CAUSES OF MUSLIMS DOWNFALL; AND THE WAYS TO REVIVE THE GLORY

Every true Muslim and, when I say true Muslim, I mean Muslim with deep spirit of Islam
(iman) within them is very greatly anguished at the downtrodden position of Muslims all over the
world! Muslims are treated with hatred, and looked upon with suspicion by almost all non-Muslim
societies and nations! Innumerable onslaught against Islam and Muslims are hurled, with all sorts
of accusations and negative blasphemy through mass-media, which are all baseless and false; but
made to be believed by the might of the inexplicable mass-media. This is only just because the whole
world is terrified that Islam may once again rise up and Muslims will once again rule the world, as
they did before from 7th century to early 20th century.

However, although the enemies of Islam work with all their might to crush Islam, what went wrong
with Muslims, that we are easily mauled, just as a pack of wolves (yes! the enemies of Islam are just
like pack of wolves!) attack a lone & defenseless stag.

It was the period of the rule of Sayyidina Umar ibnu al-Khattab (r.a.), the 2 nd Khalifah of Islamic
rule.
The Persian emperor, Yazdegerd, having been infuriated with Muslim forces victory, disgraced the
Muslim ruler, by sending back his envoy with a basketful of sand! And, he ordered his army
commander, Rustam, to attack the Muslims.
Rustam reached Qadisiyya, and camped there. Knowing the strength of the Muslim forces, he was
reluctant to start the war, though the Persian emperor implored him to do so. However, Rustam
sent a messenger to Sa`ad Ibn Abi Waqqas, the commander of the Muslim forces, to send envoys, to
talk about peace. Rab'i ibnu A'mir was sent on the 1st day to talk to Rustam.
Knowing the coming of the envoy, Rustam, being seated on a golden throne, decorated his camp
very pompously, with valuable carpets, spread along the pathway. The envoy, dressed in ragged
clothes with holes patched up, walked along, with his spear pointed downwards, tearing apart the
elegant and valuable carpet! Reaching Rustam, the envoy pulled a chair that was beside, and sat
next to Rustam! The envoys action greatly angered Rustam and his men. One of them remarked:
We revere our leader as god. We pay our respects by standing from him, and bowing. You not only
entered this court, tearing the carpet with your spear, but even pulled the chair, and sat beside
him! The envoy replied: We did not come at our wish! We came here at your request! Rustam
then tried all means to make the Muslims go back without war. He said: Look! We do not wish to
fight with you. I can see from your ragged, torn clothes that you are all poor, and in misery. I will

open my whole treasure-vault. You can take whatever and however much of the valuables; and take
your army back.
The envoy was very angered! He retorted: We have not come for your wealth and riches. We
Muslims do not give any importance to worldly things. To us, the most important thing is the Bliss
of the Hereafter, and the Pleasure of Allah. We have come to call you to the path of Allah the
Creator of you and me. We have not come here for worldly gains! Whoever accepts our call, we
accept them as our brothers; and leave their land to themselves. They will be left to continue as
rulers of their land!
Rustum replied that he would consult his officers; and then reply.
Next day, Hudaiba (r.a.); and on the 3rd day, Muqirah (r.a.), went to Rustam. He offered the same;
and the reply from these 2 envoys were also the same.
War ensued. Rustam was killed. Persian army was defeated. 30,000 of the Persian army perished.
Persian Empire collapsed; and Persia (now, Iran) became part of the Islamic empire as foretold
by Prophet Muhammad SAW during his lifetime.

Dear brothers and sisters in Islam! What do we come to know from this historical account of early
Muslims?
They were extremely courageous and fearless fearing none but the Almighty Allah. They
would not bow to anybody, however strong and mighty he may be.
They could not be bought over by any means; by anybody! They did not give any
importance to worldly things however poor they were. To them, this world and wealth
meant nothing. Their only interest was in the Bliss of the Hereafter; and the Pleasure of
Allah.

These 2 qualities, on which they never compromise with, made the early Muslims from Prophet
Muhammad SAW until the period of Ottoman Empire, were victorious; so much so, Muslims rule
almost 2/3 of the world.
At many battles, the Muslims were very much less in number; and not well-armed as their enemies;
but still they won because of their unwavering deep iman, because of which Allah helped them.

But what now? Do the present-day Muslims have these qualities? No! Not at all! The fearlessness to
anyone, except the Almighty Allah, has vanished. Muslims now are at beckon-call to others with
folded arms, and bowed heads ready to obey the commands of others!
The present-day Muslims can be easily bought over! They only consider this world, wealth and
comfort. To attain these, they are willing to do anything betraying fellow Muslims; be corrupted
by accepting anything (cash, in kind, favours, etc.)

Even if there be a handful of fearless men, they are stabbed in the back betrayed to the
enemies of Islam by fellow-Muslims (sometimes, even by own relatives) just for money! Who
betrayed Saddam Hussein, the Muslim leader, who refused to kow-tow, and be a stooge to the
Westerners? It was a Muslim, one of his own relatives, who threw away his dignity and honour as a
Muslim, for mere millions of dollars!

Who betrayed Osama bin Laden, who was a nightmare to the Westerners; and whose name made
fibrillations in the Westerners heart? It was a Muslim, who betrayed the great warriors hideout,
for mere millions of dollars!

In 1970s, the great and very brave leader of Libya, Muammar Gaddafi, who defied all the threats
by the Western powers, made a very bold and wise move by suggesting that Libya and Egypt,
become one country. He said: Libya has got the power of money; and Egypt has got power of
population. By coming together, we would become a mighty nation with economic power; and
manpower. But, what happened? This proposal sent jitters to the Americans! Knowing the endresult of the merging of the two great Muslim countries into one country, the Americans plotted to
foil the plan! Knowing that the Egyptians are in want of cash, they quickly offered 4 billion US
dollars, if they withdrew from the merger-plan with Libya. Anwar Sadat, President of Egypt at the
time, swallowed the bait! He was bought over. On the day when Libyans and Egyptians were to
cross borders (meaning, no more border between the two countries), the Egyptian leader abruptly
announced that they would not go through the deal! That ended the Libyan leaders great ambition
of creating a mighty Muslim nation, that could be a challenge to Western powers! Egypt was thus
bought over by the bewitching conspiracy of the Westerners! The Libyan leader was then killed a
few decades later, by the stooges of the Americans.

It would be no wonder at all if Salahudin Ayubi the great Muslim leader who crushed the
Crusades once and for all were to come again to fight against the Americans, it would be the
Muslims, who would betray him, and hand him over to the enemies of Islam!

At present times, Muslims all over the world are easily bought over from rulers to office boys!
The rulers of the Arab countries are all at the mercy of the Americans! They are all in the pay-list of
America; and, if any venture to do anything without the tacit approval of America, they would then
be in the hit-list of America as has happened to Saddam Hussein and Muammar Gaddafi.

In everyday life, the Muslim officers in any department except a very few true Muslims, who
fear Allah and the Hereafter are easily dealt with, to get things done, even though the matter is
against the standardised rules and regulations. Anything that cannot be approved due to
irregularities can be made to be easily approved, if the officers concerned are well looked after!
Even very big deals of businesses get approved only after those involved in the deal are rewarded!
Conversely, the Muslims of Golden Era, were never tempted by such material gains. Although
Rustam, the Persian army commander, was willing to open up the whole of his treasure-vault, the
envoys of Sa`ad Ibn Abi Waqqas, never gave any interest. Their only thought was Islam, and the
Pleasure of Allah.

What made the Muslims of that Golden Era attain these superb and superior qualities?
The Arab tribes and the Arab land were not even looked at, by anybody. They were even considered
as unworthy by the then mighty Persian and Roman empires not even worthy of conquering and
subjugating them! What then transformed them, within a short span of 23 years; so much so the
great emperors of those days shivered at the mention of Muslim rulers? What then transformed
them? It was the power of Allah, manifested through His prophet, Muhammad SAW, by inculcating
that superior quality in them IMAN! It was iman that was very deep-seated in the hearts of the
Sahabah, that made them love Allah and His prophet, above anything and everything in this world
even their own parents; kith and kin; wealth and property. They even loved Rasulullah more than
themselves!
Once, Umar ibni al-Khattab (r.a.) said to Rasulullah SAW: Ya Rasulullah! I love you more than
anything and everything in this world, except my ownself! Rasululllah replied: No, Umar! Your
iman is not complete! Until and unless you love me more than yourself, your iman is not complete!.
Then, Umar, recomposing himself said: Ya Rasulullah! I now love you even more than myself!
Rasulullah then said: O Umar! Is it only now that you do so? meaning Is it only now that you
realise this?
It is this deep-seated, unwavering iman which transformed Umar ibni Khattab (r.a.), who was once
reprimanded by his father that he was unsuitable to even rear and look after goats, into a mighty
and most just ruler unparalleled in history; bringing nearly 2/3 of the world under Islamic rule!

Now, let us study what is loving a person.

When a person deeply loves another, he takes his lover as role-model. What his lover likes, he does.
What his lover does not like, he totally abstains from doing it. That is true, sincere love. For a true
Muslim, who should love Prophet Muhammad SAW more than his own life as the Sahabah did
his role-model should be Prophet Muhammad SAW, as Allah SWT Has said in Al-Quran:
The Messenger of God is certainly a good example for those of you who have hope in God and in
the Day of Judgment and who remember God very often. [33:21]

But alas! What do we commonly see now? We see Muslims taking actors, actresses, politicians,
sportsmen as their role-models! They dress like them; act like them; and even try to speak, eat and
drink like them!! Will this lead them to succeed? Certainly no! Maybe their role-models have
succeeded in this life (but, life in the Hereafter?); but will that persons admirers succeed, just
because they follow their role-models dress and activities? No! BUT, true Muslims who take
Prophet Muhammad SAW as their role-model, WILL DEFINITELY SUCCEED not only in this
world; but also in the Hereafter as all the Sahabah of Rasulullah succeeded; and formed the
mighty Islamic empire true to Allahs promise in Al-Quran:
God will reform your deeds and forgive your sins. One who obeys God and His Messenger will
certainly achieve a great success. [33:71]

When a person has deep-rooted Iman, he will only follow Allahs commands (revealed in AlQuran); and also follow the guidance set by Prophet Muhammad SAW as Al-Quran, in many
places say: Athiullaha wa athiur Rasul (follow Allah; and follow Rasul).
They strictly followed what Allah has directed Mankind to do; and totally abstained and
disdained all that has been forbidden by Him. It is this attitude that brought victory to the early
Muslims.
True Muslims, like the Sahabah of Rasulullah SAW, may be weak in economy; weak in power;
weak in armaments; but, to them Allah is enough to achieve success, as Allah has said in Al-Quran:
God repelled the unbelievers in their rage. They could not achieve anything good. God rendered
sufficient support to the believers in fighting. God is All-powerful and Majestic. [33:25]
In order to understand the power of iman, we should go into Islamic history. Through it we would
know what happened then. How did it all happen? Because, A SOCIETY THAT DOES NOT
STUDY ITS HISTORY, CAN NEVER CREATE HISTORY!

Rome and Persia (Iran) were the superpowers of those times, in all sectors military, economy, and
technical skills. Not only that! Those 2 nations were not fragmented; and neither were there any
internal conflicts.
Unity contributed to their power. Any society not united, but fragmented, would be easily defeated
& devoured just as a wild buffalo, separated from its herd, is easily attacked & killed by not
even a tiger or lion but by a pack of hyenas! It is because of this, Allah has commanded in AlQuran:
And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. (3:103)

And many sayings of Rasulullah SAW (hadiths) too, emphasize unity among Muslims.

But, are the present-day Muslims united? No! The Muslim countries are divided in their solidarity
a few of them supporting one power, and the others supporting the other power! Even in a single
Muslim nation; for example, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iraq, Syria, Malaysia & Indonesia, etc. the
Muslims are divided. So much so, the animosity & fighting against each other are so ferocious,
thousands of lives all Muslims lives are being lost each day; properties are destroyed; economy
of Muslims are simply crushed! Why all this? Only because of greed for worldly power & pleasure!
Allahs commandments and Rasulullahs guidance are thrown to the winds! End result? The
Muslims have become weaklings; losing everything to the non-Muslims.
Even in Malaysia, which is predominantly a Muslim country, with the Muslim population of 67%,
the Muslims are divided into 3 factions (3 political parties), because of which they have become a
minority class, depending on the minority (Chinese & Indians) to gain political leverage!

Persia, which was the imperialistic power for almost 2000 years, fell into the hands of Muslims in
just 2 years!! How did this happen? The first war against Persia was conducted under the
command of Khalid ibn Walid (r.a.) in 12th Hijrah. In 14th Hijrah, in the Battle of Al-Qadissiyah, the
whole of Persia fell into the hands of Muslims! How did such a powerful nation crumble into the
hands of Muslims? Not only Persia! Same thing happened to Rome! Though Rome was a bit
smaller than Persia, still both these nations were the most powerful nations of that time. When war
with one another occurred, at times Persia would win; at some other time, Rome would win.
Al-Quran also very beautifully describes this scenario in chapter Rum (30) verses 2&3:
The Romans have been defeated. In a nearby territory. But following their defeat, they will be
victorious.
Roman military was very powerful with very large number of soldiers. Seeing this large number of
soldiers in the Battle of Yarmuk, the Muslims even said in astonishment: See the Roman soldiers!

Such a huge army! There were about 200000300000 soldiers! Rome had vast area under its
control Sham (Syria), Turkey, Egypt, Eastern Europe, and North African countries all under
one rule, without any fragmentation. It was glorious in culture, education, technology, and in all
other sectors.
Though Rome was that powerful, it fell into the hands of Muslims in just 3 years! The first war
against Rome was conducted in 12th Hijrah, during the period of Khalifah Sayyidina Abu Bakar
(r.a), under the command of Abu Ubaida ibn Jarrah (r.a.). In 15th Hijrah, in the battle of Yarmuk,
the Romans were defeated. In just 3 years, the most powerful nation of that time fell into the hands
of Muslims! How did this happen?

We may think: Oh! That was the period of Sahabah! It was because of their capabilities and
immense power of early Muslims. No! Think of the victory of Muslims over other countries at
later times. There were no Sahabah (Prophets companions) at that time!
Spain was a powerful nation. In 92nd Hijrah, war ensued between Muslims and Spaniards. A small
force under the command of Thariq bin Ziyad, the whole of Spain was conquered and came under
Muslim rule. There were no Sahabah in that period! In 95th Hijrah, Turkey was conquered by
Muhamad bin Fateh. In his army, not only there was not a single Sahabah; but, not even a Tabiin!
So, how did the victories for Muslims come about then? What are the causes of downfall of Muslims
now? To know this, we must, at least in short, compare the history of yesteryears, with our time.
Compare the superpowers of those years Persia and Rome with the superpowers of present day
Western countries. Those superpowers possessed very high grade technology of that time; culture,
civilization, and unity among them. Present-day superpowers also have all these appropriate to
modern
times. Seeing the immense achievement and progress of present-day superpowers, many of presentday Muslims exclaim in awe: The fate of Muslims is written off. But, the Quranic verse, 3:196
tells so much truth and gives hope and solace to Muslims.
Do not be impressed by the disbelievers' movements in the land.

Mans history had never stood at standstill. There will always be ups and downs as the wheel of
time rotates. Our history (Islamic history) will certainly repeat. Even if we study the Islamic history
in brief, this truth will be conspicuous.

During the period of Prophet Muhammad SAW at Makkah, there was no such thing as an Islamic
country. There was no daulah! Only dakwah! Only after hijrah from Makkah to Madinah, the
Islamic country took shape. The yardstick for any societys progress would always be based on the
beginning of the development of that country. It is because of this, the great genius, the 2 nd
Khalifah, Sayidina Umar ibn Khattab (r.a.), proclaimed the commence of Islamic era (calendar)
from hijrah; only after which the progress of Islam commenced to spread.

History has never always been at a straight line. There will certainly be ups and downs. Never a
nation has always been successful; nor, never a nation has always been a failure! So, if we expect
our Islamic history to be always at straight line (without defeat), we will be disappointed!
However, in total consideration, Islamic history had always been in the up-beat.

Muslims first war was Badr. It was victorious. Then Uhud war slight decline! After that, a few
small-scale confrontations. Victory in all of them. Then the Khandaq (trench) war. Again victory.
And from this, Islamic straight line accented up very fast. Then, victory in Khaibar; followed by
conquest of Makkah. Victory in the battle of Hunain; victory in the battle of Taib, followed by the
year of arrival of many emissaries. A great accent in the straight line. This is in accordance to
what is being told in Al-Quran; 110:1-2:
When there comes God's victory, and conquest. And you see the people entering God's religion in
multitudes.

Finally, the whole of Arabian Peninsula came under Islam. Rome shivered in fear. Tabuk followed.
When Prophet Muhammad SAW himself led the army, the Romans in great fear, withdrew and ran
off without putting up a fight. Now, Islam transformed into a great mighty force. The rise that
started in 5th Hijrah, continued until the demise of Prophet Muhammad SAW.

Then the regime of Saiyyidina Abu Bakar (r.a.) commenced. Except for Makkah, Madina and Taif,
the rest of Arabian Peninsula slowly drifted away from Islam! Now, the straight line of victory of
Islam started to plunge. Islam almost came to an end. If it had not been for the presence and
bravery of the great Sahabah, Suhail ibn Amr (r.a), Makkah too might have been thrusted far away
from Islam.

Now, it is to be noticed from how great a height of success, we Muslims had plunged to the bottom.
But, it is now the unique trait of Sayyidina Abu Bakar (r.a.) shown with astonishing vibrancy! He
shattered; and brought to heel all those opposing factors against Islam. He created 12 battalions
not very great in number (only comprising 500-1000 soldiers in each battalion) totaling 12000
soldiers. With this comparatively small force, he brought back all the Muslim domains that split
away, back under his sovereignty. A man, who was considered soft at heart, rose to the occasion,
becoming very firm in achieving his goal.

For a mukmin (believer), number of soldiers is not a prime requirement; nor, the highly
sophisticated armament. If only we Muslims are totally strong in our faith (iman), success is ours.
Prophet Muhammad SAW had said: Until the Day of Judgment, a section of my ummah will
always be strong and unwavering in iman. Any type of hostility or evil deed will never affect them.

The classical example of this at present time is the war in Afghanistan; and Israeli aggression
against Hamas in Gaza. The US and allied forces, with all their might with the most sophisticated
weaponry, and planes & drones, could not bring the Taliban to their knees! The US encountered
great loss in their economy; and loss of lives. Not being able to stand against the ill-armed Taliban,
they withdrew shamefully.
The Zionist Israelis waged war against Hamas with their superior aerial power, and tanks, and the
most sophisticated weaponry. Hamas faced them with only self-made, crude rockets not in any
way comparable to modern rockets. But, the Hamas were undeterred, though they suffered great
loss in lives and property, although not even a single nation supported them militarily! Finally, what
happened? The Israelis could not sustain the war! (The Israelis can never stand long, drawn-out
wars.) They were defeated by Hizbollah in Lebanon after 2 months war. They were defeated by the
Egyptian army in the 1970s war, in which according to Western war analyst: In the 1967 war, the
Egyptians fled, leaving behind their shoes. In the 1972 war, Egypt, under the command of General
Shazali, made the Israelis flee, having no time to wear their shoes!

What made the Taliban, Hamas, Hizbollah win the battle although they were drastically inferior
both in the number of soldiers and armament?
Any group which strives for its goal, will definitely succeed even if it be non-believers. In the war
of America against Vietnam, the role and utmost importance of this criterion is vividly seen. Did not
the small country (Vietnam) defeat, and chase away the mighty superpower? How was it done? The
Vietnamese had a certain inflamed, uncompromising goal to save their country at any cost!

Now, when such an uncompromising radiant goal combines with unwavering deep-rooted Faith
(faith in the total power of the almighty Allah), what would be the end-result of this combination?
When these factors (goal & faith) are imbibed with the thought of Akhirat, and the reward of
Heaven, and its unimaginable unequalled bliss, the end-result culminates into unequal power and
strength. These are the characteristics that radiated brightly in the Sahabah. It is because of these
characteristics among the early Muslims, Islam spread to Egypt, Syria, Persia, Iraq, Turkey and
north India during the reign of Sayyidina Umar ibn Khattab (r.a.). It is because of the same very
firm ambition, Islam spread to Afghanistan, some parts of Russia, and some African countries,
during the reign of Sayyidina Usman ibn 'Affan (r.a.) 3rd Khalifah of Islamic rule.

Nowhere in history has such great success been achieved in 25 years time from 10 th Hijrah (the
year Rasulullah passed away) to 35th Hijrah (when Sayyidina Usman ibn 'Affan (r.a) passed away.

During the period of the Khalifahs, there were no great development such as big cities with multistorey buildings, magnificent broadways and bridges. But, the rulers created people people with
noble goals and firm determination to achieve those goals.
Compare the Masjid Nabawi of those days with the bewildering pyramids of Egypt! Masjid Nabawi
was a simple, roof-leaking, sandy floor small structure with mud walls. But, the people that small
structure created were simply stunning! By creating people who were very firmly and strongly
adherent to their aim and doctrines, a society that was exemplary and unequal, was created.

What will create a worthy Islamic society in future? Will it be through massive and modern
weapons? Highly sophisticated modern technology? We cannot now say that these are not
necessary; nor unimportant! They are necessary; but, these are not the only yardstick to attain our
noble goal.
What is more necessary is unwavering, deep-rooted Iman! Along with this, if the ardent desire to
achieve that noble goal, go hand-in-hand, the future is certainly for Islam! It is very easy to decide if
the future is for us; or, for the Westerners! Success is only for those who have deep-rooted,
uncompromising determination to achieve their noble goal.

Now, when did the ascension of success stop for Muslims? When the Muslim rulers attitude and
their goal changed! Instead of having their noble goal of blissful Akhirat as their ultimate target,
they started to indulge in fun and mean worldly pleasures. They forgot their noble goal. They forgot

about the indefinite bliss of Akhirat, for which the early Muslims strove hard, and succeeded.
Success slipped from these Muslim rulers hands.
End result? We lost Spain which beamed with 600 years of golden history. The Mongolian Tartars,
under the command of Genghis Khan, conquered the Islamic countries one by one. But, what a
shame! At that time, the numbers of Muslims were far more greater than before! Though the
Muslims were enjoying abundant wealth, magnificent huge buildings, modernization, etc., there
was vast hollowness and emptiness in essence (ulterior noble aim). What a shame it was to know
that a totally unarmed Mongolian would tie up 10 Muslims with a single rope, and drag them along
the road!

But, soon Islam again regained its honour under the command of Al-Iz bin Abdul Salam of Egypt.
Again the line of success straightens up. Muslims everywhere reasserted their glory. The
Mongolians, who devastated and massacred the Muslims, became not only Muslims; but also the
defenders of Islam.
Then, the war of Crusades. Baitul Muqadis was taken over from Muslims by Christians; and was in
their custody for 88 years. Now again, the descent of Islamic straight line! Then, under Salahudin
al-Ayubi, Islams honour was reestablished. The Quranic verse 3:139 is thus hereby proved.
And do not waver, nor feel remorse. You are the superior ones, if you are believers."

Following this, Muhammad al-Fateh conquered Istanbul which the Muslims could not do so, for
600 years! People with taqwa and intense desire to achieve their goal succeeded in this. Following
this, success again in countries in eastern Europe, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Hungary and Albania.
Again, a great ascension in the Islamic gradient of success.
But, fate played in the form of Usmaniads! Conspiracy within the palace, power-grabbing rivalry,
worldly entertainment in dances, songs, etc. again brought down the Muslim rulers. Hatred against
ulama was fanned! Hatred against Arabs was sowed, and fanned. The sense of Turkey is supreme
was indoctrinated. Hence, the learned people (ulama) formed assemblies for themselves. The
laymen could not participate with them. For the first time in history, this happened! Many books
were written which could be understood only by the ulama! Laymen declined into ignorance (of
religion). Though there were some great learned people, ignorance and false religious practices
spread fast among the Muslim society. Muslims became those who could not recite Al-Quran; and
who did not know Arabic language (in which Al-Quran was revealed).

The community, which once gave knowledge to the whole world, now plunged into darkness of
ignorance. As time passed by, Muslims gave up understanding Al-Quran; and following its
directives.

In 1908, during the reign of Sultan Abdul Hamid, through an agreement reached with a Jew
Mustafa Kemal rule by Islamic Caliphate was put to an end! In 1924, the Islamic Caliphate was
totally abolished. Namesake Khalifah too disappeared. Even Arabic alphabets were changed to
Turkish alphabets. Even azan (call for prayer) was proclaimed in Turkish language. The ulama, the
grandeur of Islam, all disappeared.

In 1917, Britain and France jointly made a plan to divide and possess the Arab countries among
themselves! Just like small boys divide the sweets among themselves, saying: This for you; and this
is for me, the Arab countries were partitioned between the 2 powers just as a pack of wolves
would pounce upon a carcass, and bite off each others share!

It was our Rasulullah SAW, who most beautifully used the word wolf as the example. Hearing this,
the Sahabah asked : Ya Rasulullah! At that time, would we (Muslims) be in small number?
Rasulullah SAW answered: No! the Muslims will be very great in number; but, the Muslims will
be just like dried-up grass, being swept away by flowing water. This is because of wahn!
Sahabah enquired: What is wahn, ya Rasulullah?
Rasulullah SAW answered: Worldly desires; and fear of death. (Ahmad, Abu Daud)

A society that fears death would certainly fall! A society with no motive or ultimate goal, but takes
life as it comes, and enjoys it, will certainly meet its downfall. This is what has happened to the
Muslims! Downfall in politics! Downfall in military strength! Downfall in the pride of own race!
Muslims joined hands with Christians, to fight against Muslims! (Even now, this is happening!).
Although a Muslim country was, by namesake, ruled by a Muslim, the actual power was with the
Western powers!
What we should take into utmost consideration is:
When Persia fell, did the Persians also fall and perish? No! They were all there living! A different
culture and civilization came; and transformed them! That was Islam!

When Rome fell, did the Romans also fall? No! A different culture and civilization came; and
transformed them! That was Islam!
When Egypt fell, the same thing happened to the Egyptians! Islam was imbibed by them.
But now, the question arises. When Muslim nations fell, did the Muslims of those nations too meet
their downfall? Did any other alternative religion affect them? No! Muslims never did accept any
other religion. Though they met disgraceful downfall, Muslims remained as Muslims.
Although many tides such as 1st World War; 2nd World War; and many other hurricanes crossed
against the Muslims, Muslims never changed! Why is this so? This is the strength of iman; and the
power of Al-Quran!

Though the gradient of Islam drastically plunged downwards, again it ascended in the 20 th century,
with the appearance of multitude of Islamic organisations.
Again, the call to Islam was made by Muslims, such as Muhammad Abduh and Muhammad Rashid
Reza, who sowed the seeds of revival of Islam. In 1928, As-Sheikh Hassan al-Banna appeared with
new fervor and revolutionary ideas.
Khalifate rule came to an end in 1924. In just 4 years in 1928 Ikhwanul Muslimin was started
by As-Sheikh Hassan al-Banna, with the brave declaration: The future is for Islam! Islam is not a
religion of rituals only; but a complete way of life! This brave declaration was uttered not now;
but at a time when the Muslim ummah was totally betrodden!

Many Islamic books on almost all subjects economy, family values, politics, Islamic
jurisprudence; etc. were published. Signs of revivalof Islam everywhere, such as Islamic hospitals,
Islamic education centres, Islamic banks, Islamic TV programs, Islamic magazines, and Islamic
organisations. Surprisingly, with the same fervor of revival of Islam by Hassanul Banna, there
appeared in Indian subcontinent another figure Maulana Maududi. Though both of them had
never met one another, how was it possible for both of them to strive with the same fervor and same
goal? That was because of the strength of iman! The wonder of Al-Quran!

Until some years ago, many would not have heard of the countries like Bosnia, Herzegovina and
Kosovo. Even if some would have known, many of them would not have known that the
predominant people there are Muslims! Then, how did this change occur? This is revival of Islam!

It is this deep-rooted, unwavering faith (iman) that gave them victory over these superpowers of
this present-day world.

Hence, we (Muslims) should wage victory like others (unbelievers). It is totally not desirable and
most unbecoming to compare the great number of enemies battalions; or, their strength of
weaponry with our number of battalions and our limited strength of weaponry; and shiver in fear!
Can atomic weapons and modern superior technology be the yardstick to compare the sincere and
deep-rooted faith? Would anyone in that period of early Islam ever even have dreamt that a small,
budding Muslim nation which was until a few years before, considered unworthy for anything
would march against the great empires of Persia and Rome? Even the great emperors of Persia and
Rome didnt even believe that the unheard-of nomads of Arabia, would rise against them!

For example, when Rubi bin Amir (r.a.) came as the Muslims envoy to visit the Persian emperor,
at the request of the emperor himself, the emperor remarked most sarcastically: You Arabs are the
ones who always suffer from hunger and poverty; and always fight with one another. I think it is
because of your misery and poverty, you have come to fight with us; and take away our wealth. I
will open my treasure-vault. You can take whatever you want, and go away. The answer that
Muslim envoy gave to the proud and boastful emperor, was the reason for the Muslims victory over
Persia.
Hence, no one ever expected the Muslims rise to glory! The history of this ummah is totally
different from any other societys history. During the reign of Khalifah Umar ibn Khattab, the
Muslims army of 12000 soldiers, under the command of Amr bin Aas (r.a.) faced a huge Egyptian
army of 1,000,000 soldiers! Is it not unbelievable? But, it was so! The 1,000,000 Egyptian soldiers
could not stand this small Muslim army just as the mighty Israeli soldiers could not stand against
the ill-equipped, small-in-number Hamas soldiers! War correspondents covering the 50-day war
have reported that Israeli soldiers pissed in fear if told that Hamas soldiers are nearby.
An Israeli consultant and war analyst, Gershon Baskin also a columnist in Jerusalem Post
quoted by Jewish News as having said: Hamas cannot be defeated, because they are totally
dedicated and fearless of death. Hamas will never surrender, even if there remains just one soldier
with just one rifle and one rocket. They will fight on, until they die as shahid (matyrs), without
feeling any fear, because they die for their nation, their religion, and their God. (Utusan Malaysia
3.8.2014).

Although Israel, considered as the 5th superpower of the world, used all its might within its means to
subdue and tame the Hamas of Gaza a mere strip of 45km long and 10km broad of land the
Hamas, without even a fighter-plane; or even a helicopter, stood up bravely; and foiled all their

plans of aggression. What made Hamas a small group of grossly ill-equipped fighters vanquish
the superior power? It was their iman fearlessness of death; and disdain for worldly pleasures.

The words uttered by a Palestinian 10-year old child draw our attention: Above us are rockets!
But, they (the Israelis) have forgotten that above them is Allah!

Though the Israelis have all the modern weapons, the Palestinians have only iman, as their supreme
power. They have understood what Allah has said in Al-Quran, about iman and that is: Iman is
to withstand firmly against all sorts of trials and turbulences.

It is Islamic history that taught them (Palestinians) this lesson. Nothing can stand against nor, in
the past had withstood against the might of iman.

When Tarik ibn Ziyad went to war against Spain with his army crossing the sea, he purposely sank
all their ships: and then said: In front of you is the enemy. Behind you is the sea. You can choose
any one of the two. However, you would meet death by both. But, death by fighting against your
enemies will assure you of Heaven. Retreat, and death in sea will lead you to Hell.

When Khalid ibn Walid faced the Romans in battle, his brave words were: Just as you (Romans)
like the life of this world, the ones who like death in battle, are behind me!

During the battle of Qaadisiyya, the commander of the Muslim forces, Saad bin Waqis stood at the
bank of Tigris River with his army on horseback. They had no boats to cross the river; nor was
there any bridge! He turned towards his soldiers, and asked: Are we all in the religion of Allah?
The soldiers replied: Yes! If so, that strength of iman itself is enough to cross the river. Saying
this, he spurred his horse into the river. Seeing this, his whole army too followed him into the river.
Seeing the whole of Muslim army crossing the river on horseback, the enemy was struck with fear
and fled. Surprisingly, because of the strength of iman, the horses seemed to them to be just walking
over surface of water. It is said that after crossing the river, only the hoofs of the horses were wet!!
In Turkey, the commander of the Muslim forces, Badiuzzaman Sayedun Nursi, was arrested by
Russians and thrusted in jail. One night, the Russian commander, Nicholas, came to visit him his

heavy boots making loud sound as he walked. All prisoners, hearing the loud sound of his heavy
boots, stood up. But, Badiuzzaman was quietly seated, reciting Al-Quran. Seeing him not standing
up, Nicholas was terribly angry; and asked: Do you know who I am? Im the commander of this
countrys forces! Why didnt you stand up, when I came? Badiuzzaman coolly answered: You are
only the commander of Russian forces. But, Im now reciting the scripture, revealed by this whole
worlds commander. When Im talking to this worlds commander, I need not fear any other
commander!
Stunned and startled at this answer, Nicholas turned back and walked away.

One of Egypts judges, Abdul Kader Awtha Shahid, was arrested, convicted as not obeying the
ruler; and sentenced to death (as has been done to many hundreds recently). When he was about to
be hanged, journalists zoomed their cameras on him. There was a small note hanging at his neck. In
it was written: One of this worlds judges is going to meet the Judge of the whole universe. There is
no fear in this!

Bearing the same staunch iman as of these historical, brave mens iman in their hearts, Hamas
stood up against the worlds 5th superpower, to liberate Palestine; and, they withstood the entire
onslaught by the Israelis, forcing the Israelis to come to terms with them.

The Muslim society has undergone many ups and downs. And, now again the revival has started. In
every nook and corner of the world, Islam is talked about. Islam has become the focus of both
Muslims and non-Muslims! Magazines, TVs, cinemas, media, all are now talking about Islam.
Seeing the tremendous interest in Islam all over the world, the Jews and the Westerners, are
terribly shaken and worried. They try their level best to cast a negative, dark picture of Islam,
through all media within their control that Islam is barbaric; Islam is outdated; Islam teaches
only extremism and terrorism; Islam treats women as slaves; Islam forbids education for women;
etc. But, alas! In spite of all their vehement propaganda against Islam, present statistics reveal the
most painful truth to the opponents of Islam! And that is, Islam is the fastest growing religion in all
Western countries! And surprisingly, the women of the Western countries where the attack and
propaganda against Islam is based on slavery of women in Islam; no freedom at all for ladies; etc.
outnumber the men in conversion to Islam!

Although Muslims have greatly fallen down in technology, military strength, politics, etc. still the
Muslim society inevitably will certainly once again rise to glory.

All those modern, superior technologies are just adjunct for progress and modernization; they are
not the absolute necessity. No doubt all those modern, superior technologies and modern inventions
are necessary for any society; they are not the only absolute necessity. If only the iman of the
Muslims is set right, as that of early Muslims deep-rooted and uncompromising all forces will
soon be overcome!

As Dr.Abdul Karim Zaidan has stated:

It is Allahs promise that final victory is for Muslims. But, to attain the victory, soon or late, is in
the hands of Muslims. It lies in Muslims self-analysis, sacrifice, and hard work. Islams victory is
very near to us. The fall of Western power, religion and their culture has started. Now, the only
question is: Is the Muslim society now ready to speed up the victory; and sustain it?
The time is not very far from now, when Allahs promise in Al-Quran 3:139 is to be fulfilled.
And do not waver, nor feel remorse. You are the superior ones, if you are believers.

As Allah SWT has Promised; and Dr.Abdul Karim Zaidan has pointed out, sooner or later, the final
victory is for us (Muslims). How soon we are going to get it, depends on how soon we are going to
reform ourselves; and go back to the life-style and attributes of the early Muslims of the golden era
of Islam. And that is:
Develop unwavering, deep-seated Iman, by which we will strictly follow all that is said in
Al-Quran;
we will love Rasulullah SAW more than anything else; and take him as our role-model and
guidance, for all of our actions in this world.
Never fear anyone, however mighty he (or, the nation) may be, except Allah.
Never give in to any sort of bribery and be corrupted. Many societies have lost their selfdignity and honour because of this; and have become slaves (or, puppets) to those who buy
them.
Never succumb to greed of wealth, power, and pleasures of this world; but aspire to attain
the Bliss of the Hereafter.
Never fear death; but be eager to fight against evil.
We will then become masters of this world again, guiding Mankind to the Bliss of the
Hereafter.

It is all in our (Muslims) hands!

Compiled by Dr.Mohamed Amir of Perak Islamic Information Centre, Ipoh, Malaysia from:
Speech by Moulana R.Abdul Rauf Baqavi of Tamil Nadu, India
Articles written by Moulana Nooh Mahlari of Chennai, India in biweekly Tamil magazine
Samarasam