INTRINSIC REALITY
Never Outmoded
IT is earnestly claimed that religion has been rendered old-fashioned and redundant by modern civilization. But what actual contribution has western civilization made to humanity? New modes of travel, novel architectural designs, new means of communication, latest styles of clothes. In short, commodities and conveniences have become more luxurious, more glamorous, and more effective than ever before. The question we must ask ourselves is what the existence of such amenities has to do with belief in God and religion.
Does the possession of a modern house and a luxury car turn belief in God into a meaningless cipher? Do wireless modes of communication leave no room for belief in inspirational forms of revelatory transmission? Does the ability to fly in the earth’s atmosphere and beyond preclude the possibility of an afterworld in the cosmos? Does the availability of gourmet food, high fashion clothes, and elegantly designed furniture reduce belief in the Garden of Paradise and the Fire of Hell to things of the ignorant past? Does the legislative capacity of certain individuals seated in grandiose parliament buildings invalidate the guidelines enshrined in the Holy Scriptures? While acknowledging the importance and utility of modern technology and its resultant amenities, we fail to comprehend in what way these things verify or negate religious truths.
The relevance of religion is its concern with fundamental values rather than with social manifestations. Social phenomena undergo constant changes, whereas the values of life are immutable. Although fast, modern forms of transport have replaced their slower forerunners, it does not mean that the ethics of vehicle manufacture and use are thereby invalidated. Modern means of communication may have rendered the older methods obsolete, but whether these facilities should be utilized to convey truth or falsehood is as pertinent a question as before.
Whether members of parliament go to work on foot or by helicopter does not alter the fact that they are bound to fashion laws in accordance with the Divine Order which rules the entire cosmos. Whether they are housed in huts or in magnificent buildings, judicial bodies are still bound to mete out justice by the same absolute standards so that the innocent are defended and the guilty punished.
Thus, religion comes out as an integral need for human beings. Study of Islam is a step for man to fulfil this need. Quran believed to be the word of God is pure and unaltered guidance for man from the Creator of the universe. Quran presents the creation plan of God. Accountability in the Hereafter is central to God's scheme. This concept gives meaning to our temporary lives in this world. The promise of a perfect world Paradise is in consonance with our desire for perfection and justice which cannot be fulfilled in this world. To be successful in the Hereafter we need to mould our lives which will be acceptable to the Almighty our Creator and Sustainer.
