We (Muslims) have no right, in our present misery, to boast of past glories. But we must realise that it was the negligence of the Muslims - and not any deficiency in the teachings of Islam - that caused our present decay.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes that current challenges should not lead to pride in historical achievements, but rather self-reflection on failures.
Muhammad Asad's quote reflects a call for introspection among Muslims regarding their current state of decline. It implies that instead of taking pride in former glories, they should acknowledge that the real issue lies in their own negligence and unwillingness to fully adhere to the teachings of Islam, which has led to their present struggles. This recognition is essential for progress and revival.
In practice
In a community meeting discussing ways to improve societal conditions, this quote can inspire a focus on accountability and growth.
We allow ourselves to be blown by the winds because we do know what we want: our hearts know it, even if our thoughts are sometimes slow to follow- but in the end they do catch up with our hearts and then we think we have made a decision
Honest difference of views and honest debate are not disunity. They are the vital process of policy among free men.
This world... ever was, and is, and shall be, ever-living Fire, in measures being kindled and in measures going out.
Fear seems to have many causes. Fear of loss, fear of failure, fear of being hurt, and so on, but ultimately all fear is the ego's fear of death, of annihilation. To the ego, death is always just around the corner. In this mind-identified state, fear of death affects every aspect of your life.
Give a drink of water as alms to the birds which go forth at morning, and deem that they have a better right than men [to thy charity]. For their race brings not harm upon thee in any wise, when thou fearest it from thine own race.
I am a Christian because of that moment on the cross when Jesus, drinking the very dregs of human bitterness, cries out, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? (I know, I know: he was quoting the Psalms, and who quotes a poem when being tortured? The words aren’t the point. The point is he felt human destitution to its absolute degree; the point is that God is with us, not beyond us, in suffering.)
But all fairytales have rules, and perhaps it’s their rules that actually distinguish one fairytale from the other. These rules never need to be understood. They only need to be followed. If not, what they promise won’t come true.
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