Page 109 - Quranic Wisdom - New.indd

Quranic Wisdom

These Quranic verses refer to the period of decline of the
ummah (Muslim community). This degeneration has come about
because the members of the Muslim community have lost their
fear of God and have become insensitive to their faith. So, what
is the formula for their regeneration, or their reform, so that they
may be brought back on to the right path?
The formula is given here in terms of an example from
agriculture. With the passage of time, land which had been
fertile becomes barren. When the farmer tries to make his land
fertile again, he begins his task by preparing the land and not
by harvesting. If he starts his job by harvesting, it would be like
putting the cart before the horse.

At that time Muslims need to revive their faith,
to rediscover the living ideology of Islam and to
re-awaken their minds along the lines which were
followed by the Prophet and his companions.

The same is true of the declining Muslim community. Here,
reformers must start their task from the beginning, and not
from the end. For example, if they try in such circumstances to
establish their political rule, it will not work. But if they start by
reviving the spirit of religion, awakening the soul, and bringing
about intellectual development, then it will be a right beginning.
The decline of an ummah means decline in terms of spirit,
and not in terms of form. Forms or rituals have always been in
existence: what disappears is the spirit. So, it is the spirit that
needs to be revived, and not merely forms or rituals.

What is degeneration? Degeneration is simply a kind of
detachment. When people forget the original message of Islam
and cling merely to some lifeless rituals—that is the sign of
degeneration.
At that time Muslims need to revive their faith, to rediscover

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