The Society longed by Mankind
31-01-2008
What kind
of society do we want or in other words, what is the pattern of that Islamic
society as required by Islam, that once existed in history and which we are now
struggling to re-establish.
In that society, surely everybody, whether Muslims or Non Muslims are satisfied,
feel calm and serene, peaceful and tranquil, safe and full of salvation, feel
happy and contented, feel loved and cared for and are in harmony.
In the society we want and that which Islam requires, the leaders are just,
protecting and loving, gentle and of good character. The educated are humble and
full of self-humiliation. Everybody who mixes with them feels at ease and
satisfied. The rich and wealthy are not arrogant, not exhibitive and are not
proud. They become banks for the society or the nation. Further more the poor
and the destitute get support from them. They are loved and they give love.
There is no one who hates them except those who are spiteful and envious.
In the society that we are waiting for, the pious or the theologians (ulamas)
are like torches who light up each person's life towards the path accepted by
God. They are compassionate towards the ignorant and are always guiding and
teaching them. They are gentle to other men. Their love and compassion is
obvious. Just seeing their faces, reminds one of God. They are very much loved.
Men turn to them for support and advice.
In the society we are waiting for, the patience of the poor is clearly visible.
They do not beg, let alone deceive. They are not in anxiety but instead are calm
and pacifying. Others do not realise they are poor and destitute, while, in fact
they have nothing to their names, for they never beg or cause any inconvenience
to people.
In the society we are waiting for, the aged are respected because their charisma
is high and preserved. The older they get, the closer they are to God. Their
words are like pearls, always disseminating knowledge to people. As they get
older, the more they are loved. They are not neglected, let alone by their
children and grandchildren.
Besides that, in the society that we want, its youth are of honorable character
and their shyness is plain to see especially among the girls and women. There is
no free mixing of the sexes, they are diligent at work and they actively
struggle to uphold the rule of God. They do not waste time seeking enjoyment.
Their time is filled with all things good and useful. They strongly protect the
good name and dignity of religion, race and nation. They are like fences and
fortresses.
Further than that, in the society that we long for, no disobedience and vices
occur in the open. Crime does not exist. If any at all, it happens only once in
a while, for all men feel the fear of God and truly love the Hereafter. Articles
left or lost will surely be found or returned.
Womenfolk who walk alone, will not be harassed and molested. Her safety and
dignity is guarded together, as though she is a member of the family even though
she is not known by anyone.
In such a society, neighbours respect each other, take care of each other,
oversee each other, exchange gifts, help and assist each other and visit each
other especially when one falls ill. Each is concerned with the other and when a
neighbour is in difficulty, there will always be others who will assist him and
care for him.
It follows that in the society that we are looking for, people who commit
wrongdoing readily ask for forgiveness and the wronged readily forgives although
forgiveness is not solicited. Revenge and vendetta do not exist, envy and grudge
do not happen and killing do not occur.
Consideration for other people is a way of life. The world is not a source of
strife and avenues for quarrels and disputes are non existent. The whole world
is full of love and care and harmony.
In this society longed by mankind, those who are in difficulty, the poor and
those facing mishaps will not be left unassisted. People will rush to help and
give aid to them. Those who are poor and in difficulty really feel assisted.
Although outwardly they appear to be poor but the truth is that they are not
troubled because everyone is concerned about them. In fact, those who are poor
live better than those who are from the middle class.
In the society that we want, anywhere we go and anywhere we travel to, it is
easy for us to be received as guests. People rush to receive us and every form
of assistance is offered all along the way. If we run out of supplies, there are
always people who will give assistance and help. If we are lost, there are
always people who will show us the way. In our journeys, we will never feel
alone as there will always be new friends and acquaintances made.
Also in the society that we want, the signs of Allah, the greatness of Allah and
His "shiar" (symbols) are seen everywhere. Wherever we go, we will see people
carrying out acts of subservience, completely attired to cover the body in
accordance to the "shariah", giving and answering the "salam", reciting the
Quran, learning religion, being well mannered, with noble culture, helping one
another, who are tolerant, who give priority to others, who love to treat, to
entertain and to receive guests and who give and assist.
Further, in the society that we desire, the ulamas (theologians), leaders,
teachers, parents, and the aged are respected and cherished, children are loved,
husbands and wives are loving to one another, the poor are given aid and
sympathy, friends are loyal, treachery does not exist, trust is upheld,
responsibility is carried out, promises are kept and debility is accepted and
forgiven.
And still further, in the Islamic society, wherever we go, we will not see
people loitering around wasting their time, no one will be out of work or are
unemployed, and no one will be seen reveling without any purpose. Everyone is
involved doing good and beneficial work either for his God or for his fellowmen.
In the society that we want, people are busy with development, active in making
advancement, but without any accompanying transgression. There is no corruption,
no deceit, no oppression and no neglect. There is no transgression of the "shariah"
(rules of God). The more the people are developed and advanced, the more humble,
generous and thankful they become and the more they fear Allah. Hence, physical
advancement and spiritual advancement goes hand in hand. There is simultaneous
movement in the physical and spiritual development. The world and the Hereafter
are developed together. What we then have is an advanced civilization and
magnificent development that no longer symbolizes the arrogance of man but the
supremacy of God, the greatness of the Creator, the power of the Creator, and
the symbols of His power, and the abundance of His pleasures and blessings.
The effect is that non-Muslims or if there still exist the minority of Muslims
whose hearts are still wicked, they will be ashamed to commit any evil deeds.
They feel guilty to commit any wrongdoing. Although they are not necessarily
ashamed to their God, but they are ashamed to other men and they feel they
should not be committing wrong. This indirectly helps to maintain peace and
serenity in the society. Blessed by the fact that the majority of the people are
good, coupled by the fact that they love and care for their leaders, the "ulamas"
and the rich among them who are just, generous, who love the people, who are of
good character and who are charismatic, these bad hats will shy away from doing
the wrong and the improper.
Hence, the society becomes peaceful, serene, unified, loving and caring,
tranquil, at ease, happy and harmonious, without the element of fear and worry.
The people are no longer afraid of the evil of man. They feel there will be no
more people who will cheat, steal their property, commit treachery, taking
opportunity, doing things for their self-interest, who rob, kidnap, rape,
sabotage and the like. There will evolve a kind of life that Allah Taala
pictured in the Quran, which means "A nation that is peaceful, prosperous and
blessed with the forgiveness of God."
The society that we picture above is the society that we long for, that we are
working and struggling for and that which we dream will one day materialize in
the reality of our lives. We hope it will happen in this early part of the
Hegira century for God has promised that in the early part of this century,
Islam will return resplendent as it was in its early years.
Let us together await while we struggle for this beautiful and resplendent era.
Let us hope that God grants us a sufficiently long life, so that we can witness
this golden age and let us also hope it happens due to our efforts and our
struggle. We hope Allah Taala will not let us down.
"Oh Allah, grant us this hope."
Submitted by a Mujahid