Ramadan is not only the month of self-purification but also of collective assessment of the state of the Ummah.
The Muslim world appears to be in a state of utter turmoil because of internal weaknesses and external onslaughts. The first 15 years of the 21st century have unfolded a series of devastating events. Pulverisation of Afghanistan, occupation of Iraq, continuous instability in Pakistan, anti-Islam atrocities in Bangladesh, destruction of Libya, military junta’s undermining of democracy and imposition of Pharaonic tyranny in Egypt. Then the ongoing war in Yemen and the devastating civil war in Syria.
Most of these evils in the Muslim world can be traced to lack of democracy and Shooraiyat in the relevant countries. See the countries with democratic polity like Malaysia, Iran, Turkey and Indonesia. In spite of deficiencies in their systems, there is no bloodshed in these countries. They are making steady progress in social, economic and scientific fields.
Another big defect in the Muslim world lies in the lack of full commitment to Islam in the general masses. They take Islam only as a religion, mainly concerned with rituals or partially connected with some other aspects of life. The concept of complete Deen still evades them. That is why they are not able to make the complete submission to Allah’s commands in economic affairs and in politics and governance. This truncated and partial allegiance to Allah’s Deen makes them easy prey to dictators and ungodly rulers who make a kill of them and impose their hegemony, and who in their own interest are following the will and dictates of their western masters.
All indicators point to this fact that, in spite of adverse internal and external factors, Islam will emerge as a guiding force in the Muslim world. Therefore every individual, group and organisation in the Muslim world must rededicate itself to the cause of Islam in this month of Ramadan. The month in which on 17th day the Great Prophet trounced the forces of evil in Badr and later on in the same month on 20th day conquered the Centre of Islam Makkah and laid the foundation stone of Islam for all times to come.
Let us in this month cleanse ourselves individually and collectively from all impurities and work for final victory of Allah’s will. May Allah’s grace be with us all! May His Kingdom come on this earth as it is in Heaven!