Islamic Solutions - Part 3
Altway
unknown reason
but I will submit Part 3, though out of context it will not convey the
meaning intended.
> Question:-
>It has been claimed that Islam is the solution to all World Problems.
>Indeed, that is why it came. What do you think would be an Islamic solution
>to the economic and political crisis that now exists in Britain and the
>rest of the world?
Answer (Part 3):-
The question is: What is the function of Religion in the life of the nation
and its relevance to the Political , Economic and Cultural systems? From the
Islamic point of view, this is based on verses such as the following:-
"And the soul and Who fashioned it, and enlightened it with what is wrong
and right for it! He indeed is successful who causes it to grow (or
purifies it)! And he indeed is a failure who corrupts it!."91:7-10
"There is no compulsion in religion; the right way is henceforth distinct
from the wrong. And whoever rejects Taghut (false deities) and believes in
Allah, he has grasped a firm handle which will not break; but Allah is both
Hearer and Knower. Allah is the patron of those who believe, He brings them
forth from darkness into light. But those who disbelieve, their patrons are
false deities; these bring them forth from light to darkness. Such are
fellows of the Fire, they will dwell therein." 2:256-257
"These are the verses of the Quran, a book that clarifies; a guidance and
glad tidings to the believers." 27:1-2 See also 2:38, 41:44
"It is He who has sent down to you the Scripture with truth, confirming
what was revealed before it, and has revealed the Torah and the Gospel
before this for the guidance of mankind, and has revealed the Discrimination
(Criterion)." 3:3
"Unto every nation have We given sacred rites which they are to perform; so
let them not then dispute about the matter, but summon you unto your Lord;
verily, you (Muhammad) indeed follow right guidance." 22:67
"And those who seek guidance, Allah will increase their guidance. And
enduring good works are best with your Lord for a reward, and best for
restoration (or eventual returns)." 19:76
"And unto you (Muhammad) have We revealed the Book in truth, verifying what
was before it, and preserving it. Judge then between them by what Allah has
revealed, and follow not their lusts (prejudices, fantasies), turning away
from what is given to you of the truth. For each of you have We appointed a
Law and a traced out Path. Had Allah pleased He would have made you one
nation, but that He may try you by that which He has given you. Therefore,
vie with one another in virtue. Unto Allah will you all return, and He will
then inform you concerning that wherein you dispute." 5:48
"And follow (or pursue) not that of which you have no knowledge; verily, the
hearing, the sight, and the heart, of all of these it shall be asked (to
give an account)." 17:36
Religion concerns human welfare and development. It provides the values,
purposes, ideals and culture and it has an educational, guiding and
coordinating function over the whole nation in all its aspects. It provides
the consciousness, the spirit that informs the age and the nation, the
psychological environment that gives the self image and function of man with
respect to the rest of Reality. We do not live in isolation but live in
interaction with the rest of the Cosmos on which we are dependent. We live
not only by facts such as Science provides and by meanings that interpret
and use the facts and drive the economy, but also by values and it is
religion that coordinates, or ought to coordinate the three. As for values
it is necessary to be able to assess three things, namely (i) Capabilities,
(ii) Real Benefits or Satisfaction and (iii) Function or Significance of
entities in the scheme of things.
Each religion has its own organisation and they should form an "Assembly of
Religions" to which each can send representatives. In general the members of
each religion should already be distributed in all the various departments.
As far as Islam is concerned, it has no organised Church, but those who have
achieved high standards of spiritual development in scholarship, virtue, and
ability are recognised, honoured and emulated by the rest of the population
whom they also guide. It should not be possible to accept the opinions about
religion from anyone who has not undergone the religious discipline and
achieve spiritual excellence.
Hamid S. Aziz