Monday, February 14, 2011

Freedom in Egypt

Congratulations to the people of Egypt. What a marvelous and momentous achievement. Egypt has shown the world what human determination and sincerity of purpose can achieve. They have illustrated that the voice and will of man, when united, can defeat and bring down any regime or dictator.

Now the really hard task is ahead. The task of steering the country on a course of unity, stability, political integrity and fair and honest governance. All of these are extremely difficult conditions to institute especially after thirty years of being under the dominance of a corrupt and dictatorial regime and leader.

This is such a unique achievement. One that sprung up out of a yearning by a people to control their destiny against all odds. A movement that blossomed without leadership, organization, financial input or strategic planning. Never in the history of the world has the destiny of such a large population been changed without the use of force by ordinary citizens, in such a short period and with such little loss of lives, property or infrastructure.

What is significantly beautiful about this event is that it was brought about predominantly by Muslims. It was a change brought about by Muslims and their minority fellow Christians and those of other faiths acting in accordance with their faith, “Islam”. They have shown the world that Muslims, acting in accordance with the true teachings and principles of Islam can overcome any force of suppression, dishonesty, corruption, injustice and liberticide, without the shedding of blood, taking of innocent lives, destruction of infrastructure or harming human beings, without forcing people to become involved nor instilling fear.

This is how Muslims, who wish to follow the principles of Islam, have to behave. Without formal organization, they took it upon themselves to look after each other, maintain peace, ensure security, repair, cleanup, look after the ailing and injured, all with the thought of Almighty God and continuously acclaiming the Greatness and benevolence of Almighty God (Allah O Akbar). It was such a beautiful sight of great significance, how in the midst of their struggle and apparent disruptive and chaotic atmosphere, the crowd all stopped all activities to attend to their prayers, their remembrance and awareness of Almighty God . This was in fact an example for the world to follow, especially those who are looking for change for the better.