A nation that preserves Navoi and understands Navoi shall attain prosperity

It is a source of eternal pride for every representative of the Uzbek people past, present, and future that destiny has inscribed on the nation’s brow a noble figure such as Hazrat Navoi.

Navoi’s timeless legacy and his unparalleled works have truly become an invaluable spiritual treasure not only for the Uzbek nation but for all of humanity. Today, his immortal creations have been translated into dozens of languages around the world. The themes of virtue, humanism, loyalty, and faith expressed in his writings continue to call humanity toward unity and solidarity.

At times, while reading Navoi’s works, one is struck with awe at his unparalleled intellect, deep perception, and extraordinary foresight. It seems as though he was able to foresee the features and even the challenges of our highly developed modern era five and a half centuries ago.

For instance, take the environmental issues that have gained global significance today. Due to humanity’s ignorant and careless attitude toward nature, the ecological situation is becoming increasingly severe.

In his epic Sab’ayi Sayyor (“Seven Planets”), King Bahrom goes hunting and, with his attendants, brings about an unprecedented massacre of animals. Blood flows like a river. The heat of the blood causes the hardened surface of the earth to soften, and the swamp beneath swallows Bahrom and his men into its depths.

It is as if Hazrat Navoi, speaking from the distant past, is warning today’s generation of an impending danger. If humanity continues along the same path, might not the fate of King Bahrom and his companions befall all of mankind?

Disasters such as war, bloodshed, and enmity recognize neither time nor space. Though their forms may change over the ages, their essence remains unchanged. For the primary force that leads humanity to destruction and calamity is singular the ego (nafs). Indeed, the great thinker did not utter these words in vain:

If you subdue five enemies, it is not true courage;
But if you conquer your own ego, no one in the world is braver than you.

Indeed, conquering a wild lion in the forest or striking down an enemy in battle pales in comparison to subduing the dog of ego within oneself that is the true mark of courage and valor. As long as a person cannot control their own nafs, conflict, fratricide, and various forms of strife will continue to plague the earth. In fact, evils such as terrorism, religious extremism, and organized crime are nothing but the bitter fruits of humanity’s intolerance, selfishness, greed, and insatiable desire in a word, nafs.

Let us take a deeper look around. Every day, dozens of innocent people fall victim to senseless wars, conflicts, disputes, and military operations. The timeless verses of our forefather Navoi echo through the centuries like the fervent cry of an awakened soul:

O people of the world, know this enmity is not a worthy endeavor;
Let us be companions to one another, for companionship is the noblest of deeds.

Time surpasses all; it bows to no one. Eras and ages will continue to pass. Yet the priceless spiritual treasures left behind by our great ancestor Alisher Navoi endure the trials of centuries, becoming ever more refined and cherished. It is not enough for us to take pride merely in Navoi’s name we must draw from this treasure and live by it. Navoi should not be remembered only on holidays or anniversaries, but should live in our hearts, our souls, and our consciousness every day, every moment. This is among the most beautiful and noble of deeds.

A nation that preserves Navoi and understands Navoi is destined to attain the highest degrees of prosperity.

Rustam JABBOROV

P.S. The article may be used with reference to the official website of the Center.