While a plastic-made gadget helps to find the routes, wannabe Islamic scholars should aspire better to guide the diverted and distracted – says Mujeeb Jaihoon
Humans vs. Smartphones
Smartphones have become like our shadows, always beside us in both wake and sleep mode. Calling the ‘Contact’ is one of the primary functions of this device: Communication enhances relationships. Its Photography feature captures precious moments. The gadget also serves music and gaming experiences entertaining its users. Smartphones also help to navigate, guiding the wanderers to find their destination.
So if a lifeless object made of glass, plastic and metal, performs all these tasks, how many of such tasks do we living organisms perform? How many strangers do we show the way? How many disheartened friends do we cheer up? How many moments do we consciously observe for our future nourishment?
Human Memory and Civilization
We are not aware of most of the phenomena around us. We should gratefully recall that it was the memory of bygone saints and scholars that saved our legacy and traditions. Human memory is the building blocks of human civilization. We should ensure that technology should rest in our palm and not reign on our head.
Spiritual GPS
As students of Islamic learning, you have to show not just the route, per se, but the Way for the seekers. Each one of you should transform your career to become a spiritual GPS for those diverted and distracted. First and foremost, you should become a keen observer of the signs of Allah.
You should also increase travel opportunities to learn about the states of people. You may be able to witness new truths unknown to you before. Travels also help to overcome many communal prejudices.
Islam and Beauty
Islam was revealed equally apt for the rainforests of Malabar, icy mountains of Antartica just as the deserts of Arabia. Islam blends with any local culture and traditions in beautiful proportions.
Appreciation of beauty is a virtuous act in Islam. We should enrich our architecture, language, oration, and activism with beauty.
Intellectual Tradition
Oratory and event organizing are not the only two areas of Islamic scholarship, as many have misunderstood. There are other forms of interventions which require more rigorous forms of intellectual engagements. Islamic scholarship is essentially an intellectual tradition.
The Golden Period of Islam was characterized by intellectual diversity which handsomely accommodated a wide spectrum of thoughts. The glory of Islamic civilization was, hence, also the spectacular celebration of human thought and creativity, in both the spiritual and secular spheres.
Highlights from Mujeeb Jaihoon’s interactive session organized by MFSA, Students’ Union of Manu Musliyar Islamic Complex, Jamia Raheemiyya, Vaniyamkulam, Kerala. July 07 2017.
Posted June 28 2021.
