No one can deny that there is a great upsurgence in interest in Islam. East and West alike are clamouring to understand the Islamic law and to see how it will affect them. Islam is talked about in the corridors of power in Washington, London and Paris as much as Muslims are seeking guidance and knowledge in the deen and wondering how Islam will solve their day to day problems in Damascus, Istanbul or Lahore. People point to the number of Muslim women in the streets wearing hijab as a sign of revival, or the number of men clamouring to pray the obligatory Friday prayers as another sign of Islamic resurgence. Whilst these obligations must be fulfilled by the Muslims and the signs that ever increasing numbers are practising Islam individually is encouraging, it is not the full picture or sole objective. Islam must dominate not only the personal lives of Muslims but also the society as a whole.

In this way the growing uneasiness with the systems of kufr dominating Muslim lands, the outpouring of feeling and movement for Islamic issues such as in Algeria, Egypt, Bosnia, Kashmir and Palestine are signs that the Muslims are looking only for Islamic solutions. The non-Muslims of course are seeking to divert such sentiment and action towards weak nationalist or secular solutions which will lead to further misery and are haram (forbidden) in any event.

Perhaps the greatest single sign of Islamic revival is the increasing attention paid to the Islamic movement in the world and in the Muslim world in particular. The threat to the Western ideology is coming from those struggling to implement Islam radically, that work tirelessly for a full implementation of the Islamic system and not those propping up the ailing secular regimes who legitimise their rule by joining them in government, or work to solve the social and economic failings of the governments through social and charitable works without even the mandate or authority of the people. Increasing attention is being brought to bear to divide the Ummah along imaginary fundamentalist and moderate lines where those that adhere strictly to the commands and prohibitions of Allah (swt) are labelled fundamentalist or extremist and those prepared to compromise with western systems (laws) and ways are moderate.

What is sure is the promise of Allah (swt) to all that adhere to the word of Allah and struggle in His cause:

“Allah has promised to those among you who believe and work righteous deeds, that of a certainty He will cause them to accede to power on earth, as He granted it to those before them, that He will establish in authority their deen which He has chosen for them, and that He will change (their state) after the fear in which they lived, to one of security and peace: They will worship Me (alone) and not ascribe powers to any beside Me.” [TMQ 24:55]