Incomplete Map

Incomplete Map

1985 12 December 6 Incomplete Map (326) E.E. Schumacher in his book, “A Guide to the Perplexed,” has narrated an interesting story about a visit he made to Leningrad. He says, “Some years ago (August 1968), I consulted a map to find out where I was, but I could not make it out. I could see several enormous churches, yet there was no trace of them on my map. When finally an interpreter came to help me, he said ‘We don’t show churches on our maps’”.

It may appear quite strange for a map to exclude something which prominently exists in the area. This is not the case, however, with communist countries alone. It applies equally to a large part of the rest of the world. Just as in the map of Leningrad, churches have been omitted, so has the modern system of thought done away with God altogether. God receives no mention in the map of life. Modern man has built up the study of geography with great detail and precision, he has made vast discoveries in the world of astronomy, and made massive advances in the world of man and nature. But there is no trace of God in sight.

To modern man, the universe is moving with such speed and precision entirely on its own initiative. Innumerable huge stars and planets are shining of their own volition. Amazingly favourable conditions have accumulated in perfect harmony purely by chance. The birth, life and death of man are governed by the blind forces of nature. We do not find on our temporal map any description of God’s supervision of the affairs of the world.

Leningrad’s incomplete map is ridiculous, no doubt, but what is more so is the vaster map of he world which man has prepared with great labour, yet in which he has accorded no place to God. How can we chart a proper course in life if we use a map from which the most important element is missing?

The sin of aiding and abetting wrong doing

1985 12 December 6 The sin of aiding and abetting wrong doing (21) Waslah Ibn ‘Asqa’ asked the Prophet what prejudice was. “To aid your own people in oppression,” the Prophet replied.

(Abu Dawood)