A Study of the “Secret of Divine Civilization”

 

Posting on unit 2 – by Azam Binazir

 

 

The Secret of Divine Civilization - Questions 1-25

 

1)        

 

2)         1875                The Mysterious Forces of Civilization

 

3)         Written to the king of Persia, during some of its darkest ages.

 

4)        

 

5)        

 

6)         In the first paragraph of the book the reality of man and his intellect and wisdom have been mentioned.  Also the creation of mind and other bounties chosen for man mentioned in the Holy Scriptures.

 

7)        

 

8)        

 

9)         "*supreme happiness is man's and he beholds the signs of God in the world and in the human soul, if he urges on the steed of high endeavor in the area of civilization and justice."

 

10)       The nature of man has been chosen as the dayspring of His boundless grace.  A capacity granted that godlike impulses may radiate from the conscience of mankind.

 

11)       The shah of Persia - The Qajar dynasty.

 

12)       Both.  It is mentioned that the just kings have the responsibility to bring about advancement to the people of the world.  While the state of affairs in Iran during some of its darkest eras is reflected upon, the Shah has been rewarded for his attempt to advance the welfare and security and the prosperity of his country.

 

13)       Bringing the light of the Divine Knowledge to the heart of people is a heavenly act and rewarded by God.

 

14)       The lofty state of the nation and its glamour in the past which was leading in the areas of arts, sciences, and more is described.  Further it is indicated that this had been a sign of functioning sharp minds at the time.

 

15)       The state of darkness in the country and lack of knowledge, learning and thought had completely tarnished the self-respect of the people.

 

16)       Fall: ruthless encounters and horrifying acts.    Rise: stimulus of great minds and as a result of the expansion of the frontiers of knowledge and energetic ambitious efforts.

 

17)       Benevolent father, fair-minded, shelter of justice, sincerity and impartial purpose.

 

18)       -the group rejecting based on the issue of foreign isms. - Others who rallied the masses who were ignorant about religious laws and principles and therefore no power to decide.           -"One group insists that such reforms should go forward with great deliberation, step by step, haste being inadmissible."               -Others maintain that changes to the educational and political systems of the country should be devised solely by Persians themselves.

 

19)       Foreign ideas, lack of understanding of religion.

 

20)      

a.         That the people of Europe had to also adopt other systems to develop and there had been no harm in this, rather there have been progress.

b.         That this progress has been time and again put to the test and their benefits demonstrated have been grasped.

c.         That extension of education, the development of useful arts and sciences, the promotion of industry and technology, would lift the individual within the masses and raises him out of the depths of ignorance to the highest reaches of knowledge and human excellence.

d.         Setting up of just legislation in accordance with the Divine Laws which guarantee the happiness of the society and protect the rights of all mankind.

e.         Strengthening relationships with neighbouring countries and fostering friendly connections with well-disciplined governments, expansion of trade with outsiders, developing internal natural resources and hence increasing the wealth of the people.

f.          Setting up parliaments and assemblies of consultation as a bedrock of the government and following the essential requirements that these institutions must fulfil.

g.         The realization by the heads of people "*that man's supreme honor and real happiness lie in self-respect, in high resolves and noble purposes, in integrity and moral quality, in immaculacy of mind."

h.         In paragraph 46 it is indicated that even in the Holy Scriptures acquiring knowledge from other counties or specific customs have been referred to and encouraged.

 

21)       -extension of education -development of arts & sciences           -promotion of industry and technology               -setting up just legislation in accordance with Divine Laws

 

22)

a.         Total absence of unified public opinion

b.         Lack of Zeal and resolve and devotion in the country's leaders

c.         Corruption

d.         Lack of discipline

e.         Lack of righteousness

 

     23) Pure high-minded, free from corruption

 

     24) Yes, as the confirmations of God will make them a never failing source   

           of bounty to mankind where justice and integrity will prevail.

 

     25) Pure & high-minded, righteous, God-fearing, incorruptible, fully

           cognizant of laws of God, informed of highest principles of law and

           foreign relations, skilled in the useful arts of civilization and content

           with their lawful emoluments.

             

 

Submitted by Aazam Binazir