Islam is not merely a faith but is a complete code of life professing
and practicing of which makes it easier for us to shape our life and manage
our affairs in the most suited manner whatever walks of life may be, be
it day to day affairs, economic, commercial, political, social and industrial
or such other matters. A true study of Islam would provide us with all
basic principles covering all the relevant fields. If we proceed on the
strength of basic tenets of Islam we can shape and, reshape a new world,
order devoid of anarchy, aggression, terrorism, apartheid and such other
evils. These principles also provide succour to the oppressed and the weaker
section of the society. A true MOMIN is one who is equally worried about
the protection and dignity of his fellow men.
In the present scenario every one in almost every part of the world
has been deprived of peaceful life. Most of the nations are indulging in
various confrontations. Big powers are after smaller nations. Justice,
equality, common brotherhood, sacrifice and such other qualities are merely
found in books and have become more abstract ideas. Many of us claim to
be true muslims but we are not. Some of us are indulging in such activities
that are contrary to the teachings of Islam. We have made it a practice
to tell a lie, commit breach of trust and resort to dishonest and fraudulent
means if the situation so requires. The only panacea to solve these problems
is that we must lead a life strictly in accordance with Quran and Hadith.
Islamic principles, have become of paramount importance and more
relevant in the present deteriorating global situation when the whole world
is divided in various groups; be it on grounds of regions, religion, community,
culture or such other considerations, and they are ready for or actually
indulging in various confrontations. Communities, professing different
religions are pitched against each other because certain vested interests
are promoting such tendencies and exalting their respective coriimunities
to raise grudge against each other, undoubtedly for achieving their narrow
ends.Thus, the situation warrants that the islamic principles pertaining
to peace, prosperity, common brotherhood, tolerance, respect for each other,
humanity, equality, justice, reciprocal sacrifice etc, should be acted
upon so as to have a better society.
Morally and qualities like tolerance, decency sophisticated behaviour
etc. have become of secondary importance in this present world and personal
interests have assumed primary importance. Such a situation makes us feel
that we must adopt islamic values in true spirit and lead a peaceful life.
By the grace of Allah, various organisations are at work to propagate
basic tenets of Islam and they are putting in their best efforts to accomplish
their objectives but , to our great disappointment, we do not have any
common platform. We are criticizing each other and finding faults just
to justify our respective existence. We are having diversity instead of
unity. We are having various groups indulged in propagating against each
other. Their approach is individualistic and qualities like common brotherhood
and unity in diversity are missing. The only reason for such a state of
affairs is that out organisations are not applying islamic principles in
true letter and spirit. Those who are at the helms of the affairs of these
organisations are suffering from inferiority complex. They make tall claims
and hold various convention and pass best worded resolutions, but they
have hardly made any head way. Its sole reason is that these organisations
either follow any particular school of thought or represent some particular
group or denomination. The principles, that ought to have been applied
and acted upon for all human beings are being applied just to achieve individua
ends. It is common knowledge that maximum number of posters containing
allegations and counter-allegations against each other do appear almost
every day in Muslim localities. All of us claim of Allah every now and
then and procure large amounts to establish institutions for the welfare
of Muslims, but we have failed to discharge our duties in such a manner
that we are acceptable to all sections of the community.
We, the Muslims, ought to have presented a picture of true unity
of others but it was not to be unfortunately, we are divided in various
groups, sub groups and denomination, such as, Deobandi, Bareilvi, Ahle-e-
Hadith, Shias. etc. Had we been the true followers of Islam, we would have
been an eye opener to all. It was possible only when we would not have
criticized each other. All of us would have claimed and actually acted
as Momins and would not have called our brothers as kaffirs. It would have
been the most ideal situation. Had we not drifted away from the path shown
to us by the prophet, the people would have taken us in a very high esteem.
We claim to be Ummat- e-Muhammed (P.B.U.H.) , but our acts and deeds do
presents different picture. In case, we follow the righteous path and apply
Islamic principles in true letter and spirit I am confident that we would
be an example for others and they would certainly follow suit.
India is a democratic country and all citizens enjoy equal rights
and the people elect their representives in general elections held after
every five years. Constitutionally all sections of the people are at par
but practically, some of the weaker sections have not come up and evils
like poverty, backwardness, unbalanced development, unequal distribution
of wealth, illiteracy etc. are still present in our society and inviting
the oppressed classes to carry on their struggle. Muslims are also facing
such problems and their faith in authority is declining day by day.
It is the duty of those in authority that they must take remedial steps
to keep their house in order. None can deny that Muslims, the biggest minority
and the second biggest majority, in India is also facing such a situation.
Muslims in general do fell that they are not getting proper representation
in the respective spheres.
Indian Muslims are facing multy-dimentional problems. On one hand
certain vested interests are trying to grab their religious places and
on the other hand they are not getting an opportunity of equal participation
in the process of development. Keeping in view their number, they are not
getting proper representation in any sphere and are lagging behind in all
walks of life. They cannot make proper use of their potential in fields
like education, health, trade, industries, handicrafts etc. for want of
proper patronage and proper help from the relevant quarters. Govt. institutions,
organisations and authorities have not been equally judicious to them and
it is because of it that the biggest minority community of this country
has not been able to get its due.
Muslims, as a community, not only attach utmost importance to their
faith, morality, culture, civilization and history but they firmly believe
that the welfare of their community lies in following and practicing basic
tenets of Islam and it is the only key to success. We, the Muslims, should
put in best efforts to preserve our cultural identity and profess our religion
in the manner that we remain united and.do not allow us to be divided amongst
various groups and denominations.
It is of great concern that those persons who have been given the title
of 'Naib-e-Rasool' have fallen short of expectation. It is the duty of
every Imam to provide first hand knowledge of Islam, jurisprudence and
hadith and render proper guidance in religious matters to Muslims, but,
unfortunately, our Imams have not discharged their duties as responsibly
as they ought to have done. They are running after money and away from
Islam.
Reformation of Muslim society is possible only by applying basic
principles of Islam contained in Holy Quran, Hadith and Sunnah. These objectives
can be achieved by the Imams provided they perform their duties honestly
and responsibly. Our objective is not to criticise religious personalities.
Our sole aim is to lay more emphasis on the duties to be performed and
the role to be played by the Imams in the present situation. Imams can,
undoubtedly be instrumental in getting these objectives accomplished and
they can impart knowledge of Islamic tenets to one and all. Thus, they
can play a vital role keeping the society away from the evils damaging
the present social structure