by Dr.Salbiah Seliman
Muslims can succeed through at least three factors–acceptable aqidah, control of economy and control of politics.[I]
The first element that a Muslim must have is an acceptable aqidah or belief. An acceptable aqidah can be defined as a belief which is in accordance with the interpretations given by Allah and His messenger. This means, whatever we do must not go against this belief. On the contrary, whatever we do must strengthen and not weaken this belief. [1.1]
The second element a Muslim must have, is control of economy. In order to control the world’s economy, Muslims must have the upper hand in business. Muslims not only must be able to manufacture goods, but also market their products. They must be able to market their products to Muslims and non Muslims alike. [2.1]
In order to market products to non-Muslims, Muslim manufacturers and marketers must first capture all Muslims to consume their products. In fact, the manufacturers must highlight the halal attribute of their products. The Muslim consumers on the other hand must be made to realize that it is obligatory (wajib) to consume halal products. In fact to ensure that the products they consume are halal, all Muslims must consume only products manufactured and owned by Muslims. A Muslim must not trust any non-Muslim to manufacture the product he or she consumes. At the same time, this is the only way Muslims can provide consistent flow of consumers to Muslim businessmen. When most, if not all Muslims, consume halal products produced by Muslims, the next step is to convince the non-Muslims to purchase halal products. However, remember that non-Muslims will not purchase halal products if Muslims themselves do not realize that it is obligatory to purchase halal products. This has to be achieved in order to strengthen the economy of the Muslims. Unless the economy of the Muslims is strengthened, Muslims cannot control the economy of the world. [2.2]
Having earned the correct belief and control of economy, the third factor a Muslim must have in order to succeed is control of politics. Control of politics is control of the management of the whole country using the law of Allah as stated in the Quran and the hadith. This means syariah law covers the management of society, economics and politics. In short, there is no more civil court and there is only one court,that is syariah court. [3.1]
If all the above mentioned factors have been successfully achieved, there should be no reason why Muslims do not succeed in this world and hereafter.[C]
