“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” ― Mahatma Gandhi: IN THE LIGHT OF ISLAM

 The quote is attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, a leader of the Indian independence movement and a champion of nonviolence. However, there is no evidence that he actually said or wrote these exact words. The closest match found in his works is: "We but mirror the world. All the tendencies present in the outer world are to be found in the world of our body. If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change."

Nevertheless, the quote conveys a similar message of personal responsibility and transformation. It suggests that one should not wait for others to change, but rather start with oneself and become an example for others to follow.

From an Islamic perspective, this quote can be related to some verses of the Quran and some hadiths (sayings of Prophet Muhammad) that emphasize the importance of self-reform and social reform. For example:

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُغَيِّرُ مَا بِقَوْمٍ حَتَّىٰ يُغَيِّرُوا۟ مَا بِأَنفُسِهِمْ

- "Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves." (Quran 13:11)

However, there are some differences between the quote and the verse. The quote is attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, a human being who may have been influenced by his own views and experiences. The verse is from the Quran, the word of Allah, who is the All-Knowing and All-Wise. The quote is a general statement that does not specify the source or direction of change. The verse is a specific statement that clarifies that change is by Allah’s command and decree, and that change is not possible without Allah’s will and permission. 

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said,

"Whoever among you sees an evil action, then let him change it with his hand [by taking action]; if he cannot, then with his tongue [by speaking out]; and if he cannot, then with his heart [by hating it and feeling that it is wrong] – and that is the weakest of faith." (Sahih Muslim)

The hadith and the verse are connected in their message of personal and social reform.

Ibn 'Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said,

 "All of you are shepherds and each of you is responsible for his flock. The amir of a people is a shepherd and he is responsible for his flock. A man is the shepherd of the people of his house and he is responsible for his flock. A man's slave is the shepherd of his master's property and he is responsible for it. Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock."

[Al-Adab Al-Mufrad]

These sources show that Islam encourages Muslims to be proactive in improving themselves and their communities, and to be mindful of their duties and responsibilities towards Allah, themselves, and others. They also show that Islam values good manners, character, and morals as essential qualities of a believer.

Therefore, one can say that the quote is compatible with Islamic teachings, as long as it does not imply that one can change oneself or the world without the help and guidance of Allah, or that one can disregard the Islamic laws and principles in pursuit of change. Rather, one should seek Allah's assistance and follow His commands in order to be a positive force for change in oneself and in the world.