The Muslim Community

And it is thus that We appointed you to be the community of the middle way (ummat-e-wasat), so that you might be witnesses before all mankind and the Messenger might be witness before you. <...> (Holy Qurán 2:143)

The Ummat-e-wasat (The Community of Middle-way)

Islam neither teaches extremism nor rejection. It teaches neither arrogance nor ignorance. It teaches neither self-gratification nor asceticism. Infact, it condemns them all. What then does it teach? It teaches a beautiful middle way, a critical balance between unworthy extremes. This is the path of justice, of compassion and mercy for fellow creations, of continuous striving to do good, a continuous struggle against the forces of evil and of oppression, always bearing witness to truth with courage, patience, kind-heartedness, forgiveness and complete hope in the mercy of God. Such is the path to seek the pleasure and approval of God.

But what a difficult path it is! Walking on the extremes seems rather easier and fascinating than walking on this middle path. Indeed, walking on this middle path is a difficult task that can be performed by none but the most exalted in character and morals. And it is for the performance of this task that Allah has chosen and appointed the Muslim community. And to accomplish this task, we have the last book of Allah - Qurán - and the Sunnah (tradition) of the last messenger (pbuh). A task which is about leading the world, as a lamp spreading light, showing the way in an abyss of darkness. But are we geared for it? Are we working for it, or are we being lazy? Let each one of us individually ask ourselves 'are we playing a constructive role in fulfilling this exalted task?'. And let us ask forgiveness often from God for any shortcomings and hasten to the doing of good.

Elaborate meaning of Ummat-e-Wasat: The Qurán has called the Muslims as the Ummat-e-wasat in chapter 2 (surah al-baqarah), verse/ayat 143. Commentary (tafsir) of the verse follows.

• Tafsir surah 2 (al-baqarah) ayat 143 - Maulana Maududi 
• Tafsir surah 2 (al-baqarah) ayat 143 - Muhammad Asad   

• Distinctive Position of Muslims - by Maulana Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi

Sicknesses of the Community today & Quranic medicine

This life is a test and as such every ups and downs in this world are a part of this test. Sickness inflicting the individual or the community is part of the test. 

(Believers!) You will certainly be put to test in respect of your properties and lives, and you will certainly hear many hurtful things from those who were granted the Book before you and those who have associated others with Allah in His divinity. If you remain patient and God-fearing this indeed is a matter of great resolution. (The Qurán 3:186)

The infliction of losses as a means of test and trial is also narrated in the following Quránic verses, which also says that true men of faith must not lost heart or grieve, because their patient perseverance (to upholding truth and justice) even in times of trial is promised sure success.

This is a plain exposition for men, and a guidance and admonition for the God-fearing.

Do not, then, either lose heart or grieve, for you shall surely gain the upper hand if you are true men of faith. 

If a wound has befallen you a similar wound has already befallen the people who are opposed to you. We make such movements to men in turn so that Allah might mark out those who are the true men of faith and select from among you those who do really bear witness (to the Truth): for Allah does not love the wrong-doers,

and makes men go through trials in order that He might purge the believers and blot out those who deny the Truth. (The Qurán 138-141)

• A Ten Point Program for the Islamic World - by Maulana Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi

Renowned scholar of the 20th century Bediuzzaman Said Nursi in his famous Damascus sermon had talked of 6 sicknesses facing the Muslim Ummah & prescribed their Quránic medicines. We reproduce a summary of his sermon in the form of a table.

Do not despair of God's mercy. [The Qurán 39:53]

UNITY & ORGANIZATION: Holding Fast, Together, unto the bond with God

• Online Presentation Priorities in a Muslim's Life and Methodology of Organised Living

  Achieving Islamic Unity
• Brotherhood- The Missing Foundation
• Does Unity exist amongst Muslims today? How to achieve it.
• Call for an Islamic Union  

And hold fast, all together, unto the bond with God, and do not draw apart from one another. And remember the blessings which God has bestowed upon you: how, when you were enemies, He brought your hearts together, so that through His blessing you became brethren; and [how, when] you were on the brink of a fiery abyss, He save you from it. 

In this way God makes clear His message unto you, so that you might find guidance, [The Qurán 03:103]

and that there might grow out of you a community [of people] who invite unto all that is good, and enjoin the doing of what is right and forbid the doing of what is wrong and it is they, they who shall attain to a happy state! [The Holy Qurán 03-104]

Also Visit:  Dawah - Inviting to Islam