Reconstruction of Culture and Islam by Prof Mohammad Taqi Amini, (author); Z. A. Usmani (Translator); Lahore: Siddiqe-e-Akbar Academy, Sole Distributors; Amjad Academy, 40, Urdu Bazar, Lahore, 270 pp.

Abstract

Mohammad Taqi Amini is an erudite religious scholar and profound
thinker. He possesses an inquisitive mind which refuses to accept things at
their face value. He sets out to prove that the reconstruction of Islamic civilization
aims at striking a balance between the physical and the spiritual forces
inherent in men. He attempts an outline of the scheme of cultural reconstruction.
Also, he mentions the effects and implications of Western civilization
on modern life and evaluates the impact of two conflicting ideologies.
The author believes that for the manifestation of faith and the construction
of culture, the necessary good deeds are not mere rituals or outward
signs of virtue. Good deeds, on the other hand, comprehend both the inner
and outward facets of life and they comprehend the whole being of man.
The inner life however, comes first; for without it a healthy community cannot
come into existence, nor can man's use of nature yield any common benefit.
The author reveals that in the framework of Western civilization
materialism dominates, and materialism recognizes reason as the only source
of knowledge. But according to the Islamic concept of cultural reconstruction,
the spiritual dimension is the basis of everything and which recognizes
the combined guidance of reason, heart and revelation for the acquisition
of knowledge. In all spheres of life such a wholesome and all pervasive guidance
is needed. The guidance of one faculty is not enough.
In Western culture, the essential nature of man is regarded as animalistic
and therefore the nature of character is determined in terms of material power
and worldly gains. Only those qualities are valuable which have a direct bearing
on worldly gains and material power. For example, in business, punctuality,
patriotism, social sense, and natural interests are the criteria. On the other
hand, qualities which do not have any bearing on worldly gains are not valued.
Rather, violation of these qualities is considered a merit. Qualities like modesty,
chastity, affection, mutual friendship and love, caring for the family, generosity
of heart, soft-heartedness, sincerity, humanity, and consideration for the rights
of others have no value for a Western mind.
The Islamic scheme of cultural reconstruction, on the other hand, is
based on a Divine view of life. This view divides life into material and nonmaterial
and insists that both are necessary for the perfection of humanity ...