Uprising in Arab World and a Real Solution

The situation in the Middle East and in the African countries is worsening day by day. Since, the problems are increasing and people are dramatically being affected, it is but natural to have grave concerns about it. Although at present the entire world feels deep pain and there is an extreme restless feeling among the people.

The current uprisings have shaken all the Middle East and African Arab countries. The leaders, who are ruling these countries for decades, have not given proper attention to the problems of people, but, monarchs have used the opportunities to divert people’s attention to rob their own national wealth and expand grip over people.

I feel that this is my moral duty, as belonging to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which is free of all kinds of politics and is exclusively dedicated to serve humanity all over the world, and we are experiencing the greatest agony on the situation of contemporary world, to show my absolute sincerity at this time of great pain and to write some sincere words with the hope that they may be a guiding-line for the Arab world to get rid out of this massacre.

These problems first sparked in Tunisia, moved to Egypt and then translated into Libya, Bahrain, Yemen and indeed Syria, and seem to be domino affects sweeping across the Middle East. As human beings how grieved we are on the current situation in these countries, and the havoc and the difficulties that are been created for the ordinary men and women on the streets and their children, are the heart rending. And we see the news and come to know what is happening there, our hearts bleed for the innocent people. And we pray that their suffering would come to an end and peace would be promoted.

The rulers of these countries are there for decades, and also their families have been closely associated with their rule of power, they all ignored the rights of their people and have taken their eyes off the sufferings of their nations. They have not ruled the country with justice, they have not thought about what the best is for their citizens, and how wealth should be distributed amongst those citizens and how their welfare should be looked after. They did not utilize the national talent; they did not provide them standard education, jobs and medical facilities. They had their own interests at their hearts which they tried to fulfil during their long years in power.

The prophet Muhammad, peace be with him, has mentioned something very beautiful, very touching, he says that: “Each one of you is a ruler and will be answerable in respect of his subjects”; “A true leader of a nation is the one who serves the nation”. And he further emphasised on this matter and said: “Your best leader is the one whom you love and who loves you, and whom you pray for and who prays for you. And the worst leader is the one you hate and who hates you, and whom you curse and who curses you.”

I believe that these few sayings are enough for the leaders of the Arab world to judge their position, where they stand today. Are they the true servants of the nation? Do the people love and pray for them? I think all the problems have cropped up in these countries by neglecting these beautiful principles.

The real solution to this horrible situation in the Arab world is clearly mentioned in the Holy Quran and that is to observe absolute justice, equally enforced from top to bottom, leaders and ordinary people and kings and beggars, no one should be superior or excluded from the justice: “Verily, Allah enjoins justice, and the doing of good to others; and giving like kindred”; “Verily, Allah commands you to give over the trusts to those entitled to them, and that, when you judge between men, you judge with justice”; “O ye who believe! be strict in observing justice, and be witnesses for Allah, even though it be against yourselves or against parents and kindred.”

Thus, the rulers and kings of the Arab countries should do justice to the offices they hold. And the people too should realize their responsibility and not allow their countries to fall into the hands of extremists or fundamentalists. And the rulers should not arrogantly cause disorder in the land, and not be unjust, not to ignore the rights of the people, and not to allow the gap between the rich and poor to increase so much that it causes unease and paves the way for rebellion. The only path is that of righteousness and absolute justice and if both the people and rulers adhere to it, they will all prosper.

It is my fervent prayer, and that is the greatest weapon I believe, that may God make the leaders to recognise their responsibilities and obligations; they should fulfil their duties with righteousness and establish absolute justice in their countries. And may peace prevail. Amen

(By: Laiq Ahmed Atif, President AMJ – MALTA) Photo: Google images