Understanding The Prophet's Life
From Issue: 670 [Read full issue]
Making A Difference
A Muslim is not the one who fights Satan with his sword only and gets catapulted into Jannah (paradise), but rather the one who interacts actively with his environment in order to make a difference. Our actions are witnessed not only by Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) but also by others as well. Hence, the Muslim is not living in a vacuum; he is continuously acting and interacting with his surroundings. What makes him or her a better Muslim? According to the following Hadith:
"People are dependents of Allah; the closest to Him (Allah) are the ones who are most useful to His dependents. (i.e. other creature)"
(Sahih Muslim)
Thus, the criterion for being a better Muslim is not simply Salah (prayers), fasting, Dhikr, and tasbih (glorifying Allah); it's one's utility to others! In this context the following principle should alarm us: "He who does not concern himself with the affairs of other Muslims is not one of them."
The task of a jama'ah (group) of Muslims is not to serve itself; it is to serve others! The group is not the objective, for in reality it is only an organizational means to accomplish the objective. The interest of such an organization must be subservient to the interest of the Ummah (Nation) and of the outside world. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) directs us:
"Have mercy on those in the land, so that the One in Heaven will have Mercy on you."
(Reported by at-Tirmidhi)
Muslim groups which confine themselves to their membership are losing sight or their objectives are becoming self-serving. In fact, all the preparation and training of the organization's members should be directed towards serving their nation. To establish an organization for the sake of the organization is like building a house for the sake of the house.
The environment and the population, of which the Da'iyah (Caller to Allah) is a part, are the only mediums through which he can perform. They are the only fields of operation in which Allah is testing him during his life.
Compiled From:
"Training Guide for Islamic Workers" - Dr. Hisham Altalib, pp. 15-16