The Message has been propagated by the Companions of the Prophet SM everywhere imaginable
at their time in less than a century, through their extra-ordinary knowledge (in Islam),
unprecedented determination and courage for the cause of Allah SWT. The history of islamic
movement in diverse forms in the West has already passed its first centenary with a blend
of success and failure. The first magazine that started to propagate islamic message in
the West was published sometimes in 1890s. This publication is a small but noble effort by
a group of young Muslims who are insha-Allah firm and resolute to bear the true message of
Islam to the people around - Muslims and non-Muslims, with an intention to achieve only
Allah's pleasure.
Allah SWT says
"Thus we have made you
(the true followers of the prophet SM. and his Sunnah)
a 'justly balanced' Ummah (community), that you be witnesses over mankind
and the Messenger SM be a witness over you."
Al-Qur'an 2 : 143
In another verse, Allah SWT says,
"And of those whom We have
created,
there is an Ummah who guides others with truth
and establishes justice therewith."
Al-Qur'an 7 : 181
What are the criteria of determining 'justly balanced', and who are the people belonging to that blessed group? What kind of quality one ought to possess in order to be able to witness over the entire mankind? Scholars interpret 'justly balanced' as neither too liberal nor extremely dogmatic that is too hard on life. However, some hardships within one's capacity in the form of tests from Allah SWT is an integral part of the Message, as evidenced from Qur'anic Verses as well as from the life of the Prophet SM and his companions.
No doubt, that the best example of being justly balanced is the Prophet SM who was the 'moving Qur'an'. Several Verses including [Al-Qur'an 2:143] and many authentic ahadeeth state that the companions of the Prophet SM were a balanced Ummah. That is why they have succeeded to spread the true Message, to guide people with truth, and to establish justice [Al-Qur'an 7:181] around them by unquestionable and meticulous compliance to the Sunnah of the Prophet SM who was the witness over them [Al- Qur'an 2:143]. They understood the real message imparted by the Prophet SM, and as such were spontaneous and enthusiastic to respond to the Prophet's SM call, though often through strenuous hardship.
The Witness-Pioneer (WP) group cherishes a dream to become a justly balanced group to witness over the mankind by their perseverance for educating themselves with the teachings of the Prophet SM, and to take the true Message to the people.
Today, the Ummah is in a downtrodden state. We disagree on issues more than we agree with one another. Often one group tend to blame another. We should not do that. We need unity among the Ummah and need to find out the reasons of disagreement. We need to ask ourselves: Are we justly balanced in terms of the Prophet's SM teachings and practices? Are we trying to convey the actual message to the people or just mingling impurities with the true message in a vain aspiration to just being 'accepted' by others? If our goal is 'to be accepted', how can we expect to bear witness over the mankind? I believe that every WP member would strive sincerely to acquire true islamic knowledge and to find out the answer to these questions, and work accordingly. May Allah, the Exalted, accept our sincere efforts.
Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to those who worked hard to eventually bring the dream of WP publication into a reality by the grace of Allah Almighty. Aameen !!
A.R.B. Billah is currently serving as the President of Witness-Pioneer.
Message from Shah Abdul Hannan
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatuh.
I am very pleased to congratulate all of you on your success to organize Witness-Pioneer, a group with members in US, Canada, UK and Japan. This is satisfying that by the grace of Allah (SWT), you have already succeeded to frame a constitution & working procedures for the organization, started a web page and finally published a Magazine. This is the age of revolutionary communication facilities and you are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to use it for the cause of Islam. I hope that the members of this organization will try to learn about Islam in its pure and pristine form, based on authentic and scholarly documents and practise it in every sphere of their life. I also hope, they will contribute to the development of such an intellectual group which will work as an international think-tank of Islam to design means and strategies for the present and future of the Ummah, so that Islam may attain the goal ordained by Allah (SWT).
I hope Witness-Pioneer will emphasize on the following issues, at least for the time being:
Concerns of the Muslim communities, apparently less addressed by other major Muslim organizations. Contributing in building schools for Muslim children in the US, Canada and Europe or where ever necessary and possible. Understanding the islamic Law. Keeping in mind the power and dynamics of the islamic law and its proper application in new situations in modern times. Consulting knowledgeable scholars and working in close contact with other islamic organizations with the feeling of unity & brotherhood. In general, developing themselves as capable of undertaking the responsibility of spreading the authentic knowledge and message of Islam all around the world.
I would conclude my message with the best of Du'a for continuous guidance and help from Allah (SWT) and my affection for all of you.
Shah Abdul Hannan is currently serving as a member of the Advisory Committee.
