1) The document discusses how Muslims have historically set standards and influenced the world through demonstrating Islamic ideals, but have since declined by imitating others rather than leading. 2) It argues that Muslims must reconnect theology and science by explaining scientific phenomena through the lens of Quranic purpose and guidance. 3) The document calls on Muslims to once again become "standard bearers" by practically applying Islamic principles to solve modern problems and differentiate themselves through confidently demonstrating the superiority of the Islamic way of life.

2. Burden of the Standard
Bearer
A ‘burden’ of love and dedication
for the sake of Allah

3. Our Legacy to the World…..Our Legacy to the World…..
What do we want it to be?

4. 4
If the following organizations are
wiped off the face of the earth,
what would be lost to you and
me?
 Boeing
 Motorola
 Nokia
 Jesuit Schools

5. So let’s ask the people of the
world, both Muslim and non-
Muslim………...
“If Islam and all its signs were
wiped off the face of the earth,
what would be lost for you?”
What do you think they would say?

6. 6
Allah’s purpose for us
You are the best of people Extracted
(chosen) for (the benefit of) mankind;
enjoining what is right forbidding what is
wrong and believing in Allah. (3:110)

7. 7
What we forgot..
 We were sent to benefit the whole world
and all who live in it
 Islam is as much a social reform system as
it is a theological concept
 The path to people’s hearts, lies in the
solution of their daily problems
Are we fulfilling our purpose?Are we fulfilling our purpose?

8. So where did we go wrong?
Seeing our history in perspective

9. 9
“Perspective is the ability to hold two
pictures simultaneously in your mind…
where you are and where you want to
be.”
Perspective
A nation that does not learn from its history
is condemned to repeat it
A nation that does not learn from its history
is condemned to repeat it

10. 10
Standard setters vs followers
 The Prophet changed the perspective of
his Companions by giving them a Standard.
 For 300 years they set the standard of
morality, courage, chivalry, and justice which
they demonstrated in all aspects of their
public and private life.
But slowly we forgot our purpose and the decline beganBut slowly we forgot our purpose and the decline began

11. 11
Ideology impacts!
 Nations rise and fall and have a lasting
impact and influence due to ideology..
Not merely due to military might or
wealth.
 Historical comparison:
 Romans, Goths/Barbarians, Tartars,
Muslims
Ideology often outlasts its own proponentsIdeology often outlasts its own proponents

12. 12
Rome-The Model Empire
 “The secret of Rome's success had less to do with
spears and centurions than with culture, psychology,
media and technology. In the New World, the
American domination of the globe owes a great deal
to the Roman example. The Roman Empire may
belong to ancient history, but its echoes resonate
through today's structures of international power and
control.”
Jonathan Freedland, National Geographic
Yet the Muslims beat the Romans. Why and How?Yet the Muslims beat the Romans. Why and How?

13. 13
Case in point..
 “The British are good people. They
accept our ways and adopt our customs
easily. Little do they realize that these
are the symbols of their slavery.”
(Comment of a Roman historian just 30 years after
the Roman invasion of Britain)
Whose standards are visible in our own lives?Whose standards are visible in our own lives?

14. Historical Mistake of Muslims
“We threw the baby out with the
bath water.”

15. 15
Joint Responsibility
 The so-called learned people in worldly
affairs made no effort to learn the Deen and
the gap between the Ulema and the ordinary
people grew and continues to grow
 Ordinary people forgot that the solutions to
their problems lie in the Deen
Because ‘Deen’ is not the opposite of ‘Duniya’
It is the name of the way to live in the ‘Duniya’
Because ‘Deen’ is not the opposite of ‘Duniya’
It is the name of the way to live in the ‘Duniya’

16. 16

17. 17
Making the connection
 Then you remember me and I will
remember you. O! Your who believe!
Seek help with patient perseverance
and salah: for Allah is with those who
patiently persevere. (2:152-3)
Because salah is the best of the zaraya
of the life of this world
Because salah is the best of the zaraya
of the life of this world

18. 18
The Peak was the Decline
 When the focus shifted from setting
standards to imitating and competing … the
decline began.
 When we forgot the purpose of our creation
and compromised our standards and sold our
ideology for a few pieces of silver.
Today we have wealth but no influence or powerToday we have wealth but no influence or power

19. 19
Wealth and children are the adornment of the life of this
world. But the good righteous deeds that last, are better
with your Lord for rewards and better in respect of hope.
(18:46)

20. 20
Secret of Muslim success…..
 As long as we remembered our ideology
and purpose; Tawhid and Da’awa; we
influenced the minds of the world and
people adopted our ways and benefited.
 But when we became imitators…
The bell tolled for us tooThe bell tolled for us too

21. 21
The Path of Decline
 Innovations & shirk crept into the practice of Islam in
the name of spirituality, tradition, local customs etc.
 Pursuit of worldly pleasure became universal
 Ulema who objected to this were persecuted
mercilessly; from Abu Hanifa (R) to Ibn Taymiyya (R)
 People lost sight of how the ‘Deen’ could make them
winners in the ‘Duniya’ so they abandoned it.
We forgot that the ‘Aakhira’ is the reward
for practicing ‘Deen’ in the ‘Duniya’
We forgot that the ‘Aakhira’ is the reward
for practicing ‘Deen’ in the ‘Duniya’

22. 22
Mongols & Spanish Inquisition
 Muslim scientists were killed, records were
destroyed and what remained was adopted
by Europe leading to their Renaissance.
 Theology was protected and hidden from the
masses in religious schools and largely
became the property of the scholars
Theology and Science got separated
as in the Christian Church
Theology and Science got separated
as in the Christian Church

23. 23
What we forgot
 We were sent to lead; not to follow.
 We were sent with the formula for
success in this life and the next.
 We were supposed to demonstrate this,
not merely talk about it.
We forgot that we were the Standard BearersWe forgot that we were the Standard Bearers

24. The path to people’s hearts..
Lies in showing them solutions to
their daily problems

25. So where are we now?
Which is more visible in our lives
today?
Setting standards or imitating?

26. 26
Global situation today
 Oppression of the many by the few
 Self indulgence is the ultimate goal
 Leaders are blatant criminals
 Accountability is ignored or denied
 Justice has many interpretations
A world where the ‘self’ is worshippedA world where the ‘self’ is worshipped

27. 27
Resilience is the key..
 Face the brutal facts……..
 But never lose hope in our
eventual success
Remember –
It’s only losers who make excuses
Remember –
It’s only losers who make excuses

28. 28
Window of Opportunity
 In the life of every man and woman comes a
time when they have a unique opportunity to
make an impact and influence others.
 Those who succeed, are the ones who
anticipate and prepare for it and recognize it
and act when it opens.
Our window is open now. Are we ready?Our window is open now. Are we ready?

29. The ‘Burden’ of the Standard
Bearer
Performing a labor of love

30. 30
The Challenge
 Show how the Qur’an and Sunnah are relevant in
today’s worldly life
 Show the way to practice the Islamic Way of Life
in today’s context
 Show how Islam differentiates the Muslim and
makes him a winner in both worlds
 Create teachers who can replicate this model in
every society throughout the world
Show how – Not merely talk about itShow how – Not merely talk about it

31. 31
What does Islam have to offer
to the World today?
1. A democratic model of government based on the
selection of the best in character and piety.
2. An economic model based on helping each other
and sharing resources and social responsibility.
3. A moral order based on the consciousness of
accountability to Allah who knows all.
4. A model of scientific development based on
research taking hints of the marvels of creation
mentioned in the Qur’an.
Are we willing to demonstrate this and show the way?Are we willing to demonstrate this and show the way?

32. The Qur’anic Model
The correct sequence of learning
that leads to success in both lives

33. 33
The Qur’an teaches us the relationship between
recognizing the Creator and knowledge of His creation
The Qur’an teaches us the relationship between
recognizing the Creator and knowledge of His creation

34. 34
Combining Theology &
Science
 Behold! In the creation of the heavens and the earth and the
alternation of night and day there are indeed Signs for People of
Understanding.
 People who celebrate the praises of Allah standing sitting and
lying down on their sides
 And contemplate (research, enquire) the Creation in the
heavens and the earth (with the thought): "Our Lord! not for
nothing have You created (all) this! Glory be to You! Save us
from the penalty of the fire.
Our purpose is to show this connectionOur purpose is to show this connection

35. “Why” versus “How”
The problem with Western
education

36. 36
“Why” versus “How”
 When you ask “Why” something
happens, science tells you “How” it
happens.
‘How’ is method. ‘Why’ is Purpose‘How’ is method. ‘Why’ is Purpose

37. 37
Why do rogue
waves rise so
high?
 Waves coming at different speeds from different
directions suddenly meet and mingle into one big
rogue wave.
 Strong waves collide with fast-flowing ocean
currents coming from the opposite direction,
slowing down the waves so that they pile up and
form rogue waves.
Are these answers to the question: Why?Are these answers to the question: Why?

38. 38
Science versus Islam
 The purpose of
science is to peel
back the layers of
the appearance of
objects to reveal
their underlying
nature.
 It is the purpose of
Islam to peel back
the layers of the
appearance of
objects to reveal
their underlying
purpose.
Think of Imaan Bil Ghaib in this context!!Think of Imaan Bil Ghaib in this context!!

39. An Example
The benefit of explaining science
using the Qur’an

40. 40
The Big Dilemma
 Hyperspace theory tells us that when
the universe stops expanding and starts
contracting it will end in an enormous
production of heat which will vaporize
everything
 “How can intelligent life escape the Big
Crunch?”
We need to tear space and escape into another dimensionWe need to tear space and escape into another dimension

41. 41
The Qur’an; the Book of Signs;
not science
The Qur’an; the Book of Signs;
not science

42. 42
The Qur’an solves the mystery
 Verily the Day of Decision is a fixed time. The
Day when the Trumpet will be blown and you
shall come forth in crowds (groups after
groups). And the heaven shall be opened and
it will become gates. And the mountains shall
be moved away from their places and they
will be as if they were a mirage. (78:17-20)
The Qur’an begins where science ends

43. 43
The Challenge
 To bridge this gap between the knowledge of
Experimentation and Revelation
 Introduce the Creator into secular scientific
syllabi so that scientists don’t waste time
searching for 1300 years to find an answer
that existed before they started looking.
Introduce the Creator to His creaturesIntroduce the Creator to His creatures

44. 44

45. 45
 Evil has appeared on land and sea because
of what the hands of men have earned, that
He may make them taste a part of that which
they have done, in order that they may return
(by repentance)
 Say, “Travel in the land and see what was the
end of those before you! Most of them were
Mushrikun (people who join partners with
Allah) (30:41-42)

46. 46
The Reality
 Allah has linked our life
conditions to our actions and not to
our possessions.
For conditions to change, actions must change firstFor conditions to change, actions must change first

47. 47
Today’s paradox
 To disobey Allah is not only accepted
but is considered the ‘right’ of the
individual
 We call this, life style choice, adult
consent and so on.
 Yet we want peace, plenty, comfort,
safety
But goodness lies only in the obedience to the CreatorBut goodness lies only in the obedience to the Creator

48. The World Desperately Needs
Standard Bearers

49. 49
Who are ‘Standard Bearers’?
1. Totally motivated and inspired by the standard they
love and respect and feel privileged to bear
2. Genuinely believe in its superiority over other ways
3. Differentiate themselves with pride and confidence
on the basis of the standard they exemplify
4. Willing to be held accountable by the world for
adhering to their standard
They are the ones who provide the benchmark
for the world to judge itself.
They are the ones who provide the benchmark
for the world to judge itself.

50. 50
Differentiation is key
 The willingness to be ‘different’ is a sign
of leadership
 Show how the ‘difference’ is beneficial
by practicing it
 Wear your ‘difference’ with pride and
confidence
Only a dead fish goes with the currentOnly a dead fish goes with the current

51. 51
Hadith of the ‘Ghuraba’
 Abu Huraiyra (RA) narrates that the
Prophet said: Islam started as
something strange, and it shall return as it
started, therefore give glad tidings to the
strangers. Muslim Kitab-ul-Iman (1/84)
The willingness to be different
is an essential quality of leadership
The willingness to be different
is an essential quality of leadership

52. 52
Our ‘Standard’
You have indeed in the Messenger of
Allah a beautiful pattern of (conduct) for
anyone whose hope is in Allah and the
Final Day
and who engages much in the praise of
Allah. (33:21)

53. 53
5 – Critical Qualities
1. Passionate desire to work for Islam
2. Drive for excellence in everything
3. Understanding the correct priority
4. Attitude towards life
5. Willingness to commit yourself
Qualities of the Prophet and His CompanionsQualities of the Prophet and His Companions

54. Our Challenge going forward
“There’s no earthly force that can
stop an idea whose time has come.”

55. 55
The Idea
 Research in the Qur’an and Sunnah and define
specific attitudes & actions in each discipline or
field of endeavor where the Muslim’s practice of
Islam in that field will differentiate him from
others.
 Create propagators who will become living
Standard Bearers for the Islamic Way
Because the Prophet came to demonstrate

56. 56
Our Window of Opportunity
 Very small in time in relation to the life
of this world
 Very important and significant in relation
to its impact on our Aakhira
It’s time to make a choiceIt’s time to make a choice

57. 57
 And whosoever has taqwa and fears Allah
Allah will make a way out (of every difficulty) for
him. And He will provide him from (sources/means)
he could never imagine. And whosoever puts his
trust in Allah He will be sufficient for him. (65:2-3)
The Promise of Allah

58. People remember us not by what
we consumed - But by what we
contributed
Are we ready to
be Standard Bearers of Islam?
Are we ready to
be Standard Bearers of Islam?

59. May Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala reward
you all with the best