The Prophet (SAW) said:

“The people will soon summon one another to attack you as people when eating invite others to share their dish” Someone asked, “Will that be because of our small numbers at that time?” He replied, “No, you will be numerous at that time: but you will be froth and scum like that carried down by a torrent (of water), and Allah will take the fear of you from the breasts (hearts) of your enemy and cast al-wahn into your hearts.” Someone asked, “O Messenger of Allah, what is al-wahn?” He replied, “Love of the world and dislike of death.”

(Sahih; Sunan Abi Dawud)

After the dissolution of the Uthmani Khilafah, the European powers and Russia began to colonise and compete over the Muslim lands. They invited each other into their military and cultural invasions, and the enemies of the Ummah summoned one another to attack in the same way as a pack of wolves around its prey.

This period of history was a dark time for the Muslim world. The European powers carved up the Muslim lands into their own colonies, and the Muslims were subjected to exploitation and oppression. The cultural invasion of the West had a devastating impact on the Muslim world, leading to the erosion of traditional Islamic values. The effects are still felt today, and the legacy of colonialism has left many Muslim countries underdeveloped and impoverished. The cultural invasion of the West has led to a loss of identity and a sense of alienation among Muslims. The Muslim world is now at a crossroads. It can either continue to be divided and weakened by the forces of imperialism and secularism, or it can rise up and reclaim its rightful place in the world. The choice is ours.

Jabir bin ‘Abdullah narrated that he heard the Messenger of Allah (SAW) say:

“A group of people from my Ummah will continue to fight in defence of truth and remain triumphant until the Day of Judgment.”

[Sahih Muslim]

The Ummah does have those who are willing to sacrifice for Islam and that is a sign of goodness and willingness present within the Ummah. However, due to the lack of awareness and lack of leadership, much of the time the Ummah’s efforts and sacrifices fall into the plans of aiding the enemies. 

Studying the reality of the Ummah

To avoid falling into the traps set by the enemy, it is imperative that we study the reality of the Ummah. That means we must study the current situation we find ourselves in to recognise the problems the Ummah faces and pinpoint exactly the reasons for them. It is to identify the factors that led to the outcome and understand how things happen and why they happen i.e. to link the causes to the effects. After we identify these problems, we need to study the rules of our Deen in relation to our condition, and when this is done in a sincere and precise manner, we come to the conclusion that the comprehensive solution to our problems can only be through the resumption of the Islamic way of life via the reestablishment of the Khilafah. There can be no doubt about this. 

Imam al-Ghazali (rh) explained the consequences of the absence of a ruler applying Islam. He said:

“The security of the world, its inhabitants and properties cannot be achieved except with an obeyed ruler (Sultan Muta`). The times of extreme sedition and chaos [following] the deaths of the rulers and the leaders bear witness to this. If this [situation] continues without another just ruler being appointed, then chaos will continue, bloodshed and oppression will become widespread, and livestock will be destroyed and industry stopped. Whoever gains power over others will loot, and none will find time for worship (‘ibadah) or gaining knowledge (‘ilm), if they manage to remain alive.”

Therefore, this must become the sole objective of the Ummah and adopted by all Muslims as the most vital issue at hand. 

After we understand the state of the Muslim Ummah and reach the conclusion that we have a duty to transform Dar ul Kufr (house/land of disbelief) into Dar ul Islam (house/land of Islam), and non-Islamic societies into an Islamic society, we can then begin to study what is required to bring about such a change. This requirement leads us to adopt a methodology based upon the Islamic rules to be applied upon the reality, and we set specific objectives for each phase or stage of that methodology. This is the only way the Da’wah can progress naturally and in a sound manner.

There is no randomness or coincidence

The resuming of the Islamic way of life and establishment of the state is therefore not a random matter, or even Qadaa from Allah that can just appear out of any circumstances. It is not a miracle which we are waiting to descend down on us, but rather an obligation that has been commanded to be established. It is established through an ideological transformation and as a result of fulfilling all that which is required for it to be established. 

An ideological change in society and establishing a state upon the basis of Islam can only be achieved through the thoughts which are embraced amongst the people of a society related to how life should be regulated i.e. politics. To put it another way, an ideological change, the change of society and establishment of an ideological state cannot be achieved by force from the top by applying laws and constitutions. Rather, a state is merely an executive entity i.e. an entity that executes the rules and systems. The state, through its various apparatus, applies the system upon the thoughts, opinions and beliefs that the Ummah agrees on and adopts as her own. 

The Messenger of Allah (SAW) set a clear methodology of achieving this change. In simple terms, he (SAW) privately cultured the early group of Muslims who became his close companions and part of the first bloc for the movement. Then he (SAW) moved to public interaction where he and his companions proclaimed Islam and interacted with society at large. Following this interaction and the transformation of society in Madinah, the authority was transferred and given to the Prophet (SAW) to establish and rule by Islam. 

All of us must undertake this noble work to bring about this change which means having to adopt very precise objectives to realise the overall aim as exemplified by the Messenger (SAW). We must exercise the utmost level of Sabr (patient perseverance) because each objective leads to the fulfilment of another, and to skip any of these objectives would undoubtedly have serious and catastrophic consequences in respect to reaching the overall objective. So, for instance, if the objectives related to culturing are not fulfilled, then we will not be able to fulfil the objectives of the interaction, and if the objectives of the interaction are not fulfilled, then the transferal of the authority will not happen. If the rule was to be established without these objectives being achieved then it would be a disaster, because the rule would be taken without having accomplished the prerequisites upon which such a rule needs to be taken, making it unislamic.

Target is to generate a widespread awareness

As far as what we need to be targeting, then that is to generate a general awareness amongst the Muslims of the fundamental thoughts, concepts and beliefs of Islam upon which a state will be established. A general awareness in society is basically a shared understanding and knowledge that is commonly known and accepted by the majority of people in a society. This is important because it shapes public opinion and behaviour. When people are aware of an issue, they are more likely to take action to address it. Whilst building a general awareness, we need to also demolish the current false thoughts and ideas, which will lead to generating a public opinion within society for the Islamic concepts and against the western concepts. 

The movement calling for such a change will seek to take leadership of the Ummah in the Da’wah and the undertaking of the actions that will lead to the change. As such, the Ummah as a result of embracing the thoughts of Islam will naturally give leadership to the movement itself. This will form the popular support. 

Nusrah, or support of the people, is needed to establish a state. Once the state is established, authority will be transferred by the Ummah and the Khalifah will be appointed through the Bay’ah (pledge of allegiance). This is done when the Da’wah is dominant in society and there is the capability to bring about change. 

Success does not come from seeking material gain. It comes from prioritising Jihad and adhering to the Deen. Even a large number of Muslims will not be successful if they are not united and ready to sacrifice. They will be like the froth on the sea, which is easily washed away.

Allah (SWT) says:

“Go forth, light or heavy and strive with your wealth and your lives in the way of Allah. That is better for you if you know.”

At-Tawbah (9:41)