Islam: The Solution To Modern Problems

Islam, in its clear and direct way of expressing truth, has a tremendous
amount of appeal for any seeker of knowledge. It is a solution to all
problems in life. It is a guide towards a better and complete life by
glorifying God (Allah), the Almighty Creator and the Merciful Nourisher.
Islam provides definite guidelines for all peoples to follow in all walks of
life. These guidelines are comprehensive and include the social,
economic, political, moral and spiritual aspects of life. In the Quran,
God (Allah) reminds humankind of the purpose of their life on earth, of
their duties towards their kith and kin, their duties towards their fellow
human beings, and their duties towards their Creator.
Man is given fundamental guidelines which result in a purposeful life and
then he is left with the challene of human existence before him so that he
might put these high ideals into practice. In Islam, mans life is a
wholesome, integrated unity and not a collection of fragmented,
competetive parts. The sacred and secular are not separate parts of man;
they are united in the nature of being human.
God (Allah) states in his final revelation to humankind the Noble
Quran:
It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards east or west, but
it is righteousness to believe in God (Allah) and the Final Day, and the
angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance,
out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the
wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast
in prayer, and practice regular charity, to fulfill the contracts which you
have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain (or suffering) and
adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of
truth, the God-fearing. The Noble Quran (2:177)
Let us speak of the brotherhood of man. A major problem which
humanity faces nowadays, is that of racism. Materially advanced nations
such as the United States of American, and the Great Britain can send
man to the moon, but cannot stop humans from hating and fighting each
other. Islam, over the last 1400 years, has shown in practice, how racism
can be ended. Every year, during the Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca), the
Islamic miracle of real brotherhood of all races and nations can be seen in
action. Muslims from all over the world come to complete one of the
tenets of Islam. Everyone, whether rich or poor, dress in the same two

pieces of cloth and worship God, together. Islam propagates that there is
no difference between a black and a white, or an Arab and a non-Arab
except by righteousness. Muhammad, the final messenger of God, also
taught that God does not look at our outer appearances, but rather he
looks at our hearts, so whoever has more piety, righteousness, and Godconsciousness in his heart, is better, in the sight of God.
The family, which is the basic unit of civilization is disintegrating in all
western countries. In the United States, it is known that over two-thirds
of all marriages end up in divorce. Islams family system brings into a
fine equilibrium, the rights of the husband, wife, children, and relatives.
Islam encourages human unselfishness, generosity, and love in a wellorganized family system.
Human beings live according to their view of life. The tragedy of secular
societies is that they fail to connect the different aspects of life. The
secular and the religious, the scientific and the spiritual seem to be in
conflict. Islam puts an end to this conflict and brings harmony to mans
vision of life.
Islam is not a new religion. It is, in essence, the same message and
guidance which God (Allah) revealed to all prophets. God says:
Say: We believe in God (Allah), and what has been revealed to
us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and
The Tribes, and in (the books) given to Moses, Jesus, and the
Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between one
and another among them, and to God (Allah) do we bow our will
Noble Quran (3 : 84)
The message which was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be
upon him) is Islam in its comprehensive, complete, and final form.
Islam enjoins faith in the Oneness and Sovereignty of God (Allah), which
makes man aware of the meaningfulness of the universe and of his place
in it. This belief frees him from all fears and superstitions by making him
conscious of the presence of the Almighty God (Allah) and of mans
obligation towards Him. This faith must be expressed and tested in
action, for faith alone is not enough. Belief in One God requires that we
look upon humanity as one family under the universal Omnipotence of
God (Allah)-the Creator and Nourisher of all. Islam rejects the idea of a
chosen people. Having faith in God (Allah), and good actions are the
only ways to heaven. Thus, a direct relationship is established with God
(Allah), without any intercessor.

The Five Pillars of Islam

1. The Declaration of Faith: To bear witness that there is none

worthy of worship except God (Allah), and that Muhammad (peace

be upon him) is His messenger to all human beings till the Day of
Judgement. The prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him)
obliges the Muslims to follow his exemplary life as a mode.
2. Prayers: Daily prayers are offered five times a day as a duty
towards Allah. They strengthen and enliven the belief in God (Allah)
and and inspire man to a higher morality. They purify the heart and
prevent temptation towards wrong-doing and evil.
3. Zakat (Charity): To pay annually 2.5% of ones net saving on
which a year has passed as a religious duty and purifying sum to be
spent on poorer sections of the community.
4. Fasting the month of Ramadan: The Muslims during the month
of Ramadan not only abstain from food, drink, and sexual
intercourse from dawn to sunset, but also from evil intentions and
desires. It teaches love, sincerity, and devotion. It develops a
sound and social conscience, patience, unselfishness, and willpower.
5. Pilgrimage to the city of Mecca (Hajj): It is to be performed
once in a lifetime, if one can afford it financially and physically.
Besides these pillars, every action which is done with the
awareness that it fulfills the will of God (Allah) is also considered
an act of worship. For more information on Islam as a way of
life, please contact the nearest Islamic center.
Abdullah