ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVES

UTOPIAN IDEAS AND ISLAM...

The idea of perfection and ideal in utopia can be related to Islam. As Muslims, we need to do act of worship as a part of perfecting our religion. For example, we are commanded to make syahadah oath, pray, fast, pay zakat and perform pilgrimage. If we do not do those things, we do not perfect our religious obligatory as Muslims. Allah says in the Quran:

“And they have been commanded no more than this: To worship Allah, offering Him sincere devotion, being true (in faith); to establish regular prayer; and to practice regular charity; and that is the Religion Right and Straight (98:05)”

In Islam, we have an ideal example that we can follow in our life. He is our Prophet Muhammad. He is the best example and he leads the best ideal life that is suitable and flexible in all times.

“Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day, and who engages much in the Praise of Allah (33:21)”

Furthermore, we must believe that only Allah is the most perfect power in this world and the hereafter. We must have absolute faith that Allah is The Absolute. As human being, we can achieve success, but we must remember we cannot find perfection in our life such as in the fiction. It is because life is only a test to us… “That which is on earth we have made but as a glittering show for the earth, in order that We may test them - as to which of them are best in conduct (18:07)”.

Thus, the absolute life is in the hereafter. The perfect state is only to be found with God and in the Here-After. What could correspond to the idea of a utopia is really the Divine Presence in the world and the hereafter. In contrast to the profane models of development and ordering of society, development is always dependant on the Divine, the Master of Creation, Allah. Allah mentions that:

“What! Are ye the more difficult to create or the heaven (above)? ((Allah)) hath constructed it: On high hath He raised its canopy, and He hath given it order and perfection (79: 27-28)”

“It is He Who hath created for you all things that are on earth; Moreover His design comprehended the heavens, for He gave order and perfection to the seven firmaments; and of all things He hath perfect knowledge (2:29)”.

Utopian literature is also a tool to ridicule and condemn against certain injustice political and social systems. So, it promotes Islamic way of life by not allowing oppression and injustice to happen in society. The means used by writing utopian literature might be positive or negative. If it creates awareness among people to fight against corrupted systems, it is encouraged. Allah states in the Quran:

“And fight them on Until there is no more Tumult or oppression, And there prevail Justice and faith in Allah; But if they cease, Let there be no hostility Except to those Who practice oppression (2:193)”.



Nevertheless, if it creates negative effect such as anger and violent, it should not be encouraged. There are other wisdom ways to fight against corrupted system, not merely by writing ridicule utopian literature.

DYSTOPIAN IDEAS AND ISLAM…

Dystopia is the opposite of utopia. So, there is no ideal world that can be hoped for. Sometimes, people believe there will be no good things in life. This is terrible if we as Muslims believe so. As Muslims, we must have good perception (husnu dzon) to Allah that Allah will make our lives better. We must strive in order to change our lives. For illustration in the time of prophet:

“‘Ata Ibn Rabah related that he heard Ibn ‘Abbas say: “Shall I show you a woman of Paradise?” I said: “Yes, indeed.” He said: “A black woman came to the Prophet, peace be upon him, and said: ‘I suffer from epileptic fits, and because of these, (at times) my body becomes uncovered. Would you invoke Allah, the Exalted One, to cure me of this disease? ‘The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: ‘If you wish, you can be patient and you will attain Paradise (for this suffering). But if you prefer, I will pray to Allah, the Exalted, to cure you of it?’ The woman said: ‘I will be patient,’ then added: ‘I become uncovered (when I have fits), so invoke Allah for me that I do not become uncovered. ‘So the Prophet, peace be upon him, prayed for her.”

This is the example of a woman who strived for her life and willingly accepts the difficult test by Allah. She was patient in living her hard life which was like in dystopian world, whereas people suffer out of diseases and almost lost hope for life. However, if we are patient with the sufferings, we will be rewarded and blessed by Allah. We also will get guidance and mercy from Allah. Allah said:

“They are those on whom (Descend) blessings from Allah, and Mercy, and they are the ones that receive guidance (2: 157)”

Moreover, dystopia is always related to evil things. Allah has mentioned in the Quran that:

“evil as an example of people who reject Our signs and wrong their own souls”.

The evil things will happen if people reject and being ignorance of Allah guidance in life. As Muslims, we are aware that the guidance in our life is Prophet, Quran and Sunnah. These can lead us to the praiseworthy and reject the blameworthy moral behaviors. Thus, we should struggle for ideal life like in utopia by following the guidance and avoid the dystopian way of life by leaving what is prohibited.