Our discussion today concerns the moral and social deterioration that has spread across society. When we read the stories of the Prophets, we learn that at various times and under different circumstances, God sent them to guide humanity-to overcome the spiritual and worldly temptations and confusions that had corrupted societies, and to lead people toward the path of oneness and righteousness. In those times, wars and struggles were often waged to suppress disbelief and polytheism, and the Prophets spread the message of the One and Only God.
After the final Prophet, Muhammad (SAAW), this chain of prophethood came to an end. Thereafter came the eras of caliphates and empires, and eventually the saints of Allah-such as Mujaddid Alf Thani, Shah Shams Tabrizi, Ghaus-e-Azam, Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, Shah Abdul Latif, and others-who called people back to the path of God and upheld the message of divine unity.
Now, in this modern age-when satanic organizations, foreign conspiracies, Western cultural invasions, and a general estrangement from faith prevail-our youth are turning away from religion, the common people are crushed by economic hardship and injustice, and faith itself has become entangled in sectarian divisions. If one strives to earn a lawful livelihood, poverty stands in the way; if one resorts to the unlawful, hell awaits. If a woman observes modesty, she is labeled backward; if she doesn’t, she is called modern. If she stays home, she is deemed useless; if she works in public, she faces countless difficulties and moral dangers.
If children are educated under Western systems, they often lose moral direction; if they attend Islamic seminaries, they are branded as extremists. The orphans, widows, and destitute are caught in economic and emotional turmoil. People today no longer know how to live-they are overwhelmed by confusion, corruption, and temptation. Compared to earlier prophetic eras, this is a time of even greater moral trial and spiritual chaos.
I write on this subject because I believe it is urgently necessary to restructure our systems of education and moral instruction in accordance with Islamic principles while also considering contemporary realities. All movements that claim to work in the name of Islam must unite beyond sectarian divisions and political rivalries, and instead focus on resolving the social and spiritual problems plaguing our people
In this era, we may not have saints in the classical sense, but every mosque can become a “house of consultation” open to all Muslims-free from sectarian barriers. Religious leaders should engage the youth with love and sincerity, making them proud of their Muslim identity. Islam is not a political party; the reform of societies cannot be achieved through politics alone.
Let us truly illuminate our mosques-not just with light, but with the living spirit of Islam. Becoming a warrior for Islam is the final stage; the first is to become a true human being-one who internalizes the teachings of the Prophet (SAAW), fills their home with love and righteous action, and remains unaffected by the moral decay outside. When evil presents itself, such a person knows how to resist it. Islam has always spread through character, conduct, and compassion-not through force or coercion.
Look at the media of Iran, Saudi Arabia, and other Muslim countries-it operates within the moral boundaries of Islam and avoids sensationalism. In contrast, in our country, a handful of corrupt individuals are destroying our cultural and moral fabric through the media. Religious organizations must demand from the rulers that immoral influences on Pakistani media be punished and that policies promoting Islamic values be implemented. Whoever does so is, in essence, fulfilling the role of a saint of the time.
In every street and neighborhood, we must revive the true essence of Islam through love, counseling, and education-teaching people the religion according to the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAAW), so their weary souls may find peace. Islam never spread through hatred, destruction, or force.
Our scholars and clerics are the precious gems of this era. They must expand their hearts, overcome their differences, and work together to enlighten the nation-men, women, and children alike-through sincere example and moral excellence.
Rulers must also reflect: Nimrod, Shaddad, and Pharaoh were rulers, but so were Prophet Solomon (A.S), Prophet Joseph (A.S), and the final Messenger. Which of them remain honored today-the tyrants or those who called humanity to God?
In Pakistan, our religious leaders must act with the spirit of the Prophet (SAAW), and our rulers must establish policies rooted in his teachings and devoted to the welfare of humanity. Otherwise, the people will suffocate and perish within the walls of division and discord.
The call of the time is clear: each of us must reform ourselves, so that together we can build a better, purer society-and save our generations from the fire of hell.
