Every creature on the face of the earth partakes in the blessings of the Almighty, but upon humanity particularly the believers His ocean of mercy flows continuously. And for those believers whose hearts and minds have been illuminated with the light of knowledge, the divine favors and mercies bestowed upon them are even more profound. Once a blessing is granted, its increase is tied to gratitude, and ingratitude invites divine displeasure. The appreciation of blessings demands that they be used correctly, with due understanding of their purpose and place, and that ignorance be avoided lest unwise misuse leads to deprivation.

In our present era, scholars bear a heavy responsibility: to understand the collective challenges and needs of the Muslim Ummah and to provide sound guidance on religious, legal, political, and communal issues. These include, for example: the Palestinian cause; objections and doubts raised against Islam and its sacred symbols; the alienation of Muslim youth from religious scholars; the growing trend of self-styled research without scholarly grounding; the erosion of sensitivity towards matters of creed; cynicism towards Islamic tradition; infatuation with Western culture coupled with shame in Islamic identity; ignorance of the fundamentals of religion; moral decline; lack of distinction between the permissible and prohibited; attempts to discredit the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ; and neglect of the role of da‘wah (calling to Islam).

Regrettably, a significant portion of the religious class devotes its energy to secondary issues and debates confined to specific occasions, the result of which is little more than temporary polemics. This entanglement in subsidiary disputes not only wastes precious capacity but also alienates young seekers of guidance from the faith. Meanwhile, falsehood is directing all its strength towards turning Muslim youth away from Islam, launching daily assaults on the principles of faith in ever-changing forms. In such circumstances, our foremost focus must be these very youth reconnecting them with the continuity of Islamic tradition and dispelling the doubts that have clouded their hearts and minds.

The Ummah today needs a vigilant and insightful religious leadership one that observes every tactic and assault from disbelief with a discerning eye, identifies its channels, and takes timely and practical measures for prevention and defense. Such leadership must foster unity and solidarity instead of fanning the flames of sectarian and subsidiary disputes. Otherwise, if we fail to value this position, there is a danger that it will be taken from us and entrusted to those more deserving, who will then carry forward the mission of reviving the faith while we remain deprived of this honor.

May Allah grant us the ability to value all His blessings and to fulfill the responsibility they entail. Ameen.