In the cause of Allah

Socrates envisioned an ideal state with a perfect society where every individual is valued and assigned a specific role. In this society, the learned and rational individuals serve as philosopher-kings, guiding and managing the affairs of the state. A philosopher-king must study disciplines such as philosophy, geometry, and astronomy to enhance their judgment, virtues, and decision-making abilities. Socrates' philosophy emphasizes the development of a philosopher-king, a person capable of setting aside personal desires and gaining the awareness necessary to differentiate between good and evil. A philosopher-king embodies qualities such as truth, courage, steadfastness, knowledge, and a sound mind. In the ideal state, women have the same rights and privileges as men, allowing them to enjoy the same benefits.  The second tier in the class hierarchy consists of the auxiliaries, who are soldiers. They are specifically trained to defend, protect, and safeguard the state from external th...

He asked, “Are you thirsty?”   I replied, “Yes, I am.”   He then asked, “What kind of thirst do you have?”   I paused and said, “The thirst for knowing the truth.”   He responded, “No one has ever quenched this thirst for truth. What are you going to do about it?”   I replied, “I will imitate others and deceive myself.”   He asked, “What do you mean by that?”   I reiterated, “I will trick myself into believing that he is the most knowledgeable, hardworking, and brilliant person in this life.”   He questioned, “What is the purpose of knowledge, reason, contemplation, and conscience in you and me?”   I answered, “Just as we see diversity around us, our existence is also diverse. Nietzsche argues that man is the most diverse being, possessing layers of diversity in mind, heart, soul, and reason, each unique in its characteristics.”   He said, “Does that mean man’s knowledge is not cohesive?”...

Plato argues that humans require a perfect state in which to live, where each individual performs according to their abilities. He envisions the state as having three distinct classes: the philosopher-kings, who are the learned rulers; the warriors, who are trained to defend the state; and the common people, who pursue various professions. This ideal state is characterized by justice, peace, and prosperity. In modern democracies, many classes have emerged, with bureaucracy being one of the most prominent. Plato believes that excessive freedom can lead individuals and societies to a tyrannical state. Just as the body has a soul, a state also possesses a soul that is shaped by its ruler. The elevation of a person's soul is influenced by their various desires, while the soul of a state is determined by its leader. A tyrant embodies a corrupted soul, indulging in excessive power, wealth, and pleasure, which ultimately deteriorates the essence of the state. A tyrant is weak in heart, so...

I am in Sost, Hunza, trying to understand why I am here. There are two reasons for my visit. Initially, I planned to visit Hunza to experience the autumn season this winter.  Additionally, I am here to assist my cousin, who recently started working at the Sost dry port. Sost is the only dry port between Pakistan and China at Khunjerab. There are two types of dry ports: one for baggage and small vehicles, and the other for larger shipments, which handles transits, freight, and cargo. It is fascinating to learn that the Sost dry port is crucial for the economy of Hunza-Nagar, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, and even beyond. Sost and its inhabitants are fortunate to have a port, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a rich natural ecology, and a shrine. Saint Baba Ghundi is buried in Chapurson, Sost. During my visit there in 2019, I heard a parable that tells the story of Baba Ghundi. When he first arrived in Chapurson from Afghanistan, the local people did not accept him or his de...

The definitions of theft and stealing have become increasingly complex. In the context of financial transactions, theft involves money. Money serves as a measure of value in exchanges between individuals. When two parties agree to an exchange, they determine a price for the goods and services involved. Both buyers and sellers must agree to and fulfill their obligations to complete any transaction. If one party involved in a transaction is robbed, the transaction fails. When both parties fulfill their obligations, the deal is ethically and morally sound. Financially, it is a successful transaction in which both parties gain what they desire from each other. In 2022, I traveled to Prague to participate in the Fund for American Studies (TFAS) International academic program. It was a three-week program, and I needed to pay $250 out of my scholarship. I requested permission from TFAS to pay this amount after the program concluded, and they kindly agreed to allow me to make the payment after...

The world is in chaos, and innocent people are dying every day. Few have the courage to speak out against the horrific injustices and oppression taking place. Both Israel and Hamas view themselves as fighting against terrorists, each labeling the other as infidels while continuing to kill one another. Children and women who are unaware of the political conflicts are being killed. They have precious lives filled with dreams and desires. Most of the world is complicit in this tragedy and bears guilt. Many support these crimes against humanity and do not want the war to end. Can we stop this crime in such a low moral and ethical atmosphere? I see little hope. We are struggling because we are preoccupied with unfulfilled desires. We pursue happiness at any cost, mistakenly thinking that peace of mind comes from disturbing the lives of others. In reality, we have lost touch with our conscience and humanity. We are knocking on the wrong door. Life is a precious thing; it is the most valued a...

The greatest pain comes from hurting ourselves. We cannot confront external enemies when we are too weak to care for our own souls. Each of us has different weaknesses that we often fail to acknowledge or address. However, when we learn to transform our weaknesses into strengths, we can overcome any external temptation or challenge. This is the essence of being human. The solution to our challenges and shortcomings can only be achieved through an accurate diagnosis. If I have pain in my heart but consult a neurologist, I won’t be able to find a cure. We are human, and humans make mistakes. Some believe that we are inherently sinful and cannot overcome these sins through our own efforts. We need someone with a special ability to help cleanse us and remove our sins. Human beings are mortal, and everyone will eventually pass away. We often waste our energy and time pursuing things that aren’t essential for our growth as individuals. Striving for material possessions isn’t the cure for our...