The line in the sand - Part 1

 

“Water is not a right”. Reflecting on the Prophethood of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and imbibing the lessons from it, it was nothing short of a miracle. Of course, Christians may attempt to make the same or a better comparison to Prophet Yeshu (commonly known as Jesus) – peace be upon him - except that they deify him.

Once Yeshu – on whom be peace – is deified, the whole perspective changes. This is because Allah, God created the world and all that was before Yeshu and after him. Just from a time perspective, that is an incredibly long time. However, the message of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was delivered over a period of twenty-three years. This note has little, if anything, to do directly with Christianity although it may be important enough for all to have a good read. The message of Islam, the first verses revealed in a barren place called Makkah, transformed the world in every sphere to the degree that the scientific contributions (from Muslims after the demise of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) are the foundations of much of the modern-day science. It is through the eyes of historians that you see the steps to the pitiful state of Muslims today. History, though, is a boring subject and many cannot see any reason to study it. Yet Allah, in Quran, teaches us history. Why? The message brought by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ transformed the world and its landscape in one generation. This is phenomenal. Today, if there was a chance to correct the condition of the Muslims, it will take at least two generations. Today we have the complete Quran, and we have the sunnah while it took twenty-three years for the Quran to be revealed during which time the transformation happened too. What is it that Muslims must change when there is wealth, position (across the board, all over the world) and still be adherents to Islam?

The subject is big. It took twenty-three years for Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to deliver the message from Allah. This message was delivered to the best of generations. How do we compare to this generation and, considering your answer, do you really think that this subject can effectively be covered in twenty-three years for us? The most important lesson we can take is that Allah did not reveal the first word “iqra” (read, rehearse, study, recite) except that it probably should have its greatest impact on the last of generations, if I am allowed to say something to this effect. Surely, this word does not refer to the trivial posts on social media in which you so regularly and eagerly engage.

The meaning is deeper. It needs concentration and focus. And home much of the truth are you prepared to share, or to ask questions to get a good understanding, rather than much of the superficiality that is prevalent today. What does the opening line of this post have to do with anything?

 

See part 2: The Cape Muslim Dialogue: The line in the Sand - Part 2