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Tuesday, June 5, 2012

A catalyst for Muslim renaissance, Islamic Ideology, NewAgeIslam.com

Islamic Ideology
A catalyst for Muslim renaissance
P.K. Abdul Ghafour | Arab News

Instead of relying on a single variable, Ibn Khaldun used a multidimensional analysis incorporating a number of variables including the moral, social, political, economic, demographic and historical. This makes it a powerful model capable of answering the questions raised above. Since Ibn Khaldun’s model is 600 years old, Chapra has introduced a number of changes into it, taking into account the changed realities around the world.

The most important factor in the rise or fall of a civilization, Chapra says, is the human being himself. The Qur’an clearly states: “God does not change the condition of a people until they change their own inner selves” (13:11). Human beings are themselves the architects of their fate. They are not only the end but also the means of their development. Unless they possess the right kind of moral and mental qualities, it will be difficult for any country to accelerate development. Toynbee was presenting the same idea when he said that, “Civilizations die from suicide, not by murder.”

Human beings do not, however, operate in a vacuum. There are a number of factors that influence them and affect their performance. The most important of them is their own motivation and ability, Chapra explains. According to him, justice plays a big role in motivating people while their moral strength along with their proper upbringing, education, health, training, socio-economic and political environment, and access to finance improve their performance. Islam has laid maximum stress on these requisites to bring about a revolutionary change in society.

http://newageislam.com/a-catalyst-for-muslim-renaissance/islamic-ideology/d/362


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