Voice of British Muslim Women

Rameen Masood, Leicester

Power. An interesting abstract noun. Derived from the Latin word ‘potere’, it means ‘to be able’ or ‘to have the ability’. Well, this means everyone holds power. But there’s a distinction between the types of power. In today’s world, power takes on dual roles— one that serves as an intoxicating poison fuelling conflict and another that empowers individuals to defy injustice. Sadly, the insatiable desire for more land, wealth and influence prevails.

To put this into perspective, the desire for power is reminiscent of events in many Greek odysseys, where the onset of power drives the Greek heroes to hubris, ultimately resulting in sheer misfortune. This reminds me of the tragic example of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun due to his ambition for power, only to have his waxen wings melt, eventually plummeting into the sea.

Another example we can look at is George Orwell’s novel ‘1984’, which highlights the darkness of a dystopian society constantly under surveillance. The design of such an authoritarian society removes all possibilities of independent thought. This ruthless manifestation of power cloaks truth, stifles dissent and fosters a climate of everlasting warfare, as Orwell writes: ‘War is a way of shattering to pieces, or pouring into the stratosphere, or sinking in the depths of the sea, materials which otherwise might be used to make the masses too comfortable…’

Today, the intoxicating elixir of power has blinded nations to the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The killing of innocent lives can never be justified, yet powerful nations attempt to rationalise their actions. The children in Gaza are innocent victims of power’s cruel ambition – a power which disregards the true sanctity of life. The perpetrators must realise that no matter what they do, they can never reach the pinnacle of absolute power. Only Our Creator, God, is Al-Qawiyy, the Most Powerful. Surah Ha Mim As-Sajdah Chapter 41, verse 16 of the Holy Qur’an, elucidates: ‘As for ‘Ad, they behaved arrogantly in the earth without any justification and said, ‘Who is mightier than we in power?’ Do they not see that Allah, Who created them, is mightier than they in power? Still they continued to deny Our Signs.’

But what if we take the poisoning power, give it a 180-degree spin, and channel it for the benefit of others? The power of prayers. The power of the pen. The power of our voices. Fear must not subdue our voices because, the operation of the universe is under the influence of God Almighty and not these so-called ‘powerful’ humans.

Regrettably, many people aimlessly follow those who exhibit power without pondering whether they are right or wrong. His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper) stated in his Friday Sermon of 13th October 2023: ‘Such people only care for the rule of ‘might is right’ and they simply bow to those who hold strength and power in the world. If one analyses this, it seems that major powers are bent upon inciting war, rather than ending it.’

We must keep on raising our voices for justice. A faint whisper will evolve into a resounding call and as we amplify our voices, they will become louder and more distinct. At times, it so happens that even a single word we utter can serve as a guiding beacon for someone else, so we must persist in our efforts ceaselessly. As Ovid, the famous Roman poet, once said: ‘Dripping water hollows out stone, not through force but through persistence.’

I implore everyone to choose the right type of power. The power which is rooted in humility, foresight, and the commitment to using wisdom as a moral compass. A power which represents the belief that, even in the face of soaring ambitions, the key to perpetual success lies in the nuanced understanding of its boundaries.

Let us be the catalysts of change, crafting a chronicle that transcends the scars of conflict and embraces the lambent light of justice, peace, and unity.

Ultimately, the choice is yours and mine. But its effects will shape humanity’s collective present and future.