By Shamsi Ali Al-Nuyorki

OPINION:We live in a chaotic world. Wars, killings, and genocide continue in many places, particularly in the Middle East.

Worse still is how reality is twisted: good is made to look bad, and bad is dressed up as good.

This is not new. It is a classic human attitude. The Holy Qur’an described it with precision: “And when it is said to them, ‘Do not cause corruption on the earth,’ they say, ‘We are only reformers.’ Unquestionably, it is they who are the corrupters, but they perceive it not” (Al-Baqarah: 11–12)

In today’s turmoil we watch powerful nations attack others with little regard for international law. Often, they claim to bring freedom and to save humanity.

This chaotic moment offers us hard but necessary lessons.

First, unchecked power breeds arrogance and corruption.

It brings to mind Pharaoh, and how those around him: Haman, the political advisor, and Qarun, the oligarch, collaborated to ruin a civilization.

That is why Allah commanded His Messenger: “And consult them in the matter.” (Ali ‘Imran: 159)

The Prophet (pbuh) consulted his companions in worldly affairs. The strategy for the Battle of the Trench (Khandaq) is a clear example: he took Salman al-Farisi’s suggestion to dig a trench, a tactic unknown in Arabia.

Even ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab, the second caliph, was publicly corrected by a woman in the mosque regarding the dowry (mahar). She said: “The dowry belongs to us, and no one has the right to change it except Allah or ourselves.” ‘Umar accepted it. Power must be checked, even at the highest level.

Second, we see the danger of misusing religion for political or worldly gain.

Many in the West criticize Muslims for mixing religion with politics. On one hand, I agree that religion should not be reduced to a political tool. Religion is far bigger and more noble than that. Yet Islam is a comprehensive way of life. It speaks to all aspects of human existence, including politics and governance.

Recently, the public clash between the President of the United States and the leader of the Catholic Church showed that religion and politics cannot be fully separated. Religion must retain the moral authority to correct politics when it becomes corrupt.

Third, this chaos exposes many forms of hypocrisy.

Nations invade others in the name of values: freedom, justice, and human dignity. But we see those values invoked only when they serve particular interests. And often, for some people, not for all.

Fourth, we are reminded that balance is a universal law of life.

Allah says: “And the heaven He raised and imposed the balance, that you not transgress within the balance. And establish weight in justice and do not make deficient the balance.” (Ar-Rahman: 7–9)

This applies to global affairs. World power must be balanced. Hegemony by a single superpower must end. Muslim nations must unite and form alliances that help restore balance, not simply bow to the powerful.

Fifth, we are reminded again that this Ummah needs to heal from a long illness.

The Prophet foretold that nations would one day call each other to attack this Ummah, like diners calling others to their plate. The companions asked, “Will we be few then?” He said: “No, you will be many, but you will be like foam on a flood. Allah will remove your fear from the hearts of your enemies and will cast “al-wahan” into your hearts. They asked, “What is al-wahn?” He replied: “Love of the dunya and hatred of death.” (Abu Dawud)

This is the severe illness afflicting the Ummah today. It explains much of our suffering across every sphere of life.

Finally, American Muslims carry a special responsibility.

As part of this nation (America), a nation currently involved in many conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, it is our duty to remind those in power. This is part of our civic responsibility, and it is also our moral and religious obligation.

As I have said before, the only way to change America, including its foreign policy, is from within. What we witnessed in the Senate recently is a sign that change is possible in this country. And we must take part in that process.

The world is chaotic, but our response must be clear: uphold truth, check power, refuse hypocrisy, seek balance, heal our hearts, and engage with courage.

Mahattan, 17 April 2026

*Director, Jamaica Muslim Center & President, Nusantara Foundation