In the Holy Qur'an, Sura 2, Ayat 260, the story is told of how Abraham questioned Allah as to how he would give life to the dead. Allah told Abraham to take four birds, tame (train) them to turn to him (Abraham), set a portion of them on each hill, then call them and they would come flying to him with speed.

The first question that should come to our mind is what does taming birds and calling them have to do with resurrecting the dead? Islamic scholars do not provide a very good explanation of the meaning of this ayat and how it relates to resurrection.

However, Imam Mohammed has given us the keys to derive a compelling explanation of this ayat. Not only does the explanation make sense, it is formulaic guidance for his co-workers that are charged with the task of resurrecting the dead communities of America and elevating them to a high, lofty station.

"Those who faithfully observe their trusts and covenants and who strictly guard their prayers these will be the heirs…"  The Holy Qur’an, 23:8-10

Muslims should consider organizing Muslim societies in such a way that the power of the various authorities are separate and recognizable, with the power of authority varying depending upon rank, the highest ranking authority in this human chain of command being the individual, represented by independent political groups, or parties. The Qur’an teaches us that the leader, or ruler of a Muslim society is a facilitator, a guardian, and a caretaker of the people. He is a servant of God, and therefore a servant of the people. His duty is to administer the affairs of the society, first by ascertaining the needs and desires of the people, identifying resources, and then formulating policies aimed towards the realization of the people’s aspirations, and the fulfillment of their desires, then seeing that the policies are carried out with integrity.

(Editor's note: Following are excerpt: from a Khutbah delivered by Imam Warith Deen Muhammad at the Washington Masjid, Friday. Feb. 20, 1981.)

All praises are due to Allah, Guardian Evolver, Cherisher and Sustainer of all the worlds. We seek aid from Him. We beg Him for forgiveness. We put complete trust in Him. We ask all goodness from Him. Further, we ask the blessings be upon Prophet Muhammad, the honored and exemplary Messenger of God. Peace and the blessings be upon him; and I bear witness that nothing deserves worshipped except Allah, alone. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His Servant and His Messenger.

This religion has come to us by way of the Prophets and is completed in the last Prophet Muhammad. On them be peace. It has come to us to give us direction so that we can realize the full life intended for us by our Creator, who is Allah. The road for us in this life is not an easy one. It is one that assures us the best possible life because it is the one prescribed for us by our Lord and Creator, Allah. It challenges us in many ways. God has said, He has created us into toil and struggle.

“In the eyes of history, religious toleration is the highest evidence of culture in a people. It was not until the Western nations broke away from their religious law that they became more tolerant, and it was only when the Muslims fell away from their religious law that they declined in tolerance and other evidences of the highest culture. Therefore the difference evident in that anecdote is not of manners only, but of religion. Tolerance was regarded as un-religious, if not irreligious. Before the coming of Al-Islam it had never been preached as an essential part of religion.”   (M. Marmaduke Pickthall, English Historian and translator of the Qur’an)