One of the greatest accomplishments of the Muslim community is that they have preserved and memorized the words of the Qur’an with such precision and excellence that no parallel can be found in the history of the world. But alongside this, there exists a deeply saddening and truly criminal reality — that Muslims have abandoned the meanings and message of the Qur’an to such an extent that even this level of disregard is unmatched in the history of mankind.

As a result, the impact of the Qur’an faded, just like a radiant lamp eclipsed under a veil of darkness. With the disappearance of Qur’anic understanding, un-Islamic and non-Qur’anic ideologies took the place of Qur’anic thought. Personality worship replaced principle-based thinking. Religion (Mazhab), in the form of rituals and customs, overtook Dīn, which is in essence a complete system of life — and these shallow rituals took such deep root that they came to be seen as the religion itself.

Intellect, contemplation, and reasoning were replaced by blind imitation. As the power to think and reflect fell into paralysis, actions too began to wither.

In some places, this deviation took the form of an exaggerated focus on the afterlife — portraying the world as something despicable — and this gave birth to a form of escapist monkhood, making Muslims passive recipients rather than active givers. They resigned themselves to a life of subjugation and called it destiny. In other places, the world was treated as the ultimate goal, and forgetfulness of the Hereafter became fashionable, so much so that the distinction between Muslim and non-Muslim began to fade.

Muslim women began to feel ashamed of being called “Muslimah” and found pride in being called “Madam” or “Mrs.”; Muslim men grew embarrassed to identify as practicing Muslims, and instead took pride in introducing themselves as “free-thinking individuals.”

What should have happened is that — just as Muslims have gripped the words of the Qur’an with their very teeth — they should have paid equal or even greater attention to understanding its meaning, purpose, and message.

Every Muslim, especially every young person, should be convinced: You can understand the Qur’an.
And there is only one true way to understand it: by committing to live it. The Qur’an must not only be read or interpreted — it must be embodied. Muslims — or at least a significant portion of them — must become walking, living expressions of the Qur’an.

Each Muslim should strive to be a source of benefit to all humanity and a champion of peace and justice. Overflowing with knowledge and wisdom, he should rise to touch the heights of this world — yet bow down before his Lord with such humility that he begins to feel the pain of every human being.

He must plan to eradicate injustice with the strength and resolve of someone who believes he will live forever in this world, yet give in charity and bow before God as though he is to leave this world in the very next breath and stand before the Divine Court.