What on Earth Is Islam?
Dr. Syed Pasha, Professor Emeritus
Muharram 1, 1447
Islam is the struggle for the creation of a Just and Peaceful world. But at times these concepts
may appear to be at loggerheads.
Meaning, the struggle for Justice may not always be a smooth, harmonious and peaceful one. And may result in conflict and strife as advocates on both sides may stake out entrenched stands.
That is the nature of this world. And nature of things in this world. Interests and agendas collide and unhappiness and conflict ensue.
And the just world you are seeking to create is not only a world that is committed to Law and Order, but it is also a world that is dedicated to Caring and Compassion.
It is truly a world of Love and Mercy as well as a world of Safety and Security. All at the same time.
And it is a world in which the dominant currency is Truth.
And it has to be. For, without Truth, Justice is but a cliché, an empty slogan, and a mirage.
That is why Justice (Al-Adl and Al-Qist as the Qur’an calls it) is Al-Haqq! The Truth.
So, the object or state one seeks to see prevail in this world is Justice. Pure and perfect.
As much as humanly possible. And for all of God’s Creation. Every single one of them.
In going forward with this plan, it is important that one fears God Almighty more than anyone
else. And one tries to please God Almighty more than anyone else!
And all this is not only for oneself and one’s own kind. But also for everyone else and their kind.
And that means every human being on this earth. Regardless of race, religion or gender.
And regardless also of nationality or territory or language or ethnicity.
And this sweeping Justice, Caring and Compassion not limited just to the human race, but also
subsuming every other form of life on earth.
Illa Umamun Amthaalukum!
The Qur’an says:
All Living Beings, they are all nations, societies and peoples just like you.
Believe it or not, another name for this struggle is Jihad. Both linguistically and in the culture
and language of Islam,
That means the struggle for Justice and Truth is a timeless and ceaseless struggle. And it is
comprehensive and all-encompassing. And it is a struggle to provide love and mercy for all of
God’s creation.
It is a struggle that is imposed on every Human Being as their Primary Duty, by their Maker and
Master, God Almighty. Right at their conception and birth.
Or in eternal time, before the creation of either time or space or the universe.
Or people.
Those who consider themselves Muslims in every age and place are the primary inheritors of
this Mandate from God. The mandate for ceaseless toil and perpetual struggle.
The Qur’an is the best and the most perfect Blueprint for the creation and management of such a world.
And the Seerat Tayyibah, Life of Sayyidina Muhammad, Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam, is the
Model and the Method for making such a perfect World of Justice and Truth come into
existence.
A world of true caring and compassion for all human beings. And for all of God’s creation.
If you are not already engaged in the creation of such a perfect world, start today.
Turn to Allah, your Maker and Master in full sincerity.
Repent from your past negligence and indifference.
And from your omissions and commissions.
And from all the bad things you did as well as the good things you failed or refused to do.
And one firm and clear step in this direction is to set yourself firmly on the path to learning the
Qur’an and the Sirah. That is, the life and Prophet Muhammad, Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam.
And do so with the full and clear intention of dedicating the rest of your life to that struggle.
The struggle for the creation of a just, peaceful, caring and compassionate world.
For All!
For, that is Islam.
All else is an illusion and a distraction and a hindrance to that struggle.
Allah says clearly in the Qur’an that he commissioned you to Establish Justice and to Speak for
him. For Allah that is. That is, to be God Almighty’s Spokespeople on Earth.
That is what Iman means. And here is the Aayat of the Qur’an that expresses this mandate
clearly:
Ya Ayyuhalladheena Aamanoo,
Koonoo Qawwameena Bilqisti,
Shu-hadaa-a Lillahi.
And the punishment for turning your back on this mandate could be dangerous and disastrous.
According to the Qur’an, that punishment could be a prolonged or perpetual State of
Humiliation and Helplessness. And being subjected to the wrath and displeasure of the Creator.
Wa Duribat Alaihimudh-Dhillatu Wal-Maskanatu,
Wa Baa-oo Bi-Ghadabin Minallah!
And that seems to be the condition in which much of the Muslim Ummah seems to be living in today.
