Human Concern

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

I am not politically-minded by any means. I long stopped reading and listening to the news as my heart and mind have a hard time handling it. Nonetheless, I was recently sent a video about the situation in Iraq, so I ask myself, "Are the people in a better or worse state with this new leadership?" "Are injustices, such as wrongful imprisonment, being rectified?"

I have heard snippets of news wherein terms such as "dangerous" and "vile" are being used to describe this Islamic leadership. I definitely agree that it is a powerful leadership (and thus frightening to anyone hoping to rule the world), but it seems that the people are faring much better. It has been far too long since that land has seen leaders who are concerned about the people and their welfare. Ironic as it may be since that, by my definition, is the entire point of a leader.

News reports from the west come with ever-repeated undertones that Islam and anything to do with serious Islamic practice is to be feared, so terms that all relate to "fear" are now being used. But I am entirely committed to Islamic practice because it secures all people from injustices and atrocities. Islamic law is ethical and just to its core, and those who beg to differ have likely not studied it with any intensity or with any sense of understanding of communal good and spiritual excellence.

By Islamic law, blood cannot be shed unjustly. Women, children, and non-combatants are to be protected. Natural resources and animals are to be respected, cared for, and preserved. But who ever writes about that? 

It was said that the best of leaders, Prophet Muhammad salla Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam, wept profusely at the demise of a Jewish boy who was accidentally killed in crossfire. When asked by his companions why he wept, he responded with (something to the effect), "Was he not innocent?"

This world needs a serious change wherein people begin to look at each other with the gaze of compassion and human concern. We desperately need to see the human race as unified such that we won't accept the murder, torture, and harassment of another human being. The bullies of the world need to give it a rest, and the leaders of the world need to maintain ethical standards.

The code of justice, human compassion, and care was exemplified for us by the one (peace and blessings be upon him) who sacrificed his every comfort for the sake of ensuring that we knew what God wanted us to know about living on this earth in peaceful coexistence in servitude of Him and not of our lower, selfish, and aggressive selves. 

We can be better. 

We must affirm that the human condition should be better. In my ignorance of political happenings, I can only say that I pray for a better world, and I pray that success is granted to those who are sincerely striving to bring good to all people - whoever they may and wherever they may be.

Aug. 23, 2014 - Update:

It seems the video that I was sent was severely skewed and deceitful. The situation of the people now involves an array of gross human violations. May Allah grant them relief of such horrors and grant them leadership that serves its true purpose - serving the people and ensuring their rights and welfare are being preserved. Ameen.