In recent years, particularly in the last six months, there has been a growing realisation that the West’s claim to moral superiority and the sanctity of its democratic ideals is a facade. It’s time for Muslim nations to reset the compass towards the East, embracing our Islamic values as the guiding light towards a more peaceful and sustainable world. Here are some key principles to consider:
Empower Local Talent. Cultivate and nurture local skills and talent to instil confidence and self-reliance within our communities.
Foster Excellence. Establish global centres of excellence that leverage our national strengths, promoting innovation and advancement on a worldwide scale.
Embrace Ethical Values. Integrate ethical values and emotional intelligence into our education systems, ensuring that our future generations are equipped with a strong moral direction.
Promote Job Creation. Prioritise businesses that not only generate employment opportunities but also contribute positively to our society, avoiding practices that lead to job destruction.
Infuse Islamic Values. Incorporate Islamic principles into all facets of business operations, fostering integrity, fairness, and compassion throughout the value chain.
Respect the Environment. Uphold a deep reverence for the natural world, respecting its delicate balance and advocating for sustainable practices in all business.
Strike a Life-Work Balance. Advocate for a balanced pace of life that allows for both personal fulfilment and professional success, recognising the importance of holistic well-being.
Champion Humanity and Morality. Place humanity, morality, and faith at the forefront of our societal priorities, guiding all decisions and actions with compassion and integrity.
Ensure Accountability. Establish robust systems of accountability and transparency to uphold trust and integrity within our institutions and governance structures.
Re-evaluate Democratic Models. Critically assess the failures of the Western democratic system and explore alternative models that better align with our values and aspirations.
Develop Islamic Economics. Strive towards building a genuine Islamic economic and banking system that prioritises equity, fairness, and social welfare.
Promote Role Models. Cultivate exemplary figures across all industries who embody the virtues of integrity, compassion, and excellence.
Invest in Job-Creating Technologies. Direct investments towards technologies that not only drive economic growth but also create meaningful employment opportunities for our people.
Safeguard Essential Services. Reject the privatisation of vital sectors such as energy, water, health, transport, and education, ensuring universal access and quality service provision for all.
Combat Regressive Taxation. Avoid imposing indirect stealth taxes that burden consumers and erode their purchasing power, opting instead for equitable and transparent fiscal policies.
Beware of External Interests. Remain vigilant against foreign agendas, recognising that certain Western powers may prioritise their interests over the well-being of our nations and people.
Promote Purposeful Profit. Encourage businesses to pursue profits with a broader purpose, prioritising social and environmental impact alongside financial gain.
Guard Against Shareholder Influence. Resist allowing shareholders to dictate economic policies and decisions, prioritising the collective welfare of our society over individual profit motives.
Welcome Ethical Engagement. Embrace ethical tourism and business partnerships that align with our values and contribute positively to our communities and environment.
Uphold Law and Order. Maintain a zero-tolerance stance towards crime, ensuring the safety and security of our citizens through effective law enforcement and judicial systems.
Remember, the West’s offerings pale compared to the rich cultural heritage and values inherent in our lands. It’s time to reclaim our narrative and forge a path towards a brighter future guided by our Islamic principles and collective wisdom.
Wa’qar.
