Focus

One who is committed to self-development, he may be taken as a trustworthy person who does not fail in obeying divine commands. He discharges efficiently the duty assigned to him. Furthermore, he grows as a God-fearing person, who is continuously aware of divine glory and might. He internalizes morals derived from a sound understanding of divine attributes. As a devout servant of the Lord of all the worlds he cannot be the cause of any mischief nor succumbs to the divisiveness rooted in ethnic, national or cultural prejudice. He is not self-centred. On the contrary, his vision is universal and he works for the benefit of the whole of mankind. He seeks the same success for others that he desires for himself. ‘The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) observed: ‘You will be a Muslim, if you prefer for others what you like for yourself.’

Self-development does not leave any room for narrowness or parochialism in that one does not and cannot opt for self-interest in preference to truth. He does not follow the criteria of honour and disgrace professed and practised by misguided communities. He recognizes that injustice is ruinous for mankind, for in the midst of widespread injustice man cannot discharge his obligations towards the One True God. He recognizes that he will face obstructions at every step erected by the forces of falsehood. For example, if he resolves to extirpate obscenity and nudity, he will be opposed tooth and nail by those in power, who would rather promote obscenity. Likewise, his decision to put an end to the evils of usury and wine will be negated by an un-Islamic state that grants free licence for selling and buying wine. A person adorned with self-development works ceaselessly for improvements in public morality and for preaching godliness. In contrast, those in power resort to all means to defend their privileged position, even at the expense of sacrificing morals, justice and equality. History bears abundant witness to this bitter reality.

On the contrary, when the pious ones assume power and authority, they act in an altogether different fashion, as the Qur’an attests: ‘Those who, if We establish them in the land, will establish prayer and pay zakah and command what is reputable and restrain what is disreputable; and unto Allah is the end of all affairs.’ (al-Hajj 22:41). In other words, no flaw mars their conduct. For they fulfill the obligations due to Allah and to fellow human beings. Moreover, they promote and enjoin good and curb and forbid evil. They provide the best arrangements for the moral training of the public. While performing these duties they are ever conscious of the Hereafter. They entrust all affairs to Allah. Given this, the votaries of truth are not shaken by temporary set-backs and suffering. They prefer death to compromise with falsehood. In all circumstances they are loyal to the truth and abhor collusion with wrongdoers. Their supplication, as recorded in the Qur’an, is reflective of their mind-set: ‘O Allah, Sovereign of the Dominion! You give dominion to whom You will. You exalt whom You will and You abase whom You will. And in Your hand is good; surely You are Powerful over everthing.’ (Al- Imran 3:26) This explains the Qur’anic view of subjugation. It is a disgrace for the champions of truth to lead a life of enslavement. On assuming power they do not enslave anyone. Far from acting on their whims or base desires, they always abide by divine commands. The Islamic concept of self-development is very broad. It is not restricted to one’s inner self or spiritual aspect. Rather, it embraces man’s entire thought, record of deeds and both his personal and social life.

From “Tazkiyah: The Islamic Path of Self-Development” by Abdur Rashid Siddiqui, pp. 43-45