Now then, despite the force of the torrent of disbelief and deviation that strives to herd our nation with its rod and hurl it into the chasms of ruin and extinction, and despite the strenuous efforts of the partisans of modern jahiliyyah, who marshal their troops so as to cut this venerable Muslim ummah off from its creed and uproot Islam from its daily life, there remains a glimmer of light, a flutter of hope, visible to anyone who watches events unfold. It is embodied in that newborn current that is still crawling, trying to stand, feeling out the pathways so that it may stem that reckless, destructive tide, drive it back on its heels, and rescue both land and people from its consequences and perils.

That cherished current is none other than the fresh buds and opening blossoms—scattered here and there—of believing Muslim youth. They have opened their eyes to life and been awakened by the calls of certain preachers and reformers who rekindled within them zeal and ardor, kindled religious passion and a proud spirit. These young men strive to raise the ummah after a long period of decline and deliver it from its enemies and dangers. They labor earnestly and sincerely, persevering without fear or hesitation, yet before long they are shocked to find themselves still in the same place; after a lengthy march and exhausting toil they have returned to the very point from which they once set out. They grieve over this and are saddened; some lose heart and sit back, while others begin again, set out anew, experiment and work—only to discover that their fresh attempt fares no better.