‘A nation’s real strength rests in spirituality, not military might’

This is apropos a letter to the Editor titled ‘A nation’s real strength rests in spirituality, not military might’ by this writer carried by the newspaper on Thursday and yesterday.

The history of Islam offers powerful examples. Across the Indian subcontinent, Indonesia, Malaysia and other parts of Asia, Islam frequently established deep social roots not primarily through military conquest but through merchants, scholars, Sufi shaykhs and spiritual personalities. Their influence came through character, teaching, service, devotion and spiritual attraction. Khanqaahs, zawiyas and religious circles became centers of learning, charity and community cohesion, allowing spiritual influence to reach where political authority or military force never could.

This history illuminates the concept of spiritual jurisdiction. Within the religious framework, highly attained personalities carry responsibility not only for individual disciples but for wider communities or territories. They strengthen faith, respond to spiritual disturbances, preserve unity and protect the religious consciousness of those within their sphere. If a community’s spiritual foundations are challenged, such guardians seek to fortify belief and practice and, within this understanding, counter hostile spiritual influence through their own spiritual resources.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026