The Wrong Signal

The Wrong Signal

1985 7 July 6 The Wrong Signal (410) When a ship runs into trouble on the high seas, it seeks help by sending a radio message - called an SOS - into port. An SOS is a call for help but it will only be answered if the station that receives the signal attaches the necessary importance to it. If it does not then the message will fall on deaf ears. The only one to hear it will be the transmitter himself.

This is what has befallen those who represent Islam in the modern age. Their speeches and writings amount to an SOS, sent out to God, beseeching Him for help against their oppressors. They have been sending out the same distress signal for at least one hundred years now, but are yet to receive a response to their distress signal. No easing of their affliction has occurred. There can only be one reason for this: God, to who they are sending their SOS, does not attach importance to their message. They are sending out the wrong signal. That is why they are receiving no response.

We Muslims have been asking God to bring destruction down on others, but God is waiting for us to pray for their guidance. We have been asking him to fulfill our nationalistic aspirations, but it is prayers that focus on religious aspirations that God accepts. Instead of seeking to save people from the fire of hell, all we seem to want to do is make hell their final destination. A fire brigade’s job is to extinguish fires. If one asks it to fan the flames, then one cannot expect one's request to be granted.

The trouble is that Muslims reckon the gardens of paradise are reserved for them. That is why they do not bother to save others from the fire of hell. If they really feared God, then they would realize that the only ones to escape God's punishment on the Day of Judgment will be those who have sought to rescue others from that fate.

People are busy invoking eternal wrath upon others. If they were to realize that they are on the verge of the same doom themselves, then they would cease their worthless trade. They would cry over their own state, rather than laugh derisively over that of others. They would practice the silence of introspection rather than the clamour abuse.

It is a frail mind that does not bear prosperity as well as adversity with moderation. -Cicero