God created humans as His “representatives” or “stewards” on earth (Qur’an 2:30). Believers must strive to perform this job of stewardship in all circumstances and at all times, in the best possible manner.

Islam is as spiritual as it is communitarian and its social aspect is about the individual believer’s utmost struggle (Jihad) to create an empathetic, respectful and equitable society.

Besides a few core beliefs and some compulsory ritual worship, good behaviour and serving fellow humans are the markers of a Muslim and are valued as a form of ‘continuous charity’ that will carry immense cumulative weight on the Day of Judgement.

Knowledgeable and clear-headed leaders of mosques and other faith-based institutions should thus prioritise twin objectives: a) helping build the community’s internal capacity by using the talents of their congregation or members, and b) encouraging the community to contribute towards the “common good” by working with people of all backgrounds.

Both tasks are vital for grassroots democracies in any society. The survival and success of a faith community in a pluralistic democratic, but post-religious, society depends on the rootedness of its faith and internal solidity on the one hand, and confident engagement and alliance building on the other.

Effective leaders should be equipped with contextual knowledge of Islam in relation to the society they are living in, as well as confident interaction and productive participation with citizens.

If Muslim institutions and their members remain segregated from a country’s civic and political life, they will undoubtedly have an insular worldview and carry a false sense of achievement. The young generation will become more withdrawn from getting involved with any community initiative, sending it further into a downward spiral.

Issues of identity and a sense of belonging

The Islamic concept of God and His planet that we inhabit is unique and revolutionary; our earth is God’s beautiful garden. Due to Islam’s universality, Muslims have always felt at home in any place and have often travelled to faraway lands for knowledge, trade, or aid without inhibition.

Muslims with knowledge understand that their sense of belonging in any place is as vital as their sense of responsibility. As responsible stewards of God, they always take their responsibility towards other human beings and the earth seriously. Islam celebrates multiple human identities—ethnic, linguistic, religious, or other —that liberate people from one-dimensional blind spots. Islam’s teachings aim to produce globally-minded citizens who work not only for their own interests but for the benefit of all. When Muslims practise what they preach, Islam’s dynamic and creative features shape their lives positively; their ‘Muslimness’ creates synergy.

Muslim priorities to complement, coordinate and connect the dots

It is essential that Muslims work with mainstream organisations and initiatives that fight for social and economic justice. Citizens in western democracies can exert ‘people power’ locally and nationally, as well as through professional bodies such as trade unions. Staying away from a country’s civic and socio-political life brings multi-level disadvantages for any minority community.

Conscientious parents, on the one hand, and mosque and community leaders on the other should bring their heads together to educate the community, particularly the youth, on political literacy in a pluralist society and the importance of civic participation.

Awareness of serving people should be engrained in a Muslim’s upbringing, for it brings not only material benefit but also enriches their life ethically and spiritually.

A conceptual understanding of their responsibilities towards their community (as part of the Ummah, or religious compatriots) and the wider society (the Qawm, or people amongst whom they live) is vital. Active individuals should try to create their niche, excel at what they do, and “connect the dots” to complement and coordinate.

Alliance building and effective lobbying or advocacy, to support the vulnerable and disadvantaged sections of society, needs a mature approach to bring social justice and act on important issues such as climate protection. Activist

Muslims should try to find answers to the following questions:

How can they best serve their community, and how can the community become relevant to, or an asset to, society?

How can the community confidently become a catalyst for good?

How can they stay true to Islam while doing all this?

Adding value to any existing successful activity can be the starting catalyst. A simple illustration is that most mosques teach school-age children basic Islam and Qur’an recitation during the week, often after school hours. Why not use a portion of this time to educate children on other important subjects such as human values, civic participation, character building, and social skills? Relevant professionals can be drawn from the local community to enhance this education. With a rich volunteer ethos in the community, this may be done at a nominal cost.

Conclusion: Aiming high

Individuals with authentic, caring, and respectful character attract others to their cause, whether they are friends, neighbours, colleagues, or citizens. Muslims are already known to be the best charity givers in the UK and some other countries, thanks to the spiritual and social impact of Ramadan every year. Building on this trait to serve selflessly, everyone around us will be wonderful!

The building of a person’s character starts with the family; this is a big “trusteeship,” Amana, of all parents. Gentle, positive, and purposeful parenting helps children grow with human qualities such as discipline, decision-making skills, and determination on the one hand, and the ability to stay on the middle path of personal and social life on the other.
As proactive enforcers for good, Muslims symbolised the best of humanity wherever they lived and whatever their career or profession was.

They were assets to themselves, their religion, and the wider society. Sadly, this is not the case in many places now. It is time for the new generation, especially in the West; to shoulder recreating their value-driven and service-oriented communities everywhere.

Muhammad Abdul Bari

Educationalist, author, and parenting consultant