You are The best of all-“Kuntum khair..DUTY OF A MUSLIM

https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/gk-magazine/the-best-of-all published in greater kashmir june 2008 But we will have to prove ourselves the best and for that we need to show the character what is expected of us, writes Dr. Fiaz Fazili.“Kuntum khair..DUTY OF A MUSLIM “Kuntum khairan ummatin….Oh muslims”You are the best of people raised up, for you call to all that is right and righteous and you forbid the evil. A Reminder about the THINGS WHICH PEOPLE SHOULD BE CAUTIOUS OF IN ISLAM…As long as Alalh has commanded us to do something, is responsibility of all Muslims.He knows that,if we make an effort , we can actually ,attain our objective- Kuntum Khayra Ummatin. The ‘argument’ in this context is a reference to the discharge of the duty of Amr Bil Ma’roof in a set up where Shariah is not the lawof the day. Allah (swt), the Lord of the universe, says: “Kuntum Khayra Ummatin”, – “You are the best community ever brought forth for mankind (in that) you command the proper and forbid the improper and believe in ALLAH.” (3:110).This ordination represents the responsibility in promoting and maintaining the true guidance of Allah in all dimensions of our life, a mechanism whereby the Muslims could fight off various social, moral and spiritual ills and maintain a healthy society. We need to shoulder this responsibility at an individual level, at a collective level too. Let every one of us ask him or herself; Am I practicing this or not? Islamic states where shariah is the prevailing law, promotion of good and prevention of virtues is one of the responsibilities of the ruler (Amir/khailfa) who in turn may appoint a committee for its implementation. But problem arises, in the places where shariah law is not prevailing and majority of sincere learned Muslim scholars & clerics opt for selective silence in the face of the evil and corruption of the Muslim community which some of these justify as being Hikmat (wisdom), and net result is then this confounded argument of ‘Hikmat’ will become the standard reaction for justifying abstention from amr bi’l-ma’ruf wa’l-nahy ‘an al-munkar) and the acts declared illegitimate by God Almighty and the Prophet (pbuh) will continue to be justified as legitimate. Today, when we stand back and take a look at society, we find it in a state of moral decadence, lost in worthless pleasures of this world; trapped by the world of amusement. Resembling that same state of Jahaliyyah (ignorance) that existed in the Prophet’s time. Prophet (pbuh) taught us, every guardian is responsible for those under him and will be called to account about how he fulfilled his duty. Situations where we ought to have put Islamic knowledge, to mend our ways and improve yourself with regard to our worship, dealings with others, and giving more time and effort in calling others to Islam, even to a certain extent? if one refers to the ruling of the Islamic law and established proofs, you are accused of backwardness, orthodoxy, intricacy,etc.Those modernists rebels, who repudiate the commands and teachings of Allah are labeling themselves as progressive, broad-minded and liberals. No doubt freedom of expression, free thinking, free Inquiry, etc., are guaranteed by the Noble Qur’an to the Muslims, and even by the prevailing law where we are abiding at present. Differences of opinion are inevitable, complete consensus on every issue is possible only when everyone is dumb, so they cannot think of a different idea, or they are dishonest so they willingly agree with a position that they consider wrong. How can one have tolerance for something he/she knows is wrong, clearly established as wrong by Qur’an or Hadith. After all religious interpretations are not personal rights that can be sacrificed away.. Unfortunately some of these acts are justified, by the proponents of theory of “Enlightened moderation’, who defiantly feel that Islam needs modernity and moderation – a total disobedience to the last sermon of our Prophet (pbuh), “Aal-yaum akmalu denakum”; meaning that “today we have completed the religion.” Religious scholars believe that, Calling to Allah was the essential duty of all the Prophets (peace be upon them). The Prophet (pbuh) carried out this duty throughout his life. It was then taken up by his Companions and those who followed after them. The Muslims have been carrying this duty out ever since. Calling people to Allah is an activity that is open to all Muslims. It is not restricted to any group of people. It is not some exclusive discipline that can only be practiced within narrow conceptual framework. It is a general volunteer enterprise that can be carried out by all Muslims in all walks of life. Every one of us have the duty to prevent others from going astray, and don’t consider any sin which you see to be insignificant, as seeing a sin constantly, the hearts become devoid of the light of differentiation and rejection. When evils frequent the heart and when they are repeatedly seen by the eyes, their seriousness and their denunciation disappear from the heart to the extent that a person sees them but he does not even consider them to be evils and he does not even think that they are sins(The Sunnah Way of the Sufis)..Abu Hurayra (RA) states that Prophet(PBUH) said, “Command good and prohibit evil or else Allah will send such a punishment that will destroy everyone.” (Ibid)If people are not reminded of the things which they should be cautious in Islam. The day is not far off when our inaction will allow unislamic customs and culture to gain to the extent that an unashamed event like PROM, will be justified as part of academic curriculum. “There will arise out of my nation people who legalize adultery, the use of silk(by men), intoxicants and the music.” (Bukhari; Fathaul Baaree )The Prophet (SAW) has said that everyone amongst you is a caretaker and is responsible for his subordinates on the Day of Judgment. Rulers will be answerable for the citizens of their state, every family head will be accountable for the members of his family and will be asked as to whether he forbid them from adopting the bad ways, and helped them in leading a pious life or not. The Holy Quran has called this task as “Enjoining (People) To Do Good and Forbidding (Them) From Doing Evil.Prophet. (PBUH) said, “Whosoever from among you witnesses evil, he should change it with his hands. And if he is unable to do so then he should change it with his tongue. And if he is unable to do so with his tongue, then he should at least consider it to be wrong. And this is the weakest stage of Imaan.” (Mishkãt). Lastly – We need to shoulder this responsibility at an individual level, at a leadership level and at a community level. Each one of us needs to stand for truth and justice. Fulfilling our duties and imparting every thing its proper due: Fulfilling the rights Huquq Allah – rights of Allah, Huquq al-AIbad – rights of human beings and Huquq alEshya – rights of things.which all of us know what are these. Action is what is needed from each one of us, dedication to Islam and service to this Ummah. No matter how big or small a contribution we need to act, we need to contribute with time, effort, knowledge, and wealth. Then and then only can we claim the honor of Khayra Ummatin, Allah willing. Invite (mankind, O Muhammad) to the way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Revelation and the Qur’aan) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better” [Q16:125). This brief act of yours will turn these perverts of society from the darkness of infidelity and ignorance towards the light of knowledge and a pious life. It is important that a Muslim should continue fighting against evil insinuations and never submits to his whims and desires. May Allah Give Us the Tawfeeq (Ability) To Act upon His Commandments promote the proper and avoid His Prohibitions. AAmeen! (Feedback at fiazmfazili@yahoo.com)