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 Shirazi
in the end of his book, ‘Al-Mabda wa al-Maad
’ has brought a discussion concerning the backdrop of social governance. The gist of his view is regarding the benefits that society will enjoy, which possesses these four pillars. If an individual bears these four attributes, he is a leader and if a leader is devoid of any one of these four traits, he will no longer remain a leader. Similarly, a society that has all of these four qualities prevalent in it can become a leader and guide for other societies. Lastly, if these four elements are found in the world, the entire humanity will move towards perfection and the state of affairs shall enjoy considerable desirability.
This thought, as discussed briefly, perhaps may have its roots in divine religions but philosophical schools have also endorsed it. The Zoroastrians view the future as positive, labeling it as ‘the victory of Ahura Mazda’s army over the forces of Ahreman (devil)’. In Hinduism too the future is considered to be bright and prosperous.
Last, but not the least, even the materialist schools of thought, headed by Marxism, foresees the future to be better than the past, albeit using different terms like single family patterns, co-operative ownership, joint government, etc. Anyhow, they never opine that the future is doomed. Rather, they suggest that future will tread the path of perfection but there are differences in the interpretation of the term ‘perfection’, some of which we have already hinted at above
.
Thus, we must accept this as a principle. Regardless of the sect that we belong to Shias, Sunnis, or any other faction of humanity, we must look at the future positively and search for the basis of this positive outlook. Basically, due to his humanity, man feels a sense of responsibility and accountability, which persuades and coaxes him to search and investigate.
Had the future been damned, there would be no incentive for the scientists to seek and spread science. The same would apply for the reformers, philosophers and all other advocates of some thought or science. For, the research and investigation of all these scholars is based on the fact that they consider the future to be positive and the way to reach to this zenith is this particular way. Thus, had there been no peak to attain, there would be no need for any guidance or leadership.
This is basic principle and we Shias among the followers of all sects and schools of thought, hold our heads high and declare that we subscribe to such a creed. That is, we consider the future to be positive. Moreover, our positive outlook is to that extent that if we are sure that tomorrow is the Day of Judgment and only one day remains from the end of this world, yet we will say that the final outcome will be implemented. This last day will be prolonged to a length so that sufficient time is there for the accomplishment of this final result.
The Messenger of Islam (s.a.w.a.) has conveyed the aforementioned concept in a beautiful tradition, come down in successive transmission (tawaatur
) and recorded in the books of both Shias as well as Sunnis. The tradition goes as follows:
« لَو لَم يُبقُ مِنُ الدنيا الا يوم واحد لطول اللّه ذلك اليوم حتي يبعثَ فيهِ رجْلاً مِن أمتي و مِن أهل بيتي يْواطئُ اسمْهْ اسمي يملأ الأرضَ قسطاً و عدلاً كَما ملِئت ظُلماً و جورا ».
“If there remains only a day for the world to come to an end, Allah will prolong this day till He raises a man from my progeny/nation. His name will be my name. He will fill the earth with justice and equity as it would have fraught with injustice and oppression.
”
Therefore, even if all the angels of the heavens descend and declare that tomorrow is the Day of Judgment, we will contend that since the reformer, who will fill the earth with justice and equity, has not yet appeared, this day will be prolonged to an extent that the promise is fulfilled. Yes, we are so positive about the future that if all scientists come together and prophesize that tonight the earth will split and come to an end, we will not believe it. We will refute it as we have firm conviction in the Prophet’s (s.a.w.a.) prediction and hence, despite all threats of doom, will sleep comfortably.
The following sentences ofDoa-e-Ahd
are the best proofs of a positive outlook about the future:
« اَللّهم إن حالَ و بُيني و بينهْ الموتُ الّذي جعلتَهْ علي عِبادِكُ حتماً مُقضِياً فأَخرِجني مِن قَبري مْؤتزراً كَفني, شاهِراً سُيفي, مْجرداً قناتي, مْلبياً دُعوه الداعي في الحاضر و البادي ».
“O Allah! If death comes between me and him (Imam-e-Zaman’s (a.t.f.s.) reappearance), which you have made compulsory and obligatory upon your servants, then bring me out from my grave, (in the condition that) I am wearing my shroud, my sword naked, my spear uncovered, responding to the call of the caller in cities as well as deserts.
”
You saw how lovely and beautiful the statements of this supplication are!
This discussion has come in various sources. In these books, apart from the prophesies of the heavenly religions, glad-tidings of the various schools are also reflected. There are scholars, who have researched on this subject, and extracted forecasts on this topic from the Old Testament, the New Testament, the Avestha, Indian scriptures, etc.
Some have even investigated and compiled books written on Imam-e-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) from the first century of Islam till date. Hence, we have books that have been written in the first century and another book, which I have in hand right now, has been penned in the second century and is a compilation of traditions regarding Imam-e-Zaman (a.t.f.s.), much before his birth.
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Author: Dr. Sayyed Hasan Eftekharzadeh
