Book Review: Marxism and Other Western Fallacies : An Islamic Critique by Ali Shari'ati

Written by Ali Shariati, translated by R. Campbell, this book reflects on the thoughts of one of the most important writers in Iran’s recent history. Ali Shariati’s influence in Iran could be estimated by the fact that in twelve months, starting from January 1978 the Pahalvi dynasty crumbled down.

Shariati believes that there are few intellectual currents of his time which include Western liberalism, Marxism, Existentialism and religion. He criticizes Marx: “Marx allowed his marvelous sensitivity to human moral values to be over-shadowed by his revolutionary enthusiasm for the politics and economics of communism, and thus allows himself to be transformed into just another political leader, hungry for power and enamored of political triumph”.

Shariati views man as having power of choice and hence this power brings “him a commitment, a responsibility, which is meaningless unless articulated with reference to a system of values.” In the chapter tilted Modern Calamities Shariati critiques democracy and western liberalism. Moreover he stresses that humanity is facing alienation, human values are on the decline, there is a rise in consumption and traditional moral values continue to decline.Moreover he is highly critical of Confucius for introducing people to rigid conformity which he believes later turned people into frozen animals. Shariati views capital as the greed of his age. He objects to Sarte’s idea of human freedom of choice. In addition he opines that Sarte cannot propose a criterion for choice/a standard of values other that personal “good sense”.

Shariati declares Protestantism, Capitalism, Marxism and Fascism as “four brothers born of the same materialism and raised in the same household.” Furthermore the author criticizes Marx’s views on religion. He quotes Hazrat Ali to support his own arguments. Shariati thinks that both Marx and Islam are interested in the same private and social lives of the people but they are completely opposed. Human laws are just as authentic and demonstrable as natural laws is what the author Shariati stresses upon.

The author approves neither Hegel nor Engels. The author quotes from Iqbal and from the Quran too. Shariati favors mysticism and says that: “Mysticism produces a spiritual sensitivity in man, along with sublime psychological and spiritual values, which foster his existence and his spirit”.He is inspired by Hazrat Ali’s life. He considers him to have placed greater reliance upon human values and noble acts.

 The author finally presents his own solution to the needs of his time and suggests: “The primacies of existence, justice and mysticism (the inner light of human essence) would satisfy the needs of our tome in the best possible way”.

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Book Review: Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse

Nobel Laureate Hermann Hesse’s novel Siddhartha is revolves around a character named Siddhartha. Siddhartha is a Brahman who embarks on a spiritual journey. Govinda his close friend also chooses to accompany him.

This journey takes them to Gotama Buddha. Govinda becomes Gotama Buddha’s disciple whereas Siddhartha does not wish to become one. Siddhartha believes that Buddha’s teachings miss something. Hence he carries on his spiritual journey in a different manner.

Siddhartha believes that during his spiritual journey he had many teachers. He meets a beautiful courtesan, a rich merchant, gamblers and even a follower of Budhha. Later he meets Vasudeva (the ferryman) and also learnt a lot from the river too. When Siddhartha gets old, he meets his close friend Govinda after ages. He tells Govinda: “Wisdom cannot be passed on. Wisdom which a wise man tries to pass on someone always sounds like foolishness”.

I believe this novel makes one think about the complexities of life. How nature has its effects on a man and his surroundings. Further it reflects on the issue of existence, creating curiosity in the reader regarding wisdom as Siddhartha tries to learn more and get enlightened. In addition to that it provokes the reader to think about human emotions, social relations, greed, wealth, prosperity, contentment and satisfaction.

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Book Review: The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

Kafka was a German writer who lived from 1883 to 1924. This book The Metamorphosis has been translated by David Wyllie. Spending an early disturbed life and facing a strict father Kafka’s work reflect certain elements of his own life experiences.

Kafka writes about a man named Gregor Samsa. Gregor is the central character of this story. One morning Gergor discovers that he has overslept and turned into a bug. He is unable to carry out his job as a travelling salesman. As a consequence of his paining condition Gregor loses his job. His family is disturbed by him discontinuing his job. A domineering father, physically weak mother, and a young sister cause him thinking too about his worrying circumstances.

I believe in this work Kafka has addressed the issues of a breadwinner who now faces alienation after losing his job. He has slowly been cornered by his own family who now do not even wish to enjoy his presence in the house. Gregor seems to have lost all his social relations.

For some readers this might not be an interesting novel as Gregor is portrayed as a bug and at the same time he possesses human characteristics. In my view the author has tried to bring out the complexities of life by stressing on the human emotions in his characters. In doing so Kafka addresses human relations such as sorrow, repentance, endurance, agony and disaffection.

This book was published during Franz Kafka’s life time and is considered as one of his masterpieces.

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Book Review: The Fatimids- The Rise of a Muslim Empire by Shainool Jiwa

This is the first volume of the book Fatimids. It is an interesting account that brings out the complex history of the Ismaili Fatimid dynasty in North Africa. It presents a new view point in looking at the Mediterranean during crucial times of western world history.

The book is based on five chapters which discuss the origins of the Fatimid Empire, expansion in Mediterranean region, empire building and the Fatimid advance in Egypt. Fatimids ruled over a diverse religious and ethnic populace for over two-and-a-half centuries (909-1271). 10^th century was often known as the century of Shi Islam as there was a rise in the number of Shia dynasties across the Muslim world.

 In the first chapter of the book the Ismaili views on the identity of Mahdi are shared. These were conflicting views. Prior to the Fatimids the Umayyad Caliphate was established in 661. Later Abbasids rose to power and established themselves in 750. The assassination of Ali had allowed Mu’awiya to establish the Umayyad Caliphate in 661. It was during Imam-caliph Al-Qaim’s reign that the animosity between Umayyads and Fatimids came to the forefront. In addition to that the author provides an insight to the divisions in Shia Islam.

Explaining the origins of the Fatimid Empire the author reflects on the Ismaili Da’wa.  During the emergence of the Ismaili Da’wa a period of concealment took place. This concealment was known as Dawr Al-Satr which was from 765-909. The Imam of the time remained hidden except from the most trusted of believers.  Da’wa (religious-political mission) gained momentum across the Muslim world. In early 9^th century Ismaili Da’wa became highly organized and tiered.

The first Imam-Caliph of the Fatimid Empire was Abd Allah. He ruled for 25 years. The Fatimids fought the Byzantine Empire which succeeded to the Roman Empire. At times period of intense war would continue and at other times peace would be restored though truce. The Ismaili ruled over what today is known as Sicily, parts of Tunisia and Egypt. Their rule is explained in great detail. The period of turmoil, rivalries between tribes, expansion of empires, commercial interests between empires and construction of fort cities has also been described in great detail.

Qadi al-Nu’man an Ismaili scholar became one of the most influential scholars, jurists and writers of the Fatimid Age. Imam-caliph Al-Mu’izz li-Din Allah founded his new capital in Al-Qahira, modern day Egypt. Jawdhar continued his role as Chief administrator and a dedicated advisor to the Imam when he received a letter from AL-Mu’izz. Jawdhar was of Slavic origin. He was brought as a slave to Ifriqiya. Impressed by his intellect, Imam-Al Mansur bi’llah appointed him as his personal scribe (katib). Later Jawdhar became a seasoned bureaucrat, administrator and a battle commander.

Sicily had always remained a bone of contention from Byzantine and the Fatimids. Fatimid influence expanded eastwards towards Sind. Scholars such as Abu Hatim al-Razi, Muhammad al-Nafasi Abu Ya’qub al-Sijistani played their part in adding more people to the Ismaili fold. Around 958 Prince of Multan accepted the Da’wa from the Ismaili da’is of Yemen who travelled a short journey to Sind. These Da’is were under the direction of Ibn Hawshab.

Further in the book the Grand Fatimid Circumcision Ceremony are discussed. Majalis (teaching sessions), Principle of Walaya, Ahd of Ali, Roles and responsibilities of Dai and, war and peace with the Umayyads is explained in great detail. An Imam had to appoint his Hujja during his life time. Ismaili Imam-Caliphs believed that God’s support (ta’yid) transferred on the transfer of the Imamat.

Moreover the construction of Al-Azhar mosque was founded in 969 is also briefly mentioned. Where Sicily was under Ismaili rul, the Mediterannean engendered inter-racial, inter-ethnic, inter-religious societies. The last chapter focuses on the Fatimid venture in Egypt. When Imam-Caliph Al-Mui’zz arrived, the name Al-Qahira was given.

In 972 Al-Mu’izz began his migration to Egypt. His extended family, others including Qadi Al-Nu’man, chiefs of the Kutama and al-ustadh Jawghar joined him.This great migration set the closure of Fatimid rule in the west and the dawn of the two-century age in Egypt.

Later Hasan-i-Sabah established Nizari Ismaili rule in 1090 with its headquarters at Alamut.

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Book Review: Manto Saheb Translated by Vibha Chauhan and Khalid Alvi

Manto Saheb is a multi-faceted biography of one of the greatest South Asian writers of the 20^th century. Who wondered that Manto who failed Urdu in his high school exam and later emerge as one of the finest writers of the century. This book brings stories about Saadat Hasan Manto, an essayist, scriptwriter and a master of writing short stories.

The stories written in this book include that of Manto’s family, friends and rivals. Some of the others include Ismat Chugtai, Upendranath Ashk, Balwant Gargi, Krishan  Chander, his daughter Nuzhat and nephew Hamid Jalal. The great cities of Bombay, Delhi and Lahore have been described by various writers. The accounts presented by the writers are those of quarrels, drinking sessions, rivalries, friendships, publishers, literary circles and film industry.

Manto is revealed as a complex man. Moreover he was very upset when he lost his one and a half year old son. He was as comfortable with his family as with the prostitutes he visited. Ismat Chugtai says: “The idea of class difference was a dominant one in Manto’s mind. When he brought down and shattered the idol worshipped by the world, Manto felt that he had done something truly courageous”.

Manto was a fierce critic of the works of other writers but he did not tolerate any criticism for his own work. For some stories he was declared as an obscene writer and had to face court trial. Sardar Gurbaksh Singh Preetladin a famous Punjabi writer refused to give evidence in the court in Manto’s favor. At his behavior Manto was amazed and said: “It is astonishing that there are such writers in Punjabi too. Only God can protect the fate of literature in this language”. Financial issues and non-stop drinking were issues which he faced on his death bed too. Manto said: “I have no faith in friendship, benevolence, or affection. The only thing I believe is in alcohol”. In addition to that he was a chain smoker and used to smoke 555 cigarettes.

He was a maverick of his times, a very sensitive human who explained the intricacies of society through his own lens, unadulterated. Manto died in 1955. Manto’s nephew Hamid Jalal concludes the book with his story about Manto. He believes that his uncle was not a hypocrite. He was what he was and that is why no aspect of his life remained hidden from the general public right till his death.

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Book Review: Twenty Weeks in America by Akhtar Hameed Khan

Written by Akhtar Hameed Khan from 3 Sept 1969 to 21 Jan 1970 this book is a dairy of day to day account of his time spent in Princeton USA. Originally written in Urdu this book is translated into English by Aquila Ismail.

Born on 15 July 1914 Akhtar Hameed Khan rose to one of the most prominent social scientist of the twentieth century. He rose to fame with the establishment of a Rural Development Academy in Comilla East Pakistan in 1960s and a rural development program in Karachi named Orangi Pilot Project in the 1980s.

Dr. Khan was invited to Princeton University to deliver a series of lectures in September 1969. There during his stay he recorded his experiences and observations. He also included various developments in American academia and also expressed his thoughts on various developing issues. In this book he mentions the books which he read during his stay. Dr. Khan frequently mentions Tolstoy and Buddha. Moreover Khan discusses human greed, life in general, miseries of the underprivileged and the American way of life.

The author in his spare time attends a Beatles concert, watches plays and attends university debates. In addition to that he comments on how the student movement in US is against the American atrocities in Vietnam. Khan visits churches and synagogues. He also briefly narrates his experiences inside these places of worship. Akhtar Hameed Khan attends many lectures by different professors at Princeton. In the US he also meets economic experts, government officials and officers from Pakistan. In addition to that he writes about the opinion divide among students in American institutions.

Throughout the book Dr. Khan mentions various couplets from different poets, both eastern and western poets. For one hundred and forty one days Dr. Khan stayed in the US and closely observed through his engagements the people and society of the United States of America.

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