In an analysis of the current state of the Muslim Ummah, several key problems were identified. Dr. Tareq Mohammed Al-Suwaidan highlighted five significant challenges, which affect not only individuals but also communities and nations. The identified issues range from behavior to leadership, and addressing them is critical for the Ummah’s revival and advancement.

1. Behavioral Issues

The first major issue confronting the Muslim Ummah is behavior. Across various dimensions—whether in daily interactions, worship, or communal activities—Muslims have largely strayed from Islamic principles. A telling example is how disorganized individuals can be in places of worship, such as leaving shoes scattered instead of placing them neatly on racks. This small act reflects larger issues of laziness, disorganization, and a lack of seriousness in religious practice. The speaker emphasized the importance of paying attention to these seemingly minor details, as they signify a deeper commitment to Islam and its values.

Example of Salah

The speaker pointed out that many Muslims fail to take their prayers seriously. For instance, a significant number of people neglect to perform Fajr prayer on time, which is a fundamental obligation (fard). This reflects a broader trend of casual attitudes towards religious duties and a disconnection from the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

2. Backwardness

The second problem is that the Muslim Ummah is backward in many critical fields. Being backward, as defined by the speaker, means lagging behind in competition. Whether in education, healthcare, or economic development, Muslims are often not ranked among the top countries or individuals globally. This lack of progress in key areas prevents the Ummah from achieving the level of civilization and development that it once enjoyed.

Educational Lag

One stark example of this backwardness is in education. Despite available resources, many Muslim countries are not among the top-ranked in education globally. This issue is exacerbated by a lack of proper planning and execution at both the individual and institutional levels.

3. Lack of Productivity

The third issue is low productivity. Both individuals and institutions within Muslim countries are not producing enough, whether in terms of economic output, intellectual contributions, or social advancements. The speaker noted that government employees in some Muslim-majority countries work productively for only a few minutes per day. This level of inefficiency is a major barrier to progress and development.

Government Productivity

A study in Gulf countries found that the average productivity of a government employee was only 15 minutes per day. This figure was even lower in other countries like Egypt (5 minutes) and Sudan (3 minutes). Such low productivity levels make it impossible to build a strong civilization or compete globally.

4. Misunderstanding of Religion (Fiqh)

The fourth, and one of the more fundamental issues, is the misunderstanding of religion. Fiqh, or the deep understanding of Islamic teachings, plays a crucial role in shaping how Muslims interact with the world. Without a clear and proper understanding of religion, individuals and communities cannot effectively navigate modern challenges. This misunderstanding leads to poor decision-making in all areas of life, from politics to economics to personal behavior.

View of the World

The speaker stressed the importance of having a balanced and informed view of life, competition, and religious obligations. Without this, the Ummah will continue to struggle with progress and development.

5. Leadership Deficiencies

The final and most critical issue is leadership. Leadership, or the lack thereof, is a problem not only in politics but across all sectors—education, healthcare, military, and more. Leaders are responsible for guiding and directing resources, and when they fail to do so effectively, entire systems break down. The speaker argued that even when resources are available, they are often misused due to poor leadership.

Example of Education

Japan, for instance, spends less on education per capita than many Muslim countries, yet it consistently ranks among the top nations in education. This discrepancy is largely due to the quality of leadership and management in these countries. In contrast, many Muslim countries fail to utilize their resources effectively, resulting in poor outcomes.

Conclusion

The five major problems facing the Muslim Ummah—behavioral issues, backwardness, lack of productivity, misunderstanding of religion, and leadership deficiencies—are interconnected. To move forward, the Ummah must address these challenges holistically, focusing not only on practical solutions but also on reviving a sense of seriousness and discipline in both personal and communal life. Only then can the Muslim world hope to achieve the advancement and success it seeks.

Dr. Tareq Mohammed Al-Suwaidan (1953) is a Kuwaiti Islamic author, speaker, and businessman. Trained in classical Islamic sciences and earned a Bachelor’s in petroleum engineering from Penn State and a PhD from the University of Tulsa. Named one of the 500 Most Influential Muslims from 2022 to 2024, he has written extensively on religion, history, and management, with several works translated into English and French.