Al-Islah

Al-Islah is a positive concept with broad implications. It means to reform, to repair, to improve, to better, or to put something into a better position, and to restore oneself or to reconcile with one another, to make peace. Al-Islah implies bringing the object (whether a heart, an intellect wisdom, a person or a society) back to its original state through improving, curing or reform.

The prophets(pbuh) came to perform Islah and we, as the ummah of the last Prophet(pbuh), have to take on the same obligatory responsibility. Islah begins with subjecting our individual lives to the divine guidance and then, inviting others to the same guidance and offering ourselves to them as a model.


Islah when done with Iman and the noble touch of humility, will bring improvement in our conditions. Islah also means reconciliation. Where families are falling aparts, it can help reconcile the family members. Where racial tensions exist, introducing the work of Islah can be of immense help.

Since Islah has such broad scope, it has a position in Islamic framework that is greater than praying, fasting, or almsgiving. However Islah is not a magic with its own power. People have the power to change themselves individually and collectively.

Islah provides a systematic framework with a higher purpose. It begins at the individual level with emphasis on good and positive thought, which steadily leads to positive attitude, and in turn, positive actions and outcomes for the society.

Three major components of Islah are:

(a) Da'wah - propagation;

(b) Tanjeem - organization

(c) Tarbiyyat & Tazkiyyat - education & purification

"Do no mischief on the earth after it has been set in order(Islah), but call on Him with fear and longing (in your hearts): for the Mercy of Allah is (always) near to those who do good."(QS 7:56)

"And those who believe and do righteous deeds and believe in what has been sent down upon Muhammad - and it is the truth from their Lord - He will remove from them their misdeeds and improve (Aslaha) their condition."(QS 47:2)

Abu al-Darda reported the Prophet(pbuh) saying: "Shall I not inform you of something more excellent in degree than fasting, prayer, and sadaqah?" The people replied: "Yes, Prophet of Allah!" He said: "It is Islah -- putting things right between people." (Sunan Abu Dawood; vol. 3, #4901)


Wallahu'alam