DELIBERATION, RESEARCH AND QUEST ARE CORRELATED TO PROGRESS AND DEVELOPMENT – ALTAF HUSSAIN

London – 18 April 2004
MQM Founder Leader Mr Altaf Hussain has stated that deliberation, research and quest are correlated to progress and development.  Those who contemplated and researched became super power in the every field including science and technology.  And those who didn’t were left behind and are dependent on others. Therefore, to deliberation, research and quest is key to development and becoming self-sufficient. Moreover, by adopting the path of Ijtihad (interpretation), one can harmonise with the developments of modern world. He was expressing these views while addressing the MQM Mini Convention organised in New Jersey, USA.  The workers of MQM Philadelphia Unit, local citizens and other office bearers of MQM USA Overseas Unit attended the convention.

Speaking on the evolution of human society Mr Hussain said that any event in the world today or any geographical, political or economic change is reported within minutes. However, three to four hundred years ago, one could not have even thought of this.  Similarly, the speedy transportation services available today were not available a few hundred years ago. After the evolution of human beings and the passage of time, to facilitate the daily life, to save time and to improve the economic condition for defence new developments and inventions were made.  Wheel was invented, which accelerated further scientific inventions. Thereafter, motorcycle, car, railways, airplanes, rockets etc were invented and humans have now reached Mars and searching for any sign of life there. If the ideas and concepts arising in the human mind fulfil the standards of the philosophy of realism and practicalism then such ideas and concepts become practical. For example, in old mystical stories, one reads of flying carpets used to transport a prince. Because of the concept of transportation in air was based on the philosophy of realism and practicalism, therefore, it became practical and aeroplane was invented. Similarly, during Mairaj, the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) rode the Burraq (horse like animal) and travelled towards heavens at such a high speed that upon his return the door latch was still moving. Those who instead of pondering on Mairaj and considered it only as a mystical event became dependent and those who deliberated on the event of Mairaj reached the moon and are today even reaching the Mars. Being Muslims we claim that the entire knowledge has been ordained in the Holy Quran but unfortunately we do not ponder, deliberate and research.  Reciting the verse from Holy Quran, “And He has made subservient to you whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth, all, from Himself; most surely there are signs in this for a people who reflect. [45.13]” Mr Hussain said that those who reflected and researched made subservient whatsoever in the heavens and whatsoever in the earth. They discovered iron and other metals from the earth and invented trains, motors, missiles, aeroplanes and rockets. Whereas, those who didn’t ponder were not able to discover or invent anything but are dependent on other’s inventions. Mr Hussain said that some people claim that the Muslims discovered physics, chemistry and other subjects – if Muslims have discovered them then why the non-Muslims are leading in these subjects and the Muslims have been left way behind? The mullahs translate the first revelation of Iqra as “read”, whereas, the true meaning of Iqra is to ponder, explore, learn and research. Those who learned the true meaning of Iqra made the universe subservient, whereas those who did not learn the true meaning of Iqra are compelled to live in slavery and backwardness. It is for this reason that any Muslim country despite all its wealth is dependent on the aid of non-Muslin countries. The basic reason behind the backwardness of the Muslims is the discontinuation of the process of Ijtihad and lack of effort to harmonise Islam with the latest developments of the modern world. Therefore, for ridding the Muslims of slavery and dependency on others it is vital to pay attention towards acquisition of modern education, to adopt the path of reflection, research and the Ijtihad with a view to synchronise with the latest developments in the world.

Mr Hussain said that after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, they forbid the use of televisions, videos and cameras; and hanged these items on the streets. He asked which verse of the Holy Quran forbids TV, VCR and taking photographs from the camera? The mullahs who forbid the use of television, themselves enthusiastically appear on television programs and allow their photographs to be taken to travel to America, Britain and other countries, for their passports. The so-called mullahs preach for jihad against infidels and send other’s children to die for it but themselves sit in their drawing rooms and eat korma, biryani and sheermal. They preach for other’s women to be confined to their homes but allow their own womenfolk to contest elections and send them to assemblies to sit with men.

Mr Hussain said that decrees of infidelity were issued against him when he preached for acquisition of knowledge on modern education. However, he said that he is not afraid of such decrees as he wishes for the welfare and progress of all human beings irrespective of their cast, colour, creed, language and even religion. He further said that he wishes to see better relations, unity and harmony amongst all. He advised the participants to be open minded and awaken their brain cells to ponder and discover new signs of nature so the reasons are revealed enabling to make new inventions for the welfare of humanity. In the end Mr Hussain congratulated the participants of the Mini Convention and stressed upon them to further the Movement’s mission and beware of the false and emotional slogans.