The Re-emergence of Islamic Enlightenment — Page 10
10 across the world. UNESCO also advocates for press freedom and protecting different cultures and heritages. Another of its stated goals is to eradicate poverty and to promote sustainable global growth and development and to try to ensure that humanity leaves behind a positive legacy from which future generations can benefit. You may be surprised to learn that Islamic teachings require Muslims to work towards fulfilling these same objectives and to continually strive for the progress of humanity. Such service is based upon the very first chapter of the Holy Quran, which states that Allah the Almighty is the “Lord of all the worlds” 1. This verse is central to the Islamic faith whereby Muslims are taught that God Almighty is not just their Lord and Provider but He is the Provider and Sustainer of all humankind. He is the Gracious and Merciful and so, irrespective of caste, creed or colour, God Almighty fulfils the needs of His creation. Given this, true Muslims firmly believe that all humans are born equal and that regardless of differences of belief, the values of mutual respect and tolerance must be firmly embedded within society. A beautiful Islamic principle given in chapter 2, verse 139 of the Holy Quran, is that Muslims should seek to follow the ways of Allah the Almighty and adopt His attributes. As mentioned, Allah’s Grace is all-encompassing and He is the Provider and Sustainer for all people, including those who deny His existence. His Grace and Mercy remains even with those who continually speak ill of Him or who conduct cruelties in the world.