Fourteen hundred years back Islam appeared on the world scene and within a century became the way of life of the greater part of humanity. It was able to create a super state based on the principles of unity of God and brotherhood of man. For nearly 1,000 years it was the dominant and the brightest civilization engaged in shaping the destiny of the nations.
From the 15th century onwards Islamic power, both moral and material, started to register a sharp decline. On the other hand, the European nations having witnessed renaissance moved forward in different fields and they did not look back. They made tremendous progress in the fields of science, technology, humanities, administration and military power. Asian and African countries, particularly Muslim countries had to bear the brunt of their colonisation. This sapped the energies of Muslim world and made it incapable of controlling the lives of its citizens.
Second half of the 20th century brought new changes and Muslim lands one after another became independent. The west also shed some of its own prejudices and started giving importance to Islam and Muslims. The Islamic world also made strides in several fields.
Now Muslims who are about one-fourth of humanity have gained great importance in the changed circumstances. They are the inheritors of Islam and a civilization which was known for its wholesome worldview, amazing vitality, sound moral values and daunting capacities.
In spite of negative trends the Muslim Ummah is rediscovering its potentiality and inherent strength of Islamic principles and the meaningful role it can play in shaping the future world.
Islam has well-defined theoretical, moral and practical foundations. It gives a strong family system, a humane and people-friendly economic system and a well-defined political system. The west is becoming more and more conscious of Islamic heritage and the Muslims, in spite of odds, are trying to make themselves better Muslims and mould their societies in accordance with Islamic principles. The signs on the horizon indicate that good days for Islam and Muslims are in the offing.
Muslim Ummah should give up its lethargy, incompetence and weaknesses, go back to the Qur’ān and Sunnah and try to imbibe Islamic values in its collective life and try to make Islam a living and viable alternative to the decadent western civilization with its stress on only material well being at the cost of spiritual development.
Radiance Viewsweekly, with this special issue, is trying to open a debate on how Islam can be made an alternative, a viable and successful alternative.