What ails the Muslim world?

Zafar Bangash

Muslim countries may have achieved nominal independence but they continue to suffer from the debilitating legacy of the colonial imposed order in their societies.

The Muslim world is not in good shape. Much has been written on the subject. What is needed is not more commentary but identification of the innate factors and probable causes behind this tragedy.

Civilizations are built on ideas that give birth to systems that in turn sustain a society’s growth and development. Unfortunately, some people confuse material progress — makings cars, planes, tanks or erecting tall buildings — with civilization.

Civilizations are built on ideas that give birth to systems that in turn sustain a society’s growth and development. Unfortunately, some people confuse material progress — makings cars, planes, tanks or erecting tall buildings — with civilization. Were tall structures the hallmark of a civilization, the Saudis and Emiratis would be leading the world. Muslims gave the world a civilization that lasted more than 1,000 years. The Islamic civilization was not based on material progress; it was based on ideas that resonated with human nature. Today, unfortunately Muslims are not in the driving seat of history.

The ruling elites are taking them in a direction the masses do not wish to go resulting in conflict in society. Unfortunately in most Muslim societies even the ‘ulama, that should be providing leadership, have been co-opted to do the bidding of the corrupt elite.

The basic reason is that the systems under which they operate are illegitimate. These were imposed by the colonial masters who also installed the ruling elites. The Muslim masses had no input in this process and thus no attachment to these systems. The ruling elites are taking them in a direction the masses do not wish to go resulting in conflict in society. Unfortunately in most Muslim societies even the ‘ulama, that should be providing leadership, have been co-opted to do the bidding of the corrupt elite. Personal interest trumps principles.

Before departing, the colonialists also burdened Muslim societies with numerous political and boundary problems. Palestine, Kashmir, Kurdistan, Sudan and a host of others continue to frustrate Muslim efforts to build their societies. The various institutions of state — military, bureaucracy, business and political elites — have proven unequal to the task. Instead, these institutions have developed their own interests and safeguard them at the expense of the greater good of society.

The question that must be asked is: what should Muslims do to get out of this rut? The Muslim world is not short of resources. What is lacking is their judicious use. Further, there is rampant corruption and gross inequality in almost every Muslim country. Whenever muttaqi leadership has emerged in any Muslim society — Islamic Iran, Lebanon (Hizbullah), Gaza (Hamas and Islamic Jihad), it has performed near miracles. The first point Muslims must therefore, realize is that they must work to overthrow the corrupt order in their societies. It will not be easy; the beneficiaries of the existing systems will fight hard to retain their privileges. No ruling class has ever given up power voluntarily. Their external masters will also work to frustrate the Muslims’ aspirations.

The Muslim masses must become part of the Islamic movement to bring about lasting change in society. The Islamic movement as an open system welcomes all into its fold.

The Muslim masses must become part of the Islamic movement to bring about lasting change in society. The Islamic movement as an open system welcomes all into its fold. This is also the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh); he led the first Islamic movement in history. He did not organize people on the basis of tribe, clan or class. Anyone who accepted Islam immediately became part of the Islamic movement.

Only muttaqi leadership operating above personal or class interests can lead the Islamic movement. Leadership in Islam is not sought; it is conferred on the most committed and dedicated people that emerge through many years of struggle and sacrifice. The goal must be to uphold the principles of Islam.

The leadership must then set a directional course and motivate people to pursue these goals. This is also according to the Sunnah of the noble Messenger (pbuh). It is these principles that will set Muslims on the path to secure freedom from taghut and begin a life of dignity and respect. Clarity of thought is a pre-requisite for achieving these lofty objectives. There are no shortcuts in this struggle.