Editorial of the First Issue of Al-Arab Journal, International Edition

Summary:

In this profound essay, the great Arabian thinker Ali Mohamed Elshorafa Elhamadi discusses several critical issues that Muslims must understand and implement in order to truly affiliate themselves with Islam.

Firstly, he emphasizes that Islam is a divine message for humankind that remains relevant through time.

Secondly, he stresses that being a true Muslim is not limited to performing the five obligatory prayers or blindly following jurists and commentators. True affiliation with Islam requires returning to the Qur’an and engaging with its positive teachings.

Thirdly, he warns against division and sectarianism, such as Shiism and conflicting dissonant sects.

Fourthly, he calls for walking the path of good deeds, including charity and all forms of righteous actions.

Fifthly, he calls for abandoning injustice, ceasing assaults on others’ rights, and entrenching justice.

These points are elaborated in detail below.

Five Reasons for the Weakness of Muslims

Ali Elshorafa Elhamadi identifies five main reasons for the weakness and humiliation of Muslims today—primarily stemming from their abandonment of the Qur’an and their internal divisions. He explains:

1. Affiliation with Islam

Many of people who affiliated to Islam, deceived themselves and thought  they are fulfilling God’s commands simply by performing the five obligatory prayers and following the interpretations of scholars and jurists—many of whom have replaced God’s words with human interpretations. This, Elshorafa argues, is a dangerous fallacy. Such people have effectively abandoned the Qur’an, as the Prophet himself testified in his complaint to Allah:

“And the Messenger has said, ‘O my Lord, indeed my people have taken this Qur’an as [a thing] abandoned.'”

—Surah Al-Furqan (30)

2. Division and Sectarianism

Muslims have disobeyed Allah’s command by dividing into sects—Shiites and other conflicting schools of thought. Allah says:

“Indeed, those who have divided their religion and become sects—you [O Muhammad] are not [associated] with them in anything. Their affair is only left to Allah; then He will inform them about what they used to do.” 159)

3. Multiple references outside the Qur’an

Thirdly:

Due to these divisions, each sect now follows its own reference point, drifting far from the Qur’an. Allah describes such behavior as akin to polytheism, similar to those who lived in centuries past:

“[Be] those who turn to Him in repentance, fear Him, and establish prayer, and do not be of those who associate others with Allah—

Of those who have divided their religion and become sects, each faction rejoicing in what it has.”

—Surah Ar-Rum (30:31–32)

4. Adhering to Good Deeds and Righteous Behavior

Have you ever asked yourself how you have ignored Allah’s call to do good deeds that lead to the Straight Path and His promised Paradise? True adherence to the Qur’an means living by its teachings—avoiding what is forbidden, and treating others with kindness, forgiveness, and compassion, especially the poor and needy.

Allah says:

“We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created.”

—Surah Al-Isra’ (70)

5. Abandoning injustice and Oppression

Reflect deeply: Have you wronged someone? Violated their rights? Held grudges, envied the wealthy, or harmed others through words, actions, deceit, or lies?

Have you honored your parents as Allah commanded, just as they cared for you in your childhood?

Have you guided your children to the path of righteousness—teaching them kindness, tolerance, honesty, respect, and appreciation? Did you tolerate others?

Do you promote mercy, justice, peace, and cooperation in your life?

Conclusion:

Elshorafa concludes by emphasizing that the teachings, laws, and principles of the Qur’an—if truly applied—will lead societies to safety, peace, prosperity, and harmony.

Where these principles are upheld, discord disappears, and in its place arise unity and peace.