Most of the Islamic world has suffered from a peculiar fluidity, rendering many countries unfit to continue in their current state. Injustice and corruption have deeply nested in these lands, consuming their hearts. Most are no longer qualified for reform or coexistence, and their ground becomes more unstable, shaky, and collapsing with every passing day.
During this time, many constants have disappeared. There are no firm doctrinal principles binding people to Allah, no deeply-rooted human values strengthening societal bonds, and no moral principles safeguarding people from the overwhelming tides of degeneration and deviation!
Most systems have decayed to the extent that their presence equals their absence—perhaps their absence is even preferable. They lack the ability to resist; their submission and surrender have reached unprecedented levels. Even pre-Islamic Arab Bedouins would not have accepted living as the current regimes in the region do!
The broader Islamic movement has also lost its influence in its regional and Arab surroundings. It has suffered from the same division, disputes, neglect, and aimlessness afflicting the people.
A barren land, corrupted souls, and trivial minds cannot build a nation, raise a banner, or uplift their people, let alone lead the world and transform its lifestyle for the better.
Is There Hope for Reform?
The Islamic Ummah, along with the rest of the world, is bracing for a flood that may strike during their night or day, morning or evening. Should the Ummah await this overwhelming flood, surrender to a slow death, or seize the opportunity to rise again, ridding itself of its crises and donning a strong, healthy new body?
Yes, it can be reborn. It can respond to the call to build the ark. It can take part in the steps of construction, regardless of time or place, and prepare to board the ark and face tyranny.
Attempts to patch up the worn-out garment will not work in such circumstances. Trying to coexist with the dead is not suitable for bearers of divine messages. Settling for a mediocre life is not befitting for those Allah has honored with understanding and awareness.
Ships that have lingered too long in the mud are no longer fit to sail. They have blended with the clay, emitting a rotten smell, their engines broken, their time expired.
What then should the Ummah do, realizing that it faces not just any trial, but immense tribulations? As Allah describes: “And it sailed with them through waves like mountains.” (Hud: 42) No skilled swimmer can face such waves alone; survival lies only in complete reliance upon Allah and adherence to His command to face the flood. This flood should be seen as an opportunity, not a catastrophe—a chance for a new beginning, not annihilation; for life, not death.
The Qur’anic Methodology and Seizing the Opportunity
The golden opportunity lies in acknowledging the inevitability of an upcoming flood, whatever its type or danger—whether it is a crushing trial or an illuminating gift. There is no alternative but to prepare as much as possible.
When and How Should Preparation Begin?
Preparation must start today, not tomorrow—tonight, not at dawn. We must hasten to join forces, meticulously planning how to build an ark that can withstand the overwhelming waves of deviation and the violent currents of corruption, rising above them by Allah’s permission.
Now is the time to listen to the divine command: “And construct the ship under Our observation and Our inspiration.” (Hud: 37) This divine call radiates reassurance and blossoms with certainty. It is an invitation to complete submission under Allah’s care and guidance, where human effort is perfected with divine revelation, producing work that is precise in execution and noble in purpose.
Under Allah’s watchful eye, every step is meticulously protected, and through His revelation, minds and hearts are guided to the right path.
It is a mandate free from randomness or improvisation—a construction illuminated by divine inspiration, a ship sailing on the path of obedience. This enduring message applies to all humanity: every deed done under Allah’s observation is blessed, and every act of obedience guided by His revelation is triumphant.
The Ummah needs an ark of solid construction, durable design, and powerful performance, carrying resolute individuals and launching with the foundation of “In the name of Allah is its course and its anchorage” (Hud: 41)
The methodology of building the ark to confront tyranny is not exclusive to Prophet Nuh (peace be upon him). It is an enduring methodology for salvation across ages and times—a living model for overcoming monumental challenges through faith, patience, hard work, and collective effort.
The command to “construct the ark” extends to every believer in every era, urging them to build a vessel of salvation for their community and society. It is a divine invitation to shoulder the responsibility of confronting trials and tyranny. Each believer is tasked with building their personal ark under Allah’s care and guidance, rescuing those around them from the flood of ignorance and corruption. This mandate renews itself in every era, reminding us that salvation is not individual but a collective mission founded on sincerity and diligent effort.
The construction of the ark in Nuh’s story symbolizes the preparation of oneself to journey toward Allah. In a world full of crises and tribulations, every nation, community, and individual needs to build their own “ark” that will carry them to safety. From Nuh (peace be upon him), we learn how to build, persevere, work, and rely on Allah in every step, so we may be among the survivors.
The ark is not just a physical vessel; it is a spiritual project requiring effort, patience, and reliance on Allah. This construction embodies a methodology for reconciling with oneself and diligently refining it, enabling individuals to navigate the sea of trials and reach the shores of divine closeness.
Allah made Nuh’s and his followers’ salvation dependent on building the ark and mastering the divine sciences of shipbuilding and maritime laws. Nuh (peace be upon him) and those with him exhibited determination and zeal in absorbing this divine knowledge, producing this monumental civilizational achievement.
Similarly, our ark requires conscious construction, a clear vision, deep faith, and resilience against challenges. Salvation is not coincidental; it is the fruit of faith and diligent effort. The story of Nuh’s ark offers an eternal lesson on how to build the vessel that will save humanity from the flood of worldly distractions and desires. Preparation begins in the heart, through faith, extending to the limbs with righteous deeds, and culminating in complete trust in Allah.
Who Leads the Ark?
I am the captain of the ark, and so are you. She is its captain and guardian. They, too, are its leaders and soldiers. Thinkers guide it; scholars lead it; the wealthy sustain it; the strong build it; the skilled innovate it; the insightful plan it; educators prepare it; artists inspire it; the devout pray and supplicate for it; and the media rectifies thoughts and resists mockery.
There are no more prophets, no single extraordinary individual possessing all abilities and perfections. Instead, collective consultative institutions drive nations, organizations, and alliances. The idea of the singular charismatic leader no longer applies, and the Ummah must never sit idle, waiting for a savior. This is not its way, nor its mission. Its duty is to move, build, and advance. Allah will provide wise leadership and effective management suitable for every stage.
However, specific qualities are essential for anyone wishing to help build the ark or join its crew and earn the honor of their company.
The ark must be built “In the name of Allah is its course and its anchorage”—igniting the flame of sincerity deep within the work. It must be free from the impurities of ostentation, unburdened by narrow interests or partisan whims. The foundation must be pure, aimed solely at Allah’s pleasure. This ark must be born of hearts filled with certainty and sail on the light of faith, rising above the waves of tribulations and the winds of worldly desires.
With such sincerity, every effort becomes an act of worship. Every nail hammered and plank fastened bears testimony to the purity of intention, as embodied in Allah’s words: “In the name of Allah is its course and its anchorage.”
Thus, building the ark should not become a victory for a political party, an ideological trend, or a particular faction. Let Allah alone be the ultimate goal, for Allah is sufficient as a protector.
Whoever wishes to partake in building the ark must heed the call, prepare for selection, and follow the qualifications needed for this honorable mission.
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