Page 270 - The Winter of Islam and the Spring to Come

THE WINTER OF ISLAM AND THE SPRING TO COME
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that accompany it. The situation of suffering Muslims reminds of that
fact each and every day. It is impossible to turn away when the innocent
and defenseless, who have limited means at their disposal, are the tar-
gets for the bullets of wild-eyed assassins, when millions are con-
demned to live in hunger and poverty in refugee camps, when large
numbers of Muslims are subjected to torture and ill-treatment.
It is wrong to say, "There is nothing I can do about it." It must not
be forgotten that at the bottom of the wickedness in the world today lies
atheism, and everybody is able to help in the war of ideas being waged
against it. Telling people of the existence of Allah, learning to fear Him,
reminding people what will happen on the Day of Judgement and com-
municating the purpose behind our existence in this world are all im-
portant steps that can be taken to put an end to all that wickedness. If
justice, cooperation, compassion, love, sacrifice and forgiveness all
come to prevail in the world, then it is natural that a world full of jus-
tice, peace and security will follow. That can never come about, how-
ever, unless all people of good conscience act together.
Every effort made to help do away with the destructive effects of
atheism and replace these with positive ones will at the same time help
the Muslims of the present day. This struggle, based on peace, compro-
mise and love, will spur people's consciences into action and prevent
the innocent from suffering. Allah reveals the end result of such a strug-
gle:
Rather We hurl the truth against falsehood and it cuts right through
it and it vanishes clean away! Woe without end for you for what you
portray! (Surat al-Anbiya': 18)
Another important point which must be stressed is that among
those countries we have been discussing that are now suffering so
much, the great majority of these in the past enjoyed peace and stability
under the banner of Muslim empires. Just as in the past, Muslims will
play a crucial role in establishing the peace and security for which all
the people of the world are longing, and the next age will be one of
great enlightenment for all people.
By the will of Allah, the long-awaited spring is at hand.