ROLE OF ULEMA IN THE CONTEMPORARY TIMES

not be able to properly fulfill their responsibilities in the modern age. 3. The ulema must permit open criticism of each other. Without this, it is not possible to overcome people’s mental stagnation and promote wisdom and insight. 4. The ulema must cultivate a spirit of tolerance, and, despite their differences, must work towards promoting unity. Without this, the Muslim community can achieve no major progress. 5. Besides engaging in the education and development of the Muslims at large, the ulema have another very important task—that of Dawah, inviting others to the path of God, conveying the message of the true religion to all humankind. It is my advice to the ulema to stay away from politics, and focus, instead, on the reform of Muslims, awakening the true spirit of Islam among them, producing Islamic literature according to modern standards necessary for performing their role in contemporary times. Then, they will be able to play a positive role in bringing about peace and progress in society in line with the teachings of Islam. o The ideal person according to Islam is one who holds positive views about others; who has only good thoughts and feelings about them.