– Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi
Islam is not just a set of rituals and beliefs; it is a complete way of life that emphasises intellectual growth, moral responsibility, and conscious living. One of the most powerful principles in Islam is reflection – known in Arabic as Tafakkur (thinking) and Tadabbur (deep contemplation). These concepts are not only encouraged but are essential tools for understanding the truth, strengthening faith, and contributing positively to society.
Today, creative and research-based achievements are being made across the world that have gained strong influence in society. However, it is also true that these artificial innovations are having both positive and negative impacts. Whenever society is introduced to new research or creative work, opinions differ on whether to accept or reject it. And rightly so – nothing should be accepted blindly without deep thinking and analysis.
Every aspect, including the pros and cons of the innovation, and its potential effects on society, must be carefully examined before forming a final opinion. Only after proper reflection and discussion should a judgment be made about whether something is acceptable or not. The final decision, based on thoughtful consideration, should be shared clearly with the public to avoid confusion or doubt.
Such a thoughtful and serious approach is a mark of a mature society. In contrast, societies that act hastily and without reflection often make careless judgments. This leads to meaningless conflicts, damages the intellectual balance of society, and disturbs peace and harmony. Therefore, hasty decisions – whether about worldly matters or religious rulings – usually result in disappointment and resentment.
The society we live in today has its own unique demands and challenges. The new revelations we face daily can only be properly understood when individuals in the society have the ability to think and reflect. Unfortunately, because of our indecisive mindset and lack of firm, unified thinking, many issues arise – and we don’t even realise how these unresolved problems are negatively affecting society.
It seems people now have a habit of making statements – either out of blind devotion or hatred – without proper thinking. When a person becomes conscious of what they should and shouldn’t say, and thinks carefully before speaking or writing, they can avoid many moral, social, or religious mistakes that otherwise might lead to unrest in society.
Another major issue is with modern media, which often acts irresponsibly just to please certain groups. By spreading false news or making baseless allegations, they damage the reputation of others. Ironically, the real disgrace lies not with the people being targeted, but with those who sit in comfortable rooms and spread such stories without verification. People working in the media must adopt the principle of publishing or broadcasting news only after proper investigation. If news is thoroughly checked before being released, it can prevent unnecessary panic or disturbance in society.
Everyone should make it a rule in life to think deeply and investigate thoroughly before sharing any information, so it doesn’t harm any community or hurt anyone’s sentiments.
Islam has clearly laid down this principle. The Qur’an advises that when news reaches you, investigate it. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “It is enough of a lie for a person to repeat everything he hears.” This means we must not share anything without confirming its truth.
The current irresponsibility of social media, electronic media, and print media is truly worrying. It demands serious reflection from every individual.
Now, consider Islam’s universal system of reflection and thought (Tadabbur wa Tafakkur). This is a broad and complete principle of Islam that brings peace, comfort, and harmony to society. Islam invites all of humanity to observe and reflect upon the universe. The Qur’an frequently addresses us with phrases like: “Do they not reflect?” (افلا یتدبرون) and “Do they not think?” (افلا یتفکرون). These verses encourage us to think about the functioning of the universe and discover the truth about our Creator.
Unfortunately, many religious groups have paid very little attention to this great Islamic principle. Some religious leaders use their influence to force their own views on society instead of encouraging deep thinking. They fear that if people begin to reflect independently, the religious business built on blind following will collapse.
Moreover, even in the fields of Islamic research and religious education, there is very little intellectual work that highlights Islam’s system of reflection and thought.
But when we study the works of our early scholars, we see that they deeply respected differing opinions and always encouraged intellectual discussion. One great example is Imam Abu Hanifa (may Allah have mercy on him), who established a school of jurisprudence (fiqh) where scholars engaged in deep debate and reflection. On one issue, many different opinions would be recorded. What’s more, those differing views came from his own students, and yet Imam Abu Hanifa welcomed these differences. None of these opinions was hidden or censored. In fact, these differences are now part of the richness of the Hanafi school of thought, not a weakness.
This shows that the early scholars didn’t just learn and teach Islam – they lived by its values, including the value of critical thinking.
Today, we must once again revive this system of reflection and thought in our schools, research institutions, and social spaces. Only then can society become a true bearer of knowledge and wisdom.
In conclusion, nations that have adopted thoughtful analysis and built societies around reflection, balance, and harmony have always succeeded. Forcing ideas on others and then expecting positive results is a contradiction. Only those ideas are respected and successful that are accepted willingly. And this can only happen when people are given the freedom to think, question, and reflect with open hearts and minds. Social balance will be possible only when individuals are free – not to say anything recklessly – but to reflect deeply and meaningfully.
In today’s world, where people are quick to judge, react emotionally, and follow trends blindly, the Islamic emphasis on reflection is a much-needed remedy. Whether it is about interpreting religious texts, responding to media narratives, or making personal decisions, Islam calls us to slow down, think deeply, and act wisely.
The lack of reflection leads to division, extremism, misinformation, and societal harm. A community that does not think, questions nothing, and simply imitates others becomes weak and vulnerable.
Reflection in Islam is not just an intellectual exercise; it is a spiritual and social necessity. It helps believers develop stronger faith, make wiser decisions, and build a more balanced and peaceful society. The Qur’an, the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ, and the legacy of Islamic scholars all point towards one essential truth: a thoughtful mind leads to a meaningful life.
In Islam, to reflect is to worship, and to think is to live with purpose.
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