INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT IN RELIGION

reality. The Quran uses the word Tazkia which means purification. This refers to the removal of the superficial conditioning to reveal man’s true nature. Then the Quran gives the good news that “Paradise is for those who purify themselves”. (20: 76) The second case is that of spirituality. Spirituality has existed in the world in one form or the other for around five thousand years. But studies tell us that, despite such a long period, spirituality has not been able to make any noteworthy progress. It may be observed that compared to spirituality, materialism has made tremendous progress within a very short period of time. The goal of spirituality also, was small. Spirituality for all practical purposes became a means of easing tension. In today’s world, people usually live in tension and stress. In the sphere of self-centred spirituality, people use different techniques to stop the thought process which they think de-stresses them. If one were to think deeply, one will realize that it is only a very temporary relief. The Quran has this explanation to offer to its sincere reader. It says that man is bestowed with the capacity to think and this is what distinguishes him from other creatures. True spirituality is that which leads man to intellectual development. It is based on taking lessons from God’s signs spread in the universe (Tawassum) (15: 75) which means converting every material event into a spiritual lesson. The third case is that of religion. The history of religion is as old as the history of man. However, religion has been reduced to a stagnant state. It could not match the tremendous progress made by material sciences. This was because within a few decades, degeneration set-in amongst the followers. Etiquette, rituals and form came to be regarded as religion and intellectual exercise was replaced with a set of rituals. People regard rituals as synonymous with religion today. That is why people fail to receive any benefit from religion. The reason terrorists are surfacing from within religious circles is that religion has degenerated into stagnant rituals. The thinking of religious people is not being shaped by intellectual aspects of religion but it is being formed by other factors like national and communal issues which have nothing to do with God’s religion. Therefore if we are seeking to change the situation and help people live God-oriented lives which is marked by a well-wishing attitude towards humanity. We must revive true spirit of religion. The source of true religion is not a concept or a group, but the divine message of God and the teachings of His Prophet. o