Maulana Wahiduddin Khan (1925-2021) was an Islamic scholar, spiritual guide, and an Ambassador of Peace. He authored over 200 books and recorded thousands of lectures giving the rational interpretation of Islamic concepts, prophetic wisdom, and the spiritual meaning of the Quran in the contemporary style. His English translation, The Quran, is widely appreciated as simple, clear and in contemporary style. He founded Centre for Peace and Spirituality (CPS) International in 2001 to re-engineer minds towards God-oriented living and present Islam as it is, based on the principles of peace, spirituality, and co-existence. Maulana breathed his last on 21 April, 2021 in New Delhi, India. His legacy is being carried forward through the CPS International Network.
The End
ASK MAULANA
Your Questions Answered
Are there many Truths?
There is only one straight line from one point to
another; so there can only be one path leading
a person to God. This is the true path. The
question is: what does truth consist of and how
can it be found?
Fortunately for us, there are not several truths
to choose from. There is only one truth for us
to accept. This solitary truth consists of the
teachings of Muhammad, the Prophet of God,
on whom be peace and God's blessings. Anyone
who earnestly seeks the truth will find that no exacting choices have to
be made. The choice is between truth and falsehood; there are no two
truths to choose from. (THE QURAN 10: 32)
For at least five thousand years, philosophers have searched in vain
for truth. Their tedious investigations have only exposed their inability
to provide conclusive answers. Philosophy seeks truth by means of
rational contemplation, not realising that knowledge of the entire
cosmos—something beyond the range of the limited human intellect—
is a pre-requisite for genuine gnosis. The philosopher can never attain
cosmic knowledge, so that even he cannot conceive of an accurate idea
of reality.
Science has never claimed to be in a position to explain the truth. It only
looks into matters, which can be repeatedly proved experimentally.
Science discusses the chemistry of flowers, but not their fragrance,
for the chemical parts of a flower can be analysed; its odour cannot.
Science has itself restricted its scope, making it clear that it will deal
only with partial truth and is in no position to expound on universal
realities.
Some spiritual adepts claim, or their followers believe, that they know
all about truth, and can communicate absolute information concerning
it, but their belief is groundless. They claim to have reached the truth
by means of spiritual disciplines. The so-called spiritual disciplines
are in fact of a physical nature, and spiritual discovery by means of
physical discipline is an unfeasible proposition in itself. Secondly, no spiritual adept is free of the limitations to which all men are subject.
The obstacles, which prevent others from reaching a full understanding
of truth, also block his path. No self-discipline can enable man to
transcend these natural limitations and convey to him knowledge of
absolute truth.
So the stage is left to the Prophet. A prophet is a human being who
asserts that God has chosen him and revealed true knowledge to him
for the purpose of conveying it to others. Intrinsically, this is the only
plausible claim so far, for only God, who is eternal and omniscient, can
have actual knowledge of truth. God's divinity itself is proof of His allpervading
knowledge of reality. The claim of one who asserts that he
has received knowledge of truth from God is worthy of consideration.
Here the question arises of there having been not just one prophet.
There are many divine scriptures and many prophets have been
sent to the world; which of them should be followed? A person who
is really sincere in his search for truth, however, will have no trouble
in finding the answer to this question. There is no doubt that in the
past God has raised many individuals to the status of prophet-hood,
but one can judge an event only by virtue of its historical credibility
and only one prophet possesses credentials, which make his prophethood
a historical certainty rather than just a belief. Of all those who
have claimed prophet-hood, only Muhammad, on whom be peace
and God's blessings, can be said to have achieved full historical
credibility. Everything about him is established historical fact. We are
just as well informed about the Prophet of Islam as we are about any
contemporary person, or even more so. Apart from him, all prophets
are legendary figures. No complete historical record of them exists, nor
are the scriptures they left preserved in their original state. Only the
life of Muhammad has been completely chronicled. The book, which
was handed over to people, as the inspired word of God, is also present
in its original form. So, looking at the matter rationally, there can only
be one answer to the question. "What is truth?" From a practical as
well as a theoretical point of view, we should accept the only realistic
answer there is. We should not try to select a solution from a wide
range of alternatives.
This truth is the word of God and the word of God is immutable. God's
commandments never change, either with respect to man or the rest
of creation. The terrestrial and celestial orders have not altered despite
the passing of billions of years. The principles, which govern vegetation
and water in one location, are equally applicable in another. That is the way with God's commandments to man also: they are the same now
as they were thousands of years ago. That which applies to one nation
applies with equal force to all.
Some factors in life, such as transport or architecture, are continually
being altered, but truth always remains the same. Truth is attached to
that side of human nature, which never changes. The truth is concerned
with matters like whom one should accept as one’s Creator and Master;
whom one should worship; whom one should love and whom one
should fear; according to what criteria one should assess success and
failure; what the purpose of one's existence is and the focal point of
one's emotions; according to what code of conduct one should deal
with people. Truth deals with matters, which are not affected by time
and place. Everyone at all times and in all places, is confronted by these
questions. Just as God is one and everlasting, so the truth is also one
and will always remain so.
What should Man do when Confronted with Truth?
The verdict of hell or heaven for man is given on the basis of his reaction
to the truth. When truth comes to a person supported by arguments,
his mind testifies to God’s truth having been laid clearly before him.
Now he is left with no plea, no excuse that he had not been shown the
right path. But, if even after being told the truth, he refutes it, then it
is certain that his response is the result of arrogance. A superiority
complex has come in the way of according the true place of pride to
God while he accepts a lower position himself. Nothing awaits such a
person in the next world except hell.
When a man refutes the truth, he does so on the basis of some feeling of
confidence or the other. Sometimes this confidence is based on wealth
and power, sometimes on honour and popularity. The material things
provided to him for the purposes of trial come to be considered by him
as dependable supports, and he feels sure that he will come to no harm
as he stands on firm ground. But this is his greatest misconception.
On the Day of Judgment, when these ephemeral supports have left
him, it will become plain that he had rejected the truth all along due
to haughtiness, using the many words at his disposal to justify his
refusal of truth on false grounds of principle.
THE WORD OF GOD
From The Scriptures
THE Quran is the book of God. It has been preserved in its
entirety since its revelation to the Prophet of Islam between
610 and 632 A.D. It is a book that brings glad tidings to mankind,
along with divine admonition, and stresses the importance of man’s
discovery of the Truth on a spiritual and intellectual level.
Translated from Arabic and commentary
by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
By [the winds] that pluck out vehemently and those that blow gently,
and by [the clouds] that swim serenely and by those that outstrip
them suddenly, and by those who regulate events. On the Day when a
violent convulsion will convulse [the world], to be followed by further
[convulsions], hearts will be throbbing, while eyes will be downcast.
They say, ‘What? Shall we be brought back to life, even after we have
turned into decayed bones?’ And they say, ‘That indeed would be a
losing return.’ But all it will take is a single blast, and behold! They will
all come out in the open.
Every year we experience periods of calm weather followed by gales
bringing clouds and rainstorms. Soon it is clearly visible that where the
land was desolate, a new world has sprung up. This event of nature
indicates the possibility of the Hereafter.
This shows in symbolic fashion that the emergence of the Hereafter
from the present world is just as possible as the emergence of lush
green foliage from dry barren land.
Have you heard the story of Moses? His Lord called out to him by the
sacred valley of Tuwa: [saying], ‘Go to Pharaoh, he has exceeded all
bounds, and say, “Will you reform yourself? Do you want me to guide
you to your Lord, so that you should fear Him?”’ Moses showed him
the great sign, but he denied it and refused [the faith]. Then he quickly
turned his back. And he summoned all his people, and proclaimed, ‘I
am your supreme Lord,’ but God seized him and meted out to him the
chastisement of both the next world and the present: surely there is
in this a lesson for the God-fearing.
The life of Pharaoh and other deniers of the truth like him provides
proof of the fact that one who denies realities is ultimately punished
for it. These historical examples are enough to teach man a lesson. But
an instructive event is such only to one who has a prudent mentality,
and who examines an action from the viewpoint of its end-result and
not just in relation to its beginning.
[O Men!] Are you more difficult to create than the heaven which He
has built, by raising its vault high and fashioning it flawlessly, and
making its night dark and bringing forth its morning light, and the
earth which He spread out, after that bringing forth from it its water
and its pasture land, and making the mountains firm: [all this] as a
means of sustenance for you and your animals?
The magnificent phenomenon before us in the shape of the universe
is so great that all other things are small in comparison to it. So, in
the world when the occurrence of a big event is possible, why should
the occurrence of a small event not be possible? There are already
many factors in existence on a large scale which explain the Quran’s
declaration that man shall one day have to face resurrection.
When the great overwhelming event arrives, on the Day that man
remembers what he strove for and Hell is there for all to see, anyone
who has acted arrogantly and prefers the life of this world, will
find himself in Hell; but one who fears to stand before his Lord and
restrained himself from base desires, shall dwell in Paradise. They
will ask you [Prophet] about the Hour, saying, ‘When it will come to
pass?’ What have you to do with the mentioning of it? Your Lord alone
knows when it will come; you are but a warner for those who fear it.
On the Day when they see it, they will feel as if they had tarried in this
world for only one evening or one morning.
Man is between two domains. One is the present world, which is
before him, and the second is the world of the Hereafter, which is
hidden from view. The real test of man is that he should prefer the
Hereafter to the present world. But this can be done only by one who
has the courage to exercise control over the base desires of the self
and not behave arrogantly.
SIMPLE LIVING HIGH THINKING
A Conscious Effort
A Hadith tells us that ‘Simplicity is a part of faith’. On a close
examination of this Hadith, one can question the wisdom behind
considering simplicity as a part of faith itself; that is a part of the
belief in God. Let us first consider, what is the absence of simplicity?
Absence of simplicity is the complex methods requiring greater
resources, time and effort that we adopt in conducting our daily lives to
satiate our superficial pursuits. Such complex methods require the use
of our intellectual faculties only for material benefit, while they could
have been rightly used instead in the pursuit of knowledge, personality
development, spiritual growth and the promotion of global peace.
If we adopt simplicity in our lives, then we will
save ourselves from many distractions.
Man is considered the ‘crown of creation’ by virtue of being endowed
with the power of thinking. This blessing of God can be used either for
the most mundane things or for the higher things of life. It does not
befit us to use this blessing for the sole achievement of our worldly
or material needs which in any case will be fulfilled with lesser effort.
However, this is possible only when one makes a conscious endeavour
to keep life simple. For instance, one meal on any given day could be
an elaborate affair spread over several hours requiring a lot of effort
and preparation or it could be a simple event, both ultimately serving
the same purpose.
If we do not consciously take the decision to live life in a simple way,
things will get complicated and we will create a web of frivolous goals
that will ensnare us in the bonds of materialism. Our focus will shift
from a God-oriented life to a materialistic existence.
The Prophet had predicted that material wealth will be the cause of
much evil amongst his followers. The only way of saving ourselves from
such evil will be to adopt simplicity in everything. If we adopt simplicity
in our lives, then we will save ourselves from many distractions. Only
then will it be possible for us to use our faculties for higher thinking.
High thinking is the result of simple living. This is the essential ingredient
in our endeavour to seek the truth and increase our faith.
IN SEARCH OF MEANING
Discover Your Creator
THE Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist Viktor Emil Frankl
(1905–1997) authored a book in 1946, called Man’s Search for
Meaning. Many authors over the years have written books with
similar titles. During more than three hundred years of the printing
press, billions of books have been published in different languages and
if a common title were to be given to all these books, it would, without
doubt, be: In Search of Meaning.
Everyone is in search of God. It is God who gives meaning
to all phenomena, because, after finding God,
everything falls into place.
A human being, by nature, is a seeker of meaning. Everyone is born
with an enquiring mind. Everyone tries to find the answer to his quest;
and, it is this quest which has resulted in the publication of many books,
both fiction and non-fiction. All are directly or indirectly related to the
subject of the quest for truth.
When a person reaches the age of maturity, his first concern is earning
his livelihood. He opts for various kinds of jobs or engages in different
types of economic activity. When he becomes engaged in some work,
he goes through the period of satisfaction. Then, gradually, a time
comes when he realises that his job is not giving him what he had been
in search of. Certainly, he gets his “bread”, but, as Jesus Christ rightly
said: “Man does not live by bread alone” (Matthew 4: 4).
To earn one’s “bread” is everyone’s first need. But, bread can satisfy only
one’s physical requirements; it fails to give any intellectual satisfaction.
This is the main cause of frustration and despair experienced by almost
everyone today.
According to the Big Bang theory, the universe came into existence
about 13 billion years ago. Everyone thinks on these lines: ‘Billions of
years ago, I was a non-existent entity in this vast Universe. Then, I was
born and nature made me a part of the population of the world.’ Every
person, consciously or unconsciously, yearns to know how he came
into existence and tries to find the meaning of his life in this world.
There are few who have not frequently reflected on existence. When
a person is born, he immediately finds himself in a world with a life
support system which he did not bring into existence. He then thinks
that nature potentially had an entire technology hidden in it. Man later
discovered and developed this technology to create the civilization we
see around us. Thus, man questions himself: Who is behind this living
drama? What is the relationship between me and that super-artist?
Then, there is the question of death: Why does man die and what lies
in the post-death period?
It is only the self-discovered God that can give you
conviction. It is your own study and contemplation
that can give you your God.
If you try to explain this phenomenon, you will find a single title for it,
which in religious terms may be called “God”. If we accept this term, we
can say that, in fact, everyone is in search of God. It is God who gives
meaning to all phenomena, because, after finding God, everything
falls into place. Separated from his mother in a crowd, a little boy
was running around anxiously. He was crying and continually saying:
“Where is my mother?” When he found his mother, she took him in
her arms. Instantly the boy stopped crying and became calm and
satisfied. This incident illustrates the case of man. Everyone, knowingly
or unknowingly, is in search of God. During this search he runs towards
various things, but when they come within his reach, he very soon
realises that he has not found the answer to his search. This has been
true of every human being throughout the history of mankind.
‘God’ is not something which one finds from external sources: it is a
matter of self-discovery. God can only be discovered by an individual
himself. It is only the self-discovered God that can give you conviction.
If you want to make your life meaningful, you have to take up this
question on a priority basis. It is your own study and contemplation
that can give you your God. The criterion of finding God is that when
you find Him, you should become completely satisfied, like the little
boy in the incident related above.
The process of search has only one condition to it, and that is, sincerity.
Jesus Christ has said: “He that seeketh findeth” (Matthew 7: 8). This is not
a religious saying; rather it describes a law of nature. One who is truly
sincere in his search will certainly reach his goal.
THE HONEY BEE CULTURE
Ignore the Thorns, Extract the Nectar
IT is the honey bee’s culture to travel every day and reach places
where flowers are available for it. The bee extracts nectar from
the flower and returns to its abode. It does not care about anything
else.
Where there are flowers, there are also other things like thorns; but the
honey bee simply ignores the presence of thorns and does not waste
its time complaining about them. It simply extracts the nectar from the
flower and returns.
This behaviour of the honey bee is a symbolic lesson to man—'Live like
a honey bee'. Extract what is good for you and leave what is unwanted.
Do not waste your time in complaints and protests.
Where there are flowers, there are also other things like
thorns; but the honey bee simply ignores the presence of
thorns and does not waste its time complaining.
People are generally offended upon hearing criticism against them.
This behaviour is quite against the scheme of nature. In doing so,
they pay a heavy price. They deprive themselves of the ‘nectar’ that
is available for them in everything and every experience—i.e. a good
lesson, wisdom and sound advice. Every person’s environment has this
‘nectar’. Man should develop the ability to take the ‘nectar’ and ignore
what is not ‘nectar’.
Living with a focussed mind is very important for every man and woman.
Only a focussed mind is a developed mind. When you get offended or
provoked, it means you have allowed another person to disrupt your
focus and break your concentration.
According to the Creation Plan of God, every human being is like
a flower. Everyone has a content of ‘nectar’ or a good experience to
share. The only condition to extract this universal nectar is that when
you meet someone, you should neither be offended nor provoked.
You should adopt the culture of the honey bee. It is only this learning
process that will make a successful personality.
LIVING AS AN UNDERDEVELOPED PERSONALITY
Impoverished Retirement
ON November 12, 2014, All-India Radio broadcast an interview
with a well-known actor. The interviewer put this question to the
actor: “You are totally different on the sets from what you are
in real life. How do you succeed in performing a role which is different
from your actual personality?” The actor replied: “When we perform for
the screen, we detach ourselves totally from our real personality and
cast ourselves in the mould of the character we have to play.”
This is an age of professionalism. In every profession, one has to
perform one’s role under some ‘director’. While performing this role, a
person detaches himself from his original personality for a temporary
role. But, there is a problem. This relationship is not for life. A time
comes when man has to retire from his profession.
A new situation awaits him after retirement. Having assumed the role
of another personality in his professional life, he returns to his original
self in his retired life. The original personality however has remained
in an underdeveloped state. The person now has to face the life ahead
with this underdeveloped self.
Furthermore, the post-retirement period is the most precious period
of one’s life as it is the age of maturity. A comparison between the
two periods of the person’s life results in despair. In the pre-retirement
period he was acclaimed as a super-performer. However, in the postretirement
period he is reduced almost to a non-performer. This
explains why almost all the so-called successful persons, in the second
phase of their lives, live and die in despair.
What is the solution to this problem? People have only one of two
options. The first is to choose a self-discovered profession—a profession
that may last lifelong, in which they may achieve what is called job
satisfaction. The second option is to start a new life immediately after
retirement—a life of their own choice. They should spend time on study
and healthy activities, and try to realize their potential.
The second option, although, is not an alternative. But when the first
and best is not available, then the second best is the only choice for a
wise person.
REMEMBERING GOD
Conscious Acknowledgement
ONE of the commandments of the Quran is given in these words:
“Believers, remember God with much remembrance.” (
According to this Quranic verse believers must remember God
very much, every day and every moment. This is the greatest teaching
of the Quran, and it is the highest form of worship. One who does this
will be blessed with the greatest reward from God Almighty.
What is meant by ‘much remembrance’ of God? Remembrance does not
refer to the repetition of some words, but it is in the sense of thinking.
Much remembrance, or zikr-e-kathir, is not a kind of lip service. It is
rather a high kind of intellectual activity and a sign of God realization.
Remembering God much, is a result of a chain reaction in the thinking
process; that is, a series of thoughts in which each thought causes the
next one. Zikr-e-kathir, or much remembrance, is a result of creative
thinking.
It is a product of a prepared mind. If you possess a prepared mind, then
your mind is bound to get activated at every experience or observation.
You will start discovering one aspect of God-realization after another. In this way a chain reaction will be initiated in your mind.
Zikr or remembrance does not refer to the repetition of
some words, but it is in the sense of thinking.
It is this intellectual activity that is called zikr-e-kathir in the Quran.
For example, if it is raining, a believer will very soon present his shukr,
that is, acknowledgment to God. Then he will start thinking further:
what caused this downpour? He will discover the natural processes
that resulted in rain. He will then think that when the water was in the
ocean, it was salty, but when it took the form of downpour, it turned
into fresh water.
So step by step, he will discover how God created various processes
which finally provided him water to drink. This is an example of chain
reaction in thinking, and through this chain reaction, one by one, you
start discovering aspects for realization of God. If you are a prepared
mind, then this process will continue without limit.
This chain reaction of zikr will enhance your ma'arifat, that is, realization.
It will improve your relationship with God, increasing your wisdom and
power of analysis.
Remembering God much, is a result of a chain reaction in
the thinking process; that is, a series of thoughts in
which each thought causes the next one.
According to the Quran, believers are given a unique blessing, that
is, they are able to add faith to their faith (THE QURAN 48: 4). This is
not a mysterious phenomenon; it is a direct result of the above kind of
chain reaction. This chain reaction of zikr is very important for personality
development. A believer increases his divine spirituality through
this process.
The Spiritual and the Physical
Man has been created by God
with two opposing yet complementary
qualities: the spiritual and the physical.
On the one hand is his mind, in respect of which
he finds himself limitless. He can think anything he
wishes; there are simply no boundaries to his thinking.
Yet, in his physical existence, man is extremely limited.
He is bound by innumerable kinds of constraints. The
greatest limiting factor which man faces is death.
Death nullifies all greatness in man.
This is man’s severest test.
In all his apparent greatness, he must acknowledge
how humble is his condition. Passing from a limitless to
a limited environment he must acknowledge the confines
within which he lives. He must accept restrictions
in an atmosphere of freedom.
A RAY OF HOPE
In the Midst of Hopelessness
THE well-known American evangelist Billy Graham (b.1918)
narrates one of his life’s experiences. Once he received an urgent
message from an American statesman who wanted to meet him
at the earliest. On receiving this message, Billy Graham cancelled his
appointments and immediately set out to meet this man. When he
arrived at the statesman’s palatial home, he was immediately taken to
a room, where he and the statesman sat on chairs facing one another.
Then, in a serious tone, the statesman said to Billy Graham:
You see, I am an old man. Life has lost all meaning. I am ready
to take a fateful leap into the unknown. Young man,
can you give me a ray of hope?
(The Secret of Happiness, Billy Graham, 1955)
This is not only the story of a statesman; rather it is the story of
every man and woman. Every person, consciously or unconsciously,
is obsessed with this thought. Man’s average life expectancy is about
70 years. This is why every person, sometime or the other, thinks: What
will be my life after seventy years? What will happen to me after death?
What will happen to me when I leave this world and go to another
unknown world?
Man should strive to his utmost to prepare himself for the
next world, so that in the Hereafter he can achieve that
which he could not in the present world.
On the death of his son, these same thoughts were expressed by the
well-known singer Jagjit Singh (1941-2011) in these words: Chitthi na koi
sandesh, jane wo kaun sa desh jahan tum chale gaye. (You left no letter
and no message. No one knows the world to which you have gone.)
These lines do not only represent the feelings of a father at the death
of his son, rather it is the case of every human being—if he is alive, then
this is his feeling about himself and if he has died then these are the
feelings of the relatives whom he has left behind.
Almost all thinkers of history were obsessed with trying to explain this
phenomenon. Everyone tried to discover the answer to this question.
However, every answer failed to provide an explanation. In 1935 Alexis
Carrel wrote a book Man, The Unknown. From another perspective
the theme of this book was: Destination, The Unknown. Till today this
destination has remained unknown and undiscovered.
Man’s life is like an iceberg. Only a small tip of his life
lies in the present world; the rest of it lies in
the world Hereafter.
Having spent my entire life in trying to find an answer to this question
led me to the discovery that the only rational answer has been given in
the Quran. According to the Quranic explanation, man was born as an
eternal creature. But, his life was divided into two parts: the pre-death
period and the post-death period. Man’s life is like an iceberg. Only
a small tip of his life lies in the present world; the rest of it lies in the
world Hereafter. Man should strive to his utmost to prepare himself for
the next world, so that in the Hereafter he can achieve that which he
could not in the present world.
Find a detailed explanation of this discovery in ‘Islam Rediscovered’,
Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, published 2001.
THE WORLD HEREAFTER
Perfect and Eternal
SIR James Jeans once observed that the Creator of the universe
must have possessed a mathematical mind. Here, I must add that
the very meaningfulness of the universe is proof that its Creator
must have had a deep sense of purpose. Such a purposeful Creator
could not have created a world, which was imperfect—and therefore
meaningless—if this objective was to be fulfilled.
Yet despite all its meaningfulness, our world in its present state is
incomplete. It requires the existence of another world for its completion.
It is such a world that all the prophets have called the world of
the Hereafter.
This world of the Hereafter is not just a matter of dogma. It is an entirely
scientific fact.
Scientific Proof
First of all, we must define what is scientific proof? According to
modern science, scientific proof does not mean that there can be any
degree of absolute certainty about whatever is to be proved. This kind
of undeniable certainty is not possible.
The very meaningfulness of the universe is proof that its
Creator must have had a deep sense of purpose.
According to the modern scientific stand, when we say that something
has been scientifically proven, this statement only means that its
probability has been established. In modern science, concepts that are
presented as established facts are generally accepted only because
their probability has been established, not because there is any definite
knowledge of them acquired as a result of observing them. An example
of this is the acceptance of the structure of the atom.
We can, with confidence, apply the same scientific method to our belief in
the world of the Hereafter. Indeed, employing any other method would
not, in principle, be appropriate. And, from the scientific viewpoint, we
cannot refuse to apply it to the case of the world Hereafter—a method
that we hold valid in most scientific matters. As we know, the steps
to a scientific inquiry include —hypothesis, observation and verification.
If we apply this three-point formula to the world Hereafter, we can
certainly arrive at an understanding of its probability. And as we know,
probability is another word for certainty. Out of all God’s creatures,
man, who is unlike any of His other creatures—is the only one who has
the greatest need for certainty, for he must know what lies ahead of
him. No other created entity, whether animate or inanimate, possesses
such a concept of 'tomorrow.' It is a well-acknowledged fact that the
destination of all creatures, save man, is simply that of ‘today’, while
man’s destination pertains to ‘tomorrow’.
Understanding the Hereafter
Those huge masses of ice, which we know as icebergs, found floating
in the seas of the North and South poles, number amongst the most
deceptive and, therefore, most dangerous phenomena to be found in
nature. Their deceptiveness lies in the fact that no matter how huge, or
wonderful in configuration, what we see of them amounts to only one
tenth of their enormous bulk. What lies below the surface of the ocean,
spreading far and beyond the visible perimeter, poses tremendous
hazards to the unwary.
A purposeful Creator could not have created a world,
which was imperfect—and therefore meaningless.
In some ways, our lives are like those floating mountains of ice. The
part we spend in this world—about a hundred years, or less—is like
the part of the iceberg which is visible above the surface. We can see
it, touch it, feel it. We can measure it and deal with it effectively. But
the part which comes after death is like the submerged part—vast,
unfathomable and fraught with peril. It is something which defies the
imagination, but which we must nevertheless try to comprehend, for
that is the part of human life which God has decreed should be eternal
and, as such, ineluctable.
We are all familiar with the facts of our origin and the course which life
takes from the womb until death. But at the end of our life span, whether
it terminates in youth or in old age, our familiarity with the nature of
things comes to an end. It has been surmised that death means total
and final annihilation. But this is not so. Death is simply a means of
consigning us to a new womb, to the womb of the universe itself. From
that point, we are ushered into another world: the Hereafter. While
the present, physical world as we know it has a finite time-frame, the Hereafter stretches away from us into infinity. We fondly imagine that
there is some parallel between the pleasures and pains of this world
and those of the next, but, in truth, nothing that we can experience
in this world will ever match the extremes of agony and bliss of life
after death. Those who merit punishment in the Hereafter will be
condemned to suffer the most horrific pain for all time to come. But
those who merit God’s blessings in the Hereafter shall know the most
wonderful joy and contentment.
Can we perceive the Hereafter?
It is because life in this world is intended to be a testing-ground that
the world of the Hereafter remains beyond our reach. But all around
us, we have innumerable signs which can help us, by analogy, to understand
and appreciate the nature of the world to come. Imagine a room
which ostensibly consists of four walls, furniture, a few material objects
and some human occupants. To all outward appearances, that is what
the room adds up to. But the moment we switch on the TV set, we are
introduced to a hitherto unsuspected world of colour, movement, and
highly vocal human activity. This world, with its scenery and very alive
human beings had existed all along. It had only needed the flip of a
switch to make us aware of it.
The destination of all creatures, save man, is simply that
of ‘today’, while man’s destination pertains to ‘tomorrow’.
Similarly, our terrestrial existence is made up of a world within a world.
The world we know is concrete, visible, audible and tangible. The
‘other’ world, the world within it, or rather, beyond it, is not however,
one which can be comprehended through any of the normal human
senses; no switch can be turned on to make us understand what it is
really like. Only death can do this for us. And when we reopen our eyes
after death we find that what had formerly been impalpable, and quite
beyond human comprehension is now a stark, overwhelming reality. It
is then that we grasp what had hitherto existed, but remained invisible.
Are we Accountable?
Once it is clear in our minds that the after-life truly exists, we realise
that the sole aim of our earthly existence should be to strive for
success in the life to come, for, unlike the present ephemeral world,
the Hereafter is eternal and real. What we understand by suffering and solace in this world cannot be compared with the suffering and solace
of the Hereafter.
Many individuals lead immoral, even criminal existences because they
feel that they are free to do as they please in this world. Freedom we do
have, but it exists only so that God may distinguish between the good
and the evil, and determine who deserves a place of honour and dignity
in the Hereafter and who should be condemned to eternal disgrace.
The sole aim of our earthly existence should be to strive
for success in the life to come.
While there is nothing to prevent the good and the evil from living
cheek by jowl in this world, they will be separated in the Hereafter like
the wheat from the chaff and will be judged according to their record
in this life. Some will be condemned to an eternal Hell of pain and
distress, while others will be blessed with eternal bliss and pleasure.
Each will get his just desserts.
Not a minute to spare
When a man has a specific and worthwhile goal
before him, he sets a great value upon his time, but
when bereft of a goal, time hangs heavily
upon his hands.
It is then that ceremonial gatherings
and vain pursuits become welcome occupations.
He makes no real life for himself but depends upon
others for occupation and distraction. In this way, he drifts along,
like a ship without a rudder, to the end of his useless life.
On the surface, he has led a full, busy life; but, on closer inspection,
he discovers, too late, that his achievements are nil,
and that he has frittered away his
precious existence in vain,
meaningless diversions.
FROM THE SPIRITUAL TREE
There is a tree beside my house. I call
it the 'Spiritual Tree'. I derive spiritual
inspiration from it. A tree is an evergrowing
being that was initially a seed
possessing the potential of becoming a
full-grown tree. A seed takes food from the
universe around it and then grows into a
tree. The same is true with spirituality,
the desire for which is intrinsic to, and an
integral part of, the very nature of, every
human being. To realize this spirituality,
Man must derive spiritual food from the
universe around him. A tree converts
carbon-dioxide into oxygen; a spiritual person is one who can take positive lessons
from negative situations. From this perspective, a tree is an embodiment of a
spiritual personality.
—Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
SPIRITUALITY — A UNIVERSAL RELIGION
SPIRITUALITY is a universal religion. It can be divided into two phases.
One phase is related to the pre-scientific era, the second phase is
related to the post-scientific era. In my view, the spirituality of the
pre-scientific era was of a lower level. It is only in the post scientific era
that it has become possible to attain the spirituality of a higher level,
just as it has happened with regards to other disciplines.
By applying the mind one discovers that here,
non-material reality exists beyond material existence.
According to past notions, the heart came to be regarded as the centre
and the storehouse of spirituality. That is why, man worked very hard
for thousands of years to attain spirituality by focusing on the heart.
For the same reason, the spiritual masters all over the world regarded
the method of meditation as the only way to attain spirituality.
Heart-oriented spirituality remained in practice, meditation-based;
achieved by suppressing the thinking process of the mind. But the
strange outcome of this spiritual practice for over five thousand years is that no spiritual master has been able to produce a truly creative
work, unlike the mind-based disciplines which produced creative
personalities. Besides, almost all the spiritual masters used the
language of poetry or metaphor. In such a language it is not possible to
produce any great spiritual literary work.
The secret of this failure of spirituality was revealed only after the
emergence of science. Scientific research revealed for the first time
that the heart was only an organ of blood circulation. It was not the
centre of intellectual activity. It is the human mind which is the centre
of intellectual activity. All the spiritual masters continued to seek
spirituality in the heart. Whereas the truth was that the centre of
spirituality existed in the mind.
According to my experience the truth is that spirituality—like other
functions—is also a function of the mind. It is a phenomenon of
intellectual development.
Spirituality is the highest intellectual achievement for
a human being. But this achievement can only be
made by developing the conscious mind.
By applying the mind one discovers that here, non-material reality exists
beyond material existence. It is this discovery which is the beginning of
spirituality. The more one realises this higher reality, the more one’s
spiritual level gets developed. In reality, like many other discoveries,
spirituality is also a conscious discovery, far from comprising of vague
type of feelings.
The spirituality centered on the heart is based on meditation, the culmination
of which is ecstasy. Ecstasy suppresses the intellectual function
of the mind. Feelings take hold of him, he is no longer guided by
his conscious mind. Without doubt, ecstasy can act as a temporary
tranquilliser.
Compared to this, spirituality based on the mind results in a conscious
discovery which leads man to intellectual realization. There is nothing
greater in this world than a thrilling experience at a conscious level.
Even at its culmination, ecstasy cannot bring man beyond the confines
of a limited world, whereas an intellectual realization takes man to the
limitless world.
Another misgiving of heart-based spirituality was that an unscientific
viewpoint became prevalent regarding the ideology of God. When
the spiritualists focus their hearts in their meditations, after some
time they start feeling that the boundaries have disappeared. They
find it very thrilling; it is this feeling which is known as ecstasy. In this
experience they find that they have reached a world where there is
unity of existence; where the difference between the creator and the
created has disappeared.
Spirituality centered on the heart is based on meditation,
the culmination of which is ecstasy. Spirituality based on
the mind results in a conscious discovery which
leads man to intellectual realization.
This experience is not of the nature of an intellectual discovery; it is in
actual fact a obscure feeling of a temporary nature. Still, on the basis
of this obscure feeling it came to be believed that there was unity of
existence at the higher level. This feeling resulted in that theological
concept which is termed non-dualism—that God and man are the same
in existence. Man is not separate from God, rather he is a part of God.
It is this concept which has been described by a Sufi (mystic) in these
words: anal haq, that is, “I am the Truth.” Without doubt, this concept
is irrational for the simple reason that experience shows that man has
no divine qualities. The truth is that man is the created, and not the
Creator, or a part of the Creator.
According to my experience, that concept of God is rational which is
called Monotheism in theology. It is based on the idea of dualism; that
man and God have a separate existence. Both have totally separate
identities. God is the Creator and man is the created.
There are two main sources of this spirituality. A perusal of nature
and close affinity with God as a result of which one may start receiving
inspiration from God. This is the real basis of spirituality. Without
doubt, spirituality is the highest intellectual achievement for a human
being. But this achievement can only be made by developing the
conscious mind.
LESSONS ETERNAL AND EPHEMERAL
Differentiate Between Them
THERE are two aspects to the struggle of the Indian independence
movement under Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation.
These two aspects have been exemplified in the independence
movement by Gandhi as:
1. Civil Disobedience
2. Home Rule
The main ideology behind the Civil Disobedience movement was to
defy the laws made by the British. It was the active, professed and
non-violent refusal to obey the laws and commands of the British
government in India. It was a message to the British rulers of India that,
‘We will not accept your rule and your laws over us.’ It was a demand to
‘Quit India’. Another instance of the civil disobedience movement was
the non-violent protest against the British-imposed salt tax that led to
the famous Dandi Salt March.
'Civil Disobedience' was a temporary movement,
whereas 'Home Rule' has a permanent significance.
The second feature of the independence movement under Gandhi was
Home Rule, also called Self Rule or Swaraj. This meant self-governance
and independence from foreign domination. It advocated the discarding
of the British political, economic, bureaucratic, legal, military and
educational institutions and laying a foundation for a democratic and
independent India.
In his struggle for Indian independence, Gandhi had given Indians two
campaigns, but their validity was not the same. Civil Disobedience
was a temporary movement, whereas Home Rule has a permanent
significance. There is absolutely no relevance for Civil Disobedience in
India today.
This matter is not restricted only to the independence struggle under
Mahatma Gandhi but is a natural outcome of every mission and every
struggle. In every mission—whether it is a religious mission or a political
one—there are certain issues that are temporary and others that are permanent. In a similar manner, there are two such terms used in
the Quran:
1. ‘Jihad bil Quran’ — Jihad with the Quran
2. ‘Qital’ also known as ‘Jihad bil saif’ — Jihad as war
What is meant by Jihad with the Quran?
The Quran is a book which brings glad tidings to mankind along with
divine admonition and stresses the importance of man’s discovery of
truth. The objective of the Quran is to make man aware of the creation
plan of God. It makes a man serious about life, gives him high thinking
that develops a God-oriented personality or divine personality in man.
Jihad with the Quran means to take all these aspects of the Quran and
make every effort to imbibe them in one’s life and convey them to
mankind so that not a single human being is unaware of them. This
is true Jihad and only to make clear this meaning the following verse
in the Quran was revealed, 'wa jahid hum bihi jihadan kabeera'. (strive
with the utmost strenuousness by means of this — THE QURAN 25: 52)
This kind of struggle is not just Jihad but according to the Quran it is the
Jihadan kabeera or Greater Jihad.
What is meant by Qital or Jihad bil saif?
Another related term that is used in the Quran is ‘qital’ which means war.
In this connection, the Quran says: 'And fight—do war against—them
until there is no more fitna.' (THE QURAN 8: 39) In this verse, fitna means
religious persecution. The obvious and literal meaning of this verse
proves that according to the Quran, qital is a temporary command. It
was a directive only until religious persecution remained and as soon
as it was put to an end, the command or directive itself was nullified.
That is if it is eliminated then the command for war is also eliminated.
God desired that the system of religious persecution
be eliminated and the natural system of religious
freedom be established.
Due to the prevailing political philosophy of the earlier times, there was
a culture of religious persecution all over the world. This philosophy
and culture functioned against the creation plan of God as it was a
withdrawal of the God-given freedom to man. God desired that this
contrived system of religious persecution be eliminated and the natural system of religious freedom be established. In order to achieve this
end, God commanded the Prophet and his companions to remove this
false system at any cost even if it required engaging in war.
The Prophet and his companions accomplished this command of God
and at a limited level, religious persecution was exterminated. All the
verses related to qital that appear in the Quran are in relation to the
accomplishment of this mandate. In the present age with the United
Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights guaranteeing religious
freedom to all, the validity of qital is now defunct.
Now, man has complete freedom with regards to religion,
but people want to do battle for political
benefit and power.
In order to better understand this matter, consider a tradition attributed
to Abdullah ibn Umar, a companion of the Prophet (Fathul Bari,
ensued between Abdullah ibn Zubayr and the Umayyads, Abdullah ibn
Umar, stayed away from the battle.
People approached him and asked, 'Why are you are not taking part in
this battle, although God has commanded in the Quran to fight them
until there is no more fitna?' Abdullah ibn Umar replied, 'I have fought
in battles until fitna was eliminated and the religion became God's.
But you want to fight again so that it returns once more and religion
becomes that of others besides God.' This incident is better known in
history as the fitna of Abdullah ibn Zubayr.
It is clear from this tradition of Abdullah ibn Umar that the fitna that
is mentioned in the Quran relating to this command was religious
persecution. He said that they had fought in battles to eradicate
religious persecution. Now, man has complete freedom with regards
to religion, but people want to do battle for political benefit and power
and in this way bring back the fitna in the form of political persecution!
The war against fitna was a war of limited duration, temporary in
nature and meant to be engaged in only until its specific purpose had
been served.
In the Gandhian movement, although there were two terms that were
used to identify the freedom struggles as explained above, everyone knows that their relevance was not the same. In the same manner, Jihad
and Qital, the two terms that are used in the Quran and elaborated
above do not have the same relevance. In the Quran, the matter related
to Jihad bil Quran has an eternal relevance whereas the verses related
to Qital or Jihad bil saif cannot have any permanent significance. Their
relevance was only a temporary one.
If this difference is not appreciated and one were to start a Civil
Disobedience movement saying that it has a permanent relevance,
such a person would be using Gandhi's name to spread dissension and
disorder in the country. In the same manner, with religious freedom
throughout the world, if one were to start a campaign for Jihad bil saif
(Qital) saying it is a permanent commandment of God just as Jihad bil
Quran, then such a person would only be using the name of Islamic
reformation to spread disorder and dissension in society. All such
movements would be totally un-Islamic and have nothing to do with
Islamic teachings.
No Risk, No Gain
The present world is governed
on the principle of “no risk, no gain”.
It is, therefore, inevitable for people to
incur losses of different kinds.
At times, they are unfairly challenged by others,
they fall a prey to economic difficulties,
they suffer losses of land and wealth,
they meet with an accident or are
deprived of certain benefits
that should have been their's
by right, and so on.
These should be met
with patience and tolerance.
THE PURPOSE OF LIFE
Answers to Your Questions
MAN is in constant search of answers to many questions. Who
am I? Where did I come from? What is the purpose of my life?
Why do I have so many unfulfilled desires? What happens to
me after death? The questions are many but answers can only be found
with the realization of God.
Realization of God (ma'arifat) has the greatest importance in religion.
Realization is not like a stone, rather it is like a ‘tree’ that keeps growing
continuously. The Quran says: “Their faith grows stronger as they listen
to His revelations” (THE QURAN 8: 2). It is creative thinking, which is the
source of this ever-growing realization of God. With this deeper sense
of realization, a person can draw sustenance or food for ma'arifat from
every incident and from every experience.
Creative thinking is the source of an
ever-growing realization of God.
All-India Radio broadcasts news every hour. In between there are other
programs. As the radio was switched on for the news, a line from a
song could be heard. Barbaad main yahan hoon, aabaad tu kahan hai. A
simple translation of these words would be, Here, I am in peril and where
are you free of all peril? To a creative mind, these words can be food for
God-realization. These heart-rending words of the song appear to be
the voice of every human soul; the voice of man in a state of constant
pain calling out to his Lord, ‘You created me and put me into a world
which is not my eternal habitat.’
Why does man feel he is in peril? Unlike animals who are contented
in their habitat, man experiences a feeling of deprivation. Right from
birth he lives in a sense of deprivation and leaves the world in this very
state of unfulfilment. The Quran explains this in the following words:
We have created man in the best of mould, then We cast him
down as the lowest of the low, except for those who believe
and do good works — theirs shall be an unending reward.
What then after this, can make you deny the Last Judgement?
Is not God the greatest of the judges?
THE QURAN 95: 4-8
It is as though, God is addressing man saying ‘O man, you are in this
state because you failed to understand My creation plan. Had you
discovered that I have prepared for you an unending reward, instead
of giving in to despair, you would have paid your full attention towards
making yourself a deserving candidate for this eternal reward.’
Humans are referred to as social beings or thinking beings. A more
suitable reference would be to call them, Paradise-seeking beings.
As perfection is only in Paradise, we can conclude that all the other
living creatures find fulfilment in the pre-death period in their present
habitat, but man will find this fulfilment in the post-death period in his
eternal abode.
The pre-death period of life is like a temporary nursery
and the post-death period is like a permanent garden.
If he were to discover this fact and engage himself in becoming a
deserving candidate for the permanent abode of Paradise, then
certainly he would attain peace of mind.
When one ponders over creation, one realises that it is perfect in all
aspects. It is highly meaningful. The present phase of creation is the
first phase of creation, and if the first phase is meaningful, then its
second phase—the ending phase—must also be meaningful.
It is this aspect of creation that necessitates the belief that, if the beginning
is good, then the end must also be good. If man’s creation is in the
‘best mould’, then the final result of this should also be the best.
The Quran gives us an explanation to this aspect of creation. According
to the Quran, man’s life has two different periods: pre-death and
post-death. The pre-death period is the period of preparation and the
post-death period is the period for receiving the reward. In short, the
pre-death period of life is like a temporary nursery and the post-death
period is like a permanent garden.
Great success
The necessary price of great success
is long-time endeavour.
THE CULTURE OF PEACE Part VI
Teachings of Islam
We often talk of peace in the context of war. But this is a very narrow and
restricted notion of peace. The fact is that peace is deeply linked with the whole of
human life. Peace is a complete ideology in itself. It is the master-key that opens
the doors to every sort of success. Peace creates a favourable atmosphere for
success in every sort of endeavour. Without peace, no positive action—small or big—
is at all possible.
Violence, a Result of Frustration
VIOLENCE results from a sense of being deprived, while peace is
the result of a sense of attainment or achievement. People who
think they have been deprived or robbed of something of their's
by others always remain immersed in negative thinking. This feeling
is often expressed in the form of violence. On the other hand, those
who feel that they have achieved something in life experience peace of
mind. They always lead peaceful lives.
Violence results from a sense of being deprived,
while peace is the result of a sense of
attainment or achievement.
Individuals and groups that hate others, sometimes going to the extent
of inflicting violence against them, prove by their actions that they feel
they have been deprived. In contrast, individuals and groups who live
peacefully prove by their actions that they have achieved what they
wanted to in life.
What is the reason that some people feel deprived? And, who are those
others who always live with a sense of achievement or attainment?
The greatest attainment in life is to find God, while the greatest deprivation
is to fail to find Him. If you have found God, nothing else
remains for you to find. In contrast, those who fail to find God suffer
the maximum possible deprivation, and then nothing can cure them of
their sense of deprivation.
Waiting Is Also A Solution
Awaiting the bounteous abundance of God is an excellent form of worship—this is what we learn from a Hadith report in the collection
by at-Tirmidhi.
Every individual and group repeatedly faces difficult situations. On
such occasions, people, whether consciously or otherwise, take this
difficulty to be a permanent condition, and so they immediately begin
to fight against it. But this sort of fighting always proves to be futile.
Its only outcome is that it adds some more difficulties to an already
difficult situation.
The greatest attainment in life is to find God, while the
greatest deprivation is to fail to find Him.
No difficult situation lasts forever. It is always temporary. And so, the
only easy solution of a difficulty is to adopt a policy of waiting. That is
to say, one should not unnecessarily start fighting against a difficult
situation. Instead, one should simply adopt a ‘wait-and-see’ policy. As
a result of this policy, you will save yourself from losing peace of mind,
and whatever has to happen will happen, in its own time.
When people are faced with a problem, they generally look for an
instantaneous solution. This is the underlying problem. If, instead,
one adopts a 'wait-and-see' approach, then the problem will no longer
remain a problem at all.
Divine Warning, Not Oppression by Fellow Humans
According to a Hadith, the Prophet is said to have predicted with regard
to the Muslim ummah that soon people would summon one another
against them just as when eating, people call others to share their
meal. (Musnad Ahmad)
Events show that this prediction came true in the second half of the
18th century. To begin with, this happened through the agency of European
colonialists. The Europeans later were joined by other communities.
And this process is continuing till today. The question is: Why did
this happen?
A study of the Quran reveals that this happened directly in accordance
with the practice of God. God’s practice in this regard is that He sends
warnings to communities or peoples to wake them up. This is a sort
of shock treatment to jolt people and make them reform themselves.
As God says:
When the affliction decreed by Us befell them, they did not
humble themselves, but rather their hearts hardened, for
Satan had made all their doings seem fair to them.
THE QURAN 6: 43
This Quranic verse mentions a common human tendency—of dressing
up a bad deed in beautiful-sounding words so that its wrongness is
concealed. This is exactly what has happened with Muslims in present
times. Present-day Muslim leaders have, consciously or otherwise,
done exactly what this Quranic verse decries.
Those who fail to find God suffer the maximum possible
deprivation, and then nothing can cure them of
their sense of deprivation.
The problems that present-day Muslims face from other communities
are foretold as Divine warnings. However, Muslim leaders began
expressing these problems in terms of ‘oppression’ and ‘conspiracies’.
As a result of this, Muslims failed to see that these events had occurred
in order for them to realise their own mistakes and turn to their own
internal reform. But Muslims did not realise this, and owing to the
erroneous guidance of Muslim leaders, the entire focus of Muslims
was directed onto, and against, other communities. These events were
intended to make Muslims begin to introspect, but they came to be
wrongly deployed in order to criticise other peoples. This tendency
began magnifying over time, until today where it has assumed the form
of violence and militancy.
The Power of Silence
Umar Farooq, the second Muslim Caliph, is said to have remarked,
‘Destroy falsehood (batil) by keeping silent about it.’
According to the Law of Nature, truth is destined to live and falsehood
is doomed to die. And so, to finish off falsehood it is enough just to
keep silent about it. To talk about it or to demonstrate against it is
only to give it life. To ignore falsehood and to remain silent on it causes
its death.
Remaining silent on falsehood simply means to ignore it. It means not expressing any reaction to it in any way whatsoever. It means not
protesting against it. Only those who have realised the power of Nature
and have full faith in it can respond to falsehood in this way. Those who
are bereft of this realization agitate against falsehood, and, in doing so,
become a foundation for giving it life.
Positive Status-Quoism
As soon as you want to do something, you find yourself faced with
some hurdle or the other. This happens in the case of individuals as
well as entire communities. Now, one way to react to is to first fight
against these hurdles in order to try to get rid of them and then to
begin whatever work one wants to. This is what is conventionally
called ‘radicalism’.
Radicalism seems to appeal to certain highly emotional people—
those with a proclivity to extremism. Yet, it is not useful for any sort of
positive purpose. Radicalism is effective only for destruction, not for
construction. It not only causes the destruction of an existing system,
but also leads to the destruction of social traditions that have evolved
over centuries.
People are subjected to unspeakable horrors because of the bloodshed
and disruption wrought by radicalism. Experience indicates that
although it may appear attractive at the ideological level to some
people, in terms of its practical consequences radicalism has nothing
positive about it at all.
Awaiting the bounteous abundance of God
is an excellent form of worship.
Another way to respond to the challenges one inevitably faces in life
is to totally avoid confrontation with a given situation, and instead, to
plan one’s efforts remaining within the limits of possibility. Accepting
for the time being, the given status quo, one can use the opportunities
that still remain available. This method can be termed as ‘positive
status-quoism’.
Radicalism always produces violence and exacerbates a given problem.
In contrast, positive status quoism fulfils its purpose without creating
any problems in society while preserving social peace. The former
leads to destruction, the latter to constructive action.
The method of reform that the Prophet Muhammad used in ancient
Arabia was that of positive status-quoism. For instance, at that time,
there were 360 idols inside the Kaaba. But in the early Quranic
revelations no order was revealed to remove these idols from the
Kaaba. Instead, in this initial period the Quran announced, ‘purify
your garments’ (THE QURAN 74:4). This meant purification of one’s moral
character, and that of others, too.
No Justification For Violence
Violence is against human nature. It murders humanity. It is the most
heinous of all crimes. Yet, despite this fact, why do some people still
engage in violence? The reason is very simple: Such people fabricate
a justification for violence, and then they begin to believe that their
violence is justified.
Radicalism only exacerbates a given problem. In contrast,
positive status-quoism fulfils its purpose without
creating any problems in society.
But the fact remains that every single justification or pretext that is
offered for violence is false. Whenever an individual or group engages
in violence, there also exists, at the very same time, the possibility of
choosing non-violent or peaceful methods. Yet, in such a situation,
violence is still their choice.
The fact is that violence is to be abandoned completely and peace is
to be accepted completely. One should never resort to violence under
any pretext whatsoever. No matter what the conditions are, one must
necessarily remain firmly wedded to peaceful methods.
Solving Enmities
People often think of certain communities as their enemies. And then, on
the basis of this imaginary perception, they start fighting against these
communities, supposedly to save themselves from the consequences
of their enmity. This imaginary enemy of theirs is, however, wholly
false. And so are whatever actions they are engaged in to counter this
so-called enemy’s imagined threat.
Enmity is not a constant aspect of human existence, unlike, say, the
fingers of one’s hands. It is just a superficial aspect of human existence. Through positive actions, every enmity can be ended. It is like a bit of
dirt that stains a glass. This bit of dirt can easily be removed—by simply
washing it off with some water. A bit of dirt on a glass is not a problem
in itself. The problem is created when you do not have clean water to
wash it off.
It always takes two hands to clap. You cannot clap with just one hand.
In the same way, enmity is a two-sided affair. If someone considers you
his enemy, you can respond by considering him your potential friend.
In this way, his enmity will automatically cease. The most effective way
to end the problem of enmity is not to be an enemy of someone who
sees you as his enemy.
Stockpiling Weapons is Useless
A successful businessman was very concerned about the safety of his
family from the danger of harm from people of another community in
the neighbourhood. His strategy to keep them family safe was to buy a
licensed gun for each member of his family. 'Now I think that I and my
family are safe,' he said. 'I have no fear of riots now.'
If someone considers you his enemy, you can respond
by considering him your potential friend.
This person might have known the principles of business but he was
unaware of the principles for social existence. One cannot protect
oneself with a gun or a revolver. The way to be safe in society is to be a
good neighbour to others. Let the neighbours be safe from your harm
and inevitably, you will find that you will also be safe amongst them.
Hatred will beget hatred. If we are concerned about others' well being,
in turn we will receive love and concern from them.
The futility and repercussions of using a gun are obvious. If riots were
to break out, would the action of shooting people with guns end the
matter? Impossible. One should know that firing on people is a cognizable
offence.
Violence against another community may seem like two equal parties
fighting each other, but it is a different equation if one were to fight
with the police. Using a gun in this scenario is like inviting an angry bull
to attack. Obviously, then, this sort of step is not protection, instead it
will be self-invited devastation.
Conscience, the Best Judge
Two men belonging to different religious backgrounds were neighbours.
One of them built a house. A controversy arose between him and his
neighbour who was a contractor over an adjacent portion of land.
Each one claimed the land belonged to him. The contractor accused
his neighbour, who had constructed the house to be in the wrong and
instigated some of his brethren who gathered outside the man’s house
and indulged in raising slogans against the neighbour.
Whenever an individual or group engages in violence,
there also exists, at the very same time, the possibility
of choosing non-violent or peaceful methods.
The other man had a gun with him, but he did not use it. Instead, he
came out of his house alone and empty-handed. He did not say a word
to the slogan-raising crowd except to ask them who their leader was.
A man stepped out of the crowd, saying that he was their leader and
asked him what he wanted.
The man turned to the crowd and requested them to remain where
they were. Then, he took their leader into his house and requested him
to be seated. He asked the leader why the crowd had gathered outside.
The leader angrily replied, ‘You have grabbed our brother’s property,
and that’s why we have come here.’
The man gently said, ‘You are aware that the name of the rightful
owner of any property is mentioned in the official documents. These
documents decide who the rightful owner of a plot is. So, what you
should do is to take my documents and those of my contractor
neighbour and examine them. You be the judge in this matter. After
studying both our documents, I will unconditionally accept whatever
decision you arrive at.’
At this, the leader suddenly calmed down and became friendly. He had
entered the Muslim’s house in a rage, but he now stepped out all smiles.
Then, he addressed the crowd outside, saying, ‘You all go back to your
homes. Miyan-ji (a term of respect for a Muslim man) has himself made
me the judge in this affair. I will see his and the contractor’s documents
and come to a decision.
Accordingly, the leader went home and studied both sets of documents.
And in a few days time he gave a decision that was wholly in favour of
the Muslim man.
If the Muslim man had reacted to the crowd by grabbing his gun and
firing, it would certainly have provoked the angry demonstrators’
egotism, or nafs-e ammara. And then things would have gone totally
against him. But by using wisdom and reasonableness instead of a
gun, he awakened their conscience, or nafs-e lawwama. And when the
conscience awakens, its decision is always in favour of justice. It never
decides in favour of oppression and injustice.
Victory Can Also Be Defeat
Pyrrhus was a Greek king who lived in the third century B.C. He fought
the Romans and was victorious over them. But in the course of this
war, his army and the entire economy of his kingdom were badly
devastated. It was a superficial victory for Pyrrhus, but, from the point
of view of its results, it was synonymous with defeat. On the basis of
this historical incident, the phrase ‘Pyrrhic victory’ came into being. It
refers to what seems, on the face of it, to be a victory, but what in
reality is a complete defeat.
The way to protect yourself in society is to become a
good neighbour for the people around you.
If you examine the history of war in general, it will not be an
exaggeration to say that most victories turn out to be ‘Pyrrhic victories’.
Every victor has to necessarily face two types of loss—one, destruction
of life and property, and the other, a burning hatred in the heart of the
defeated party. No victor can escape these two losses. If there is at all
any difference in this regard, it is that some victors have to face these
losses at once, while others have to contend with them at a later stage.
This question of loss is connected only with the use of violent methods.
The question of peaceful methods is entirely different. Peaceful methods
lead only, and always, to victory and nothing else. There is no question
of defeat at all as far as the choice of these methods is concerned, so
much so that even if the result of using peaceful methods appears in
the form of what seems to be a defeat, it is still actually a victory. This is
because by using peaceful means one may lose a war but one does not lose the available opportunities. These opportunities and possibilities
still remain open to him. Availing these, he can start new efforts and
journey towards success.
Stop Complaining At Once
A complaining mentality makes people think negatively. A person who
always complains is rendered incapable of thinking positively. And this
sort of mentality is, without a shred of doubt, the root of all ills. In most
cases of violence, it is this mentality of constant complaint that is seen
to be at work.
If you have found God, nothing else
remains for you to find.
This world has been created in such a way that it is inevitable that
people will keep having complaints about each other. In this regard,
what we need to do is to dispel the thought of a complaint about others
as soon as it enters our minds. However, what generally happens is
that a complaint is formed, first in our conscious minds, and then, if we
constantly obsess about it, gradually it seeps into our unconsciousness.
Then it becomes so deeply entrenched that after this it cannot
be extricated.
In this situation, the wise approach is to nip all complaints in the bud.
You should remove them as soon as they appear in your mind. If you
fail to do this, they will gradually become an integral part of your
psyche and your thinking will become negative. You will start thinking
of others as your enemies.
You might even—given the opportunity—resort to practical
confrontation and physical violence towards those you have complaints
against, even if this is entirely counter-productive for you.
The method for nipping complaints in the bud is suggested in the
following Quranic verse:
Whatever misfortune befalls you is of your own doing […]
THE QURAN 42: 30
This means that whenever you have a complaint against somebody, what you should immediately do is to turn the direction of the complaint
towards yourself. You should search for some explanation of the issue
in which you yourself emerge as the culprit. When you realise that the
mistake is actually yours, and not someone else’s, you will set yourself
to rectifying your mistake and not waste time making unnecessary
demands and protesting against some imaginary enemy.
This article is the concluding part of a series entitled ‘The Culture of Peace’
that commenced from Issue 19 (July 2014).
LEARN THE ART OF EGO MANAGEMENT
Secrets to Healthy Social Living
EGO is an innate faculty of every human being. It has a very
important role to play in the personality of every man and
woman. This is because ego is the source of self-consciousness.
It is the source of conviction, confidence and determination. In this
sense, it is a great strength of every human being. Thus, ego is a
healthy phenomenon. In the absence of the ego-spirit, man cannot do
anything, and as far as great achievements are concerned, they are
impossible without the ego-spirit.
This is the positive aspect of ego. But, at the same time there is a
negative aspect also. It is this negative aspect that creates problems.
Being a social animal man has to live amongst people—both within
the family and outside the family. In other words, social living is an
intrinsic requirement of every person. It is this social contact that
leads to problems. When one is alone one’s ego is in the dormant
position. But, when one is in society, one is bound to come into contact
with other people. Due to this, every moment there is a chance to
experience situations which could lead to ego clashes.
Social life is an asset for everyone and at the same time,
it is accompanied by the negative experiences
of ego clashes.
Everywhere in nature, there is diversity. It is an essential part of
nature’s scheme. So is the case with man. Every man or woman, is born
with a different personality. Society, thus, is a combination of different
personalities. It is this difference in tastes, ways of thinking, and modes
of expression that creates problems. What is called an ego-problem is
actually a phenomenon of living amongst different people.
It is said that when one’s ego is stoked, it turns into a super-ego and the
result is breakdown. This saying is right, but it should be understood
in the right perspective. It is a phenomenon of social living and not a
phenomenon of solitary living. Society creates problems for individuals,
but at the same time it is a fact that no one can live alone. In social
life everyone shares with other people. It is this ‘sharing culture’ that helps individuals to develop their personality and to bring their plans
to completion. Without this sharing nothing is possible for any man
or woman.
Every person is like a rose plant, in that he has a ‘flower content’ and
at the same time he has a ‘thorn content’. It is this double sagacity
of every person that should be accepted as a reality. When a person
comes into contact with the ‘flower content’ of another, he remains
normal. However, when he comes into contact with the ‘thorn content’
of the other person, his ego flares up. It is but natural to have this
kind of double experience in social life. One has to accept the thorn
in the same way that one accepts the flower. Failing this, one will have
to suffer irreparable loss. In terms of sharing, social life is an asset
for everyone and at the same time, it is accompanied by the negative
experiences of ego clashes.
Every person is like a rose plant, in that he has a ‘flower
content’ and at the same time he has a ‘thorn content’.
Then what should be done in such a situation? The art of ego management
is the only solution to this problem. Ego management is the
price of social living. Every commodity has an inevitable price; without
paying this price one cannot acquire that commodity. So is the case of
reaping the benefits of social living. If one wants to enjoy the benefits
of social living one will have to learn the art of ego management.
Ego problem is one’s personal problem. Others will not pay its price;
one has to manage it on one’s own. Here there are only two choices:
either manage the ego problem and prosper, or fail in its management
and end in disaster.
What is Wisdom?
Wisdom is to differentiate between trivial matters and real issues.
Without this sagacity, you cannot do anything
worthwhile for yourself or for society.
SIGNS OF GOD
Mathematical Precision in Nature
THE Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell, represented the
laws of electromagnetic interactions in mathematical equations
so beautifully, that when the great Austrian physicist Ludwig
Boltzmann saw them he exclaimed, “Who was the God who wrote
these signs?”
To a keen observer of the Universe the most astounding fact is that
every study of nature culminates in a conclusion that is incredibly
meaningful and intelligent. Every study of the Universe shows that
it has not been randomly put together but impeccably planned and
systematically organized. This obvious fact compels an observer to
acknowledge that a supreme intelligence is responsible for the creation
and functioning of the universe.
Albert Einstein was of a purely scientific temperament. In spite of this,
he has acknowledged that he is more of a philosopher than a physicist.
I am more a philosopher than a physicist, for I believe
there is a reality outside of us.
The World As I See It
With this belief, Einstein would say about himself, “In this sense, I
belong to the ranks of devoutly religious men.”
Nature is a sign of God and speaks to us about God. As a creation
of God, it presents a picture of its Creator. One who observes nature
and the universe with an open mind is sure to discover its Creator.
Nevertheless, a biased mind will remain in darkness in the midst of
light and will be unable to find God in the midst of God’s signs.
FROM MAULANAS DESK
Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, born in 1925, in
Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, is an Islamic spiritual
scholar who is well-versed in both classical Islamic
learning and modern disciplines. The mission of his life
has been the establishment of worldwide peace. He has
received the Padma Bhushan, the Demiurgus Peace
International Award and Sayyidina Imam Al Hassan
Peace award for promoting peace in Muslim societies.
He has been called ’Islam’s spiritual ambassador to the
world’ and is recognized as one of its most influential
Muslims
. His books have been translated into sixteen
languages and are part of university curricula in six
countries. He is the founder of the Centre for Peace
and Spirituality based in New Delhi.
TARGETED THERAPY
TARGETED THERAPY is a term used in the medical sciences. There
are about 25,000 genes in the human body. Targeted therapy
is a type of treatment that targets those specific genes that
contribute to cancer growth, while leaving out other genes.
To bring about change in human life, the starting point is
to first change the human mind by bringing about
change in the thinking process
Targeted therapy includes drugs that are aimed at specific genes that
are only found in cancer cells that contribute to cancer growth and
survival. This selective treatment carried out on a selective basis, is
called targeted therapy.
The same technique is required with regard to human reform. The
basic factor governing the human being is the mind. There is a saying
in the Bible:
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.
Proverbs 23: 7
Therefore, to bring about change in human life, the starting point is
to change the thinking process of the human mind. The method of
targeted therapy is useful for most aspects of human life. This principle
is beneficial for maintaining the physical health of the human body
and also in developing a healthy personality.
Many people speak about the necessity of social reform. In spite of
all the enormous efforts being done in this regard, there is a lack of
results, because the starting point is not correct.
The correct starting point is to address the individual mind with the
aim of revolutionizing the thinking of the individual. This is the right
way of social reform. No other method will work in this regard.
Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
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The Art of Acceptance
One has to accept certain things in life
either willingly or unwillingly.
Learn the art of acceptance.
It is easy to reject, but only a great mind can accept.
Acceptance is a phenomenon of maturity.
Man is a justification-seeking being.
So, maturity means the ability to justify your action.
Maturity means more knowledge, more experience.
It is a process that occurs on
an unconscious level.
If you are a developed mind then consciously or unconsciously
you will be able to analyse things instantly.
You will not need to
refer to books, data or an encyclopedia.
EMERGENCE OF A NEW INDIA
Peace and Spirituality
THE second half of the twentieth century witnessed the emergence
of a new India. Some historical factors initiated a new process in
India. Now, in the twenty-first century this process has reached
its near culmination. In a single word it can be called ‘democratization
of India’. Democracy results in de-monopolization of opportunities. This
fact is evident in modern India. It is a positive sign for Indian society.
Every section of society benefits from this revolution. This situation
gives our country a unique position on the world map.
There are different factors that led to the initiation of this process.
Some of these factors are political freedom, secular movements,
modern education, industrialization of the economy and multinational
culture. Also, several global factors are responsible for the shaping of
this new India.
Freedom with discipline is the greatest good while
freedom without discipline leads to anarchy.
The film industry has also played a positive role in this regard. Bollywood
provides a new place and subject of interaction for people from
different communities and religious backgrounds who work together
in harmony. This is a new form of socialization. In this way, the industry
has also contributed to communal harmony and brotherhood.
Now we need an ideology that is based on peace, spirituality, positive
thinking and value-based culture. All these developments in democratic
India have provided a favourable base for this initiative.
It is high time for thinking people to awaken and play their role in this
regard. This kind of society can be built through peaceful methods like
the media, informal education as well as seminars and conferences.
Before August 15, 1947 India’s struggle was directed towards political
freedom. Now the most important question is how to use freedom in a
healthy manner. It is a fact that freedom is the summum bonum. But, at
the same time, it is also true that freedom requires discipline. Freedom
with discipline is the greatest good while freedom without discipline
leads to anarchy; and anarchy may nullify every good thing.
In the twenty-first century this is the greatest challenge before India.
John Kenneth Galbraith (1908-2006) was a Canadian-American economist
and diplomat. He served as the US Ambassador to India from 1961
to 1963. Galbraith once remarked that India was a functioning anarchy
(Rival Economic Theories in India, Foreign Affairs, July 1958). Many other
people have also made such statements about India. It is our duty to
dispel this notion.
It is the duty of the opinion-makers to make India
a true democracy and a spiritual society.
Our leaders often claim that India is the largest democracy. This claim,
however, is in terms of quantity. We have to make it qualitative. It is
quality that matters, and not simply quantity. In terms of quantity,
democracy is just a crowd. Conversely, in terms of quality, democracy
is the greatest social boon. It is the duty of the opinion-makers to make
India a true democracy and a spiritual society. Present India gives us
enormous opportunities, but to avail these opportunities towards a
healthy end is our own task.
Leave the Conflict
The policy of avoidance does not mean cowardice. It simply means
refraining from wasting time and energy in a futile conflict.
What God most earnestly desires from human beings is worship. The Quran says: “I have not created jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” ( 51:56 )
