Do we have a network of communities?
Or a network of individuals?
Volume 1 Issue 7
In the Name Of Allah the Most Gracious the Most Merciful Recap of the last issue: Last issue I compared the drawbacks and benefits of having a job and having a business.
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together (in Jama’ah) and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allah upon you, when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers. And you were on the edge of a pit of the Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you may be guided. And let there arise from you a nation (Jama’ah) inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and those will be the successful. And do not be like the ones who became divided and differed after the clear proofs had come to them. And those will have a great punishment.” (3: 104-105)
The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “I command you with the same five things Allah has commanded me with. They are: 1. holding to the community (Jamaat) 2. hearing (the instructions of the Amir) 3. obeying (the Amir) 4. emigration (to the villages of Islam with the Jamaat and the Amir) 5. and struggle in the way of Allah (to defend the Islamic villages). Whoever separates from the community (Jamaat) even a hand span, has removed the noose of al-Islam from around his neck, except if he returns.”
Four Sets of Questions 1.
Do you belong to a Jamaat? Who is your Amir?
2.
Do you work at a job or do you own a business?
3.
Does your community live together on property they on? Or, do they live in separate areas and are renting?
4.
Does your community have a long term plan (minimum 7 years) that the whole community is working towards? May I see this plan and compare notes?
5 benefits to Living in a community A sense of belonging Many people feel isolated from the world by the fact they have no friends or relatives in their community. This can lead to loneliness and eventually depression. A community spirit can instill a sense of belonging in these individuals, they are no longer alone, and they lead healthier, happier lives. Security Living in a community protects the individual from the harshness of having to do everything.(The “every man for himself� mentality. ) It can help a person who falls on hard times if they are in a community to feel supported, rather than living a corporate lifestyle where a person is only as good as their latest contribution. Community living also means that most of the people know each other. A small town environment like that often means less crime and also less need for surveillance. Surveillance is a consequence of living amongst strangers. The sharing of resources Sharing resources can greatly reduce the cost of living. Many of the luxuries that people enjoy are not used 24/7, or even if they are used frequently, they can often be shared. The quality of items that can be afforded goes up while the cost goes down. You can live cheaper and better, and the only cost is being more social. Cooperation and Competition It is natural for individuals to cooperate with each other. We are a tribal species. In fact, cooperation on an individual level is very beneficial, because generally each person is interested in and skilled at different tasks than their peers. As a result close knit groups of individuals whose skills and personalities complement each other can be particularly healthy, happy, and successful. Employment and fulfillment One of the greatest benefits of living in a community setting is that it gives us the freedom to care for our lives, our wealth, and often both at the same time. There is no reason for the community to resent individuals for participating in a way that does not directly benefit the bottom line. We can work together as business partners who share equally in the burden of maintaining the community economically. The needs of a community are numerous, and the avenues of occupations that could benefit a community are likewise numerous. Using local skills and expertise can benefit the individual member economically but also forges networks of professional relationships who have a sense of place and local solutions. There are many diverse ways in which an individual can contribute. By working within a community each individuals skills and abilities can be applied in a unique way, and no person need feel like a cog.
The Four Point Islamic Strategy 1. Islam, Jama’ah, and the Islamic Village a.
Muslims must form or join a Jama’ah whose primary goal is to acquire land, establish a village, and achieve economic independence.
2. Build alliances with Indigenous communities a. b. c. d.
Trade Business Family ties Da’wah
3. Acquire property within or next to the Indigenous community a. b. c.
Buy at least five acres within the community The land should preferably have access to fresh water An Islamic village must be established on this land
4. Extend network a. b. c.
Support the creation of Muslim villages in other communities Open the invitation for hijrah Establish trade and business connections with other communities