Allah (SWT) said:” O you who believe! Enter into Islam whole-heartedly, and follow not the footsteps of the evil one, for he is to you an avowed enemy.” (2: 208)
The invitation looks as if it is extended to non-Muslims only, but no; it is extended to born Muslims because not every Muslim practices Islam wholeheartedly, that is, in every word he utters and in every action he performs. Muslims, too, can fall prey to the evil one and be misguided by him. For this reason, the Muslim is always reminded by Allah to seek His mercy in guiding him towards the right path.
Allah (SWT) judges the Muslim by how wholesomely he practices his deeds in upholding his iman in Allah. Therefore, he should be a person who is engaged in the pursuit of Islamic righteousness for the whole of his life. In other words, the Muslim has to make every effort in practicing Islam wholeheartedly and to the fullest degree.
Islam is a vibrant religion. It is for all times and chimes, standing for effort, struggle, movement, and rebuilding – elements of social change. A major aspect of a healthy social change is the adoption of a definite outlook on life and a comprehensive program for action, which involves changing one's attitudes, mindset, and commitment to attain purity, peace, progress, and graciousness.
The Qur’an mentions the process of social change as one that is initiated by, first, a change within the individual. In other words, it must start from and be initiated by him. Allah does not change it for him. He must do it himself, through his effort. Allah will then grace his effort. Allah helps those who help themselves first. Allah says:” Verily, never will Allah change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” (13: 11)
A positive change in a man will bring about a positive spillover effect on society. When his actions are guided by Islamic principles and dynamism, his positive attitude and commitment towards life will enhance quality and productivity. His just and honest dealings with others will become a blessing to the community at large. If he happens to be a leader, the organization or community that he leads will be a place of contentment and graciousness.
This effort to change “what is in themselves” (13:11), as enjoined by Islam, serves to create individuals who will become assets in their school, workplace, community, or country. It is therefore very vital for a Muslim to cultivate an attitude to respond positively to, and effectively help, in the developmental programs and strategies outlined by the country in which he lives.
Thus, in the process of changing towards the better, there should be, first, a process of molding the inner dimension of the individual. A Muslim who possesses the desired Islamic attitude, conduct, and character will better function as an agent of change in society, a change that should issue forth a new foresight in any worthwhile developmental endeavor or strategy of your community and country.
Islam is a clear and logical religion. It is according to the Qur’an itself, the religion of mankind. Allah (SAW) said:” The religion before Allah is Islam.” (3: 19). As such, the Muslim, as a follower of this superb religion, should present himself as an exemplar, as a model to show that he has been guided by it. He should show the uninitiated Muslim, the indifferent Muslim, as well as the non-Muslim that he is not a mere Muslim but a dynamic Muslim, as he has been guided by the Qur’an and molded by Islam in carrying out any task, endeavor, and demand of life.
Life is never smooth sailing. There are ups and downs. To live means to face all the hardships and challenges of life. Therefore, a Muslim should view all situations, even the negative ones, as providing the possibility for spiritual growth and strength. He should strive to find solutions to any problems in life with complete faith in Allah, for Allah has assured the Muslim that no problem is insoluble. Allah (SWT) said:” On no soul do We place a burden greater than it can bear.” (23: 62). And the Prophet (SAW) amplified:” For every remedy there is a remedy.”
Therefore, the Muslim who truly submits to Allah should not feel insecure or fearful of anything in life. He should never get disappointed with the failings that he might encounter in his life. He should know that if he is unsuccessful in a certain thing, even after he follows the Qur’an and the Sunnah, he should face life squarely with the faith that Allah is intimately aware of his every need. Furthermore, the Muslim should evaluate misfortunes on the basis of his weaknesses and try to learn from them.
In short, as no situation is insurmountable, the Muslim should remain sober and strong when facing any adversity or hardship. If he fails, he should try and try again until he succeeds. Giving up is un-Islamic. So, a Muslim should not get discouraged in the face of any hardship or difficulty. He should have the never-say-die attitude. He should be different in a positive way. Nothing should deter him from undertaking any difficult task when he places his trust in Allah and His benevolent guidance.
(To be continued)
Shaik A. Kadir
