EDITORIAL

The Islamic World in the Third Millennium

Twenty-two years ago, the Islamic World entered the XVth century of the Hegira (Emigration) of our Prophet Muhammad Ibn Abdullah (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). This event triggered a great deal of high hopes for improving the Ummah’s present conditions, to bring corrective measures to its prevailing status and to achieve as many of its aspirations as might be possible. This year, in parallel with the above occurrence which is still generating hopes, looming is the advent of the third millennium since the birth of Jesus Christ, Son of Mary (may the peace of Allah be upon him). Commemorating this event, mankind is pinning high hopes to see an era of peace and prosperity worldwide as well as concord within all human societies throughout the globe.

In truth, moving from one century to another is nothing but a human measurement according to a calculation intended to identify a given era of human existence on earth. Yet, while going through these phases marking his life milestones, man is inclined to contemplate the past and look forward to the future. Indeed, he engages in this scrutiny thanks to his innate disposition with which Almighty God has endowed him. True enough, this God-gifted inclination strengthens the soul’s quest to bring about improvements of the self as a starting point for enhancement. It also consolidates man’s inner awareness of the pressing need for renovation and betterment. In effect, such renovation and betterment stem from man’s cherished desire to bring about change in his soul, as in the word of Almighty Allah in the Holy Qur’an: “ Lo! Allah changeth not the conditions of a folk until they (first) change that which is in their hearts.”(1)

On the basis of this Qur’anic rule which has governed all human societies,  ever since the appearance of man on earth, the vision of the future is not but generated by the present. Indeed, the specific features of this vision are drawn by the efforts exerted by humans in any given society in an attempt to bring about evolutionary enhancements, corrective measures and judicious reforms. The  ultimate goal of these efforts is to rationalize man’s stride forward on the path of life. Therefore, it is crystal clear that the future is in no way devoid of links to the present in which the human will is interacting with life adversities, geographic factors and historic effects. All told, the future is the very product of what man accomplishes here and now thanks to the capacities, abilities and talents with which Almighty God has endowed him in order for him to judiciously harness the various resources on earth made available for him by the Most High.

It is not the rule of God that the future could come in one leap, that changes for the better and the loftier may spring from the void and that the future could have no link with what actually takes place and evolves in present real life. Indeed, the rule of God governing His human creatures is that the effects are contingent upon the causes and that tomorrow is reliant on today. Thus, man’s future on earth is not but the result of his deeds in life. The crux of the matter is that man’s future is the outcome of his efforts, perseverance and good use of all the gifts bestowed upon him by Almighty God, including capabilities, abilities, talents, good physical health, upright soul, powerful intellect, sharpened sentiments and the capacity to do, improve and innovate any given work.

On the basis of the above specifications, the image of the Islamic World in the third millennium will be the result of the natural, rationalized interaction, imposed both by the necessities of life and Muslims’ interests, between the realities experienced by the Islamic Ummah and the changes and mutations which mankind is witnessing at this stage. True enough, God willing, mankind will witness other changes and mutations in other future stages in various fields of knowledge, in different realms of life at large, and in all man’s activities, efforts and creativity.

In the light of this vision, we can assert that, to a great extent, the future of the Islamic World is inherently contingent upon its present. It is a fact that the weakness that we are suffering from today will not be changed into a striking force as long as we do not apply the Qur’anic rule governing human life. It is to be noted in this regard that the change, which we are longing for and which stands as a prerequisite for our striding towards the future to which we are eagerly looking forward, is thoroughly in line with the said Qu’ranic teaching since it binds any change to genuine moves, good intentions and pursuit of noble objectives and goals.

Seeking a change in this sense is to re-shape the self and renovate the soul. In other words, this quest attempts to reform the existing reality, rectify the paces toward the right direction and continuously aspire to whatever is deemed more rewarding and loftier in all matters of life. This approach combines all the elements needed to generate man’s will to actively engage in civilization construction. In truth, he is capable of performing this task as long as he has  faith in God and trust in the mission entrusted to him, God willing, to construct civilization and shape his future.

Among the conditions that need to be fulfilled in order to achieve the revival, which we wish for the Islamic World, are the mastery of knowledge and sciences in all realms, as well as honesty and integrity in public life. Such a behaviour must go hand in hand with the concept of forthrightness which is to be used in its full understanding with all its aspects and facets, such as rationalization in all matters and at all levels.

It is a fact that nations reach maturity when they heave themselves up the scale of civilizational innovation and creativity. At this juncture, the Islamic World has a compelling rendez-vous with a new civilizational cycle, which it will assuredly rise up to by the grace of God. It is through this new cycle that the Islamic World is to strive to take up with its radiant, multi-faceted past and thus link its present to its future and renew its presence on the international stage. It is self-evident that by asserting its presence anew, the Islamic World is likely to make valuable contributions to further enrich and enhance human civilization thanks to its civilizational specificities, cultural characteristics and creative capabilities.

The Islamic World is entrusted with the task of fulfilling a civilizational mission in tomorrow’s world. If it brings this mission to a successful conclusion in the way required in terms of moral obligation, compelling necessity and realistic conditions, its presence on the international stage would assuredly be distinct, very effective and highly impacting. Through such an accomplishment, it will best serve the Ummah’s interests, fulfil its aspirations and safeguard its rights.