CLARITY OF EXPRESSION

Consider this: Islam is taught as a subject in madrasas as well as in universities. But there is a clear distinction between the two in this regard. In madrasas, Islam is taught in terms of belief. In contrast, in universities the Islamic Studies curriculum is taught as a historical phenomenon. If you don’t understand this difference between madrasa education and university education and you talk or speak on this subject, you are bound to create confusion. Consider another example—the question of the freedom of expression. There is a crucial difference between the Western and Asian approach. A person adopting the general Western approach and discussing a contentious Islamic issue, while exercising freedom of expression, might be interpreted by an Asian as ‘anti-Islamic’. This way, causing much chagrin. When we talk of issues related to different conceptions about mankind and life, how do we make sure that we do not create confusion? The answer is to emulate nature - develop analytical powers to sort out matters in our minds, and learn to recognize the difference between various concepts and ideas. For this, we need ‘objective thinking’. One has to be free from prejudice, keep away from distractions, rise above situations, and become a fully ‘de-conditioned’ person. Such a person will be completely realistic. For him, the truth alone is of importance. Nothing else matters. Such qualities are more likely to be found in ‘secular’ people, but not in a complete sense. These attributes can be found only in a Godconscious person, someone whom the fear of God has completely cut down to size. It is not enough to have knowledge in order to speak and write with clarity, God-consciousness is indispensable. Without this, the clarity of your expression will be limited. It is when knowledge and Godconsciousness combine in a person that his expression truly gains clarity. o We should develop sufficient power of analysis to sort out matters in our minds, and our minds should be so awakened that we can immediately recognize the distinctions between things.