The Problem of Mankind and The Solution

The greatest challenge for thinkers, philosophers, politicians, academics, reformers and religious leaders in any age is to find solutions to the problems of human beings in their time and place. They are generally capable of finding solutions to improve the welfare of society.

"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." - Albert Einstein

There are always a few extraordinary people who think differently to the rest and come up with solutions to problems. This can be witnessed throughout the history of mankind and it almost always relates to material progress. These are solutions to the "little problems" of human beings.

But what would be ever puzzling is when the human being himself is the problem. In this case, no human mind would be capable of coming up with the solution as the thinking used would be the same as that which created the problem in the first place. Every thinker, philosopher, reformer, politician and academic has his own prejudices and self-interests.Hence he could never be impartial and independent and he could never understand the problem and any solutions he comes up with would always be superficial and flawed.

<<And when it is said to them, "Do not cause corruption on the earth," they say, "We are but reformers." Unquestionably, it is they who are the corrupters, but they perceive [it] not.>> [Qur'an 2:11-12]

How then can we find solutions to our "big problems"? According to Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi, the only way the "big problems" of human beings can be addressed is if the solutions came from an external source to human beings. In other words, we need revelation and guidance from God - the Creator and Provider of all human beings.

So what really is the biggest problem of mankind?

<<He has certainly succeeded who purifies himself and mentions the name of his Lord and prays. But you prefer the worldly life, while the Hereafter is better and more enduring. Indeed, this is in the former scriptures, The scriptures of Abraham and Moses.>> [Surah Al-A'laa 87:14-19]

The end of Surah Al-A'laa informs us about our biggest problem - "you prefer the worldly life while the Hereafter is better and more enduring". This is not only the biggest problem but also the universal problem as it applies to all times and places - hence it is in all scriptures. 

These verses also offer us the universal solution - 1. purification of the self, 2. remembering our Lord and 3. prayer. The whole of this surah, Surah Al-A'laa, and the next - Surah Al-Ghashiyah, give a beautiful elaboration of these important points.

Coming up this Saturday inshaAllah is the most fascinating, detailed and deep explanation of these two surahs, Surah Al-A'laa and Surah Al-Ghashiyah, by one of the foremost scholars and thinkers of the Western world today. Please make sure you attend this seminar either onsite in Cambridge or online worldwide.

Surah Al-A'laa & Al-Ghashiyah

The Solution to All the Problems of Mankind
By Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi (Oxford)

When: Saturday 22nd February 2014

Time: 9:45AM - 6:00PM    Coffee & Registration: 9:30AM

Venue: Cambridge University, Lady Mitchell Hall, Sidgwick Site, Cambridge CB3 9DA

Online: Worldwide - Live & Recorded Access

You can either register for individual sessions or apply for an annual pass with 50% discount.

Individual Seminar Registration: http://courses.meoc.org.uk/p/register.html

Series Registration: http://courses.meoc.org.uk/p/juz-amma.html

Testimonials

"The Magnificent Journey continues... Today's seminar was yet another awesome seminar in the series with an exceptional crowd and amazing insights from Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi. This is truly a historic series of seminars on the explanation of The Qur'an, redefining our understanding and relationship with the Book of ALLAH. The emphasis of Dr Nadwi on establishing our connection with ALLAH and utilising the space given to us for recognising one God is the key highlight of these seminars. Each seminar begins by strongly negating the wrong practices which have been introduced into the true teachings of worshipping one ALLAH, and then builds on it by inviting us to ponder on the signs of ALLAH and get closer to our Rabb. Truly inspiring series, I would strongly recommend everybody including men, women and families to attend the Magnificent Journey Seminars as these are life-changing and truly instill in us the urge to love the Book of ALLAH. The subtle nuances of the language which make the Qur'an such a powerful speech are beautifully explained by Dr Akram Nadwi in a nice balanced way keeping things simple and interesting at the same time. His tremendous scholarship of Hadith literature and exceptional skill in Arabic language make this series a unique experience and a historic event in the city of Cambridge." - Awais Ahmed Awan, Cambridge

“There are not many people that you meet and in the first hour of sitting with them you decide you love them for the sake of Allah, but for me that was the case one week ago, when I had the honour of sitting in on a course by Shaykh Akram Nadwi. The next week I was with him again and by no means did he cease to amaze me any less. When someone like Shaykh Akram speaks and explains things the way he does, you know that anyone who is not benefiting from him will look back in 10 years and think, man I totally lost out there. You may know a topic inside out but because of the depth of his knowledge and more importantly his understanding, when he explains something you are thrown back by how he explained it in a way you never heard it before. MashaAllah. These courses are essential for every Muslim. If people are sincere about seeking knowledge that will connect them to their Creator, Allah (SWT), then they will take full advantage as they will not only help one understand their purpose in life in a deeper and more meaningful way but they will also be in a strong position to articulate Islam to the people around them in a way that makes sense and appeals the the hearts and minds.” - Tariq Shaekh, London

More Testimonials: http://courses.meoc.org.uk/p/testimonials.html