Professor Dr.Syed Mohsin Ali Gilani
- What Islam has to offer all individuals, regardless of gender, color, or nationality:
Islam encourages people to take an active role in any effort that aims to accomplish beneficial, constructive, and positive things for humanity. This involves individuals, communities, and governments. In order to secure appropriate protection for the lives of people, well-being, belongings, and dignity, among other objectives, Islam emphasizes the necessity for peaceful coexistence between individuals.
The most crucial factor for attaining world peace is working toward true justice, which includes one’s rights to life, equal possibilities for higher education and employment, equality with regard to healthcare, the guarantee of law enforcement, the right to be safeguarded from abuse of power, liberties enjoyed by minorities ,the rights of men, women, children,disabled and elderly people, the right to protection of personal property, the right to safety and security in society, raising the standard of living and dignity of ordinary people, and the right to assurance of honor and reputation.
- Would establishing justice ever result in global peace and harmony?
The universe’s Creator (Allah, the Almighty) has sent his esteemed prophets and messengers since the dawn of time to provide direction to humanity. Each and every human community received this message in different time periods. God’s final and last messenger to all of the human race is Prophet Muhammad (may peace and blessings be upon him).
In Holy Quran chapter 57 verse 25, the creator of all that exists (Allah, the Almighty) states: “Verily, We have sent Our Messengers with clear proofs, and We have revealed to them the Scripture and the Balance so that they may lead people with justice.”
- Could an individual’s faith in Allah (the one and only true God) inspire him or her to behave justly and abstain from all forms of injustice in human communities?
The God (Allah) who created us says in the Holy Quran, chapter 4, verse 135, “O, you who believe in God! Be upright for God and witnesses to justice, and do not let your hatred of a people move you to a position where you are unjust. Be just; that is closer to piety. Be mindful of God! Verily, God is well informed concerning all that you do.” This text educates us that faith is the foundation of a strong social order.
Once a person becomes aware that God is the source of life as well as death, he or she can no longer deny this truth. No person on earth is capable of producing cells on his or her own. Although the human race has achieved numerous technological advances, including the ability to clone cells and other advantageous techniques that have benefited human existence, life itself remains dependent on Allah (the LORD), since no human being has the capacity to produce a cell, which is the basic unit of life, and infuse it with soul.
Similar to this, a person’s death is inevitable, indicating that their duration in this world is temporary regardless of their efforts to survive longer. Since our stay in this world is temporary, a person should strive to work meticulously in order to accomplish more significant milestones, aim for success and development without harming, enslaving, abusing, exploiting, crushing, or brutalizing others, and keep away from unethical and illegal criminal behaviors. A person’s belief in God both enables them to pursue the goals they have and makes them accountable for their deeds. The Holy Quran makes mention of the idea and reality of life after death, and it delivers humans clear guidance as to how to thrive up to their highest potential in this lifetime without damaging, destroying, degrading, polluting, or harming the human world around them.
Inequality, white collar or organized institutionalized crimes, unequal wealth distribution, enslaving or abusing weaker classes for personal gain, failure to provide all members of society equal opportunity despite their capabilities, and wasting talent due to bias are all examples of corruption. Additionally, corruption exists in the form of discrimination against specific segments of society.
If the value and importance of belief in God is purely and deeply rooted in people’s hearts, it guarantees social justice and promotes harmony in society as a whole withour any bias, which ultimately results in a peaceful world.Faith is a lot more than just verbally or culturally proclaiming one’s faith; it rather entails all listening to, fulfilling, executing, implementing, and adhering to the words of God in their purest form without any distortion, which holds everyone responsible for their conduct.
- Is Islam’s approach feasible and possible for a person living in any part of the world?
Muhammad (may peace and blessings be upon him) is described as “a mercy to the people of the world” in Chapter 21, Verse 107 of the Holy Qur’an.Acting on the commands of the Holy Quran has been demonstrated by Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.
The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, instilled in humanity the following values: respect and protect the earth and all life on it; be respectful and thoughtful of others; be generous with your greetings, smiles, and deeds of kindness; sincerity of intentions and good execution are important; before taking an action, consider the effects and whether taking the action will be beneficial or harmful; help the poor; promote equity; be a voice for the voiceless; and be merciful and sympathetic. Teach the next generation to be kind and compassionate. Accept your own responsibility for fostering a better society. In order to achieve world peace, it is essential to collaborate across disciplines and conduct business ethically. In whichever manner you can, assist family members and be a good neighbor.Be respectful and polite with all individuals, regardless of differences.
Never deceive. Refrain from lying. Don’t mislead. Avoid acting in an improper, indecent, excessive, rude, or irresponsible manner. Avoid being dishonest, fake, slanderous, unethical, or fraudulent. Don’t make up information and don’t fabricate facts.
A person has an infinite amount of energy to perform his or her role when he or she has faith in God because he or she will strive for good even on his own and won’t lose hope in the process as he or she knows that ultimately he or she is going to meet his or her Creator. In God’s sight, no one stands above the rule of law, whether they’re simply a citizen or somebody in an official capacity of leadership at the regional, national, or global scale, including a king or queen, a head of state, a politician, a military chief of staff, a commander in chief of the police, a magistrate, or any other elected official. Everyone is appointed for a different task. They receive payment for their labor according to different careers and job titles. It is their obligation to contribute to the public the best that they are able instead of misusing their position of authority to cause chaos, wrongdoing, inequity, ill-treatment, disparities, bias, nepotism, misconduct, illicit activity, and corruption. Similarly, each resident has responsibilities as well as privileges.
Taxes that are unfair and unjustified should not be imposed on the public, but every citizen ought to shoulder the responsibility of contributing their share to advancing the community. Furthermore, it’s vital to provide resources for learning and human cognitive growth. Institutions, professionals in academia, and private and public officials all have a role to play. Nobody ought to be allowed to incite violence, divide the people, or commit violations using the name of nationalist sentiments as well as religion for their own hidden motives. Adding insult to injury is the involvement of several evil-minded “religious leaders,” “political figures,” “office holders,” “police officials,” and “military officials” in these horrible atrocities and crimes against humanity, of which common citizens are the victims.
The Holy Qur’an declares in Chapter 4, verse 1, “O people! Being obedient to your Lord, who created you from a single soul, is important.” When someone genuinely comprehends and obeys God’s laws, they are aware they will be held accountable for their deeds.
Islam not only facilitates economic growth but also fosters growth and development outside of GDP. Islam does not merely view people as consumers.Faith in Allah, the Almighty (God), guarantees the welfare and advancement of the impoverished segments of society while also making it clear to those in positions of power not to abuse their positions of power given that life is a transitory phenomenon. Every individual should serve in line with the responsibilities they were assigned and shouldn’t violate them since only God, the Creator of the universe, is the Supreme Being and sovereignty belongs to Him. Human being serves as his Creator’s representative and depute.
The message of the Holy Quran gives guidance to all people, both living now and in the future, in realizing their full potential and making contributions to the creation of a better present and future, consequently promoting prosperity and harmony across the globe.
About Author: Professor Dr.Syed Mohsin Ali Gilani MBBS, MD, MPH, PhD, and Diploma in Prophetic Medicine(PBUH)