Islam And Nation Building

Almighty Allah, creator of the universe and the owner and writer of the holy Quran has decreed in His holy book that righteousness is required to bring about a harmonious nation.

Furthermore, Allah instructs believers to help one another in righteousness and piety.  He made it clear that He loves the righteous and those who do well.  It is therefore, an act of righteousness on the part of believers to invite others to all that is good. Also, the messenger of Allah, Muhammad S.A.W. was recorded and reported to have taught Muslims the best path to righteousness. This is only the means of building a pleasant society.

Islam is the only religion that was divinely revealed by Allah, the One and only true God of all mankind.  That is why Allah said it is the rightful religion, but most people do not know this fact (Qur’an, 12:40 and 30:30).  Islam preaches righteousness, which is the very element to effective nation building. As a guide to all mankind, Allah has commanded Muslims to do what is right and forbid what is wrong:  “Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good (i.e., Islam), doing what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: they are the ones to attain felicity.” (3:104) “The Believers, men and women, are protectors, one to another: they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil . . .” (9:71)

Prophet Muhammad also enjoins us to observe righteousness and forbid evil deeds in all of our affairs.  The following are some of the Hadith (Teachings of Prophet Muhammad), which show how Allah’s Messenger enjoins us to the virtuous teaching of doing what is right and forbidding what is wrong in other to build a nation with the fear of God:

Abû Sa ‘id Al-Khudri  narrated that he heard Allah’s Messenger as saying, “He who amongst you sees something abominable should modify it with the help of his hand; and if he has no strength enough to do it, then he should do it with his tongue.  And if he has no strength enough to do it, (even) then he should (abhor it) from his heart and that is the least of faith.”  (Muslim 79).

More so, building a nation void of righteousness would only result to chaos at the end.

Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud t narrated that Allah’s Messenger said, “…By no means, I swear by Allâh, you must enjoin what is good and prohibit what is evil [in your society], prevent the wrongdoer, bend him into conformity with what is right, and restrict him to what is right.”  (Abû Dâwûd 4322)

It is important to note that many Muslims today, particularly in our contemporary world are actually looking at a different direction to attain righteousness by neglecting the contribution of faith in our national development.

Many see faith and nation building in a different light; some believe appearance, personality and popularity could mean your faith but Allah says in suratul Munafiqun Q 63V4.

And when you look at them, their bodies please you; and when they speak, you listen to their words. They are as blocks of wood propped up. They think that every cry is against them. They are the enemies, so beware of them.

It is quite important to view the opinion and the understanding of some of our fellow Muslim on the issue of faith. Islam recognises and approves good and moderate looking outfits for both the Muslims as prescribed by Allah in the Quran and in the Sunnah of the messenger of Allah. This is in order to discourage the wearing of clothes that is not in-line with Islamic teaching within the society. Muslims are known for their trousers above their ankles.  This is because Islam warned Muslims against dragging their clothes on the ground which could lead to pride. Other reasons could be the consciousness of prayer or any other reason whatsoever. Islamic scholars are quoted to have said that this act in itself can create pride.

Imam Ibn Hajr, in Fath al-Bari, Kitab al-Libas, p324 vol.10, writes: “Lowering the garments below the ankles must bring dragging the garment and dragging the garment must bring with it pride even if the wearer does not intend pride (Khuyula). This is supported by the hadith narrated by Ahmad bin Manee`….The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings upon him,) said: “Beware of dragging the garment, for indeed this is from pride.”

Ibn Hajr then narrates the following hadith that emphatically show that this ruling is not restricted to when this act is done in pride: In a hadith from Imam Tabarani, whose chain is sound, which is emphatic in this ruling not being restricted to when this act is done in pride. Namely, “The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings upon him, struck four fingers of his hand below the knee (on the shin) and said: “O Amar (bin Zurarah)! This is the place of the garment.” After citing this hadith, Imam Ibn Hajr wrote: “It is obvious the aforementioned Amar did not intend pride in lowering his garment.”

Also, Tabarani, the Prophet –peace and blessing upon him- saw a man whose garments were below the ankles and he ordered him: “Raise your waist-wrap!” The man said: “I have an ailment in my legs; my knees collide with each other.” The Prophet said to him: “Raise your garment because all of the Allah’s creation is beautiful.” Again, it is clear in this hadith this man was not doing this out of pride, yet he was ordered to raise his garments

Islam does not recognise any form of dressing as being Islamic. This implies that any good cloth that complies with Islamic dress code is welcomed. Therefore, it is a fallacy when anyone or a group of people lay claims to any dress code as a sign of faith or righteousness. The prophet was reported to have referred to raising the trousers above the ankle as a means of knowing a conscious Muslim, this acts is basically of the Muslims on their salat.

We have some faithful who lay claims to own the Quran or claiming to be the supreme owner of the last revelation of Allah to Humanity.

The effect of the Quran on its listener can remain unaffected by the recitation of the Kalaam of Allah. The Quran discusses the effects of its listeners in many verses: unbelievers increase in their animosity, despair, and their disbelief; while believers increase in their faith and love for Allah. The impact the Quran had on al-Waleed ibn al-Mugheerah has already been stated. The story of the Companion, Umar (radiallahu anhu), who used to be a staunch enemy of Islam, is that, after listening to Surah Taa-Haa, he said, “How beautiful and eloquent is this speech!” and immediately announced his conversion to Islam.

Jubayr ibn Mutim said, “I heard the Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wa sallam) recited Surah at-Toor in the Maghrib prayer and it was the first time Islam entered and settled in my heart.” In another narration, he described how he felt when he heard the Quran because of its beauty.

“And when they listen to what has been sent down to the Messenger, you see their eyes overflowing with tears because of the truth that they have recognised. They say, “Our Lord! We believe, so write us down among the witnesses.” (Surah Maidah 5:83)