But the philosophical and scientific process which I call 'secularization' necessarily involves the divesting of spiritual meaning from the world of nature; the desacralization of politics from human affairs; and the deconsecration of values from the human mind and conduct.
Syed Muhammad Naquib al-AttasMan is like an island set in isolation in a fathomless sea enveloped by darkness, saying that the loneliness his self knows is so utterly absolute because even he knows not his self completely.
Syed Muhammad Naquib al-AttasIt is like the thirsty traveller who at first sincerely sought the water of knowledge, but who later, having found it plain perhaps, proceeded to temper his cup with the salt of doubt so that his thirst now becomes insatiable though he drinks incessantly, and that in thus drinking the water that cannot slake his thirst, he has forgotten the original and true purpose for which the water was sought.
Syed Muhammad Naquib al-AttasSeeing that he owns absolutely nothing to โrepayโ his debt, โhis own consciousnessโ of the fact โthat he is himself the very substanceโ of debt, so must he โrepayโ with himself, so must he โreturnโ himself to Him Who owns him absolutely.
Syed Muhammad Naquib al-AttasChange, development and progress, according to the Islamic viewpoint, refer to the return to the genuine Islam enunciated and practised by the Holy Prophet (may God bless and give him Peace!) and his noble Companions and their Followers (blessing and peace be upon them all!) and the faith and practice of genuine Muslims after them; and they also refer to the self and mean its return to its original nature and religion (Islam).
Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas