ON THE THRESHOLD OF PARADISE

Research has shown that the human brain during the Stone Age civilization was no different from the human brain today. Let us reflect briefly, on the different periods of civilization. There was a time when man could only use what was present on the earth in its original form. Of all these materials, stone was the most readily available and the most useful. Although other materials existed on earth, stone took pride of place as it was the most widely used, and so this phase came to be called the Stone Age. Early Stone Age Homo Sapiens possessed the same natural qualities as we do today. Research shows that the human brain during the Stone Age civilization was no different from the human brain today. It was only a lack of knowledge that withheld man from utilising all his hidden potentials. Then came the Agricultural Age, when man discovered more and more ways to harness nature. This age saw the development of irrigation, ploughing, the rearing and breeding of animals, the use of iron and carts with wheels. In this way, it was possible to lead a better life as compared to that in the previous age. The Industrial Age began when man went beyond the use of animal power and invented mechanical power. He converted water into steam power and developed the steam engine. There was a further leap forward when oil was discovered as fuel and used for propulsion. Modern methods of communication were developed, which converted the whole world into a global village. By using mechanical power, man engaged in new enterprises such as mechanised transportation, rapid communication of news, and the building of cities along modern lines. In this way, there emerged a whole new world, both beautiful and meaningful, with a fresh viewpoint on co-operation and education. It was called the Industrial Civilization. The fourth phase of civilization is what Alvin Toffler calls the SuperIndustrial Age. The most exceptional aspect of this age would be complete automation, that is, the use of electronics and control systems will be on such a large scale that most jobs will be performed with minimal human intervention. In this age, a man would, ideally, be able to single-handedly fulfil all his personal requirements. The advent of automation is an advance intimation of the joys of Paradise. Of Paradise, the Quran says: There you shall find all that your souls desire and all that you can ask for: a rich provision from a Benevolent and Merciful God. (THE QURAN 41: 31)