New Delhi: At the recent Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) weekly program on Saturday, its Vice President, Professor Salim Engineer, called upon the Muslim community to keep their eyes fixed on their responsibilities and not be blinded by the negativity that surrounds the socio-political environment in India today. Addressing a packed gathering of listeners, Professor Salim said that despite all the depressing circumstances, Muslims must remember that they are a community chosen for a greater goal of the betterment of society.

‘The greatest loss,’ Professor Salim declared, “would be if we forgot our real status, our real mission. The current challenges we face are temporary. But our identity as Khair-e-Ummah— the best Ummah— and our responsibilities to humanity must remain at the forefront.” He reminded the audience that the Quran elevates Muslims to this position because of their role in reforming others and serving the welfare of humanity.

While acknowledging the growing injustices against Muslims in India, Professor Salim made it clear that such adversities must not result in despair or fear. He said, “We should not be afraid of these powers. Nor fall into despair, he said.” It is our duty to call the people to Allah with wisdom and to bear all this with patience, and never to give in on dignity and morals, whatever is being done to us.

He further affirmed that Muslims must not go into isolation but carry on with their outreach programs to the people of their country. He pointed out that a large number of non-Muslims have faith in justice, equity, and peace despite the spread of communal discourses. “A large part of this country still believes in God in some form or another. This should encourage us,” he added.

One of the important points that Professor Salim made in his speech was how to keep the moral high ground when the group was under oppression. “There will be attempts to drag us down,” he said, “Circumstances will tempt us to react against them the same way as our oppressors do. But if we keep in our minds that we are the Khair-e-Ummat, we will not stoop down to their level. We must remain on the high moral ground that Islam has given us.”

He explained further how all these challenges can turn into an opportunity for Muslims to build up their faith and determination. “When the circumstances get harder, they make us pray more and put more attention on our relationship with Allah. They give us an opportunity for a deeper connection with Islam,” he said, alluding to the Prophets who have lived in times when conditions were most trying but still did not stray from their calling and kept their character high.

Professor Salim also addressed the positive changes brought about by these testing times upon the younger generation of Muslims. He had noticed that more and more educated young Muslims were clinging to Islam with greater force, being more active in disseminating its message in their circles. he said. “This new consciousness among the youth is something we are seeing more and more often.”

He urged Muslims to take a lesson from the life of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, in the way he faced opposition. “Even when the Prophet faced harshness, such as during his time in Taif, he did not curse those who opposed him. Rather, he prayed for their guidance,” Prof. Salim said. “We should follow this example. No matter how hard things get, our mission remains to guide others onto the path of truth with patience and compassion.”

He finally called on the Muslim community to steadfastly go in the performance of moral and religious duties, to be optimistic, and to put trust in Allah’s decree. “Our real victory lies not in material success but in staying true to our values. The truth will ultimately prevail over falsehood,” he said. “We must remain patient, continue our efforts, and never lose sight of our higher purpose.”

The address was heard with much appreciation by the audience in attendance, who departed from that gathering once again determined and set on their way of striving toward changing things in society, all for the sake of maintaining justice and peace.