The question whether we are better than our forefathers has to be dealt with from two angles, material and spiritual. From material aspect, we are far better than our ancestors, while from spiritual point of view we lag far behind. Let us dwell on both aspects at length.
Materially, many improvements have come in our life. Our entire life has changed for the better as compared to what it was just half a century ago. Today one can travel by air or by sea with great safety. Similarly fast moving trains, cars and buses can take one to any corner of one's country with far less inconvenience than what our forefathers had to bear. In the past traveling was very dangerous and it would be just bx dint of luck if one came back safe and sound after a long journey.
In the past effective medicines were not available. Thus our forefathers had to bear pain and discomfort. Now thanks to Allah and His creatures, many diseases have become curable and if some of them are not, at least pain relieving, soothing and sleep inducing medicines have enabled us to bear them. Moreover the means of enjoyment have increased.
Beside many things and many other comforts (which need so many pages and a long time) we are now free. We have opened our eyes in an independent Islamic State. On the other hand, our forefathers, being slaves, were persecuted by Hindus and British. Thus we are better than our forefathers.
Nonetheless, if we look at the spiritual aspect we are far worse than our ancestors. They were staunch Muslims. They observed all the principles of Islam in to. On the other hand we have become so called Muslims. We are not as sincere to one another as they were .
They fully shared each other's joys and sorrow while most of us have prejudice for one another. According to them man was important. Unlike our forefathers, we prefer to amass more and more wealth. "Where wealth accumulates men decay."
In spite of having been provided with all material things, we suffer from tension and mental strain. Our forefather, in spite of leading a simple life, were content. We have converted the line of a poet "And having nothing, yet hath all," into "And having every thing, yet hath nothing."
