Group ‘A’ : Current Islamic World

Muslim World: Growth and Progress

Seyyed Noor-e-Akhtar Hossain AhmadiNoori

Gaddinashin Pir and Montazem-e-Darbar,

Darbar-e-Awlia Sureswar Dayera Sharif,

Dhaka, Bangladesh.

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Beneficient.

Currently the world continues to be dominated by materialist world view in which the drive for increasing worldly wealth is seen as the real virtue for growth and progress. To secure the materialist agenda and the hegemony of the imperialists, some measures are suggested for alleviation of poverty, creation of employment opportunities, expansion of education and training facilities, expansion of healthcare and housing facilities, food security, etc. And in reality we continue to live in a world in which about 80% wealth belongs to only 20% people.

Every human being is a representative of the Almighty Allah, which is why it is mandatory to lead a life according Islamic policy and principles. The wealth that is relished by every human being is owned by the Almighty. It is, however, stated in the Holy Quran, of all the creation Human being holds the most respective and dignified positions among all. Such position offers duty towards Allah, later based on this, the fate will be determined in the world and hereafter. “And, indeed, We have honored the children of Adam, and We carried them on the land and the sea; and We provided them with sustenance of the good things; and We preferred them greatly over many of those We created." (Surah Bani Israel, 70).

          According to Holy Quran, it is Allah who provides all the merciful facilities, so that people can fulfill their needs and thus get a chance to improve themselves in terms of suppressing the evil with the help of Taqwa. “O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.” (Surah Al-Baqarah verse 168). To establish a progressive and developed society, it is important to follow Islamic policy as well as to lead a life as per the rules of Islam that is provided by Allah, suggested by Islamic scholars.

By incorporating various ideas, inventions and trends, Mankind has reached a remarkable success in terms of development. The boundary of knowledge has increased in a very large scale in terms of science and technologies, which are the core components behind the progressive mankind. In Islam it is important to gain knowledge in every possible aspect; which is mentioned in several verses of the Holy Quran.  In the Holy Quran, doing research, investigation and critical thinking to gain knowledge is encouraged. It is also stated that to provide moral and spiritual direction to the pure knowledge with which the Prophets and Messengers of the Almighty were sent. This indicates an opportunity provided by Islam to be accurate in terms of knowledge. One of the most popular Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is: “It is compulsory to gain knowledge for all Muslim men and women.”

Islamic culture provides help and encourages in solving problems, not just this, but Islam also helps to be selfless by taking care of everyone in one’s surroundings. Islam teaches mankind to be compassionate to neighbors irrespective of Faith and ethnicity. This supports to build community with the spirit of solidarity. Islam believes to construct a developed nation where the participation of the general mass is as important as the coherence between government and the general mass.

For the progressive development the government needs to provide plans and guidance. Both government institutions and people of the nation participate in the implementation of those plans. The process of development will be a success only when the general mass, parties and communities will prioritize the nation’s interest over personal interests. Independence and self-sufficiency are major driving force as well regarding the development. Islam does not allow domination and dependency which will hold back an individual to prosper. Islam believes that there is a close connection between self-reliance and development. Regarding this Hazrat Ali (R.A.) stated, “Intelligent man and society do not allow themselves to avoid the issue of self-reliant.” He also added, “Only an independent and self-reliant can achieve a satisfied and joyful life.”