Title: The Muslim Ummah: A Call for Awakening and Our Responsibility
By: Prof Masood Akhtar Hazarvi
The Muslim Ummah today finds itself caught in a state of confusion and crisis. Once the standard-bearer of knowledge, wisdom, justice, and glory, it now grapples with an identity crisis. All praise is due to Allah that we are part of a community that once taught civilization to the world. Damascus and Cairo were once shining centers of knowledge from which light spread across the globe. Muslim scientists made unparalleled contributions in medicine, astronomy, mathematics, and chemistry. From Spain to India, the Muslim world illuminated the path of knowledge. Libraries of Baghdad and Cordoba served as global hubs for students. Great minds like Ibn Sina, Al-Razi, and Al-Khwarizmi laid the foundations of modern science. Generals like Salahuddin Ayyubi taught the world how to stand firm against the forces of falsehood. Our mosques were not just places of worship but also centers of education, nourishing the thirsty minds of seekers of knowledge.
But today? We are distant from knowledge, barren in research, and deprived of unity. Justice and fairness once defined us; brotherhood and solidarity were our hallmarks. Even outsiders acknowledge the brilliance of our past, the light our ancestors brought to the world—but we, the descendants, now wander in darkness.
The question is: how long will we remain in this slumber of neglect? When will we open our eyes?
History testifies that whenever a nation shook off moral and intellectual laziness, embraced awareness and revitalized its values, it reclaimed leadership on the world stage. Regrettably, today the Muslim Ummah—referred to in the Qur’an as “the best of nations”—is deep in slumber.
We are over two billion in number. We have vast resources: oil, gas, fertile lands, and a strong youth population. Yet, the Muslim nation appears globally as oppressed, subjugated, fragmented, and ineffective. Our greatest weakness lies in our division. Nationalism, sectarianism, and regional biases have pulled us apart—despite the Qur’an’s call:
“Hold firmly to the rope of Allah, all together, and do not become divided.” (Surah Aal Imran: 103)
As long as the Ummah embraced knowledge, research, and ijtihad (independent reasoning), it continued to flourish. But when stagnation replaced scholarship and indifference took the place of reflection, decline was inevitable. Honesty, integrity, justice, public service, and fraternity—these Islamic values are now vanishing from our societies. Lies, corruption, oppression, and selfishness are eating us from within.
The Ummah lacks visionary leadership—leaders who follow the Prophetic model of governance and unity. Most of today’s Muslim rulers are preoccupied with luxury and preserving their personal rule.
Yet, there is still time to wake from this slumber. We must act collectively. Every individual and every nation must recognize its mistakes.
Today, the slogan of Muslim unity echoes in every concerned heart. But this is not just a slogan; it is a plea—a desperate cry—for the Ummah to shed its negligence and reclaim its lost glory. Once, this Ummah led the world. Today, it is fragmented, aimless, and at the mercy of foreign powers. The cries of the oppressed in Palestine, the despair of Kashmir, the recent brutal Israeli strikes on Iran, and the political and economic instability across other Muslim nations—these are glaring signs of our disunity.
We are scattered, and the non-Muslim powers are exploiting our weaknesses while we remain mere spectators. Why has the Ummah that once ruled the world become so apathetic?
There are many reasons, the foremost being:
Distance from Religion: We have sidelined the true message of the Qur’an and Sunnah. Our faith has been reduced to rituals, while its guidance offers solutions for all aspects of life. Without holding tightly to the Qur’an and following the Seerah (life) of the Prophet ﷺ, our condition will not change.
Neglect of Knowledge: Once knowledge was our legacy. Today, we have lost its value. Our alienation from modern sciences and lack of research has significantly contributed to our backwardness. Alongside religious knowledge, we must master contemporary sciences to stand shoulder to shoulder with advanced nations.
Lack of Unity: Our disunity is a heavy price we continue to pay. Allah made us one Ummah, but we divided ourselves into countless fragments. We must set aside differences and unite on a common platform.
Leadership Crisis: The Ummah is in dire need of sincere, visionary, and selfless leadership—leaders who understand the true pain and needs of the Ummah. Without correct guidance, we cannot reach our destination.
Can the Ummah rise again?
Yes—absolutely. But only if we recognize our responsibilities. We must revive the spirit of inquiry and innovation, practically demonstrate brotherhood and compassion, and support the oppressed. We must return to the core principles of Islam while also opening the door of ijtihad to solve modern issues through an Islamic lens.
As long as we remain economically dependent, our freedom and sovereignty will remain at risk. We must build strong economies capable of sustaining our needs.
O Muslim Ummah!
The time has come to break your silence and reclaim your true identity. Your forefathers made history—you too have the potential to do the same. You possess the resources, population, and talent. What’s needed is resolve, courage, and trust in Allah.
If we awaken today, tomorrow the pages of history will once again record our rise.
Just as Pakistan achieved a remarkable victory against India in the Operation Swift Retort, and Iran displayed courage in responding to Israeli aggression, so too must the entire Ummah unite and rise against oppression. Otherwise, the tyrannical forces will continue to target us one by one.
May Allah awaken our hearts, unite our ranks, and guide us back to His path. Ameen.