Is it from the ancestors, or the voice of Truth?

Every individual has a path they have drawn for themselves. We absorb a set of codes from our families, friends, and surroundings—codes that settle into a corner of our minds and accompany us in every place and time. It is through the words and actions that emerge from these thoughts that we become known and recognized.

But we must ask: Are the beliefs we inherit from the past, the things we hear or see, truly truths? Does this chain of ideas that troubles our minds truly reflect reality? Perhaps we need to question them.

Our Exalted Lord says: When they were told, “Obey what Allah has revealed,” they said, “No, we will follow what we have seen our ancestors doing.” Or perhaps their ancestors never attained wisdom or found the right path!^【1】

Here, in the minds of ignorance, we see clearly the very examples of unconsciousness, blind imitation, and spiritual blindness. Unfortunately, people consistently fail to use their reason and guidance to attain knowledge and live in accordance with truth. Using one’s reason is a skill; one must make it a discipline to fulfill it properly. Guidance, however, is a gift bestowed upon us by Allah the Almighty.

Knowledge Passed Down Through Generations (Generated with the Aid of Artificial Intelligence)

Yet today, those with ill intentions cannot properly employ their reason nor accept the gifts of their Creator. By adopting the paths of their ancestors as models and clinging stubbornly to errors, they deliberately deprive themselves of the opportunity to use their intellect soundly and to benefit from divine guidance. Yet, such a great treasure lies buried beneath the very lands they inhabit!

It is sadly very difficult for these people, whose hearts are veiled, to perceive the truth. They persist in delusion by resisting the divine messages conveyed in the Scripture and the Sunnah, and by refusing to attain spiritual fulfillment. My prayer is that I may be among those who think rightly and healthily, and who reflect such thinking in their lives.