This lecture explores the perspective of M.N. Roy, a prominent communist revolutionary, on the historical significance of Islam. Roy, a key figure in the Comintern, recognized the revolution initiated by Muhammad as one of the greatest in human history. He detailed this view in his book, *The Historical Role of Islam*, acknowledging its profound impact on global events. Dr. Israr Ahmad analyzes Roy’s analysis and provides insightful commentary on the topic.

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The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) relayed a divine tradition: every act of worship benefits the individual, except fasting. Fasting is exclusively for God, and He alone will reward it directly. This emphasizes the unique nature of fasting as an act of devotion solely directed towards God, differing from other acts of worship where benefits are also reaped by the worshipper. It highlights the direct connection between the fasting person and God, and the certainty of divine recompense. The core message focuses on revitalizing the human spirit and strengthening its connection with the Divine.

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Dr. Israr Ahmad discusses the stark contrast between the beauty of the Quran and the current state of the Muslim community. He highlights the internal contradictions that hinder Islam’s appeal and advocates for reclaiming lost members of the Muslim *ummah* before attempting to proselytize others. He emphasizes the need for self-correction and internal reform, arguing that a focus on reviving the faith within the community is paramount. The lecture questions whether the current portrayal of Muslims attracts people to Islam or repels them, and stresses the importance of addressing internal issues before outward propagation.

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We live under the illusion of possessing faith when, in reality, we hold mere beliefs passed down through generations, a bundle of inherited convictions stored within our communities. True faith, or *iman*, is characterized by certain knowledge—knowledge of certainty, experiential certainty, and the certainty of truth. This certainty is a connection, a realization of being observed by God, a presence felt deeply. It encompasses belief in life after death, in Paradise and Hell, and the fundamental truth that true life resides in the afterlife.

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True piety and attaining spiritual elevation require sacrificing cherished possessions for the sake of others. Mere scholastic achievement—be it as a scholar, ascetic, jurist, or interpreter—is insufficient without genuine selflessness and dedication to virtuous deeds. Spiritual progress is impossible without practical demonstration of faith through giving and compassion. Achieving the station of *birr* demands a commitment that surpasses intellectual understanding and manifests in tangible acts of kindness and generosity. The lecture emphasizes that superficial religious observance lacks merit without a sincere transformation of the heart and a commitment to giving from what one loves.

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This lecture asserts that true sovereignty rests solely with God, rejecting the concept of human or national governance. It emphasizes that ownership, in its entirety, belongs to God, with all possessions – including one’s own body and progeny – being held in trust. The discussion refutes any form of human rule, whether individual kingship, national dominion, or popular sovereignty, deeming them forms of associating partners with God. The speaker stresses that God, or His appointed representatives, are the sole law-givers, and true authority emanates only from the Divine.

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