Where do we go as a MUSLIM nation?

Islam, a divinely ordained way of life, offers clear guidance that encompasses every aspect of human existence. It provides us with timeless principles that address morality, ethics, social justice, and personal responsibility. The teachings of Islam are designed to help us live in harmony with our Creator, our fellow humans, and ourselves. However, despite the profound depth and universality of these teachings, our society—especially in Muslim-majority nations—has increasingly diverged from these ideals. Our entertainment industry, workplace dynamics, cultural practices, and educational systems often present contradictions to the values Islam upholds, creating an urgent need for transformation.

1. The Hypocrisy in Our Entertainment Industry

The entertainment industry holds immense influence over the perceptions and behaviors of the masses. Media, particularly television, films, and social platforms, shapes our views and attitudes. However, this influence is often tainted by contradictions that reflect an alarming disconnect between the values Islam teaches and the messages propagated through mainstream entertainment.

One glaring contradiction is the portrayal of vices such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug abuse. On one hand, public health campaigns and government warnings stress the dangers of such behaviors, urging people to avoid them for the sake of their health. Yet, on the other hand, the entertainment industry glamorizes and romanticizes these harmful practices, presenting them as a normal, even desirable part of life. Films, dramas, and advertisements serve to normalize what Islam explicitly condemns. Why is there such a contradiction? If smoking, drinking, and substance abuse are harmful to our health and well-being, why are they presented as entertainment? Why are these dangerous behaviors made to seem appealing to impressionable minds?

Similarly, the portrayal of educational institutions in the media has shifted significantly in recent years. Instead of being depicted as centers for intellectual development and the pursuit of knowledge, universities and schools are often reduced to settings for fleeting romances, superficial relationships, and immorality. The media frequently presents these environments as breeding grounds for casual encounters, distracting students from their true purpose: to seek knowledge and self-improvement. This misrepresentation of education, especially in conservative communities, can deter parents from allowing their daughters to pursue higher education, fearing that such institutions will corrupt their moral values. The true purpose of education should be the acquisition of knowledge, and the pursuit of academic and personal excellence, rather than the trivialization of education as mere social entertainment.

2. The Misrepresentation of Modesty and Piety

Another disturbing phenomenon in our society is the misrepresentation of modesty and piety, especially with regard to women who choose to follow Islamic principles. In our modern world, a woman who chooses to wear the hijab or niqab is often unfairly labeled as oppressed, backward, or living under patriarchal control. These labels are not only erroneous but harmful, as they undermine the dignity and self-respect of women who have made a conscious choice to adhere to Islamic principles of modesty.

On the other hand, women who adopt Western ideals of dress—revealing clothing and secular attitudes toward morality—are often celebrated as progressive, liberated, and modern. This societal bias is a stark reflection of how religious practice is increasingly viewed with suspicion, while secularism is celebrated. Modesty, as defined by Islam, is seen as a symbol of strength, dignity, and self-respect, not as a barrier to personal and professional growth. Yet, those who choose to wear modest attire are often marginalized in the professional world, discriminated against, or overlooked for job opportunities, despite their qualifications, skills, and experience.

The same applies to men who practice their faith. Men who pray regularly and avoid sinful activities are often labeled as "extremists" or "backward," while those who conform to secular ideals are praised for being modern or progressive. This misrepresentation of Islamic piety in both men and women creates a distorted view of what it means to live a life based on Islamic values. Islam values modesty, humility, and integrity, and these virtues should be embraced and celebrated, not looked down upon or dismissed.

3. The Double Standards between Men and Women

One of the most damaging and unjust aspects of our society is the gender-based double standard that exists within both personal and public spheres. This double standard is especially evident when it comes to issues of sexuality, morality, and personal behavior. If a man engages in immoral or sinful behavior, it is often excused as part of "normal male behavior," or as a sign, that he is simply "enjoying life." He is rarely held accountable for his actions. However, when a woman engages in the same behavior, she is often labeled as immoral, promiscuous, or even ostracized.

This injustice reflects the pervasive inequality in how men and women are treated, especially in matters of personal accountability. Islam teaches that both men and women are equal in the eyes of Allah, and they are both accountable for their actions. The Quran emphasizes that everyone is judged based on their deeds, not their gender, social status, or any other external factor. In Surah Al-Ahzab (33:35), Allah says, "Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women..." This verse highlights that both men and women are held to the same standard of moral and ethical conduct. To create a just society, we must eliminate these double standards and ensure that both men and women are treated equally in every sphere of life.

4. The Impact on Education and Middle-Class Families

The portrayal of universities and educational institutions as places of moral decay has a direct impact on families, particularly within the middle class. Many Muslim parents, influenced by the media's negative portrayal of higher education, hesitate to send their daughters to universities. The fear that their children will be exposed to immorality, promiscuity, and substance abuse often outweighs the importance of education in their minds. As a result, talented and intelligent young women are deprived of the opportunity to pursue their academic and professional ambitions.

Islam places great emphasis on the pursuit of knowledge, both religious and secular. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim." (Sunan Ibn Majah) This includes both men and women. The fear and hesitation surrounding women's education in many Muslim societies is not only harmful but also un-Islamic. It deprives women of their rights and denies society the potential contributions of educated and skilled women. It is vital for us to shift the narrative and ensure that educational institutions are seen as places for intellectual growth, personal development, and moral responsibility.

5. The Power Divide: Wealth vs. Poverty

The growing divide between the rich and the poor is one of the most significant challenges faced by modern societies, and Muslim-majority nations are no exception. The concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few individuals—politicians, businessmen, and elite families—has resulted in widespread inequality and exploitation. The poor continue to struggle for basic necessities, while the wealthy enjoy privileges and control over resources.

Islam teaches that wealth is a blessing from Allah, but it also comes with great responsibility. Those who are blessed with wealth are instructed to use it for the benefit of society, through acts of charity (Zakat), ensuring fair wages, and ensuring justice for the less fortunate. However, in many Muslim societies, wealth is often seen as a symbol of status and success, with little regard for the ethical use of resources or the needs of the poor. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of social justice and the fair distribution of wealth. To create a more just society, we must address the power dynamics that perpetuate inequality and work towards a more equitable distribution of resources.

6. The Urgent Need for Transformation

As a Muslim nation, we must urgently acknowledge the need for change and actively work to realign our society with the fundamental principles of Islam. The following steps are crucial in cultivating a society that is just, ethical, and truly harmonious:

1. Valuing Character over Appearance

Respect should be grounded in the character, integrity, and ethics of an individual, not shaped by superficial appearances or societal pressures. True worth comes from a person’s actions and moral compass, rather than conforming to external standards.

2. Celebrating Modesty

Women who choose to wear the hijab should be afforded the same respect and professional opportunities as their counterparts. Modesty, as a reflection of personal dignity and self-respect, should be viewed as an admirable trait, not a barrier to success or achievement.

3. Equality in Accountability

It is vital that both men and women are held to the same moral and ethical standards. We must eliminate gender-based discrimination and ensure that every individual is accountable for their actions, free from bias or double standards.

4. Promoting Positive Media Influence

The media plays a pivotal role in shaping societal values. It should focus on promoting constructive messages—such as the pursuit of education, ethical conduct, and intellectual growth—rather than glorifying negative behaviors or reinforcing harmful stereotypes.

5. Reimagining Education as Empowerment

Universities and educational institutions must be seen as sanctuaries of learning, personal development, and intellectual exploration. We need to challenge and reshape the prevailing narrative that portrays higher education as a site for social distractions, and instead emphasize its role in empowering individuals to reach their full potential.

6. Achieving Economic Equity

The growing divide between the rich and the poor must be addressed. We must strive for a society where wealth is more fairly distributed, and opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of one’s socioeconomic status. Financial status should not define a person’s worth, and the disadvantaged must be given a fair chance to thrive.

Through these actions, we can create a society that is truly reflective of the values of Islam, one that fosters justice, equality, and ethical integrity for every individual. The time for change is now.

7. Educating the Mind Alongside Academic Learning

True education is not just about obtaining a degree—it involves developing critical thinking, moral consciousness, and ethical awareness. Without a strong foundation in Islamic ethics, academic qualifications alone are insufficient for building a society rooted in justice and righteousness. We must focus on developing not only educated minds but also hearts that are aligned with Islamic values.

In short: Islamic teachings emphasize justice, equality, and morality, yet societal contradictions persist. Media glorifies harmful behaviors, modesty faces discrimination, and gender double standards prevail. Misconceptions hinder women's education, and wealth disparity widens. To progress, we must uphold ethics, ensure fairness, and realign with Islamic values for a just society. At the end I would like to add this we should detach ourselves from worldly distractions and focus on reality while also being mindful of our hereafter. If we follow the path of Allah and the teachings of His Prophet (PBUH), we will never go astray.

May Allah guide us all and grant everything that the readers of this passage pray for. Amen.