Islamic Resurgence in the World
by Dr. G. Rauf Roshan

Let me begin by retelling as much as I remember of two important stories from the book, "The Kingdom," by Robert Lacey. You may find these thought provoking and pertinent. 

Abdul Aziz, founder of the contemporary Saudi Dynasty, was holding open court when a woman came unto him and said, "O Abdul Aziz, I have come to demand justice from you. This man killed my husband, the sole provider for my children and me. I demand nothing less than a life for a life. This is Qesas." Abdul Aziz asked her how her husband was killed. She told him that he was sitting under a palm tree and the man was up on the tree collecting dates and he fell down on her husband and killed him. Abdul Aziz said, "Woman, killing this man will not help you with your living. Let me make him provide for you and your children with blood money instead." The woman would not hear of it. Abdul Aziz said, "Forgive this man and I will give you enough to suffice you for your life." The woman insisted on Qesas as her right confirmed by the holy book and supported by the Wahabi tradition. Abdul Aziz asked her again, "Did this man have any animosity with your husband?" "No," replied the woman. "Did your husband know this man?" "No," replied the woman. "Did this man gain anything from killing your husband?" asked the Arab Emir. "No," said the woman. "But, I demand of you, O Abdul Aziz, to grant me my right of Qesas." Abdul Aziz said, "I will grant you that as per the directives of the holy book. But, as to how it should be carried out, only I, a Qadi, a judge, will decide. The woman was pleased, until Abdul Aziz said, "Take this man to a palm tee and tie him under it. Let the woman climb the tree and jump over him and kill him in the manner her husband was killed." The ending of the story is irrelevant, though it was not a sad one.

Again, Abdul Aziz was a guest of Emir Sabah of Kuwait. The year was 1910. Captain William Shakespeare of the British forces was also present. He sought permission to take pictures of Abdul Aziz, a follower of the teachings of Mohammad Ibn Abdul Wahab who had forbidden pictures. There was a humming among the group and some thought that Shakespeare was ill advised to attempt taking the pictures. Abdul Aziz, sensing the problem and in agreement with the way of thinking of one ingenious theologian, granted him permission. The theologian had argued that the great prophet of Islam, Mohammad (peace by upon him), used to look at his reflection in the mirror and he had not forbidden the mirror. A picture is a mere preservation of the reflection.

The wording of the stories may have been a little different, but the meaning remains the same and I want you to remember them as examples of the importance of human judgment and Islamic conformity.

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is a happy occasion that there are increasing numbers of people like you and I take pride in the growth and resurgence of Islam. The growing Islamic religion has entered a great stage of revival and expansion. Today, every fourth person on planet Earth is a Muslim. Muslims have long passed the one-billion-people mark and will soon hit 1.5 billion. There are 56 Muslim countries with considerable Muslim populations. Indonesia boasts of a Muslim population of over 160 million people. Only in India are there more than 120 million Muslims. There are 19 countries that have declared Islam in their constitutions. There are increasing numbers of conversions into Islam. Those who convert to Islam are among the cream of the crop of other religions including some of the popular celestial ones. Most are highly education scientists and scholars.

As the world overcomes the ill effects of the Soviet style dictatorship of the proletariat that oppressed religion in all its forms and called it the opium of society, Islam has emerged once again in greater force in the newly independent former Soviet republics and some Soviet satellites. In Europe, look at Bosnia and Albania. In Russia, consider Chechnya. Look at Daghistan. Look at Uighur in China.

The Islamic revolution in Iran served as a milestone in that country's history. Islam has received a stronger emphasis in that country. It has provided a new foundation for the social matrix of the society in Iran. A process of readjustment is going on there.

Here in the United States, the nation of Islam has not only been born but is flourishing. Black leaders, such as Malcolm X and Louis Farrakhan, have contributed to the changing face of Islam as a nation on its own. Black Muslims contribute in many ways to the cause of Islam. They are a force to reckon with. Islamic population in the United States has climbed from zero to over six-and-a-half million in a rather short period of time. 

Islamic revival in south-central Asia shook the foundations of the Kremlin in Moscow when the small nation of Afghanistan carried out its Jihad against the Soviet Union. Other Muslim nations in the heart of Asia subjugated by the old Soviet Union that were used as subservient to the cause of communism, are now independent Muslim countries. The citizens of these countries who were deprived of religious education and were about to lose contact with their religion are now reintroducing themselves to the Holy Koran and the tenets of Islam. They rejoice in having gained their religious freedom. It will not be surprising if, soon, the minarets of old Medressas and Mosques in Samarkent will recall, with renewed zeal, Muslims from all over the world for Islamic studies and prayers and produce scholars nearing the caliber of Bukhari (Alaihel Rahma). And all of this in an area that was thought to has been totally lost to atheism.

Today, Islam has also found its way into Latin and South American counties, reviving the memories of the glorious era of Islamic conquests in Al Andalusia, the Spain. Islamic architecture is glorified in Lima, the capital of Peru. Islamic institutions and societies have emerged all over North and South America.

Considering the fact that Islam, compared to many other religions on earth, is a young faith, all of the above is nothing but good news and happy news. It is worth notice that Judaism and Christianity are both older than Islam. The Buddhist calendar goes back thousands of years. Islam has been here for less than 1400 years. It has accomplished much more than the older faiths. Take human development, for example. Consider embryology, one of the basic medical sciences, and go to the holy Koran where you will find a concise explanation of the stages of development of the human embryo. Take astronomy and go to the holy Koran and find scientific explanations of the universe, orbits of stars and planets and moons and their prescribed destinations. These are just examples of only two branches of science; you can take any other and seek reference for it in the holy Koran. Yet, until as late as the 18th century, Islam was dormant for about ten centuries. Its resurgence is credited to the fact that its own character is compatible with advancements and development in human societies. Its resurgence also stems from the fact that there has been a great awakening of the Islamic societies to the oppression of old and now new colonialism imposed on many Islamic countries. Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani voiced this concern in the 19th century at the courts of many kings and monarchs of the Islamic world with particular emphasis on his council to Sultan Abdul Hameed of the Ottoman Empire. Islamic resurgence has its roots, also, in the realization of the fact that communism was against human nature. A good example is Afghanistan. In this country, a communist take over in 1978 led to the coming to power of a puppet communist regime. Notwithstanding its schemes, Islam was not only suppressed in Afghanistan, but pious Afghans took up the challenge of Jihad and fought a superpower with bare hands. This shows the power of faith over colonial expansionism.

As I mentioned in the beginning, I am here to share with you some thoughts about the spectacular resurgence of Islam and about how the pace could be accelerated. My thoughts and concerns relate to socio-political aspects of Islam and the strong rivalry that is put up to it by some of the other religions. It will be naïve if the Islamic ummah did not appreciate that Islamic expansion takes place at the cost of other religions on earth and that the followers of those religions will not sit still and watch an ideological takeover by Islam. Why should they? They have the means to put up a fight. This fight can have and does have multi dimensions. Let us look at some of the burning issues the solution to which will hasten Islamic resurgence.

1) Islam is not well understood by the West.

Whose fault is this? Is the West at fault for not understanding our sacred religion? At least this is what we are led to believe by those who could have played a positive role in introducing Islam to the West but did not, or those who have misrepresented Islam. Banning education or employment by an Islamic government to women is an example of this misrepresentation. Now, the Western media is trying to show that Islam is a reactionary religion. They say it takes humanity back into medieval times. They say it is not compatible with modern life as is known in the West.

Unfortunately, there are groups of Muslims who, by their actions, foster this theory. Some call these zealots, some call them extremists, some call them fanatics and, in Afghanistan, they are called the purist Taleban. Taleban, good Muslims at heart, rose from the ashes of war in post Jihad era in Afghanistan. Many had fought in the sacred war for freedom of their country. Many had just heard about Jihad. They were too young to have participated in the fighting. Taleban came from religious schools in Pakistan as all religious schools in Afghanistan were closed during the dark decade of communist rule in Afghanistan. They had learned the basics of Islam. Many had not even completed their studies. Some had become mullahs and a few even Maulawis, but the majority were still students. In these Medressas, Koranic studies took precedence over natural sciences. Unfortunately, again this is based not on any principle, but the former is taught at the cost of the latter. A more logical solution would be an attempt at reconciliation. But, the zealots call the latter the knowledge of Satan in contrast to the knowledge of Koran or some refer to these as "Ilmul Shaitan versus Ilmul Koran." This kind of mentality drives Islamic studies and natural sciences apart and breeds the notion of reaction. While, in actuality, this is not so and the two are complementary. And, natural sciences are not Ilmul Shaitan. You need to know yourself first to be able to know God almighty.

As the Taleban took over in Afghanistan, with the military and financial support of Pakistan, they embarked on the great task of running a government for which they had no experience. Running a government is not taught in Medressas. For running a government, you need professional diplomats, planners, financial experts, trained military and police forces, agricultural and industrial experts, doctors, education experts, engineers of all branches, et cetera. In Afghanistan, the religious students took all of these tasks upon themselves. As a result, they failed to serve either the religion or the country as was originally expected of them. They made a number of decisions without consulting the nation that had welcomed them with open arms. As a matter of fact, the sudden imposition of harsh self-made rules in any society drives the people away from the lawmakers. Thus they started alienating themselves from their power base. They are good Muslims. But, in order to run a government, it is not enough to be a good Muslim. Your need to know the world, to know your adversaries and to know the tactics they employ to fight you. You also have the obligation to serve the greater cause of your religion in a world that is not friendly to you or your religion. This requires tact and diplomacy. You have to win over your adversaries and the general public opinion. Taleban failed in this area as well.

Unfortunately, it is the tactics of the Taleban that is used as a weapon by the enemies of Islam not so much against the Taleban but against our sacred religion. It is time for us to let the world know that what goes on in Afghanistan is unique and pertains to that country alone. While the world should be concerned over what goes on in Afghanistan, Islam, in it's wider application, is not, as the West wants the world to believe, what the Taleban do. Islam is a tolerant religion. It provides for human dignity and for embracing of knowledge by all human beings without discrimination on the basis of gender, color of skin, ethnic origin or language affiliation. Who is to tell the world about this? Logically the responsibility falls on our shoulders. We live in the West and know the ways of the West. 

2) Some Western media equate Islamic struggle with terrorism. 

This could be by design of the enemies of Islam. Zionism is alive and alert. There are terrorists in many troubled spots of the world. The IRA is one example closer to home in the West. The media could discuss the broad question of why terrorism rather than who. We could tell the world about our religion and its antagonism with terrorism. Islam is for peace and harmony. The great prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) used to prohibit soldiers from killing women and children. He once listed murder as the second of the major sins. According to Islamic teachings, Muslims are even encouraged to be kind to animals and are forbidden to hurt them. It is, therefore, apparent that it is our duty to tell the world that Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness and that the vast majority has nothing to do with the violent events some have associated with Muslims. But, there is another aspect to this story.

3) The need to unite.

Islam is a monotheistic religion. Muslims believe in the one and only God--Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala. The prophet of all Muslims is one. They all believe in the Koran as the word of God. It is one of the miracles of the Koran that it has remained, throughout the years, intact from additions and subtractions or any changes that have been applied to the books of other monotheistic religions. The path for a Muslim is clear. Why then is there division among the Islamic ummah? Who benefits from this division? Let me give you an example of a few of the many politically motivated religious movements and parties that exist in one Muslim country - Pakistan - as referred to in one of Hassan Gardezi's works on Jihadi Islam: Jamat-e-Islami; Jamiat-e-Ulema-Islam; Sipha-e-Sahaba; The Jamiat-e-Ahle-Hadith (Markaz Dawa wal Irshad); The Tablighi Jamat; and Tanzeem-e-Akhwan.

These religio-political movements and parties all claim to be working for Islam and the Islamic nation. Yet, there is no coordination among them. Some have their own militia groups such as: Hizbul Majahideen of Jamat-e-Islami; Harakatul Ansar that was later renamed Harakatul Mujahideen of Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Islam; Lashkar-e-Jhangvi of the Sepah-e-Sahaba; and Lashkar-e-Taiba of the Jamiat-e-Ahle-Hadith. 

For the most part, it is these types of movements that are branded extremists. These groups want not only to claim religious leadership but also political power. And, all of this not only in their own country, but also in the Islamic world at large. They have mustered tremendous power. For example, an estimated crowd of two million attends the annual congregation of the Tablighi Jamat in Raiwind. That is a great mass of humanity.

The multiplicity of these movements does not help bring unity among Muslims of only one nation--Pakistan. Now if you consider similar moves elsewhere and in other countries, you will realize the reason for continued division among Muslims. Could all Islamic movements one day unite? Should they unite? And how should this unity be brought about? This is a grand task for the Islamic intellectuals and leaders. And you, part of the Islamic Umma, have the responsibility to held find answers to the above.

4) Extremism

Another important issue is the question of extremism. I mention this because this has been used as a weapon against Islam. Is this an issue only in the Islamic religion? Are there not extremists in other religions? How about Jewish extremism for one example? Is the world media treating all these extremists' tendencies in the same manner or are they biased when they discuss Islam? And what is extremism? Does Islam provide for it? I think not. I think Islam is a tolerant religion. Traditionally Islam has stressed education more than war. It stresses correction more than punishment. Islamic governments have worked well in Egypt, in Turkey, in Syria, in Indonesia and many other non-extremist Muslim countries.

And finally, let us see what all of this has done to the great revival of Islamic religion. Islam that was dormant from the 8th to the 18th century is now a vibrant and expanding religion. It will expand further and faster if the obstacles created by us as Muslims and by the world at large are removed from its path. It is incumbent upon us to let the world know that Islam is a religion of peace, tolerance and understanding. It has coexisted with other religions throughout its history. History and the passage of time have helped it develop further. Fortunately, one can see new trends even through the hostile fronts established against Islam. As Islam grows, it also acclaims political power in the world countries. Let me give you an example of this here in the United States.

A resolution was considered and agreed to by the United States Senate on July 27, 2000. Because of the beautiful and meaningful wording of this resolution, I am going to quote it word for word for your information. The resolution reads:

SUPPORTING RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE TOWARDS MUSLIMS: WHEREAS, the American Muslim community, comprised of approximately 6,000,000 people, is a vital part of our Nation, with more than 1,500 mosques, Islamic schools and Islamic centers in neighborhoods across the United States;
and WHEREAS, Islam is one of the great Abrahamic faiths, whose significant contributions throughout history have advanced the fields of math, science, medicine, law, philosophy, art and literature; 
and WHEREAS, the United States is a secular nation, with an unprecedented commitment to religious tolerance and pluralism, where the rights, liberties and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution are guaranteed to all citizens regardless of religious affiliation; 
and WHEREAS, Muslims have been subjected, simply because of their faith, to acts of discrimination and harassment that all too often have led to hate-inspired violence, as was the case during the rush to judgment in the aftermath of the tragic Oklahoma City bombing; 
and WHEREAS, discrimination against Muslims intimidates American Muslims and may prevent Muslims from freely expressing their opinions and exercising their religious beliefs as guaranteed by the first amendment to the Constitution; 
and WHEREAS, American Muslims have regrettably been portrayed in a negative light in some discussions of policy issues such as issues relating to religious persecution abroad or fighting terrorism in the United States; 
and WHEREAS, stereotypes and anti-Muslim rhetoric have also contributed to a backlash against Muslims in some neighborhoods across the United States; 
and WHEREAS, all persons in the United States who espouse and adhere to the values of the founders of our Nation should help in the fight against bias, bigotry, and intolerance in all their forms and from all their sources; now, therefore, be it 
RESOLVED, THAT (1) THE senate condemns anti-Muslim intolerance and discrimination as wholly inconsistent with the American values of religious tolerance and pluralism; (2) while the Senate respects and upholds the right of individuals to free speech, the Senate acknowledges that individuals and organizations that foster such intolerance create an atmosphere of hatred and fear that divides the Nation; (3) the Senate resolves to uphold a level of political discourse that does not involve making a scapegoat of an entire religion or drawing political conclusions on the basis religious doctrines; and (4) the Senate recognizes the contributions of American Muslims, who are followers of one of the three major monotheistic religions of the world and one of the fastest growing faiths in the United States.

This resolution in itself is a great success for the recognition not only of Islam, but also of the rights of Muslims in the United States. It can serve as an example for similar legislation in other Western countries that boast freedom of religion and expression.

Ladies and Gentlemen: Let me draw your attention once again to the stories I told you about Abdul Aziz, founder of the present Saudi Dynasty. Abdul Aziz, who received his knowledge from the desert and nomadic Bedouins of Central Arabia, used his common sense to overcome many problems of leadership. We referred to two examples regarding his verdict on Qesas and his agreement to be photographed. Why is it that today's Ulema, with all their education, pomp and splendor, cannot overcome problems of divisiveness and thus cannot unite for the cause of 
Islam? Why is it that we are letting people believe that Islam is against human progress? Perhaps human progress may not have been possible with the contribution of Islam. Why is it that we are branded as a nation that does not appreciate the mind-boggling technological developments? 

Our holy book advises us to seek knowledge wherever it may be. Why is it that some movements within the Islamic religion are entering the 21st century with a mentality of medieval ages? Islam encourages its followers to understand the world and the developments therein. And why is it that we are not taking seriously our responsibility in letting Islam expand further and faster on our globe? 

We are required by our religion to win over our adversaries with our best manners and characteristics. 

I shared with you my great joy in the revival of our sacred religion by citing examples from around the globe. I described to you the need for Muslims to contribute to further and to truly represent Islam to the world. I mentioned that there is a great need for us to describe the peaceful objectives of our religion and to describe to the world public opinion that Islam does not mean terrorism. I further mentioned that while extremism is not an Islamic phenomenon and that there are other religions and groups that are extremists, we should make it a point to tell the world that Islam is a religion of toleration. We also need to tell the world about Islam's tendency toward the middle. I mentioned a need to unify Islamic political stand and to bring about religious unity. A united nation can represent its religion better and can be more effective in serving humanity at large. We need to appreciate the great technological advances for the promotion of our cause. And, I explained that as true Muslims we must serve as examples of honesty, tolerance and love. Did I use the word love?



I conclude this discourse with a beautiful poem about love by the well-known Islamic scholar and mystic Maulawi Jalaluddin Balkhi, who was submerged in his love for the Almighty. (Translation by Nader Khalili.)

If your beloved has the life of fire, step in now and burn along
In a night full of suffering and darkness, be a candle spreading light 'till dawn
Stop this useless argument and disharmony; show your sweetness and accord
Even if you feel torn to pieces, sew yourself new clothes

Your body and soul will surely feel the joy when you simply go along
Learn this lesson from lute, tambourine and trumpet, learn the harmony of musicians
If one is playing a wrong note even among twenty, others will stray out of tune
Don't say what is the use of me alone being peaceful when everyone is fighting
You're not one you're a thousand, just light your lantern
Since one live flame is better than a thousand dead souls.


Ladies and Gentlemen, be the live flame. Thank you and Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah.



Editor's Note: The above speech was delivered at a recent Visiting Scholars Lecture Program.