The Social Impact of Books

By Dr Zafar Darik Qasmi, New Age Islam 22 September 2025 Abstract: Books play a central role in shaping society. Their value depends on the author’s thoughts, purpose, and sincerity. Positive and balanced ideas in books can bring progress, while confused or negative ideas create unrest and harm. Many modern writings lack deep research and originality, leading to little benefit. Writers must choose useful topics, write with interest, and follow proper research methods. Digital reading is growing, but the joy of real books remains unmatched. History shows that only serious and constructive ideas last. Literature should always serve human welfare, guide society, and promote positive social change. Main Points: 1. Books influence society based on the author’s ideas and character. 2. Positive writings bring progress, negative writings spread unrest and harm. 3. Many modern works lack originality, research, and social relevance. 4. Digital reading grows, but printed books give deeper lasting joy. 5. Only constructive, balanced ideas survive and benefit future generations. ----- It is an undeniable truth that the role of books is fundamental and significant in social and communal progress. However, only those authors bring positive changes to society through their writings and literary works whose thoughts are broad, stable, and whose character is upright. On the contrary, writers who lack sound and constructive ideas, whose thoughts are scattered, end up producing works that spread misguidance, imbalance, doubts, unrest, and anxiety in society. Therefore, a book in itself has no inherent value; rather, its beauty and usefulness depend entirely on the author’s ideas and vision. Yet, we cannot ignore the fact that today’s social condition is indeed pitiable—even though books are being written in abundance and articles are being produced. Despite this, how much genuine benefit is reaching society? We all know the answer. Writers and authors must give attention to the fact that whatever literature they are producing should directly benefit society. The real greatness and utility of books can only be realised when they bring about positive change. The subjects chosen for writing should show their impact in real life as well. The debates and content within a book determine its importance and the kind of change it can bring to society. If a book, despite its subject and style, fails to produce constructive effects in the community, it is certain that unnecessary elements have been included in it. Human nature is such that it accepts only those changes and innovations which prove useful. The same is true for books. In reality, many subjects and topics in books are repeated so often that their potential impact on society is lost. If creative abilities are presented in an organised manner, aligned with research and proper scholarly standards, and according to the needs of the time, they will certainly prove beneficial. Unfortunately, most writings today appear completely empty of research values and cultural traditions. More than that, new books are often compiled merely by copying a few earlier ones—without the author’s analysis, critical approach, or even personal opinion. When readers come across such works, they find them entirely hollow and lose interest. In this way, such books or articles simply add to the quantity of literature without contributing any quality. If we want our writings to influence society and gain recognition among scholars, we must adorn our creative works with proper research and methodology. Moreover, before choosing a subject for writing, an author must carefully observe whether it addresses the real needs of society—its religious, intellectual, political, and social concerns. Only then can such a book serve society directly. Another important point is that no great or remarkable creation can come into existence without the author’s inner inclination and interest in the subject. These aspects not only enhance the writer’s greatness but also make their work widely accepted as beneficial within society. It is also important to note that in today’s world, digital libraries are spreading and the trend of reading online or PDF books on computers is rapidly growing. This common practice has, to a great extent, weakened the charm and utility of books. The unique pleasure of reading a physical book can never be replaced by reading on a screen. This habit has not only reduced the significance of books but also badly affected their sale and purchase. Therefore, we should encourage people to read physical books, as this sends a positive message to society and leaves readers with joy and fulfillment after reading. Of course, every age has its own demands. There was a time when people travelled long distances in search of books. Great scholars like Al-Biruni and Ibn Battuta devoted years to knowledge-seeking journeys to highlight the eternal value of books. That was the requirement of their time. Things have now changed, and keeping current conditions in mind, new writings must also be digitised so that the younger generation can access them widely. An author must never forget that the relationship between books and society is very deep. In other words, writing, speech, creativity, and research are directly connected with the society in which we live. If a writer is conscious that their literary service will influence society, they will never include thoughts that hurt the feelings of communities or individuals. If criticism of an idea is necessary, it should always be expressed in a cultured and polite way. Such refined qualities greatly elevate the status of any literary work in the eyes of scholars and thinkers. Nevertheless, we see that both in the past and present, many books have been written that caused unrest, conflict, and disharmony in society. Writers of negative thought mistakenly believe that by mocking someone’s beliefs they will gain fame or please a like-minded group. But this is a mere illusion. In reality, only those ideas survive whose foundation is balanced and serious. Look at history—authors of negative ideas like Salman Rushdie or Taslima Nasrin are already forgotten by society. Human psychology and sociology clearly state that ideas without positivity may attract people temporarily but eventually society itself rejects them completely. Our creative works will remain alive and lasting only when we frame our thoughts for the welfare and prosperity of society. Sadly, many authors today turn away from real social issues. By ignoring or deliberately overlooking the realities and problems of society, no literary creation can achieve lasting greatness. Writers, researchers, and authors who truly understand social values, and who wish to make their works exemplary and guiding, must always give special importance to social principles in their writings. Books have always been an inseparable part of human development and progress. They can never be ignored in any era. But if books are written today that do not reform society or free it from intellectual confusion, prejudice, or arrogance, then what is the benefit of such writing? Looking at the creative legacy of Muslim scholars, we find that our forefathers left behind such masterpieces that not only provided intellectual and research-based guidance but are still celebrated globally and continue to inspire positive revolutions. Why then does today’s literature lack such depth, strength, and breadth—despite the fact that far more books, magazines, and journals are now being published? This is the pressing need of our time: literature must be made powerful enough to restore social relations, human rights, and to guide communities towards the right path. We must always remember that every idea presented in writing—whether positive or negative—has its effects. If ideas are positive and presented in an organised way, they are useful for society. But if negative ideas are written down, their impact will surely be harmful. ----- Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi is an author and a New Age Islam regular columnist. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/books-documents/social-impact-books/d/136923 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism