One God, One World, One Dream

I just got up from in front of the television after watching the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics all the way to the end. It was an entertaining watch and really refreshing after all the troubled news that we’ve become used to.

I love global events where people can get together and learn the lesson of harmony and unity once more. The opening ceremony today, to a great extent, accomplished that. I may not agree in principle with all that was shown and done, and indeed I kept the volume to a low through most of the ceremony to exclude the music, I am all for organizing peaceful events where the races can come together with joy. I know some might say that such events should not be held when the world faces a food crisis, there is unrest and war all over. These people are quite correct in their belief. It’s true that you can’t ignore the main issues and expect that global sporting events or other activities will miraculously turn the world into a nice place again. But then, we all need reminders, refreshers to motivate us.

Watching everyone assemble in the stadium today, with different flags waving, I truly wished nations did not war against each other for no just reason and that every human being would find their rights secure. It also reminded me of the verse of the Quran that placed each human being equal to the other under the Sight of Allah:

“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).” (Quran, Chapter 49: Verse 13)

In his final address to the people at Arafat, near Makkah, the Prophet (peace be upon him) also declared that no Arab was superior to a Non-Arab, no Non-Arab to an Arab. He clearly said that no black would be superior to a white person or a white person to a black. The only criterion for superiority would be piety – the more you adhere to the principle of Islam and fearing Allah, be the best person you can to Him as well humanity, you’re superior! So you may be a black, a white, a brown, whatever! You’re all human beings under the Sight of Allah and you’ve all got the potential to do the best, using the talents and capabilities you were born with.

“All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. ”

(Prophet Muhammad [pbuh], Arafat on the Day of Arafah [10th Dhul-Hijj] of the year 10 Hijri)

For those who are misguided or those with truly evil intentions against innocent human beings, I can try and voice my opinions against their actions. If I cannot stop them physically, I can atleast pray for them to be guided. There are people today who kill incessantly, among the “terrorists” and among the “liberators”. Killing unjustly and innocent civillians at that! I can only reinforce my condemnation of such brutality referring to the Prophet (pbuh)’s clear instructions on war – no women, children or any other non-combatants must be harmed, under ANY circumstance. No trees must be damaged, no animals attacked. War is fought to end oppression in the land and to establish firmly the foothold of peace – the moment peace is preferred, all fighting ceases. Allah knows best what is the true state of things and the concealed facts that are ruining the peace of the world today.

For the world, my message is general – open your mind, ponder upon the beautiful dynamics and harmony in the Earth you walk upon. Remove the shackles that bind you down – the shackles of superstition, hypocrisy, hatred, prejudice, racism, fear, greed and jealousy. My invitation to my fellow human beings is to the worship and obedience of One God – and in obedience to Him, the service of humanity. Only by embracing the concepts of One God, peace and equality will we be able to survive together on this planet. Value your time, refuse the hollow joys of “escapist” activities and channel your energies in directions that will benefit you and your fellow humans.

The sancity of human life is highlighted by the following Words of Allah (swt):

“…We ordained for the Children of Israel that if any one slew a person – unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land – it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people.” (Quran – Chapter 5, Verse 32)