Part 1
Basham Shaheed
When the Muslim Ummah sincerely embraced the divine trust placed upon it, it emerged as the most exemplary nation on earth and a guiding force for all others. It confronted the falsehood of polytheism and disbelief, dispelled the shadows of corruption and moral decay, and replaced them with a system founded upon peace, goodness, brotherhood, and unity. History itself bears witness to the Ummah’s strength, dignity, and moral authority, as well as to its enduring commitment to the welfare of humanity.
Regrettably, with the passage of time, this strength gradually eroded for a variety of reasons. As the Ummah weakened, the tyrants of every era seized the opportunity to advance their ambitions. In their pursuit of dominance and global control, they resorted to bloodshed and spread corruption without restraint. Today, the consequences of their actions are visible in widespread oppression, violence, and the systematic persecution and silencing of those who speak the truth. These modern-day Pharaohs have extended their injustice across continents. It must be clearly recognized that the slogans they promote, including claims of combating terrorism and similar narratives, serve merely as convenient justifications. Their underlying aim remains the marginalization of Islam and the subjugation of Muslims.
A glance at the present condition of Muslim lands makes this reality painfully clear. Entire neighborhoods are reduced to ruins, while women, children, the elderly, and the young are killed with shocking cruelty. The sanctity of life is violated with impunity, and suffering has become a daily reality.
When we recall the calamities that have befallen Muslims in Palestine, among the Uyghurs, in Chechnya, and most painfully in Gaza, even their mention is enough to break the heart. If the cries of those being killed, displaced, and crushed could be heard in their full intensity, it is not difficult to imagine that the very heavens would tremble under the weight of such injustice.
A careful examination of history makes it abundantly clear that the purpose behind the sending of every Prophet by Allah Almighty was to confront tyranny, to stand against the oppression of the unjust, and to restrain the immorality and corruption of the wicked. Their mission was to protect the rights of the oppressed, to stand firmly alongside the wronged, and to challenge those who usurp human dignity and security.
The earliest followers of the divine religion, the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), along with those who supported them and followed in their footsteps, fulfilled this mission with remarkable integrity. As long as they remained firmly anchored in the Shariah and steadfast upon the path of truth, they served as a source of benefit for all humanity. They earned respect, inspired trust, and laid the foundations of a civilization that harmonized faith, justice, and moral responsibility. When later generations departed from this path, the consequences were severe. Deviation from these principles transformed strength into vulnerability and, tragically, turned segments of the community into contributors to social turmoil rather than sources of stability.
The decline of Islamic civilization was an irreparable catastrophe. From that moment onward, Western dominance emerged, and humanity found itself trapped in a deep intellectual and spiritual crisis. Today, when we observe the glittering material civilization of the West, it may dazzle the eyes, but its brilliance is superficial. Devoid of moral grounding and spiritual depth, it is ultimately hollow and soulless.
If Muslims are to rise once again, this revival can only occur under certain essential conditions. They must return to their original sources, place their reliance upon the religion of Allah Almighty, restore confidence in themselves, and reconnect with the path of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah and the early pioneers of Islam. They must take rightful pride in the value of their faith and cultural heritage. Only through this return can they reclaim their lost honor, dignity, and glory. Islam regains its strength only through the same path that once served as the foundation of its prosperity and reform.
This process begins with faith, a faith deeply rooted in the heart of the believer. It is followed by the willingness to sacrifice one’s life and wealth for the sake of Islam, by taking pride in adherence to enduring principles, values, and noble traditions, and by maintaining continuity in practical and sincere da’wah. It also requires presenting tireless examples grounded in righteous action, refusing to accept any system of judgment that contradicts Islam, and ultimately establishing Islam firmly across all aspects of individual and collective life.
In the forthcoming parts of this series, the underlying causes of the Ummah’s weakness will be examined in greater detail, along with constructive and principled solutions aimed at restoring its rightful strength and role.