Milestones

Mankind today is on the brink of a precipice, not because of the danger of complete annihilation which is hanging over its head-this being just a symptom and not the real disease-but because humanity is devoid of those vital values which are necessary not only for its healthy development but also for its real progress. Even the Western world realises that Western civilization is unable to present any healthy values for the guidance of mankind. It knows that it does not possess anything which will satisfy its own conscience and justify its existence.

Democracy in the West has become infertile to such an extent that it is borrowing from the systems of the Eastern bloc, especially in the economic system, under the name of socialism. It is the same with the Eastern bloc. Its social theories, foremost among which is Marxism, in the beginning attracted not only a large number of people from the East but also from the West, as it was a way of life based on a creed. But now Marxism is defeated on the plane of thought, and if it is stated that not a single nation in the world is truly Marxist, it will not be an exaggeration. On the whole this theory conflicts with man's nature and its needs. This ideology prospers only in a degenerate society or in a society which has become cowed as a result of some form of prolonged dictatorship. But now, even under these circumstances, its materialistic economic system is failing, although this was the only foundation on which its structure was based. Russia, which is the leader of the communist countries, is itself suffering from shortages of food. Although during the times of the Tsars Russia used to produce surplus food, it now has to import food from abroad and has to sell its reserves of gold for this purpose. The main reason for this is the failure of the system of collective farming, or, one can say, the failure of a system which is against human nature.

Islam stands for change. It seeks to change the individual and the society. This change covers every aspect of human life, from personal morality to business, economics, and politics. It is only natural that Islam should be fought by those who oppose change. This is the way it has been throughout history. It happened to Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (Peace be on them). It will happen to anyone who wants to stand up and proclaim the true message of Islam to the world today. Sayyid Qutb, the author of this book, tried to bring together some of the fine points of Islam and Islamic work in the present volume. It seems that true Islamic principles are too much for the corrupt regimes of the self-proclaimed leaders of so-called Islamic countries. Sayyid Qutb was persecuted, and eventually hanged. The ultimate price for working to please God Almighty and to propagate his ways in this world is often one's own life. The author tried to do it; he paid for it with his life. If you and try to do it, there is every likelihood we will be called upon to do the same. But for those who truly believe in God, what other choice is there?

Book's Contents and Sample Pages