The Hindu and Sikh communities are relatively
new comers compared to how long Muslims have been in this part of the world.
Their numbers are much smaller than Muslims and also the Muslims have more
educated professional individuals than they do. But yet they are more
organized and successful than Muslims. Why? Because they have harnessed
their resources and stocked together. They support and assist each other.
They have used their places of worship as an
institution of growth. Their leaders determine their direction and chart
their course of action for growth and success. The Center (place of worship)
creates employment and assist them to be self sufficient. They do not have
to depend on other communities. They support their own, they patronize their
businesses and use services provided by their own. They are so organized
that they have elected officials to fight for their interest on all levels
of Government. They are obligated to support their place of worship in
financial, material and any other resources they could. No wonder they boast
some of the larger and beautiful places of worship around.
They apply for and obtain personal loans for
their place of worship. They donate a percentage of their income to the
place of worship. They employ members of their groups. They consider their
place of worship as their focal point for gathering, meeting place, a source
of identity in the community and an avenue for pride and success. They
impose their religion and vision in the community through those centers. And
to think they are the ones that have gone astray. And we, who claim to have
the perfect deen, the religion that have answers to all questions and
problems. The deen that is universal and transcends all barriers, which have
the second largest nation, and is the fastest growing religion in this
planet and have the best Messenger and Message, could it be that, we simply
do not fully grasp our obligation and responsibility. Are we so wrapper up
in pursuit of this world that we have lost the very thing that will bring
the world to us. The early generations of Muslims understood the role of the
Masjids. They knew its importance and were only too happy to contribute and
sacrifice for its establishment. No wonder Allah made them the leaders of
the world.
Brothers and Sisters, do not lose hope as the Islamic Forum is giving you the opportunity to help and contribute for this. We ask Almighty Allah for His Guidance and Tawfeeq.