A PERIOD OF TRANSITION
A Period of Transition
The most dangerous period in the life of a nation, and the most deserving of critical study, is the period of transition from one situation to another. It is then that plans for the new period are laid and its guiding principles and policies are drawn up, according to which, the nation will be formed and to which it will adhere. If these plans, principles, and policies are clear cut, sound, and solid, then announce for this nation of a long and extended life, of prosperous and flourishing work. Inform them of success and give them glad tidings of a great reward, eternal fame, the just verdict of history, and a good reputation.
At the Cross-roads
This important task poses two conditions:
The first is to liberate the nation from its political bonds so that it may obtain its freedom and regain its lost independence and sovereignty.
The second is its reconstruction, so that it may follow its own path among other nations and compete with them in its progress toward social perfection.
For the time being, the political struggle has come to a halt, and you, along with the nation, are facing a new period. You will now see two ways before you, each one urging you to turn the nation in its direction and to follow its path . Each has its particular characteristics, its distinguishing features, its effects, its results, its advocates and its promoters. The first is the way of Islam and its principles, its rules, its culture and its civilization; the second is the way of the West and the outward aspects of its life, its organisation and its methods. It is our belief that the first way, the way of Islam, its principles and rules, is the only way which ought to be followed, and towards which the present and future nation should direct itself.
Advantages of the Islamic Direction
If we take The nation along this path, we shall be able to obtain many benefits, among them is the Islamic methodology which has already been experienced and history has testified as to its soundness. It has produced for the benefit of mankind a nation, most powerful and virtuous, most merciful, and righteous, blessed above all other nations. It possesses a sanctity and stability in the minds of men which makes it easy for all to adopt and understand, to respond to, as well as to adhere to, once they are properly oriented to it. Add to that national self esteem and sincere patriotism. For then we will construct our lives on our own rules and principles, taking nothing from others. Herein lie the highest ideals of a social and active independence, after political independence.
To take this course, will firstly mean a strengthening of Arab unity, and secondly, a strengthening of Islamic unity. The entire Islamic world will support with its heart and soul. They will see us as Brothers, and we will stand behind and support each other. And herein lies a great moral advantage which no intelligent person will shun.
This course is complete and comprehensive, and guarantees a nation the best system of organization for public life, both practical and spiritual. This is the advantage that distinguishes Islam, for it bases the organization of the life of a nation on two important pillars: the adherence to good, and the avoidance of that which is harmful.
If we pursue this path, we shall be able to avoid the Vital problems which other nations (who neither knew of this course nor followed it) have fallen into. Indeed, we shall be able to solve many complicated problems which the present institutions have failed to solve and here we cite the words of Bernard Shaw:
‘How much the world in the modern age needs a man like Muhammad to solve its stubborn, complicated problems over a cup of coffee.’
After all this, if we follow this path, Allah’s support will be behind us, strengthening us in our moments of weakness, sustaining us in hardship, easing our struggle for us, and urging us to go forward:
‘Do not falter in pursuing the people; if you suffer, they suffer as do you, and you hope from Allah that which they do not and Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.’
(Surat-an-Nisaa’ (4), ayah 104)
Western Civilisation Today
In concluding this discussion, we assert that the Western civilization, which was for a long time, brilliant by virtue of its scientific perfection subjugating the whole world with the products of this science, is now in ruin, Its foundations are crumbling, and its institution and guiding principles are being torn down. Its political foundations are being destroyed by dictatorships, while its economy is in crisis. The millions of wretched, unemployed and hungry people will bear witness to this. Strange ideologies and widespread revolutions are undermining its social foundations. Its people are at a loss as to the cure and have strayed far of the path . Their conferences are all failures, their treaties have not lasted and their covenants are torn to pieces: The League of Nations is an empty shell, possessing neither spirit nor influence. On one hand they are signing un-Islamic treaties and taking comfort therein, while on the other hand they are receiving violent blows, so that the world, thanks to these tyrannical and self seeking policies, has become like a ship in the midst of the sea, with its captain distraught while blustering gales assault it on all sides. All of humanity is tormented, wretched, worried and confused, having been scorched by the fires of greed and materialism. They are in dire need of the sweetness of True Islam to wash from them the filth of misery and to lead them to happiness.
The leadership of the world was at one time entirely in the hands of the East, then it fell to the West after the rise of the Greeks and Romans. After that, the Prophetic eras of Moses, Christ , and Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon them all) brought it back to the East for a second time, but then the East fell into its long sleep, and the West enjoyed a new rebirth. It was Allah’s Sunnah which does not fail to manifest itself and the West inherited leadership of the world. But lo and behold! It was tyrannical and unjust, insolent, misguided, and stumbling blindly, all it requires is a strong Eastern power to exert itself under the shadow of Allah’s banner, with the standard of the Qur’an fluttering at its head, and backed up by the strong soldiers of unyielding faith; then you will see the World living under the tranquility of Islam, and on the lips of everyone will be the following slogan:
‘Praise be unto Allah who guided us to this. for truly we would not have been guided if Allah had not guided us.’
(Surat-al-A’raaf (7), ayah 43)
This is not in the least a product of the imagination: It is no other than the true verdict of history. And if it is not fulfilled by us:
‘Then Allah will bring a people whom He loves and who love Him, humble toward believers and powerful against unbelievers, striving in the way of Allah, and fearing not the reproach of any reproacher. That is the bounty of Allah, which He brings to whom He will.’
(Surat-al-Maa’idah (5), ayah 54)
Source: Islamic Basics by Hasan Al-Banna
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