We once ruled this world…

Well, sometimes, we find ourselves mesmerized and overwhelmed by the civilizations of other nations. We wonder: How is it that they have become so remarkably advanced and civilized, while we remain stuck in what feels like a deep, profound, and bottomless ignorance? I admit, I sometimes feel this way myself—when I watch a brilliantly directed American film, or when a brand-new, luxurious Mercedes speeds past me on the street.

It can be deeply depressing to see that the world has now reached a level of technological and economic advancement like never before—yet we, the Arabs and the Muslims, are still considered part of the so-called “third world.” This, without doubt, is the consequence of our incomplete understanding of Islam.

I’m not against admiring and learning from other nations—in fact, I strongly believe we should—but it’s equally important to remember that we once had our time. We had great civilizations of our own. There was a time when the world looked up to us the way we now look up to the most developed countries.

We Egyptians had our time of glory thousands of years ago, with our Great Kings. But that only came when we worked hard and used our minds well. Also, we Arabs and Muslims had our golden age too—but only when we held firmly to our religion and followed in the footsteps of our beloved Prophet, may peace and blessings be upon him.

Today, many of us still believe that our decline is only due to a lack of hard work. But the view of Omar Ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, offers a deeper perspective, one we must not forget:

When Sa’ad Ibn Abi Waqqas, may Allah be pleased with him, sent a request to The Caliph Omar Ibn Al-Khattab, asking for reinforcements during the Battle of Al-Qadisiyyah—where the Persian army numbered over two hundred thousand—Omar replied to him:

“From the servant of Allah, the Commander of the Faithful, Omar Ibn Al-Khattab, to the servant of Allah, Sa’ad Ibn Abi Waqqas:

O Sa’ad, since when do we triumph over our enemies through numbers or equipment? We only triumph by our obedience to Allah and their disobedience to Him. But if we become equal in disobedience and sin, they will overcome us by their sheer numbers and strength. So look into your army and see what weakness—what love of the worldly life—has crept in.”

And let me share with you a story from the golden era of the Islamic Caliphate, during the reign of Caliph Omar Ibn Abd Al-Aziz. Please read it—you might feel what I feel.

Each year, at a certain time, the Zakat money was collected from all parts of the vast Islamic Caliphate. This money was then distributed to the beneficiaries as clearly defined in the Holy Qur’an. The era of Caliph Omar Ibn Abd al-Aziz is known to be one of the most economically flourishing periods in Islamic history, so, in one particular year, more Zakat was collected than ever before.. The Caliph Omar Ib Abd Al-Aziz ordered, “Distribute this wealth to the poor and needy.” And so, the officials went out, traveling across the enormous Islamic state, giving to every person eligible for Zakat.

Yet, they returned with most of the money still untouched—there simply weren’t enough poor or needy people to receive it. The economy was flourishing.

So Omar Ibn Abd Al-Aziz gave a second order: “Then spend the remaining funds to support the Muslim military—equip the soldiers, prepare the borders.” They did as commanded, but returned again. The military was already fully equipped, the borders well protected.

Then he said: “Pay the debts of every Muslim in the land.” And so, every debt was paid. Still, there remained surplus.

Then he said something incredible: “Pay the debts of the Jews and Christians.”

Yes—can you imagine such religious tolerance? Can you believe how we once ruled the world—while today we are being invaded just for trying to develop weapons similar to other nations, and food is reportedly destroyed just to manipulate prices and economically pressure poor nations? In an age where Muslims are called fascists by the real fascists.

Still, after settling even the debts of non-Muslims, money remained. So Omar Ibn Abd al-Aziz gave yet another noble command: “Whoever among the youth wants to get married, fund his marriage from this wealth.” And so, the youth were given support to marry, their weddings were funded, and still, the Zakat was not fully spent.

Can you imagine such financial strength? Can you believe this level of economic prosperity, at a time when industrial development hadn’t even reached a tenth of today’s standards—and yet surpassing even today’s wealthiest nations?

Then Omar Ibn Abd al-Aziz pondered. By that time, it was customary that Zakat funds must be spent within the year to maintain economic flow. After deep reflection, he gathered his advisors and gave a command that echoed through history:

“Buy grains with this money and scatter them over the mountain tops, so that birds may eat from the blessings of the Muslims.”

I remember the words of the poet who wrote one of the most beautiful Arabic poems, which translates to: “We Once Ruled This World”:

“We once ruled this world for centuries,

Our “immortal” ancestors subdued it with dignity.

We wrote pages of light—

Time never forgot, and neither did we.

But time kept turning,

And glory passed to others.

Now we are no longer seen among the proud,

Though we once led the way for years.

And it aches me—every free soul aches—

As time itself wonders:

O Muslims, where are you now?

Will the past ever return?

Oh, how I long for that glorious time once more.”

Yes, the past can return. Yes, the Ummah will rise again. But Allah Almighty says in His Noble Book:

“Or do you think that you will enter Paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty and ailments and were so shaken that even the Messenger and those who believed with him said, ‘When will the help of Allah come?’ Verily, the help of Allah is near.”

~ Surah Al-Baqarah [2:214]

“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.”

~ Surah Ar-Ra’d [13:11]

“Alif. Lam. Mim. Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: ‘We believe,’ and will not be tested? We indeed tested those who came before them. So Allah will certainly distinguish those who are truthful and those who are liars.”

~ Surah Al-‘Ankabut [29:1–3]

صدق الله العظيم.

So work for it, brothers and sisters, bear, and it will happen.