An Invitation

Many people of the world do not know the religion of Islam or they misunderstand or misinterpret it. The enemies of religion continue obstinately, vindictively, and jealously with malice and for personal gain with their deliberate aversion, deception, misleading comparisons and slander. But just as "the sun can not be plastered over by mud" sooner or later the truth will become apparent.

But what really astounds us and makes us feel regret is not the Non-Muslims, but rather, that some Muslims themselves do not know the true requirements of Islam and do not fully comprehend its essence (and thus give people the wrong interpretation of Islam). Both ignorant persons and intellectuals hold illusions about Islam and practice superstitions and false beliefs.

For example, it is supposed that good morality is comprised of not interfering with the affairs of others and getting along well with everyone. But actually Islam is based upon basic principles as "hubb-i fillah, bug'z-i fillah" (liking whom Allah likes, disliking whom Allah dislikes), "emr'i ma'ruf, nehy-i munker" (commanding what is good, forbidding what is evil) and "helping the oppressed and struggling against the oppressor."

It is also supposed that Islamic worship consists only of praying, fasting and holy pilgrimage. But in reality participating in various activities, beneficial to others and eagerly being of service to others earns one many spiritual rewards.

Materialists, for example, try to arrange their lives and activities on the basis of comfort in this world, easy earnings, living it up and living for pleasure. Islam, however, teaches us that this world is not a place for comfort and that it is necessary to sweat for wages; that it is necessary to risk affliction and hardship; that we must take upon the problems of our Muslim brothers and sisters and that we must struggle for our ideals, sacrificing our possessions and lives when necessary.

Muslims have been greatly harmed by such false suppositions; in fact they are still suffering great pain. Let us then, finally wake up to reality and to the truth. Let us embrace the true Islam.

Islam is a prospectus sent to us as a result of the Mercy and Kindness of Allah (swt). It is a "user's manual" presented to us to instruct us how to best use the blessings and opportunities bestowed upon us to live in the best and most positive way. It is a natural religion compatible with the demands of life. Without believing in and embracing Islam, it is not possible to fully comprehend the meaning of life or to harmonise with one's environment, nature and the universe or to take advantage of available opportunities. At the end of life one is both spiritually, and physically desperate and full of regret.

Justice is the key to individual and social, national and international progress and success.

Islam is not just a spiritual and other-worldly-system of religious ceremonies and worship. It is at the same time a complete, flawless and just system pertaining to physical, health, family, social, human, universal, economic, business, military, behavioural, academic and cultural matters. Islam is not an ascetic monasterial system that cuts off from life, this world, environment, humanity and human activities. On the contrary, it is directed towards life, humanity and community, government and the universe and to the organisation of the relationships among these. Islam is an active and dynamic system, a mode of living as Allah (swt) wishes, and an exalted, noble and divine way.

According to Islam, just as one gains spiritual reward for Zikar (remembrance of Allah), Salaat (prayers) and fasting, one also gains such reward for cleaning one's teeth, bathing, marriage, treating one's family well, honesty in business, politeness and effort in public jobs, truthful witnessing in the courts, just governing, virtuous administration, sincerity in religious struggle, and valour and courage in holy war.

So let us do every task according to the exalted principles of Islam, taking into consideration the pure and just religion's laws, in a spirit of divine inspiration and with pleasure and ardour of worship in order that it will be possible as both individuals and as a community to attain happiness and well-being insh'Allah.