Islamic Movement - Defining PrinciplesBased on Lecture Series by Ustadh Khurram Murad

Islamic Movement consists of two words:Islam – Total submission to Allah (swt) in

accordance with the guidance (Quran & Sunnah) sent by Him.

Movement- Those who submit to Allah (swt) organize

themselves and make an organized effort to actualize their faith (that they have submitted to Allah (swt)).

This actualization is not confined to one or other aspect of life but whole of his/her life (inward and outward personality).

Islamic movement is not a quranic term, it is of resent origin. What we intent to communicate by Islamic Movment is

an integral part of Islam There are number of alternate term in Quran and

Sunnah which convey the sameUmmah, Dawah, Shahadah, Iqamat deen, Hijrah & Jihad, Amr bin Maruf wa nahi anil munkar

To effectively convey dynamic concept of Islam. Dynamic message (t0 make Islam supreme) was very

clear to early Muslims. When Prophet invited his people towards Allah (“Worship

Allah Alone”) then everybody knows what it means.Concept was very clear to both who joined and opposed

Prophet (pbuh). Over the period of time, due historical and

environmental reasons, this concept was lost. With expansion and new generation, Muslim didn’t had the

same clear concept.Corruption started in socio political aspect, concept and

values to the extent that Islam became static.

Movement is used to denote 5 concept1. Islam is not a religion, based on rituals and customs

but it is an Ideology (orient the whole life) Mission (put responsibility on those who believe in

Islam).

2. Islam is not content with playing secondary role in life. It demands supremacy in total life (socio-political aspects).

3. Seeks Revolutionary change, not a violent change but a total change. Total change in individual and society.

4. Control the forces that shape the human destiny.5. To achieve this objectives, those who believe in this

should be organized and make organized effort.

It is bound to the environment. It is not a response. It is more permanent and timeless. It is timeless but it is deeply committed to

environment.

It performs the same mission which was entrusted to prophets.

After last prophet this mission is entrusted to ummah of Prophet (pbuh).

Prophetic mission can only be performed with that concept of Movement which is defined before.

It is a divinely ordered mission.Quranic Concept : Aqimus Salah, Aqimud deen,

Orders related to worship, and also orders related to socio political aspects, Establish Islam as a whole.

Allah is the center Inviting to Allah and establishing His sovereignty. Pleasure of God is ultimate objective.

It is deeply concerned with the mankind (fellow human beings). Man was praying all night/day was thrown to hellfire when he

was not concerned when the hudood of Allah were broken. Ex: Mystic sufi said “Prophet Muhammad reached highest level

and met Allah (swt). If I met Allah in my life I would not have returned to earth” - Difference between mystic and prophet

“I was hungry why you didn’t feed me……”

Individual is more important than an organization (system). This work cannot be done by people who are

actively working for Islam but do not inwardly change.

Change in man should take precedence over change in system.

There should not be gap between saying and action.

It is incorrect to say that I will correct myself before working for organization.

It is RevolutionaryIt stands for total change (inwards and

outward).Total change doesn’t meet everything should

be changed but orientation must be completely changed.

It demand total life. Other movement will not be concerned with intentions or personal life but Islam is concerned.

Prophet is the model/guide.In his example we shall find the light.

It widens horizon It is not localized; it extends in past and future. It roots are deep Past: Derive motivation from all previous prophets Future: what fruits will reap in hereafter?

Equal emphasis in Means and Target. End cannot justify the means. Both means and end should be tested in balance of

Quran & Sunnah. Real end for individual it to please Allah.

Nation and ethnicity.It is not to establish superiority of one nation

or race or one place or other.There is limited scope for nation and ethnicity.

“He it is Who has sent to the gentiles a Messenger from among themselves, one who rehearses to them His verses, purifies their lives, and imparts to them the Book and the Wisdom3although before that they were in utter error;”

[62:2]

Dawah: It doesn’t limited to inviting others. One must invite himself first, also community and

society at large. Ayah (signs/arguments for Tawhid/Akhirah) builds

iman/purify. Kitab is shariah (orders commands, dos and donts) Hikmah is spirit of shariah

Tazkiya/OrganizationPurify oneselfOrganized one self and others

 Organized struggle

Should not think that those who joined Islamic Movement are true Muslim and those who do not join are not.

Ummah is the bearer of mission, and should maximize the resources.

Strategy: Should not loose sight of ultimate goal of Islamic Movement in this world.

Usage of current resources (technologies…etc)Dealing with other Muslims (sufis…etc)