Like the world described by Charles Dickens in his classic novel, A Tale of Two Cities, these are the best of times, these are the worst of times. We are perplexed and stressed about the current state of our world with all its academic, scientific, technological, and material progress on the one hand and ethical, moral, and spiritual decline on the other. While we are exposed to pervasive manipulation, exploitation, violence, and injustice all around us, we are unable to calm this utter madness and chaos. How can we bring about civility, justice, peace, and harmony in our world? The answer to this burning question is described in the Holy Qur’an and demonstrated by the Holy Founder of Islam, Prophet Muhammad (sa).

Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:

“You are the best people, raised for the good of mankind; you enjoin good and forbid evil and believe in Allah” (1)

This verse not only claims that Muslims are the best people – a weighty claim indeed – but also gives reasons for it by stating that (a) they have been raised for the good of all mankind and (b) it is their duty to enjoin good and forbid evil and believe in one God. The glory and overall success of the Muslims are subject to and governed by these two conditions.

Commenting on this Qur’anic injunction, His Holiness Khalifatul Masih I, Maulana Nuruddin (ra), said:

“Everyone should self-evaluate as to what has he done in a day for the good of mankind; the purpose of the followers of Holy Prophet (sa) is that they should sacrifice even their lives for the good of mankind” (2).

This duty is to be performed altruistically and incessantly without fear of failure as Allah reassures in the Holy Qur’an:

“Slacken not, nor grieve; and you shall certainly have the upper hand if you are true believers” (3).

Enjoining good and forbidding evil is to be an intrinsic motto and character of Muslims, as explained by Allah in the Holy Qur’an:

“And let there always be among you a body of men who should invite to goodness and enjoin virtue and forbid evil. And it is they who shall prosper” (4).

Regarding this verse, His Holiness Khalifatul Masih I, Maulana Hakeem Nuruddin (ra), said:

“I have experienced that through ‘enjoin virtue and forbid evil’ one is rendered victorious and aided by heaven as you have seen that I was also one of you but became your spiritual guide” (5).

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) is reported to have said:

“He who from among you observes something evil should reverse it with his hand; if he is unable to do that, he should condemn it with his tongue; if he is unable to do that, he should at least resent it in his heart; this is the lowest degree of faith” (6).

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) was required not only to mold his own life in accordance with Divine Will, but he had to ensure that all those who believed in him also followed his example. The famous Muslim scholar Baihaqi states that it was the realization of this grave dual responsibility that weighed so heavily on him as to have rendered him prematurely aged, as Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:

“So, stand thou upright, as thou have been commanded, and also those who have turned to Allah with thee; and exceed ye not the bounds, for surely He sees what you do” (7).

The Promised Messiah (as), Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, writes:

“Allah the Exalted states:

Become upright and free yourselves of all forms of evil action and crookedness, then shall I be pleased with you; become upright yourself and make others the same. How difficult was it for the Arabs to make people upright? When the people asked, the Holy Prophet (sa) said that Surah Hud had made him old because this injunction placed a very heavy responsibility upon him.

As far as a person’s being is concerned, it is possible for an individual to make themselves upright and fully obey the commandments of Allah Almighty. However, it is not easy to mold others in this way. This demonstrates the lofty grandeur and the spiritual power of the Noble Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. How wonderfully did the Holy Prophet (sa) fulfill this commandment? He produced a pious community of noble companions to whom it was said:

You are the best people raised for the good of mankind. Then, these same people were given the glad tidings: Allah is well pleased with them, and they are well pleased with Him. Before the Holy Prophet (sa) passed away, no hypocrite was left in Madinah (Medina), the Holy City. Hence, the Holy Prophet (sa) attained such success that its parallel cannot be found in the life accounts of any other Prophet. Through this, the purpose of Allah the Almighty was to teach that one must not remain limited to mere words and statements. For if we remain confined to mere words, statements, and outward display, what will differentiate us from others and how shall we be any better? Ought to exhibit a shining practical example that others find acceptable because until your example possesses true radiance, others will never accept it.

Can anyone be attracted to a dirty and filthy thing? If even one stain is evident on a person’s clothes, they do not look appealing. Similarly, until your inner state is pure and shining, no one will hold you in esteem. Everyone admires things of ­ne quality, and in the same manner, until your morals are of high standing, you shall not be able to achieve anything” (8).

Considering the above, we, as Ahmadi Muslims, can bring about civility, justice, peace, and harmony in our world by:

1. Demonstrating our belief and trust in Allah.

2. Being upright and mentoring our family and friends to do the same.

3. Do good and shun evil ourselves first, and then inspire our family and friends to do the same.

4. Enjoin others to do good and forbid evil with wisdom and compassion.

5. Remain consistent, selfless, and steadfast in this modus operandi.

If we sincerely practice the above, we will be worthy of the statement: “You are the Best People, raised for the Good of Mankind.” Insha-Allah (God-Willing)!

References:

1. The Holy Qur’an, 3:111 (Malik Ghulam Farid Translation)

2. Haqaiqul Furqan (Urdu), Volume 1, p 520

https://new.alislam.org/library/books/quran-urdu-haqaiq-ul-furqan-1?option=toc&page=521 (Last accessed November 9, 2024)

3. The Holy Qur’an, 3:140 (Malik Ghulam Farid Translation)

4. The Holy Qur’an, 3:105 (Malik Ghulam Farid Translation)

5. Haqaiqul Furqan, (Urdu) Volume 2, p 518

https://new.alislam.org/library/books/quran-urdu-haqaiq-ul-furqan-1?page=519&origsearch=3%3A140 (Last accessed November 9, 2024)

6. Gardens of the Righteous, (Riyadh as-Salihin of Imam Nawawi, Translated by Muhammad Zafrullah Khan), p 48 (Curzon Press Ltd and Islam International Publications Ltd.) 2006

7. The Holy Qur’an, 11:113 (Malik Ghulam Faid Translation)

8. Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (sa), Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 187-188 (Islam International Publications, UK) 2018