Summary in seconds: the article explores the current condition of Arabs and Muslims, outlines the blog objectives, identifies the causes of our challenges, and offers potential remedies. It emphasizes human development, discusses the cultural identity of Arabs and Muslims, and presents the concept of “Good Governance” and “Enlightened Citizens.”
Before introducing the goals of this blog, let me pose a question: Are we, as members of Arab and Muslim community (Ummah*), leading the way among nations? And if not, are we on the right track to reach that point?
It seems that the majority of Arabs and Muslims are facing significant challenges, and their countries are not heading in the right direction to improve the conditions of their societies or ensure better future for their children and grandchildren.
This blog has two main goals:
The first goal is identifying the root causes of the problems affecting our Arab and Muslim nations. Identifying the causes of our problems is pivotal to solving them. Otherwise, finding the way out of our miseries will be like trying to hit a moving target in the dark. In my view, the diagnosis behind the backwardness of our Ummah can be summarized in two words: “Poor Governance.” In my upcoming articles, I will explain the thought process that led me to this diagnosis.
The second goal of this blog is to find solutions to address the challenges that pose a serious threat to the very existence of our Arab and Muslim nations.
To evade the chaotic reality that we currently face, it is crucial to focus on empowering our individual citizens. History has shown us that investing in the development of human potential is a reliable path to progress and development, as witnessed in the success stories of those who came before us. This method has stood the test of time.
Enhancing human capabilities is closely tied to nurturing and cultivating our culture. Culture to a human being is like an operating system to a computer. Just as a computer is rendered useless without its operating system, humans too depend on their culture to function effectively. It shapes our values, beliefs, and behaviors, providing the foundation upon which we build our societies and civilization.
In the Arab and Muslim worlds, our culture is organically linked to Islam, not only as a religion but as a civilization. Over the centuries, this Islamic culture has touched the hearts and minds of all those who were blessed by its grace, whether they were Muslims or not. My primary aim is to promote the concept of “Islamic Culture” as our way to overcome the challenges facing our Ummah.
As members of this “Islamic Culture,” we share its basic components. However, each of us has our own unique interpretation of this culture. It is this individuality that makes us remarkable and strong, provided we embrace it and work diligently to harness its potential. We were not meant to be identical copies of one another, and attempts to force us into a single mold by a ruthless dictator or a lunatic religious Imam have been the source of our misery.
“Good Governance” and “Enlightened Citizens” are intricately intertwined in a sacred circle. The role of “Good Governance” is to provide a safe and supportive environment for citizens to realize their maximum God-given potentials. Conversely, it is the duty of these “Enlightened Citizens” to protect, promote, and uphold “Good Governance.”
* Ummah: The whole community of Muslims bound together by ties of religion. Ummah will be used interchangeably to denote “Arabs and Muslims” whether as communities or countries.