The greatest concern of the conversant Muslim reformer is to raise a new Muslim generation that deserves to be named- the generation of victory. This is the first priority of our nation.

A generation that brings Islam to its pure springs, understands it rightly and completely, free from redundancy and blemishes. It is not an Islam of myths in its doctrines; of 'Bid’a' (innovation/heresy) in devotions, negativity in morals, inactivity, imitation and fanaticism to one school of 'Fiqh' (jurisprudence) over another. But it is the Islam, revealed in the Holy Qur’an, propagated by the Noble Messenger (peace be upon him/ PBUH), in which the Companions believed; by which the rightly guided Caliphs of the Prophet (PBUH) ruled; upon which a sound lofty civilization was erected. A civilization that linked the earth to the heaven, led the world by religion and brought knowledge and assuredness together.

It is the Islam of the Qur’an and 'Sunnah' (Prophet Muhammad's Tradition), of truth and strength, learning and acting, 'Jihad' and Ijtihad (juristic reasoning), and of comprehensiveness and balance.

It is the Islam of individual dignity, family ties, social solidarity, Shura (ruling by counsel), productivity, and fairness in distribution of duties and rights.

Islam redirects the entire individual’s life for the sake of Allah, the Most High, namely, no ulterior motives, no conflict; as the purpose is united, the direction is fixed, and the path is clear:

“Say: ‘My prayer, my service of sacrifice, my living and my dying, [all] belong to Allah, the Lord of the Universe.’” (Qur’an 6:162)

It is Islam that makes the whole life of the society for the sake of Allah, the Most High. It cannot o be divided into two conflicting powers: one portion, called “the state, ” for Caesar; and the other, called “religion” for God, because Caesar and his state both belong to Allah, the One and the Alone.

Islam invites to justice even if it is for the interest of its deadliest enemies:

“…and let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just, that is nearer to piety; and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is All-Acquainted with what you do.” (5:8)

It also forbids aggression even if it was on its most hostile adversaries:

“…and let not ill-will towards any folk lead you to transgression, just because they blocked your way to the Sacred Mosque (the Ka'bah in Mecca), so that you act aggressively; and cooperate with one another for virtue and heedfulness, and do not cooperate with one another for the purpose of vice and aggression. And heed Allah [Alone].” (5:2)

Islam fights the atheist Communists and the Capitalists, and rejects class struggle and oppressive sects. It calls for religiosity that instills love; not for sectarianism that inculcates grudge.

Islam also fights oppressive rulers and the oppressors’ rule. It is Islam that says to the ruler: “Do not oppress” and to the people: “Do not cringe.” It teaches the Muslim to supplicate in his 'Salah' (prayer):

“O Allah! We do thank You and refuse to be ungrateful; we cast and abandon whoever disobeys You.”

Islam makes the best type of 'Jihad (struggle)'; i.e. "Speaking the truth before a tyrant ruler.”

It aids the weak till they get their rights from the strong and fights the rich, should they abstain from paying 'Zakah' (poor-due) to the poor. It urges believers to fight:

“…for Allah’s sake, and for those weak, ill-treated and oppressed among men, women and children.” (4:75)

This is Islam (of the Qur’an and 'Sunnah') as understood, believed in and invited to by such a desired generation. It is Islam that has illuminated the minds and hearts of past generations. With its guidance they realized their goal, made their way to glory, knew themselves and their
Lord, their religion, world, heritage, age, life, friends and foes. With Islam one would know who shows him the way and who wants to mislead and derail him off the right track.

Translated by Amin E. Shahata

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