In this Open Letter addressed to People and to those in Power, the author calls for a system based on justice and integrity.
As we navigate the fleeting days of this world, one constant truth remains: we will one day stand before the Almighty, accountable for our deeds, for the responsibilities we fulfilled and those we neglected. For those who believe, this is not just a theological concept, but a profound reality that shapes our sense of duty. We believe in the Day of Judgment, when every soul will be questioned about the life it led, the values it upheld, and the legacy it left behind.
Islam calls for responsibility in this world and the hereafter. It is not a religion that encourages turning a blind eye to worldly problems, to justice, and fairness. The hereafter and this world are two sides of the same coin. It encourages reasoning and discernment in judging right from wrong. It is not a religion based on fear or dominating the weak in the name of piety, but one of mercy, justice, and collective good.
So, before we face our Creator who will judge the merit of our souls, we have a duty to confront each other and question our own selves in this world. What kind of society are we building? Have we done enough to protect the weak, care for the poor, and preserve the truth? What will our children inherit from us—a land where justice thrives or a society where silence allows injustice to fester? If a society does nothing to change its plight, no divine intervention will be sent to help us.
It is also our duty to speak truth to power and decide who is fit to lead us in this world. When leaders fail us, we must reject their system, for Islam does not allow the acceptance of injustice. The first part of La illaha illAllah calls us to reject any authority that does not meet the standards of justice. Accepting injustice is a conscious consent to its perpetuation, which our faith forbids.
Kashmir, a land steeped in tradition and faith, has always symbolized resilience and unshakable belief. But today, we must ask: are we living up to the ideals of justice, mercy, and truth that our religion commands? Are we fulfilling our duty as citizens to demand accountability from those in power? And as leaders, are the promises made during election campaigns upheld, or have they been discarded in favor of political expedience and personal gain?
The people of Kashmir have endured decades of suffering, waiting with hope for change. But we can no longer afford to wait. Our healthcare system is a glaring example of collective neglect. Hospitals are overburdened, infrastructure is outdated, and medical staff are overstretched. Administrative mismanagement, substandard drugs, and nonfunctional laboratories are the norm. Drug abuse is rampant, fraying the social fabric. Young lives are lost to addiction while the system stands silent.
The education sector, much like healthcare, is in dire need of reform. We are raising a generation that is literate but not truly educated—trained for jobs but not for leadership, critical thinking, or meaningful contribution to society. Our children chase employment but lack the inspiration to innovate or the courage to lead. The absence of a visionary education policy has reduced learning to a transactional process. Instead of long-term investments in education, we rely on short-term fixes like subsidies, perpetuating dependency and stagnation.
Public institutions remain mired in outdated bureaucracy, designed to enable corruption rather than efficiency. The lack of progress is deliberate, benefiting those in power who manipulate the system for personal gain, while the common people languish.
True progress requires comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of poverty, illiteracy, and drug abuse. Our elected representatives must partner with visionary minds to create a sustainable roadmap for change. When we elect leaders, it is their moral duty to uphold public trust. Yet we are witnessing betrayal, as pressing issues are ignored to appease higher authorities. While we are certain that no one can escape divine justice, and Allah’s reckoning is swift and certain but Allah does not help those who do not help themselves.
A concerning example of this betrayal is the rise of political appointees soon after power is attained—individuals serving interests of the few, not the many. When unemployment peaks and public resources dwindle, this misuse of funds to rehabilitate allies is reckless and immoral. Yet civil society behaves passively, choosing silence over accountability.
Islam calls us to walk the Sirat al-Mustaqeem—the straight path of righteousness and justice. Can we honestly say that we are walking this path today? Are we living up to the principles of truth and compassion that our faith commands? If not, how can we ask for divine mercy while failing to uphold His commandments?
Though we do not live under a system governed by Sharia, we are part of a system that allows us the right to voice our concerns and demand accountability. Politicians, in their quest for our votes, weave grand narratives of hope and prosperity. But how many remain true to their promises once power is within their grasp? Too often, we see them succumb to ego and ambition, abandoning their sacred duty to serve the people.
But this is not only a question for those in power; it is a question for all of us. A society is a mosaic of individuals, each with responsibilities. Some are content with the status quo, while others dream of something better. But how many of us will rise when injustice appears? How many will speak when the rights of the oppressed are trampled? Do we support the voices of truth, or do we allow them to be silenced by fear and apathy?
Kashmir is home to many intellectuals, blessed with the knowledge and power to reshape society. But what holds them back? Is it fear, or have they forgotten divine accountability? True leadership is driven by integrity and duty, not ambition. Our religious scholars, once the moral compass of society, must now resist the temptations of sectarianism and superficial fame, and instead lead with wisdom and humility.
I write to you about the plight of our brothers and sisters languishing in jails, many without trial, detained for reasons unknown. Some are imprisoned for merely exercising their right to free speech. Families live in anguish, holding onto the fragile hope that justice will one day prevail. We must document these violations and present them to the authorities, demanding justice. If we do not, we have already surrendered to injustice.
To my fellow Kashmiris, let us never forget that Allah is the ultimate provider and sustainer. No government can take that position. We must teach our children to value faith, education, and character above all else. It is through them that we will reclaim our dignity and secure a brighter future.
This journey is not just about our children; it is about us. Our choices, actions, and convictions must reflect the values we claim to hold dear. Dignity cannot be achieved through compromise with injustice. If we desire true change and lasting dignity, we must hold ourselves—and our leaders—to the highest standards of integrity.
Now is the time for reflection, unity, and action. As civil society, we must rise above division and rally for the common good. We must hold those in power accountable for the duty they owe to the people. The legacy we leave behind must be one of compassion, strength, and unshakable faith.
To those in power, remember: your position is not a privilege, but a sacred trust. You have been entrusted with the well-being of a people, and this trust is divine. You promised justice, fairness, and prosperity, and millions placed their hope in you. Now is the time to fulfill those promises. We are not asking for favors; we are demanding the justice that is due to every citizen of this land. Govern with integrity, transparency, and justice, for in the end, no deception will stand before divine scrutiny.
The choice is ours: will we be remembered as the generation that allowed injustice to thrive, or as the people who stood firm in the face of adversity, holding fast to the principles of truth, justice, and mercy? The future is in our hands, and history will judge us accordingly.
Views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position and policy of Free Press Kashmir. Feedback and counter-views are welcome at [email protected].
