The Importance of Islamic Brotherhood

I've often grappled with the concept of "think globally, act locally," especially in the context of Islamic Brotherhood. As I reflect on the importance of Quranic Parenting and personal transformation, I realize that true change begins within ourselves. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the world's systemic oppression and inequality, but I've come to understand that meaningful change starts with our own hearts and actions.

Think Globally, Act Locally

For a while, I used to hate the oft quoted “think globally, act locally” slogan. To me, it was just an excuse for people to not dream big. It was an excuse to not attempt to change the world. 

Why can’t we act globally, too? I used to think.

I looked at the world and saw that from all of its corners it was bleeding profusely, plagued by systemic oppression and an inequality so entrenched in society’s fabric that very few people even recognized it when they saw it. 

And so, I thought to myself, there is a lack of Islamic brotherhood among us Muslims, so I thought that I must change the world. 

The Importance of Islamic Brotherhood

Soon after, as the years passed and the world became more damaged and broken than ever before, I began to understand that I couldn’t really change the world. Not alone! 

Yes, we need to know the world’s pain. We need to care for our brothers and sisters, locally and globally. Their happiness is our happiness. Their struggles are our struggles.  

We cry when they cry and celebrate when they celebrate. That’s what the Islamic brotherhood and brotherhood of faith means. That’s what the sisterhood of humanity means. And that is what is needed as parents today; Quranic parenting to raise children instilled with the spirit of brotherhood.

The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:  

“The example of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.” 

The connection we feel to those in pain, especially the believers, cannot be overstated. It’s part of faith to hold them in your heart, pray for them, and support them when you are able. Still, know that in reality, you can only truly change yourself. 

Bringing Change: Islamic Brotherhood 

However, you need to understand that changing yourself is enough. I’ll explain why. 

Allah (SWT) says:

“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves” (13:11). 

Allah will change the condition of the people only if the people change themselves. This means that as an integral part of Islamic brotherhood if you want to contribute something beautiful and positive to the world (and I hope that you do), don’t start by looking at the world, pinpointing all its problems, and planning political campaigns or massive fundraising initiatives. 

Start by looking within yourself. What is it that you’re doing in your personal relationship with God and with others? Are you fulfilling your obligation to worship Him as best as you possibly can? Have you been striving each day to become a more generous, merciful, and loving human being?  

Have you been following the principles of Quranic parenting? Have you been struggling to learn more about your beautiful faith and practice it? Have you put efforts in teaching the importance of Islamic brotherhood to your children? 

If the answer to these questions is no, you’ll never change the world. How can you if you can’t even change yourself?  

But if the answer is yes, you have already started changing the world, and I’m proud of you. Now you can get up and continue this journey of change in a wiser and more holistic way. 

Don’t ever attempt to change the world at the expense of your own positive development. 

Quranic Parenting and Islamic Brotherhood 

When people think about the massive problems this community has, it’s incredibly easy to slip into a type of paralysis and depression. They quickly give up hope when they realize that the problems are too big, and their shoulders are too small to carry them all.

If they become so disenfranchised with the system, they might even decide to take the law into their own hands and join misguided and destructive groups that wreak havoc on innocent people. 

As a parent, you often wonder if you can instill the spirit of Islamic Brotherhood in your children. You can do it by working on yourself first as one of the most important parenting principles is to lead by example. And then you can use the principles of Quranic parenting to teach your children.  

It isn’t in your power to change anyone besides yourself. So first bring change within yourself.  Allah (SWT) is the One who is able to truly change the condition of the people. When the time is right and the people have rectified their own souls, change will come. And this can be achieved through the spirit of brotherhood in Islam. 

You can change the world by just being a sincere believer, in the truest and most holistic sense. 

The Power of Islamic Brotherhood: A Personal Example 

Your dad taught me this concept of Islamic brotherhood like no one else before him. His was not a name that many people knew. He didn’t leave his mark on many things when he was taken from us. He didn’t even have that many belongings.  

And yet, people from every corner of the globe now know him and his story. Many people changed for the better after hearing about him, his strength, and his sacrifice. 

What made him special was his kindness to his family and friends. He studied and worked hard. He earned an honest wage. He worshiped Allah as best as he could. He gave to charity as much as he could afford.  

He struggled to maintain and increase his faith. He thought globally, loving and caring about the condition of his brothers and sisters in faith. Then, he acted locally by being the best version of himself in every place and situation. 

Amr changed himself. He led by example. And through that, he changed the world. 

My little one, if you succeed in changing yourself, you will change the world. It is indeed true that only by leading by example one can make change happen, as change begins with one's self. After all, this vast earth is only made up of individuals like you. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, if we succeed in changing ourselves, teaching our children the importance of Islamic brotherhood and the needed change, we will indeed change the world. Islamic Brotherhood and Quranic Parenting provide us with a framework to act locally while thinking globally. Your personal growth and faithfulness can make a great impact on the world around you.