I remember well that many years ago, when we were students, we used to buy a book titled Who’s Who and What’s What whenever we had to appear for a competitive test, assessment, or interview—mostly for securing a job. It was considered very necessary because getting a job was regarded as the ultimate goal or the highest achievement we could aspire to.
But why didn’t we—and even today, why don’t most of us, including myself—think about who we truly are, for what purpose we have been created, and what our Creator, Allah, has created for our comfort even before our existence? We human beings, however, are very discontented and impatient. We rarely give thanks to Allah for His countless blessings.
Allah Almighty has bestowed upon humanity a world overflowing with beauty, balance, and purpose. From the vast skies to the mercy placed within human hearts, everything reflects divine generosity. The Qur’an reminds us:
“If you tried to count the favors of Allah, you would never be able to enumerate them.” (Surah An-Nahl)
This verse alone is enough to awaken gratitude within a sincere heart. The air we breathe, the water that quenches our thirst, the intellect that distinguishes right from wrong, and the revelation that guides us—all are blessings beyond measure. Yet the tragedy of our times, especially among us Pakistani Muslims who proudly claim love for Islam, is that while we enjoy Allah’s blessings, we drift away from His guidance.
Blessings Meant to Elevate, Not Corrupt
Allah declares in Surah Al-Baqarah:
“He created for you all that is on the earth.”
Creation was not given for exploitation, arrogance, or injustice, but for reflection, responsibility, and gratitude. However, what do we often witness in our society?
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Wealth becomes a tool of oppression instead of charity.
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Authority turns into corruption rather than justice.
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Knowledge is used for argument, not reform.
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Religion becomes ritual without character.
Allah warns:
“Do not cause corruption on the earth after it has been set in order.” (Surah Al-A‘raf 7:56)
Yet corruption—moral, political, and economic—spreads not because of a lack of resources, but because of deviation from divine principles.
The Disease of Selective Obedience
One of our greatest deviations is selective obedience. We emphasize outward rituals while neglecting ethical transformation. We fill mosques but empty our dealings of honesty. We recite the Qur’an melodiously but ignore its commands regarding justice, truthfulness, and compassion.
Allah questions this attitude in Surah Al-Baqarah:
“Do you believe in part of the Book and disbelieve in part?”
This verse pierces the conscience. Islam is not a cafeteria from which we choose convenient teachings; it is a complete code of life.
Ingratitude Despite Abundance
Pakistan is a land blessed with fertile soil, rivers, minerals, a vibrant youth population, and strategic importance. Yet instead of gratitude manifesting in unity and development, we often choose division, dishonesty, and blame.
Allah says in Surah Ibrahim:
“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you; but if you are ungrateful, indeed My punishment is severe.”
Gratitude is not merely verbal; it is behavioral. A grateful nation establishes justice. A grateful individual avoids exploitation. A grateful leader serves rather than rules.
Following Desires Over Guidance
Another deviation is prioritizing desires over revelation. Allah states clearly:
“Have you seen the one who takes his own desire as his god?” (Surah Al-Jathiyah)
When personal interest overrides moral law, societies decay. Bribery becomes normalized. False testimony becomes routine. Nepotism becomes culture. Religion becomes identity, not responsibility.
Loss of Justice and Compassion
Islam stands firmly upon justice. Allah commands in Surah An-Nisa:
“Stand firmly for justice, even if it is against yourselves or parents and relatives.”
Imagine if this single command were sincerely implemented in our courts, institutions, and homes. Many of our social ills would dissolve. But deviation begins when justice threatens our personal comfort.
Likewise, the Prophet ﷺ was described as “a mercy to the worlds” (Surah Al-Anbiya).
Mercy is not weakness; it is strength guided by moral discipline. Yet harshness, intolerance, and sectarian hatred have replaced prophetic gentleness in many quarters.
How Do We Return?
Reform does not begin in parliament; it begins in the heart. The Qur’an establishes a timeless principle:
“Indeed, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves.” (Surah Ar-Ra‘d)
Practical steps toward transformation include:
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Sincere Self-Accountability (Muhasabah)
Before criticizing society, correct personal dishonesty, arrogance, and negligence. -
Understanding the Qur’an, Not Just Reciting It
Study its meanings. Reflect on its guidance. Implement its ethics in business, family, and governance. -
Restoring Justice in Daily Dealings
Refuse bribery. Speak the truth even when it is costly. Fulfill trusts faithfully. -
Reviving Gratitude Through Service
Help the poor. Support education. Protect public property as a sacred trust. -
Balancing Ritual with Character
Prayer without honesty is incomplete. Fasting without compassion is hollow. -
Collective Moral Awakening
Parents must raise children with integrity, not merely ambition. Scholars must preach reform without fear. Leaders must embody accountability.
Returning to the True Islamic and Human Path
Islam is not merely a Muslim identity; it is a universal moral framework meant for all humanity. When practiced authentically, it produces justice, dignity, knowledge, and harmony. When reduced to slogans, it becomes powerless.
Our deviation is not because Islam is weak; it is because our commitment is weak. Allah’s blessings remain abundant. The question is whether we align ourselves with the divine path or continue drifting through self-created darkness.
The choice is ours.
May Allah guide us from deviation to direction, from ingratitude to gratitude, and from ritualism to righteousness. Ameen.
