Living Islam

As Muslims, we have to not only reach the core of Islam, but learn and teach it too.

When I read about the Glorious Days of Islam, through the history of countries and bio-graphies of people in the early days of the spread of Islam, I felt that Islam provided a means, a purpose to the people who embraced it whole-heartedly and sacrificed their lives and property to help spread the message to the entire world.

But we also know that Islam is the final message from Allah s.w.t. to all of Mankind (not only to Muslims) and also for all times to come till Qayamat. Hence it would be natural that the Message will contain several layers of guidance which will be valid in all the ages. Hence we would also find a situation where, if a country or region is already ‘Islamized’, there would be a situation where we are supposed to live in and establish an organised and civilised society, which will be totally harmonious, will be growth oriented and will also provide a model to the rest of the world, who are yet to accept Islam as their faith.

Times are changing, but Allah’s message will stand true to the end, we have to read, contemplate and understand the message, as it is from our Creator, for whom a few earthly Centuries are just a speck of dust, as He is Omnipresent, Always has been, Always will be... it is we who are liable to go astray, not HIS message.

Many of the previous Muslim rulers were growth oriented, scientific in their approach and very progressive. But somewhere down the line, a decline set-in. I don’t think anyone can point out the exact time and location of this decline, but seeing the world today, we can say that it happened. One of the reasons why this decline set-in, is also the hidden agenda and interference of other religions, such as the Jews and Christians, who instead of opposing us face-to-face and waging a war, simply turned to us in False sympathy and encouraged us to deviate from the path, by implanting regressive ideas into our collective minds. It is these ideas which has led to many innovations in our Faith and perhaps is one of the prime reasons for our dis-unity and discord among Muslims.

But as always, there will be an effort from within Muslims, to bring out their brothers and sisters from the darkness to the true light of Islam. There will be stiff opposition and strife, as many of the customs and rituals are now embedded into the psyche of the community, since they are being followed for generations. It is this effort which we are supposed to make and keep making. To make things Clear. To reach the core of Islam. To learn and to teach.

(The writer can be reached at sskhan @ gawab . com)