Chapter 2

The prophets came to invite people to Falah (success, prosperity, and salvation) -- a positive, constructive message. The Prophet Muhammad (p) also did the same. As he invited people to truth and salvation, he offered a program of complete transformation of our lives according to the Divine Guidance to achieve falah in this life as well as hereafter. This Islamic program of complete transformation can be described as Islah.

Islah means: improvement, amelioration, betterment, mending, correction, reconstruction, reconditioning, repair; renovation, refurbishing; adjustment, settling, remedying, removal, elimination; restoration of order, establishment of peace, happiness and order; reformation, reform; reclamation, cultivation (of land); (re)conciliation, settlement, compromise, peace-making; restoration, restitution, reparation, redressing.⁵

As it is obvious from the meaning of Islah, it is a comprehensive concept. The prophets came to perform Islah and we, as the ummah of the last Prophet, have to take on the same responsibility. Islah begins with subjecting our individual lives to the divine guidance and then, inviting others to the same guidance and offering to them a model. Thus, Islah and Amali Salihat (righteous deeds), derived from the same root, are intertwined. In Qur'an, Iman has been consistently identified with amali salihat, which is not merely a reflection of the process of Islah on ourselves, but also constitutes ways that touch others' lives. Amali Salihat, when done with Iman and the noble touch of humility, leads a person to the Paradise. Allah has promised that Amali Salihat will bring improvement in our conditions.

Islah is a positive concept with broad implications. Consider the conflicts and tensions that sometimes keep or tear people apart. Such varied conflicts can be based on gender, language, race, wealth, power, religion, nationality, organization, etc. At one level, such conflicts are results of specific mind-frames; at another level, they might be institutionalized. Any contribution toward reconciliation among such conflicting forces is a noble and critically-needed service. Islah also means reconciliation. Where families are falling apart, it can help reconcile the family members. Where racial tensions exist, introducing the work of Islah can be of immense help. When the society is in a conflict, externally or internally, based on discrimination, injustice, oppression, or deprivation, a systematic and creative program of Islah can help minimize these problems in the long run. Since Islah has such broad scope, it has a position in Islamic framework that is greater than praying, fasting, or almsgiving. However Islah is not a magic with its own power. People have the power to change themselves individually and collectively. Islah provides a systematic framework with a higher purpose. It begins at the individual level with emphasis on good and positive thought, which steadily leads to positive attitude, and in turn, positive actions and outcomes for the society.

Three major components of Islah are:

(a) Da'wah - propagation;

(b) Tanjeem - organization

(c) Tarbiyyat & Tazkiyyat - education & purification

Do no mischief on the earth after it has been set in order (Islah), but call on Him with fear and longing (in your hearts): for the Mercy of Allah is (always) near to those who do good. [7: al-A'raf: 56; also 7: 85]

Then, as to those who believed and did righteous deeds (amali salihat), their Rabb will admit them to His Mercy: that will be the achievement for all to see. [45: al-Jathiya: 30]

Whoever works any act of Righteousness (amali salihat) and are believers, -- his endeavor will not be rejected: We shall record it in his favor. [21: al-Anbiya: 94]

If any do deeds of righteousness, -- be they male or female, -- and have faith, they will enter Paradise, and not the least injustice will be done to them. [4: an-Nisa'a: 124]

On those Who believe and work deeds of righteousness will (Allah) Most Gracious bestow love. [19:Maryam: 96]

But those Who believe and work deeds of righteousness and humble themselves before their Rabb, -- they will be Companions of the Garden, to dwell therein forever. [11: Hud: 23]

But those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, and believe in the (Revelation) sent down to Muhammad -- for it is the Truth from their Rabb, -- He will remove from them their ills and improve (Aslaha) their condition. [47: Muhammad: 2]

Except those who repent and make amends (Aslahu) and openly declare (the Truth); To them I turn; For I am Oft-returning, Most Merciful.

Except for those who repent, mend (their life) (Aslahu), hold fast to Allah, and purify their Deen (Way of life) for Allah: if so they will be (numbered) with the believers; and soon will Allah grant to believers a reward of immense value. [4: an-Nisaa: 146]

And make not Allah's (name) an excuse in your oaths against doing good, or acting Allah-consciously, or making peace among people (Tooslihu). For Allah is One who hears and knows all things. [2: al-Baqara: 224]

Abu Hurairah reported the Apostle of Allah (s) saying: "To harbor good thoughts is a part of fine worship." [Sunan Abu Dawood; Vol. 3, #4975]

 Note:

5. J.M. Cowan, Arabic-English Dictionary: The Hans Wehr Dictionary of Modern Written Arabic.