As we saw in the earlier post, the fallacy of postmodern thought is two fold. One- it claims there is no authority. However without any say “external” authority, we find our own ego, desires or whims will serve as an authority. Secondly, most ideologies, ones that do not accept Gods existence, do so thinking that a different ideology can organize the affairs of humankind better. That they can be more just, fair and lead to man’s prosperity. Postmodernism aims to do this through an ideology that logically does the opposite- it results in chaos. The individuals perceived freedom comes at the expense of humankind’s moral decline.
(Please read Part 1 for an overview of Postmodernism)
In contrast to the postmodern worldview where there is no objective truth/reality or authority, Islam clearly states there is one and only one legitimate authority- God.
The foundation of Islamic thought is Tawhid or the oneness of God. This term is sometimes misunderstood as there being one numerical God, but in reality, the concept of Tawhid is much deeper. Tawhid in Islam is fundamental, and the core of the Islamic worldview.
The belief that this world, from the smallest thing, perhaps not yet discovered by science, to the intellectually advanced human to the universe itself, behind this exists a creator and an ultimate reality-whom we call God. Not only is he the creator, but sustainer. All of existence is dependent on him moment to moment. Everything is subservient to Him.
Every existence is subservient to God. Let that sink in. If we were able to grasp this concept in its entirety, it would be enough.
In fact to be Muslim is to declare Tawhid – in the shahada we state la Illaha illa allah , there is no God except Allah. Tawheed is summarized in this statement of shahada, we negate all “illah” first before declaring God as Illah. What is illah? Ilah is whatever has unconditional authority over the existence and life of a man, the entity we hand over control to be that traditions, people, or even our own desires. As Muslims we say there is no illah, nothing deserving of worship except the ultimate reality- Allah.
We see that the very essence of Islam combats postmodern thought.
But what is it that makes the Islamic worldview different from other worldviews that may combat postmodern thought at some level? That it is not just an abstract view leading to personalized religion. Was it that we were to believe that there is only one (numerical) God, pray and fast, what would be so revolutionary about it? Why did the Prophet have such staunch enemies? Why have superpowers been afraid of Islam?
This understanding comes when we examine what Tawhid means if lived or manifested. What effect does is have on a human being’s psychology, life or on society? While books upon books have or can be been written about the effects of the Tawhidi worldview, I will briefly summarize a few I have read here.
1- For someone who sees God as the ultimate reality, creator, and sustainer, we can derive both the unity/harmony of his creation and aim for it. It expands the breadth and level of our vision and understanding. Not only is this world one and united with the creator but so can our actions in this limited realm be united with their equal in the metaphysical world. Thus it bears fruit of morality and virtue and builds the human part of us, our character and soul.
2) For the person who believes in the unity of God and his word, this physical life is just a step to get to an everlasting one. Death is not an end, and so there is no need to become of a slave to wealth, fame, or comforts. If we are given these, what is important is to use them in the way of Allah(swt). Thus, a person with a Tawheedi worldview cannot be “bought” or enslaved to things, people or power. Due to man’s nature, he must choose to be a slave either to his lowly animalistic desires and ego (this material world), or to God. If he chooses the later, in essence is truly “free” in this world.
3) One of the biggest causes of oppression in the world is class differences. While in the past, class differences were imbedded in religious ideologies (caste systems), today we see an outward claim of equality- yet these same differences imbedded in law, the application of law or other hidden ways so that a small percentage of people have more resources, wealth, or more protected in society. In the Tawhidi worldview, we are all servants of God. Every human is created equally. In the eyes of God, we are the same. The only distinction in the eyes of God comes from a path equally open for every human- the attainment of piety.
4) For the one who sees God as his creator and Lord, everything is trust from God. When we understand tawheed, we see ourselves owners of nothing. What we are given, including money, worldly resources, property, children even our own lives, is a trust given by God and is to be used according for the correct purpose and without israf. And so a Tawheedi person is a proponent of environmentalism (israf, using resources correctly), of narrowing of the gap between rich and poor (we do not own our wealth, if we are given it we are a means to use it and distribute it in society through various responsibilities such as zakat and khums and sadaqa), of using time wisely, of raising our children correctly and various other societal building ideas this would imply.
5) In Tawheedi worldview, God is the absolute authority. It is he who can give direction on the creation of a society that fosters the perfection of a human. As Muslims we derive our framework of life, ethics and social codes, laws from Islam. Whether that is what is the purpose life, what are we striving for, which types of people we should be friends with, what are the rights of our neighbors, how to treat orphans, who you should help, how to behave with family, how inheritance is divided, what we should wear or how we should dress, how businesses are run or how crimes are punished. In fact, which crimes are punishable. This leads to insight of how (Islam) and who can lead the affairs of human (one who derives authority from God) . Thus, it is a social, economic and thus political ideology.
Thus, we see this one concept Tawheed, not only gives direction to a persons life, it serves as an intrinsic motivator for a human being, presents an all encompassing doctrine- social, economic, and political that practically affects every aspect man’s life.
It is the most complete, holistic worldview that can lead man and mankind to prosperity.
A personal note:
I remember as a child, having a concept that “God is one”. It wasn’t’ until high school and college when I opened a couple religious books and articles, I saw how limited my understanding of Tawheed and in turn Islam was.
Ponder upon this concept. Read. If your studying psychology or are interested in the human being, what parts of this doctrine, this worldview effects man and mankind and how? If you are an activist, how can this understanding help you pursue certain issues or give insight into what social justice should look like? If you are passionate about the environment, how does Tawheed relate to it? If you are looking at political systems, what does Tawheed give you? If you like philosophy, if you want to understand spirituality and so on.
And if you just someone trying to find your place in this world like many of us, this is the one thing you should delve into.
