Shifting From Takers to Givers

Many movements led by contemporary Muslim leaders, aimed at revitalizing the Muslim community, have not fully embraced this understanding. These leaders have failed to recognize that the key to success lies in fostering a creative and proactive group, rather than a separatist one. Instead, they have sought to elevate Muslims as a distinct and separate group. In India, for instance, before 1947, this separation was evident in the form of geographical partition, and after 1947, it has continued under the guise of protecting Muslim identity. The path to progress lies not in separation but in inclusiveness. The focus should be on becoming a creative group, not a stagnant one. Distinction should not be based on external symbols, but on meaningful contributions. The goal should be to stand firm on the foundation of benefiting others, rather than merely seeking rights. DUA AS ACTION: A LESSON IN POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY Ibn Ishaq, one of the earliest Muslim historians and hagiographers, narrates that during the time the Prophet was in Makkah, a man from the Daws tribe named Tufayl ibn Amr ad-Dawsi came to meet him. He listened to the Quran and accepted its message, becoming one of the Prophet’s followers. With the Prophet’s permission, he