UPRIGHT SYSTEM OR UPRIGHT INDIVIDUAL?

becomes all-important. He makes use of the world out of necessity while possessing a boundless passion for the Hereafter. Starkly opposite to this is the thinking that develops under the ideology of Political Islam. The mindset of a person who harbours such an ideology becomes totally political. Issues of politics and government become the focus of his attention. Things of a political nature consciously or unconsciously become the top priority for him, and things of the spiritual nature are practically relegated to the backseat. In matters of worship, he is content with the observance of outward form. His moral behaviour is subject to political considerations. Things like piety, fear of God, modesty and humble prayers become alien to his temperament. If you sit in the assembly of such people, you will most likely hear political talk, not the talk of God and His Glory. The purpose of Islam is not to establish a social and governmental system, but, rather, to develop individuals. In a society where a considerable number of people are thus spiritually prepared, this will certainly show its impact on the social level as well. But as far as the task Islam entrusts the believers is concerned, the real target of Islam is the moral and spiritual development of individuals, and not the establishment of social and governmental structures. While embarking on an academic study of Islam it is necessary to accept the above principle. If this principle is not accepted, then the mission of all the prophets would seem inferior and unsatisfactory, both theoretically and practically. The study of the Quran shows that the real purpose of the Prophets’ mission was to prepare people of such lofty and noble character who would be considered worthy to settle in the eternal Paradise of the Hereafter. The purpose of the teaching of the prophets was not to create a world for people in this world, where they could have a ‘paradise’ to live in before the Hereafter and the Day of Accounting. o Listen to the soul-nourishing articles while on the go. A great companion for study groups and collective reading exercises. Spirit of Islam web version now available with AUDIO feature