BORN FOR TOMORROW

In its declaration, the United Nations declared 1995 as the year of tolerance. However, tolerance is a permanent human requirement.

All the great religions of the world can be broadly divided into two categories: Aryan religions and Semitic religions. In my studies, I have found that tolerance has been given equal importance in both types of religions. Religion makes a man a spiritually developed human being, and one who has elevated their spirituality cannot afford intolerance. The behaviour of a truly religious person is always one of tolerance.

The difference between the two types of religions lies in the rationale of tolerance rather than tolerance itself. The philosophic ground of tolerance in Aryan religions is derived from their belief that truth is an all-pervading reality. According to this concept, a religious person’s psychology is that “If I am in the right, you too, according to your own tradition, are in the right.” In other words, tolerance in Aryan religions is based on the concept of manyness of reality.

The philosophic base of tolerance in Semitic religions is different. These religions believe in the principle of oneness of reality. However, so far as the question of human respect is concerned, Semitic religions lay equal emphasis on this value. The difference in this respect between the two branches of religions is one of philosophy, not of practice.

To put it differently, the basis of tolerance in Aryan religions is on mutual recognition, while its basis in Semitic religions is on mutual respect. This difference is only one of philosophical explanation. As far as practical behaviour is concerned, there is no difference in either religion in this respect.

To sum it up, the spirit of tolerance is the essence of all religions. The man produced by religion can never be divested of the spirit of tolerance. Intolerance appears to be directed at others, but it is akin to killing one’s own religious personality. How can a sincere person be willing to kill themselves by their own hands?

The cost of disrespecting others is to be held disrespectful in the eyes of God.

Islam believes that virtues are essential for believers’ character and conduct. They include qualities like truthfulness, patience, generosity, and humility, which are crucial for living a life that pleases God. The Quran emphasizes the importance of good character, stating that the best among people are those who exhibit the highest moral standards. Islam encourages believers to embody virtues even in challenging circumstances, as they guide their daily lives. 

Virtues in Islam are practical attributes that enhance social harmony and personal integrity. The Quran states that the best among people are those who exhibit the highest moral standards. 

Believers are expected to embody certain virtues to benefit humanity: 

1. Gratitude 

“Remember Me; I will remember you. Be thankful to Me and do not be ungrateful.” (2: 152) 

Man is never satisfied with what he has and always seeks more. God has favoured everyone, but people are more concerned with what they lack and disregard what they have. This attitude prevents them from offering thanks to God, which is a priceless virtue essential for admission into Paradise. 

This world is limited and challenges people’s personalities, preparing them for the eternal perfect world, Paradise, where all their desires are fulfilled. No one can be truly happy in this world. Cold climates have their drawbacks, as do hot climates, and both low-income and high-income groups face difficulties. If the weak have a hard life, it’s not easy for those in power. There are endless problems, but we should persevere despite them, as we are being tested. We should focus on earning God’s pleasure, not on achieving a trouble-free life, as that can only be achieved in the next world. The greatest offering to earn a place in Paradise is a thankful heart. Cultivating gratitude requires rising above life’s difficulties. Heaven’s price is gratitude; only those who pay this price will enter. 

2. Patience 

“Those who do good in this world will receive a good reward, and God’s earth is vast. Those who persevere patiently will be rewarded without measure.” (39: 10) 

Building a life on faith is a great trial. Only those with faith as their greatest wealth, prepared to forego everything else, succeed. A life of faith is a life of patience. Believers who choose patience are blessed with God’s superior grace. Patience is connected to every aspect of our lives. For example, when overwhelmed by a desire, we control it, think about it, and do what wisdom demands. This is called exercising patience. Similarly, when someone causes us trouble, we feel the desire for revenge but stop ourselves and do what our faith wants us to do. This is also called exercising patience. In short, impatience is a hasty response, while patience is a well-thought-out one. 

3. Adjustment 

“You may dislike something though it’s good for you, or like something though it’s bad for you: God knows but you don’t.” (2: 216) 

What a man dislikes may be pleasing to God, benefiting him in the next world. In God’s sight, evil is choosing one’s own pleasure over the Creator’s. Though it may seem beneficial in this world, it will harm in the afterlife. Adjustment is a way of life, not just a behaviour towards others. Our world is full of differences, and everyone has the freedom to behave as they choose, leading to a chaotic environment. We can’t change this creation plan, so the only realistic option is to adjust with others. Adjustment means not reacting, trying to change others, becoming negative, or taking the situation as an obstacle. Instead, we manage it smoothly. In every situation, we have two options: adjust with others or opt for non-adjustment. Non-adjustment will only worsen our problems, causing stress, mental disturbance, and wasted time and energy. Adjustment, on the other hand, will instantly free our minds, save us from negativity, and help us follow the formula: ‘save yourself’. When we can’t change others, change ourselves. This behaviour is called adjustment. 

The present world tests us with various thorns, such as negativity, false issues, and worldly desires. These thorns disturb our minds and lead us away from virtue. They are like thorns lining the path of life, and we fear getting entangled and trapped. 

To avoid these thorns, the wise man travels life’s paths by gathering his clothes. This way, he can continue his journey unhindered. However, he must always be aware of the need to protect himself. He must avoid entanglement, not get entangled.  

Humans are naturally inclined to choose the right path. Therefore, we must be vigilant against obstacles that hinder our progress. Guided by our upright nature, we will continue on the right path until we meet our Lord. 

4. Shunning Idleness 

The second Caliph, Umar ibn Khattab, often expressed his disappointment when he discovered that people he had come to like were idle. He believed that idleness made people worthless. Idleness is a great evil that wastes talents and leaves people unqualified for life. 

A student who is too lazy to study will never learn or develop their critical thinking skills. Their failure in exams will leave them without the qualifications needed for good jobs. Without a foundation, they will drift from job to job. Even those who have qualified themselves cannot afford to rest on their laurels.  

Many delay entering a profession due to waiting for the right job. However, idleness is not a viable option. People may resort to idleness when they lack economic pressures, such as inheriting wealth or having investments that provide financial security. However, this is not a fulfilling existence. Idleness can lead to financial and emotional burdens on others. 

Alternatively, financially independent individuals should pursue noble causes and keep themselves occupied. A person without commitment is living on the fringes of existence and will eventually degenerate. No truly superior being has ever been found among the idle. As the saying goes, the Devil finds work for idle hands. 

5. Speech Management 

“A kind word and forgiveness are better than a charitable deed followed by hurtful words: God is self-sufficient and forbearing.”

(2: 263) 

Imagine a boulder with soil on its surface. It appears fertile, but a gust of wind and rain wash it away, leaving the rock exposed. This is similar to someone who wears a pious robe without it permeating their being. If someone rudely asks for help or their ego is wounded, they become irritated and exceed decency. 

Speech is a rare and exclusive gift, but it comes with responsibility. It’s only valuable when it’s useful, and misuse can lead to punishment. To manage speech effectively, control your tongue, think before speaking, and consider the impact of your words. Avoid negative talk, lying, and misrepresentation, as they can create rifts or suspicion. Misuse of speech often occurs when there’s a misunderstanding between an allegation and a statement based on evidence. Start by examining whether your statement is supported by logic. If you have good reason to speak, then open your mouth; otherwise, remain silent. Right speech is based on truth and objective analysis, using verified, positive data that won’t cause problems.  

Most of our activities involve speech, so we should cultivate positive speaking skills to create a healthy atmosphere in our families, societies, and nations. Good speech is the foundation of nation-building. People often lack discipline and dislike constraints on their activities, especially speech. Right speech means disciplined speech, speaking in a controlled manner and weighing each word before uttering. Well-thought-out speech is a source of building harmony and goodwill. The art of managing speech is vital for everyone. Those with the art of right speech can be considered wholesome human beings. 

6. Morality 

Morality is crucial. The Quran instructs, “Be good to your parents; don’t kill your children for poverty; refrain from indecent deeds; and don’t kill God’s sacred life except by right.” (6: 151) 

Many wrongs are so immoral that their evil is obvious without special knowledge. Man’s nature and conscience alone indicate their improper nature. Indulging in shamelessness reveals a lack of basic humanity. 

Islamic morality involves living among others according to its teachings. A Hadith states, “Behave as you’d like others to behave towards you.” Everyone knows what they approve of and disapprove of, so following this generally accepted moral criterion is essentially Islamic morality. 

Islam distinguishes between social manners and social character. Social manners are based on the principle “Do as they do.” However, Islamic morality is based on the formula “Do good to others, even if they don’t do good to you.” (al-Tabarani) The Quran portrays Muslims as individuals who “repel evil with good” (28: 54). Similarly, the Prophet Muhammad advised Muslims to “do good to those who harm them” (Al-Tirmirdhi). The Prophet Muhammad embodied the finest moral character. 

The Quran praises the Prophet’s noble character, saying, ‘You have a sublime character’ (68: 4). Islam places great emphasis on moral character, which is used to judge other Islamic virtues. Being good to others shows one’s goodness towards God. The Prophet Muhammad said, ‘One who is not grateful to man cannot be grateful to God either.’ (Al-Bayhaqi)

A life of faith is a life of patience. Believers who choose patience are blessed with God’s superior grace. Patience is connected to every aspect of our lives.

A person without commitment is living on the fringes of existence and will eventually degenerate. No truly superior being has ever been found among the idle. As the saying goes, the Devil finds work for idle hands.

Islam distinguishes between social manners and social character. Social manners are based on the principle “Do as they do.” However, Islamic morality is based on the formula “Do good to others, even if they don’t do good to you.”

If a living human being were to emerge from a cave, where no living creature has previously entered, everyone would find it a breathtaking event. They would be left wondering how such a thing could occur. The birth of a live child, a daily occurrence, is equally awe-inspiring yet often overlooked.

Why is there this difference? The reason lies in the familiarity of the daily occurrence. People have become accustomed to this sight, taking it for granted and failing to contemplate its significance.

However, if we were to think about this matter seriously, we would discover the Creator in the act of Creation. Witnessing the birth of a living, conscious human being, capable of walking, seeing, and speaking, we would realize that every human child is a testament to the Creator’s existence. Each human being appears as a living introduction to our Creator.

Similarly, when a human being arrives on Earth, they find themselves enveloped in a comprehensive life support system. This system, without any cost, fulfils all their needs, both great and small. The Earth, the sun, and the moon all serve humanity in exceptional ways.

Then, the time comes when death draws near. By nature, humans desire an eternal life. Yet, within the span of a hundred years, every man and woman, against their will, must leave this world forever.

Every man born into this world experiences two major experiences: those of life and death. If we contemplate these experiences seriously, we will uncover a profound reality: the settling of humanity on this world was not meant as a reward but rather as a test.

Yet, despite the clarity of this reality, many continue to live without pausing to reflect. They become absorbed in the noise of daily life, chasing temporary gains while ignoring the eternal consequences. This negligence stems not from ignorance, but from a lack of serious thought. True wisdom lies in rising above routine and recognizing that life is not simply about comfort and consumption, but about consciously preparing for the moment when the test ends, and accountability begins. Those who think deeply will see every moment as an opportunity—to learn, to grow, and to align their lives with the truth before the final hour arrives.

In this present world, man feels a sense of freedom. This freedom is meant to help him discover who uses it wisely and who misuses it. It’s about finding a principled life and avoiding an unprincipled one.

If man thinks seriously, he’ll realize that death is the day he stands before his Creator. Man is an eternal creature, but his life is divided into two parts: the pre-death period and the post-death period.

The pre-death period is a test, while the post-death period is for reward or punishment, based on our deeds in this life. Today, we live as conscious beings, but this will end when we die. Our conscious existence will leave this temporary world and enter the next permanent one.

This is an unimaginably grave moment. After death, we’ll be resurrected during the second half of our lifespan. But all our material and worldly supports will be gone. Behind us will be the world we’ve lost forever, while before us will be the world where we must now live eternally. The wise person prepares for this day.

Every man born into this world experiences two major experiences: those of life and death. If we contemplate these experiences seriously, we will uncover a profound reality: the settling of humanity on this world was not meant as a reward but rather as a test.

This article is written by Maulana Iqbal Umri

On the night of January 30, 2025, our lives took an unexpected turn. My mother, who had been experiencing severe leg pain, was suddenly gripped by cold and fever. We rushed her to the hospital in Jamia Darussalam, Oomerabad. Four days passed in the local hospital, yet the infection refused to subside. The attending doctor diagnosed her with varicose vein pain, cellulitis, and critically high sugar levels—a complex combination needing urgent attention. It became clear we needed expert guidance.

That’s when we turned to Dr Israr, a figure of wisdom and compassion. After examining her condition, he told us what we feared: the infection was also rooted in diabetes, and the situation could escalate. With calm authority, he advised immediate treatment at a multi-specialty hospital capable of handling emergencies. His recommendation? Narayana Hospital in Bengaluru—a name synonymous with excellence in care.

Dr Israr’s role didn’t stop at diagnosis. He provided our parents with strength at a moment they needed it most. He arranged a Rotary Club ambulance and ensured we arrived at Narayana Hospital’s General Emergency—Majumdar Medical Centre Block—at precisely 8:30 PM. Under his guidance, the admission process moved quickly. My mother was shifted to room 403SB on the fourth floor, where treatment began in earnest.

The care had been thorough, the medical staff attentive, and progress had been steady. We are hopeful that with God’s grace, we’ll soon return home—health restored, hearts full of gratitude.

While sitting in the corridors of Narayana Hrudalaya, I found myself reflecting on how massive and coordinated the modern medical system has become. I had visited this hospital several times before for heart-related care, and every time, I’ve been struck by the scale, precision, and humanity within this institution. It’s nothing short of a medical empire.

In earlier times, people knew of only one empire—the political or territorial kind. But in today’s world, every field has become an empire in itself: medical, educational, industrial, economic, and entertainment sectors each operate on a global scale. These are empires not of borders, but of influence and infrastructure.

But in the midst of these powerful empires, one remains dormant: the spiritual empire. As believers in the Last Prophet Muhammad, our mission is not to build physical empires through force, but to establish a moral and spiritual presence in the world—a Spiritual Empire, based on peace and divine consciousness.

For two centuries, misguided efforts have tried to establish dominance through conflict, but the real call is to build an empire of hearts, not territories. One that invites people to understand God’s creation plan, not through fear or force, but through love, reason, and wisdom.

Today, humanity is more informed than ever—about medicine, economics, space, and artificial intelligence. Yet, the knowledge of God and His purpose remains veiled to many. If Muslims do not rise to share this truth, God may choose to reveal His message through non-traditional means—even through AI.

This is not a dismissal of modern tools, but a reminder: truth finds its way. But the question remains—will we be the ones to carry it?

So, as I watch my mother recover, surrounded by the miracle of modern medicine, my heart beats with another prayer—a deeper one. May we awaken to the opportunity before us! May we stop placing obstacles in the path of truth and start building the spiritual empire the world so desperately needs!

Our mission is not to build physical empires through force, but to establish a moral and spiritual presence in the world—a Spiritual Empire, based on peace and divine consciousness.

This article is written by Maulana Inayath-ullah Umri.

Earth, the magnificent creation of God, is humanity’s unique sanctuary—a haven as vital to us as a mother’s womb is to her child. It is the only place in the known universe where all essential elements for life—liquid water, oxygen, fertile soil, and a balanced ecosystem—exist in perfect harmony. Like a mother, Earth has nurtured, protected, and provided everything we need to thrive. Tragically, humanity’s negligence and self-serving actions are destroying this “mother-like” planet. Instead of safeguarding and preserving it, we are squandering precious time and resources searching for exoplanets in space. This futile pursuit reflects our failure to take responsibility for our home and suggests that we see ourselves as mere temporary guests on this planet. 

Just as a mother’s womb provides complete nourishment and protection to her child, Earth offers humanity everything needed for survival. It supplies us with water to drink, fertile soil to grow crops, oxygen to breathe, and an environment where life can flourish. The Quran beautifully highlights Earth’s nurturing role: God made the earth a bed, and the sky a canopy; and it is He who sends down rain from above for the growth of every kind of fruit for your sustenance. (2: 22) 

Earth has always been humanity’s ultimate source of comfort and support. Its resources—water, soil, air—are perfectly designed to sustain life. Yet today, humanity’s reckless actions are causing irreparable harm to this “mother.” We have taken its blessings for granted while failing to fulfil our responsibility to protect it. 

Just as a child depends entirely on its mother’s womb for survival, humanity depends entirely on Earth. However, human greed and carelessness have severely damaged this planet. Deforestation, excessive use of fossil fuels, pollution, and overexploitation of natural resources have disrupted Earth’s delicate balance. 

Today, the consequences are alarming. Glaciers are melting at alarming rates due to rising global temperatures, water scarcity is becoming a critical issue as underground reserves dry up, forests are disappearing, weakening nature’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide, and pollution is poisoning our air, water, and soil. Climate change is triggering extreme weather events that threaten ecosystems worldwide. The Quran warns about such consequences: Corruption has appeared on land and sea because of the evil which men’s hands have done: and so He will make them taste the fruit of some of their doings, so that they may turn back from evil. (30: 41) This corruption is a direct result of human negligence. If we continue down this path, we risk losing Earth’s ability to sustain life altogether. 

In an attempt to escape the consequences of their actions on Earth, humans are now looking to space for alternatives. Scientists have discovered thousands of exoplanets through NASA’s Kepler telescope and James Webb Space Telescope. Yet, none possess Earth’s unique qualities—its perfect balance of water, atmosphere, temperature, and biodiversity. 

This search reflects humanity’s unwillingness to take responsibility for its actions. Instead of fixing our mistakes here on Earth, we waste time chasing unrealistic dreams of finding another habitable planet. The truth is simple: if we cannot save our current home—a planet perfectly suited for life—how can we expect to survive elsewhere? 

The environmental damage caused by human actions has reached an irreversible stage. Polar ice caps have melted significantly, forests have been destroyed, and countless species of animals and plants have gone extinct. Rising temperatures continue to disrupt global ecosystems, indicating that we have missed our chance to save Earth from destruction.  

Although much damage is irreversible, there is still hope if humanity acts decisively now. Here are some practical steps we can take: 

* Reduce waste by adopting the principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle to minimize landfill waste.

* Conserve energy by transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar or wind power.

* Save water by fixing leaks promptly and using water-efficient fixtures.

* Plant trees to support reforestation projects, as trees absorb carbon dioxide and restore biodiversity.

* Adopt sustainable practices by choosing eco-friendly products and reducing your carbon footprint by consuming locally sourced foods. 

* Raise awareness by educating communities about environmental conservation through campaigns. 

 These measures can help mitigate further damage while fostering a culture of sustainability. 

When we can no longer save our world, it becomes clear that this is God’s “final call” for us to focus on saving our Hereafter instead. The Quran emphasises the fleeting nature of worldly life: The life of this world is but a sport and a pastime. Surely the Home of the Hereafter is best for those who fear God. (6: 32) 

If we fail to prepare for the Hereafter, our fate will be catastrophic. The losers are those who lose themselves and their families on the Day of Resurrection: The real losers will be those who lose themselves and all their kith and kin on the Day of Resurrection. That is the [most] obvious loss. (39: 15) The Hereafter is humanity’s ultimate destination, where eternal success or failure awaits us.  

Earth is our only home, a planet that nurtures us like a mother. However, we destroyed it under the guise of development. Searching for another habitable planet in space is futile because no other celestial body compares to Earth.  

Now that destruction has become irreversible, God has given us one last opportunity to prepare for the Hereafter. This is our final chance to correct our actions and strive for eternal success in the Hereafter. If we fail in this too, we will lose both this world and the Hereafter—a loss beyond measure. 

Instead of fixing our mistakes here on Earth, we waste time chasing unrealistic dreams of finding another habitable planet. The truth is simple: if we cannot save our current home—a planet perfectly suited for life—how can we expect to survive elsewhere?

Earth is our only home, a planet that nurtures us like a mother. However, we destroyed it under the guise of development. Searching for another habitable planet in space is futile because no other celestial body compares to Earth. 

Life isn’t always easy. In this world, a problem-free life is just not possible. Everyone, regardless of wealth, power, literacy, or illiteracy, faces some or the other dilemma. 

However, it’s in our nature to avoid problems. We strive to smooth the path before us, hoping for a life without friction. But after years of struggle, we find ourselves face-to-face with a new set of problems, often more difficult to solve.

This mistake is common. We spend our entire lives searching for a problem-free life, only to find ourselves in the same state when we finally die.

The truth is, the choice for the individual lies not between a life with problems and a life without problems, but between one kind of difficulty and another. If our attempt to resolve one problem only leads to another, the wise course would be to remain content with the problems we’ve already faced.

The secret of success lies in finding opportunities for ourselves despite our problems, rather than wasting our time trying to eradicate them completely. This is a common weakness that causes both individuals and nations to squander their energies.

The Quran says, “Indeed, We have created man into hardship.” (90: 4) Life is meant to be a test. Even the Prophets faced great trials—illness and rejection—yet they responded with patience and trust in God. Islam doesn’t promise a life without problems but teaches us to grow through them. Real success lies not in removing hardships, but in rising above them and fulfilling our purpose despite them.

The only secret of success for both the individual and the nation is to learn to live with their problems and construct their lives despite their existence.

Islam doesn’t promise a life without problems but teaches us to grow through them. Real success lies not in removing hardships, but in rising above them and fulfilling our purpose despite them.

This article is written by Maulana Iqbal Umri

Recently, I travelled in a general bogie of a train—nothing fancy, just the humble, crowded, and often chaotic space where countless ordinary stories unfold every day. I had recently bought a new pair of slippers, and half the journey went by with them faithfully protecting my feet. As night fell and drowsiness overtook me, I dozed off, laptop bag clutched tightly to my chest. I had removed my slippers for a while, allowing my feet to breathe.

But when I opened my eyes, they were gone. Not the laptop. Not my wallet. Not even my bag. Just the slippers. A strange kind of loss.

For a moment, I couldn’t help but think—so there’s no safety even for slippers ? I had always thought modern thieves had graduated to stealing phones and laptops. But here I was, learning that even the most ordinary items are at risk in a world that takes what it can, whenever it can.

I stepped off the train barefoot into the cold, early morning darkness. The streets were not meant for bare feet—there were stones, broken glass, dirt. And to my dismay, no shop was open that early to buy a replacement. I walked home, each step a small lesson. Some people stared. Some pitied. And for the first time, I felt how easy it is for others to judge someone based on the most superficial things—like what’s on their feet.

But as discomfort gave way to reflection, I realized something powerful. Footwear—something we take for granted is a blessing from God. In the Quran, God says: He has given you all that you asked of Him; and if you try to reckon up God’s favours, you will not be able to count them. Truly man is very unjust, very ungrateful. (14: 34)

We are surrounded by blessings—big and small, visible and hidden. But most of the time, we only realize their worth when they’re gone. A pair of slippers might seem insignificant, but it guards us against harm, pain, and dirt. It gives us dignity, comfort, and ease.

The Prophet Muhammad taught us a profound way to live: to notice our blessings, to be grateful, and to never belittle any gift, no matter how small. He said: “Look at those who are lower than you and do not look at those who are above you, for that is more likely to make you not belittle the blessings of God upon you.” (Sahih Muslim)

That night, a missing pair of slippers taught me more than many sermons could. It reminded me to be alert—not just against theft—but alert to the gifts we live with each day. It reminded me to be humble, because everything we possess is temporary. And it reminded me to be thankful, because even something as simple as footwear can be a shield of mercy.

So, next time you slip your feet into your footwear, pause for a second. Say Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to God). That small whisper of gratitude could be the key to recognizing a world full of unnoticed favours.