How to Bring Change in a Society

“Allah will not change a people’s lot unless they change themselves.”

(Holy Quran: Sura Ra’ad, Verse 11)

Objectives

  1. Change in Governance or Change in Society or both
  2. Call for Change in a Society
  3. Need for Change
  4. Who or what is to blame?
  5. Solutions: How to bring about change?
  6. Major Principles of Bringing About Change
  7. Patience & Perseverance
  8. Life after Change

Introduction

We hear of the word ‘change’ too often now a days.  To expect people to change overnight is not very wise.  After all it took the Holy Prophets (PBUT) many years to change their people & some of the nations didn’t change at all.

The ‘change’ I am referring to in this article is the ultimate change, indicated in the verse of the Holy Quran mentioned above, in which people & then the society conform in totality to the teachings of Islam as outlined in the Holy Quran & the Hadith.

Only this type of change can bring peace to a society again. If we are looking, for example, for only a change in ‘economy’, it should be according to principles of Islamic economics, for only this change will bring out the change expected to bring total peace (Islam) in a society.

Some of these opinions concerning ‘change’ are personal views and opinions and one may not agree with them. 

What is more important: Change in the society or change in governance?

The answer to an interesting on – going debate is that both have an important role for a complete change in the society

The government has to provide a platform, an environment for its citizens so that they can live their lives according to the norms of the religion of the society, in our case Deen e Islam

We have been told the qualities of a great leader

And one of the fundamental qualities is that a leader should provide for the welfare of the led, especially economic welfare. Also includes providing good education, health and safety / security for the citizens

Without change at the top, at the government level, complete change in the society and individuals is extremely difficult

This is also supported by several verses in the Holy Quran:

“Whosoever does not judge also means” whoever does not govern according …

Difference Between Religion & Deen & the Fault with Secularism

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And both types of people, the public who sin and those in government who do Zulm, will be punished as mentioned in the Holy Quran Surah Al – Zumar verse 51:

“And the evil consequences of what they earned struck them. And those who have wronged of these [people] will be afflicted by the evil consequences of what they earned; and they will not cause failure.” 

This blog will hopefully prove useful to those who wish to change individuals in their society or home but are finding it difficult to do so.”

Need For Change

Whenever people or a society astray from the teachings of Islam, things often start going wrong for the individual and/or the society. So first of all, what leads people or a society to go astray? These points will be highlighted first before giving solutions towards a change.

IGNORANCE – THE MAIN FACTOR

“Are the wise and ignorant equal?” (Holy Quran: 39: 9)

Obviously this is the main reason for the deviation of our Muslims from the teachings of Islam.  No one tries to find out the truth himself.  Everyone follows blindly other members of his society and/or whatever media (electronic or social) tells him.  Everything is hearsay.  They have been given wrong concepts and explanations so how can we expect them to do right?

There is only one in a thousand or more even among the literate who has read the whole of the Holy Quran with meaning (forget about tafseer, commentary), and there is one in a thousand who can understand its meaning when it is read in Arabic!!

No wonder one Christian has said that the Holy Quran is the book upon which most injustice has and is still being done.  Millions of Muslims read the Holy Quran around the world everyday, without even trying to understand its meaning!!

We read it just for “Sawab” (Blessings).  It is kept on the top most shelves of our houses.  It is read only in its Arabic context on sacred occasions e.g. death of a person or to commemorate his death later, or in the Holy month of Ramadan or on a happy occasion like opening a shop or a new house to obtain blessings!!

Is this what the Holy Quran was sent for?  We indeed are doing great injustice to this book.  We put it around our necks to protect us from evil; we pass it over the bridegroom’s head at the wedding to protect her from evil; and so on.

We do everything but try to understand what it is saying to us.  Is this what we do to a doctor’s transcription?  Do we put that invaluable transcription in a glass of water and drink it?  No!  No!  No!  We read what it says and act upon it.

The Holy Prophet will make a point against his own people on the Day of Judgment:

“The Prophet will say ‘My Lord my people have treated this Quran as a forsaken thing.’”

(Holy Quran 25: 30)

What will we answer to this charge and that also by the fairest man in the world (PBUH), who has never told a lie and never will (pbuh)?

We do the same to the Holy Quran as Christians do to the Holy Bible:

Besides the teachings of Holy Quran, its translation & commentary (tafseer), how many of us have read the Sahih Sittah books of Ahadith (the 6 most authentic books of the sayings and actions of the Holy Prophet)?

How many of us listen to Quranic Duroos (lessons) from scholars or try to understand the Holy Quran ourselves?

And we still expect ‘change’ to come?

Lack of Tarbeeah (Spiritual/Religious Education & Training) During Childhood

One of the major causes of ignorance in the individuals & the society going astray is the lack of Tarbeeah (spiritual religious teaching & training) given to the children by their parents, especially during the last two generations.

As we see our elders were & still are more pious, God-fearing & knowledgeable than the present generation, but unfortunately they somehow failed to transfer all this good to the coming generations.

Social Customs and Culture

The second most important factor responsible for the deviation from the teachings of Islam that I have noted is the influence of the local customs, culture, and behavioral patterns of the society and one’s own family.

One tends to patternize one’s behavior and ways of living according to what one sees around him.  This is quite natural and gradually these patterns of behavior become ingrained in one’s life.  Because one’s society is ignorant of the right, then automatically one will pick up all the wrongs from the society.

The society will hardly tell anyone which thing one is doing is right and which thing is wrong.  When this differentiation is not there, then one tends to pick up all the wrongs and rights.  So that after 2 or 3 generations we get a society that is quite far away from the true teachings of Islam.

Women taking off their Hijab/Niqab or putting on their Hijab/Niqab when going into or moving out of a place is very common in the society. Many women wearing Hijab in Saudi Arabia immediately take it off at airports when embarking for Pakistan or women traveling from Islamabad to Faisalabad suddenly don their Hijab minutes before reaching Faisalabad. 

Why?  Why this type of Behavior?  Simple!  One does not want to look odd in ones’ society because then one will be made fun of; one will be ridiculed etc.  Even one might be rejected by one’s own family.

There are many examples in which women started wearing the Hijab and immediately they were made fun of even by their own family members including their spouses!  Some of them are then compelled to take the Hijab off again.

The society factor is a major factor in preventing a change among individuals.  This is because even when knowledge is given to people then the fear of what the society will say if one starts doing this or one stops doing that etc. will hinder them from the right path.  Inside one’s heart one may truly want to change but the societal fears and pressure are so much that one is unable to do so.

Also people do not change when they see the society doing the same ‘wrongs’ or rights they are doing. They even don’t think or believe they are doing anything wrong.

In a society where corruption is rampant, how does one expect the rulers to be corruption free?

Lack of Faith

There are many people who have the knowledge and who have no fear or pressure from the society but still resist a change in their lifestyle because of a lack of faith in Allah and the Life Hereafter.

They may say that we strongly believe in Allah and His Prophet and the Holy Quran etc. but practically they are non-practicing Muslims showing no or little signs that they really do believe in Allah and the Hereafter.

The main cause of this is that first of all we are complacent.  We simply take it for granted that since we are Muslims, we will somehow or another go to Heaven.  We believe that since Allah is Merciful and Compassionate etc, He will forgive us and the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) will intercede upon our behalf because we belong to his Ummah (Nation).

Wishful thinking! Just like it is mentioned in the Holy Quran about the Jews and their wrong concepts that they will eventually go to heaven, and that even if they do go to Hell it will be only for a few days.

So in a way this lack of faith has some relationship with a lack of knowledge of what the Holy Quran and Hadith tell us i.e. only if we do good deeds and have true faith will we be successful.  This is repeated again and again in the Holy Quran:

“Those who believe and do good deeds…”

For example Holy Quran 2: 82 :

So those two acts go together.  There is little value of one without the other.

Just like the famous poet Allama Iqbal said:

“Deeds make a life Hell or Heaven

This body in nature is neither light nor fire.”

The second point about the lack of faith is that we leave most worship for old people and we say that we will do good deeds when we reach a certain age in our lives i.e. Prayer, Hajj and recitation of the Holy Quran are for elderly people and when we because old we will also start becoming pious!

Well, first of all no one can guarantee that one will become old enough to become pious; and secondly Allah will take into account all of our lives and not only the last part of it.

The Media

The media also has a strong role in influencing our thoughts and behavior.  Whatever we see on the television or read in the magazines or newspapers we get influenced by it; by the dialogues, by the wordings, by the stories or by the discussions etc.

We see our heroes on the screen and we try to copy their dialogues; we see the heroines and we wear their dresses and adopt their hairstyles.

Since the media is totally westernized and western culture is propagated by our government, our viewers are being totally brainwashed by this wave of Inappropriate culture.

Women wearing inappropriate dresses, musical programs in which young boys and girls sing and dance together and the role of the bearded man as a villain in every drama are some of the strategies in this extremely brutal program of deviating the society’s youth away from the teachings of Islam.

“Those who delight in spreading evil and indecency amongst the believers shall be severely punished in this life and the Hereafter.”  (Sura 24: Verse 19)

This is why Allah Almighty has declared such a grave punishment for those people who spread evil in the society; because these influence the peoples’ action, thoughts and behavior and lead them far away from Islam and its teachings.

And since most of today’s society spends its free time glued to the television, this is now becoming a major factor in preventing a change in an individual.

Same goes for social media now a days.

WHO ELSE IS TO BLAME?

There are many people or group of people who are responsible for the current state of affairs.  Those who can influence the society in a good way are not doing their job correctly and those who influence the society in a bad way are on top.

The main culprits for all this mess in my opinion are the Imams, Ulema and other learned people who have done little to provide the correct knowledge to the masses.  They have failed miserably in influencing the society and its individuals.

First of all the Imams of our mosques are hardly educated at all themselves. Even they are lacking in the comprehensive knowledge of the Holy Quran and Sunnah.  Most of them just learn a portion and then start preaching.  They have taken it up as a profession and means of earning money.  They don’t know the techniques, the methods and wisdom of preaching.

Secondly, these Imams indulge in controversial issues, which have little or no bearing upon a Muslim’s character, Faith or reward.  For example, should one say Ameen aloud or not in congregational prayer; should one wear a pant or not in prayer; should we wear a cap in prayer or not etc.

Thirdly, these Imams argue openly with other Imams of a different sect about minute issues in faith.  These debates, discussions and even arguments and fights about such small and minor issues have compelled the individuals to stay away from the mosques.  People come to the mosques only for Friday prayers and that too at the last moments and not to attend the Friday sermon.

Of Mullahs & Mullahism

These Imams and religious leaders divide themselves into Sunni, Shia, Brailvi, Deobandis, etc.  There is never-ending list of different factions who teach their own doctrines.  The public is so sick and tired of their quibbling and quarreling so much so that no one listens to them anymore.

Hold Fast to the Rope of Allah

Fourthly, these clergymen have earned themselves a bad name for one more reason although I think it is not entirely their fault.  If anyone of them does some wrong or commits a sin then the whole lot is considered as such.

Rotten eggs are found everywhere and there are plenty of them in this lot of ‘Maulvis’ who preach as well as do sinful deeds.  Although no one can be perfect but the public expect them to be as such.  If one of these ‘Maulvis’ is caught drinking wine, stealing or committing adultery then the blame falls on this whole community of religious leaders.  However, many of these religious leaders preach others not to do things that they do themselves.

Then there are the religious political parties who have further disgraced Islam and its teachings.  These parties ask for votes in the name of Islam and collect charity in the name of Islam but in the actions they don’t seem to be serious at all.

Secondly responsible are the liberal people among the society who take no opportunity of making fun of Islam, its teachings and religiously devoted people, for making mistakes or for no reason at all.

Thirdly, the societal pressures and influences are not abolished.

Then there are people who have the knowledge and faith and are practicing but they don’t bother to convey the message to the people around them fearing that they will be ridiculed or made fun of or rejected from the society; although it is they who might end up getting a bigger punishment than the non-practicing Muslims according to a Hadith of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).

There are people who just don’t bother to tell someone the real truth because they think that they will never ever change.  They have eliminated them from the fold of Islam.

The government, no matter who is it, pays little or no attention in propagating the teachings of Islam and the Holy Quran.  Most of the coverage is given to Inappropriate programs as I have mentioned in the last chapter.

Finally, there are people who say that we are not perfect so why should we tell others to become perfect.  They are waiting for perfection!!  Well no one is perfect and never will become perfect.  However we should all strive for perfection and if we are not perfect we can still preach to others as a Hadith of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) says.

RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE

In medicine we have a term called Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) in which we find out if a person can tolerate a certain amount of glucose that is given to him.  “Toleration” meaning that his blood glucose levels will remain normal and no glucose will appear in his urine if his pancreas is working correctly.  If he can tolerate than he is considered normal.  If not he is abnormal, intolerant, and maybe diabetic because he can’t tolerate a certain amount of glucose.

Similarly, there are certain well-learned people educated in Islamic teachings and good practicing Muslims who will not tolerate any other Muslim doing even a slight bit of wrong.  They will immediately consider them out of the fold of Islam and look down upon them and believe the worse will happen to them in the Hereafter.

These people have a low religious tolerance.  They don’t think about why these Muslims are behaving the way they do.  They expect them to be as religious as they themselves are.  Although they themselves might have been non-preaching themselves at some time in their lives, and then Allah gave them the true guidance.

We should be thankful to Allah that He has given us the true guidance, when we were ourselves far away from the straight path.

But we, after being guided, don’t bother to at least go to the unguided people at least once even though our Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H.) went to more crooked people again and again and again.  We will have to tolerate many things at the start while the changes will come later.

For example, if we see a woman unveiled we will think the worst of her.  We won’t think of the excellent behavior and character that she might have and the other good qualities that she might be having.  They have rejected her straight away.  What a pity!  What a loss!  She has been deprived of listening to the truth and learning about the right concepts about Islam.  She will then remain in the dark forever.

Just like the diabetic person having glucose intolerance, we people have a disease called “religious intolerance” and unless we learn to tolerate people we will not be able to succeed in our mission of bringing change.

ANY SOLUTIONS?

Main principles to bring about change in individuals:

1. There is no compulsion in Deen of Islam. Thus change is never brought about by force. 

2. One has to set an example oneself before trying to change others

So again never force or a compel a change on your partner. Never impose restrictions: don’t do this and don’t do that etc. Make an example of righteousness yourself, show love, compassion and respect, make dua and the change will come in sha Allah.

3. Continuously keep on reminding people

4. Never criticize, humiliate or call another a hypocrite

5. Never lose hope; be patient; keep on praying

 

SOLUTIONS TO CAUSES

The solution to the present problem is theoretically very simple i.e. just look back at the causes of the dilemma and try to correct them.

So the first thing is encouraging people to study the Quran with meaning and imparting Islamic education to the maximum number of people.

We have to convey to the public what things in Islam are Halaal and what are Haraam and then leaving the gateway open for more questions that have been unanswered from their side.

This has to be done by everybody who has the right knowledge and this includes the Imams, the clergymen, and even the common man.

As the Hadith says:

“Convey about me (my religion) even if it be one sign.”

One has to be sure not to indulge in controversial issues and where there is a common consensus (Ijtehaad) among the religious scholars or Ulema to take that viewpoint only.

If one does not know the answer to a question one should ask the learned people instead of guessing or telling wrong things.

“Ask the knowledgeable if you do not know.” (Holy Qursan: Sura An-Nahl; Verse 43)

In this way confusions are removed from the public.

The Imams of the mosques should give Quranic lessons every now and then and discuss important issues pertaining to everyday life, which are mentioned in the Holy Quran and Sunnah.

Stress should be on authentic books of Sunnah because many other books contain fabricated or controversial issues and points, which may cause differences among the public.

Where there is a choice in a matter among the four Imams, the public may be given the right to follow any of them because essentially they have all originated from the same source i.e. our Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).

Islamic education including important issues should also be taught at schools, colleges and universities and should be made compulsory.

Similarly, religious parties, political or non-political should shed their differences and stress more on imparting Islamic knowledge from the Holy Quran and Sunnah rather than indulging their members more into political or other activities.

“You are the best nation that has ever been raised up for mankind; you enjoin justice and forbid evil.” (Holy Quran: 3:110)

And the Hadith says:

“The best amongst you are those who are learning the Holy Quran and teaching it.”

The media should also impart as much Islamic knowledge as possible without the inappropriate aspects and teachings.

So, to summarize, there should be an environment created where there is a continuous flow of Islamic knowledge made accessible everywhere, anywhere and at any time if possible.

The second factor responsible for the deviation from the teachings of Islam was the influence of the society.  This is very big hurdle and a very big obstacle to climb.

One has to have a big heart to face the society and a lot of patience.  One will have to face the societal pressures and pressures from within the family including one’s spouse.

As one Hadith says:

“No obedience to the created in matters which prove disobedience to the creator.”

This means just to please the society we should not disobey the orders of Allah.

“You are afraid of man, although it is more right to fear Allah.” (Holy Quran 33 : 37)

The ‘Log Kiya Kahain Gay’ Syndrome

Yes, Allah has more rights to be feared than the society around us.  So we should fear and follow Him alone and not worry about what the society will say or do about us.  Allah is with the true believers at all times.

Another important point in this regard is that one should try to differentiate between what Islam really teaches with what the society is doing.  One may think that the society is all right; doing fine, but afterwards may find out that this is against the Islamic teachings.

“Shall we tell you who will lose most through their labors?  Those who endeavors in this world are misguided and who yet think that what they do is right.” (Sura Kahf; Verse 103)

Their work will all be in vain.  They will receive no reward on the Day of Judgement.  Of course this differentiation between right and wrong can only be made by knowledge.

One may have to go against one’s family, one’s society sometimes in following the teachings of Islam.

Sometimes a person on path to the TRUTH feels like a stranger as he may feel isolated and the only one on this ‘strange’ path. He will be the blessed one as the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said!

The Hadith says:

“Islam started as a strange religion and will again become a strange religion.  So blessed be the strangers.”

Yes, the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) has blessed such strangers in the society.  Their own family members may reject them, their neighbors, their societies, their colleagues etc but the Prophet has told us to remain steadfast even under such adverse conditions.

The third factor was the lack of faith of the people in Allah and the Hereafter.  This has to be developed by education and constant ‘brain washing’ with Islamic ideals, values, thoughts and behavior. ONE HAS TO HAVE THE WILL TO CHANGE.

Good company is necessary for change i.e. to be in company of the faithful.  If someone has friends who don’t pray or do other good deeds then it will be very difficult to start praying as compared to someone who has friends who pray.

“Woe to me!  Would that I had never chosen so and so for my companion.  He led me astray…” (Holy Quran: 25; 28-29)

This is what one will feel sorry for in the Hereafter to but of no avail.

The wrong concept of easy entrance to Heaven has to be explained to such people and that everyone will be accountable for their deeds.  The fact that a single second in Hell will be unbearable has to be emphasized to such people.

Being too complacent is a big risk and unlike the exams in this life, there will be no compartment or supplementary in the Hereafter (although one will wish at that time that one may be given a second chance).

There will be also no one to intercede on our behalf.  The Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) will intercede only on the behalf of the pious people who are lacking in some minute things.

Even minor sins should be avoided as they lead to bigger sins:

One should not be complacent into thinking that one will of course be forgiven and enter heaven just because one is a Muslim.

The role of the media is very important.  It should not be imparting western ideas, thoughts or behavior, but should totally stress on Islamic culture and beliefs.  Islamic lessons from the Holy Quran and Sunnah should be given daily and Islamic plays and dramas should be telecast.  However, this seems impossible because our governments are all under the influence of the west.

Finally, the Muslims who have religious intolerance should be able to tolerate non-practicing Muslims.  They should intermingle with them in the society, talk to them, laugh and enjoy with them and at the same time think and plan about opportunities of how to change them.  If brave enough and with strong faith one may go ahead and marry such people with the intention of changing them afterwards.

This is much said than done.  One may if not careful enough go astray himself.  But on the other hand if pious men marry pious women where will the non-pious people go?  And a lifetime partner can impart education, behavior ideas etc to his or her partner the rest of their lives.  In this way they may change not only one another but also both their families and their future generations could be changed!!  So the detracking from the road to the straight path which had occurred can be corrected.

PATIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE

“Seek assistance in patience and prayer. Allah is with those that are patient.” (Holy Quran 2: 153)

“…exhaust one another to truth and to patience.” (Holy Quran: Sura Al-Asr; Verse 3)

This is very important point in this tortuous journey of “converting” a Muslim.  It takes a lot of patience and perseverance and we should ask Allah for those qualities to be ingrained within us while doing the job of changing an individual.  Allah is always with those who are patient; and only those are successful who are patient.

You can’t expect anyone to change overnight.  It takes a lot of patience.  It often comes slowly.

You will have to go again and again to the same person, repeat the same words again and again but you will have to guard yourself against impatience and anger towards your friend.

“Call men to the path of your Lord with wisdom and mild exhortation; Lesson with them in the most courteous manner.” (Sura An-Nahl; Verse 125)

Yes, one has to be very polite and not lose hope too quickly, as some people are very hasty for early success.

The Holy Prophet Noah (Peace Be Upon Him) preached for 950 years and at the end about only 80 people became his followers.

One should not become despaired or depressed but just try harder and pray to Allah sincerely for oneself and for one’s friend.

“Then perhaps you would kill yourself through grief over them, [O Muhammad], if they do not believe in this message, [and] out of sorrow.

So we should try hard that we will almost exhaust ourselves of all energy.  Our Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) was an example for us in this regard.  He would go to the peoples’ houses again and again.  Sometimes he was abused, sometimes thorns were put in his path, and sometimes he was beaten but he never let go of his mission.  He would say:

“This is because they are a people who do not understand.”

Similarly, we will also face such difficulties if we go upon this tremendous task of changing an individual’s life.

LIFE AFTER CHANGE – STEADFASTNESS

“Praise be to Allah who has guided us, had Allah not given guidance we would have strayed from the right path.” (Sura Al-Araaf; Verse 43)

So, first of all the person thanks Allah and praises Him again and again for giving him the guidance.  Now he will have to maintain that change.

These people will of course face many hardships and might be compelled or forced to revert back to old ways.  They will be made fun of, ridiculed and/or beaten up but they will have to remain steadfast.

“Our Lord, pour upon us patience and plant firmly our feet and give us victory over the disbelieving people.”

(Holy Quran: 2: 250)

So, they should pray for patience and steadfastness.  They at the start will feel odd and strange in the society.  But they should be told and convinced that they are the winners at the end.  A Hadith says:

“Islam started as a strange religion and will again become a strange religion.  So blessed be the strangers.”

Yes, the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) has blessed such strangers in the society.  Their own family members may reject them, their neighbors, their societies, their colleagues etc but the Prophet has told us to remain steadfast even under such adverse conditions.

“Say, if your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your tribes, the property you have acquired, the merchandise you fear may not be sold, and the homes you love are dearer to you than Allah and his Apostle and the striving for His cause, then wait until Allah shall fulfill his decree.” (Holy Quran: Sura At-Toba; Verse 24)

We have to sacrifice our all for the sake of Allah and say:

“Say my prayer and my devotion, my life and my death, are all for Allah, Lord of the Creation.” (Holy Quran 6 : 162)

The responsibility of the preacher does not end here; it increases in fact.  He has to see that the person is being steadfast in his change.  He should keep on giving him more and more knowledge, give him more social support than ever before and provide him with good company.

Ideally, the one who has changed goes on to change other members of the society and in this way a chain reaction may start.  Several members of the society who have changed or want to change may get together for moral support.  They may also hold meetings and discussions.  They may also arrange to meet each other in Quranic lessons.

So one should look for pious people in the society and stick to them if one wants to avoid the stigma from the society and stay on the right path.  In this way it will be easy to remain changed and will help in preventing reversion back to ignorance.  So good company is a vital factor after a change.

At the end we will say we love Allah and the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) but the Holy Quran gives us a condition:

“Say, if you love Allah, follow me.  Allah will love you and forgive your sins.” (Holy Quran: 3: 31)

We should try to follow Allah and His Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) as much as possible.  The door to knowledge never closes so the person should try to learn more and more about Islam after he has “converted” to Islam.

Thirdly they have to self-assess themselves; are they following the true path? Are they praying and doing other good deeds like fulfilling human rights etc

They can perhaps fill up the following form for weekly self-assessment: (J means with congregation (Jamaat), tick means prayed, cross means did not pray):

The responsibility of the preacher does not end here; it increases in fact.  He has to see that the person is being steadfast in his change.  He should keep on giving him more and more knowledge, give him more social support than ever before and provide him with good company.

They may also arrange to meet each other in Quranic lessons.  So one should look for pious people in the society and stick to them if one wants to avoid the stigma from the society and stay on the right path.  In this way it will be easy to remain changed and will help in preventing reversion back to ignorance.  So good company is a vital factor after a change.

We should try to follow Allah and His Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) as much as possible.  The door to knowledge never closes so the person should try to learn more and more about Islam after he has “converted” to Islam.

ہلاکو خان کی بیٹی بغداد میں
گشت کررہی تھی کہ
ایک ہجوم پر اس کی نظر پڑی۔
پوچھا لوگ یہاں کیوں اکٹھے ہیں؟
جواب آیا:
ایک عالم کے پاس کھڑے ہیں۔
اس نے عالم کو اپنے سامنے پیش ہونے کا حکم دیا۔
عالم کو تاتاری شہزادی کے سامنے لا کر حاضر کیا گیا۔
شہزادی
مسلمان عالم سے سوال کرنے لگی:
کیا تم لوگ اللہ پر ایمان نہیں رکھتے؟
عالم:
یقیناً ہم ایمان رکھتے ہیں
شہزادی:
کیا تمہارا ایمان نہیں کہ
اللہ جسے چاہے غالب کرتا ہے؟
عالم:
یقیناً ہمارا اس پر ایمان ہے۔
شہزادی:
تو کیا اللہ نے آچ ہمیں
تم لوگوں پر غالب نہیں کردیا ہے؟
عالم:
یقیناً کردیا ہے-
شہزادی:
تو کیا یہ اس بات کی دلیل نہیں کہ
خدا ہمیں تم سے زیادہ چاہتا ہے؟
عالم:
نہیں
شہزادی:
کیسے؟
عالم:
تم نے کبھی چرواہے کو دیکھا ہے؟
شہزادی:
ہاں دیکھا ہے
عالم:
کیا اس کے ریوڑ کے پیچھے چرواہے نے
اپنے کچھ کتے رکھے ہوتے ہیں؟
شہزادی:
ہاں رکھے ہوتے ہیں۔
عالم:
اچھا تو اگر کچھ بھیڑیں چرواہے کو
چھوڑ کو کسی دوسری طرف کو نکل کھڑی ہوں،
اور چرواہے کی سن کر واپس آنے کو تیار ہی نہ ہوں،
تو چرواہا کیا کرتا ہے؟
شہزادی:
وہ ان کے پیچھے اپنے کتے دوڑاتا ہے
تاکہ وہ ان کو واپس اس کی کمان میں لے آئیں۔
عالم:
وہ کتے کب تک ان بھیڑوں کے پیچھے پڑے رہتے ہیں؟
شہزادی:
جب تک وہ فرار رہیں اور چرواہے کے
اقتدار میں واپس نہ آجائیں۔
عالم نے کہا :
تم تاتاری لوگ زمین میں ہم مسلمانوں کے
حق میں خدا کے چھوڑے ہوئے کتے ہو
جب تک ہم خدا کے در سے بھاگے رہیں گے
اور اس کی اطاعت اور اس کے منہج پر نہیں آجائیں گے، تب تک خدا تمہیں ہمارے پیچھے دوڑائے رکھے گا،
اور ھماری گردنوں پر مسلط رکھے گا
جب ہم خدا کے در پر واپس آجائیں گے
اُس دن تمہارا کام ختم ہوجائے گا۔
آج پھر وہی حال ہے
آج کتے ہم پر مسلط ہیں
یہودیوں عیساٸیوں، ہندوؤں,  سیکولر اور لبرلز کی صورت میں
اور جب تک ہم واپس نہ آجاٸیں اسلام کی طرف
تب تک ہم پر مسلط رہیں گے۔۔۔۔۔

Ameen, Wa ma alaina illal balagh ul mubeen

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