(15) Essay
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
(By the pen of Mahmood-ul-Bari)
“Dying Sighs or a New Path of Hope?”
...............................
Today's Muslim stands at a crossroads where his sobbing sighs seem to render his helplessness, his suffering, his pain, and even his prayers ineffective. On one hand, the market of oppression and tyranny is thriving, while on the other hand, his share in politics, society, education, and economic sectors is almost negligible. The question is, will our sobbing sighs, these sighs of helplessness, eventually die out, or will we turn these sighs into a means of change?
The political decline of Muslims is not a one-day event but the result of a long process. Several reasons come to the fore for this decline:
The oppression of Muslims, such as mob lynching, shows that their lives are not valued. Their lives, wealth, and honor are all at risk. Mosques are being attacked, shops are being burned, and livelihoods are being snatched away. Unfortunately, most of these atrocities are tolerated silently.
At the time of elections, no effective Muslim leader comes forward to speak for their rights. If someone does stand up, a shadow of doubt is cast upon him, and he is simultaneously defamed. As a result, Muslim political representation is weakening.
In uncertain situations, people often lean less towards education and more towards the fear of security. Extremists, greedy, and unserious people take advantage of this, dividing the Muslims.
Not trusting each other, getting entangled in internal disputes, and prioritizing one's own interests over faith or the betterment of the Ummah is a major reason why we cannot collectively use our power.
When economic opportunities are scarce, education is limited, and resources are not available, a nation weakens in the political arena as well. Unemployment and poverty are constantly pushing Muslims towards backwardness.
There are many aspects of oppression that are breaking the spirit of Muslims:
Hate attacks and violence: Mob lynching, false cases, sentencing based on prejudice.
Deprivation of employment: Obstacles in business, boycotts in markets, denial of loans.
: Obstacles in admission to schools and colleges or facing hatred.
Negative portrayal by the media: Presenting Muslims as terrorists or an irresponsible nation.
All of this is creating fear, lack of self-confidence, and political inactivity among Muslims.
But after every darkness, there is dawn. The history of Muslims is a witness to the fact that they did not sit down in despair when faced with trials, but rather emerged from them even stronger. Even today, there is a ray of hope:
We need to give importance to education in every home, so that an educated generation can come forward and raise its voice for the truth.
Build trust by abandoning doubts and suspicions with each other. Moving beyond differences, focus on the betterment of the Ummah.
Actively participate in elections, bring forward your good and educated people, support them, listen to them, and prepare a united platform.
Promote small businesses, mutual cooperation, education, and professional skills to create economic stability, which will also lead to strength in the political arena.
Trust in Allah, pray, be patient, and continue your efforts. The struggle against oppression is a long journey, but it is also the path to success.
We must not forget that our sobbing sighs are not ineffective before God. Every tear, every prayer, every pain is a testimony that we are alive and playing our part in the battle for truth. We should:
Not consider ourselves weak.
Advance our generation.
Speak for our rights with dignity and wisdom.
Support each other, guide before criticizing.
Even today, there is time in hand, there is still hope alive. The sobbing sighs in the face of oppression are not meant to die out, but to become the voices of revolution. We must create a new path with our faith, unity, education, and hard work, in which the name of Muslims is elevated with honor, knowledge, and service.
Let us resolve in our hearts that sobbing sighs will not diminish our courage but will transform us into a strong Ummah. Despite the darkness of oppression, with the mercy of Allah, the light of knowledge, the power of unity, and the blessing of prayer, we can move towards a bright future. We just need patience, wisdom, action, and prayer so that our future generations can live a better, safer, and more dignified life.
Come, let us keep hope alive and continue our struggle.
Peace be upon you, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings