London
– 8 December 2001
Mr Altaf Hussain, MQM Founder and Leader, has stated
that knowledge helps in developing the intellect of a person.
However, if the acquired knowledge is not adopted practically
then the expansion in the awakening of brain cells is not as much
of as compared to when it is implemented practically. He
was addressing the gathering of All Pakistan Mohajir Students
Organisation (APMSO) in Karachi and Nawabshah over the phone from
London.
Deliberating on “knowledge and intellect”, Mr Hussain
said that information, education and to learn is called “knowledge”,
whereas “intellect” is also defined as wisdom. If
knowledge is devoid of realism and practicalism then such
knowledge does not assist in the awakening of dormant brain
cells, does not improve the intellect and neither increases the
learning capabilities. If only knowledge could have
reflected the intellect and wisdom then those who possess the
treasure-trove of knowledge would have been the reformers. He
asked that those who have knowledge of the world do win big quiz
programs, however, how many such winners of quiz programs became
“reformers”?
Mr Hussain said that after acquiring knowledge one
could impress others by referring to Socrates, Aristotle, Plato, Hakim
Luqman, Shakespeare, Karl Marx, etc, during conversations.
However, what if his actions do not correspond with his preaching
meaning if his knowledge is devoid of practical adoption? Knowledge
devoid of practical implementation is useless. Similarly when a
knowledgeable person who preaches others but his own actions
contradict his preaching then his entire knowledge is futile.
Mr Hussain said that there are two types of knowledge, i.e.
worldly knowledge and religious knowledge, which are then further
divided. The intellect and wisdom demand that knowledge,
whether worldly or religious, must be used for the welfare and
betterment of humanity. However, if it were being used for
the destruction of humanity then such knowledge is called “destructive
knowledge”, whereas if it were being used for the welfare of
the humanity then such knowledge is called “constructive
knowledge”. Citing an example, he said that the recent
destruction in Afghanistan and Palestine, where innocent people,
irrespective of religion, are being massacred, women are being
widowed, children made orphans; is a result of technology and
other equipment built on the basis of knowledge. Therefore,
if the apparatus acquired on the basis of knowledge are being
used without intellect and wisdom then these apparatus becomes
destructive for the humanity, whereas, if these apparatus are
used with intellect and wisdom then it becomes the guarantor of
the welfare and prosperity of the humanity.
Mr Hussain said
that if the Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Jews or people of any
other religion, after acquiring knowledge, do not utilise it for
the welfare and betterment of the humanity then such knowledge
leads to events like the First World War and the Second World
War, resulting in destruction, killings of millions of people and
economic destruction.
Quoting the nobles, Mr Hussain said, “weigh up before
speaking”, which means that carefully think, assess and
evaluate before speaking. He said that if the Generals of
Pakistan Army and the warfare experts on information technology
would not have taken part in the Cold War between the two Super
Powers; and would have used intellect and wisdom then Pakistan
might have not been facing today’s crisis situation. Mr
Hussain emphasised upon the APMSO workers and students to pay
attention to their studies and ensure that they should
practically apply whatever knowledge they gain.