About the Future of Islam

“"Indeed, moral issues are far more important than other issues. Moreover, morality in the Islamic tradition is centered on faith in God and is not derived from any philosophical teaching."”._Sheikh Muhammad Al-Ghazali

"What do you think about the future of Islam?" That was more or less the question posed to Sheikh Muhammad al-Ghazali.[1] This question, in general, represented the hidden concerns of another questioner. As a Muslim thinker, scholar, and intellectual, Sheikh al-Ghazali explained his answer based on the current realities of the Islamic world.

He then explained that the future of Muslims today is filled with suffocating trials, often leading to despair. However, I am confident that these trials will pass, just as trials have passed in the past. However, the passing of these trials will not be like the passing of clouds; we simply wait in silence.

Everyone must work diligently. As I mentioned in a different topic, Muslims must embrace Islam with faith, morals, a passion for work, and a full sense of thought and ideas. However, if Muslims do not approach the situation in accordance with the above, it is impossible for them to attain goodness.

The destruction of souls and minds has left Muslims suffering from a paralysis so severe that no other religion has ever experienced it. This has hampered their preaching, and perhaps even stopped it altogether. I see that this disaster is not solely the result of our own ignorance, but rather the ignorance of some of our leaders, and the separation of knowledge from government in most Islamic countries.

The weakness that befell the bodies of Muslims made their heads ache and narrowed their vision to the ground where their feet stood. After the Islamic state was torn apart by its enemies, the call came Jihad has become fardhu ain upon every Muslim.

Among the commands of modern-day jihad is to study all forms of potential bestowed by Allah throughout the land, sea, and air. Knowledge of how to utilize all this potential is essential and should be prioritized over other sciences.

Rebuilding the Muslim community requires politicians, preacher, And jurists together think hard to fight various deviant civilizations that come from outside Islam as well as all forms superstition which comes from within the body of Islam. It is hypocritical or cowardly if Muslims are busy with circumcision practices before completing various things obligatory which has been forgotten so far.

Regarding morals, this story is unforgettable. There, morals grow from good knowledge of God or from sincerity. monotheism. What should I say to someone who fears other people, but does not fear God?

Seeking the approval of people, but not expecting the approval of Allah? Relying on creatures and not relying on Allah? Can such a person be considered a true Muslim?

I don't know what's happening to us. We're truly dying, and this religion is also dying. I see workers less than happy to pursue their work, employees less than happy with their service, while leaders pay little attention to their well-being.

In fact, the problem morals far more important than other issues. Moreover, morality in the Islamic tradition is centered on faith in God and does not originate from any philosophical teachings.

Allah Reminds in the Qur'an;

يٰٓاَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا كُوْنُوْا قَوَّامِيْنَ بِالْقِسْطَ اَوِ الْوَالِدَيْنْ

"O you who believe, be true upholders of justice, witnesses for Allah, even against yourselves or your parents and relatives.". (QS. An-Nisa' 135).

So, don't wait for justice and a clean testimony from someone whose heart is corrupt. The reality is that people are hostile to Islam, attacking it morally, and creating a generation that doesn't care about their religion. Islam must have a people who truly and sincerely practice its teachings, providing a picture of Islam with its true teachings.

I believe that the Islamic revival of our time must begin with creating a new generation and saving the Islamic message from the disaster that has befallen it. Indeed, Islamic countries should make various efforts to reach out to one another.

Such as the formation of regional unity, as has been realized in the Gulf states, the Nile Valley countries, and the Maghreb. However, with one condition: all of these aims to unite all Muslims in one body and spirit in Islam.

Wallahu'alâm bis showâb

Notes:

Sheikh Muhammad al-Ghazali's answer above is taken from his book entitled Mi'atu Su'al 'an Al-Islam, has been translated into Indonesian by Al-Ghazali; Answering 100 Islamic questions. Translator Abdullah Abbas, publisher Lentera Hati. Jakarta; 2010 1st edition, April. 838 pages. This particular question fragment is in question 99, pages 824-829.

[1] Not Abu Hamid Muhammad bin Muhammad al-Ghazali (proof of Islam). Shaikh Muhhammad al-Ghazali was a cleric, intellectual, writer born in Egypt in 1335 H/ 1917 AD and died in Saudi Arabia in 1996. He held many positions such as Al-Azhar advisor, director of mosque affairs, director preaching and Irsyad, etc.