MODERN CIVILIZATION

in human history, freedom of religion has come to be accepted as a sacred human right. This is one of its greatest gifts to humanity. In order to spread the word of God on a universal scale, an unlimited amount of wealth was required. It is through modern industrial development that the Muslim nations have been able, albeit indirectly, to secure this wealth. For it was the secular and the scientific people of different parts of the world who first discovered the wealth of oil abounding in Muslim countries. It was again these very people who, by ushering in the modern machine age, gave oil the status of a precious commodity. This wealth thus acquired has enabled the Muslims of today to spread their campaign throughout the world, regardless of the cost. Another important supporting factor is the principle of free enquiry developed in the world. This principle of free enquiry was extended even to religion. Sacred texts for the first time in human history were scrutinized in the light of the 'higher criticism'. This resulted in the establishment two facts about the Quran; one, of it being a preserved book and the other, its historical authenticity. Thus the modern civilization has produced all the means and resources essential to the successful carrying out of mission of spreading the message of Islam all over the world. This mission can be properly performed only by making use of all the opportunities offered by modern times. After the peace settlement at Hudaybiya the chapter Al-Fath was revealed in which it was said: “that it may be a sign for the believers, and that He may guide you to a straight path.” (48: 20) That is to say, the symbolism of this event should prevent believers from falling prey to the narrowness of dichotomous thinking in such matters. Rather they must strive to find a third option. This is the Hudaybiya principle which should be adopted in our relations vis-a-vis modern civilization. o Muslims must strive to find a third option by keeping before them the principle of Hudaybiya which should be adopted in their relations vis-a-vis the modern civilization.