Agents of Change

There is an old English proverb 'There are only three kinds of people: Some make things happen, some watch things happen and some (afterwards) wonder what happened?' Unfortunately we Muslims often fall into the third category of only wondering 'what happened?' Sometimes we do not even know what happaned?

The youth especially have the ability to 'make things happen'. This is why societies in all human cultures give a great deal of attention and importance to their young. Enormous sums of money and resources are allocated by governments, state institutions and other bodies for the training, education and preparation of the youth in order to absorb and channel their great energy and potential.


There are over two million Muslims in Britain, mainly in the large cities of London, Brimingham, Bradford, Manchester and Glasgow. The majority are British-born. The youth have played key roles in the development of the Muslim community, indeed various organisations and efforts to further develop the Muslim community are being led by the youth.

In 1998, for example, three thousand concerned and ouitraged Muslim youth took to the streets of London to protest against local government plans to build flats next to the East London Mosque. The 'Youth Rally', attracted Muslim youth from all over London, who voiced their anger at what they believed was the local authority's lack of support for the genuine needs of the Muslim community.

On the other hand, many Muslim youth are increasingly feeling a sense of detachment from religious or national traditions. They see themselves as British first and Muslim second. They belong here, were born here and have no belonging or commitment to other values. The paradox is that they are not accepted nor recognised by the mainstream population.

When they experience this rejection, purely because of their colour or creed, they become confused at first and then when they analyse the situation they become vexed and angry! The identity problem thus becomes more acute and serious.


Except some blessed souls who are sacrificing time and energy for the revival of Islam, how many are serious about addressing these and other issues, and coming out of their shells with pragmatic programmes?

Those youth who are concerned and want to 'make things happen' have fallen into various pitfalls. The problem with many of the youth today is that we want 'quick solutions' to everything. Slogans like 'khilafah is the answer' 'lets kill the kuffar' and other simplistic ideas that often have very little foundation in Islam look promising. But not everything has quick solutions. We have to work hard in what may be complex situations and deal with them after much analysis and reflection.

Many of the youth today are not even prepared to 'read' a few chapters to find out about something before quickly accepting these quick 'solutions'. If we are truly to become agents of change, then we must understand that we will not succeed if we take one aspect of Islam and concentrate on it alone. The movement for change should not just become a political party or a spiritual group. It should encompass everything and should be comprehensive.


We want to see changes, but have become like those who are watching a drama unfold in a theatre. We are shouting to the actors to change, but the Shakespearean tregedy is bound to happen. To become agents of change and see our community develop into a vibrant and prosperous community in its Islamic and material development we must bear in mind a number of things:

1. We must make individual changes. We must start with ourselves.

2. In Britain, and elsewhere in the West, Muslim communities are passing through a period of change. What we need at this juncture of time is to bring our heads together and address the issues relevant to the community. Without losing our individuality we must become part of the wider Muslim ummah.

3. We must realise that Islam is not a mere confession of faith that is made once in a lifetime. The confession is not merely verbal. Islam is not about talking and shouting outside mosques and the market place, but an act of doing which must transform life into a living and continuing the testimony of faith.
This means doing everything only to please Allah, regardless of what others many think. Turning towards Allah requires both will and effort. It also entails turning away from all false gods beside Allah.

4. We have to join the actors of the drama - our community and society at large, without becoming 'part of the act'. There is a fine line between 'integration' and 'assimilation'.

5. Those who are in the position of influence (parents, imams, leaders and others), need to evaluate their role and responsibilities. They need to re-think their approach and extend the work to the whole community including the youth.


We have to change our attitude from being people who say 'things change' to 'let us change things'. Let us become 'believers' who 'make things happen'. Only then can we become agents of change.