The Right Inputs

The Right Inputs

1991 10 October 5 The Right Inputs (340) Working towards social progress The sewing needle which is sold in markets everywhere does not of itself spring into existence. Its creation is in no way instantaneous. It only assumes its marketable shape after going through numerous stages in the manufacturing process, right from the stage of being a lump of iron ore to the stage of being a length of fine steel wire.

This is a very simple example, but it gives us some idea of how complicated the manufacturing process is and of the time required to produce the finished article.

Yet, it is easier to mould a piece of metal than to mould a human being. While metal has no will or intentions of its own, the human race has these aplenty. That is what makes a reform movement so extremely difficult in human society.

Present day Muslim leaders appear to be singularly ignorant of this fact. They set about the task in a way which suggests that the desired results may be achieved without any substantial investment in time and as if everything will be achieved by slogan-shouting and oratory. But the truth is that it is only through well planned actions carried out over a long period that any achievement is possible.

In the last one hundred years, a large number of needle factories have been established. And they are still going concerns. But, during the same span of time, no similar achievement in terms of community uplift or reform has been possible despite the efforts of our leaders. The reason for the success of the needle factories is that while producing a needle due regard is paid to the laws of nature while the failure of the community to progress is due to the erroneous belief that results can be obtained by catchy slogans and fiery speeches.

Building a community does not start with gatherings and processions. It actually starts with the building of individuals. And it is not possible to build individuals without silent hard work. Concerted effort in this field is what history and wisdom dictate.