Be the change you want to see

To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe. By believing passionately in something that does not yet exist, we create it!

Today, our society has become a victim of violence and aggression. Emotional vehemence has become a common Pakistani trait. It arises from the social injustice that surrounds us. When the fury of everyday frustrations becomes frantic, the turbulence within, translates into street riots and domestic burst of brutality against the weak within the household. These phenomena are not limited to Pakistan; they are rampant in societies where morality declines and law is superseded by might.

Justice antagonizes violence. When, in a society, new ways are devised to attain wealth without work and people indulge into pleasures of life with no conscience. When colossal institutions are built, but the knowledge they impart lacks character, when morality is scarce in commerce and humanity is scant in science. When there is paucity of principles in politics, then, in such a community, terrorism and violence cannot be controlled. Aggression is a direct consequence of abuse and discrimination. Corruption within the elites, translates into crime amongst the masses. Exploitation by the feudals, results in protest by the peasants. These are reactions of a suppressed populace; these upheavals cannot be tamed without addressing the injustice, these groups face; which is the root cause of this evil.

The state, Pakistan is in today, though mournful, is by no means dismal. What is unacceptable in this situation is that we, as a nation, are numbed beyond reason. Moral cowardice that keeps us from speaking our minds is as dangerous to this country as irresponsible talk. The right way is not always the popular and easy way. Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character.

It is essential to realize that constructive change cannot be brought through secularism in the light of its erratic ideologies. Islamic system of life is the only solution to peace and justice. To attain this goal we have a long way to tread and miles to travel. Revival of a just society is not an overnight process. It requires sincerity, zeal, perseverance and valour to stand against evil in hopes of establishing this code, which has been long forgotten. But, above all it requires firm and undeterred belief, in the attainment of positive result. All good is hard. All evil is easy. Suicide, pessimism, bribery, lying, cheating, and mediocrity are easy. If we resolve to annihilate evil, we have to stay away from easy. We have to pave our own path, our own future, instead of accepting what is laid by others for us. Instead of being a creature of circumstance, we have to become the architect of circumstance.

We discuss about peace within our cozy drawing rooms and idolize west for its judicial system, not realizing that our religion Islam, offers better moral standards and judicial system than any other global model. Peace has to be created, in order to be maintained. The triumph of principle is essential to create peace. In the turmoil that spawns from corruption, this idealistic goal is only achievable by having unfaltering faith in Allah, possessing unflinching valor and will to attain the impossible. Peace will never be achieved by passivity and quietism. It is vital for Muslim youth of today to struggle for the superiority and establishment of Deen and revival of Islam. The just Islamic system of governance is the only hope of a tranquil and peaceful Pakistan.

Unfortunately, the end of the Khilafah led to our disintegration into different countries on the basis of nationalism, language and other sectarian prejudices. Our first step should be to overcome these divisions. Let us not be embittered by our past or frustrated by the outlook of the future but be aware of our present. To be able to progress as a nation we have to analyze our current situation with a lens of satire and realism. We also have to identify our enemies and allies and understand their intentions towards us. Our future strategy should be based on this analysis.

It has been determined by our past confrontations with the enemy that it is elusive and practices numerous tools of deceit to attack us. It is easier to evade a direct blow; but, the deceptive tactics of our foes require a different strategy of defense. We need brave soldiers as well as able strategists on our squad to encounter the shrewd offensive that is launched upon us. The recent suicide attacks as well as media propaganda favoring our obvious enemies exhibits the stealth of our opponent’s war design. By purchasing loyalties of traitors within our ranks and bribing and brainwashing the oppressed and poor in our country they have penetrated deep within our boundaries to cause mass damage. We need a combination of brain and brawn to defeat our adversary at this game. Pakistan needs its driven and educated youth; today, more than ever, to lend it a helping hand and take it to glory. Contribute towards this goal; be the change, you want to see in your country!