THE PURPOSE OF THIS UMMAH

And thus We have made you a community of the middle way, so that you may be witnesses [to the Truth] before all mankind, and the Messenger may be witness [to it] before you (al-Baqarah 2: 143)

O believers, be ever steadfast in standing up, for the sake of God, bearing witness to justice (al-Ma'idah 5: 8)

What does this duty of witness imply?• You have been given Divine guidance, • You have been shown the Truth. • You must, therefore, establish by your testimony

and witness its authenticity and truthfulness before all mankind

• Messengers were sent to the world; this was their primary duty.

• After them, their followers were entrusted with the same duty

Nature and Importance• Man has been made accountable for his conduct • He will be rewarded and punished in the Hereafter

under the Divine Law which rests entirely on this witness.

• We sent all Messengers as heralds of glad tidings and as warners, so that men may not have any argument against God, after [the coming of] these Messengers; God is indeed All-mighty, All-wise (al-Nisa' 4: 165)

Responsibility of the Ummah• Ummah has the same crucial role and responsibility

as the Prophets• If the Ummah properly fulfills its duty of witnessing

to the Truth and yet the people do not pay heed, it will be rewarded and the people will be brought to account

• If the Ummah neglects its duty, or if it gives false witness, it will deserve to be punished more severely than the people

• Ummah shall be accountable not only for its own misdeeds, but also for the misdeeds of those who went astray

Law of God for Judgment• Why has man been placed on earth?

• We have made all that is on earth an adornment for it, and so that we might test which of them is best in conduct (al-Kahf 18: 7)

• What is the meaning and purpose of man's life?

• And I have not created Jinn and mankind except to serve and worship Me. I desire of them no provision, neither do I desire that they should feed Me (al-Dhariyat 51: 5S7)

Justice is to be done• Man's earthly life must be judged. He must give an

account of his conduct, and he must face the consequences of how he lives his life

• And We shall set up just balance-scales on Resurrection Day, and no human being shall be wronged anything; even if it be the weight of a mustard-seed, We shall bring it forth, and sufficient are We as reckoners (al-Anbiya' 21: 47)

How Should We Witness to the Truth?

1. Word-witness• Through our speech and writing, we should

proclaim and explain Islam to the world• Islam gives complete guidance in thought and

belief, in morality, in culture and civilization, in economics and business, in jurisprudence and judiciary, in politics and civil administration

• We must establish its truth and soundness, by rational discourse and convincing evidence

• We must commit all our hearts and minds, all of our resources, to this cause

Types of Word Witness• Warning (indhar) • Bringing glad tidings (tabshir) • Inviting and calling (da'wah) • Communicating (tabligh) • Teaching and instructing (ta'lim) • Conveying and propagating (tilawah).

2-Act-witness

• Let our lives speak the truth• Let the world taste in our conduct, individual and

collective, that sweetness which only the faith in One God can impart to character and morality

• Our actions must show how every aspect of life is set right, developed and enriched

• Principles and teachings which Islam proclaims to be true are indeed true, and that they do improve the quality of human life and raise it to better and higher levels.

Types of Act Witness• Establishing Islam (Iqamatu 'd-din) • Making God's guidance and way of life prevail over

all others (Izhar) • Establishing justice (Qist)

• Enjoining right and forbidding wrong (Amar Bil Maroof and Nahi Anil Munkar)

• Jihad or struggle

Where Do we Stand?

• Our Word-witness• Witness of our landlords- The Islamic law of inheritance

is wrong• Witness of our lawyers and judges- All the laws of

Islam are bad laws, and that their very basis the sovereignty of God is unacceptable

• Witness of our teachers-Only true and valid knowledge is that derived from the secular view

• Witness of our writers- their literature has the same message to impart as that of the secular writers

• Witness of our media-best standards of communication are those which bear the hallmark of the secular media.

Our Act-witness• Life of a typical, ordinary Muslim-in respect of all

immoral actions, the level of Muslim 'performance' is no less than that of any secular person

• Witness of our social life-our customs, our festivities, our fairs, religious gatherings, our meetings, processions: in no aspect do we truly represent Islam

• Our educational institutions- import everything from secular models

• When we launch a struggle, our cause, our slogans and demands, our issues and debates, our programs and procedures, our resolutions, statements, and speeches, are all true replicas of the secular practices

And With What Consequences!

• We are guilty of giving false witness, of perjury and concealing the truth

• We are facing precisely the same punishment that has been prescribed in the Law of God for such grave crime

• When a people reject and turn away from God's guidance, when they are guilty of disloyalty to their Creator, and when they turn traitors to Him, then God punishes them severely in this world as well as in the world-to-come

Consequence of Negligence

• And who is a greater wrong-doer than he who suppresses a witness entrusted to him by God (al-Baqarah 2: 140)

• Look at the history of the people of Israel. When given this task, they became witnesses to falsehood rather than witnesses to the Truth.

And so, humiliation and powerlessness afflicted them, and they earned God's anger.(2:61)

Quran on this Divine Law

• Those who conceal the clear messages and the guidance that We have sent down, after We have made them clear, for mankind, in the Book they shall be cursed by God and the cursers; (2: 159).

• Indeed, those who conceal what God has sent down in the Book, and barter it away for a trifle price they eat nothing but fire in their bellies 2:174

Example of Children of Israel

• Cursed were the disbelievers among the Children of Israel by the tongue of David, and Jesus, the son of Mary; this, because they rebelled [against God] and persisted in transgression. They did not prevent one another from the wrongs they committed. Surely evil were the things they did

(al-Ma'idah 5: 78-9).

Real Problem• You have the Divine guidance. You neither benefit from

it yourselves nor allow others to benefit from it. • By calling yourselves Muslims, you are Islam's

representatives. The combined witness of your words and deeds is being given mostly in favor of materialism, and immorality and against Islam.

• • O ye who believe! why do you say that which you do not

do? Grievously odious is it in the sight of Allah that you say that which ye do not do. (Saff,61:2-3)

REAL PROBLEM• You have the Book of God with you, but you have

put it on the shelf. In order to seek guidance, you turn to persons who lead you to Kufr, and to sources which lead you astray

• You claim to be the servants of the One God, but in fact you are serving every false god and every power in rebellion against God.

• You have friends and enemies, but it is always your personal, selfish interests that determine your friendship and enmity

Excuses for not fulfilling its objectives1- Satisfied with following part of Deen:

Answers to this excuse-• All the commandments of Allah (SWT) are to be

obeyed. • No one can divide them into necessary and

unnecessary. • We have pledged to surrender to Allah’s (SWT)

complete obedience. • Therefore we can not fulfill this pledge by obeying

part of Deen and leaving aside the other part.

2- Unsuitable circumstances• This is indeed an objective of this Ummah but present

circumstances are not suitable for it any where. There is no possibility of its success

• Answers to this excuse1-Prophets started their work without the discussion of circumstances or the possibility of success

Therefore expound openly what thou art commanded and turn away from those who join false gods with Allah. (Hijr, 14:94)

• 2. We are required to make utmost effort for this obligation even though one person did not accept his message

• 3. Allah (SWT) has promised his help for those who engage in the struggle

On no soul doth Allah place a burden greater than it can bear. (Baqarah, 2:286)

Allah will certainly aid those who aid His (cause); for verily Allah is Full of Strength Exalted in Might (Able to enforce His Will). Hajj, 22:40

3-Perfect people are needed for this task

• Answers to this excuse:• 1-It is an obligation from Allah (SWT) and persons

are to fulfill it according to their own abilities and limitations as is mentioned above

• 2. There is no place for despair or hopelessness due to our weaknesses or circumstances. We are to put our trust in Allah (SWT) and carry out our task.

• 3-We are to emulate and follow the examples of Prophets and companions as the source of inspiration and not reason for abandoning the obligation

4-Someone else should take the lead 1- This is an obligation from Allah (SWT) then we can not delay our action dependent upon someone else’s action. 2.If other’s performance in this way is less than ideal, that does not justify for anyone to sit back and just criticize. We are accountable for our deeds.

So announce the Good News to My Servants. Those who listen to the Word and follow the best (meaning) in it: those are the ones whom Allah has guided and those are the ones endued with understanding. Zumar, 39:17, 18

10 Steps to Witnessing

Iman or belief

Ikhlas or sincerity

Ibadah or ritual worship

Complete Obedience to

Allah

Dawah in Family

Dawah to Muslims

Dawah Non Muslims

Organization Empowerment

Sacrifice

1-Iman or belief

The Prophet believed in what had been revealed to him from his Lord as do the men of faith. Each one (of them) believed in Allah His angels His books and His Apostles "We make no distinction (they say) between one and another of His Apostles." And they say: "We hear and we obey; (We seek) Thy forgiveness Our Lord and to Thee is the end of all journeys.” Baqarah,2: 285

The answer of the Believers when summoned to Allah and His Apostle in order that He may judge between them is no other than this: they say "We hear and we obey": it is such as these that will attain felicity. Noor,24:51

2- Ikhlas or sincerity in obedience

Verily it is we who have revealed the Book to thee in Truth: so serve Allah offering Him sincere devotion. Zumar, 39:2

Say: Will ye dispute with us about Allah seeing that He is our Lord and your Lord; that we are responsible for our doings and ye for yours; and that we are sincere (in our faith) in Him? Baqarah, 2:138

And there is the type of man who gives his life to earn the pleasure of Allah; and Allah is full of kindness to (His) devotees. (Baqarah, 2: 207)

3-Ibadah or ritual worship

And they have been commanded no more than this: to worship Allah offering Him sincere devotion being true (in faith); to establish regular Prayer; and to practice regular Charity; and that is the Religion Right and Straight. (Bayyinah, 5:98)

Islam is that you should testify that there is no deity save Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, that you should perform Salah (ritual prayer), pay the Zakah (alms), fast during Ramadan, and perform Hajj (pilgrimage) to the House (the Ka'bah at Makkah), if you can find a way to it. (Part of Hadith Jibril:Muslim)

4-Complete Obedience to Allah

O ye who believe! Enter into Islam whole-heartedly; and follow not the footsteps of the Evil One; for he is to you an avowed enemy. Baqarah, 2:208

Verily, Allah has made duties obligatory, so do not neglect them; and He has set limits, so do not transgress them; and He has remained silent concerning things as mercy for you, not out of forgetfulness, so do not search them out. (Al-Daraqutani 4316, Grade: Sahih)

5-Dawah in Family

O ye who believe! save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is Men and Stones over which are (appointed) angels stern (and) severe who flinch not (from executing) the Commands they receive from Allah but do (precisely) what they are commanded. Tahreem, 66:6 And admonish thy nearest kinsmen. (Shu’ara26:214)

6-Dawah to Muslims

• Borne in Muslim families or they have reverted to Islam as their way of life who are unaware of or just neglecting their Islamic obligations.

• There are others among Muslims who call themselves progressive and talk about “making changes in Islam to adjust to modern age”.

• There are those who are loosing their Islamic character and values and sometimes even basic beliefs

• It is an obligation upon conscientious Muslims to remind them of true Islamic teachings and struggle to keep them on the path of Islam

Quran on this obligation

The believer men and women are protectors of one another: they enjoin what is just and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers pay their Zakat and obey Allah (SWT) and his Prophet (SAW). Allah (SWT) shall shower his mercy upon them. Verily, Allah(SWT) is mightiest and wise. Taubah, 9: 71

• Prophet (SAW) said, “When someone amongst you sees an evil, he should remove it with hand. If he is not able to do so, then he must speak against it. If he can’t do that, then he must abhor it in his heart. This is the lowest level of Iman.” Muslim

7-Dawah Non Muslims

• There is no better patriotism or loyalty to this land than to convey the formula of success, Al Islam to our fellow countrymen.

• As a result of lack of proper divine guidance and imbalanced thinking, society is facing host of socio economic and moral problems. Islam has the answers to all these complex problems.

• If Muslims do not come forward and share the guidance of Islam to offer the true solutions to these problems, their generations will eventually be afflicted with same ailments.

• America with its vast land, resources, material and military power is influencing most of the world. If true guidance of Islam is not taken here seriously, then it could continue to go on a downhill course and lead the others same way.

• If others in the global community are led astray due to this negative influence, then Muslims will not be exonerated if they did not fulfill their responsibility

• If our fellow citizens face the chastisement of Allah (SWT) on the Day of Judgment for shirk and atheism, they will have the right to complain that they were not told about Tauhid, Iman and how to succeed in the hereafter.

• God forbid, if a chastisement of Allah (SWT) comes due to following path of His disobedience, then no one will be spared. Muslims and their generations living here will be receiving the wrath as well.

• All the Prophets of Allah (SWT) from Noah to Mohammad (SAW) came to bring people from the darkness of Kufr and Shirk to the light of Islam. Last Prophet of Allah (SWT) carried out the same mission.

Quran on Dawah to Non Muslims

Alif Lam Ra. A Book which We have revealed unto thee in order that thou might lead mankind out of the depths of darkness into light by the leave of their Lord to the Way of (Him) Exalted in Power Worthy of all Praise! Ibrahim, 14:1

Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong; they are the ones to attain felicity. Ale Imran, 3:104.

8-Organization

• Witness to mankind can not be carried out in an effective way just with individual efforts.

• Those who realize this mission and are willing to fulfill it must come together in the form of a Jama’ah or organization.

• That is why we find instructions in Quran and Sunnah of our Holy Prophet (SAW) stressing upon Muslims to be united and have their Ameer.

• Ameer is to be obeyed and honored. • Struggle is to be carried out in a well planned and

methodical way under the guidance of Ameer.

GUIDANCE of QURAN and HADITH

O ye who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Apostle and those charged with authority among you. (Nisa, 4:59)

And hold fast all together by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you) and be not divided among yourselves. Ale Imran, 2:103

• Prophet (SAW) said:• 1.When three of you travel together, make one of

you as your Ameer. (Mishkat)• 2.Allah’s (SWT) hand is upon the Jama’ah.• 3.Whoever stayed aloof from this Jama’ah even

equal to one hand, he removed ring of Islam from his neck. (Tirmizi)

9-Empowerment• Influence and empowerment are essential elements to exhibit true benefits and blessings of

Islam for the society. • These are to be achieved through peaceful, methodical, planned steps within the legal bounds

in a democratic society. • In free democratic society tools of empowerment include :

1. Means of communicating ideas ( media) 2- Academic institutions which develop scholars and intellectuals,

3- Think tanks which come up with new policy ideas good for future of this land,

4- Political action 5- Business and trade institutions, 6- Social service institutions and technology.

Muslims in America have to take all these steps towards empowerment

Academic institutions• We must come up with both human and financial

resources to develop academic institutions and universities like Princeton and Oxford.

• In these institutions, we must have the best minds both from Muslim and non Muslim community.

• They should study Islam and contemporary American society

• They should come up with solutions of the problems this society faces in the light of Islam.

Think Tanks• We must establish influential think tanks in

Washington • They must be staffed by the best thinkers and

future forecasters- both Muslims and non Muslims. • They should come up with policy papers in the light

of Islam • They should write what is best for America and the

global community

Media• We need to train our youngsters in print, electronic

media and social media. • They should have the knowledge and the true

moral values of Islam. • They should also be best equipped with modern

techniques of writing and communicating to the American public.

Business and trade• We need to plan and establish financial and trade

institutions in America based on non interest principle. • We will need experts from Muslim community in these

fields. • We need to develop credible and trustworthy business

enterprises where people- both Muslims and non Muslims can invest without any doubt or fear.

• Such institutions then will finance other endeavors mentioned which obviously require tremendous amount of capital.

Social Service Institutions• Social and human service is a prominent feature we see in

the life of our Prophet (SAW). • He was truly a mercy to the universe. • He was kind, forgiving and helpful even to those who were

his enemies, regardless of their social status, position in the society or wealth.

• Shelters for homeless, soup kitchens, shelters for children and battered women, free clinics for the needy sick patients, food banks and clothes distribution centers are to be established

• In case of natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes, emergency assistance camps are to be arranged.

Political action• 1. Political awareness. Muslim community is to

be educated concerning the democratic process in America, their rights and obligations and the significance of political participation for empowerment.

• 2. Voter registration. Efforts are to be made for 100% voter registration for all Muslim citizens.

• 3. Participation in political parties and local elections. Muslim registered voters must participate in local political activities and elections. This may involve supporting right candidates or Muslim candidates to seek political offices wherever possible and practical.

• 4. Participation at the State and National elections. Organized efforts are to be made to participate in the state elections and national elections. Again, this may require supporting candidates who favor issues of concern for Muslims and are good for America. We should also prepare Muslim candidates to participate in these elections.

10- Steadfastness and sacrifice• This work requires lot of patience and

steadfastness. • There could be lot of obstacles and hardships in the

way which may bring test of will power. • It will require some sacrifice of time and resources. • It is the love for this mission, desire to seek the

pleasure of Allah (SWT) and success in the Hereafter which provides the constant motivation and drive under any and all adverse circumstances to continue the struggle.

Quran’s Guidance

Alif Lam Mim. Do men think that they will be left alone on saying "We believe" and that they will not be tested? We did test those before them and Allah will certainly know those who are true from those who are false. (Ankaboot, 29; 1- 3)

Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil) but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere. Al Baqarah,2:155

Prophet’s (SAW) Model• Prophet Mohammad (SAW) and his companions went

through very trying times. • They were ridiculed, persecuted and then driven out of

their own homes. • They were chased out of their towns and then threatened

with force. • They were forced to defend themselves and their families. • However, nothing could stop them from carrying out their

mission which was dear to them. • They continued their efforts till they fulfilled their

obligation as true witnesses of Islam to the known world.