SOME highly educated Muslims have initiated a concept called ‘Institutionalizing Constitutional Rights’ with the aim of developing the Muslim community. This involves making recommendations, such as the formation of institutions by the government for the development of Muslims.

These words sound beautiful, but they are not workable in reality. Development is a goal that can be achieved only through self-struggle. It cannot be had through the help of any government.

In this matter the basic principle is that if a community wants development, it would have to stand up on merit and not expect to make progress through favours. Whenever one receives favours, the spirit of incentive is diminished. Progress can be attained only in an environment of competition and challenge, and not through favours granted.

Muslim leaders should advise Muslim masses to enter the educational mainstream—they should take admission in good educational institutions and pursue serious study. There is no other choice in this matter. Here the principle of ‘compete or perish’, alone works. This scheme of things for development appears arduous, however it is so only for the initial generations. When a community faces such competitive situations, the people who begin this journey might face hardships, but their struggle would be for the greater good. Very soon, such a community would progress and the maxim ‘compete or perish’ would turn into ‘compete and succeed’.

Maulana Wahiduddin Khan

[email protected]

1. The World’s 500 Most Influential Muslims 2012, Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre, Jordan.