The future belongs to those who choose reason over rhetoric, effort over excuses and progress over perpetual blame
Najmuddin A Farooqi
ONE of the fundamental distinctions between human beings and the animal kingdom is humanity’s innate desire to live in organised societies, build meaningful relationships and engage in critical thinking. Human progress has always been driven by reason, cooperation and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances.
In this context, it is time to move beyond the endless cycle of blame, condemnation and glorification of religious scholars and rulers who lived centuries ago. While history has its place, dwelling excessively on events that occurred hundreds of years ago offers little value in addressing the challenges of the present. Even if historical analysis is necessary, examining the developments of the last century should be more than sufficient. The world has undergone unprecedented transformations and the demands of our age are clear: excellence, rationality, scientific inquiry and innovation.
From the perspective of Muslim societies, an important question must be confronted honestly: What exactly do we seek? Do we aspire to worldly progress, educational advancement, economic prosperity and social development? Or do we expect material success to arrive effortlessly merely because we belong to a faith that we believe to be true? If setbacks occur, should we continue blaming one another and then console ourselves with the expectation that all shortcomings will be compensated for in the Hereafter?
Such an approach risks creating a false sense of security. If one chooses to live in a fool’s paradise in this world, what assurance exists regarding success in the next? With due respect, such a mindset may ultimately lead to the situation aptly captured in the expression: “Na Khuda hi mila, na visal-e-sanam; na idhar kay rahay, na udhar kay rahay” neither attaining worldly success nor preparing adequately for the Hereafter.
A universal principle remains relevant: “God helps those who help themselves”. The world operates largely through the law of cause and effect. Human effort, planning, education, discipline and perseverance are the foundations upon which progress is built. Those who rely solely on miracles while neglecting these responsibilities cannot reasonably hold others accountable for their failures.
At the same time, it would be unfair to overlook the encouraging progress made by a significant section of Indian Muslims over the past three decades. Despite numerous challenges, many have increasingly embraced modern education, professional careers, entrepreneurship and social mobility. This gradual transformation is a positive development and deserves recognition.
Comparisons between Muslims and other minority communities are often misleading because they ignore crucial demographic and socio-economic realities. India’s population exceeds 1.4 billion. Among its minority communities, Jains number approximately 7 million, Sikhs around 25 million, Christians about 34 million and Muslims approximately 210 million, more than the population of most Muslim-majority countries.
Furthermore, it is inappropriate to treat the annual success rate in the Indian Civil Services exams as the sole measure of a community’s collective intelligence, capability or success. The achievements of any community depend on a wide range of factors, including population size, economic strength, educational infrastructure, historical circumstances, social conditions and professional preferences.
For example, the Jain community has traditionally been engaged in business, finance, trade, and the jewellery sector, contributing significantly to its economic and professional success. Various reports have highlighted the community’s substantial contribution to India’s economy and tax revenues. The Sikh community has, likewise, established a strong presence across diverse fields, including agriculture, industry, trade and entrepreneurship. Similarly, the Christian community has historically benefited from extensive educational networks developed during the British era and continuing into the mid-20th century. Missionary schools and colleges, many of which remain active today, have made and continue to make a significant contribution to India’s educational landscape.
Another factor worthy of consideration is the extent of historical and cultural integration between different communities and the broader social milieu. The Jain and Sikh communities, having originated within the Indian civilisational context, share many cultural, linguistic and social traditions with the Hindu majority. Indian Muslims, on the other hand, constitute a much larger demographic group and possess a distinct religious identity. In addition, they often find themselves viewed through the prism of historical events and political narratives, which can sometimes complicate their social and political positioning despite their deep roots in and longstanding contributions to Indian society.
By contrast, while Muslim rulers left behind a rich cultural and architectural heritage, present-day Indian Muslims have not inherited comparable educational or economic institutions on the same scale. However, it would be neither fair nor productive to attribute contemporary educational and economic challenges solely to historical rulers. Their era ended long ago and today’s realities demand solutions suited to a rapidly evolving modern world.
Despite facing considerable socio-political pressures and challenges, Indian Muslims deserve appreciation for largely maintaining peace, social harmony and restraint. In recent years, they have continued to pursue education, establish schools and colleges, participate in entrepreneurship and contribute positively to society. Such efforts demonstrate resilience and a commitment to progress despite adverse circumstances.
The path forward lies neither in victimhood nor in complacency. It lies in self-improvement, education, economic empowerment, scientific thinking and constructive engagement with society. Communities that invest in knowledge, innovation and disciplined effort are the ones that ultimately thrive.
Finally, one important lesson deserves emphasis: social media must be approached with caution, wisdom and critical judgment. In an age of instant information and misinformation, emotional reactions can easily replace thoughtful analysis. Progress requires not only access to information but also the ability to evaluate it responsibly.
The future belongs to those who choose reason over rhetoric, effort over excuses and progress over perpetual blame.
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Najmuddin A Farooqi is a Lucknow-based journalist and writer. His areas of interest are social, economic, education and health. The views expressed here are the author’s own and Clarion India does not necessarily subscribe to them.
