What have we gained along with the "civilization"?

Tall buildings, Institutions, schools, hospitals, places such as artificial beach, “maizaans” etc these are visible signs of civilization over the past few decades. We can’t deny these obvious signs of civilization…

But what have we gained along with the civilization? What have we gained as humans? Are we better humans than we were before we got this civilization? Are we better Muslims? Are youth more aware of Islam now than youth of the past?

Back then, there weren’t big schools with modern facilities…Now there are many schools with modern facilities, computers, labs, etc…….But it is a known fact that kids do not respect teachers and there is no discipline in many of the kids.

Back then I don’t think there were Quran competitions, but there were plenty of “Edhuruges” filled with little kids who can read Quran fluently from the age of 6-7 and kids who completed reading the whole Quran by the age of 6-7.From certain “Edhuruges” how to perform 5 obligatory prayers too were taught..

Now in the report form there is a column which states “namaadh kuran ingey, namaadh kuran neyngey” Kids who get ticked in the first box do they really know how to perform the prayers and do they know the value of it? And there are tables too in some classes in which the child has to tick if the kid prayed or not…….!!!!!!!!! Understanding the value of prayers is more important than filling up a table which is seen by many.

Back then there were health centers, which can be defined as a first aid box, now there are huge hospitals, with several staffs and facilities, but the complaints of the patients go on and further still some of the youth are more in need of drug rehabilitation centers than hospitals.

Back then there was very little TV. People rented videos and TVS too to watch films..Now there are TVs in every house and in certain houses in every room too. Back then people gathered at places to watch “thiyabeyfulhunnatakkai”, “filmy dhuniye” etc…But now there is 24 hours TV..Are people happier and more contented by watching non stop TV and by watching TV serials which gives its own messages to the people who watches it.

Back then there weren’t mobile phones or even landlines weren’t in every house. People paid a coin to other houses and made phone calls when ever they had to make a call…It was considered a great luxury back then..But now almost everyone uses a cellphone…People are connected 24 hours with relatives, friends, co workers etc…..! Back then there were letters, walkie talkies…People weren’t so easily connected…….But one might say that relation ships were more valued back then…

Back then people treated their guests well, People invited friends, relatives, and strangers too for food…

Now there are huge parties to which people dress up and go, and look around to see who is the best dressed…………

Another point worth highlighting is have we learned to tolerate the differences that arose with the access to internet and education? Or, overall have these differences caused more harm than good? Despite certain differences of opinion in religion or politics we should learn to tolerate and respect others….For example, for some dressing in total hijaab etc is not easy to digest…and if people with differences in opinion starts pointing finger at the other, its likely that some people will get “really confused.”

The conveniences which come along with civilizations are an undeniable fact, like electricity, technology etc .Maldives too have tasted a portion of this civilization over the past decades…However what every human searches in one way or the other is contentment and peace of mind..and this can in no way be achieved from only materialistic things…It comes from abiding by certain principles and values…That is what matters most….For us these principles and values comes from Quran and hadith of prophet SAW. Under any circumstance we should try be sincere, and tolerant…..These principles and values we follow reminds us over and over again that life is nothing but a test……….