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Islam_in_Focus_text

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It should be generally correct to state that the <strong>Islam</strong>ic<br />

concept of community has certa<strong>in</strong> unique characteristics.<br />

Such unique characteristics relate to the foundation or basis<br />

of the community, its historic mission and purpose, its status<br />

among other communities, its identity, and its cont<strong>in</strong>uity.<br />

The community <strong>in</strong> <strong>Islam</strong> is not founded on race, nation-<br />

ality, locality, occupation, k<strong>in</strong>ship, or special <strong>in</strong>terests. It<br />

does not take its name after the name of a leader or a found-<br />

er or an event. It transcends national borders and political<br />

boundaries. The foundation of the community <strong>in</strong> <strong>Islam</strong> is the<br />

pr<strong>in</strong>ciple which designates submission to the Will of Allah,<br />

obedience to His Law and commitment to His Cause. In<br />

short, an <strong>Islam</strong>ic Community is present only when it is nou-<br />

rished and fostered by <strong>Islam</strong>.<br />

The <strong>Islam</strong>ic Community has a historic mission far be-<br />

yond mere survival, sheer power, breed<strong>in</strong>g, or physiological<br />

cont<strong>in</strong>uity. Such a mission is described <strong>in</strong> the Glorious<br />

Qur'an as follows:<br />

"Let there be a community (or Ummah)<br />

among you, advocat<strong>in</strong>g what is good,<br />

demand<strong>in</strong>g what is right, and eradicat<strong>in</strong>g<br />

what is wrong. These are <strong>in</strong>deed the<br />

successful."<br />

(3:104)<br />

"You are the best community ever raised<br />

among people, you enforce what is right,<br />

:-:•:•>:«:*•*»>>:

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