Jamiatul Ulama (Council of Muslim Theologians), Johannesburg

Title: The Year for Pragmatic Reform: 1421 AH
Date: Muharram 1421
Author:  Jamiatul Ulama
Agency: Jamiatul Ulama

"By the oath of time – certainly man is at a loss – except those who believe and perform righteous deeds- and they counsel each other in truth and counsel each other in patience."


Time is the capital that every human being possessors. It is time that will eventually determine mans loss or gain in this world. Time so permanent yet so fleeting, so promising yet so deceiving.

The reality of time

Nabî
Sallallâhu 'alayhi wasallam has said: " Your future bodes no more than riches that cause rebellion, or poverty that induces heedlessness, or illness that destroys, or old age that leads to feebleness, or (ultimately) advancing death…" The crescent of Muharram heralds the beginning of another year. As we pass through the corridors of time, we need to constantly re-evaluate and re-position ourselves, so that we may adequately respond to the exigencies of time. The political, social, and economic transformation in our country calls for a pro-active and pragmatic reform program. If we fail to respond appropriately, we may lapse into blissful oblivion. Some of the pertinent issues we need to confront are: Da’wah "Let their arise a group among you who would call unto virtue and prohibit vice; Indeed they are the prosperous" Islam is not the creed of a particular nationality. It is not the property of any class or race. As Muslims, we need to take the message of Islam to all segments of the South African society. Da’wa is the solemn cry of the hour. Our beloved Nabi Sallallâhu 'alayhi wasallam spent his entire life inviting people to Islam. We need to evolve beyond our restrictive horizons and reach out to the millions of people grappling in the darkness of kufr.

Benevolence

The Holy Prophet Sallallâhu 'alayhi wasallam: said: "The creation (humanity) is (ultimately) the family of Allâh, hence the most beloved creation in the sight of Allâh are those that do good to His family". We have a sacred responsibility to our fellow countrymen, a responsibility to improve the plight of the down trodden and historically oppressed people of our country. We are morally obliged to extend our helping hand to communities living in our neighbourhood. As members of the human race we need to extend our helping hand; we need to help redress the imbalance between first world and third world societies in our regions.

Credit
 
"Mutual amassment causes you to be oblivious (of reality) until you meet your graves…."
Man’s obsessive and passionate pursuit of amassing and indulgence blinds him from the harsh reality of living beyond his means. In these difficult economic times, we must learn to live within our means. Massive loans and bonds are entrapping people into a kind of bondage and enslavement. Instead of being givers of charity, we now have become takers. Our extravagance and greed for more and more makes us continually lug at the illusive "bone" of riches. We live in a fictional world adorned with credit, and embellished with false hopes to fulfill "one more dream."

 We forget that the "one more dream" may really turn out to be a nightmare.

May Allâh Ta’âla give us the ability to adapt, and make amends.
 

Source: Jamiatul Ulama

http://www.islamsa.org.za