THE REAL WORK TO BE DONE
Salman Rushdie authored a book called ‘Midnight’s Children,’ in which he states, “I am hanging between belief and disbelief.”
Rushdie’s statement, expressing his struggle between belief and uncertainty in religion, extends beyond his personal experience to encompass an entire generation. What Salman Rushdie has articulated about himself resonates with millions of Muslims. Roughly 75% of the modern educated Muslim youth grapple with this uncertainty. The only distinction is that Rushdie, a professional writer, chose to pour the darkness of his heart and mind onto paper for temporary gain. Others, engaged in different professions, earn their livelihood without dedicating time to produce an absurd book like Rushdie did.
During my visit to the United States in December 1988, I had the opportunity to visit an Islamic Centre. Situated in an area inhabited by approximately one hundred thousand Muslims, I inquired about the number of individuals associated with the Islamic Center. One organizer stated that around ten per cent of those Muslims were connected to the Center. However, another attendee expressed scepticism, suggesting that the figure was an exaggeration and that barely 5% of Muslims were affiliated with the Center.
I have been informed that a significant portion of the new generation of Muslims residing in the United States lacks knowledge about Islam. They exhibit indifference towards prayer and fasting, and their lifestyle choices concerning sex, alcohol, and food mirror those of liberal Americans. This can be attributed to their identity as Muslims merely by birth.
This revelation did not come as a surprise to me. Anyone acquainted with the modern educated Muslim generation is well aware of this reality. Hence, it becomes evident that “Rushdie” is not an isolated case but representative of millions of individuals worldwide. The only difference is that Rushdie’s “Rushdism” has been exposed, while others may keep similar inclinations hidden.
Muslims refer to this as “mental apostasy.” However, according to the writer, it is not true apostasy but a manifestation of intellectual dissatisfaction. The present situation of Muslims, characterized by intellectual dissatisfaction, presents a challenge for contemporary religious leaders. It necessitates the creation of standard Islamic literature in a modern scientific style and their publication in major languages. There is an urgent need to develop such literature that dispels doubts and confusion. Only through this can the doubts, uncertainties, or disbelief of countless Muslims who grapple with intellectual dissatisfaction be transformed into belief. This would rescue them from the abyss of faithlessness and restore them to a solid foundation of faith.
However, modern Muslim leaders and Islamic scholars have not effectively fulfilled this task according to the required standard. Despite their claims, many books have been published purporting to cater to the modern individual, but these so-called modern books fail to serve their intended purpose. They do not resonate with modern minds.
In an article titled “Movements of the Modern Era,” published in Al-Risala in July 1987, the author of the present book emphasized the significance of such literature, highlighting that literature meeting the academic requirements of the modern individual is a fundamental necessity for the revival of Islam. However, despite the abundance of books available, this need remains unfulfilled. People are often unaware of the need for such literature.
The author, who has dedicated forty years to studying books in Urdu, Arabic, Persian, and English, has found no valuable book written by a Muslim religious scholar in a scientific style and at the intellectual level of the time.
The primary and essential task of religious leaders in the present era should have been to study modern sciences, acquire proficiency in the languages of the time, comprehend contemporary methods of reasoning and scientific style, and subsequently present the timeless teachings of Islam effectively and powerfully. This approach would have helped modern Muslims rediscover their lost faith. Unfortunately, Muslim leaders have not succeeded in creating such influential literature in a contemporary idiom.
In such a situation, the uproar raised by Muslim leaders against Salman Rushdie is equivalent to hiding their incompetence. It is an attempt to claim credit for something they have not accomplished. According to the Quran, those who seek recognition for what they have not done deserve punishment from God, not reward. (3:188)
The Islamic books written by our authors in modern times may be beneficial for individuals with traditional mindsets. However, for intellectually dissatisfied individuals, these books hold no value. They fail to meet the requirements of a discerning mind.
These books reveal that their authors do not even comprehend the distinction between traditional and rational methods of argumentation. Those who fail to recognize this difference can never provide Islamic literature that caters to the needs of the modern generation.
Almost all of these books rely on a traditional argument rooted in faith, which proves effective only when both parties adhere to those specific beliefs and principles. However, when there is a divergence of perspectives, the traditional method of reasoning based on conventional principles becomes ineffective and lacks value.
Influenced by contemporary ideas, the modern generation no longer embraces preconceived axioms or traditional logic. Instead, they seek claims substantiated by known scientific and historical facts.While the traditional method of reasoning is rooted in doctrinal faith, the modern approach is grounded in rational arguments. Unfortunately, in the present era, among the books written by various authors in Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and English, no single book presents Islam based on rational arguments in its truest sense.
Another shared flaw among all these books is that they are written with the intention, either directly or indirectly, to prove the supremacy of Islam or the superiority of Muslims. While this type of literature may please certain Muslims, the modern mind fails to find any attraction to such works.
Only literature that presents Islamic teachings in alignment with the modern mindset can genuinely resonate with the modern individual. It is a reality that Islam and human nature are interconnected. Therefore, literature that is in sync with human nature will effectively address the minds of the modern generation.
The third prevalent flaw in the literature produced on Islam in contemporary times is the mindset that perceives the world as an adversary of Islam, attributing all conspiracies against Islam to these nations. Such books propagate the idea that these nations are determined to suppress Islam. The literature produced under this mindset becomes literature of hatred rather than literature that appeals to the modern mind.
A person who harbours hatred towards the intended audience has already demonstrated incompetence for this task. The creation of useful Islamic literature necessitates a psychology rooted in love for the recipient rather than one driven by hate. Therefore, our writers must rid their hearts and minds of such negative sentiments. Otherwise, their efforts to produce Islamic literature aimed at addressing the modern individual will prove futile instead of being a service to Islam.
When confronted with incidents such as that of Salman Rushdie, it is not the responsibility of Muslim leaders to declare him an apostate and impose Islamic punishment upon him. On the contrary, their primary duty is to understand the existence of intellectual dissatisfaction. They must delve into the mindset of such individuals, familiarize themselves with their thoughts and ideas, and, after a thorough study, produce books on Islam that can answer their questions and awaken their dormant nature, drawing them closer to their Creator.
There are many individuals with such mindsets who are eager to explore Islam, perceiving it as the voice of their nature and the yearning of their soul. However, this can only transpire when the religion of truth is presented to them in a manner that addresses their minds and, therefore, is familiar and acceptable to them.
A thirsty person will grasp a glass of water only when he is sure, that it contains water. Similarly, every individual is undeniably a seeker of truth. However, when we present them with this gift, they must first be convinced that it is what their nature has been searching for.
When we present Islam supported by rational arguments and in alignment with the fundamental nature of humanity, individuals will realize that this is precisely what they have been yearning for all along.
