The Crises of Trust, Truth, & Transparency (TT&T.)

The vibrant spirit of TT&T which formed the cornerstone of the many communities seem to have disappeared, indeed a tragedy.

My Turn & My $0.02 cents.

Frequently, leaders of Islamic organizations such as ISNA, ICNA, NASIMCO, and the World Federation (WF), among others, fail to fulfill their professed roles as humble servants of the community, as well as the expectations of trust, truthfulness, and transparency (TT&T.)

The heads of these organizations often exhibit pride, egoism, and arrogance, prioritizing electoral success over ethical, religious, and constitutional values, and diverting substantial funds into superfluous and frivolous legal disputes.

The noble messenger (pbuh) was sent not only to teach the rituals and foundational principles of Islam but also to transform society by cultivating truth, trust, and the recognition that power and authority belong solely to Allah.

Islam advocates for honesty, truthfulness, and trustworthiness among its followers, emphasizing these virtues in community interactions, personal behavior, and the relationship with God.

This is why Prophet Muhammad (pbhu) was known to his followers, friends, and adversaries as Al-Sadiq (the Truthful) and Al-Ameen (the Trustworthy).

It is crucial for leaders of Islamic organizations to stay vigilant and aware of the impacts of power, ego, nepotism, and corruption, as these factors can erode the trust and unity within the community.

In an age marked by unparalleled progress in AI and extensive global connectivity, we paradoxically face a deep crisis of TT&T.

TT&T is often compared to an invisible thread that unites communities, playing a vital role in the advancement of society throughout history.

In recent years, there has been a significant decline in TT&T, which form the cornerstone of society. Individuals have become increasingly skeptical of institutions and wary of the intentions of those in power.

The collapse of TT&T is not an isolated event. It is closely linked to a growing trend of individualism, and self-interest that appears to be spreading among various non-profit organizations.

Self-interest and ego are frequently deemed the greatest evils—Shaitan that dwell within our souls, which we must all battle against.

Effective governance of TT&T is key to the efficient functioning and long-term viability of any institution, state, or country.

Just as oxygen, water, and food are vital for the human body, TT&T is essential for the operational integrity of institutions.

TT&T forms the bedrock of a thriving community or society. When citizens have faith in their institutions, they are more likely to contribute and fostering unity.

Conversely, the absence of TT&T can hinder progress. Many institutions have faced stagnation due to widespread distrust among their membership.

Events like the COVID-19 crisis and the continuing conflict in Gaza have been exacerbated by the Zionist spread of misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda.

Conversations surrounding the TT&T crisis are prevalent, underscoring a worldwide decrease in confidence in social, economic, and political institutions.

The Covid crisis and the genocide by the occupying regime in Palestine which has no right to defend have led to the emergence of fake news, and misinformation.

Given the genocide in Gaza and the conflict around the globe, along with the rampant spread of fake news, conspiracy theories, and misinformation, it appears we have all turned into hibernators or remain silent - Khamoshi.

Speak Up! Silent No More!

The question arises: Is it time to raise our voices, shatter the silence, eradicate fake news and misinformation, and improve the dissemination of truthful information to foster greater trust in our foundational institutions?

Undoubtedly, there is a growing demand for global expansion of fact-checking initiatives, such as Mehdi Hasan's Zeteo, along with intensified research and refutation of disinformation and fake news.

Some view the current political climate in the USA, under the presidency of Donald Trump, as shifting towards authoritarianism.

This viewpoint likens certain Middle Eastern dictatorial regimes and monarchies to hypocrites, noting that they have diminished the trust of their citizens, especially in Mecca, the cradle of Islam.

Building trust in the political system, especially within our foundational organizations, is crucial for ensuring accountability, transparency, and the integrity of free and fair elections. These elements are fundamental to cultivating confidence in our institutions.

In my recent travels to Mombasa and London, I observed a significant rise in distrust towards our parent organization, particularly regarding the previous election and the new forty-million-dollar initiative involving the Stanmore Jamaat in London.

The growing skepticism threatens the significant advancements made in the governance and economic stability of our foundational organization (WF) throughout the last century.

The growing distrust arises from prevalent views of corruption, nepotism, inefficiency, and a declining dedication to transparency within these institutions. These factors pose significant challenges to the social cohesion of Khoja communities worldwide.

Additionally, the decrease in TT&T leads to increased polarization and conflict among political figures, causing inefficiencies.

It is also crucial for the older generation to step aside for the younger generation, thereby breaking the continuous cycle of musical chairs.

Disunity hampers the collective determination required to tackle the challenges faced by our community, such as poverty, education, healthcare, and the support for widows and orphans, especially in East Africa.

The prevalence of negativity, coupled with the lack of TT&T, poses a risk that may deter potentially talented young leaders from stepping forward.

The cycle of distrust may impede charitable contributions, thus perpetuating the cycle itself.

What then are the solutions? It is vital to address this crisis for the future of philanthropy and the sustainability of our founding organizations.

Effective solutions necessitate robust leadership and collaborative endeavors that focus on enhancing transparency, accountability, effective communication, and community involvement in capital projects.

The numerous anonymous letters attributed to the pseudonym Shabbir Walji suggest the presence of whistleblowers and internal dissent within WF.

Enhancing protections for whistleblowers who report misconduct is crucial to ensure they are not subjected to retaliation, boycotts, or social ostracism.

In conclusion, despite the significant accomplishments during the tenure of the late founder Mulla Asghar M. Jaffer, the World Federation currently faces a pivotal moment concerning trust, transparency, and cooperation among its members.

Without decisive action to restore trust, the organization is at risk of stagnation and a decline in its service to the community, known as Khidmat e Qom.

Leaders’ ought to foster a cohesive environment where transparency, trust, and accountability are paramount.

This is crucial for member organizations of the WF to rebuild confidence in their institutions and work together towards a thriving and prosperous future.

TT&T are not merely supplementary elements in progress; they form the foundational basis for an organization's future stability. WF must take immediate action to restore this trust, or it risks descending into irreversible decline.

Leaders foster trust with candor, promote transparency with sincerity, and maintain honesty with integrity. Truth, transparency, and trust serve as the antidotes to hypocrisy.