ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Islamic Concept and Its Characteristics Introduction : a Word About the Methodology For a number of reasons there is a pressing need to define and elaborate the Islamic paradigm of thought, that is, to explain for a modern audience the Islamic concept. The Muslim needs this definition because it provides him with a comprehensive explanation of all that exists, on the basis of which he relates to the world.

This explanation brings him closer to an under­ standing of the great realities that confront him, and of the nature of the relationships and connections that exist among these realities, namely, the reality of the Creator and the reality of the created (the latter including the universe, life, and man), and their mutual relation­ ships and interconnections.

The definition of the Islamic concept is also necessary for the Muslim so that he may understand the central position that man occupies in this universe and the ultimate purpose for which he is created. This knowledge in turn defines the role of man in the universe, the parameters and perimeters of the field of his activities, and the limits of his relationship with his Creator.

Such a definition, moreover, is essential because the understanding of this comprehensive view and the recognition of man's central position in the universe and the purpose of his existence define the Muslim's way of life and the kind of system established by this way of life. The system established in man's life is based entirely on this comprehensive view and follows logically from it. Without this base, the system would be mere patchwork, having shallow roots that will quickly disintegrate.

Such a contrived system, while it lasts, is a cause of suffering and misery for people, since there exists a fundamental conflict between such a system and man's basic nature and real needs. This judgement applies to all systems current in. the world today, without any exception, especially to the systems of the so-called "advanced" nations.

The definition of the Islamic concept is also needed because the Islamic din[^1] was revealed in order to initiate a special kind of ummah (community), unique and distinctive, namely, an ummah that came to lead mankind, to establish the way of Allah on earth, and to save people from the misery brought about by misguided leadership, er­roneous ways, and false concepts.