Episode 23: Our Dreams for Education and our Countries' Interrelations

 

The last three episodes were the most crucial episodes in the 'Life Makers' program. Everything we have achieved in this program was for the sake of the last three episodes.  In each episode we were asking ourselves, “Are we really serious? Can we do so and so?” The outcome was the participation of thousands of viewers.  I am not going to talk about the first stage, but in brief, almost everybody watched it on TV, and if not, they certainly did see it on the streets.

 

Today, with extreme hope and seriousness, I would like to announce that the number of ideas received, has exceeded half a million.  The majority were sent through the Internet on our website (ww.amrkhaled.net) and the rest were received by fax, telephone and by mail.  Everybody had a chance to participate.  During the previous episode, we introduced the idea of ‘brainstorming.’  Muslims in the past were the first to invent and implement this idea.  Brainstorming consists of a group of people who meet and converse together, resulting in the creation of endless numbers of ideas.  It seems that the idea of brainstorming is the reason behind the addition of 250,000 new ideas since last week.

 

We received many ideas outlining scientific research in our countries after twenty years, and many university professors participated: Dr. Aisha Abdel-Aziz from Bahrain University, Dr. Nader Nada from the American University in Dubai, Dr. Anwar Abdel-Sattar from al-Nahrein University in Iraq, Dr. Mahmoud Abdel-Qawy Zahran, Professor of Botany who has sent a comprehensive blueprint on how we could cultivate the desert, and Dr. Suad Moneim, Professor of Medicine in Assiut.

 

We now have a huge number of ideas for our countries that we did not have before. Again, it seems that the idea of brainstorming gave these results.  I have outlined in the previous episode that we also need the common people's dreams; we received a number of their simple yet important dreams.  They want to drink clean water, and for their sons to have the chance to be educated.  In addition, many women requested a new interpretation of many parts of the Qur'an and Sunnah, because these texts are wrongly interpreted by many people and the result is injustice towards women.  Surely, Islam is far from being unjust to women.

 

I can see that there is great hope in this nation, whose hearts are beating with anticipation for the next project.  Let us listen to the great ayah (verse) in which Allah says what can be translated as, "And never give up hope of Allah’s Mercy." (TMQ, 12:87)[1].  We should not despair and think that there is no hope, for we have many promises and reassurances from Allah (SWT).  He is with us; He will be Benevolent to us, and our Prophet (SAWS[2]) promised us that too.  Our mission is to seek the rise of our country and to revive it to change it for the better.  In the following ayah, Allah clearly emphasizes that by saying what can be translated as, “Two men of those who feared (Allah and) on whom Allah had bestowed His Grace (they were Yusha’ and Kalab) said, ‘Assault them through the gate; for when you are in, victory will be yours.’” (TMQ, 5:23).  It is as if Allah (SWT) is telling us to act and take the first step.  Then Allah (SWT) continues in saying what can be translated as, “And put your trust in Allah if you are believers indeed.” (TMQ, 5:23).

 

Why do we always think that Tawakul (placing complete trust and faith in Allah (SWT)) is only relevant with regards to sustenance or disasters? What about Tawakul in the revival of our country? Tawakul means that we have to exert our best efforts then put our trust in Allah (SWT).  If we do so, we will surely have fruitful results.  We need to transform the individual concept of Tawakul in our personal life to a wider concept that applies to our country.  If we put our trust in Allah (SWT), He will grant our country power, glory and honour; we just have to believe that Allah (SWT) is capable of doing this.  If you look at the following ayah in the Noble Qur'an where Allah says what can be translated as, “Allah  (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)," (TMQ, 3:173), you will discover that it was used for the sake of Islam as a nation and never for an individual.  The Prophet (SAWS) recited that same ayah. It was also said by Ibrahim (AS) (Abraham) when he was thrown into the fire.  It was again said by Musa (AS) (Moses).  Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as (Musa’s companions telling him), "We are sure to be overtaken." (TMQ, 26:61).   Allah (SWT) saved him along with his people.   It was also said by Muhammad's companions.  Allah says what can be translated as, "Verily, the people (pagans) have gathered against you (a great army), therefore, fear them.  But it (only) increased them in faith, and they said, Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)." (TMQ, 3:173).  Allah also says what can be translated as, "So they returned with Grace and Bounty from Allah. No harm touched them." (TMQ, 3:174).  Let us also listen to these ayahs in which Allah says what can be translated as, "Truly, Allah defends those who believe," (TMQ, 22:38) and "Allah has promised those among you who believe and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the land." (TMQ, 24:55).  That is our religion.  Great things will happen to us if we start taking steps.  The first steps that have to be taken are to show our trust and confidence in Allah (SWT).  The dominion of earth belongs to Allah (SWT), and if He permits, this revival will be realized overnight.

 

Take Uzair's (AS) (Ezra) story in the Noble Qur'an as an example.  Allah says what can be translated as, "Or like the one who passed by a town while it had tumbled over its roofs." (TMQ, 2:259).  The buildings of that town had collapsed and its people were in a state of despair.  Allah says what can be translated as, "He said, ‘Oh! How will Allah ever bring it to life after its death?’ So Allah caused him to die for a hundred years, then raised him up (again)." (TMQ, 2:259).  Allah (SWT) caused him to die for a hundred years, and during this period Allah (SWT) permitted the people of that village to revive themselves and rebuild it.  The ayah ended with Allah saying what can be translated as, "I know (now) that Allah is Able to do all things" (TMQ, 2:259).  Let us have a look at some of Allah's miracles:

 

• The knife that did not slaughter Isma’il (AS) (Ishmael).
• The fire that was cool and safe for Ibrahim (AS).
• The whale whose belly Yunus (AS) (Jonah) remained in but did not eat him.
• The desert that turned into a sea for Nuh (AS) (Noah).

 

All these happened for the sake of His righteous slaves who put their trust in Him. Glory be to Allah (SWT) who has power over all things.   I would like to show you that trust in Allah (SWT) should be implanted in us, and that Allah (SWT) will be Benevolent to us.  Before we start on the details of this stage, I believe that the revival we are seeking needs more discussion.  The people who sent us their dreams have to be sure about that point and have to be convinced that Allah (SWT) is with us and will be Benevolent to us.  Moreover, I would like to draw your attention to an important point that has a pleasant meaning.  If we looked back throughout the history of humanity, we will find that Allah (SWT) never wasted the effort of anyone who did righteous deeds, no matter what his religion or belief was, and he who exerts the best efforts will be rewarded for them.  Take Germany as an example.  In twenty years, the Germans made their revival happen.  Can you imagine how the Germans were before and after the revival? I want you to feel the sweet taste of revival.  I wish that when you watch me and hear me brothers and sisters, you can realize that if the dream controls people's minds, it will definitely come true; that is the rule.

 

In the previous episode, I talked about our dreams in two fields: agriculture and scientific research.  In twenty years, we will depend upon ourselves, we will produce our own food (cultivating wheat and producing vegetable oils), and we will not depend on others.  The people who sent us their dreams are visualizing those dreams:

 

·        Our countries will turn into green lands

·        The Arabian Peninsula, as our Prophet (SAWS) said, will return to its green nature once again.

·        There are palms all over the desert roads; in front of each house in all our countries there is one palm from which we eat dates.

·        We will take the lead in scientific research (as previously mentioned, we have the solar energy) and we will teach the world our sciences.

·        Who will be the equivalent of Muhammad al-Fateh (the Conqueror of Constantinople) who will make the desert green?

 

We now understand why the companions used to sacrifice everything; because their dream was al-Madinah al-Munawara.  The price was to abandon all their property, but their dream was much greater than anything else.  Thus, the dream of going to al-Madinah al-Munawara came true and then came children, property and so on, because of the preciousness of their dream.  Do we remember the harm that happened to them? Do we remember Somaya and what Abu-Jahl did to her? Do we remember Khabbab Ibnul-Art when he was explaining how the Kuffar (disbelievers) tortured him? They made him lay on his back and ignited coals under him until they glowed, and that glow did not go out until the cells on his back had melted.  Despite all that torture, he did not give up.  Do we remember what happened to Sohaib? Then listen to the following ayah in which Allah says what can be translated as, "And We have sent you (O Muhammad: not but as a mercy for al-Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists)." (TMQ, 21:107).  Despite all the difficulties Muslims faced, they succeeded.  At first they were in al-Arqam house in the small city of Makkah and they were full of fear, and the Noble Qur'an revealed to them that they represented mercy for all mankind.  However, look at them on the day of the Fath (conquest) of Makkah, when the Prophet (SAWS), along with ten thousand Muslims, recited the following ayah loudly in which Allah  says what can be translated as, "Verily, We have given you (O Muhammad  a manifest victory.  That Allah may forgive you your sins of the past and the future, and complete His Favour on you, and guide you on the Straight Path." (TMQ, 48:1-2).  They continued reciting until the ayah in which Allah says what can be translated as, “Muhammad  is the Messenger of Allah. And those who are with him…" (TMQ, 48:29). Then they all entered Makkah with him (all ten thousand Muslims), and Bilal, who was once beaten in that city, climbed to the top of the Ka'ba and called out loudly, “Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest.”  Can you imagine their feeling and their happiness after their dream had come true?

 

I would like to tell you about a strange article I read once in al-Ahram (an Egyptian newspaper) five years ago, which was about the previous Russian President, Boris Yeltsin, who felt that his country was facing a crippling problem.  He came up with an idea for his nation, “Whoever comes up with a national dream that can fill the hearts of the whole Russian people will win a prize.”  This piece of news meant that Russia had no dream in the first place and also that this man understood quite well that having a national dream was the only way for the success of his country.

 

Today, we have two more fields, whose purpose is to spread hope.  These dreams are based on your suggestions, so let us discuss them and afterwards I will explain to you what you have to do to turn these suggestions into reality.

 

The First field: Education

 

We received a huge number of suggestions from headmasters, teachers, social workers, secretaries, psychiatrists, house wives, students, teachers who give private lessons, and university professors, all of which are on the website.  I will try to give you a summary of these suggestions; the main target for doing so is to let you visualize these dreams before your eyes.  Those who sent the suggestions decided that our main dream is for ‘Education in the Arab world to be the best education in the 21^st century.’  If we look at the opinions sent by youth, men and women, our first impression is that they have already finalized that curriculum.  The following are some of these ideas:

 

1.            Erasing, in one year only, all illiteracy from the Nation of Iqra' (Read) (the Muslim nation who was ordered to read in the first Qur’anic ayah revealed). The suggestions supporting this idea were sent by over a hundred people. They suggested organizing a public awareness campaign for youth, so that all our students in high schools and universities would use the summer vacation to teach illiterate persons in villages and hamlets.  Also, they did not forget the difficulties of implementing such project, so they suggested creating training courses for youth on television in order to teach them how to do so.  The success of this project is possible; it only requires finding premises for that purpose.  However, there is one problem, how can we convince illiterates that they should learn? The solution is to fine them if they refuse to learn after six months; that suggestion came from a young man of 17, who said that he got this idea by imitating Muhammad (SAWS) who eliminated the illiteracy of 700 Companions within a month.  The Companion Zayd Ibn-Thabet, who collected the Noble Qur'an, was one of them.  The problem is that many people believe that Islam means only praying and fasting.  Would you believe that the illiteracy rate in our countries has reached almost 60%?

 

2.            Many people suggested that education should be based on the use of the mind and research, not by memorizing.  The student should actively search for the information instead of being spoon-fed it; this is the best way to use the mind.   Instead of using our minds as a storage place for information, we will have active minds that think.  Education then will be based on ‘searching for the required information.’  Students will be taught that there are many solutions for each problem and not only one, and they will learn that they have many alternatives to questions.

 

3.            Among the great suggestions we received, was the idea of using sciences in practical life.  Every student should have the right to refuse to learn, even a single word, without being told its relation to practical life and the benefits that can be gained from it.

 

This is a serious matter, and if we achieve this plan then, inshallah (Allah (SWT) willing), the dream of education in the Arab world becoming the best in the 21st century will come true.  Relating science to the real world is not enough for us, and this is what will set us apart, for we will provide unconventional education.  Relating science to Allah (SWT), the Almighty, is the key.  In Physics, for instance, why not mention the Creator of this formidable universal system, atoms, measurements, metals, and relativity?  Is not the Creator Allah (SWT), the Exalted? This way we rest assured that our children will be level-headed, especially in their teenage years, since everything they learn in school will be linked back to Allah (SWT), the Exalted.  The knowledge in their minds will hence be connected to the belief and knowledge of Allah (SWT) in their hearts.  Even at home, mothers will teach their children to learn about Allah (SWT).  Science will also be related to the heritage of the Muslims, but how?

 

• On the first page of an Algebra book, you will find that the founder of this great science is the great Muslim scholar al-Khawarizmi.  He compiled it out of his love for Islam and the Muslims.

 

• On the first page of any Sociology book taught in the University, you will find that the founder of this science is none other than the great Muslim scholar Ibn-Khaldun, who based his theories on the Glorious Qur’an.

 

• On the first page of any book in Medicine, you will find a picture of the statues in Paris of Ibn-Sina (Avicenna) and ar-Razy; who together delivered this science to Paris and the entire West.

 

Among the many wonderful suggestions we received, was one by a group of youth who suggested having a weekly show to teach us the best way to think: planning for the future, deciding on a goal for our lives, introducing new inventions, planting new ideas for our families, neighbours, schools, and homelands.  They also suggested that contributing in these episodes can earn students credit at their respective schools.

 

Among the suggestions was one requesting artists and people with creative minds to visit students in art and music classes to provide them with support and to discover their hidden talents.  Also, athletic recruiters should visit schools and hold tournaments; that way they can pick out talented athletes at an early age.  Do you think we can predict the results of this?

 

·        Within 20 years, and at the 2025 Olympics, we will be rewarded the most golden medals.

·        There will be an internationally acclaimed Muslim painter; whose school were able to discover his talent and develop it.  This is exactly what happens in the West.

·        Students will study at the college of their choice based on their skills and talents.  Only then will they succeed and the unemployment dilemma will be solved.

 

Another suggestion is to have training sessions or work experience in schools and universities.  Chemistry students head for the laboratory, while medical students head for the hospitals, and engineering students to workshops and companies.  On the job, training will be a vital part of the education process.  Also, every school is to have a product which they will specialise in; a school in a desert area for example will research products relating to wells and mineral water drilling and extraction.  This way, our children will learn ways to make different products in their schools, leading to self-sufficiency.  Students must also be able to relate to technology, to use computers on a regular basis, and to have the latest technology and equipment at their schools. Education must serve the current local market, so that the learning is about the fields which the local area or country need the most.  Universities and education going in one direction, while real life needs going in another is the greatest problem of our current educational system.

 

Another suggestion is to make elementary and preparatory education mandatory and free, while imposing fees for secondary education; except for talented and exceptional students.  This plan will lead people to turn to skills and jobs that our countries need. That way, only a small percentage will go to universities, which will lead to exceptional and talented graduates; inventors, scientists, and architects for example.  Also, jobs like those of a mechanic, blacksmith, and carpenter will regain their lost respect from society for they will help build and maintain it after all.  The number of students enrolled in universities will then decrease which will lead to a rise in the quality of education, ultimately leading to a better society.

 

The highest salaries will then be those of teachers and college professors, therefore a better and higher quality education will evolve.  Teachers will no longer need to give private lessons and tutoring, and college professors will be free to conduct their classes and scientific research.  Students will respect their teachers, and winning a Nobel Prize will be the dream of many of our children, which they will all compete for.

 

We will read in American papers that the United States of America wishes to catch up with the educational development by following the example of the educational system in the Arab world, since all the Nobel Prize winners are students of that system.  These words and suggestions are not mine, they are all yours.  None of this will come true without people who are willing to sacrifice, and to work hard.  Sitting at home and saying we need this and that will not help either.  From now on, we must all agree to contribute whole-heartedly to this dream.

 

I will give you an example of the importance of contributing to a common dream by everyone in that society.  Our beloved Prophet (SAWS) promised the Muslims that they would conquer Persia, but how was this promise realised 20 years after the death of the Prophet (SAWS)? Sa'ad Ibn Abu-Waqqas called on the Muslims to spend and work together for the victory of their beliefs since the promise of the Prophet (SAWS) was due to come true.  Everyone started to donate their money; women took off their jewellery, and one woman who had nothing to donate decided that she had to contribute regardless, so she cut off her braid and gave it to Sa'ad.  The woman asked Sa'ad to swear that he will use her braid as a rein for his horse so that she will feel that she has contributed to the effort.  Sa'ad could not help but weep at her request and dedication, and so he went to battle and met a young boy who insisted on accompanying him.  At first Sa'ad refused due to the boy’s young age, however, the boy told Sa'ad that this was between him and Allah (SWT), and that Sa'ad should not interfere with his intention and effort.  Sa'ad then agreed after he looked at the boy and saw a strong, dedicated young man.

 

During the battle, the young boy turned to Sa'ad and asked him about a strange dream he had the night before.  The boy dreamt that he was walking on a road and in a garden, with homes and castles on his right and left and beautiful rivers around him unlike those of the earth.  Sa'ad then said, “I believe this to be the Jannah (Paradise) and this means that you will die a martyr.”  The boys asked Sa'ad if he wished for anything from him and Sa'ad said, “Yes, send my greetings to the Prophet and tell him that Sa'ad says ‘May Allah reward you greatly on our behalf for what you have promised us has indeed come true.’” The boy then asked Sa'ad to send his greetings to his mother, and upon asking, Sa'ad was told that the boy’s mother was the woman who donated her braid.   

 

Another example is that of Honda, an internationally known company.  Would you believe that the owner of this company dreamt only of presenting his idea to the Toyota Company? He quit his job and worked solely on his invention, and when he went to Toyota to submit it, he was dismissed.  He did not give up; he sold his wife’s jewellery to build the car he designed and then went with his prototype to another company and was again refused.  However, he did not give up.  He collected more money then built his own automobile manufacturing plant.  During World War II, his plant was bombed, but he rebuilt it, then it was bombed again, then he built it all over again.  An earthquake destroyed the plant yet again, but he did not give up despite the destruction of his plant three times, and he rebuilt the plant.  After this, and as the proud owner of a successful company, he stood at the first celebration after the company’s great success and said, “Our dreams deserve that we fight and sacrifice for them with all that we have, and that is the secret behind my success.”

 

The second field: International Relations amongst our Countries

 

The following are very touching dreams of many young boys and girls.

 

• To have an Arab alliance of all the Arab countries; for we have one common language, religion, heritage, land, and history.  The European nations were able to do this while their backgrounds, religions, and languages are different.  The European nations united in spite of the many wars that took place between them in the past, which we fortunately never experienced.  We dream of having an Arab alliance in twenty years with all of the Arab nations participating and united, Muslims and Christians alike.

• A young man sent us a letter wondering how we do not notice that Allah (SWT), the Exalted has distributed natural and human resources throughout our countries, so that we feel the need for one another.  Egyptians have massive human resources and many great and creative intellectuals.  The Gulf area has many merchants and a great financial power.  Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine have the knowledge.  These are merely a few examples of the strengths of some of our countries.  The ayahs are many which support this argument.  Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "…And hold steadfast to the rope of Allah…” (TMQ, 3:103).  The Prophet (SAWS) once said, "A believer (and his relationship) to another believer is like a structure holding each other up.” Another Hadith reads, “The believers in their compassion, support, and kindness of one another are like a (single) body.”
• We dream of solving the dilemma in Palestine, and that one day we will be able to pray in al-Aqsa Mosque.  We dream that Muslims will be able to travel to al-Aqsa Mosque just like they travel to al-Haram Mosque and the Mosque of the Prophet (SAWS).
• We dream of removing borders and boundaries between our nations, and to need no visa to travel freely between them.
• We dream of a massive transportation system with efficient and well planned roads to facilitate travelling through our nations.
• We dream of a railway system connecting the Arab world, from the Gulf area through Baghdad, Palestine, Egypt, and all the way to Tunisia.
• We dream of one common Arab currency.
• We dream of a television station which looks into the affairs of our nations.
• We dream of a football team that wins the World Cup.
• We dream of a united Arab defence force.
• We dream of communicating and living with other nations and cultures and to be respected by the entire world.
• We dream to have the right to VETO in the Security Council, which we will only use for just causes.

 

All of your dreams which you sent to us are on the website.  We all dream that when we meet Allah (SWT) we will be able to say that we contributed to this dream.  To contribute to our dream, please go to the website and vote.  I believe that we have started something unique and special with this movement.  Therefore, I urge everyone to go to the website and vote for the sake of this dream; we will not ask you to dream after today.  I want the number of voters to exceed a million.  Even simple people we know, let us ask them what they want, get together and write down our dreams.  We want a million votes via the Internet, phones, or even mail.  Encourage people you know; we want ten times the effort.  We hope that the generation after us will come and benefit greatly from this revival.  The companions of the Prophet (SAWS) planted the seeds from which we reap the rewards now.  Therefore, it is our turn to plant the seeds for the next generation.  Peace and blessings be upon you all.