An author, poet, great Islamic historian and scholar, Anwar Shaikh, distinguished himself as a philosopher (1945-2006). He was perceptive to address consciousness in mankind and if it has a purpose. He wrote,
"Since consciousness means cognition or knowing, there must be something worth knowing. Therefore, eyes have a multiple purpose; firstly, to play a definite role in the evolution of consciousness, and secondly, to know the world around us. From this conclusion, it also follows that the world or cosmos has a purpose: it wants to be known; it aspires to be conscious of itself. This seems to be the entire purpose of consciousness. Since man is the cosmic baby, he happens to be the medium for the universal consciousness." 2
It becomes apparent that forces within the atom have an intelligence or a consciousness that tries to express itself in many ways through the evolution of organic life forms. It is this consciousness that reaches its height in human beings to think and reach out with hypothetical thoughts to try to understand its own existence. And that is why this author believes that the transformation of energy in particles is a long, evolutionary process whereby it transforms itself into matter with an inherent will to exist as consciousness in higher life forms that will question and examine its nature. Namely, thinking life forms are the crown achievement of consciousness in the universe.
Anwar presented another aspect of consciousness. He wrote,
"If we delve deeper into consciousness, it transpires that it is the apex of evolution. Without it, existence or non-existence of the universe will not matter. A thing may exist but it is the knowledge of its existence which gives it a proper valuation. The universe obviously wants to be recognized, otherwise consciousness will have no meaning because whatever man sees, feels, senses or perceives relates to the universe; man himself is a part of it. Therefore, human consciousness belongs to the universe. More properly, the cosmos evolves man for the sole purpose of seeing, feeling, sensing and perceiving through him. Thus, man ranks as the cosmic baby with a special purpose. What is this purpose of man? 2 "
This is a philosophical question our readers may wish to pursue. This author welcomes comments and thoughts that may help define the purpose of mankind. It is a wonderful opportunity to explore this question for, I believe, many of us have given thought to their purpose in life and even, why are we here?
Note 1. Nicholas P. Ginex, Future of God Amen, Chapter 6.1.2, Amen a Revered God, http://iranpoliticsclub.net/philosophy/amen/index.htm
Note 2. Anwar Shaikh, Book 4, Chapter 12, Mind and Matter, Cosmic Purpose, http://iranpoliticsclub.net/library/english-library/eternity4/index.htm
(Article changed on May 11, 2019 at 23:33)
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