ABIM's policy speech 1

The Islamic Movement's Integrity in Leading the Challenges of
the Times part 1

ABIM's current president Yusri Mohammad, starts his policy speech at the
recent general assembly by reciting a doa beseeching and begging Allah
s.w.t. to grant His vast Forgiveness and His boundless Mercifulness over
our sins. Below are excerpts which are adapted and summarised:-

50 years of Independence brings about its own challenges. In fact, Islam
and Muslims are being challenged and at the same time are issuing
challenges. Islam comes as a unique belief system offering a complete and
comprehensive way of life. It challenges others in terms of thought and
demographics. It also stands being accused of terrorism.

The best plans and strategy to overcome these challenges are such as to
be eligible to receive Allah's help by being an Islamic Movement of
integrity as is requisite. Although we shall seek, organise and endeavour
in meeting the Laws of Sunnatullah and the Syariah but in the end, we
totally depend on Allah's will. Our best efforts shall never replace
Allah's will, for better of for worse, we yield in obedience.

In order to strengthen our integrity, these prerequisites have to be
followed:-

Affirming and elaborating the fundamental basics of the movement.

Even if our conceptual understanding is true and clear, it has to be
accompanied by practice and performance. Our vital strength is derived
from 'ubudiyyah (submission and obedience to the Creator), ikhlas
(sincerity), ukhuwwah (brotherhood) and tadhiyyah (sacrifice). We do
carry heavy and demanding roles and responsibilities as envisaged in the
catchphrases: 'Upholding Truth and Justice', 'Establishing Civilization
for the Good of Mankind', 'Advocate of the Ummah', 'Defenders of Islam',
'We Care and are Concerned' and so on.

If we notice the inadequacies of our commitment and that of the other
members then this could be the reason.

There has to be balance and equilibrium as well as integration of the
dimensions of ad deen. We need to emphasise the aspects of ihsan, akhlak
and tasawwuf because inadequacies in these facets do cause drawbacks to
the organisation. We need to take heed of Imam Malik's saying, "Whoever
indulges in self purification devoid of religious understanding
(tafaqquh) is lost astray. Whoever indulges in fiqh without tasawwuf is
sinful (fasiq). A combination of the two shall meet the real purpose."

It has been said by Dr Siddiq Fadil that Tasawwuf is one of the
neglected dimensions of the Islamic movement.

Another confusion arises if the movement sees itself as being bigger
than it should be. The harakah is considered a sub-set and is one of the
contributors to the development of the ummah. The harakah need not be
seen to be more important or higher than the other institutions of the
ummah, for instance, the ulama' and the umara', scholars and leaders, as
well as other religious bodies and authorities. Learning has to be
specific and continous, in terms of tafaqquh and ta'lim. The usrah has
many functions of informal learning, worldview and capacity building but
it can never replace proper and formal religious education. The role of
the the ulama' in providing guidance and counsel to activists has to be
appreciated.

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