet (Sm) which need to be applied in dealing with people, like for instance, the command to “Make things easy and not difficult for people,” and his reminder that “He who is not merciful will have no mercy shown to him.”
It is important to remember that while Islam may have the solution to the range of problems and crises facing mankind, it is not content merely with tinkering at unjust and oppressive systems. It is also concerned with reorienting human being in a direction that is in keeping with his/her innate values and needs, and equips him/her to discharge his God-given trust on this earth.
Islam is not just a mere set of rituals, nor is it lifeless dogma or some mysterious cult. It is rooted in belief in God and a universal concern for the human condition. Its concern is for mankind as a whole regardless of creed, race or colour. This is in keeping with the Quranic description of the role and message of the Prophet (Sm) as “mercy and a blessing to all creatures”.
Islam provides the values for creating a better world. We need to be aware of these values and know how to apply them to our own life, to the lives of those around us and to our environment.
We need to be aware of developments not only in our neighbourhood but in the wider society in which we live, and also developments on a global level.
Each individual, each community and each society for the sake of self-interest and survival needs to be concerned with the global fate of mankind and the environment on which man and other creatures of God have their being. But there is above all the satisfaction, pleasure and reward of fulfilling his amaanah or trust that must impel man to have a more active concern for the human condition and the integrity of creation.
In today’s world, da’wah (invitation to Islam) should aim at putting back meaning and purpose in people’s lives, clearing and articulating their consciences so that the natural values can again shine forth, and the power of reason flourish so that they can once more acknowledge their Creator and Sustainer and look at problems and issues in their proper perspectives. Islam is both a message and a means for achieving those purposes.
It should be remembered that the mission of the noble Prophet(s), was from the outset a universal mission, for the Qur’an describes him as “a mercy or a blessing for all peoples”. Islam is thus the birthright of every human being. No human being may be excused from the call of Islam.
It is inherent in human nature to know the unknown, to discover the undiscovered. We know change in life is a natural phenomenon as long as it changes for the better. As conscious human beings we have to make sure that things change for better and not for the worse. This unique situation has to be analysed and valued by the global Muslim Ummah to be able to tap its enormous treasure and potential in order to benefit mankind at large.
In summary, in the backdrop of the above, it is extremely important for us to capture the spirit and teaching of Islam and convey its message globally, with a view to transforming this world as a permanent abode of a happy state for the whole mankind. Prophet of Allah and his followers relayed the message of Qur’an and transformed the chaotic human society into a peaceful human community through a painstaking process.
As Muslims, it is incumbent on our part to educate ourselves on Islam and to convey its message effectively to reform and strengthen the moral values of mankind for the establishment of world peace, by condemning racism, social injustice and all sorts of human disparity, which Allah Almighty conveyed through His last and final message of Islam. At the same time, it is equally important for the Muslims to dispel the misgivings about Islam and convey its message of ‘World Peace’.
It should be made clear that Islam believes that we all are children of Adam and Haoa (As) and that its message is beyond any race, time and space; as universal concept has always been to promote a bridge of ‘Friendship’ within the human race, irrespective of colour.
In the sight of Allah Almighty, all human beings are essentially the same there is no scope for any discrimination. It is only desirable for all human beings to learn from the last holocaust, the devastating consequences of World Wars I and II, the genocide in Bosnia and similar other devastations in Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine and in so many other countries, and to acknowledge that such atrocities and oppressions will only continue to upset the social peace and harmony of this planet.
It’s easier to start wars than to end them. It’s easier to blame others than to look within ourselves. It’s easier to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There’s one rule that lies at the heart of every religion-which we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. This truth transcends nations and peoples-a belief that isn’t new; that isn’t black or white or brown; that isn’t Christian or Muslim or Jewish. It’s a belief that pulsated in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the hearts of billions around the world. It’s a faith in other people, which we must consciously acknowledge.
The Holy Qur’an tells us: “Oh mankind! We have created you male and female, and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another”. [Surah Huzurat : Verse – 13]
The Talmud tells us: “The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace.”
The Holy Bible tells us: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
It is a statement of truth that Semitic religions i.e. Judaism, Christianity and Islam have same roots, lineage, heritage and belong to the same family. Almighty Allah must have some Divine reasons and rationale to bind the three religions in one thread. Followers of all three religions also worship at the same mosque at AI-Aqsa in AI-Quds. It is a common observable fact that disagreement and voice of dissent often can be found among brothers and sisters in the same family. Considering their proximity of relationship the followers of Semitic’ religions should shun the path of hatred and dissension and work together for establishing peace, cohesion, understanding and amity among themselves for the very survival and well being of mankind. Their unity can totally change the face of the world and make it an abode of peace.
Almighty Allah further says in Holy Qur’an-Verse 84 & 113, 114 & 115 of Surah Al Imran. (84) Say: “We believe in Allah and in that which has been bestowed from on high upon us, and that which has been bestowed upon Ibrahim and Ismail and Isaac and Yakub and their descendants, and that which has been vouchsafed by their Sustainer unto Musa and Isa and all the [ other] Prophets: we make no distinction between any of them. And unto Him do we surrender ourselves”. (113) [But] they are not all alike : among the followers of earlier revelation there are upright people, who recite Allah’s messages throughout the night, and prostrate themselves [before Him]. (114) They believe in Allah and the Last Day and enjoin the doing of what is right and forbid the doing of what is wrong, and vie with one another in doing good works; and these are among the righteous.
(115) And whatever good they do, they shall never be denied the reward thereof : for, Allah has full knowledge of those who are conscious of Him.
The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is Allah’s vision. Now that must be our common goal here on Earth.
We can see a catastrophic situation exists in Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Lebanon, Pakistan and the pangs of suffering humanity in some parts of Africa, South America, East Europe, India among other countries. The worsening situation in the above countries and areas continues due to lack of genuine attentions from the world community. What needs to be really felt is that too many tears have been shed. Too much blood has been spilled. Enough is enough. All of us have a responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of Israelis and Palestinians can see their children grow up without
fear ; when the Holy Land of the three great faiths is the place of peace that Allah intended it to be; when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home for Jews and Christians
and Muslims and a place for all of the children of Ibrahim to mingle peacefully together
as in the story of Isra, when Musa, Isa and Muhammad (peace be upon them), joined in prayer. It is a well-known fact that Islam is an extension of Semitic religion. Muslim, Jews and Christian have essentially come from the same roots. The Mosque at Jerusalem (AI-Quds), Baitul Muqaddas (the Dome of the Rock) is the common Holy place for all
the 3 Semitic religions.
Prophet Ibrahim is the forefather of all the three communities. In Qur’an in Surah 17 Verse-1 Allah says : “In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the Dispenser of grace” Limitless in His glory is He who transported His abd (banda) by night from the Inviolable House of Worship (at Makka) to the remote House of Worship (at Jerusalem) – the environs of which We had blessed – so that We might show him some of Our symbols : for, verily, He alone is Hearing, all-Seeing”.
The dome of the rock was built by Umayyad Caliph ‘Abdal-Malik bin Marwan in 692 CE in the old city of AI-Quds (Jerusalem). Masjidul Aqsa’ (farthest Mosque) is at the South East of the Qubbat As-Sakhrah. The rock on which the most beautiful dome of the world stands is regarded as sacred by Muslims, Christians and the Jews alike.
The story of Isra (The night journey) has been narrated entirely in Sahih Al-Bukhari which clearly describes the above facts. As final religion for mankind from Allah Almighty, Islam teaches us to firmly believe in all the Prophets and the scriptures which were revealed to mankind from time to time throughout the ages.
This is in line with Islam’s article of faith mentioned in Holy Qur’an.
Surah Al-Imran Verse 199 – And, behold, among the followers of earlier revelation there are indeed such as [truly] believe in Allah, that which has been bestowed from on high upon you as well as in that which has been bestowed upon them. Standing in awe of Allah, the not barter away Allah’s messages for a trifling gain. They shall have their reward with their Sustainer – for, behold, Allah is swift in reckoning!
Surah Baqarah Verse (256) There shall be no compulsion in matters of faith.
Islam truly focuses on co-existence of all the races and religions. We know from history that in all the Islamic empires the civil and secular spirit were the essence of Islamic governance. In Holy Qur’an Allah says, “faith cannot be imposed” — there is no compulsion on faith. When Baghdad was the seat of civilization the co-existence of Muslims, Christians and Jews was at its peak. It was the same in all other Muslim empires.
In conclusion, nobody can claim monopoly on virtues. As human beings we have to frankly admit our lapses, failings and drawbacks without going on blaming and scoring points against each other endlessly.
Words will remain words-what really matters is our attitude and conduct. What truly matters in the final analysis is our strength of faith in the message of Allah Almighty and the perseverance of doing good deeds, in the face of all adversities. A relevant verse from the Holy Qur’an is quoted :
In Surah-3- Verse-104 says Allah, “Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong; they are the ones to attain felicity. ”
In Qur’an, Allah says to follow the creed of Prophet Ibrahim, who is the fountain head of the three major spiritual streams i.e. Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Islam and Western civilization have the same roots, their dawning in the Fertile Cresent, the Monotheism of the Jews and the Christians, the classical intellectual culture of the ancient Greeks.
The two traditions are kindred spirits; alike in so many ways. Islam’s legacy is intertwined with the West’s and of the billions of Muslims who make it the second largest religion in the world. It is a living legacy, an elemental part of the great human venture that is world civilization.
“These time honoured words of wisdom should be kept fresh in the mind of all those human beings who will have to act as the conscious keeper for mankind for transforming our world into a beautiful abode of peace and happiness. In this tensed, materialistic world ‘happiness’ is the most sought after thing for every human being; therefore, all of us should work together to achieve our common goal for the benefit of mankind.”
In summary, while we ought to face the challenge of dealing with the issues of this materialistic world for our bare survival and to accomplish this daunting task we should, however, rise to the occasion and make all endeavours to regenerate and revive the social and spiritual values of this degenerating society to be able to maintain a fine balance and equilibrium for a better tomorrow for the inhabitants of this whole planet. Needless to mention, this is definitely the crying need of the hour for the greater well being of the mankind.
“O you who have attained to faith! Be patient in adversity, and vie in patience with one another, and be ever ready (to do what is right), and remain conscious of Allah so that you might attain to a happy state”. (Surah Ale-Imran Verse-200)
—Islam and the Global Issues
