The Paradigm of 'Muhabbat'

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Some students, in the last week's session of History of Ideas, were tempted to chalk out comparisons between certain philosophical ideas propounded by the Greeks and some teachings of Islam. Dr Shafi, however, asked us to be on our guard against making such comparisons. He said that we need to keep the two traditions apart as they were essentially different from each other as far as their epistemological sources were concerned. Here, what he meant was that one tradition originated in human reason, and the source of the other was wahi (revelation). Conflating the two could lead to serious error of judgement and thought. The most beautiful thought that he put across was that our tradition was regulated by the paradigm of muhabbah (Love). Being lovers, we do not question the Beloved with a 'why' of inquiry. All we have to do is to carry out the command of the Beloved ...

I wonder how our problems would have vanished altogether had we realised this seemingly simple point.

Comments

M Umer Toor said…
I too was discussing this with a friend that such apologetic reasoning, done to defend Islam which arguing with secularized people, that yes islam gave all human rights, women's rights, democratic form of govt, etc. etc. 1400 years ago which western people got only 100-200 years ago. its such a blatant mistake...
10:41 PM
Anonymous said…
made my day!
1:39 AM
Mohammad Zafar said…
Agreed, But the comparison comes inherently (I don't know) but may be its by nature of human that he compares his or himself and others. I have faced lot of instances like Brother Umer toor has mentioned, but is there any other way we do this. I remember one instance from Islamic history at the time of Khalifa Umar(r.a) where Rabiaa'(r.a) goes to Darbaar of Rustum (Faaras), when Rustum asks him why you have come here? His answer was also included kind of Comparison. Like I have come here to invite you from Darkness to Light. etc.
11:07 AM
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