Concept:The Captive Mind by Syed Hussain Alatash

[Bill Longley]

Presentation of Center for Critical Peace Studies , UMT Lahore

Our minds are shaped by history, power, and systems that linger long after colonization. How do we break free from inherited ways of thinking? This video explores the "captive mind" and the journey of decolonizing our thoughts, identities, and perspectives. Join us in looking inward to reclaim agency and reimagine the world on our own terms.

 

[Novus ordu seclorum]

He is correct that the captive mind began at the end of the 19th century. The basis of it is the rise of nationalism in the colonized world which produced ideologies, propaganda, authoritarians, dictators, persecutions, discriminations, riots, and wars which alienate and endanger many. We should seek truth, righteousness, moral human rights and justice, but the captive mind does not seek that.

Seeking truth and eliminating ignorance and falsehood is a continuous process. This is the way to liberate the mind:

Quran 16-120 Indeed, Abraham was a [comprehensive] leader, devoutly obedient to Allah, inclining toward truth, and he was not of those who associated others with Allah.

Quran 4-125 And who is better in religion than one who submits himself to Allah while being a doer of good and follows the religion of Abraham, inclining toward truth? And Allah took Abraham as an intimate friend.

 

[Novus ordu seclorum]

It says 'inclining' toward the truth, which means we are not always on the truth. The righteous path is we do not stop pursuing truth.