The emergence of Islam around 1400 years ago was a result of the quest for “creative synthesis”. It paved the way to amalgamate ethics and knowledge, religion and science and Islam and other cultures. This religion testifies to the existence of three religions that are still practiced: Judaism, Christianity and the message of Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Besides, there is a mention of sundry extinct faith. The Torah and the Old Testament has been mentioned quite many times in The Holy Quran. This holy book even substantiate from the New Testament; from Virgin birth of Jesus (PBUH), to his sacred miracles. Allah says in Quran, Chapter no. 2 verse 87:
“We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of apostles; We gave Jesus the son of Mary Clear (Signs) and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit.”
The revelation of Allah is universal and free from any kind of discrimination. Islam refutes the Marxist philosophers’ claim that even Religion is a tool in the hands of Bourgeoisie to suppress Proletariats; Ideological State Apparatus as it is known. Islam is to better the society in the light of brotherhood and compassion, promoting equality in a true sense, for every section of the society.
Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) in his final sermon said:
“Even as the fingers of the two hands are equal, so are human beings equal to one another. No one has any right, nor any preference to claim over another. You are brothers.”
The Holy Quran states its basic teachings of brotherhood in Chapter 23, verse 52
“And verily this Brotherhood of yours is a single Brotherhood, and I am your Lord and Cherisher: therefore fear Me (and no other)”
In the next verse Allah presents the existing scenario of the world where people have treaded the wrong path against the sayings of Allah. A part of Verse 53 says,
“But people have cut off their affair (of unity), between them, into sects:”
There are many who argue erroneously that Islam is against Modernism and its aspects, the most prevalent issue of the day being Globalization. The first Verse that was revealed onto Prophet Mohammad was “Iqra’a” which means read! Therefore Islam is always for learning and for advancement. The progress in science and technology is always welcome by Islam but the only restriction posed by it is, that one must not transgress the limits stated by Allah. The globalization is the need of the time to counter the many complex challenges faced by people.
Globalization serves as a tool to cohere different groups of people by exchange of information amongst them and by promoting a sense of respect for the value and ethic system of one’s neighbors besides a material transaction of goods. Thus in a way Globalization should be praised for implementing a common ground. The interdependence of different regions of the world has led this phenomenon to stand for unification of the whole mankind. And, this is what Allah says in Quran, Chapter 3 Verse 103:
“And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah's favor on you; for you were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His Grace, you became brethren; and you were on the brink of the pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus do Allah make His Signs clear to you: That you may be guided.”
There is a report in Kinzul-‘Ammal, a book of narration from the 16th century; Pg 199, volume: 2 that Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) advised people to indulge in the trade of clothes. Besides it being a fast growing trade at that time, a cloth-merchant always prays for the people to remain at ease and happy. This suggests that although Islam has been for the development, it does not restricts itself to just the commercial perspective. Ibn-e-Jarir mentions on the same page that Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) asked the people of Madinah to promote agriculture by increasing the yield through the use of skull of camel. Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) on Pg. 197 of the same book stated the vitality of agriculture and minerals:
“Seek your living in the hidden wealth of the Earth”
Islam appreciates Modernism but not how it is perceived today. Westernization is not Globalization and Islam is strictly against it. The word itself suggests that it has something to do with hierarchy; the West trying to impose its way of life upon the East. The West is implementing its style of life as the standard in the guise of Liberalism. It has been promoting a concept of chaotic world where morality does not exist. People are led by their passion and natural instinct. Allah speaks in the glorious Quran: Chapter 6, verse 116 to caution the believers against the theories formulated by mortal being:
“Wert thou to follow the common run of those on earth, they will lead thee away from the way of Allah. They follow nothing but conjecture: they do nothing but lie.”
Morality in Islam addresses every aspect of a Muslim's life, from greetings to international relations. It is universal in its scope and in it is applicable everywhere. Being good is seen as primitive and rustic by the West for it is against their culture and their perceived notion of freedom. They disagree to accept any authority and to be accountable for.
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