We can channel our feelings of outrage against the atrocities of the Zionist regime into the well-spring of Islam and irrigate the seedbeds of renaissance.

With courage and faith we can cultivate strong shoots of revival by returning to the patterns of thought prevalent at the zenith of Muslim civilization.
The question now facing Muslims is how to balance modern information technology and Islamic tradition. The urgency of the dilemma has been brought to light in Hamid Golpira’s recent article “Bazaars and particle accelerators” (Tehran Times, December 16, 2008).
This issue of finding the right balance in order to make real progress in Islamic renaissance is of the utmost importance.
Previous generations of scholars had a humbler attitude in their search for knowledge and applied it with greater caution than many modern scientists who are often too interested in financial rewards.
It is related that Ibn Sina (c.980-1037) used to perform two rakats of namaz (prayers) seeking God’s help whenever he was unable to unravel a scientific mystery.
Have we departed from this attitude of reverence? If so, maybe this is why we have witnessed a decline in our civilization and a stunting of our arts and sciences.
When did many people lose the power to distinguish between someone who has stored up a mass of information, and an enlightened person? Islam makes a clear distinction in the Quran (62:5) which has been expounded by Rumi (Masnavi I - 3445):
Like a donkey laden with books: heavy is the knowledge that is not inspired by Him;
But if you carry it for no selfish ends, the load will be lifted and you will feel delight.
The Prophet of Islam (S) was unable to read and write but he was enlightened and wise.
He acquired knowledge from experience and deep contemplation combined with divine guidance and intuition.
The Prophet of Islam (S) applied his knowledge to the world around him to maximize the spiritual and material well-being of his people.
Islam deems it admirable to develop talent and expertise in science and technology, but gives much greater emphasis to the worship of God and gratitude for all he has given us and it encourages us to grow spiritually. We are advised to seek knowledge to attain wisdom, self-mastery and growth in integrity. It is also incumbent on us to practice generosity and fight for justice.
In Islamic culture, technical progress is used to free people for spiritual work.
Presently the planet needs more people who can uphold moral principles.
Being informed is not enough.
Whilst the oppressed are crying out in pain, others are continuing to commit themselves to a path of selfish material gain, upsetting the earth’s ecology to such an extent that the survival of the world’s population is now in the balance.
It is imperative that we apply scientific knowledge for the real benefit of the whole of mankind.
As Muslims we cannot just sit back and claim that there is a ‘plot against us’. We have all been given a brain and are only expected to strive to the best of our ability.
If we sit and silently contemplate the terrible suffering of the oppressed people of the world, visualizing and feeling their agony, then we might be motivated to alter some of our behavior.
We should not feel daunted at the enormity of our task -- sages from all world traditions throughout the ages have emphasized that all great accomplishments start from small beginnings.
Islam teaches us that with God’s help we can beat the odds against us and achieve miracles.
We can take refuge in nature -- witness the sun rise and set, study the phases of the moon.
Admire the world’s natural beauty. Feel a sense of awe.
We can look at the world in ‘gestalt’, learning to understand its patterns, symbols and signs, which will provide valuable insight into our problems.
TV’s, computers, mobile phones -- should not tip the balance of the earth, or the balance of our minds.
If individual Muslims begin to make well-informed choices and undertake changes to revitalize the spirit and culture of Islam, the cumulative effect will be enormous.
Also, let’s not set aside the regular recital and study of the Quran, as we have been warned in hadith (sayings) of the Prophet Muhammad (S) that our future well-being depends on adherence to this practice.
The Quran contains spiritual archetypes which if etched on the mind provide indelible patterns of right thinking and correct behavior which help us withstand the negative effects of today’s materialistic culture.
If as individuals we are able to forge our own paths, trying to find the correct balance between the spiritual and material aspects of our lives, ignoring possible contempt and ridicule, we will create a positive force that will attract others.
Let the cries of the victims of the Zionists’ recent satanic activities be a haunting call to prayer and change.