The Shariah is designed to establish justice in society
“We have already sent our messengers with dear evidences and sent down with
them the Book and the balance that the people may maintain their affairs in justice.”
[57:25]
“And thus we have made you a just community” (Sahih International);
(2:143)
- Preservation of Religion (Deen)
- Individual Practice: Regular engagement in worship, prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage. Personal study and reflection on the Quran and Hadith to strengthen faith.
- Community Support: Building and maintaining mosques, educational institutions, and social networks that support religious learning and practice.
- Legal and Governance: Implementing policies that allow freedom of religious expression and practice, protecting places of worship, and promoting ethical principles in public life.
- Preservation of Life (Nafs)
- Personal Health: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper nutrition, exercise, and abstaining from harmful substances or behaviors.
- Public Safety and Welfare: Establishing healthcare systems, emergency services, and social safety nets to protect and support the well-being of all community members.
- Legal and Governance: Enacting and enforcing laws that protect human life, prohibit violence, and ensure access to essential services and healthcare.
- Preservation of Intellect (Aql)
- Individual Development: Pursuing education and lifelong learning, engaging in critical thinking, and avoiding substances or activities that impair judgment or mental health.
- Community Education: Investing in educational institutions that offer diverse and inclusive learning opportunities, promoting literacy and scholarship.
- Legal and Governance: Protecting intellectual property rights, encouraging scientific and technological innovation, and ensuring that education is accessible to all segments of society.
- Preservation of Lineage (Nasl)
- Family Integrity: Encouraging marriage, responsible parenting, and strong family bonds. Educating on family rights and responsibilities within an Islamic framework.
- Social Structure: Providing support for families through community programs, counseling, and social services that help maintain family stability.
- Legal and Governance: Enforcing laws that protect family rights, outlaw harmful practices, and support matrimonial and parental responsibilities.
- Preservation of Property (Mal)
- Personal Responsibility: Ethical earning, spending, and saving. Giving charity (Zakah) and avoiding wastefulness.
- Economic Development: Encouraging entrepreneurship, fair trade, and initiatives that contribute to the economic welfare of the community.
- Legal and Governance: Implementing and upholding laws that protect property rights, promote economic justice, and regulate financial practices to prevent fraud and exploitation.
Community thinking and living
We need people with all types of skills.
Men and women had separate spaces.
Modern spaces are problematic.
Relationships are good.
We have mentors.
We have balance.
Planning to fail
Get your education, in case.
Mahr is sky high, in case.
Don’t be sad and feel weak
The sufi can change himself to effect the world.
Islam is the balance, justice and
There is a division of the salafi and the sufi, traditionalist and the reformist.
They believe that their group is the divine group.
Unity & being open to healthy critique
Choosing the way of Truth always has to come over supporting your tribe brindly.
Experiencing oppression on a communal level, does not give you a license to commit harm on an individual level or national level.
Moses is called over to get involved in a fight, and he supports his tribesman and he delivers a fatal blow to the outsider.
*The three types of Sufi Warriorism*
The use of warranted or obligatory physical force, when faced with existential threats, violations of Muslim rights and Islamic injunctions.
*Protagonist Sufi Warriorism*
- The objective was to subdue Non-Muslim powers under the flag of Islam.
- Sufis were present in almost all the Ottoman battles.
- Muslims are not aggressors. Before he went to war with Umar Ra said “I wish that we could build a wall between us and the Persians. We are not interested in the Persian ideology.” But the Persians threatened and violated Muslim territory.
*Protectionist Sufi Warriorism*
- Aimed at preserving the status quo
- Preserving the way of life threatened by new systems infiltrating into the heart of Muslim societies.
*Purist Sufi Warriorism*
- Demands the restoration of pure Islam. Rejects all forms of innovation.
- Ibrahim Al-Qurani was a Kurdish Muhaddith Sufi
- Admirer & Defender of Ibn Taymiyah
- Concerned with the waywardness of the Sufi’s who don’t take their concepts from Quran and Sunnah.
- Concerned with the revival of the Sunnah
- Shah Waliullah was a well-known writer
- He fought against the practice of cock-fighting
- He fought against the eating of intoxicating kurt gum.
- Ahmedu Bamba was a Senegalese leader colonized by the French
- Preached a form of peaceful Warriorism.
- He said “Don’t fight the French”
- Disassociate from them, become independent from them.
Trust the natural system
No Islam, no justice, creates an imbalance in Allah’s world.
Aspire to the religion of human rights
Liberal theorists are in consensus human rights is a belief.
Levitating, groundless ethics are open to abuse.
After modernity has lost it’s self-confidence, with no foundation from l
Empirically, through observation, all men are not equal.
All men are equal, is therefore a religious belief.
Only the winners of World Wars 1 and 2, can use human rights as a hammer against the world.
Be a caretaker of Allah’s creation
“The best of men are those who benefit mankind.” Hadith
- Help broken people to rise up.
- Materialism leads to a scarcity mentality despises the downtrodden people.
- Depopulation is from a scarcity mentality.
- To aim high and make that important above all else in your life.
- The Prophets were long-term thinkers
- The Prophets won hearts and minds
- They were active Muslims
- Defenders of Truth
- Establishers of Justice
- Purpose fortifies you against the changes of life like nothing else.
- Which elements of your being have to be shed in order to achieve this.
The “Islamic Golden Age” is often referred to as the period between the 8th Century to the 13th Century. Western academics often see this period as our ‘peak’ as they link it to scientific achievement first and foremost. But the best age of Islam was of course the time of the Prophet (SAW)! His time was where the principles were laid down and implemented and internalized verse by verse and through his blessed example. What came later was simply those principles bearing fruit, that amazing foundation maturing into a formidable, fearless, fantastic civilization.
Balance
- The extremes produce chaos.
- Balance produces order.
- When you are engaged in something you are interested in.
- Practice being there.
- Try not doing the things you shouldn’t do.
- Try not saying the things you shouldn’t say.
- Food preserves our bodies.
- Sexuality preserves our species.
- Extremes cause diseases to brought upon themselves.
- Rational Mindfulness should rule, not the appetites and anger.
- Anger protects us from harm.
- Envy is the appetite for more.
Justice
- Justice is inevitable.
- Power corrupts, weakness corrupts absolutely.
- There are no longer civilians in armed conflicts, everything is now ‘legitimate targets’, ‘human shields’ and ‘terrorists’.
Jihad (Sacrifice)
- Have a sacrificial attitude.
- Sacrifice everything for the common good.
- Don’t hesitate to offer the ultimate sacrifice in order to achieve a better world.
- Say “It was so difficult, but it was worth it.”
- Positive thoughts emanate from a positive heart
- You need Allah in your heart to see the complete reality with it’s complete context.
- Fear only Allah, no one else
- Life is only meaningful when it brings us closer to Allah
- Being close to Allah means imbibing the qualities of Allah.
- Live the life we were created to live, by Allah, or a life we are told to live by the TV and Social Media?
- Life is finite
- We don’t know how long we are on earth, don’t defer things for later.
- Truly want to benefit the people.
- Speak from the heart. It’s the best speech.
- Even in moments of triumph, self-reflection is essential.
- Learn how to say no.
- Build yourself into a fordable man.
- No one cannot truly love what they do not respect
- Love is not about sacrificing your identity, your values, your dignity.
- Without vulnerability, there is no love, only performance.
Quran 3:125-126 (Translation)
Yes, if you remain patient and conscious of Allah, and the enemy comes upon you [attacking] in rage, your Lord will reinforce you with five thousand angels having marks [of distinction].
And Allah made it not except as good tidings for you so that your hearts may be assured by it. And victory is not except from Allah, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.
Tafsir (Interpretations)
1. Ibn Kathir
- Context: These verses were revealed concerning the Battle of Uhud, where Muslims faced initial setbacks due to disobedience.
- Meaning:
- “Five thousand angels” symbolize divine support, though the exact number may be literal or symbolic of overwhelming help.
- The condition for this aid is patience (sabr) and taqwa (God-consciousness).
- The angels were sent to boost morale, not necessarily to fight visibly (as in Badr).
- “Marks of distinction” may refer to white turbans, horses, or radiant appearances.
The Sahabah were the foremost in faith
- The Foremost
- The minority first-movers are those that are nearest to Allah.
- There are a few sahabah-like individuals that exist today
- To love Allah is to love the Ummah of Allah (SWT).
- The Sahabah were caring of the ummah, like Nabi (SAW).
- We must all strive to be superheroes, like Nabi SAW and the Sahabah
- Our superpowers are the Quran and Sunnah.
- Iman in Allah’s help is a superpower.
The Sahabah submitted to Islam in totality
- Muslims secularize Islam, knowingly or unknowingly:
- Focus on yourself
- Focus on ibadaat
- Focus on academic knowledge that doesn’t materialize to anything in the world.
- Focus on your job and your house.
The Sahabah were vicegerents (Caretakers of the world)
“For He it is Who has appointed you vicegerent over the earth, and has exalted some of you over others in rank that He may try you in what He has bestowed is upon you. Indeed your Lord is swift in retribution, and He is certainly All-Forgiving, All-Compassionate.”
6:165
- Al-Qurtubi discusses the concept of human beings as Khalifah (vicegerents). This role entails that humans should act as caretakers of the world and use their resources in accordance with justice and divine law. Material wealth and power are not to be hoarded or misused but should be distributed in ways that benefit society, particularly the vulnerable.
- Adam AS and all of his children were created with a purpose.
- The test of life is to establish peace and justice on earth, for Muslims and Non-Muslims.
- Allah (SWT), the All-Wise, Most Merciful, created the world so humans can be tested.
- Truth and Falsehood exists so humans can be tested.
- Good and Evil exists so humans can be tested.
The Sahabah balanced ascetism and materialism
- Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that the balance between materialism and asceticism is key. Excessive materialism distracts from the spiritual purpose of life, while extreme asceticism leads to neglect of worldly duties, especially the obligations of vicegerency. Moderation is the ideal, using the blessings of the world for good purposes while remaining spiritually focused.
- Sayyid Qutb argues that societies must maintain justice and humility, recognizing that all power and wealth ultimately come from Allah.
- He explains that arrogance arises in societies that become wealthy and powerful but forget their moral responsibilities.
- The verse serves as a warning against materialism and individualism, which lead people to reject divine authority.
The Sahabah tied their camels and trusted in Allah
“O you who have believed, if you support Allah (Islam), He will support you and plant firmly your feet”
47:7
- Dua without action, results in failing the test of life
- They were hoping to live the complete Islamic way of life.
- They wished to spread goodness, justice and peace.
The sahabah stood up for justice and help the oppressed
“And what is [the matter] with you that you fight not in the cause of Allah and for the oppressed among men, women, and children who say, ‘Our Lord, take us out of this city of oppressive people and appoint for us from Yourself a protector and appoint for us from Yourself a helper?'”
4:75
“Indeed, those who have believed and emigrated and fought with their wealth and lives in the cause of Allah and those who gave shelter and aided – they are allies of one another. But those who believed and did not emigrate – for you there is no guardianship of them until they emigrate. And if they seek help from you in the matter of religion, then you must help, except against a people with whom you have a treaty. And Allah is Seeing of what you do.”
8:72
The Sahabah took a leadership role in establishing Justice on earth (2:143)
“And thus We have made you a just nation (Ummatan Wasatan) that you will be witnesses over the people, and the Messenger will be a witness over you.”
Tafsir Sayyid Qutb (Fi Zilal al-Quran)
- “Ummatan Wasatan” signifies a balanced and comprehensive Islamic worldview that harmonizes faith and practical life.
- Islam offers a complete way of life that balances individual rights with community obligations, spiritual devotion with material prosperity, and justice with mercy.
- The Muslim ummah must take a leadership role in establishing social justice, fighting oppression, and upholding human dignity.
The Sahabah were united
Mu’adh ibn Jabal reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Verily, Satan is a wolf amongst humanity like the wolf who seizes the sheep wandering and straying from the flock. Beware of the winding mountain paths. You must stay with the wider community.”
Musnad Ahmad 22/107
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allah upon you – when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers. And you were on the edge of a pit of the Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus Allah does make clear to you His verses that you may be guided”?
Surah Ali-Imran, verse 103
- Nabi SAW said “The wolf will not eat, except the straying lamb.”
- They had appreciation, love, trust and tolerance for each other.
- In the West, we have a very toxic environment of individualism and materialism.
- They fear unity, because unity is strength. Don’t let anyone divide us, stay united, stay strong.
Where Unity necessitates uniformity
- The true meaning of Aqeedah
- There are madhaib in Aqeedah, the same way their are madhahib in Fiqh.
- Cannot differ in the Usool (the fundamentals) of Aqeedah, which are the the six pillars of the Islamic Aqeedah.
- The true aims and objectives of the Shariah
- To please Allah
- To worship Allah
- To establish justice
- The unity of the ummah
- The direction of the political aspirations of the ummah.
- The ummah must be strong and powerful.
- The ummah is split. One part of the ummah wants to establish Islam, and the other camp wants safety regardless of the establishment of Islam.
- Many Muslims are normalising and uniting with dictators, against the interests of the Muslims and against their own brothers and sisters.
- If a group does not want a strong ummah, then that group is a problem, because it means that this group doesn’t mind siding with the enemies against the ummah.
Where Unity does not require uniformity
- The branches of Aqeedah.
- The Sahabah, Tabieen and Tabi Tabieen differed in the Furooh of Aqeedah (the branches).
- Fiqhi views and opinions.
- The ummah is stuck on question number 5 of the exam paper. We need to resolve the Moulood issue, the Tasawwuf issue, the Moonsighting issue, etc. before we can be united.
- We need to move forward, Islam is so dynamic that it survived everywhere in world.
- Many of these views have been around for 1000 years. Do you think that most of the other groups views are baseless? This is disrespecting yourself and your intelligence.
- Muslims should not be expected to be exactly the same.
- As long as the view is in line with the aims and objectives of the Shariah, it must be respected.
- Our communities are busy bickering on:
- Salafi vs Sufi
- Sunni vs Shia
- etc.
- Masaajid should not have any affiliations and should be open to all
- Most masaajid are institutions of division.
- We all have to struggle against our nafs, especially the Ulema.
- Arrogance
- Envy
- Individualism
- Purposelessly following our desires.
