When I first held The Future of Civilization, Syed Mohammad Taqi sahib’s magnum opus, now beautifully translated into English by his granddaughter, Sumera Naqvi, I felt a profound sense of anticipation and reverence.
This was not merely a book, but a bridge across generations, cultures, and languages, inviting readers to embark on a journey of intellectual awakening and spiritual reflection.
From the very first page, I was struck by the depth of Taqi Sahib’s philosophical vision.
His command over history, languages, art, culture, religion, and economic theory is nothing short of humbling.
The book resonates with the timeless lessons of Imam Hussain (A.S.), whose sacrifice serves as a beacon of hope and transformation for all humanity.
As Josh Maleehabadi so powerfully wrote: “Insan ko bedaartouholainay do, harqaumpukaraygihamarayhain Hussain.
” (Let humanity awaken to the truth; all nations will claim Hussain as their own.)
The Future of Civilization is a masterclass in understanding the forces that shape our world.
Taqi Sahib explores the cyclical rise and fall of ancient civilizations, contrasting them with the gradual transformation that characterizes modern societies.
He challenges us to rethink simplistic narratives of decline, urging us to recognize the resilience and adaptability of human culture.
At the heart of this work lies the concept of civilizational dialogue, a vital, ongoing conversation between cultures that fosters understanding, tolerance, and coexistence.
Taqi Sahib critiques divisive theories like Samuel Huntington’s “Clash of Civilizations,” instead championing a vision of rational, inclusive dialogue rooted in shared human values.
He writes,”Civilizational dialogue is not merely an exchange of words but a meeting of hearts and minds, a bridge that connects the past with the future, and the self with the other.
”This vision is both a call to action and a source of hope, reminding us that the future of humanity depends on our willingness to listen, learn, and collaborate.
The book’s homage to the intellectual heritage of Arab-Islamic civilization is both enlightening and empowering.
Drawing on the wisdom of thinkers like Al-Farabi, Ibn Khaldun, and Sa’id Al-Andalusi, Taqi Sahib shows how language, faith, governance, and geography shape cultural identity and nation-building.
He addresses contemporary challenges such as extremism, cultural misunderstanding, economic inequality, environmental crises and offers a hopeful vision for a world where tradition and modernity coexist in harmony.
What makes this translation truly inspirational is Sumera Naqvi’s remarkable achievement in bringing her grandfather’s vision to life for a global audience.
Her translation flows so naturally and elegantly that it feels as if the book was originally written in English.
She skilfully bridges the cultural, religious and historical nuances of the original Urdu, ensuring that the emotional and intellectual impact remains intact.
Her work is not just a translation, but a renewal—a testament to the enduring power of family legacy and the transformative potential of language.
Sumera faced the daunting task of conveying the poetic idioms, layered symbolism, and philosophical depth of the original text to readers who may be unfamiliar with South Asian contexts.
She succeeded by striking a delicate balance: honouring the unique cultural identity of the source while making its universal messages accessible to all.
The result is a text that is both authentic and approachable, inviting readers everywhere to engage with its timeless wisdom.
In a world often divided by misunderstanding and fear, The Future of Civilization is a clarion call to choose cooperation over conflict, dialogue over discord, and unity in diversity.
It is a visionary guide for scholars, leaders, and all seekers of peace, anyone who believes in the power of dialogue, sacrifice, and shared humanity.
This book is more than a scholarly treatise; it is an invitation to awaken, to build bridges, and to become active participants in shaping a future grounded in empathy and understanding.
It stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of Syed Mohammad Taqi’s thought and the extraordinary talent and devotion of Sumera Naqvi.
If you are searching for a work that challenges, uplifts, and inspires then surely The Future of Civilization is essential reading.
Let it awaken the best within us, so that we, too, may become architects of a more compassionate and enlightened world.
—The writer is contributing columnist.
