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Social Justice and Fair Living: The ultimate guarantor to successful society

The history of world is filled with different ups and down, challenges, revolution and transition in the survival of different nations. The part of history which is known as “Golden period” for the Muslim world, on the other hand, is referred as “Dark period” for the Western nations. If we analyze this part of history looking in to each factor with honesty & critical thinking, beyond all personal biases and prejudice, it becomes clear that why the Western world was passing through a period of darkness while the Muslim world through a bright and golden age during this part of history simultaneously.
During the golden period, the Muslim society was based on Islamic rules & regulations. There were clear, unbiased and justified rules, and a fair social system for each citizen to follow. Honesty, justice, veracity, respect, patience and steadfastness were the basic principles of this society. Socio-economic system was so improved that there was no or very negligible difference between the rich and poor, ruler & ordinary citizen. Business dealing and trade with other nations were carried out with utmost level of honesty, veracity and justice, which let the Muslim traders become trustworthy and reliable for others. Other nation showed much interest in dealing business and trade with Muslims, and the Muslims became most developed and successful traders of their time.

The Muslims, during their golden period, began to take part in science, art and research. Wonderful scientific laboratories & libraries were built, and the scientists and artists were fully facilitated and encouraged. The Muslim scientist and artists made tremendous contributions in each field of life. They laid the foundation of today’s modern medical sciences, as one of the Muslim scientists; Abu Ali Sina is referred as the “father of modern medical Science”. In this way, the Muslims also emerged as a developed nation in military and other sectors of life.

On the contrary, the Western world was dominated with religious extremism, narrow mindedness and social injustice during this period, through which majority of the Muslim world is passing in these days. Islam has given us the ultimate sermon of success, “If you abide by the commands of Allah strictly, you will be succeeded and dominated over others. ”Now the key question is, do we abide by the laws of Quran strictly? The basic theme of Holy Quran is humanity, honesty, simplicity, steadfastness, justice, patience, modesty and fair living. Now a days, these features have been thrown away from the Muslim societies. Character-wise, non-Muslims are better “Muslims” than us. The time has approached that every citizen of us has to review his character and role in the society. In spite of having a lust for fame and money through short-cut and unfair means, we must keep the principle of Islam in front of us, and ask ourselves before doing any act that is this according to the law of Islam? Will we not be asked about it? Have we not die one day? Are we here forever? Think about. Reflect on it, and do no sin. You will see in the final analysis, society will improve automatically. Remember death and Day of Judgment. Almighty Allah may help us to remember death and do right thing before it comes (Ameen).

Hakim Shah,
Karachi