The Illusion of Understanding: Youth, Philosophy, and Faith
- Superficial Understanding and Arrogance: Many young individuals in Pakistan misinterpret philosophical works and consider themselves superior without grasping deeper meanings, leading to arrogance and misguided beliefs.
- Rejection of Faith for Validation: Youth often reject Islam, idolizing atheism to gain social recognition, ignoring that many admired thinkers acknowledged divine connections.
- Value of Humility and True Knowledge: True knowledge lies in humility, deeper exploration of teachings, and understanding Islam’s integration of humanism, offering wisdom for personal and societal growth.
In Pakistan, a concerning trend has emerged among the younger generation, particularly university students and those who identify as avid readers and socially aware individuals. Upon being introduced to new ideas and philosophies, many young people believe they have attained a deep understanding of complex concepts. However, their comprehension often lacks the nuance and context required to grasp the true essence of the knowledge they encounter. Philosophers, writers, and thinkers frequently communicate their ideas with irony or layered meanings, which are lost on some readers. This misinterpretation leads to flawed conclusions and misguided actions.
For example, students and young readers may explore philosophical works but fail to decipher their intended meanings. Instead of fostering intellectual growth, their partial understanding breeds arrogance. They assume superiority over others, considering themselves enlightened while dismissing differing perspectives. This behavior directly contradicts the wisdom of figures like Hazrat Ali ibn Abu Talib, who said, “Knowledgeable people never say, ‘I know,’ because they are aware of what they don’t know.” Similarly, Socrates famously observed, “The more I know, the more I realize I don’t know.” These teachings emphasize humility and a recognition of the limits of one’s knowledge—qualities often absent in those who hastily claim intellectual superiority.
One alarming consequence of this shallow understanding is the growing trend among some young people to question or reject Islam after reading philosophical or general books. These individuals often highlight ideas they perceive as being in opposition to Islamic principles and use them to criticize the religion, believing this sets them apart as intellectuals. However, they overlook the fact that many great thinkers and philosophers whose works they admire were deeply spiritual or acknowledged the existence of a higher power.
For instance, John Keats, a prominent figure of Romanticism, believed in the divine connection through nature, saying, “Nature brings you to God.” Ironically, some youth who advocate connecting with nature simultaneously reject belief in God, demonstrating a lack of coherence in their understanding. Similarly, they may claim to embrace humanism as a basis for their rejection of Islam, unaware that humanism is integral to Islamic teachings. Islam emphasizes compassion, equity, and respect for humanity, making it a cornerstone of its philosophy.
Plato, a foundational philosopher whose works are studied widely, asserted in Timaeus (29-30A): “We must conceive of a God as a living being, immortal, eternal, and we must attribute to him the utmost wisdom and goodness.” If Plato and other philosophers recognized the existence and attributes of God, how can one claim atheism in their name? This disconnect reveals a lack of genuine understanding among those who idolize these thinkers without fully grasping their messages.
Exploring classical literature further highlights this misinterpretation. Sophocles, a revered playwright of ancient Greece, tackled themes of fate and divine power in works like Oedipus Rex. His exploration of the interplay between science and religion underscores the idea that faith begins where scientific explanations end. Similarly, Christopher Marlowe, a significant Renaissance writer, conveyed the dangers of arrogance and unbridled ambition in his play Doctor Faustus. The protagonist, Faustus, a scholar, forsakes ethical and spiritual boundaries in his quest for power. In the end, he realizes his folly and regrets his actions but feels it is too late to seek redemption. Faustus’ story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of hubris and moral compromise.
Unfortunately, many young individuals in Pakistan emulate Faustus’ misguided ambition. They reject faith to gain social recognition, believing that claiming atheism will establish their intellectual credibility. This approach is not born out of genuine intellectual exploration but rather a desire for fame and validation. Such individuals often fail to see the richness and depth of their own religious and cultural heritage. Islam, as a religion, embodies peace, love, and wisdom. It offers guidance on every aspect of life, from ethics to personal growth, rooted in the benefit of humanity.
To truly understand Islam or any other philosophy, one must approach it with humility and a willingness to learn. The youth must differentiate between true knowledge and superficial understanding. They should explore Islam’s teachings in their original context and draw lessons from the life and character of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who epitomized compassion, integrity, and wisdom.
In conclusion, rejecting faith or belittling others’ beliefs does not make one more knowledgeable or enlightened. True intelligence lies in embracing humility, seeking knowledge with an open mind, and striving for a deeper understanding of oneself and the world. The young generation in Pakistan must recognize that Islam is a treasure trove of knowledge, humanism, and guidance, and its values remain relevant and profound in addressing contemporary challenges. Instead of seeking validation through intellectual pretension, they should take pride in their faith and heritage, using it as a foundation for meaningful personal and societal growth.
The author is a student of English Literature.
