The Islamic nation has faced throughout its history attempts of invaders aimed at targeting its creed and principles. This is not a recent phenomenon, but an extension of ongoing efforts to undermine the correct belief and to attack the Noble Qur'an, the prophetic Sunnah, and the biography of the honorable companions, foremost among them the Rightly Guided Caliphs: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali, as well as the mothers of the Believers, particularly Lady Aisha, may Allah be pleased with them all. These attacks have aimed at the pure belief in monotheism and all the values that preserve sound human nature.

Inspiration from Leadership

In the face of these challenges, the importance of drawing inspiration from outstanding leadership models that were able to confront dangers with strength and wisdom becomes evident. Perhaps the most prominent of these models is Sultan Nur ad-Din Mahmud Zengi, who is considered a symbol of righteous leadership and a divinely guided ruler who drew from the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) in building his state.

Values of Justice and Reform

Nur al-Din was a model of a leader who embraced the values of justice and reform, drawing inspiration from the approach of the righteous caliph Umar ibn Abdul Aziz. Sultan Nur ad-Din requested the scholars of his time to write the biography of Umar ibn Abdul Aziz so that it could serve as a model to be emulated in the management of the state, the affairs of the people, and the establishment of justice among them.

Unity of the Ummah

Nur al-Din realized that confronting challenges requires uniting the ranks of the nation, so he worked to unify Muslims of various doctrines and orientations, considering that the unity of the Ummah is the only way to confront internal and external conspiracies. He believed in the comprehensive concept of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah, which includes the Ash'arism, Ahl al-Hadith, Sunni Sufism, and the four juristic schools. This broad vision contributed to strengthening the power and cohesion of the nation, enabling him to confront the Western Crusader project and the Fatimid esoteric project.

Justice and Tolerance

In addition, Nur al-Din was known for his justice and tolerance, as he respected the People of the Book and secured the rights of minorities. This made his state a model to be emulated in terms of justice and peaceful coexistence. He also established solid reform principles in his state, which served as the foundation upon which his students, led by the great leader Saladin Al-Ayyub, continued to build. Saladin carried on this journey and achieved great accomplishments, the most notable of which were the liberation of Jerusalem and the unification of the Islamic nation in the face of its enemies.

Historic Opportunity in Syria

The current phase in Syria, after the fall of the authoritarian regime, represents a historic opportunity that must be seized to build a new state based on justice and the noble human values championed by Nur al-Din. Syria needs courageous leadership that works to unite the ranks, far from internal conflict and external loyalties. The leadership must place the interests of the nation above all else and rebuild what has been destroyed by years of war, tyranny, and corruption.

Responsibility of the Syrian People

The Syrian people also bear a significant responsibility in this pivotal stage. Syrians must unite to support their leadership in building a modern state based on the rule of law and respect for human rights, while overcoming the remnants of sectarianism and corruption. National unity and peaceful coexistence should be the foundation of the upcoming phase, with a focus on strengthening the education system, developing the economy and free trade, improving infrastructure, and returning refugees to their homeland with dignity and safety.

Prayers for Success

We ask God to make Syria a shining model in the Arab and Islamic world, and to grant its people and leadership success in building a modern state that takes pride in Islam and its great values. The nation needs a strong and united Syria to be a beacon of justice and peace, contributing to the revival of all humanity."(Whoever follows My guidance, when it comes to you [people], will not go astray nor fall into misery,)" (Taha:139).

Revival of the Islamic Nation

We ask Allah, the Almighty, to grant success to those working towards the revival of the Islamic nation in achieving justice, protecting rights, and spreading the values of Islam that honor the Holy Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, so that they may serve as a shining example for all of humanity in establishing justice and attaining happiness in this world and the Hereafter.

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