From Madinah to Pakistan

As we celebrate Pakistan's Independence, let us first reflect on the starting point of Hijra.

When Prophet Mohammad ﷺ migrated to Madina from Mecca, no one could ever imagine the establishment of an Islamic State that would become a guiding light for the world. This state was formed based on a supreme ideology of 'La Illaha Illallah' (There is no god except Allah) and the charter given by Allah: 'You are the best nation (Ummah) that has been sent forth unto mankind for you enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and have faith in Allah.' (Quran 3-110)

Prophet Mohammad ﷺ and a handful of his followers worked relentlessly with extremely limited resources, and within ten years, the entire Arabian Peninsula submitted itself to the will of Allah. The ideology of 'La Illaha Illallah' gave a comprehensive framework of goodness to all of humanity.

This Islamic State produced God-fearing rulers who had the best intentions for the people of the land. They ruled with vision, equality, discipline, and principles. These leaders provided leadership in all aspects of life; political, economic, moral, and spiritual. They also provided guidance and motivation to the people to strive for the continuous improvement of their situation and convince them that Allah does not change the conditions of a nation unless it changes its inner self.

Gradually the quality of leadership eroded, and slowly, the Muslim world lost the spirit and ideology of 'La Illaha Illallah.' The Muslims began to slip into a period of decay. But wait! The ideology of 'La Illaha Illallah' must remain supreme. Countries are continuously formed and disintegrated, leadership is always changing and kingdoms come and go.

About 1400 years after the Hijra, during the decaying period of Muslim history, there is once again a spark of the Ideology of 'La Illaha Illallah' in the Indian Sub-Continent. People cry out to form a nation that will submit to the will of Allah. After years of struggle, on August 14, 1947, a country appears on the world map that is explicitly formed under the banner of Islam. The birth of Pakistan was not only a fulfillment of a dream for the Muslims of the Indian Sub-Continent but also a sign of hope for the entire Muslim world. The spirit that propelled Pakistan on the world map was beyond the need for a political/economic structure and nationality. The main objective of this spirit came from Madina, where the first Islamic State was formed.

Allah fulfilled his promise to the Muslims of the Sub-Continent as mentioned in the Quran (3:139) 'You are bound to rise High if you are Faithful (to Allah).' At the time of independence, the prestige of the Muslims was High for what they had achieved. My dear brothers and sisters, on this Independence Day, I would like to remind ourselves of this promise of Allah. We are bound to rise high if we are faithful to Allah and his prophet.

Let us remember the miracle birth of Pakistan. How our leaders fought for freedom? How many martyrs gave their lives to free the Indian Muslims from British subjugation? How many people worked day and night to take care of the malnutrition of this newborn country? The magnitude of difficulties in every corner of life is beyond comprehension. It was only Allah's help and the sincere belief of the Muslims of Pakistan that made the country stand on its feet.

The founder of the nation, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, put down three cornerstones to build this country: FAITH (in Allah), UNITY, and DISCIPLINE. What have we done to these cornerstones? Faith has been substituted for Secular values devoid of spiritual essence. Unity has disintegrated into ethnic violence and discrimination. Discipline has been replaced with chaos, disregard for law and order, and exploitation of the system. The love of Allah and God consciousness' has evaporated from our hearts.

My dear brothers and sisters, we must go back to the roots of the struggle that made Pakistan was inspired by our faith in Islam. The Muslims of Pakistan must reignite the true ideology of Pakistan; 'La Illaha Illallah,' not merely by words but by practice. If we are to progress, we must revive our values and morals according to Islam, be truthful to ourselves and our faith, have the courage to accept our faults, and learn how to unite and discipline ourselves. We have to stop criticizing others and share the responsibility for the misfortunes that have fallen on Pakistan. We are passing through a time of unprecedented stress, but being Muslims and having faith in Allah, we must put our faith in practice and ask for Allah's help.

It is time to seriously ask our selves:

1. Do we want Pakistan to prosper?

2. Do we really want to establish true freedom in Pakistan?

3. Do we believe that Pakistan is a gift of Allah?

4. Can we be responsible enough to take care of this gift to the best of our ability?

I am sure Yes! would be a unanimous answer to these questions. Then let us pray to Allah:

O Allah, we worship you, so help us and guide us on every step we take. Show us the right path-the path of those whom you love and bestow your grace and mercy.

Please forgive our shortcomings with your grace and mercy.

We pray that you give us the spirit, strength, and guidance to establish your law of peace, liberty, and justice in the land of Pakistan and make it a beacon of hope and inspiration. Eliminate from our hearts the malice and disease spread by the workings of Satan. Protect us from our enemies. You alone do we worship and you alone do we ask for help.

Mrs. Muzaffar Haleem is the author of "The Sun is Rising in the West" published by Amana Publications Inc.