doing the same things as previous nations, how can we truly fulfill the role given to the Ummah of Islam, the role of being witnesses over past nations?

Remember! The testimony of a fāsiq (open sinner) is not accepted. Neglecting prayer, not fasting, cheating in weights and measures, annoying parents, causing harm to others, lying, and engaging in interest-based dealings—all of these are acts of transgression. The Quranic exegetes have written that on the Day of Judgement, the testimony given by the Ummah will only be valid from the pious among them^[1], those who perform their prayers, fast, avoid sins, and adopt piety. As for those who are habitual sinners, who openly commit sins, they will have disqualified themselves from this noble role.

O devotees of the beloved Prophet! This calls for deep reflection! What a lofty status this is, yet if, due to love of the world, chasing wealth, or following desires, we disqualify ourselves from it, how great a loss that would be! So, we must correct our character, refine our behavior, perfect our morals, actions, and habits, so that we become deserving of this grand honor bestowed upon the Ummah of Islam.

(2) The Second Wisdom: The Ummah that takes heed

Dear Islamic brothers! This Ummah has been made a nation that learns from lessons.

At one place, Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran:

وَ لَقَدْ اَهْلَكْنَا الْقُرُوْنَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَمَّا ظَلَمُوْاۙ-وَ جَآءَتْهُمْ رُسُلُهُمْ بِالْبَیِّنٰتِ وَ مَا كَانُوْا لِیُؤْمِنُوْاؕ-كَذٰلِكَ نَجْزِی الْقَوْمَ الْمُجْرِمِیْنَ(۱۳) ثُمَّ جَعَلْنٰكُمْ خَلٰٓىٕفَ فِی الْاَرْضِ مِنْۢ بَعْدِهِمْ لِنَنْظُرَ كَیْفَ تَعْمَلُوْنَ(۱۴)