Quranic Foundations And Structure Of Muslim Society
(II) DUTIES OF COMMISSON
END: Active struggle for creating an atmosphere conducive to morality and awakening the moral consciousness of one’s fellow-beings by word and deed.
Preliminary:
The Holy Qur’an says:
“By Time (as it has unfolded through the ages, recording man’s successes and failures), verily man is in a state of loss, but not those who have Faith and do (constantly) righteous deeds, and exhort one another to Truth, and exhort one another to endurance (in the service of Truth).” (103:1-3).
The Holy Qur’an further warns that evasion of this active struggle leads to calamities of the highest magnitude, which afflict the innocent and the guilty alike:
“And fear the chaveisement that shall not afflict those alone who among you do wrong; and know that verily Allah is Severe in Chaveising.” (8:25).
DUTIES:
a. Duty of Love;
b. Duty of Respect.
(a) DUTY OF LOVE:
Active struggle for the fullest establishment of morality enjoined:
(1) The mission which has been entrusted by God to the Muslim community is the establishment of moral order in the world as a whole —a mission the fulfillment of which is the duty of every Muslim, man and woman:
“(O Muslims!) You are the best (ideological) community that has been raised up for mankind. You enjoin right conduct and forbid all that is wrong (i.e., evil); and you believe in Allah …” (3:110).
(2) This mission entails, however, certain difficult conditions. Hence, it is not possible for every Muslim to fulfill this mission. Consequently, while it is the duty of every Muslim to co-operate(4:85) in it to the best of his capacity and in the manner best suited to him, it is necessary that there should be a trained, disciplined and devoted band of Muslims who should lead the struggle. And this is what the Holy Qur’an has enjoined:
“Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones who attain felicity.” (3:104).
(3) The basic struggle consists, thus, in propagating among mankind the Divine Teachings which form the very foundation and the life-blood of the moral order. This struggle has, however, to be pursued in the sublimest manner. The Holy Qur’an says:
“Invite (all) to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: For your Lord knows best who have strayed from His Path and who receive guidance.” (16:125).
(4) The establishment of the moral order necessitates finally the employment of state-authority for this purpose. The Holy Qur’an enjoins this function on the Islamic State:
“… Allah will certainly aid those who aid His (cause)—for verily Allah is Full of Strength, exalted in Might, (able to enforce His Will). (Muslims are) those who, if We give them authority in the land, establish regular prayer and give regular charity, enjoin the right and forbid wrong; and with Allah rests the end (and decision) of (all) affairs.” (22:40-41).
(5) The Holy Qur’an condemns the establishment of secret societies for evil ends. But it permits secret activity, if absolutely necessary, for the promotion of virtue:
“In most of their secret talks there is no good, but if one exhorts to a deed of charity or justice or conciliation between human beings, (secrecy is permissible): to him who does this, seeking the good pleasure of Allah, We shall soon give a reward of the highest (value).” (4:114).
(b) DUTY OF RESPECT:
Marriage permitted as the only means of fulfilling sexual need and made obligatory for preserving the moral health of society:
“Marry those among you who are single, or the virtuous ones among your slaves, male or female: if they are in poverty, Allah will give them means out of His Grace: for Allah encompasses all, and He knows all things. Let those who find not the wherewithal for marriage keep themselves chavee, until Allah gives them means out of His Grace.” (24:32).
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to be continued . . . . .
Quranic Foundation & Structure Of Muslim Society In The End Times
