❖ Returning to the Early Generations and the Confusion of Modern Man
✍ By: Zahid Mughal
◈ The Background of Apprehension
Today, if someone says that we should return to the early generations (Qurūn-e-Ūlā) because they are our ideal, most people react with alarm, deeming this idea unnatural and irrational. The reason for this is that modern man views change as a value-free and abstract reality. However, the real question is: If change itself is a reality, then why not change from modern life back toward the early generations?
◈ Modern Man’s Notion of “Change”
Why does modern man interpret such a return not as progress, but rather as regression?
The core reason is that today’s dominant concept of change is tied to the goals of freedom and progress (specifically, the increase of capital). There is no such thing as change for the sake of change—rather, change always moves toward an ideal. The modern Enlightenment philosophy asserts that change must serve the purpose of achieving freedom and increasing wealth.
◈ The Coercion of Modern Discourse
In today's world, this idea of freedom and progress is not just accepted—it is enforced through an integrated system that compels people to operate under this very framework. That is why the notion of returning to the early Islamic era appears strange and unnatural, even though there is no definitive proof that it contradicts reason or modern discourse.
◈ The Significance of Returning to the Early Generations
✔ Journey Toward the Ideal
Even if it is not fully possible to attain the ideal, the essential point is whether we are moving toward it or not. For every Muslim, the ideal is the lifestyle of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and his noble Companions (رضي الله عنهم), though no one can become a Prophet or a Companion. Still, the closer we return to the early generations, the higher and nobler our status becomes.
✔ Islamic Concept of Change
The Islamic ideal is that society, the state, and individual life should resemble the era of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. This era is known as Khair al-Qurūn (the best of generations), and our struggle should aim to re-establish the model of that period, not to emulate the values of today’s age of ignorance (Jāhilīyah).
◈ Modern Science, Technology, and Objections
❀ The “Horse and Donkey” Objection
When one speaks of returning to the early generations or raises objections to modern science and technology, people quickly respond, “Do you want us to ride horses and donkeys again?” But is traveling in a car truly a sign of moral superiority? Reaching a place quickly is not a requirement of Shariah.
❀ The Centralization of Science
Considering science and its manifestations to be an indispensable part of life under Shariah is a misunderstanding. Those who praise openness to criticism quickly become enraged when science itself is questioned.
❀ Principles of Shariah
The primary concern of Shariah is not the mode of transport used, but whether the means aid or obstruct the objectives of Shariah. If material benefit leads to a system of life that drags humanity toward misguidance, then it must be abandoned.
◈ Conclusion
To view the return to the early Islamic era as unnatural is a result of the intellectual and civilizational coercion of modern discourse. When people are liberated from this coercion and reject modern values, this very concept will begin to appear natural and rational. The struggle to reshape the world in accordance with the Islamic ideal must remain our foremost priority.
