A Closed Mind
Al-Risala (English), January 1991, p. 10
By Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Maulana Wahiduddin Khan is named as the default author of the periodical; a piece that carries another writer’s byline is credited to that writer.
A Closed Mind
1991 1 January 10 A Closed Mind (283) The Greek philosopher, Aristotle, (384-322 BC) wrote in a treatise of the circle being an absolutely perfect geometrical form. On the basis of this supposition Aristotle maintained that since all of nature’s work follows the standard of perfection, the orbit chosen by nature for the revolution of heavenly bodies could only be circular.
This theory of Aristotle so dominated peoples’ minds across the centuries that all the systems of astronomy, for instance, those developed by Ptolemy, Copernicus and Tyco Brae, were based on the supposition that the heavenly bodies, i.e. the planets of the solar system, revolved in space in circles.
Johannes Kepler is the first person known to have thought differently. He made calculations in 1609 to the effect that Mercury’s revolution around the sun was not circular but elliptical. He predicted that all other satellites of the sun would be discovered to revolve around it in ellipses. This theory advanced by Kepler is today an established fact.
Ancient astronomers remained lost in the concept of the circle for two thousand years. They could not think of any other pattern for the revolution of the planets. The reason was the sanctity attaching to this theory of Aristotle. Having unquestioningly accepted this theory as an established fact, their minds were unable to work in any other way.
This reverence for tradition is not peculiar to ancient times. It has been a feature of thinking throughout the ages. In every epoch, some thoughts so dominated the human intellect that it became impossible for people to think independently. This still happens in both religious and non-religious spheres. It must be conceded that the greatest obstacle to all progress is the mind that remains obstinately closed.
Swallowing anger increases one in faith
1991 1 January 10 Swallowing anger increases one in faith (29) The Prophet said: “God fills with peace and faith the heart of one who swallows his anger, even though he is in a position to give vent to it.”
