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Many
Muslims are very pessimistic whenever they speak about the status quo of
Muslims all over the world. Some of them concentrate on the negative
aspects that appear here and there, such as immorality, injustice,
dishonesty. Some of them go to the extreme and claim that “doom is
approaching,” or “darkness looms large,” or “there are troubles
on the horizon.”
In
fact, such premonitions bring benefit to none and actually make things
worse. Though what these people say contains some facts, still they do
not look on the bright side of the issue. Though everywhere you may see
un-Islamic scenes, there are other Islamic phenomena that you’ll find
everywhere. Light is there, but it needs effort so that it can overcome
the darkness. Immorality, injustice, and all other wrongs will perish if
we work hard together in helping humanity to see the light of Islam and
its Shari`ah.
Given
the above, let’s contemplate on the following practical tips that can
help Muslims serve the cause of Islam and spread its light all over the
world:
1.
Each Muslim should carry out the duty that he or she has been assigned
to, by Allah, the Creator, and follow the guidance of Islam in all
aspects of life. It is an individual duty upon every Muslim to follow
the teachings of Islam. Reforming oneself starts from refining the
soul by means of correct faith, trust in Allah, sound belief in
Islamic creed, etc. Besides reforming the soul, every Muslim should
translate the Islamic teachings into practice.
2.
Muslims should take care of their families. It is an established
Islamic duty that Muslims have to bring up their children on the
teachings of Islam by, first of all, setting a good example for them
by abiding by Islamic ethics and morals in all aspects of life, and by
teaching them the true Islamic guidance.
3.
When Muslim families play their roles in reforming and building a
healthy and good society, then the Muslim society will be a moral and
righteous one. Though some of its members may commit some mistakes,
the Muslim society will generally present the true image of a Muslim
society.
4.
Muslim individuals, families, and societies should cooperate and stand
together against the wicked conspiracy against Islam and Muslims.
Every member of the Muslim
Ummah has a share in this responsibility. We are together in the same
boat and we have to start rowing before it is too late.
5.
We must organize our priorities and seek to mobilize the spiritual,
and intellectual, and other resources of the community to strengthen
the Ummah and protect it.
6.
We must prepare a new generation of trained professionals and experts
who will protect us against the misinformation and deliberate cover-up
and false propaganda in the media.
7.
We should reach out to other communities and cooperate with all the
peace-loving people, regardless of their religious or ethnic
affiliations, and work for the cause of truth, justice, and
fundamental rights of all fellow citizens and human beings.
8.
We must recapture the essential universal ethical values and ideals of
Islam and accentuate them, rather than be ossified on dogmas and
rituals.
9.
Muslim scholars and Imams should guide people to the way of honor,
victory, and success.
Hopefully,
the above tips can help us to serve our brothers and sisters in humanity
and spread security and justice all over the world. Let every one of us
“light a candle instead of cursing the darkness” so that light can
prevail and darkness inevitably perish.
**
Wa’il `Abdel-Mut`aal Shihab is the deputy managing editor of
the IslamOnline Shari`ah Department (English). He graduated from
Al-Azhar University, then obtained his MA from Al-Azhar in Islamic
studies, specializing in Islamic jurisprudence and its principles. Now
he is working on his PhD on the principles of Islamic jurisprudence. He
writes occasionally for IslamOnline.net. You can reach him at wael.shihab@iolteam.com.
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