CSS 2016 Solved Islamiyat Past Papers | Challenges of Muslim World and Solutions
The following question of Islamiat is solved by Miss Ayesha Irfan, the highest scorer in CSS Islamiat. Moreover, the question is attempted on the same pattern taught by Sir Syed Kazim Ali to his students, scoring the highest marks in compulsory subjects for years. This solved past paper question is uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, how to write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question Breakdown
About this specific question, the examiner has asked about the contemporary challenges of the Muslim world with strong arguments. After that, the second part demands solutions with reference to Islam. So, first, you need to briefly introduce the leading points of what you are about to write in your answer. Then, write your answers by spitting them into parts as the question demands. Finally, end your answer with a critical analysis and conclusion.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-An Overview of the Muslims world in contemporary times
3-Contemporary challenges faced by the Muslim World
- ✓Lack of unity among Muslim Ummah
- ✓Influence of the West on Muslim countries
- ✓Misconception of Terrorism and Extremism about Muslims
- ✓Islamophobia and External Propaganda
4-Solutions of the challenges faced by Muslims in the light of Quran and Sunnah
- ✓Strengthening unity among Muslim Ummah
- ✓Strengthening the foundations of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
- ✓Promoting the peaceful message of Islam through education to eliminate terrorism and extremism
- ✓Fostering and Strengthening Islamic culture
5-Critical Analysis
6-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
Muslims, the architects of a glorious era, once ruled empires with justice and wisdom and shaped the world through unmatched advancements in different fields of life. Muslims have left a great legacy in different arenas, including science, culture, governance, architecture, literature, and much more. However, with the passage of time, the Muslims have lost their glory owing to multiple factors. Muslims are facing severe challenges that may vary in nature but leave an ever-lasting impact on the individual and collective lives of Muslims. These problems did not emerge overnight; the problems persisted during the times of the Prophet (PBUH) and during the reign of the caliphate. Throughout the journey of 1400 years, each generation faced its own challenges in the shape of intruders, intellectual as well as cultural threats and colonization. Nevertheless, all is not lost; Muslims can regain their glory by following the guidance laid in the Quran and Sunnah. These two glaring sources can help Muslims pull themselves out of hot waters and pave the way toward success. This answer sheds light on the challenges faced by Muslim ummah and their solutions in the light of the Quran and Sunnah.
An Overview of the Muslims world in contemporary times
The Muslim Ummah stood at the center of civilization in the world and was known for its tremendous contribution to science, philosophy, medicine, and governance during its heyday. Huge empires stretched from Andalusia to the Indian subcontinent, in which Muslims had taken the lead in mathematics, astronomy, and architecture while exchanging cultural and intellectual ideas. Today, the Muslim Ummah is a diversified body with more than 1.9 billion people unified under one umbrella of faith. It plays a vital dynamic role in international affairs, where several countries have posed themselves as powerful forces while others have retained the rich heritage and traditions of their land. Thus, the spiritual, cultural, and intellectual heritage of the Ummah serves as a source of pride and inspiration for Muslims from all over the world.
Contemporary challenges faced by the Muslim World
In today’s times, the Muslim world faces the following contemporary challenges that not only leave an impact on their individual life but on their collective life as well.
- Lack of unity among Muslim Ummah
One of the biggest challenges faced by Muslims in these times is the lack of unity among Muslim Ummah. Muslims, who once stood as a strong pillar of social cohesion, are now like a fragmented society divided due to multiple differences. This fragmentation is evident in multiple forms, including cultural practices, differences on the basis of interpretation, sects, and other things. For instance, the ongoing conflict between Sunni and Shia has given rise to multiple sectarianism issue, exacerbating extremist ideologies and hatred for each other. Such conflicts demand Muslim communities to stand firm with each other against such forces. Thus, the lack of unity among Muslim ummah is one of the contemporary challenges faced by the Muslim world in today’s times.
- Influence of the West on Muslim countries
The second most significant challenge faced by Muslim countries is the growing influence of the West on Muslim countries. Often, this concept is perpetuated in society that Muslims are lagging behind due to the inflicted superiority complex of the West. The differences between West and Muslim societies have raised concerns regarding right and wrong, as the West views Muslims as backward and inferior people with no modern education or technological advancements. For instance, Turkey under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk underwent significant Westernization in the early 20th century, including the adoption of a secular legal system, replacing Islamic law (Sharia) in many areas of governance. This shows the changes Muslims have undergone many changes owing to the influence of Western culture. Thus, the growing influence of the West on the Muslim countries serves as another challenge.
- Misconception of Terrorism and Extremism about Muslims
Another significant issue is the misconception of terrorism and extremism linked to Muslims. This perpetuates discrimination and hatred against Muslims in society. Most Western nations view Muslims as terrorists, extremists, and violent people. Many people wrongly associate the actions of a small minority of violent extremists with the beliefs of over a billion Muslims worldwide, ignoring the vast majority who advocate for peace and coexistence. For example, in the wake of the 9/11 attack in the USA, the West equated all Muslims with terrorists who spread violence, whereas, in reality, the majority of Muslims condemned the attacks and stood with the casualties America faced. This illustrates how one event can undermine the true teachings of Islam and lead to the marginalization of Muslims. Thus, the misconception of terrorism and extremism linked to Muslims is a great challenge to the growth of Muslims.
- Islamophobia and External Propaganda
Islamophobia and external propaganda are also a significant issue faced by Muslims in today’s time. Islamophobia is driven by external propaganda as various media outlets and narratives have perpetuated the negative image of Muslims; as a result, the Muslim community is seen as reserved, extremist, and vicious people with rigid mindsets. For instance, Media portrayals often depict Muslims as terrorists or extremists, perpetuating harmful stereotypes that foster fear and misunderstanding in society. This shows how several factors have shaped the Muslim picture in the West and how such narratives, like Islamophobia, hampers the teachings of Islam. Thus, islamophobia and external propaganda serve as another challenge for Muslims in today’s times.
Solutions to the challenges faced by Muslims in the light of the Quran and Sunnah
The following are the solutions of above mentioned challenges faced by Muslims in the guidance of Quran and Sunnah that can help Muslims gain their due glory.
- Strengthening unity among Muslim Ummah
Muslims should firmly adhere to the principles laid by Allah in the Quran and Sunnah in order to strengthen themselves as the united Muslim ummah. It is pertinent for Muslims to overcome sectarian, ethnic, and regional differences to form a cohesive front. Once Muslims achieve unity among themselves, this would ultimately strengthen political and economic alliances between Muslim countries. For instance, Allah in the Quran’s Surah Al Imran 3:103 says,
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.”
This verse illustrates the importance of avoiding divisions among Muslims that would ultimately end sectarianism that has deteriorated the social fabric of Muslim society. Thus, adhering to the principles laid by Allah and holding the religion firmly can help Muslims be united once again in today’s challenging times.
- Strengthening the foundations of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
It is of utmost importance for Muslims to strengthen the foundations of organizations like OIC. It is high time to bring reforms in organizations like OIC that would give Muslims a platform to address the issues they face, align all Muslim countries on one agenda, and work together with each other for a better cause. Muslims can work on developing stronger mechanisms for conflict resolution, humanitarian aid, and political advocacy. For instance, the ongoing Israel and Gaza conflict can be solved if the OIC, including all the Muslim countries, take action together, boycott trade, and take measures that would destabilize Israel and its allies, resulting in withdrawal from Gaza. Hence, reforming organizations like OIC can help Muslims stand united against Western threats.
- Promoting the peaceful message of Islam through education to eliminate the misconception of terrorism and extremism
Another solution is promoting the peaceful message of Islam through education and exemplary conduct to eliminate the misconception of terrorism and extremism. The peaceful message of Islam highlights the true essence of Islam as it is deeply rooted in peace, justice, and love. According to Sahih Bukhari, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) says,
“The best among you are those who have the best manners and character”
(Sahih Bukhari)
By embodying these teachings and engaging in educational initiatives that accurately convey the message of Islam, Muslims can foster understanding and tolerance, dispelling the myths that link their religion to violence and extremism.
- Fostering and Strengthening Islamic culture
Lastly, fostering and strengthening Islamic cultural identity is crucial in preserving the rich heritage of Muslims for the world to see. It is important to keep the rich global history alive in order to decrease Western influence on Muslim societies. Undoubtedly, Muslims have made significant contributions to the arts, sciences, and culture. For example, the development of algebra by Muslim mathematicians like Al-Khwarizmi laid the foundation for modern mathematical theories used worldwide today. This highlights the far-reaching impact of Islamic intellectual advancements that continue to benefit modern societies. Therefore, reclaiming and strengthening Islamic culture is important to preserve the richness of Islamic heritage for future generations.
Critical Analysis
Undoubtedly, Muslims, who were once glorious and the most powerful nation in the world, are now thrust into the quagmire of challenges. Muslim countries are now divided due to their own vested interests and fragmented on multiple levels. It is high time for the Muslim world to keep their differences aside and stand for the true cause and principles of Islam. The challenges would continue to grapple the Muslims and leave them in a vicious cycle of challenges; however, it is the responsibility of the Muslim leaders to preach and follow the true message of Islam and stand united against the forces that try to crumble Muslims. The most renowned quote of Aesop, ‘Divided we fall, united we stand’, perfectly illustrates the true meaning of unity and how Muslims should act upon it as unity is the only thing that can lay the foundation of progress and pave ways to deal with other challenges.
Conclusion
All in all, today’s Muslim world, while standing strong on their historical and contributory perspective, has plenty of challenges to face: internal divisions and worldly pressures being the main ones. It is important for the Muslim ummah to rectify these issues and seek guidance through Quran and Sunnah. It is only through unity, faith, and adherence to the principles of Islam that the Ummah will be able to rise above these difficulties and work toward a future that is peaceful, progressive, and in harmony with all.
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