9 paths to communal success
The following 9 ways or paths to communal success are taken from what Allah mentions in Surah As-Shof of the Holy Quran. The reason I am particularly interested in using this surah as grounds for my opinion is because the Surah (chapter) itself is talking about continued struggle between the haqq (the truth) and baatil (the falsehood).
Allah says: “they want to extinguish Allah’s light with their mouths. But Allah will complete His light, even though the unbelievers may detest” (As-Soff: 8).
Therefore the Surah is inherently talking about the struggle and how the truth (the faith) at the end of the battle will prevail. Furthermore, the victory the Surah is talking about is communal in nature because of the way the Quran expresses it with waawul jamaa’ah as mentioned earlier.
There are 9 ways or paths to communal success the Surah mentions:
First, The importance of “tasbeeh” in life (see verse no.1).
This means that for us to succeed we must take Allah first and foremost in every step in our life. Allah is the Creator, the Owner and the Manager of every thing in this universe. And His Glory (kibriyaa’) must be in our hearts and minds all the time and in every step of our life.
Nothing can we do and achieve without His help (nuhsroh) and decision (qadar). And so the tendency of being a “superman” is not an Islamic concept because everything is accomplished with the blessing and mercy of Allah.
Second, Don’t say things you don’t practice. (See verse no. 2-3)
These verses indicate strongly the importance of self criticism and self correction. Self empowerment begins with self change. Self change can only happen when a person is willing to do self introspection, self criticism (acknowledgement of ones mistakes) and self corrections
