Islam Vs Liberalism - Understanding 'Human Nature'.
This is where it all starts!!
A Thread!
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This is where it all starts!!
A Thread!
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Liberalism came out of a European environment that had moved away from religion (Christianity), hence Secularism (Separation of Church & State) is its originating “creed".
The backdrop was violent struggle between Church & masses in struggle to come out of its 'dark ages'.
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The backdrop was violent struggle between Church & masses in struggle to come out of its 'dark ages'.
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Starting point for Liberal Thinkers was conceptualisation of 'Human nature' from where their entire worldview emerged.
-A belief in 'natural rights' of man - life, liberty and property.
(derived from observation & 'rational thinking' process but has no objective proof)
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-A belief in 'natural rights' of man - life, liberty and property.
(derived from observation & 'rational thinking' process but has no objective proof)
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-Human beings to be treated as 'rights-holders'.
-These 'rights' are natural rights [fundamental to human beings, therefore are inalienable (can't be taken away]
-These rights reflect the fact that human beings are 'born equal' (each individual is of equal moral worth).
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-These 'rights' are natural rights [fundamental to human beings, therefore are inalienable (can't be taken away]
-These rights reflect the fact that human beings are 'born equal' (each individual is of equal moral worth).
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- Every ‘individual’ should be endowed these rights.
- Contrary to pre-liberal societies, Liberals believe individualism and individuality is critical.
-Human beings remain naturally self-interested and egotistical in a state of nature. (Locke)
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- Contrary to pre-liberal societies, Liberals believe individualism and individuality is critical.
-Human beings remain naturally self-interested and egotistical in a state of nature. (Locke)
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-In the ‘state of nature’, men gravitate towards others to secure their rights.
-State's role is to secure these ‘rights’.
-Humans will continue to ‘discover’ new rights as they 'evolve'.
-State to protect these new rights (caretaker of 'rights' - The Social Contract)
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-State's role is to secure these ‘rights’.
-Humans will continue to ‘discover’ new rights as they 'evolve'.
-State to protect these new rights (caretaker of 'rights' - The Social Contract)
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Islam & Human Nature
-Islam doesn’t start with assumption that humans are either good/bad, there are no natural rights that we can claim rationally exist.
-We do not believe that human beings are born with rights.
-liberty or equality are NOT foundational human values.
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-Islam doesn’t start with assumption that humans are either good/bad, there are no natural rights that we can claim rationally exist.
-We do not believe that human beings are born with rights.
-liberty or equality are NOT foundational human values.
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-We do not argue that humans have a natural inclination to self-satisfaction alone - either individual or collective.
Islam views human nature differently!
Before inquiring about "human nature", starting point for Islam is,
-Who created Humans?
-Purpose for his creation?
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Islam views human nature differently!
Before inquiring about "human nature", starting point for Islam is,
-Who created Humans?
-Purpose for his creation?
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We find answers to above using two tools provided to every Human,
-Fitra(urges human to enquire about their existence)
-Mind(to access guidance in revelations)
-It is as an inborn natural predisposition to sanctify/revere, coming 4m human frailty & need for sanctification.
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-Fitra(urges human to enquire about their existence)
-Mind(to access guidance in revelations)
-It is as an inborn natural predisposition to sanctify/revere, coming 4m human frailty & need for sanctification.
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-This yearning to sanctify and seek perfection in something beyond us requires a system of sanctification.
-This instinct of sanctification pushes one to acquire guidance through revelation.
- Uncorrupted Human fitra (nature) requires him to seek guidance.
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-This instinct of sanctification pushes one to acquire guidance through revelation.
- Uncorrupted Human fitra (nature) requires him to seek guidance.
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-Without guidance via revelation human beings would be lost.
- Mind is a tool to access guidance.
-It is guidance that informs us about rights and responsibilities, halal and haram.
'If you follow right guidance no hurt can come to you from those who are in error.'
[5:105]
- Mind is a tool to access guidance.
-It is guidance that informs us about rights and responsibilities, halal and haram.
'If you follow right guidance no hurt can come to you from those who are in error.'
[5:105]
-Everyone (with mind & fitra) can approach Allah’s guidance.
-Rules of Allah (swt) are easy to submit to, if one approaches it through the channel of fitra and the mind.
-It is an approach that suits every human being, with no difference between elite and the commoner.
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-Rules of Allah (swt) are easy to submit to, if one approaches it through the channel of fitra and the mind.
-It is an approach that suits every human being, with no difference between elite and the commoner.
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