I’ve read the “Contentions” series by Sheykh Abd al-Hakim and was deeply impressed. I can’t say I can understand even half of the message he was trying to get across with each of those contentions, but I know from the ones that I can interpret for myself that they are deeply meaningful.
I will begin this series and open it up to anyone else is interested in doing it with me (maybe we could alternate). At least maybe visitors could comment and fill in the gaps for me.
Contentions
1. Activism will only succeed when it remembers that history is in good hands.
My comments: Muslims activism is an interesting thing. Many of the activist movements, in my opinion (and possibly the shaykh’s), spend a great deal of time talking of Islam’s great and illustrious past. My interpretation of this contention is that the Sheykh is advising us to look forward in our Islamic activities, and rely on the fact that history is not ever going change. Our accomplishments will always be there, we need new accomplishments if we are to succeed.
the truth on 
m.a.kidwai,CME/IND.RLY.(retd.) on 
Salaam ‘Alaikum
It’s always nice when someone else admits that they don’t understand 50% (or more) of the ‘Contentions’ series. It lets you know you’re not alone… LOL.
assalaam alaikum wa rahmatullah
Sometimes those of us involved in Islamic activism become so preoccupied with our material efforts that we lose sight of He who is control of the past, present and future, Allah Mighty and Majestic.
Perhaps Sheikh Abdal Hakim’s words are a a gentle reminder that our activism will only succeed if our hearts are characteized by the cool repose of trust in Allah, and not the fire of self-reliance.
But, Allah knows best.
History is in good hands is indicating that history is in Allah’s hands and thus we don’t have any need to stress and be anxious. We just do what is required of us.
Hello,
I hope you would not mind that I QUOTE your article with its references on http://talkaboutislam.com
(I would not pretend those are my words. I would say clearly that YOU wrote this, and would leave a reference on the forums http://talkaboutislam.com/forums/ to your blog in the article.)
If you do mind quoting your article, please email the webmaster at talkaboutislam.com and ask him to remove the article from the forums.
The beauty of the Shaykh’s contentions are that there is immense meaning in them. From the 1st I understood it as being in regards ro History being an example to activism as it (history) has been decreed by the best of planners, Allah (swt).
Muslim activists should look to this and learn from the mistakes and success of those from the past. To often is there this false view that we have made ‘progress’ and are now of superior position of judgement.