into consideration, nor is wealth. What is taken into consideration, is a person’s character.  

Four Responsibilities of the Muslim Ummah

Dear Islamic brothers! Everything has a purpose. As long as something fulfils its purpose, it will have value and the owner of that thing will look after it. If it does not fulfil its purpose, its value decreases and it will not be looked after. Take the example of a pen. It will be useful if it allows you to write, but when the ink runs out, it becomes worthless. Muslims also have responsibilities and as long as they are fulfilled, they will gain success and honour. What are these responsibilities? The Quran declares:

کُنۡتُمۡ خَیۡرَ اُمَّۃٍ اُخۡرِجَتۡ لِلنَّاسِ تَاۡمُرُوۡنَ بِالۡمَعۡرُوۡفِ وَ تَنۡہَوۡنَ عَنِ الۡمُنۡکَرِ وَ تُؤۡمِنُوۡنَ بِاللّٰہِ ؕ

(O nation of the Prophet Muhammad!) You are the best among all those nations which appeared amongst the people; you command good and forbid evil, and you believe in Allah.^[1]

Imam Fakhr al-Dīn Rāzī رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه explains:

The meaning of this verse is, “O Muslims! It is written on the Preserved Tablet that you are the most superior nation, and it is your responsibility to maintain this rank.”^[2]

O those who love Allah’s Messenger! Allah mentions four qualities of the Prophet’s ummah in this verse. In essence, these attributes are responsibilities which form our purpose of life.