Course TopicIslamic Movement: Defining PrinciplesUstadh Khurram Murad

Duration: 60 mins

This course deals with basic aspects of Islamic movement.It is confined to introducing the concepts and characteristics of Islamic movement.It is to provide the information which is useful in practical life of those working in an Islamic movement.

DefinitionIslamic Movement consists of two words:

Islam Total submission to Allah (swt) in accordance with the guidance (Quran & Sunnah) sent by Him.Movement- Those who submit to Allah (swt) organize themselves and make an organized effort to actualize their faith (that they have submitted to Allah (swt)). This actualization is not confined to one or other aspect of life but whole of his/her life (inward and outward personality).

Audio Time: 2:21

Why New Term?Islamic movement is not a Quranic term, it is of resent origin.

What we intent to communicate by Islamic Movement is an integral part of Islam.There are number of alternate term in Quran and Sunnah which convey the same concept.Ummah, Dawah, Shahadah, Iqamat deen, Hijrah & Jihad, Amr bin Maruf wa nahi anil munkar

Audio Time: 1:58

Why New Term?To effectively convey dynamic concept of Islam.

Dynamic message (to make Islam supreme) was very clear to early Muslims. When Prophet invited his people towards Allah (Worship Allah Alone) then everybody knows what it means.Concept was very clear to both who joined and opposed Prophet (pbuh).

Audio Time: 0:50

Why New Term?Over the period of time, due historical and environmental reasons, this concept was lost. With expansion and new generation, Muslim didnt had the same clear concept.Corruption started in socio political aspect, concept and values to the extent that Islam became static.

Western civilization which is dominant is based on secularism.Separation of church and state, secularism. Political subjugation lead to Muslim follow western concept.

Again there is a need to explain what Islam is?

Audio Time: 4:16

Basic ConceptsMovement is used to denote 5 basic concepts

Islam is not a religion, based on rituals and customs but it is an Ideology (orient the whole life) Mission (put responsibility on those who believe in Islam).Islam is not content with playing secondary role in life. It demands domination and supremacy in total life (socio-political aspects).Seeks Revolutionary change, not a violent change but a total change. Total change in individual and society.Would like to control the forces that shape the human destiny.To achieve this objectives, those who believe in this should be organized and make an organized effort.

Audio Time: 1:54

Nature & MotivationNature:It is bound to the environment and is not a response. It is more permanent and timeless. It is timeless but it is deeply committed to environment.It wants to live in and change environment but motivation comes outside from environment MotivationIt performs the same mission which was entrusted to prophets. After last prophet this mission is entrusted to ummah of Prophet (pbuh).Prophetic mission can only be performed with that concept of movement which is defined before. It is a divinely ordered mission.Quranic Concepts: Aqimus Salah & Aqimud deen Orders related to worship, and also orders related to socio political aspects, Establish Islam as a whole.

Audio Time: 6:57

Islam An Ideology & MissionIslam is not just a religion in ordinary sense, but it is an ideology and mission.If somebody believes in socialism, they have the right to see socialism in the entire world.Similarly it becomes duty of every Muslim (as a believer in the unity and sovereignty of God) to establish His sovereignty.

Audio Time: 1:17

Islam An Ideology & MissionFaith in the Prophet:Objective of ummah is to establish sovereignty of God.Once we believe we are part of his ummah, it becomes our duty to participate in Islamic Movement to establish sovereignty of God.

We have true religion and we are witness unto mankind Which is both by words and deeds. If we dont present/establish Islam as whole then we are concealing Islam (Ex: Bani Israel)

Audio Time: 2:53

Islam An Ideology & MissionThis mission/ideology is basis on which ummah has been formed.

Prophet rejected all offers of kingship, women and wealth. When Prophet presented Islam to one of the tribal leader, he asked him what would be his share in government (concept was very clear to him).Day of Badr - if these people perish today you shall not be worshiped. Rise and fall of ummah depends on how they perform their duty.Worldly gains are also linked to the performance of this duty.

Audio Time: 6:05

Characteristics1)Allah is the center and focus

He is the purpose.Seeking pleasure of Allah is ultimate objective.Whole work of Islamic movement isInviting to Allah Establishing His sovereignty.Basic responsibility is to rush towards Allah.

Audio Time: 2:00

Characteristics2)It is deeply concerned with the mankind (fellow human beings)

Man was praying all night/day was thrown to hellfire when he was not concerned when the hudood of Allah were broken.Ex: Mystic sufi said Prophet Muhammad reached highest level and met Allah (swt). If I met Allah in my life I would not have returned to earth - difference between mystic and prophet. Prophets coming back is for the mankind.Total commitment in improving fellow human being."Verily, Allah will say to his slave when He will be taking account of him on the Day of Judgement, 'O' son of Adam, I was hungry and you did not feed me.' He will answer: 'How could I feed you? You are the Lord of the worlds!' He will say: 'Did you not know that my slave so and so who is the son of so and so felt hunger, and you'did not feed him.

Audio Time: 4:47

Characteristics3)Individual is more important than an organization (system)

This work cannot be done by people who are actively working outwardly for Islam but do not inwardly change. Change in man should take precedence over change in system.There should not be gap between saying and action.It is incorrect to say that I will correct myself before working for organization.Organization is a necessary aide to change an individual

Audio Time: 3:02

Characteristics4)It is Revolutionary

Total changeNot a radical or violent changeIt stands for total change (inwards and outward).Total change doesnt mean everything should be changed but orientation must be completely changed.Basic framework and principles should be changed.

It demand total lifeother movement will not be concerned with intentions or personal life but Islam is concerned.

Audio Time: 2:43

Characteristics5)Prophet is the model/guide.

Recognized leaders are the prophets. Specially the last prophet Muhammad (pbuh).In his example we shall find the light.

Audio Time: 1:17

Characteristics6)It widens horizon

It is not localized; it extends in past and future.It roots are deepOur history is from Adam(pbuh) to Muhammad (pbuh)Past: derive motivation from all previous prophetsFuture: what fruits will reap in hereafter

Audio Time: 1:28

Characteristics7)Equal emphasis on the means and the ends.

End cannot justify the means.Both means and end should be tested in balance of Quran & Sunnah.Real end for an individual is not to establish Islam but is to please Allah.

Audio Time: 1:20

Characteristics8)Nation and ethnicity

Cannot have national overtones. There is a place for national and ethnic identity in Islam.It is not to establish superiority of one nation or race or one place or other.There is limited scope for nation and ethnicity.

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. [Prophet Muhammad]

Audio Time: 2:01

ProgramHe it is Who has sent to the gentiles a Messenger from among themselves,one who rehearses to them His verses, purifies their lives, and imparts to them the Book and the Wisdom3although before that they were in utter error; [62:2]

1)Dawah:It doesnt limited to inviting others.One must invite himself first, also community and society at large.Ayah (signs/arguments for Tawhid/Akhirah) builds iman/purify.Kitab is shariah (orders commands, dos and don'ts)Hikmah is spirit of shariah 2)Tazkiya/OrganizationPurify oneselfOrganized one self and others3)Organized struggle

Audio Time: 4:10

Islamic Movement & UmmahShould not think that those who joined Islamic Movement are true Muslim and those who do not join are not.Ummah is the bearer of mission, and should maximize the resources.Should invite the ummah to perform the prophetic mission.

Audio Time: 1:18

StrategyIf you want to move towards achieving the objectives there will be impediments and there will be a need to follow alternate courses.Should not loose sight of ultimate goal of Islamic Movement in this world.Should not become content by doing few basic things like weekly programs, reading booksetcNeed a deep thought process to achieve the real purpose of Islamic movement.

Audio Time: 1:52

Facing Challenges & IssuesThere are number of major issues and challenges we face.Islamic movement should identify what the problems are and then think deeply how to solve them. Examplestechnology of west, cultural influencesetcMuslim ummah itself is a challenge.

Audio Time: 3:55