In the immediate past and the present exhaustive explorative and suggestive articles have been written, following the crises that Muslim world began to face in the Middle East, a year ago.
There is no doubt that the discussions on the situation will contribute towards the possible answers, which will help resolve the crises that we are facing today. However, unless and until we intend to correct our thinking and mould our concept about our life on this earth in accordance with Islamic values as revealed in the Quran and practically conveyed to us by the Final Messenger Hazarat Mohammad (SAW) we cannot resolve the crises and come out as honourable and dignified people.
In order to look at the whole situation and to provide the solution, we have to consider the following 3 factors:
        a) the present crises and its implications for today and tomorrow;
        b) the Quranic concept of Human (Insan) life on this earth for believers of Islam, and the rest of the mankind;
        c) the application of Quranic values in order to establish ourselves in Islamic Ummah.

At the very outset I would like to remove the confusion and clear the misunderstanding that we have about ourselves. We seem to associate everything that the present so-called ‘Muslim’ countries do with Islam.
In today’s world, ‘Muslim’ countries are those areas where believers in Islamabad live in majority and govern. Those countries may or may not be following Islam. They may even follow non-Muslim values in the field of knowledge, science, technology and morals. Therefore, we must be very clear in our minds as to what are Islamic Concept of life on this earth and the application of Islamic Values. At the present time we hear, and read about people, who exhort us to take up science and technology because Islam wants us to excel ourselves in the above fields. There is no doubt that knowledge in every field is integral part of a believer but as Islam wants us and not because Islam wants us to acquire knowledge without any directions.
I will be dealing with this thoroughly after the discussion on the first factor of ‘Crises for the Muslim world’.
Therein will lie our only hope of salvation and Allah’s help as promised in the Quran by Allah (SWT). We can go on praying and then following in the footsteps of non-Muslims forever without any positive achievements to our credit.
We might or might not become physically as strong or better than non-Muslim but we will surely be qualified to receive Allah’s (SWT) help once we try to practice Islam spiritually and physically to the best of our abilities and Insha Allah we shall live as honourable and dignified followers of Islam (Amin).

CRISIS FOR THE MUSLIM WORLD
        The Gulf crisis shook all of us violently but we did not wake up from the centuries old slumber. To my astonishment, in spite of vast discussion /analysis, reviews, comparison of our strength and weaknesses, criticism of the West, America and the ex-Soviet Union, we did not touch upon the real issue of our humiliation by the Americans and the rest of the non-Muslim world, in the past, the present and its implications for the future.
        We covered vast and varied areas, during our newspaper analysis and emotional outbursts in our speeches against and for president Saddam and the criticism of the Americans and their allies. We are in one-way or the other not only appealing to the Yahud and Nasara (Jews and Christians) to refrain from exploiting and destroying us but also looking towards them to solve our problems. Is it the right attitude?
        Did not Allah warn us in the Holy Quran that Yahud and Nasara are not our friends and their friendship will lead us towards destruction? Also that we should seek only Allah’s help  and that ‘Man only gets what he has striven for’. I will not go further than the present century to explain my point. I will mention only Palestine, Kashmir and the Gulf crises to throw light on the subject. These problems were created and maintained by the non-Muslims for their benefit and even if these issues are settled it will be to their satisfaction and benefit because they have the upper hand.
        By their careful planning and efforts the Americans have emerged as the only super-power and when the United States of America state that it is going to tackle the issues of M.E. including Palestine and the long standing dispute of Kashmir, it means that the USA will dictate.
        The truth of the matter is that we have been dependant upon the developed countries in the past and the present and will remain practical slaves to them for a century if not for decades. Unless we realize the basic fact of our weaknesses and the reason for it in the light of Quran, our future is bleak. I will discuss that in detail later on but suffice it to say that a Muslim is a Man and unless we perform our functions of a Man within the frame-work and guidelines of Islam, we are not going to survive, and may be replaced by those who really believe. Islam gave us that framework and structure (Deen) in which to develop the original and unique ability that Allah gave to Man at the time of his creation. Our survival depends upon keeping that delicate balance and harmony between Man’s thirst for knowledge and the Divine guidance.
        The developed countries are using their unique ability as Man and are dominating the world but as they are not following the Divine Guidance, therefore, are destroying the world.
        The so-called Muslims are supposedly following Islam but are not using their unique ability as Man as part of their faith, are therefore, in the process of decay and eventual destruction.
        This is not an essay on Islam but as we are suffering as Muslims, it is essential that we look at the factors that are producing our present state. By developing our unique ability as Man we can be as good or better than the present prosperous and powerful people. But we can only serve the humanity by accepting our Deen completely.
        On one hand we believe that Islam is the complete way of life and guides us in all directions in this world and Allah will reward us for our deeds in the hereafter.
        On the other hand we elect to act on some and ignore the other directions. Well over couple of centuries we have been conditioned to observe the pillars of Islam (Faith in Allah, Salat, Zkat and Haj) as essential, while taking lightly our duties towards mankind for which we have been prepared by surrendering our purpose to Allah’s (Read An- Nisa 125).
        Let us do some self-assessment as individuals and as groups in order to correct our thinking in the present situation and establish our plight as Ummah. After we have recognized our state, we can then proceed to re-establish our directions to achieve our rightful place in the history of mankind in this world and in the hereafter.

        First we must look at ourselves instead of blaming non-Muslims for our mess.
If we are fighting a war against our enemy and eventually loose, can we blame our enemy for defeating us? It is well-accepted fact that in any confrontation the opposing parties are within their right to defeat the other. We are justified to study and evaluate but not to blame and criticize the successful.

        Secondly, we Muslims as Ummah, must recognize and accept the fact that by our deeds, we have become dependent upon and practical slaves of the developed world. It will take decades if not a century to establish a honourable place in the world if we decide to use all our Allah given abilities.
 
        Thirdly, to defend ourselves under the present circumstances we will need to acquire technology and material from the USA and Europe and it will be like living in a fantasy world to assume that we will be supplied with materials that are the best in the world to enable us to fight against them.

In order to stay on the top, as superpowers in defence and trade, they will supply us with outdated equipment. The Gulf war has made it plain that the developed nations can destroy us by sitting comfortably and securely at their basis.

        Fourthly, they will continue to induce us to destroy our fellow Muslim with the equipment supplied. They have acquired enough skill to twist our thinking to their benefit. What is the solution to our predicament? There are two courses open to us, if we wish to live honourably in the world. We can either develop ourselves  as Man (Insan) and be good or bad as they are for humanity or develop ourselves as Muslims, so that we can serve the mankind as guided by Allah. (A man may not be a Muslim but a Muslim is a man). There is no doubt that we can find an honourable place in the history if we only develop our abilities that Allah gave us at the time of our creation. It will be difficult to achieve that Goal if we acquire knowledge only to get livelihood and better job to satisfy our personal desires. We should also be prepared to fall like any other nation, a fact which is apparent from the history of the world, when we ignore Allah’s guidance.

        Man has reached an advanced stage when he can discover new secrets of the universe at a rapid rate. He can find better ways of destruction, better ways of inventing things for comfort and satisfaction of human desires. This may lead him further and further away from the limits that Allah has laid for mankind. Allah gave us a framework through Scriptures to safeguard mankind from these evils and pitfalls.
        The course open to us for an everlasting, dignified place in the world and for peace and justice (Balance) is to follow the path revealed to us by Allah in the al-Quran. As stated by me, the intention is not to teach Islam as a whole but to look at the purpose of creation of Man and Prophethood. Once we understand and accept the relationship between the two we can reach the ideal by our deeds, as set by Allah.
 

Islamic Concept of Life on This Earth

        Islam is the complete Deen and guides us in every sphere of life. Islam places limits on us, which we cannot transgress, therefore, when we urge Ummah to acquire knowledge, learn science and excel in technology etc., we must make it absolutely clear that while Allah has given us unrestricted freedom to use our intelligence, He has placed limits on its application by setting its directions.
        In the matter of trade, economics, science, technology, medicine etc., we have no option but to use our knowledge, the way Allah has directed us.
        I will illustrate the point by giving some details:
a) Human relationships and moral values:
        Organizational and moral aspects of a believer’s life is of primary importance. Quran has dealt with this aspects in detail. Man’s relationship with Allah, his self , interpersonal relationships at all levels, human sexual behaviour forms the core of Islamic teachings about human conduct. Understanding human behaviour by acquiring knowledge about our physical and psychological life is a must for us.
        Any exploitation of our knowledge to disturb the balance that Allah has created for the society is disallowed.
        If we use our scientific and technological knowledge for the sake of monetary gain only then we are upsetting the balance and harmony that Allah (SWT) wants us to have for the benefit of humanity.

Trade and Economics:

        Followers of Islam are guided by Allah to adopt trade as means of liveihood and for other benefits. We are instructed to be honest, weigh properly, not to mix impurities and describe the trading material honestly.
        A believer lives with and for others, while a non-believer in Islam lives at the cost of others. In other words, a believer cannot exploit the needs of others for personal gains. Riba exploits and if trade does the same, Allah forbids.
        Without continuous progress towards acquiring knowledge, we could not do trade in the world. But to stay within the limits and to follow the directions Allah has given to the believers, is obligatory on all of us.

Science and knowledge in all fields:

        “And had made of service unto you whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. Lo, therein are portents for the people who reflect (al-Quran 45:13).
        For followers of Islam, it is a must to pursue the acquisition of knowledge . The knowledge thus gained is to be used for the service of humanity in the name of Allah .
        If we destroy the environment, the Allah’s creations and exploit the knowledge thus obtained for  personal gains that are forbidden, then we have to search our hearts.
        It is high time that the correct view of Islam about scientific activity was presented to the world.
        We just cannot urge Muslims to acquire scientific knowledge because they have to match the modern world. The Ummah should be trying to abide by Allah’s directions.
        We will then insha Allah live an honourable and dignified life, worthy of receiving Allah’s help.

Jihad/War:

        Jihad has many meanings and interpretations but may we confine ourselves to the issue of war against an aggressor. There are very clear directions for Ummah, in the Quran and in the Sunnah for us to follow. In surah al-Anfal verse 60 Allah (SWT) says: Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including stead of war, to strike terror into (the heart of) the enemies. And others besides, whom ye may not know, but whom Allah doth know. Whatever ye shall spend in the cause of Allah, shall be repaid unto you, and ye shall not treated be unjustly.
        In every fight physical moral or spiritual, arm yourself with the best weapons and the best arms against your enemy, so as to instill whole some respect into him for you and the cause you stand for (see footnote # 1225 of Dr. Abdullah Yusuf Ali’s English translation of the Holy Quran ).
        The Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) life provides us with examples to guide our conduct towards others, during war and peace. In every confrontation with and battle against non-Muslim, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) not only consulted others but also acted upon their advice in order to offer the best resistance to adverse forces. He also followed the directions given in the Quran. The treatment of non-Muslim was exemplary. This could perhaps be best illustrated by the directives issued by the first Galiph of Islam, Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) to the army commander’s “Deceive none and steal from none, betray none and mutilate none, kill no child, nor woman, or aged man, neither bark nor burn the date-palms, cut not down the fruit trees, nor destroy crops, slaughter not flocks, cattle or camels except for food”.
        Though we cannot take above in literal sense, yet we should try to understand its meanings. In simple words, there should be no killing and destroying for the sake of killing and destroying.
In the words of professor Gibb, “Islm emerged as a moral force that commanded respect and coherent doctrine that could challenge on their own ground the Christianity”.
        In brief, firstly we must develop our own potentials and be prepared for the aggressor.
        Secondly, we must stay within the limits Allah has placed on us.
        Thirdly, we should remember psychological fact that our energies can be re-channeled if a certain direction is not to be followed.
        We can develop our potentials for purpose that we have to follow. For instance, if Mass destruction is not allowed we can then redirect our energies usefully to find an answer.

SUMMARY:

        Islam, teaches and prepares us for life, directs us to use all our complex set of abilities. Islam direct us to submit our desires to Allah’s Will.
        Our knowledge and Allah’s given potentials must be used as directed in the Quran.
        At the very beginning, we should set our directions right before it is too late. Let us not follow the ‘West’ let us follow the Quran.