The principle of Risk Mitigation is oneOne of the core principles practiced by every living creature is to identify and assess risks to its existence. It is because every living creature on this earth is subject to risks. Without managing risks properly, it is hard to imagine a peaceful life.

Since humans are distinguished from other living species by their ability to think and learn, failure to manage risks is characterized by inability to decide what to do, when to do it, and whether enough has been done.

This is the practice of today’s businesses and enterprises to incorporate risk management as a facet of quality for business success. Such enterprises are using basic techniques to ensure that risks are properly identified, classified, and managed.

Project risk management consists of processes, methods, and tools for managing risks in a project. It provides a framework for proactive decision making to

• Assess continuously what could go wrong (risks)
• Determine which risks are important to deal with (impact and prioritization)
• Implement strategies to deal with those risks (mitigation)
• Monitor and control (tracking)

Principle of Risk Management and Mitigation, among many other principles used by Imam Ja’far, was applied by him while in dialog with an Indian scientist, an atheist, to proof the existence of God R1.

The following is the excerpt from this conversation:

Indian Scientist: Once while pounding halila (Myrobalan fruit), a new idea came to me: This Universe, has existed timelessly before, and will still exist for ever. One tree grows and another withers; one person is born whilst the other dies. No evidence support your claim to justify the existence of one God. It can only be assumed a belief, a belief inherited from your forefathers and traditions.

The existence of various things of the Universe could only be determined through the medium of five senses; eyes with which we see, ears by which we hear, nose by which we smell and hands and feet with which we touch and feel and tongue with which we taste.

Now, given that the only way to know things is through use of these senses, how could you prove the existence of God? I want to hear, O Ja’far, those arguments with which you convince others.

Imam Ja’far: I would prove His existence by logic and wisdom.

Indian Scientist: Wisdom cannot know any thing without the use of five senses. Given this fact, have you seen God, heard His voice or perceived Him through any other senses?

Imam Ja’far: Before we discuss in detail, let me ask you a question. Because you deny God and I believe on Him, therefore in fact, one of us is right and other is wrong. Isn’t it?

Indian Scientist: That is true.

Imam Ja’far: Well, if I assume you are right, then there is no danger for me in threatening you about God’s displeasure for your disbelief, right?

Indian Scientist: That is true.

Imam Ja’far: On the other hand, if my belief is true, then is it not true that I would not face any danger of punishment at all, while you will suffer the disastrous consequences of your denial?

Indian Scientist: How come?

Imam Ja’far: Due to the fact that only one of us could be wiser and nearer to the salvation. Which one between us could be that person?

Indian Scientist: You.

Please visit the next article in series: Beyond Five Senses.

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References

1. Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (`a): Reported by his companion Mufaddal ibn Umar al Jaufi and recorded by ‘Allamah Majlisi (d. 1110 AH) in Bihar al Anwar vol 3 pages 153-196