The Need to Promote Literature Rooted in Love and Integrity

By Zafar Darik Qasmi, New Age Islam Translated from Urdu by New Age Islam 14 April 2025 In an Age of Polarization, Only Compassionate and Fact-Based Literature Can Rebuild Societal Harmony Today, social and communal bonds are being rapidly eroded, and in their place, literature based on hatred, hostility, prejudice, and narrow-mindedness is being promoted — a deeply dangerous trend. To counter this, we must encourage and cultivate literature rooted in love and compassion so that we can continue to live together in peace and mutual respect. ---- Any literature or written work from any era can only be considered a reflection of balanced and sound thought if it provides an accurate analysis and critique of the circumstances of that time—regardless of which aspect of life they pertain to. The ideologies and movements present in society must be represented without discrimination of religion or community. Serious discussions must be held on political matters and their intricacies. In this context, it can be stated with full confidence that in order to present a positive and balanced analysis of the present, it is essential that the past has been accurately represented. Likewise, to make society aware of future conditions, a correct understanding of the present is imperative. Keeping this principle in mind, all of history and various social issues can be examined. Therefore, it seems appropriate to say that even today, there are many unresolved complexities in history that give rise to divisions in society. Sometimes these differences are not purely based on scholarly or academic grounds, but they also lead to unrest in society and narrow the scope of thinking. From here, attitudes of prejudice and intolerance begin to grow. Therefore, if we wish to deliver a positive message to society, it is necessary to thoroughly investigate any event or piece of news. If it is related to the past, then one must study the thoughts and ideologies presented by the insightful minds of that time. Only after completing this process can any opinion, critique, analysis, or objective study be presented to society. And it is precisely such analyses and commentaries that contribute to peace, harmony, and intellectual openness in society. The civilized nations of the world, and the people of intellect and art among them, are generally those who organize and systematize their intellectual resources and tools. In their writings, publications, research, and analyses, they adopt a factual, evidence-based, and logical approach. We are well aware that analyses, commentaries, or ideologies that create doubt and confusion in society do not convey any positive message. The tragedy of today is that most analyses being conducted are not based on facts; rather, they are driven by emotions, hatred, or blind devotion. What is truly necessary is that, regardless of the subject or area of life an analysis belongs to, it must be free from bias, undue reverence, hatred, or lack of research. Society is a living reality, and the changes that occur within it are also a part of that reality. Any change in society can only be accurately analysed when we are fully aware of the conditions surrounding it. If an analysis is carried out based on ignorance or preconceived notions, its outcomes are always disappointing and divisive. In contrast, analyses grounded in awareness, understanding, and sensitivity contribute to a positive mindset and ideological stability within society. They breathe a spirit of intellectual and scholarly inquiry into society, broaden perspectives, and pave the way for peace, harmony, and unity. If any misunderstanding arises due to ignorance or misinformation, it can easily be resolved through this process. Just as the field of knowledge and research demands honesty and integrity, and has its own requirements, the question arises: Are such values truly being upheld in our society today when it comes to knowledge and research? In the contemporary era, whether the research pertains to religious studies, sociology, ethics, or political science, one common issue across all these fields is the neglect of proper academic standards and research values that should ideally be maintained. It is often observed that researchers no longer turn to the primary sources; instead, they rely on secondary references and attempt to suffice with that. This approach is not suitable for scholars, nor can it convey the correct message to society. If we genuinely desire intellectual, practical, and ideological reform in society through the spirituality of knowledge and research and the illuminating rays it produces, then we must reconsider the current attitudes and practices — particularly the conventional and superficial methods that are prevalent among us. Researchers, analysts, columnists, and authors must remember that the impact of accurate research and positive thinking brings a kind of spiritual pleasure that the entire society benefits from. On the other hand, if research is produced with prejudice, narrow-mindedness, or negative thinking, then the consequences it can have on society are beyond imagination. We also observe that even today, the authors and their thoughts that remain alive are those whose analyses are marked by balance and moderation. Whether the analysis is about a book or about a movement or ideology prevalent in society, if it is not done with awareness, sensitivity, or a sense of responsibility, it cannot truly be called an analysis. This can also be understood in this way: if you are writing a review of a book and you already have either admiration or dislike for the author, then the resulting review cannot be considered balanced. In the same way, many of the analyses being made today in India about the current government and Muslims also reflect a lack of seriousness and objectivity, because a preconceived opinion already exists—and the purpose often becomes to reinforce that opinion. The only difference lies in the style of expression. Just as the world is rapidly advancing in inventions and discoveries, there has also been a significant increase in the tools and resources available for research and investigation. It has become easier to access material, yet unfortunately, honesty and integrity in this process are often lacking — which is truly regrettable. In this changing world, if anything can lead us back to the right path, it is our balanced intellectual approach and those analyses that pave the way for reflection and contemplation in society. The need for sincere and meaningful literature is also undeniable. Therefore, to promote harmony and tolerance in society, we must produce and compile literature that respects human relationships and strengthens society intellectually and ideologically. Today, social and communal bonds are being rapidly eroded, and in their place, literature based on hatred, hostility, prejudice, and narrow-mindedness is being promoted — a deeply dangerous trend. To counter this, we must encourage and cultivate literature rooted in love and compassion so that we can continue to live together in peace and mutual respect. ---- Urdu Article: The Need to Promote Literature Based On Love محبتپرمبنیادبکوفروغدینےکیضرورت URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/literature-rooted-love-integrity/d/135155 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