Life and the freedom of conscience

The story of the Companions of the Cave then again yields a striking and needful lesson for the Muslims youths.

"Lo! they were young men who believed in their Lord, and We increased them in guidance. And we made firm their hearts when they stood forth and said: Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth. We cry unto no god beside Him, for then should we utter an enormity." (Quran, 18:13-14)

Sometimes horrifying circumstances make it difficult for a believer to choose between his life and the freedom of conscience. A true Muslim is then left with no alternative but to withdraw from society and lead a secluded life. Such a perilous situation may arise only occasionaly, perhaps once in centuries, but the prophethood of Muhammad, being the perfect and eternal guidance vouchsafed to mankind, not only identifies such dismal circumstances but also provides adequate direction to face them.

The Prophet of Islam made this prediction: "A time will soon come when the best possession of a Muslim will be his goats with which he will seek asylum in a valley or in the hills for the sake of his faith." [Al-Bukhari, on the authority of Abu Said al-Khudri]

These are the occasions when Surah al-Kaft comes to the rescue of the believers and illuminates the path he ought to tread. The central importance for morality that emerged thus should impress upon the Muslims the central importance of moral struggle. It is urgent that Muslims pay due heed to the Quranic warning:

"And be not among those who join gods with Allah-those who split up their religion and become (mere) sects-each party rejoicing in that which is with itself!" (Quran, al-Rum, 30:31-32)

The prestige of Islam meanwhile suffers damage after damage and the millet as whole courts after defeat!

"The Hypocrites , men and women (have an understanding) with each other: they enjoy evil, and forbid what is just , and they without their hands (from doing good ). They have forgotten Allah; so He hath forgotten them. Verily the Hypocrites are rebellious (towards Allah Law) and perverse."-Quran ,al -Taubah , 9:67)

The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "He is not one of us who calls for 'asabiyyah, (nationalism/tribalism) or who fights for 'asabiyyah or who dies for 'asabiyyah." [Sunan Abu Dawud]