Page 136 - The Vision of Islam

Modern Possibilities

reigned supreme under the influence of science, all over the world.
The first effect of this onslaught on orientalism is distinctly
apparent in Carlyle’s (1795-1881) book, Heroes and Hero worship.
This effect was to continue for a considerable period of time.
Finally, just as the storm of modern democracy replaced kingship
as something outdated, similarly the mindset of pious fraud too
lost its relevance.
The ancient orientalism, promoting the abuse of the religion
of others and intentionally distorting their history and teachings,
died a natural death.
Another example of this change is that modern intellectual
movement which is wrongly called “anti-science.” In actual fact
it is anti-materialism rather than anti-science. However, like
orientalism, this thinking has not become a clear, conscious
movement.
It is, on the whole, a reactionary rather than a positive
movement. For instance, one of the results of industrialisation
and women’s liberation has been the disruption of the family. The
relationship between husband and wife has been divested of its
former religious sacredness and brought down to the level of a
mere means of personal satisfaction. This has resulted in divorce,
the incidence of which is on the increase, leading to the ruination
of family life and the children, deprived of parental guardianship,
have tended to become criminals. Even homes that have escaped
divorce have undergone a drastic change. With both parents
at work, the children are now put into a ‘day care centre.’ Thus,
human beings, at this tender age, are deprived of parental affection
and are instead entrusted to the care of hired employees who
have no personal interest in their guidance or welfare. A recent
American report cites this state of affairs as being responsible for
a devastating disease which is on the increase among children.
The experts call it autism. The children, apparently healthy and
free from bodily diseases, are seen to be victims of strange mental
disorders. Numerous problems of this kind have created in man

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