Al-Risala (English), January 1989
Al-Risala (English), January 1989, p. 2
By Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Maulana Wahiduddin Khan is named as the default author of the periodical; a piece that carries another writer’s byline is credited to that writer.
The Barriers of National Pride
1989 1 January 2 The Barriers of National Pride (293) The greatest obstacle to an individual’s, or a community’s total submission to God, is national pride – even if that pride has been built up in the name of religion. The message of humility and total acquiescence to the divine will, which is the bedrock of true religion, passes with extreme difficulty through the barriers which national consciousness is forever erecting. If people are reluctant to accept pure, unadulterated, religion, it is precisely because it places before them objectives which seem inconsistent with rabid nationalism.
It appears such a challenge to their worldly honour and status, that they oppose it with all their might. But such opponents of religion would do well to mark the words of the Quran:
“Follow then the right path as you are bidden, together with those -who have repented with you, and do not transgress. He is aware of what you do.
And put no trust in the wrong doers, lest you get touched by the fire. You have no protectors besides’ Allah. Then you will not be helped” (11:112-13).
Even the making of any compromise is a very dangerous course to adopt in view of the punishments of the afterlife:
“They sought to entice you from Our revelations, hoping that you might invent something else in Our name, and thus become their trusted friend. Indeed had we not strengthened your faith you might have made some compromise with them, and thus tasted a punishment in this life and in the next. Then you should have found none to protect you (from Our wrath)” (17:75).
Adam is the father of all past, present and future men. A life lived in accordance with reality ought. Therefore to be one of kindness to others, as to one’s own brothers and sisters.
