SPIRIT OF ISLAM DECEMBER 2018

40 Spirit of Islam Issue 72 December 2018 RIGHT CHOICE Pragmatism M ACHINES, for instance, clocks and watches generally run on a system of cog wheels. The movement of one such wheel sets another in motion. If either of the wheels does not mesh with the other, neither will the cog wheel move, nor will the machine be set in motion. The same applies to human plans in the modern world. There are two “cog-wheels” here as well. And life’s system functions properly only when the two engage and work together in unison. One wheel in this world is that of man, while the other is that of concomitant circumstances. Here, the individual can be effective only to the extent that external circumstances will permit. Given this state of affairs, wisdom lies in his knowing what is possible and what is not possible for him in terms of his circumstances. Where interests are in conflict, the actual point at issue is not what should be the settlement from the point of view of justice; the actual solution to be sought in such a situation, is that which is possible in practical terms. That is why, in such instances, one should be willing to accept the possible, instead of engaging in futile hostilities over the issue of ideal justice. Such efforts will lead to nothing but further loss. The same is the case with nations. Here, too, the leaders should look to what is achievable and what is not in respect of actual circumstances. The degree of success achieved by the individual or the nation is in direct proportion to the effective interlocking of “cog-wheel”, within a broad framework of non-adherence to rigid ideologies. Those nations who understood the laws of nature and started their national journey in accordance with these laws made steady progress and have become developed countries of the world. This principle of nature, in brief, favours healthy competition. Their leaders granted freedom to their citizens and opened up opportunities to achieve the desired success by proving their capability in a highly competitive field. These leaders limited the government sphere to law and order, thus granting its citizen full freedom of action in other fields. As a result everyone found unhampered opportunities for the optimal development of personal potential.