Parable 22: In today’s world, life without connections with others is not possible, so how can we say “Nor West, Nor East?”

The intention of the slogan Nor West Nor East([1]) is that we have chosen a path and method of governance which has no link to either the East or the West nor would we be overwhelmed by any

of the so called superpowers.  Being affected by the East or the West are two diseases that will need to be eradicate and is a sign of weakness.

However, in seeking knowledge, experience and skills, we must be both Eastern and Western.  In the Hadeeth, we read that the Prophet blessings be upon him and his Purified Household, stated “اطلبو العلم و لو بالصين” – Seek knowledge even if it is from China, or in other words, even if it’s from the furthest corners of the world.  Similarly, the effects of heat and ice can be cause of illnesses but their proper use in different situations, such as in cooking and storage of food respectively, renders them very useful.

Yes, we should be benefiting from ice, but we should not allow ourselves to be affected by it.  We should be benefiting from heat, but we should not allow ourselves to be affected by it.  We should be benefiting from the East and the West, however we should not allow ourselves to be affected by them.

[1] A slogan used during, and throughout, the ongoing Islamic Revolution in Iran since 1979.