Islam As It Is
Organisation
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members. It is only when people surrender their
individuality to God—to the point of becoming
totally absorbed in His Being—that they put an end
to this pursuit. It is the society made up of such
individuals that speaks with one voice and acts as
one body. Where such unity exists, there can be no
question of defeat.
Before the advent of Islam, tribalism prevailed in
Arabia, each tribe living separately from the other.
Barbaric customs were practised and the tribes were
usually at war with one another. However, when
the Prophet brought God’s message to them, they
entered the fold of Islam, thus effectively
terminating internecine warfare. From then on-
wards, they lived together as brothers. How could
such a change have come about? The answer is to
be found in the change of attitude engendered by
their acceptance of Islam. Without Islam, a man
owes allegiance to no one but himself, whereas,
with Islam, a man forgets himself and owes al-
legiance to none but the Almighty. A whole society
made up of truly Islamic individuals is
consequently able to banish the confusion and
disunity arising out of divided loyalties.
