No individual can afford to live in solitude, except for those who renounce the world and spend their entire lives in jungles or deserts, which is absolutely not permitted in Islam. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "This world is a cultivation for the hereafter." Therefore, while living in this world, one must lead a life with their family and society. Every society is associated with some religion, has its own civilization, regional culture, and connection to dress, customs, tribal values, and ancient traditions.
During the time of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), the entire Arab society, in particular, and the whole world, in general, was plagued by polytheism, ignorant customs, and practices that were beyond the bounds of halal and haram, devoid of modesty and shame, and plagued by social decay. The circumambulation of the Kaaba was also performed naked by men and women, and the Haram was adorned with 360 idols. Nudity and shamelessness were rampant. Ignorant customs were considered an inheritance from ancestors.
In the market of Ukaz, people would recite poetry and sing about their vices without any shame, and whoever did it with the most skill was considered distinguished and worthy of praise. Fights would break out over trivial matters, and the cycle of killing and plunder would continue for years. The three famous battles of the Jahiliyyah period, which lasted for 40 years between tribes, are a part of history. The battle of Dahis and Gabra, which started with a horse race, the battle of Basus, which began with the wounding of an old woman's camel, and the battle of Fijar, which started during the sacred months, all lasted for years, resulting in the death of thousands of people and the enslavement of others.
Theft and plunder were common, and usury was a prevalent practice. Even defecating on the road was not considered wrong. Eating dead animals and drinking their blood were also not prohibited. There was no formal government in the Arab world, similar to the empires of Caesar and China and India. Instead, the leaders of various tribes were the rulers of their respective tribes. There were no governmental laws or regulations; the decisions of the leaders were final.
When the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was sent, he transformed the society by introducing the concepts of monotheism, prophethood, thinking about the hereafter, high morals, and worship. He called people to this way of life and established a community that was supported and assisted by Allah, leading to success in this world and the hereafter. He came as a blessing and a mercy to all mankind.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "I have been sent as a teacher of ethics." The people of Mecca knew that he was truthful and trustworthy, and he was at a high level of modesty and shame. He never worshiped idols and would go to the cave of Hira to worship the one God. The people of Mecca acknowledged that he had never been involved in any bloody conflicts and that his character was impeccable, making him the most respected person in Mecca.
Now, let us examine the consequences of nations rejecting the call of the prophets and the current state of the world. We will also assess our responsibilities and the struggle ahead. We will see the consequences of neglecting our duties and the direction in which we are heading. The society of today is vastly different from the one that existed 14 centuries ago.
The nation of Lot was punished for their extreme immorality and moral decay. The nations of Ad and Thamud were destroyed despite their advancements due to their polytheism and oppression. The nation of the Sabbath-breakers was transformed into pigs and monkeys for deceiving Allah. The nation of Shuayb was deprived of the Garden of Arum for cheating in weights and measures. Pharaoh and Nimrod were destroyed for their claims of divinity, and Qarun was punished for his disbelief.
The evil practices of the nation of Lot are now prevalent in Western societies and so-called developed countries, protected by state laws and disguised as human rights. Homosexuality is rampant, and even Christian clergy, political leaders, and other prominent figures are openly involved in this grave sin. Polytheism and oppression are widespread. The world population has exceeded 800 million. According to a 2020 global survey, one billion people, including highly educated individuals, deny the existence of God. One billion Hindus worship thousands of deities, including snakes and monkeys, in addition to the sun and moon.
Half of the world's population is Christian, but for them, religion is a personal matter, not a collective belief. The concept of the Trinity has led many Catholics to polytheism. China, with a population of 1.5 billion, is an atheist country. The state of the 1.7 billion Muslims is such that, according to the same 2020 survey, 12% of Muslims consider religion secondary. If we look at the Muslim population in the Indian subcontinent, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, it is approximately 750-800 million. Pakistan is plagued by sectarian, factional, regional, and linguistic violence.
The situation in Pakistan is so dire that Pakistani passports have lost their value worldwide. Corruption, immorality, and moral decay have engulfed every aspect of society, from the highest echelons of power to the common man. No one trusts anyone anymore, and everyone feels insecure. Obscenity, nudity, and crime are rampant, and even state institutions are involved in these activities. The judiciary, police, and administration are all corrupt. The global financial system is based on interest, and despite the decisions of Pakistan's higher courts, interest has not been abolished.
Idolatry is being committed in the name of religion, and the worship of shrines has replaced the worship of idols. Political and religious personalities are being deified. Since the time of British colonialism to the present day, millions of Muslims living in India have lost their religious, cultural, and social identity. Indian Muslims are increasingly adopting Hindu culture and traditions. On this occasion, a speech by Jawaharlal Nehru comes to mind, in which he said that Islam, wherever it went, gave a Islamic color to the local culture, but when it came to India through conquerors and preachers, it was colored by Indian culture.
For a thousand years, Muslim rulers governed India, but the true call of Islam was not fulfilled. This is why, when the British came, they imposed their culture and civilization, and after independence, the responsibility of fulfilling this duty lay with the Muslim scholars and clergy. However, sectarian and factional differences have given Muslims a sectarian identity rather than a Muslim one.
Allah says, "Who is better in speech than one who calls people to Allah, does good deeds, and says, 'I am a Muslim'?" (Surah Fussilat). The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) transformed the polytheistic beliefs, moral vices, social customs, and tribal prejudices of the society, making them guardians of the oppressed, models of integrity, and examples of selflessness. Those who used to plunder others' wealth became symbols of sacrifice and generosity. The worshippers of idols became bearers of the banner of monotheism and preachers.
In essence, he transformed the rough stones on the seashore into shining diamonds. The crowns of Caesar and Kisra were placed on the heads of shepherds. If we change the society today, the system of life and government will also change. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) did not establish any irrigation system, but he ignited a passion for paradise in the hearts of people, and those who used to sell water began to distribute it for free. There was no agricultural revolution, but no one went to bed hungry.
Let us change the society, the hearts and minds of people. Let us create a desire for paradise and show them the torments of hell.
