The New Nation - Internet Edition

The Holy Quran ordains the responsibility of the Muslim Ummah to lead mankind towards the 'right path': "Ye are the best people, evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong, and believing in Allah". (3:110)

This verse has the message to all the Muslims for mankind. The revelation of the Holy Quran with this mission has a special significance in this context :

"Ramzan is the (month) in which was sent down the Quran as a guide to mankind, also clear (signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong) : "(2:185)

The first quoted verse proclaims Muslims as 'best people' to enjoin 'right' and forbid 'wrong': The second one proclaims the Quran as 'guide to mankind' for 'guidance and judgment' (between right and wrong). The relation between the two verses is on the people (Muslims), the message (Quran) and the responsibility (guidance and judgment between right and wrong).

Side by side with the universal responsibility of leading mankind on the proper path, the Quran ordains a special mission for a section of dedicated people to fight for the cause :

"Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong : they are the ones to attain facility." (3:104).

Here, 'a band of people' is called to come out to 'invite to' 'good' and enjoin 'right' and forbid 'wrong.'

Allama Yusuf Ali comments in this context : The ideal Muslim community is happy, untroubled by conflicts or doubts, sure of itself, strong, united and prosperous : because it invites to all that is good, enjoins the right; and forbids the wrong, a masterstroke of description in three clauses."

This enjoining of the right and forbidding the wrong is 'Amar bil maruf and 'nahi anil munkar' in the religious term. This assigned duty for every Muslim and, specially a section of Muslims, should be rendered in all possible ways. Rasulullah (Sm) said, "If someone of you notice bad deeds, check it with hands. If unable to do so, check it with mouth. If you are unable to do it also, hate (condemn) it with your heart ; and with that you will be free from responsibility. But it is a very weak Iman (faith)." (Muslim, Nasayee)

The present social environment is very much polluted. Corruption is rampant. Terror prevails. The voice of conscience and human values should be dominant in moulding the future of the nation. The Muslims have that ordained mission to eradicate evils and uplift the society through propagation and establishment of human values. They should shoulder that responsibility.

-Abdul Muqit Chowdhury