‘Iqbal can help us face imperialists’

Scholars say Pakistanis must learn critical thinking.

LAHORE: Allama Iqbal long ago recognised the effects of Western imperialism in the Muslim world and prescribed remedies to counter it, and his ideas can help Pakistan today, said scholars at a symposium at the Quaid-i-Azam Library organised by Makhzan Majlis on Sunday.

The speakers said that Pakistanis need to develop their critical thinking and scepticism to become a more rational society, otherwise the country could not progress. They said that Iqbal had rejected the negative aspects of Western societies, but pointed out characteristics that the Muslims of the subcontinent could learn from.

Dr Salim Akhtar said imperialism meant capitalism, and feudalism was the worst form of capitalism. He said feudalists were against the process of progress, because progress resulted in them losing power. He said the problem of feudalism had plagued Pakistan for a long time. “There is no hope but the thoughts of Iqbal,” he said.

Shahzad Ahmad said that the world was going through major changes during Iqbal’s time and he had closely observed them.

He had observed the West and elaborated the East’s problems in the light of Islamic teachings. He had spoken about ijtehad (fresh interpretation of Sharia in new circumstances) as the ultimate form of progress.

Kazi Javed said imperialism was as much a threat now as it was in the 19th and 20th centuries and Iqbal’s teachings could help a lot in coping with the challenges presented by it.

Muzaffar Mirza said globalisation was a curse and a challenge to Muslims. “The world has transformed into a strange village where you cannot move freely even in your own country. Terrorism ... is a gift of this globalised word,” he said, adding that Iqbal’s teachings were the best way to deal with current and future challenges.

Dr Kursheedul Hasan Rizvi, Dr Rafiullah Hashmi, Tehseen Firaqi, Amjad Tufail and Enayatullah also spoke on the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 21^st, 2011.