CSS 2015 Solved Islamiyat Past Papers | The concept & structure of Muslim Ummah
The following question of CSS Islamiat 2015 is solved by Miss Ayesha Irfan, the highest scorer in CSS Islamiat. Moreover, the question is attempted using the same pattern taught by Sir Syed Kazim Ali to his students, who have scored 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, write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question Breakdown
The examiner has asked to explain the concept & structure of the Muslim Ummah and suggest its revival. First, we should define the concept & structure of the Muslim Ummah and then give suggestions for its revival.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-Concept of Muslim Ummah
3-Structure of Muslim Ummah
- ✓ Spiritual Foundation (5 Core Beliefs)
- ✓ Social liabilities [Individual Level (self-accountability, self-purification), family unit (Family Unit (Concept of Nikah)]
- ✓ Community Level (Mosques: Central institutions for worship, education, and community affairs.)
- ✓ Leadership and Governance (Political system, Shura)
- ✓ Principles of Unity and Diversity
- ✓ Responsibility Towards Humanity (Human rights and obligations)
4-Current situation of the decline of Muslim Ummah
(Lack of Unity, Away from Islamic teachings, Political Instability, Economic Disparity, Un-Islamic authoritarian rule, educational backwardness)
5-Suggestions for Muslim Ummah’s revival
- ✓ Strengthening unity among Muslim Ummah
- ✓ Strengthening the foundations of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
- ✓ Promoting the peaceful message of Islam through education to eliminate terrorism and extremism
- ✓ Fostering and Strengthening Islamic culture
6-Critical Analysis
7-Conclusion
Answer to the Question
Introduction
The Muslim Ummah is the term used to describe the worldwide Muslim community united by shared religious practices, values, and beliefs, especially the belief in the unity of God (Allah) and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. To foster a spirit of fraternity and unity among Muslims worldwide, it cuts over national, ethnic, and cultural barriers. The Ummah is envisioned as a group that, through mutual help and shared obligations, promotes the prosperity and well-being of all its members. However, political, social, and cultural differences have undermined this sense of solidarity. It is possible to revitalize the Muslim Ummah by emphasizing interfaith communication, advancing knowledge and comprehension, and prioritizing the well-being of the underprivileged. To overcome problems like poverty, injustice, and inequality, unity should be based on shared ideals while honouring community variety. Furthermore, encouraging international cooperation and collaboration on shared objectives, including peacebuilding and humanitarian help, will increase Muslims’ feeling of interconnectivity.
Concept of Muslim Ummah
The term “Ummah” is substituted with “religion,” which refers to a community’s collective way of life or behaviour; in other words, a Ummah or country of believers. “And verily this Ummah of yours is one Ummah, and I am your Lord and Cherisher, therefore fear Me and no other.” (Quran 23:52) Allama Muhammad Iqbal asserts that the idea of the Ummah is more than just a group of people; rather, it is a vibrant and spiritual community united by a common understanding of identity, purpose, and religion. To transcend historical stagnation and take on contemporary difficulties, he underlined the significance of Ijtihad (independent thinking) and intellectual awakening within the Muslim community. According to Iqbal, the Ummah should aim for both spiritual and material advancement, and a resurgence of both individual and collective consciousness is necessary for its restoration.
Structure of Muslim Ummah
- Spiritual Foundation (5 Core Beliefs)
The fundamental building block of the Muslim Ummah is Islamic doctrine. Tawheed, which emphasizes God’s unity and brings Muslims from all walks of life together, is essential to this. Furthermore, the Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) offer crucial directions for living a life centred on faith, creating a structure for worship, and fostering communal harmony. Honestly, in the creation of the heavens and of the earth, and the succession of night and day: and in the ships that speed through the sea with what is helpful to man: and in the waters which God sends down from the sky, giving life thereby to the earth after it had been lifeless, and causing all manner of living creatures to multiply thereon: and in the change of the winds, and the clouds that run their appointed courses between sky and earth: these are messages indeed for people who use their intelligence.[ Surah al-Baqarah 2:164] Thus, Islamic teachings emphasise brotherhood and solidarity, and our shared commitment to ethics and values like justice, compassion, and service to others further strengthen this foundation.
- Social liabilities [Individual Level (self-accountability, self-purification), (Family Unit (Concept of Nikah)]
Furthermore, the structure of the Muslim Ummah is intricately linked to social liabilities that operate at both the individual and family levels. A community of responsible Muslims is fostered by individual self-accountability and self-purification, which encourage personal accountability and spiritual development. Nikah, or marriage, is a holy pact that strengthens moral principles and social cohesiveness at the family level. It creates a stable atmosphere that is necessary for raising future generations and maintaining the Ummah’s general well-being. According to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), God says, “O My Servants, do not commit injustice; I have forbidden it among you, and I have forbidden it upon myself.” Similarly, Allah says in Quran Surah Al-Hujra (49:13): “We made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another.” Therefore, these social responsibilities help to create a peaceful Muslim society where the welfare of the Ummah depends on personal responsibility and close familial ties.
- Community Level (Mosques: Central institutions for worship, education, and community affairs.)
Moreover, the structure of the Muslim Ummah is significantly strengthened at the community level through mosques, which serve as essential institutions for worship, education, and community affairs. Mosques provide a space for collective prayer and spiritual development while offering educational programs promoting Islamic knowledge and values. Furthermore, they function as hubs for community engagement, fostering social cohesion and addressing the community’s needs through various initiatives and support services. As Allah states in the Holy Quran: “The mosques are for Allah; do not invite anyone with Allah,” mosques serve as a reflection of Allah’s love and a means of drawing worshippers closer to him. (Al-Jinn Surah, verse 18). Consequently, mosques are pivotal in uniting the Ummah and enhancing its well-being.
- Leadership and Governance (Political system, Shura)
Furthermore, leadership and governance are the cornerstones of the Muslim Ummah’s structure and are necessary to preserve peace and harmony in the community. An Islamic-based political system offers a framework for government that prioritizes accountability, justice, and the populace’s well-being. The idea of Shura, or mutual consultation, holds paramount to this government since it promotes inclusive leadership and group decision-making. In addition to encouraging a sense of belonging and shared accountability, this participatory method ensures that the Ummah’s opinions are heard regarding governing issues. As Allah says in the Quran, “Those when given authority in the land, establish (system of) salah, give zakat and enjoin what is good (mauruf) and forbid what is wrong (munkar)” (al-Hajj, 22:41). Therefore, the unity and advancement of the Muslim Ummah depend heavily on competent leadership and governance.
- Principles of Unity and Diversity
Except to these, the values of diversity and unity, which, when combined, form a cohesive yet diverse society, define the framework of the Muslim Ummah. Unity stems from the common Islamic traditions, such as the Five Pillars, which unite Muslims from all origins and cultures, as well as the shared belief in Tawheed, or the oneness of God. Among believers, this sense of solidarity and unity cultivates a shared identity. The Ummah, which reflects the diverse range of cultures, languages, and customs among Muslims worldwide, embraces diversity simultaneously. Diversity is viewed as an asset because it allows for various viewpoints and activities that enhance the community. As Allah says in the Quran, “And hold fast to Allah’s rope and do not be divided. And remember the favour of Allah upon you, in that you were once enemies to one another, but He joined your hearts together so that by His Grace you became brothers.” [Surah Aal-‘lmraan 3:103]. The values of diversity and unity allow the Muslim Ummah to celebrate the individual contributions of its varied members while preserving a strong sense of collective identity, strengthening the community’s adaptability and resilience.
- Responsibility Towards Humanity
Last but not least, the structure of the Muslim Ummah is fundamentally anchored in a profound sense of responsibility towards humanity, derived from Islamic teachings that emphasize compassion, justice, and service to others. This responsibility manifests through several key principles: Universal Brotherhood, which promotes global unity among Muslims; Charity and Social Welfare, highlighted by Zakat (obligatory almsgiving) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity) to assist those in need; and the Promotion of Justice, urging Muslims to advocate for the rights of the oppressed beyond their community. Additionally, the principle of Environmental Stewardship emphasizes the duty to care for the environment, while Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation encourage engagement with people of other faiths to foster mutual understanding.
Finally, Advocacy for Human Rights reflects the Islamic commitment to dignity and equality for all individuals. Allah says in Quran’s Surah An-Nisa (4:36): “And worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and show kindness to parents, and to kindred, and orphans, and the needy, and the neighbour who is near of kin, and the neighbour who is a stranger, and the companion by your side, and the wayfarer (you meet), and those whom your right hands possess, – indeed, Allah loves not the proud and boastful.” Collectively, these elements create a compassionate and ethical framework that guides Muslims in their interactions with the broader world.
The current situation of the decline of Muslim Ummah
The current situation of the Muslim Ummah reflects a deepening sense of fragmentation and decline, marked by political, social, and economic challenges. The Ummah suffers from splits stemming from sectarianism, ethnic conflicts, and ideological differences, despite its common religious and cultural legacy. These internal conflicts erode attempts at unity and diminish group action. Politically, many nations with most Muslims are mired in cycles of violence, authoritarian governance, or instability that impede advancement. There are economic inequalities in the Ummah; many Muslim countries face unemployment, poverty, and underdevelopment, while others face corruption and resource mismanagement. For instance, political instability, economic disparity, lack of unity, a departure from Islamic principles, un-Islamic authoritarian control, and educational backwardness have all contributed to the current disintegration of the Muslim Ummah. The World Bank estimates that Muslim-majority nations, especially those in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, are home to about 60% of the world’s impoverished. Countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan, where more than 20% of the population still lives below the poverty line, are prime examples of the Ummah’s extreme economic inequality.
Suggestions for Muslim Ummah’s revival
The following are the solutions to the above-mentioned challenges faced by Muslims in the guidance of the Quran and Sunnah that can help Muslims gain their due glory.
- Strengthening unity among Muslim Ummah
First of all, Muslims should steadfastly uphold the precepts established by Allah in the Quran and Sunnah to fortify themselves as a cohesive Muslim community. To present a united front, Muslims must overcome sectarian, ethnic, and regional divides. Political and economic ties between Muslim nations would eventually be strengthened once Muslims could unite among themselves. For example, Allah states, “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided,” in Surah Al Imran 3:103 of the Quran. This verse highlights how crucial it is to prevent Muslim divides and put an end to sectarianism, which has weakened the social cohesion 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 the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
For Muslims, it is crucial to strengthen the pillars of institutions such as OIC. It is imperative that organizations like the OIC undergo reforms so that Muslims have a forum to discuss their problems, unify all Muslim nations on a common agenda, and cooperate for a common goal. Muslims can focus on creating more robust systems for political activism, humanitarian assistance, and conflict resolution. For instance, if the OIC, which includes all Muslim nations, acts in concert, boycotts commerce, and takes actions that will destabilize Israel and its allies and force them to withdraw from Gaza, the ongoing war between Israel and Gaza can be resolved. As a result, reformist groups such as the OIC can assist Muslims in uniting against Western threats.
- Promoting the peaceful message of Islam through education to eliminate terrorism and extremism
Another way to dispel the myth of terrorism and extremism is to spread the peaceful message of Islam via instruction and moral behaviour. Islam’s benign message demonstrates its fundamental nature based on justice, love, and peace. As stated by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), “The best among you are those who have the best manners and character” (Sahih Bukhari). Muslims can promote tolerance and understanding while eradicating the misconceptions that associate their faith with extremism and violence by living out these principles and participating in educational programs that faithfully portray Islam.
- Fostering and Strengthening Islamic Culture
Lastly, maintaining the rich legacy of Muslims for the world to see depends on promoting and bolstering Islamic cultural identity. To lessen the impact of the West on Muslim countries, it is critical to preserve the rich heritage of the world. Muslims have made significant contributions to culture, the arts, and the sciences. For instance, the foundation for contemporary mathematical ideas that are employed now all over the world was established by Muslim mathematicians such as Al-Khwarizmi when they developed algebra. This demonstrates how Islamic intellectual achievements have had a significant and lasting influence on contemporary societies. Therefore, to maintain the richness of Islamic legacy for future generations, it is crucial to recover and strengthen Islamic culture.
Critical Analysis
Undoubtedly, Muslim Ummah, who were once glorious and the most powerful country in the world, are now driven into the bog of problems. Muslim Ummah are now divided due to their own vested interests and splintered on various levels. It is past time for the Muslim community to put aside its differences and support Islam’s core values. Muslims would still face difficulties and be caught in a never-ending cycle of problems, but it is the duty of Muslim leaders to preach and uphold the authentic teachings of Islam and to unite against those who seek to discredit Muslims. Since unity is the only thing that can create the basis for growth and open doors to overcome other obstacles, Aesop’s most famous saying, “Divided we fall, united we stand,” aptly captures the essence of unity and how the Muslim Ummah should act upon it.
Conclusion
All things considered, although maintaining a strong historical and contributory viewpoint, the Muslim Ummah of today faces several difficulties, the most significant of which are internal conflicts and external pressures. Resolving these challenges and seeking guidance from the Quran and Sunnah are crucial for the Muslim community. The only way the Ummah can overcome these challenges and strive toward a future that is peaceful, forward-thinking, and harmonious with everyone is by unity, faith, and commitment to Islamic values.
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