Abu Bakar Bashir: 'What use is revelation or religion if it doesnt change anything?'

What use is revelation or religion if it doesnt change anything?

The quote by Abu Bakar Bashir, "What use is revelation or religion if it doesn't change anything?" is a thought-provoking statement that questions the purpose and significance of religious teachings if they fail to drive positive transformations in individuals and society as a whole. In a straightforward interpretation, the quote emphasizes the need for religion to go beyond theoretical knowledge and rituals, instead inspiring practical changes and personal growth.Religion has long been a source of guidance, solace, and moral values for countless individuals throughout history. It offers revelations and insights into the greater mysteries of life, providing a framework for understanding our purpose in the world. However, if these revelations and religious teachings remain mere intellectual constructs without any impact on our actions and behavior, one must question their true value.The quote brings our attention to the underlying purpose of religion – the transformation of individuals and society for the better. It implies that religion should not be confined to an abstract belief system, but rather it should lead to tangible change in the lives of its followers. Such change may involve adopting virtuous qualities like kindness, compassion, and honesty, and actively incorporating them into our daily interactions.To make this topic more engaging and philosophical, let's introduce the concept of existentialism. Existentialism is a philosophical perspective that emphasizes individual freedom, personal responsibility, and the inherent meaninglessness of life until one takes action to create meaning. By exploring this concept in relation to Abu Bakar Bashir's quote, we can delve deeper into the idea of religion and revelation as catalysts for transformative change.In existentialism, the emphasis is placed on the individual and their role in shaping their own existence. From an existential standpoint, one could argue that religion or revelation, no matter how powerful or enlightening, is meaningless if it fails to motivate individuals to actively engage with the world and make a positive impact. Existentialism suggests that the burden of finding meaning in life lies with each person, and if religion does not drive individuals towards self-discovery and personal growth, it becomes an empty ritual devoid of purpose.Moreover, existentialism complements the quote by highlighting the importance of authenticity and genuine transformation. Religion should not be reduced to following a set of prescribed rules or performing rituals without true reflection or understanding. Instead, it should encourage individuals to critically examine their beliefs, question their actions, and actively seek personal growth. A religion that fosters individual agency, moral responsibility, and self-realization aligns with the core principles of existentialism, thereby creating a harmonious bridge between the two concepts.In contrast, an existentialist might argue that religion, with its dogmas and external sources of guidance, can sometimes limit individual freedom and personal responsibility. It may be seen as a crutch that obstructs the true exploration and self-discovery that existentialism encourages. However, when viewed more holistically, religion can serve as a framework within which individuals can find their own unique path towards personal growth and transformation.In conclusion, Abu Bakar Bashir's quote raises important questions about the purpose and impact of religion and revelation. It prompts us to consider the transformative power of religious teachings and their ability to drive positive change in individuals and society. By introducing the concept of existentialism, we can further explore the idea that religion should not simply be a passive belief system reserved for intellectual contemplation but rather an active catalyst for personal growth and authentic transformation. Ultimately, revelation and religion find their true value when they inspire individuals to actively engage with the world, make positive changes, and ultimately find meaning in their existence.