Part 2
By Basham Shaheed
When Muslims retreated from the sphere of leadership and relinquished their role as guides, custodians, and moral exemplars, the world gradually transformed into a savage jungle. The calamities that followed did not arise by chance. They were the direct result of Muslims withdrawing from their position of leadership and neglecting the grave and far-reaching responsibility entrusted to them toward humanity.
Allama Syed Abul Hasan Ali Hasani Nadwi (may Allah have mercy on him), in his valuable book What Did the World Lose by the Decline of the Muslims, writes:
“When the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) began the mission of conveying his message, sincere, courageous, and deeply faithful young men stood by his side. They were individuals who gave precedence to death in the path of truth. In spreading the message they believed in, and in disseminating its teachings, traditions, and guiding principles, they withheld no effort and hesitated at no sacrifice.”
It was under the leadership of such devoted and faithful youth that the Islamic call spread across vast lands, reaching both East and West. Islam did not advance merely as a creed, but as a force of justice that awakened societies and reshaped civilizations. Nations long subjugated under the weight of ignorance and oppression turned toward Islam, embraced the religion of Allah, and entered the fold of the believers in great numbers.
Islamic civilization advanced with remarkable vigor and, for centuries, cast its shade over the world through principles that were noble, balanced, and worthy of admiration. Peace and security took root, justice and fairness were upheld, and equality and brotherhood became lived realities. All of this was pursued solely for the pleasure of Allah Almighty. Every effort, whether individual or collective, was directed toward a clear and unmistakable aim: the elevation of the banner of Islam.
The day on which Muslims turned away from leadership is not a day the world should consign to forgetfulness. Rather, it stands among the darkest, most unfortunate, and most painful moments in history.
Islamic Civilization
Across the expanse of history, there is no era that rivals this period in its completeness, harmony, and overall flourishing. Muslims stepped forward with confidence, assumed the leadership of the world, and displaced civilizations that had grown morally and spiritually infirm from the role of guiding humanity.
The religion, knowledge, and refined civilization entrusted to the Muslims were never hoarded or reserved for a select few. Under their governance, distinctions of color, race, and homeland held no weight. Their rule resembled a generous cloud that spreads its shade over all the servants of Allah Almighty, descending upon every city, every plain, and every mountain, and delivering benefit wherever it settles. Goodness flowed freely, reaching all without discrimination, and humanity as a whole shared in its blessings.