Mushtaque Barq
The book entitled: From Big Bang to Baghdad showcases an intricate relationship between the theological concept of religion and the scientific and historical perspective of its evolution particularly in the context of the origin. The book has marked an emphasis on rational thought and reason to witness a diverse scholarly perspectives, with some leaning towards tradition (naql) and others prioritizing reason (aql). Notably, scholars like Said Nursi and Muhammad Iqbal navigated both ‘aql and naql’ in their prophetologies, placing a significant emphasis on reason. The book is an ionic study of historical and social evolution of religion wrapped in the robe of faith.
The central argument posits that a conventional faith believer lacks a balanced integration of metaphysical and rational elements. In contrast, Nursi and Iqbal successfully maintained this equilibrium by incorporating metaphysical aspects. The book by Dr. Qazi Ashraf is a kind of thesis proclaiming that man’s imaginative and logical aspect has together been employed to justify many such conventions which were earlier restricted to gods. The thesis undertakes a textual analysis of major works, highlighting the distinct responses these many thinkers offered to the theological challenges of their time and drawing comparisons with their modernist contemporaries.
Furthermore, the author contends that scientific inquiry complements matters of faith, offering valuable insights into religion,scientific methodologies, rooted in empirical evidence and rational inquiry, provide a systematic framework for evaluating historical and cultural influences on religious interpretations. The integration of scientific knowledge is seen as essential for a comprehensive understanding of religion, fostering inclusive and open-minded dialogue.
The Big Bang theory serves as a scientific framework unravelling the origins and evolution of the universe, firmly rooted in the realm of cosmology. Importantly, it remains silent on the genesis or progression of religious beliefs. Science, with its unwavering commitment to empirical observation and evidence, grapples with unravelling the intricacies of the natural world, while religion often plunges into inquiries regarding meaning, purpose, and the transcendental.
Chapter 1: The Collision that Birthed Religion: Religious beliefs form an intricate narrative shaped by cultural, social, psychological, and historical influences. Rooted in humanity’s pursuit of meaning amidst existential questions, religious thought transcends scientific methodologies, like the Big Bang, which, while enhancing our grasp of the natural order, often falls short in addressing profound inquiries about life’s purpose, morality, and deities.
This chapter delves into the sacred history of humanity, exploring the mysterious genesis of life. The arrival of the first humans marks a pivotal moment, prompting fundamental questions about existence and consciousness. The interplay of science and spirituality gains profound significance in this exploration.
Sacred history unfolds through storytelling, myths, and cultural narratives, shaping collective consciousness and offering frameworks for understanding life’s mysteries. This chapter unravels the significance of these stories as sources of wisdom, moral guidance, and metaphysical insights.
Culture becomes a crucible for religious evolution, from rituals to symbolism, serving as a canvas for the human quest for the divine. The dynamic interplay between culture and religion is explored, illustrating their mutual influence over time.Yet, this exploration is shadowed by violence, often intertwined with religious narratives, becoming a complex thread in the fabric of human history. The chapter probes into the darker aspects of religious fervour, exploring how beliefs, lacking understanding, can lead to conflict.
It’s crucial to approach discussions on science and religion with awareness of their distinct roles. Each provides unique lenses through which humanity explores the complexceremony of existence. As we journey through this exploration, a nuanced understanding of our collective narrative is invited, seeking meaning in the collision that birthed religion.
Chapter 2 of book discusses oral and written histories, highlighting the distinctions between them. Aslan argues that sacred history transcends time and space, suggesting a timeless quality in religious narratives. The chapter emphasizes “No god but God,” asserting that religion, for Aslan, is fundamentally a story of faith. It explores religion as both an impulse and a narrative expression, and the mention of caves hints at a broader exploration of religious history across diverse contexts. The reference of Sacred Histories continues in the next chapter.
Chapter 4: From Cattle Rustling Aryans to Cow-Revering Communities: This chapter paints a vivid picture of how ancient societies harnessed the power of imagination to elevate necessity into ritualistic practices. With the growing population, the act of animal slaughter transformed from a mere means of securing sustenance to a ceremonious rite. As time marched forward, the offering of sacrifices to numerous deities became a prevalent custom, with the belief that the grander the sacrifice, the more substantial the rewards in the afterlife. In the earlier epochs, the notion of an afterlife was but a faint flicker in their collective imagination. However, propelled by an evolving human desire for a more futuristic worldview, the act of sacrificing animals became a communal endeavour. This shared activity served as a tangible expression of their faith in the divine, a practice undertaken to garner favour from the gods.
The ritualistic slaughter of animals, once a pragmatic solution to a basic need, evolved into a profound group activity. This transformation was not merely about meeting nutritional requirements but also about justifying their commitment to the gods they revered. The escalating demand for a more comprehensive understanding of the afterlife propelled these communities to embrace the sacrifice of animals as a tangible manifestation of their spiritual devotion.
Chapter: Buddha or Bhagavad Gita explores fundamental Eastern concepts of Karma and Dukkha. The topic discusses Mahavira, founder of Jainism, in the context of a reformist theological movement. It examines a spiritual discipline emphasizing compassion and empathy and provides an in-depth analysis of Gautama Buddha’s life and teachings. The Chapter explores the role of Ashoka in the spread of Buddhism and skilfully discusses the concept of avatar in Hinduism. It also brings to light the complex relationship between religious beliefs and acts of violence. Karma Yoga, emphasizing selfless action for spiritual growthhas been dealt in the chapter.
Section Third and Fourth of the Book:Greek Hegemony and the Birth Pangs of Israeland The Sea of Arabia – From Caravans to Kingdom:covers a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from themes of violence, divine conflicts, and existential fears to an exploration of democracy’s origins, intellectualism, and cosmic religion as viewed by philosophers Socrates and Plato. It digs into ( ES KE TOA LOGICAL) eschatologicalaspects, detailing the first jihad and providing insights into the early life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). A significant chapter, “The Unanswered Questions,” raises serious and sensitive inquiries about faith, urging readers to seek answers from faith healers rather than historians. The author expresses concern about leaving these questions open and advocates for their resolution. The book also addresses the nuances between political and social Islam. Overall, it offers a comprehensive examination of cultural, religious, and philosophical dimensions, inviting critical reflection on faith-related issues.
Dr. Qazi Ashraf, a versatile author and cancer surgeon, offers a unique perspective on the intersection of religion, science, and historical evolution. With expertise in science, politics, and religious studies, he brings a well-rounded approach to his writing. Having authored four books, including his latest work published by Notion Press, Dr. Ashraf invites readers to engage in a thought-provoking exploration of the dynamic relationship between religion, science, and evolution through a historical lens.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
