1946: The Need for Greater Effort

Tajmool Hosein (ra)

Writing in the 1946 Eid-ul-Fitr brochure Mr. Tajmool Hosein laments the disinterest of young Muslims in their religion and the disunity in the community.  Thanks to Maulana Kavir Mohammed for providing the copy.

I am particularly pleased to have the opportunity offered me by this Brochure to address the Muslims, and mainly the younger ones in the South.  I am not going to write on the various doctrines of Islam,  for I suppose most of you can find all you need to know elsewhere.  But I do think it necessary to appeal to all muslims to do all that is possible to maintain the influence of Islam and its noble teachings.

There is, unfortunately, a feeling existing among the younger people that religion on the whole is of no particular utility in everyday life, and that Islam, however well it worked in centuries gone by, is no longer a religion that suits modern conditions.  This feeling, I think, owes its origin to the fact that many of us do not try to understand the true principles of our faith and attempt to criticize something that we do not quite understand.  For Islamic teachings can be related to practical life at all times with great benefit to those who care to follow them.  They are applicable to all circumstances and are of such a nature that they could contribute in no small way toward the solution of world problems at the present time.

It is true that the influence of religion as a whole has declined within recent times, but there is no reason why an effort should not be made to stimulate the interest of the young people, on whom, after all, the burden will in years to come, in the religion of Islam.  This lack of interest on their part is not altogether due to apathy.  It is accordingly suggested that the various Islamic organisations in the island should arrange a series of lectures to be delivered periodically by people learned in Islamic teachings.  The scope of the lectures should be sufficiently comprehensive to cover the main principles of Islam, and should be so framed as to enable the young people to take an active part in the ordinary religious performances.

Another aspect of our conduct that, perhaps, needs some emphasis is that unless there is co-operation among the various groups of Muslims, it is impossible to make any progress.  It is sincerely hoped that the Muslims will some day unite and make contribution to the cause of Islam more real than at present.

This is an Eid-ul-Fitr Brochure, and I cannot better conclude than by wishing all the Muslims a very happy Eid.  I hope that such similar brochures will always be with us so that in the years ahead we shall be in a position to express our views through it all.

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