Syria is Free: Gratitude, Responsibility, and Revival – Shaykh Dr. Muhammad Fayez Awad

This is the third in a series of articles based on the Seminar Syria is Free, which looked at the hopes regarding the future of Syria from leading scholars. 

Praise be to Allah (Most High) for His endless bounty, blessings, and immeasurable favor. This victory is one of immense significance, beyond what words can express or what those who have not lived through the pain, hardship, and oppression could ever imagine. Before this victory, the state of affairs was far worse than what is often conveyed or understood.

It is imperative to begin with gratitude to Allah (Most High) alone. As Allah reminds us, “Victory is truly only from Allah Himself.” While we acknowledge causes and effects in this world, we know that the Creator of all is Allah.

It is also necessary to honor and remember those who sacrificed their lives, endured hardships, and contributed in countless ways to make this victory possible. Yet, with this triumph comes a critical question: What is the duty now? After fifty years of devastation, forced migration, and the destruction of society, the challenges ahead are profound.

Responsibilities Moving Forward

The focus here is not on political realities, which have their own people to address them, but on what individuals can and must do—particularly those who carry knowledge and guidance. The responsibilities begin at the most fundamental level: with the family.

Safeguarding Faith Within the Family

The foremost responsibility is to protect and preserve the religion of our children. This is especially important for those who have migrated to non-Muslim lands, as such environments pose significant risks to fundamental Islamic values and the faith of our families.

The call is to return to the land of Syria, as Allah commands:

“O you who believe, protect yourselves and your families from a Hellfire whose fuel is men and stones.”

The preservation of faith starts with establishing a righteous environment—one that nurtures and safeguards our beliefs and values. This is the first duty: to cultivate a space for faith to flourish within our families.

Cultivating Knowledge and Awareness

A second responsibility is to ensure the cultivation of religious knowledge and awareness to address the significant challenges we face today. This is particularly vital for scholars, students of knowledge, and those who call others to faith. Their role is to provide clarity, convey the truth, and instill awareness within society.

In doing so, there is a pressing need to connect people with trustworthy scholars who can counter the destructive ideologies and misconceptions spreading today. The knowledge bearers must fulfill their duty, likened to the zakat of knowledge, by spreading it with sincerity and actively engaging rather than standing by passively.

Addressing Societal Challenges

Beyond the family and knowledge, there are broader societal challenges that must be faced. Among these, the care of orphans stands out as a significant trust upon the community. These children must be educated, equipped with worldly opportunities, and guided toward sound faith and understanding.

In addressing the spread of destructive ideas, wisdom and patience are paramount. A historical example provides insight into this approach. In the 1950s, when ideologies such as socialism and atheism were spreading, a great scholar of the time created open spaces for youth to ask questions, even ones that challenged the foundations of belief, such as, “I don’t believe in Allah.”

Such questions were met with gentleness, understanding, and thorough explanations. If the youth did not comprehend, the scholar would take responsibility for ensuring clarity, explaining as many times as needed until the concept was fully understood. This approach of mercy, patience, and wisdom is just as critical today in guiding people back to faith and goodness.

Restoring Goodness and Cultivating Potential

Despite the decades of hardship, the innate goodness within the people remains undeniable. Their expressions of joy and their resilience are a testament to their fitrah (innate disposition toward faith) and their spiritual temperament.

The responsibility now falls on scholars, callers to faith, and the community at large to nurture and build upon this goodness. The goal is to cultivate it to its fullest potential, guiding individuals and society toward ultimate righteousness and prosperity.

May Allah grant us the strength and wisdom to fulfill these duties, to protect and guide our families, and to heal and rebuild our communities.