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One of the major problems Islam is facing today is that non-Muslims have not seen the real teachings and beauty of Islam. Media bias and western hegemony could be blamed, but perhaps Muslims should try their best to show Islam in practice.

Throughout history, it has been the nature of man to search for a system whereby he can live to the very best of standards by using the best possible means. That is to say, it is in his character to try to attain the highest standards that exist by means that are simplest and easiest to obtain. In present day society, we witness many systems that attempt to present fine pictures to their followers, pictures that show the bliss that one may receive after following that particular system or procedure. Amongst these systems we observe some religious and some non-religious systems. At first glance, many of these systems may seem to show many positives and very few, if any, negatives or down sides. However, when a closer and deeper look is conveyed, one inevitably sees flaws and breaks in all systems bar one. This particular system is Islam.

Islam is a way of life that presents solutions from cradle to grave to all of its followers. Within Islam, one can delve deep and find methods which allow one to achieve perfection whether it be physical, spiritual or of any other sort. When you compare Islam to other religions or modes of living, you can instantly see that out of the whole host of systems, it is only Islam that is complete and comprehensive in the sense that it is not just an approach that teaches one how to pray to God once in a while but is an undiminished code of conduct by following which one can achieve success both in this world and in the hereafter. Thus, it is no wonder that Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world and in Britain alone, six people convert to Islam daily.

Islam is known as the 'Deen-ul-Fitrah', the religion of nature. It is known by this name because it is Islam that recognises the natural needs of a person and therefore it is Islam that fulfils the wants of lost folk by providing a modus operandi by adopting which, one may gain glory. As it has been mentioned, Islam is not only a way by which you can worship a deity once in a while, it is a code that teaches one everything. It will instruct one how to eat, drink, walk, talk, dress, behave and lead a life that is faultless and exemplary.

It is the habit of the Western world to criticise Islam whenever possible. This criticism is the result of their fear that the only obstacle in their way to stop them from achieving a wholly secular society that is free from any religious dogmas is none other than Islam. They criticise Islam's attitude towards women, they attack the Glorious Qur'an by trying to find contradictions therein, they dub the Muslims to be fundamentalists and extreme in their thoughts - the list is endless. But, the point to take in is that have they succeeded? Is Islam a dead religion? Are people adopting or rejecting Islam? Indeed, Islam is still alive. If it was not, why would, in Britain alone, six people every day choose to follow it? Why is it still the fastest growing religion on earth? It is still alive due to its uniqueness. It is the only system that offers a way of life that pleases the heart, soul and body. The secular system is, as we see corrupt right down to its root. The Western world may have all the money but where is its happiness? Suicide, murder, rape, adultery, towering divorce rates and all such activities are booming in the West due to it not offering people a system whereby one can achieve harmony and peace. All such vile activities are very uncommon in societies that practice Islam. The only way in which a society can remove evil from within it is to adopt a code that preaches brotherhood and love. A code that offers advice for each and every action that one may undertake. A code that removes godlessness from a diseased, secular society and converts it to a godly, caring and free from evil society that preaches good, morality and decency.

The Western world is tired of its present situation. The people of the West want a way out. The answer lies in Islam but the problem seems to be that Islam is not reaching them. They want freedom from their current states but can't seem to find it because the word of Islam doesn't reach them. However, one way in which Islam can very easily get to them is by showing them Islam in practice. That is, Muslims follow their religion so strictly and well, that after seeing the Muslims enjoying such prosperous and good lives, they will get their answers and accept Islam. At this moment in time, all they see is Muslims who are Un-Islamic, but they don't realise that. They think that by seeing Muslims, they have seen Islam. It is a sordid fact that the majority of Muslims are themselves unaware of Islam and its endless bounties. It will only be on the day that Muslims themselves become Islamic that the Westerners will realise what they have been missing.

Therefore, somehow or another, Muslims need to begin practising their faith properly. Muslim parents need to first realise their losses without Islam, and then they must, from their children's early years, instil Islam into them. Muslim children need to be taught Islamic morals and values, so that as they grow older, they adopt Islamic ideas instead of Western notions. They must be taught good manners, how to pray, respect for elders, love for the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) instead of bad manners, not knowing how to pray, no respect for their elders and a love for Western culture. It must be known that the reason that Muslims adopt Western culture instead of Islamic morals is that they are unfamiliar with Islam and its totality. If they were to be taught the books of history, they would soon realise that glory indeed lies in the following of Islam and the Sunnah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) instead of imitating the West. It is the obligation of parents to bring their children up to hold Islamic values. Mosques should be attended regularly by both parents and children together so that the child from an early age realises its religion. If it's not the mosque that is attended, then there is danger that very soon, it may be pubs or night clubs that are.

On the other hand and on a more positive note, if Muslim children are taught Islam, then the situation will be reversed. Pubs and night clubs would be bottom of the list or better still, not on the list at all. The local Mosque or Islamic institution that preaches the way of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and the pious Muslims would go at the top of the list. All things that are important to uphold Islamic culture should be implemented such as Salah, paying Zakah (welfare contribution), fasting, pilgrimage, a good secular education for all Muslim children that goes hand-in-hand with Islamic education, observance of religious festivals such as 'Id in an Islamic manner, observance of other religious days such as the Birthday of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) , Lailat-ul-Qadr, Lailat-ul-Baraat etc. Invites should be made from Mosque committees to the public to come and listen to religious talks and other such activities that would enhance the religious beliefs of all Muslims. In conclusion, it would be appropriate to say that Islam should hold precedence over all other things in a Muslims life. Culture, background and origin should be remembered but should not be given half as much importance as Islam should. By doing this, Islam would become our primary and only way of living and when it does so, others (non-Muslims) will see its beauties, they will be set off thinking and in the end, by the grace of Allah (SWT), they too will accept and honour Islam.

I would like to finish off with a Hadith (tradition) of the beloved Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) , whom true Muslims love more than anything. It is recorded that he saw said: "Live in this world as though you are a traveller who stops to take rest. Don't expect to stay too long as this is not your final abode." The reason why I have quoted this Hadith is that many Muslims do not realise that this world is not eternal, the eternal world is that of the hereafter, for which we must prepare. It is only the non-Muslims who forsake everything for this world but it is the practice of the Muslim to forsake everything for the eternal hereafter. May Allah (SWT) guide us all along the straight path and may He (SWT) instil in the hearts of Muslims the love and affection for His beloved Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), who is the best of creation. Ameen!

Allah knows best.

Muhammad Aqdas