- Reform Issues
- November 7, 2005
- 6 minutes read
The Moslem Brotherhood’s Methodology of Reform (13):
The Moslem Brotherhood’s Methodology of Reform (13):
By Mahmmud Ezet, the Secretary General of Moslem Brotherhood.
Ikhwan online
Reform is unquestionable. Its methodology varies. But why does Moslem Brotherhood insist on the Islamic ideology of reform?
For attaining a short-cut and definite answer, three sub-questions should be answer:
a- What are the principle characteristics of the Islamic reform?
b- Is it justifiable to mix or to choose another ideology?
c- What are the results of the non-Islamic reform? Who is charged with this reform?
In this article I will tackle the main features of the Islamic methodology of reform, in brief:
1- The Islamic ideology is comprehensive. It deals with all aspects of life; social, humanitarian, political, international relations, commercial relations…etc. The 77-year struggle of Moslem Brotherhood was to lay down that Islam is a religion that regulates the human life according to Allah’s method and that the happiness of human beings is linked to a religion-controlled life. Just as Allah Says in the Holy Qur’an ” Say: ’ truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death, are (all) for Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds: no partner hath He: this am I commanded, and I am the first of those who submit to His Will.” (Cattle, 162-163).
2- Islamic methodology calls for change, starting with changing one’s self, Allah Says “verily never will Allah change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves,” (the Thander,11). The remedy of the actual situation should de preceded and accompanied by a self-improvement.
3- The whole nation is charged with Islamic reform. It is useless to have some reformists without the participation of the entire nation. The mere support to the reformists is inadequate; each individual has a role to play. This will be discussed in details, later on.
4- The Islamic reform is gradual. It considers all necessary requirements to get the Islamic nation out of this civilization setback. The Islamic remedy begins with attaining the fundamentals, then the necessities, then the luxuries. Similarly, it is gradually concerned with the individual, the family, the community, and then the State which unifies, improves and urge the Moslems carry out its role in the world civilization.
5- It is a practical remedy, based on individual and constitutional initiatives to solve the social, economical and political problems in accordance with the Islamic methodology.
6- The Islamic reform aims at the human honor, as Allah Says “We have honored the sons of Adam”. The Moslems contact with the world civilization, within the Islamic frame, in addition, they contribute to it.
7- It is a peaceful ideology that rejects all forms of violence. But it uses the true and pure concept of jihad to clarify the truth of Allah by wisdom and gentle persuasion, Allah Says “invent (all) to the Way of the Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious”, (the Night Journey, 125).
8- It is non-stop improvement. It is not halt by difficulties or by the access of power. Common or official Moslems are aware of their responsibilities about which they will be asked by Allah, in the hereafter. Calamities do not hinder the Moslem because he knows that they are inevitable, Allah Says “do men think that they will be left on saying’ we believe’ and that they will not be tested?” So unheeded to obstacles, Moslems do their best to achieve the long-desired reform till Allah be pleased with them.
I think that these are the most important characteristics of the Islamic methodology. I mentioned them briefly to be taken into consideration while we are trying to answer the two other questions, in the next article, God Willing.
The Moslem Brotherhood’s Methodology of Reform (13):
Moslem Brotherhood and the Methodology of Reform (23)