Plastic Words
There is a book called Plastic Words by Uwe Poerksen, a German linguist. In it, he argues that, the world today is characterised with certain plastic words which he also describes as tyrannical because they have been so destructive to society. These words have no precise meaning but they do have an aura of goodness and beneficence about them. They also appear to be scientific, so they carry an aura of authority.
Examples of these words include democracy, freedom, equality, development, progress and science. People who brandish these words gain power and prestige and consider themselves winners like Manchester United supporters. Those who don't would be ignored and marginalised and cringe in shame like Arsenal supporters. How often have we heard it being said, "We need to do such-and-such for the sake of democracy", or "In these days of science and technology it's a shame that we still............."? These words are bandied about as if they are deities. Isn't Libya attacked for the sake of democracy? And, Iraq and Afghanistan before that?
It's due to this phenomenon that Perkasa appears to be so out-of-whack and we are ashamed to be associated with it even though they are fighting for our rights. But it is most sad to see PAS leaders proclaim proudly, "Islam is consistent with democracy," and "Membangun Bersama PAS" being made a PAS slogan.
Recently, during a dinner with an American political scientist, I asked her jokingly, "Who is this god, democracy, that you all seem to worship?" She replied, "I know! It's so embarrassing to be an American these days. We invade countries in the name of democracy but it doesn't even work in our own country!"
Many of us are unreflective. We prefer to keep things simple. "Tak mau pening," so to speak. We pray five times a day, fast during Ramadhan, pay our zakat and imagine we are alright. But are we really alright?
When we go along with the rest of the world, in allowing our lives to be orientated by these words, aren't we compromising our Aqidah?
Food for thought for those who think.
From Latif,
ReplyDeleteYour comments on Plastic Words somehow reminded me of the book Milestones by Syed Qutb. I cannot really pinpoint the reason why.
Maybe my concern is that you are reading the views of non-Muslims on a lot of issues, eg democracy, development. Some of these views may be consistent with the Islamic view but they look at these issues from their own perceptions of justice, equality, etc. And of course their proposed solution, if any, would not be consistent with Islam.
Milestones as I recall, looked at the world situation in the 40’s, 50’s and early 60’s from the Islamic perspective. Most if not all the contents are still relevant today. The book was one of the basic texts for usrah during our UK days.
Pls read the book.
Thanks for your comments, Tip. May I point out that justice and equality are also plastic words?
ReplyDeleteSyed Qutb and Mawdudi - ahh, nostalgia! I think you gave me copies of their books when you visited me in Bristol. That was the first time I had a notion that there is more to Islam then the rituals. You did me a great service there.
I do read and learn from a variety of unIslamic sources. We all do. Our entire
formal education is unIslamic not to mention the brainwashing we are subjected to daily through the media. It's hard not to be influenced, especially if you don't think.
No?
From Latif.
ReplyDeleteYou consider democracy, justice, equality, etc as plastic words based on what you read. That is precisely my point. When you read the works of Syed Qutb, Mawdudi, etc then you will be able to put those words in their proper perspective vis-a-vis Islam.
With the foundation created by reading from the Islamic authors, then we will be able to think better and not be influenced by all the brainwashing.
And the best author is Allah and the best book is the Quran. That is why I am now pushing the idea that children from 4 to 9 years old should focus on Quran and Arabic besides the fardhu ain. All the worldly knowledge can be taught from 10 years old onwards after building a really strong foundation in the Islamic knowledge.