The True Remedy for the Decline of Muslims: Not Devious Politics, but the Reform of Faith and Deeds
By Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam
28 July 2026
Whenever I reflect on the condition of the Muslim Ummah today, one question repeatedly arises in my heart: Why are Muslims so troubled? What is the real cause of their plight, and what is its genuine remedy?
Today, everyone seems eager to offer an answer. Some proclaim politics as the path to salvation. Others pin their hopes on the emergence of a new leader. Some promise deliverance through a new movement, while others seek to guide the Ummah with little more than rumours, emotional slogans, and impassioned rhetoric. Yet my perspective is somewhat different. It is not the voice of a politician or a public figure, but the humble reflection of an insignificant seeker of knowledge striving to discover the path to the Ummah's revival in the light of the Qur'an and the Sunnah.
I firmly believe that the reform of any nation begins with self-accountability. Before pointing fingers at others, we must examine ourselves. Have lying, backbiting, slander, betrayal, deceit, usury, injustice, unlawful earnings, and broken promises not become increasingly common in our societies? Are our businesses, financial dealings, family relationships, and social interactions truly governed by the teachings of Islam? If the answer is no, then we must also acknowledge an uncomfortable truth: many of the hardships we face today are the consequences of our own actions.
Take a visit to our courts and legal tribunals. Examine their cases with fairness and objectivity. You will find that a vast number of disputes involving Muslims are, in fact, conflicts among Muslims themselves. Some are cases of divorce and family breakdown; others revolve around inheritance, land, and property. Brothers stand opposed to brothers, while relatives become bitter enemies. Had our society possessed a sound understanding of the Qur'an and the Sunnah; had people of knowledge, wisdom, and integrity come together to reconcile disputes; and had we sincerely placed Allah's commands above personal desires, would these cases continue to linger in the courts for years?
The burden of litigation extends far beyond financial costs. Court cases often consume a person's dignity, time, peace of mind, and family life. Hearings are repeatedly postponed, corruption and bribery create further hardship, and for the poor, obtaining justice becomes increasingly difficult with each passing day. More distressing still is the fact that many litigants resort to lies, exaggeration, and false testimony in an attempt to prove their claims, even though the Qur'an and the Sunnah unequivocally command truthfulness and justice.
Likewise, the growing incidence of divorce demands our serious attention. Why is love fading between husbands and wives? Why is the sense of responsibility weakening? Why are patience, self-sacrifice, forbearance, and good character becoming increasingly rare? The Qur'an lays down a beautifully balanced framework for married life: if spouses can remain together, they should do so with kindness and mutual respect; but if separation becomes unavoidable, they should part with dignity, fairness, and grace. Yet when we abandon the guidance of the Qur'an and the Sunnah, even minor disagreements can escalate into bitter and prolonged conflicts.
If we were to practice our faith sincerely, marital disputes would diminish, families would grow stronger, inheritance and property conflicts would be resolved with justice, and far fewer disagreements would end up in court. Islam does not merely teach rituals of worship; it cultivates moral character, justice, patience, forgiveness, honesty, trustworthiness, and the ethics of healthy family and social relationships.
Equally alarming is the gradual erosion of sound religious upbringing among the younger generation. Parents often invest immense effort in their children's worldly education but neglect to nurture their faith, moral character, manners, sincerity, respect for elders, compassion for the young, and consciousness of Allah. A generation deprived of the light of faith will inevitably carry that deprivation into the most important decisions of life.
We must also acknowledge that knowledge alone is not enough. Knowledge must be accompanied by sincerity, humility, and righteous action. By the grace of Allah, the Muslim Ummah continues to be blessed with countless sincere scholars, righteous believers, and people of piety. Yet it is equally true that, in some circles, sectarian prejudice, factionalism, backbiting, and an unwillingness to speak the truth have taken root. When those entrusted with reform become themselves in need of reform, the ailments of society only deepen.
Perhaps nowhere is this moral decline more evident today than on social media. The slightest difference of opinion quickly degenerates into abusive language; threats are met with counter-threats, and provocation is mistaken for freedom of expression. One must ask: Is this the moral training imparted by Islam and exemplified by the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him)? Certainly not. Such behaviour is the inevitable consequence of drifting away from the authentic teachings of Islam, neglecting the Prophet's noble character, and allowing faith and moral integrity to weaken.
Many people believe that politics alone can solve all the problems facing the Muslim Ummah. I respectfully differ. Numerous Muslim countries already possess governments, parliaments, and political authority. Yet has political power, by itself, rescued them from every crisis, division, and hardship? If the answer is no, then it becomes clear that genuine transformation does not begin with political power but with moral character.
Our foremost need, therefore, is to become better human beings. A truthful, honest, trustworthy, principled, and God-conscious individual is the true foundation of a righteous society. When faith is strengthened, deeds are rectified, character is refined, and the teachings of the Qur'an and the Sunnah once again become the guiding force within our homes, the help and blessings of Allah will inevitably accompany us.
Even in times of poverty and economic hardship, a community can live with dignity if its bond with Allah remains firm. A people whose Protector is Allah have no ultimate need for any other source of strength. Divine support belongs to those who remain faithful to His religion, refine their character, reform their conduct, and turn to Him in sincere repentance.
The Qur'an lays down an unchanging principle:
"Indeed, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves."
(Qur'an 13:11)
Once we undertake this inner transformation, Allah is fully capable of changing even the hearts of our adversaries, replacing hostility with compassion and opening doors that once seemed forever closed.
May Allah bless us with sincere faith, pure devotion, noble character, righteous deeds, and unwavering steadfastness upon the Qur'an and the Sunnah. May He protect the Muslim Ummah from every trial, every temptation, and every form of adversity. Aameen.
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Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi is an Islamic scholar, translator, and regular English, Arabic, and Urdu columnist for New Age Islam.
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