Philosopher, intellectual, writer, and journalist Syed Mohammad Taqi needs no introduction. Yet, for the sake of those who have weak memories, Taqi was an eminent philosopher, historian, scholar, thinker and writer, and remained editor of Jang for almost twenty-five years. He wrote extensively on topics of philosophy, politics, religion, history, culture, economics, sociology, literary criticism, and constitutional theory.
Besides his magnum opus book Taarikh aur Kainat: Mera Nazariya (History and the Universe: My Viewpoint), other books written by him include Mantiq, Falsafa aur Science (Logic, Philosophy, and Science), Rooh aur Falsafa (Soul and Philosophy), Hindustan: Pasmanzar Peshmanzar (Hindustan: Background and Foreground), Nahjul Balagha ka Tasawwar-e-Ulubiyat (Nahjul Balagha’s Concept of Divinity. He also translated many books from English to Urdu, among which the translation of Karl Marx’s Das Kapital earned him worldwide acclaim.
It was a pleasure to receive a copy of the English translation of his book, Karbala: Tehzeeb ka Mustaqbil (published in 1980), by his granddaughter Sumera Naqvi titled Future of Civilisation: Exploring the Profound Impact of Sacrifice in Building a Noble and Humanitarian Society.
Naqvi, like her illustrious grandfather, is a journalist; she started her career with The News and later moved to Dawn. In 2014, she entered the development sector, working on mental illness, education, and poverty alleviation.
The book Karbala: Tehzeeb ka Mustaqbil deals with philosophical themes of moral collapse, the crisis of modernity, and the impact of sacrifice on society, and explores how the moral drift of modern civilisation can be confronted through reconnecting with historical legacies — especially the enduring symbolism of Karbala.
Though the events leading to the tragedy of Karbala are discussed at length, it should be kept in mind that it is not a religious book devoted to the history of Karbala, but a philosophical book that brings the message of Karbala to the modern reader, and philosophically analyses why Karbala, particularly Imam Hussain’s timeless stand, was an unparalleled moment in human history.
The author argues that “mankind today is faced with severe moral deficit that hinders human civilisation from evolving into a truly noble and humanitarian society. Morality is at the heart of civilisation, and moral and ethical values can help render a more liberal and pluralistic society.”
Taqi sahib emphasises the crucial need to find role models in history who have made monumental sacrifices to uphold civilisational values that are instrumental in building a civilised and human-oriented society. He invites readers to think about the criss-crossing of sacrifice, ethics, and the civilisational crisis of our age.
With penetrating insight, the author examines the delicate balance between political power and moral principles, the right to dissent, and the true meaning of spiritual leadership. He invites the readers to consider how the lessons of Karbala can shape our approach towards contemporary ethical dilemmas and social justice.
Taqi sahib does not confine his discourse to Imam Hussain’s place in Muslim society but also explores his position in the history of civilisation. He writes that throughout history many noble and religious individuals have made sacrifices to uphold moral values essential to society’s evolution. Raising the question whether all men making sacrifices for moral values be deemed equally worthy of admiration, he states that the answer to this question is in the affirmative, however, it is important to consider the values behind a sacrifice; it should also be seen what were the values for which Imam Hussain sacrifice his life.
The author draws fascinating parallels between Imam Hussain and other significant historical figures such as Socrates and Jesus Christ, illuminating the unique nature of Imam Hussain’s sacrifice and its enduring relevance. He writes that while the sacrifices and perseverance of Socrates and Jesus Christ are held high in the realm of moral values, certain distinctions in the nature of their sacrifices cannot be ignored. Hussain’s decision to stand by his values and principles exemplifies high moral and civilisational values in history by balancing good and evil.
At various places in the course of his discussion, the author poses questions inviting the readers to ponder, and then proceeds to explain. He builds his arguments but does not pass judgement, rather leaves it to the reader to accept it or not.
In her translator’s note, Naqvi invites the readers to reflect on the point raised by her daughter: should Imam Hussain be portrayed as a victim or saviour of circumstances in the tragedy of Karbala?
To translate a book is not a child’s play as for this one needs command over both the original language and the one that it is being translated in. And to translate a book by someone of the calibre of Syed Mohmmad Taqi is definitely a feat, especially since it is known that Taqi sahib used to speak and write very polished and complex Urdu. Naqvi must be complimented and acknowledged for her ability to translate it into reader-friendly English, while remaining faithful to the tone and intention. As Naqvi says in her note, “it is a labour of love for my grandfather” and it took her more than two years to translate it.
Rizwana Naqvi is a freelance journalist and tweets @naqviriz; she can be reached at naqvi59rizwana@gmail.com
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