Life and Teachings of the Prophet Muhammad
12. The Relevance of the Quran and Sunnah in Modern Times
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If circumstances are not conducive for an action, we have to follow
the path of persuasion and counselling, strictly adhering to
peaceful means.
There are also certain matters where the teachings of Islam
apparently go against the prevalent custom. For instance, the
justification of wine, interest-based economy, deterrent
punishment, different workplaces for men and women or secular
democracy in place of the Khilafat, etc. The teachings of Islam in
such matters are clearly different from the prevalent custom of
modern times. And as we know, the majority today is not at the
moment willing to accept the teaching of Islam in these matters.
This would appear to show that Islam has become irrelevant in
modern times. But it is not right to draw this conclusion in haste. It
is true that the teachings of Islam in social matters are different
from the custom of the age. But this is a matter which pertains to
ideological difference. Islam does not enjoin its followers to set
about changing the status quo at the first instance, in order to
replace it with the Islamic system. The teaching of Islam in this
matter is to opt for the way of patience. That is, refraining
completely from launching oneself on a collision course and rather
communicating one’s point of view in the language of persuasion.
In this way an atmosphere can be created which is favourable to
Islam and the relevance of Islam can be proved purely on a rational
basis, so that it may find acceptance in due course.
In modern times there are two aspects to a religion becoming
irrelevant, one ideological, another practical. Becoming irrelevant
