Allah (SWT) states in the Holy Qur'an through the words of Prophet Shu'aib (AS):” I only desire betterment to the best of my capabilities.” (Hud: 88)

The above verse tells us that Islam develops Muslims to be pious and calls upon them to do good and contribute to the general well-being of mankind and the world.

An individual who consciously seeks to do good will be attentive and responsive to changes occurring around him/her, especially those that would have an impact on the individual, family, community, and country. He/she will always strive to improve on all fronts, to contribute his or her expertise to the community, and play an important role in nation-building. When we understand our role to do good and be blessings to all, we will be able to adapt ourselves to any situation and will practice inclusiveness.

The principles of justice and respect teach us to appreciate others and to cooperate with them to contribute to the well-being of society at large. The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:” The best of mankind are those who benefit others the most.” (Imam Al-Baihaqi).

What we understand from the above hadith is that Muslims have to contribute to the well-being of all humanity. To do this, every effort has to be made in the spirit of striving, competing to do good and self-improvement, as Allah mentions in the Holy Qur'an:” Race to do good deeds.” (Al-Baqarah: 148). Allah (SWT) further said:” Seek the life to come by means of what God has granted you, but do not neglect your rightful share in this world. Do good to others as God has done to you. Do not seek to spread corruption in the land, for God does not love those who do this.” (Al-Qashas: 77)

Prophet Sulaiman (AS), who was at the same time a king, had governed his kingdom with justice and equality. When he ruled, every creature on earth acknowledged his sovereignty. In the Holy Qur'an, Allah (SWT) explains the story of Prophet Sulaiman and his awareness that his contributions were God's gifts to test if he was grateful: “Sulaiman said, ' This is a favor from my Lord, to test whether I am grateful or not: if anyone is grateful, it is for his own good, if anyone is ungrateful, then my Lord is self-sufficient and most generous.'” (An-Naml: 40)

In the last few years, the world was hit by several natural disasters: the great tsunami in Indonesia and Japan. This was followed closely by earthquakes in Turkey and China, and recently super typhoon hit the Philippines. The Muslim community must work together with other communities to offer all assistance possible. Such contributions were much appreciated by those in need. In doing this, the Muslim community must practice what has been taught in Islam, to show kindness and be blessings to others. Good work like this needs to be sustained, and the Muslim community has to continue helping others in this manner.

Part of the fundamental teaching of Islam is striving to contribute to good. A Muslim should be remembered for his contributions regardless of where he is. As such, it is our duty to do good in the best possible manner in the society and country we live in.

Good citizens are the most important assets for any country. To be good citizens, the Muslim community needs to actively contribute to the well-being of the nation. While doing so, it is also important to develop a strong identity.

To be a good Muslim, there is no conflict between being a good Muslim and a good citizen. Our identity as Muslims is not centered only on Islamic laws and individual rights. A Muslim's identity includes becoming a good citizen, observing the country's constitution, and upholding justice, harmony, and respect for religious freedom.

Islam embraces other civilizations and cultures that will contribute to the betterment of human life on earth. In the past, Muslims contributed greatly to the development of the modern sciences. Inspired by this tradition, Muslim scholars readily rode the modernization wave and played a major role in the development of the sciences.

Ibnu Sina is among the finest of Muslim scholars. He is known not only amongst Muslims, but his contributions to humanity are acknowledged by all. His most important contribution is in the field of medicine through his great work of Al-Qanun fi al tibb (the canon of medicine). Such is the importance of his work that he is known to this day as the father of modern medicine. He is also known for his works in geology; he had studied mining methods and means of extracting ore and other natural minerals.

Interacting with other civilizations is not new, but has always been part of the Islamic way of life. The Holy Qur'an itself discusses interfaith and inter-communal relations and dialogue. The societies in which Muslims lived in the past were indeed multi-racial and multi-religious. For example, the Charter of Madina outlined the relationship between the various religious communities that lived there.

Indeed, it was this openness that paved the way for Muslims to make significant contributions at the global level. Furthermore, this has been made possible through dynamic religious principles, further strengthened by moral virtues, which have made Muslims a model and inspiration to other communities.

MUIS