The Natural Law for the Progress of Man

In his Friday Sermon of November 11, 2011 Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius spoke on a law of nature- the linkages between individual enterprise and societal progress. For, the flowering of individual capabilities and qualities are the bedrock on which nations advance swiftly to progress and achievement. The Khalifatullah (atba) reminds us that physical and intellectual development cannot be separated from moral and spiritual progress.  Hence, believers are urged to pay attention to the holistic development of their skills and traits covering the entire spectrum of capabilities and faculties: “develop your talents to the highest degree”, exhorts the Khalifatullah.

Read the extracts from the Sermon:

The real achievements of a man are the faculties granted to him by Allah, and the total sum of collective achievements of individuals constitutes the real wealth of the nation. Every species to some extent reflects the attributes of God, but most of these reflections occur in humans. Therefore, the human species is considered the noblest of creation.

Man is endowed with different qualities, each contributing in a different proportion to his personality. His faculties are inherent physical, intellectual, moral and spiritual, but can be deployed gradually since many factors affect their development. With its mother the child is already beginning to exercise its powers (faculties) only to be helped (afterwards) in its development by his father. A healthy environment will facilitate its evolution to a large extent. However, man shall only be able to showcase his inherent talents and abilities through his own efforts and attendance. All men have not inherited the same capabilities and these capacities are not unlimited.

To each of them God imposes a different orbit within which he exercises his talents. Man may be endowed with limited capacity, but the important thing is to make the most of what God gave him, for if he neglects his talents, if he refuses to make full use of his faculties, he takes the path of his own downfall, and then he will ultimately take his share of responsibility in the destruction of the nation.

I recommend to everyone to develop your talents to the highest degree, because in many areas half-developed talent can be harmful to humanity. Many doctors are licensed to exert with marginal diplomas. These pseudo-professionals cannot demonstrate competence in the performance of their duties and represent a real danger for those who rely on them. There are, of course, other professions where skills even half-developed do not represent a serious danger. But the nation is deprived of their potential value.

I draw the attention of the believers to the existence of a law of nature according to which Allah has planned everything for the development of man, but it is the latter’s responsibility to make the necessary efforts towards progress. He has subjected to him (man) the universe and all the objects found therein. The earth reserves for him its products and its wealth. It is for man the duty to discover them and to draw advantages some from them, because it is mainly for this purpose he has been given the necessary faculties. Only those will be enlightened who use their talents to discover what Allah has provided and planned for them.

I more than once emphasized on physical and intellectual development (of man). I point out to Muslims that they should not lose sight of the fact that in this world the physical and intellectual development cannot be separated from moral and spiritual progress. But if Muslims neglect these moral and spiritual aspects, they will hardly be more advanced than the infirm, from the Islamic point of view.

It may be that Non-Muslims are entitled to more leniencies from Allah because they do not enjoy the favour He has given to Muslims. How to innocent ourselves when we have the Holy Quran and as perfect a model in the person of the Holy Prophet (sa)? In addition to their efforts, believers are to seek divine compassion and establish strong relationships with the Creator, because experience shows that efforts not accompanied by prayers do not lead to real progress.

I appeal to all members of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam, adults and youths, so that you devote yourselves to maximizing deeds (which shall be for your own good). May all members of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam ensure that they develop their talents and apply to demonstrate the highest competence. May you put yourselves body and soul to the service of society. Do understand yourselves, O you people of my community, may Allah be with you. May He prepare you for the journey to the Hereafter as He did for the companions of the Holy Prophet (sa).

Be convinced that this world does not represent much (quasi-nothing). Cursed is the existence (of someone) that relates (uniquely and profoundly) to this world, and the unfortunate (man) is the one whose concerns are purely material. If there is such a person in my community, pointless is his membership in this community because he is like a dried stem that bears no fruit.

May Allah guide you on the right path. Ameen.