Assalaam Alaikum wa Rahamat Allah wa Barakatuh,
Brothers and Sisters,
I am following this debate with keen interest. I cannot help my self but ponder on best way to set my view point upon improving ourselves and without too much dwelling into the past. Whilst acknowledging the immense contributions made by successive Muslims leaders, my response would not be complete without making suggestion as to the ways forward for this generation and future generations.
First and foremost, I' will try to avoid naming names, but rather simply concentrate in the essence of the discussion with the view that lessons can be learned.
l see if I can mail you courtesy of West Africa one of my articles they published tiled "The Objective of Life" 21 - 27 July 1997 and provided this debate goes on.
In order to fully understand the relationship, it is imperative to discuss Islam as a comprehensive way of life which encompasses the Divine Law & Customs i.e. Do's and Dont's, (Prayers, Fasting, etc.), the state and its role; such things foreign policy, economy, the society, etc....
Without specific values are assigned, it is vital to ask the following question:
What constitute leadership?
What we are talking about in essence is the role of government and leadership per se,
leadership by contrast, is a trust from God and that has to be appreciated, respected and protected as such.
Society - the role of leadership in society can be described under four main categories of people namely:
1) Leaders
2) Wealthy
3) Intellectual (Elite) and
4) The masses
I do not want to be seen praising or blaming governments. It is not good to be seen publicly condemning or cheering government in a rather casual way.
Service to community in my humble opinion is not a beauty contest.
The questions which have debacle the Nigerian-Nation-State (forgive me those who don't agree with the term) since its foundation, amongst other things, there is none which so touches the nerve centre of its very existence as an indivisible entity as that of "which future direction Nigeria should follow, if Islam, why Islam and which model?"
Quite true, with all attempts or failures to establish a Westminster system vis-a-vis Presidential form of government, Nigeria's future still hangs on the balance.
Therefore, it is for this purpose the Muslim Ummah (Community) exists, as a unique entity.
"Thus We made you a just community, that you be witness to mankind" (Qur'an, 2: 143)
Similarly, "O believers be you upholders of justice, witnessing for God alone" (Qur'an, 4: 135)
Certainly no idea of Islam or Muslim should exist without justice. The Sharia in itself is deemed to be the ultimate criteria of justice and mercy, and must not be measured against changing human standards - (for all times)
"And perfect are the words of your Lord in truthfulness, and in justice, His words cannot be changed; He is all hearing all knowing" (Qur'an, 6: 116)
Towards a just society - as envisaged in the Holy Qur'an is that which comprises many religions on the basis of One-God.
Islam is a balance religion, the middle way (Siratal Mustaqin). It accepts views and at the same time listens to constructive discussions, it accommodates other religions and in fact provides them with protection of freedom to worship without molestation or harassment.
From time-to-time, Islam can go into alliance with the non-Islamic faiths. This is self evidence at the time of Prophet Mohammed (On whom be peace) and in the years gone by.
Qur'an goes on to say: "To each among you have We prescribed a law and an open way, if God had so willed He would have made you a single people, but His plan is to test you in what He has given to you. So strive as in race in all virtues. The goal of all is, God. It is He that will show you the truth of the matter in which Ye dispute. (Qur'an, 5: 48)
To this end, Qur'an has no objection whatsoever for the Christian to bring out the Bible, nor for the Jews to implement the Torah.
"But why do they come to thee for judgement when they have the Torah"
"But why do they come to thee for decision when they have their own law before them? Therein is plain command of God, yet even after that they would turn away, for they are not really people of faith" (Qur'an, 5: 43)
"Let the people of the Gospel judge by what God hath revealed therein. If any do fail to judge by the light of what God revealed they are no better than those who rebel" (Qur'an, 5: 44)
"Say O people of the Book, you have no ground to stand unless you stand fast by law (Al-Torah), the Gospel (Al-Injeel) and the revelation that has come to you from your Lord" (Qur'an, 5: 68)
The beloved Prophet (On whom be peace) admonished the believers:
"Unity of the Ummah is the mercy of God and discord is the punishment from God"
This tradition points to the fact the God extends His magnificent mercy when the Ummah is united. The peace and spiritual tranquility of the Muslim Community is merely worthless, but the mercy of God.
It is important to realise how liberal the religion of Islam is as compared to other religions or systems in solving today's problems in a manner no other doctrine can.
Islam is not here to eradicate the all ills of society, but rather to provide a means whereby evil deeds are constantly kept to the minimum.
Islam doesn't want a man or woman to become so selfish and self-centred for the achievement of his or her self esteem ambition. Equally, it does not permit him or her to disregard the rights of others for the achievement of his or her own personal rights.
Ibn Kaldun, "the great theoretician of history" of the fourteenth century, who postulated a theory of power and state, observed: "the state to be an end in itself, with a life of its own, governed and decided by eternal laws of causality"
He went on to say, power was a blessing, when it was shared, but became a bane when it was used as a monopoly by individuals or groups. The moment power becomes an instrument of exploitation, society begins to disintegrate. But however, power is the vehicle of the state and the driving force behind it.
He describes:
1) Siyasah - diniyyah - a state based on the revealed word of God;
2) Siyasah - 'aqliyayah - a state constituted on human reason;
3) Siyasah - madaniyyah - a state based on a symbol of perfect polity, an utopia idealised by philosophers.
It should be bear in mind that he believes that the first, the state based on revealed word of God is the best.
The Exalted, Has commanded obedience to Him, obedience to His Messengers, obedience to those of the believers vested with authority, as God said in the Qur'an:
"O you who believe, obey God and the Messenger and those in command from among you" so long they strait as there is no obedience to those who transgress the law. Then should you quarrel about any matter refer it to God and the Messenger if you believe in God and the last Day. This is the most suitable way to achieve the end" (Qur'an, 4: 59)
"Those who hold command" are those who wield authority and possesses it, they are the ones who govern people. Such command is shared by people of knowledge and theological learning.
It is very significant to notice the following differences:-
'Command,' The Ulema (Scholars) and The 'Umara' (Captains, Custodians) i.e. Men with whom power is entrusted both social, political, economic and social leadership of society.
If they are sound, the people prosper, but if they are corrupt, the people are also corrupted.
However much prosperous a Muslim society may attempt to achieve, it can and will not hope to survive in the world without real regards for Islam and Islamic moral-value-system.
To sum up, Islam was revealed piecemeal as a perfect way of life and guide.
It is a religion and a state.
It is jurisprudence and implementation.
The system remained but the guide was eliminated.
The religion continued, but the state is missing.
The jurisprudence flourished, but the implementation faded away.
There comes a time in every one's life, when one feels, it is time enough is enough - then he feels the time for talking is over, it is time to act.
For nearly one thousand years, Islam has been the most dominant factor in our background, and the greatest force of influence on our lives, it has been the factor that awakened our conscience, and elevated us to a higher and sublime state of existence. It made us a unique set of people, made our leaders, not only great men far excel their contemporaries in intellect, morality, dignity and sense of justice, but equally men of exceptional talents and extraordinary achievements. Islam made our cities haven of revolutions - political, social and intellectual whose inspiration may yet prove decisive in the future course of history. It is certainly by no means over, lets return to our root and lets go back to basics.
It is essential therefore, the thorns that are sawn in the path of Islam do but produce seeds and fruits, though not perfect, the current Islamization process in Nigeria, so let us pray that this is not the end, but the beginning of a renaissance just as the Ummah at the time of Prophet (On whom be peace) were distinct and unique in their character, personality and excellence, as those under the leadership of Uthman Bin Fodio, so May God blessed this Ummah with courage to carry from where they stopped so that the glorious flag of Al-Islam would keep flying and flying till the end of time, In Sha Allah.
May God forgive me for my shortcomings and May He reward you for listening.
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