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By:

Prasad Dixit

11 October 2024 at 1:09:23 am

The Human Advantage in an Artificial Age

As artificial intelligence grows smarter and more efficient, the real battle may not be about machines surpassing humanity but about whether humans squander the qualities that still set them apart. With the recent news of a Chinese robot beating the human record in a half- marathon, there is renewed debate on how AI could outsmart human beings. Many experts see it as yet another proof of impending disaster as AI takes over most of the jobs in the years to come. This is not the first time when...

The Human Advantage in an Artificial Age

As artificial intelligence grows smarter and more efficient, the real battle may not be about machines surpassing humanity but about whether humans squander the qualities that still set them apart. With the recent news of a Chinese robot beating the human record in a half- marathon, there is renewed debate on how AI could outsmart human beings. Many experts see it as yet another proof of impending disaster as AI takes over most of the jobs in the years to come. This is not the first time when human civilization is facing a technological revolution that has the potential to impact society and economy in a profound manner. There is, however, a crucial difference with AI driven revolution that is often missed out. The first industrial revolution happened because steam engines were invented and it led to mechanization of production. It was followed by discovery of electrical energy and technologies to harness it for mass production. Next wave of evolution was led by computerization and automation in practically all the fields covering both offices and industrial shop floors through mainframes, personal computers, and programmable logic controllers. While all these leaps in technologies are very different in terms of the specific underlying inventions, they all have one thing in common. They were all invented to do things that were humanly impossible to do. One steam engine or electric motor could do the work that perhaps hundreds of humans would never be able to accomplish even with their collective muscle power. Automation of the manufacturing assembly line would deliver speed and accuracy that human beings would never be able to achieve. Beyond Human Technological advances in Telecommunication, for that matter, have simply expanded the range of 'hearing' and 'seeing' far beyond what human vocal chords, ears, and eyes could manage to do on their own. Computers, at its core, are essentially doing the math and calculations at a speed and accuracy that the human brain can never achieve. To add to that, machines using all these innovations in technology would work tirelessly without any fatigue for a duration that human beings would never be able to match. Although AI is yet another highly potent technological innovation, it is not as straightforward as the previous ones. It can absorb and synthesize huge amounts of data that the human brain perhaps cannot do. Ability of AI to answer any question reasonably well using all the global knowledge made available to it, summarize enormous amount of data and text quickly, quickly draw a complex picture based on instructions given verbally, predict a trend, recognize and highlight a specific face in a fraction of a second from millions of faces, write code based on simple English instructions, are all examples where the speed and accuracy of underlying computation is delivering what human being cannot match. However, there are several areas where human beings are trying to improve AI so that it can, some day, match or exceed capability that human beings themselves already have. Examples of this include the ability of AI to completely replace a human driver safely in all situations, understand full context or an intent behind a statement, carry out complex and well-coordinated mechanical activity in response to various unpredictable situations, react appropriately by correctly assessing the emotions at play, integrate generated code appropriately in the existing larger systems landscape, and so on. In such cases, AI is not exhibiting any capability that is humanly impossible to match. On the contrary, AI is trying to catch up with what humans can do easily. In other words, in these areas, AI is trying to become what humans already are. This very aspect separates AI driven technology revolution from all the previous ones. Direct Competition It is often said that AI and humans will co-exist in the future, and people will need to change their ways of working. It is obvious that AI is also going to directly compete with humans in many sectors. Equipment with an embedded chip on-board do compete with humans even today. A case in point is household equipment such as ‘intelligent’ washing machines and dish-washers where robots to do vacuum cleaning and floor mopping do compete with humans offering these services. A human household help can perform these activities far better than what a machine can do. However, given an affordable choice, an increasing number of households prefer machines over human maid services for a reason. Human household help may not always be punctual, sincere, honest, and reliable. But machines are. Uncontrolled emotions, anger, frustration, laziness, indiscipline, absenteeism do affect humans - but not AI driven machines (at least till the time AI itself acquires emotions of its own, and becomes self-aware some day). This aspect of comparison between AI and humans is likely to become far more prominent and consequential as AI driven machines and robots become more and more intelligent and thereby start competing far more effectively with human capability in many spheres. Competition is said to bring about improvement. Just as AI improves itself through continuous learning to mimic human behaviour and actions, human workforce also needs to improve itself by avoiding behavioural issues and inefficiencies referred to above. Otherwise, humans would lose the natural advantage that they still enjoy over AI, and which is likely to continue even in the foreseeable future. Employers or consumers in the labour-intensive service sector will accept AI driven machines and robots with all its known limitations if it turns out to be a better net-net deal in comparison to services offered by humans. This specific aspect has tremendous significance for India. Many Countries from the developed world do not have a young population with reasonably good IQ in required numbers. India, on the other hand, has it in abundance. One could compare it with abundant availability of Thorium or Sunlight in India as compared to the Western world. Consequently, unlike many Countries in the world that have a Uranium centric approach towards nuclear energy, India's approach needs to be centered around Thorium. India's strategy related to renewable, non-conventional, green energy needs to be based on solar power. Indian Context Strategies for adopting AI in the Indian context need to be similarly tailored for the Indian context. India needs to adopt AI in the areas where it clearly has an advantage over humans in terms of speed, throughput, ease of use, accuracy, and efficiency. However, the use of AI needs to be judiciously controlled in areas where AI is trying to catch up with the capabilities of the human mind and body. Several labour-intensive services such as drivers, caregivers for the elderly people, parcel delivery, security guards, maintenance and repair of various equipment, are all examples in that category. Educational policies and overall work culture in the Country needs to appreciate this reality. Just as AI experts are trying hard to 'teach' AI algorithms and improve them through supervised learning, another set of experts need to sensitize and teach humans on how to understand, appreciate, preserve, and further hone the significant natural advantage that they already have over AI. Despite all the technological breakthroughs in AI, in many areas, still, it is a battle that humans will lose only if they choose to. (The writer works in the Information Technology sector. Views personal.)

Welcoming Ramzan, the Holy Month of Fasting, Reflection, and Devotion

Updated: Mar 6, 2025

Ramzan

The holy month of Ramzan (Ramadan) is a period of spiritual renewal, self-discipline, and devotion observed by millions of Muslims worldwide. It is a time when believers fast from dawn to sunset, engage in increased prayer, and reflect on their faith. More than just abstaining from food and drink, Ramzan serves as a month of self-purification, fostering empathy for the less fortunate and strengthening one’s connection with Allah.


The Significance of Ramzan in Islam

Ramzan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the fundamental principles guiding a Muslim’s faith and practice. Fasting, or sawm, is an obligatory act during this month for all adult Muslims who are physically able. The Quran emphasizes the importance of fasting in Surah Al-Baqarah:

“O you who have believed, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those before you, that you may attain righteousness.” (Quran 2:183)


This verse highlights that fasting is not a new practice but has been a means of spiritual purification for previous religious communities as well. The primary goal is to develop taqwa (God-consciousness), encouraging believers to reflect on their actions and grow closer to Allah.


The Revelation of the Quran

Ramzan is particularly sacred because it marks the month in which the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through Angel Jibreel (Gabriel). The Quran itself confirms this in Surah Al-Baqarah:

“The month of Ramzan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.” (Quran 2:185)


Due to this divine connection, Muslims increase their recitation of the Quran during Ramzan. Many strive to complete its entire reading within the month, either individually or by attending Taraweeh prayers, special night prayers where long passages of the Quran are recited.


Fasting: A Test of Patience and Faith

Fasting during Ramzan extends beyond abstaining from food, drink, and physical desires. It requires Muslims to control their thoughts, words, and actions, refraining from anger, gossip, and unethical behavior. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized this in a well-known Hadith:

“Whoever does not give up false speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)


This Hadith underscores that the essence of fasting lies in self-restraint and moral integrity, not just physical deprivation. The ability to endure hunger and thirst fosters empathy for those less fortunate, reminding believers of the value of charity and kindness.


Acts of Worship and Charity

Ramzan is a time of intensified worship and charity. Muslims engage in extra prayers, supplications, and dhikr (remembrance of Allah), seeking forgiveness and spiritual purification. The last ten nights of the month are especially sacred, as they include Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), a night described in the Quran as “better than a thousand months” (Quran 97:3). It is believed that prayers and good deeds performed on this night are rewarded abundantly.


Charity, or Zakat, is another fundamental aspect of Ramzan. Islam mandates that able Muslims donate a portion of their wealth to those in need, known as Zakat al-Fitr, which is given before the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers. This ensures that even the less fortunate can partake in the celebrations. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“The best charity is that given in Ramzan.” (Tirmidhi)


Many Muslims also engage in Sadaqah (voluntary charity), distributing food, clothing, and financial aid to the poor, further reinforcing the spirit of generosity and compassion.


The Breaking of Fast: Iftar and Suhoor

Each day of fasting ends with Iftar, the evening meal traditionally started with dates and water, as was the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). A Hadith states:

“When one of you breaks his fast, let him do so with dates, for they are blessed. If he does not find dates, then with water, for it is pure.” (Sunan Abu Dawood)


Before dawn, Muslims partake in Suhoor, a pre-dawn meal that provides nourishment for the day ahead. This meal is also encouraged in Islamic teachings:

“Eat Suhoor, for in Suhoor there is blessing.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim) These meals not only provide sustenance but also create a sense of community, as families and friends gather to eat and pray together.


Eid-ul-Fitr: The Celebration After Fasting

The conclusion of Ramzan is marked by Eid-ul-Fitr, a joyous festival celebrating the completion of a month of devotion. Muslims begin the day with a special congregational prayer and express gratitude to Allah for granting them the strength to fast. It is a time of feasting, exchanging gifts, and visiting loved ones. Importantly, Muslims must give Zakat al-Fitr before Eid prayers to ensure that even the less fortunate can join in the celebrations.


The Lasting Impact of Ramzan

While Ramzan lasts for a month, its lessons extend beyond its days. The discipline, self-control, and spiritual growth cultivated during this time serve as a foundation for a righteous life. Muslims are encouraged to carry forward the values of patience, generosity, and devotion throughout the year.


Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“Whoever fasts in Ramzan with faith and seeking reward, all his past sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)


This promise of spiritual renewal serves as a motivation for Muslims to embrace the spirit of Ramzan, not just in fasting, but in their daily actions, making it a transformative experience every year.


Ramzan is more than a ritual—it is a journey of self-improvement, devotion, and community spirit. By fasting, engaging in prayer, giving in charity, and reflecting on the teachings of the Quran, Muslims draw closer to their faith and develop a heightened sense of empathy and discipline. As believers worldwide observe this sacred month, they are reminded that the essence of Ramzan lies in purifying the heart and striving to be a better person, both spiritually and morally.


(The author is a journalist based in Mumbai. Views personal.)

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