‘May you live in interesting times’ is thought to be an ancient Chinese proverb used for the purpose of cursing. As Muslims we are forbidden to curse people. The prophet Muhammad, even after the cruel inhumane persecution he and his followers encountered during Islam’s infancy, never resorted to cursing his enemies.

When some of his companions asked him, “O Messenger of Allah, will you not supplicate against the disbelievers? Those who oppressed us, waged war against us, harmed us, and drove us away – will you not supplicate against them?” He replied, “Indeed, I was sent as a mercy and not as a curser!” (Sahih Muslim). He truly embodied the pinnacle of human excellence, always compassionate, forgiving and merciful.

It is the most difficult times that are the most interesting, and the most rewarding. Adversities and tests challenge us, and occasionally brings out the best in us. They make us stronger and more resolute in our thought and action. Therefore, the proverb on one hand was a blessing and on the other a curse.

The times in which we are living in are the most interesting and exciting times, to say the least. As Muslims it seems that the government is bombarding people with new laws and legislations only to suppress them and their faith. Those who are trying practice their religion and stand up for justice are labeled as extremists or ‘Islamists’, and the ones who deny many of fundamentals are portrayed as the ‘moderates’.

We see the brutal inhumane treatment of the Muslims all over the world and yet the so-called free world and the supposed beacons of justice and freedom observe and do nothing. Even some who overtly subscribe to faith and characterise themselves to be vanguards of truth and justice within our community have sold themselves and their faith for a measly pound or two.

Now, we have an announcement from the Government about introducing a board of scholars and academics to look at issues such as the veil and women’s rights. It’s too early to speculate which ‘scholar’ and what this board will come up with, but I don’t think it will help Islam or the Muslims in any way.

Imam Ibrahim Mogra of the Muslim Council of Britain said, “This board has to be something owned by us, driven by us but supported by Government. We’ve made it clear that it’s not for Government to touch our theology or touch the way we train our people.” It is highly unlikely, in my estimation, that the government will allow the board to be free of any restraints.

There are immense changes taking place. From one angle we as Muslims are facing many problems and it seems that not a day goes by without our problems increasing and making our condition worse. However, this situation also presents us with many different opportunities to do good.

The early generations were great because they overcame and were triumphant over incredible difficulties and adversaries. They turned tragedies into opportunities and loss into profit. If we are to be glorious like them, become triumphant over our adversaries, and become ‘witnesses unto mankind’ and our fellow citizens, then we must face the difficulties united under Islam, with faith, confidence, intelligence and resolve, then – and only then we can live up to the excellence we as Muslims have been ordained to do.