Innovation:
Call for a Paradigm Shift
By Dr. Maulana Mateen Khan
Muslims are proliferous throughout the professional world
as we occupy positions in every echelon. Despite being in
positions of potential influence, many Muslims remain
non-progressive in the way that truly benefits. Sure, we
might be at the helm of cutting-edge technology, but that
is like being at the helm of a fleet that is lost at sea. We have
access to GPS but neglect to use it. In those realms, rather
than guiding and being beneficial, we are accidental Muslims.
This is not what we were meant to be. It is an injustice
to the rest of the world. What the world deserves and what
should be an expectation of every Muslim is that he/she ties
himself/herself to Allah and His Messenger a first and then
extends a hand to others.
The Rope of Allah and His Messenger a
Allah, the Exalted, blessed Muslims with guidance; hence,
we also inherited the burden of leadership. He announced
to us, “You are the best of nations brought forth for the people,
(because) you encourage the good, forbid the wrong,
and believe in Allah.” (3:110) This is a conditional recommendation.
The recommendation from Allah, the Exalted,
is that Muslims can benefit people more than anyone else.
The condition is that we encourage and forbid that which
was revealed to us by Allah, the Exalted. His Prophet a came
out to his Companions l one day and asked, “Do you not
testify that there is no God besides Allah, and I am the Messenger
of Allah?” The Companions said, “Of course!” He
said, “Indeed, one end of this Qur’an is with Allah, the Exalted,
and the other end is in your hands. Hold it tightly, and
you will never be lost or destroyed thereafter.” In turn, Allah,
the Exalted, said of the Prophet a, “Whatever the Messenger
gives you, take it, and whatever he forbids you from,
leave it.” (59:7) Here is the rope that anchors Muslims and
by which we can anchor other human beings. Hold tightly
to the words of Allah and His Messenger a, and you will
never be lost. No, more than that! Hold to it, and you will
know what is most beneficial in the face of every hurdle you
encounter. Although the principles are 1400 years old, they
continue to be a guidance as if revealed yesterday without
need for renewal.
Our Creed
20 March – April 2021 | AL-MADINAH