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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Discussion On Imam-e-zaman(a.t.f.s.) The Future of the Universe in the View of Religions and Schools of Thought Basically, what is the view of humanity concerning its future? What are the views and opinions of scholars, congresses and schools of thought? How do we picture the future of mankind, a journey that started from times ancient? Is the belief in Mahdaviyyat, a progressive creed or a regressive one?

We observe that most religions, philosophical and even political schools consider the future of mankind to be better than his past. Therefore, all the worldviews, heavenly or otherwise, constantly strive to improve the future upon the past and the present. Fundamentally, the proposition of Utopia (ideal state) in Platonic philosophy, before Christ and prior to Islam, is a style of philosophical development.

Of course, it is possible that some of its characteristics may be imaginary in the view of modern sociologists. Nevertheless, the four pillars of an ideal state, as propounded by Plato, 'justice, chastity, wisdom and bravery' are in themselves a sign of positive futurism. In these four bases, wisdom accompanies chastity (or knowledge with ethics) and bravery supplements justice. (To borrow an ancient philosophical term) why is the world limping today?

The reason is that because one or even two of these pillars are found wanting in the modern society. Moreover, an ignorant society is the one that is devoid of all these four essentials. These four bases are the factors of perfection for an individual as well as a society. The lack of any one of these signifies a serious shortcoming.

An illiterate person, a coward scholar, a courageous scholar but devoid of chastity, a courageous, chaste scholar but unjust and oppressive, are all examples of imperfect persons. The presence of only one or few and not all the four pillars does not lead to perfection. But if these four attributes or Utopia (using Plato's term) are available in any single individual, such a person is deemed to be a perfect. And if these were found in a society, it would be considered as an ideal state.

Hence, Utopia (ideal state) is positive futurism. Most philosophical works that deal with politics and civics are based on this hypothesis. Sadruddin Shirazi2 in the end of his book, 'Al-Mabda wa al-Maad' has brought a discussion concerning the backdrop of social governance.