Don’t wait for solutions; create them!! Why do we always sit around, criticizing this and that with impeccable hole-heartedness, without providing solutions? One must affirm that positive criticism is healthy, without doubt, but when this overflow of criticism takes charge without solutions being presented; a state of "stale pessimism" becomes in effect. This is ultimately a problem in itself that will need further criticism, dragging us deeper into our brutal woes. It is time to be positive and take the initiative. It is time to allow the overwhelming grey cloud of pessimism to be burnt by the glorious rays of optimism and solution. This in itself is a first step towards achieving our hopes of revival and productive longevity.

Firstly, we must honestly and sincerely believe that for every problem there exists a solution; if not more the one solution. This strong belief will innately act as a catalyst in the minds of thinkers everywhere, eventually creating many answers; as actions of those striving for solutions that they believe exist differ vastly from those undertaking  mere physical activity to solutions they believe to be "long-shots" or impossible. This idea of believing in the existence of solutions is enforced and well iterated in the sayings of the Prophet Mohamed peace be upon him, where he says: "For every illness there exists a medicine." So the first step, essentially, is to engrave in the minds of Muslims and their youth that there are solutions to our problems just waiting to be found and discovered. This may take some time, as before this is achieved, we must rid of the thick rust of pessimism covering and aligning Muslim brains.

In addition, we must alter our philosophy concerning failure. The problem is not that we failed; in contrast it is that we did not! What I mean is that in order to solve problems, it is universally accepted that there must be a margin of error. Addison failed many times before he was able to create electricity, and when asked about his failures he said something along the lines of, "I did not fail, I found out many ways of how not to create electricity". This does not encourage failure; however, it simply suggests that we as Muslims should fathom a more tolerant approach to failure, especially in problem solving. In our industrial and technological problem, for instance, the worrying aspect is not only that we are far behind the West; it is that we have not tried and have not even failed in doing so. So we must encourage proactivity and be prepared to fail, as success and solutions are built in the end route of failure.

The time has come to stop blaming others; and more importantly to stop seeking solutions from others. Why not take the initiative yourself? The problem Muslims have is that they have many great ideas and solutions coupled with a grave reluctance to present them and share them. Why do we always look for sources of inspiration? How about we become the source of inspiration for others? Muslims and blame are like a game of "hot potato", we are amazing at shifting blame! Lets just all agree to either forget about who gets blamed or at least share the blame; then we can get on with it! Yes, there are obstacles; in fact, the path of success and solutions is nettle-filled and rather gritty, nevertheless, obstacles are not there to serve as an excuse for mainstream lethargy! A positive person would say, "Obstacles are there to overcome!"

This point may prove to be the most important in the long run. We must alter our educational institutions in the Muslim world to allow students more thinking-area. Despite what some commentators may think, I believe memorization to be vital and important for students. In the end, we all, west and east, memorized the multiplication timetable, Chemists all over the world memorize the elements timetable, Medicine students must memorize symptoms and cures, Historians memorize historical facts and Theologians memorize theological doctrine. However, to ask someone to memorize without allowing him/her to think is nothing more than asking him/her to be an extra copy of the book or fact s/he memorized. So, we need to allow our children and students to put their "thinking hats" on, enabling them in the long run to have a natural problem solving instinct. This ultimate point may prove to be the most important as it is what will cure our problems in the long run.

In conclusion, remember that today is your day! This era is yours! You have the chance to mark history, you won't live twice. So, one must strive his/her utmost to try and create at least an increment of good or success for the Muslim world and the world as a hole. Each person has a gift, and a special one at that; this should propel him/her to utilize his/her gift to solve our problems in the field his/her gift gives him/her the ability to do so in. There is no remedy for our problems except learning how to solve them, and creating the mental attitude in our nation that installs this important ability and asset.

Hamid M. Harasani

Madinah

27-4-1428 A.H.

13-5-2007