Between Euphoria and Frustration
Liaquat Ali
5/1/2002
The "Qur'an As It Explains Itself" Project
http://www.qaiu.org

It seems that the Muslim psyche is stuck between the euphoria of the past glory, the frustration of colonism, and the dismal state of current existence of Muslims in general. It is a challenge to take us out, but we will have to come out of both, euphoria and frustration, if we want to progress.

The Qur'an says:

8:53. Allah never takes away His Grace and Bounty from any nation until they first change their psyche. The Hearer, the Knower, announces this Law to you.

The Qur'an also says:

34:17 This was Our Requital for their actions. Do We ever bring anyone to punishment except the ones who disregard Our Bounties by not sharing with the community.

My understanding of the verse leads me to believe that nations are destroyed because of rampant human rights violations. Simply put, the loss of glory and the subsequent colonization were a result of Muslims’ own doing. But the Qur’an assures:

30:19. He brings forth the living form the dead and the dead from the living. Such is the rise and fall of nations. He revives the dead earth with rains. Similarly, you will be brought forth. Nations can revive themselves by following the Divine Commands as well.