The New Islamic Century

<p>The major issue with Islam today is illiteracy and lack of knowledge of the din. People lack understanding of the Qur'an and Allah's message. Islam is still strong growing stronger and vibrant. There are more Believers in the world than ever in history. Yet there are many things that have gone wrong within Islam. Muslims are blinded by blinkers of self-deception and delusion and they cannot see the fitnah amongst their own selves.</p><p>Believers in isolation and in unity need to look within themselves in their community and in the <em>Ummah </em>and take a stock objectively of their place with Allah and in this world. In this unity of purpose and the unity of action Believers require self-cleansing to enable them to observe themselves clearly free of delusion and self-deception. Such unity of purpose and action requires a clean <em>Nafs</em> with taqwa of Allah and knowledge of Allah. They need to understand each word of Allah's message and each Covenant they have made with Allah and to obey it diligently. They need to read and learn the Qur'an in their own language. Devotional reciting of the Quran should be in Arabic but for a clear understanding of Allah's word should read be in their own language. Similarly in personal salaat and dua they may beseech Allah in vernacular and say communal prayers in Arabic. Over a short time each person will have mastery of Allah's Word and understand their <em>din</em> rights and obligations. Qur'an is the <em>din</em> Covenant <em>sharia </em>and the law.</p><p>Twenty first century is the century of l earning understanding and communication. Such knowledge requires understanding of Allah's Word the Revelations. Such understanding requires Allah's <em>Nur </em>within the Believers' heart. When the Blessed Nabi died the era of Prophesy ended with him. There were to be no more prophets or en masse Revelations by Allah. When the blessed Nabi died he bequeathed each Believer the Qur'an and the knowledge of Allah. With submission to Allah's will each Believer has Allah in the niche of his heart. Allah speaks to the Believer through each aya and through each word of the Qur'an. The <em>Nabi</em> was a beacon of Allah's <em>Nur </em>on each Believer's Path to Allah. The Believer speaks to Allah through the Qur'an <em>salaat</em> and <em>dua</em> and Allah responds in believer's heart and mind. This gives the Believer peace and tranquility. Submission <em>Islam</em> gives <em>Iman</em> and<em> Iman</em> promotes beautiful deeds<em> ihsan</em>. Beautiful deeds bring the Believer closer to Allah. In closeness to Allah the Believer is aware of Allah's presence and he continues to perform wholesome deeds in the<em> Taqwa of Allah. Taqwa of Allah </em>shines the <em>Nur </em>of Allah on the Believer's <em>Nafs</em> which blows away the smoke of desire and craving from the <em>Nafs.</em> And the Nafs shines in the likeness of a mirror with Allah's<em> Nur.</em> <em>Fitnah </em>is rooted in cravings and greed of the human. Desire and craving for the shiny goods of this world muddies the <em>Nafs </em>and the human cannot see Allah's presence within him. The human slips and he strays from the Path of Allah. Human is then lost. And the Qur'an speaks of such persons thus:</p><p><strong>These are they who have bartered guidance for error: but their traffic is profitless and they have lost true direction. Their similitude is that of a man who kindled a f ire; when it lighted all around him Allah took away their light and left them in utter darkness. So they could not see. Deaf dumb and blind they will not return to the path. Qur'an 2:15-18</strong></p><p>When the people around the world see the wretched condition of Muslims today they pose the question 'What is wrong with Islam?</p><p>' And the Muslims themselves wonder why after all the sub mission prayer and humility the Muslims continue to be mired in the dust heap of humanity? Muslims c