Islam and the Problems of Contemporary Man

NATURE’S MODELS Let us take a look at some of the models of nature. 1. I mentioned the movement of innumerable astronomical bodies earlier. They all move strictly in their orbits without encroaching on one another; they never clash, for they never exceed their limits. The astronomers tell us that sometimes a whole galaxy consisting of billions of stars moves through another galaxy without any clash between the two. This model shows man how he should continue on life’s journey without clashing with the interests of anyone else. A nation—a galaxy of people—should be able to come into contact with another nation without a clash of interests. 2. Bee-hives serve as another model. Bee-hives have a highlyorganized infrastructure. The system of this state functions under a queen-bee. All other bees carry out their duties efficiently and diligently. Highly result-oriented activities go on inside the beehive day and night. Human society should be organized in the same manner. All human beings should follow one system. Everyone, both on an individual and a community level, should obediently fulfill their duties to one God. 3. The trees provide us with another model. Man breathes. With every breath he inhales oxygen and exhales carbon dioxide. Trees, on the contrary, inhale carbon dioxide and exhale oxygen. This process preserves the right environmental balance. This model is also applicable to human life. One should be forgiving towards those who wrong him. One should return sweet words for bitter ones. One should not react negatively to the bad behaviour of others. DIVINE CHARACTERISTICS The Prophet provided us with the most perfect example of the divine characteristics which he exhorted us to adopt. He is reported as saying, “My lord has commanded me to offer friendship in face of enmity, to give those who deprive me, and forgive those who oppress me.” It takes an effort on the part of man to assume the ‘divine characteristics’ which are displayed in the rest of the world and which the Prophet practiced so perfectly. The Islamic life is to follow the cosmic and prophetic patterns. In it lies the solution to all the problems of man. The meaning and wisdom which are made manifest in the wider universe under the direct control of God, have