Donald Trump has started his second and final term as President of the most powerful, most influential and the richest country of the world. The universal truth is that all power belongs to God.From time to time He bestows some power on different persons. This power is the greatest trust and a hard test for the person. The final arbiter is God to whom all of us are accountable. Greater the bestowed power far greater would be accountability. Besides God, history also gives its verdict of success or failure of a person in discharging his responsibilities.
The USA controls about 30 percent of the total GDP of the world. The world leaders have been congratulating Mr. Trump on assuming power. Some of the leaders have deep fears about their countries. President Trump has started his innings with threats and demands. Some of his statements have frightened many rulers and heads of states. One big weapon he has in his arsenal is the threat of imposing a stiff tariff. He claims that he would stop wars and conflicts. The world witnessed that the 15-month long war in Gaza stopped owing to Trump’s warning. If he uses his clout, it is quite possible that the Russia-Ukraine war also may come to an end.
We join the countless people, big and small, who congratulated Trump. But we would like to remind him that he requires more sagacity and wisdom to take the world out of its present difficulties. It won’t be good if he acts like a sentimental person who is in a hurry. He is responsible to his own people who reposed their faith in him. He is also responsible to the whole world and his greatest responsibility is to God the Almighty who enabled him to play a big role. Let us remind him what the great Prophet of Allah Moses (on whom be peace) had said in a critical period of Bani Israel’s history. He said, “The earth belongs to God, He bestows it on those of His servants whom He chooses. Ultimate outcome (success) belongs to the God-fearing.” (Holy Quran 7:128)
We would also like to remind what John F. Kennedy said in his inaugural address on January 20, 1961 when he assumed power.
Kennedy’s speech was beginning of a generational change. He called on the nation to fight against “tyranny, poverty, disease and war.” He exhorted American citizens to participate in public service. The most memorable part of his speech, its climax was the most memorable part: “And so my fellow Americans: Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”
“My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”
Kennedy further said, “Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice, which we ask of you.
“With a good conscience our only sure reward, with the history, the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessings and His help but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own.”
We like to remind Mr. Trump that he has an onerous duty towards not only America but the entire world. His former colleague Kennedy’s words would be a beacon of light for him and his administration to save America and the entire world. May God Almighty guide you, bless you and enable you to provide peace, prosperity and amity in the whole world.
We pray that you succeed in your mission and do not follow those who have been consigned to the dustbin of history.