ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Islamic Concept and Its Characteristics Chapter Viii : Realism Say, "Glory be to my Lord! Am I anything more than a mortal messenger?" (Al-Isra 17:93). The sixth characteristic of the Islamic concept is its realism. This concept deals with objective realities whose existence is certain and whose effects are positive and concrete. Mere abstract ideas or unat­tainable ideals that are not functional in the real world are not its concern.

The system of life that it delineates for mankind is realistic and eminently practical because it is designed by Allah to be implemented in human societies. At the same time, this system calls for a realistic idealism or an ideal realism because it demands a very high level of performance from the human beings and great perfection in conduct and behavior. Let us elaborate on these aspects of the Islamic concept.

The Islamic concept deals with objective realities whose existence is certain and whose effects are positive and concrete. These realities are the actions of the Divine Being as He manifests Himself actively and positively in the world of events, the reality of the physical universe as it is felt and seen, and the reality of man as manifested in individual persons throughout the world.

The Divine Being with whom the Islamic concept deals is Allah, Who alone possesses Divine attributes manifested in the real world. These attributes are not something abstract or relegated to the realm of metaphysics because their effects are concrete and observable in the physical universe, and because the human intellect is capable of recognizing these effects as the creation of Allah Most High.

Extol Allah's limitless glory when you enter upon the evening hours and when you rise for morning prayers. To Him is due all praise in the heavens and earth, so (glorify Him) also during the sun's decline and at noon. He brings forth the living from the dead, and brings forth the dead from the living, and He revives the earth after it is dead. In a like manner you shall be brought forth.

And among His signs is that He created you from dust, and then, behold, you become human beings ranging far and wide. And among His signs is that He created for you spouses out of your own kind so that you might dwell with them in tranquility, and He engenders love and tenderness be­tween you. Surely in this are signs for a people who reflect.