ASK MAULANA
Your Questions Answered
The remedy for ignorance is asking questions. (Prophet Muhammad).
The spirit of enquiry is the hallmark of an open society and the above
saying of the Prophet aptly illustrates this principle. A culture of
curiosity and open-mindedness will foster development in any society
by motivating its members to learn enthusiastically and enrich their
knowledge. This is because awareness of one’s ignorance is half of
knowledge, as it becomes a stepping-stone to seeking and finding
answers. A questioning mind is like a flowing river that is replenished
with fresh thoughts and ideas and continues on its journey.
Can Muslims and followers of other religions live peacefully considering
the fact that wherever Islam exists there is always a potential for
conflict?
There is conflict even between two members of a family. This is because
conflict is inherent in human nature; it has got nothing to do with the
religion one follows. If people have the right thinking and are able to
tolerate, then peace will prevail. What we see in the media regarding
Islam is an outcome of selective reporting which is meant to capture
only sensational news, so that viewers can get interested. There are
many societies and cultures around the world where interfaith harmony
exists and a free secular atmosphere has been established.
How can trust be built between Muslims and other communities?
Trust does not happen simply by saying ‘trust each other’. We have to
remove the obstruction in this matter, which is negativity. The wisdom
behind this is every person is free in this world to exercise their freedom.
You too can use your freedom. If you want no unpleasant discussions
to take place in the world and that only trust should remain, then you
need to remove negativity for others from your heart. Once these
negative emotions are removed, feelings of trust will blossom.
How should Muslims treat Non-Muslims living in Muslim countries?
Today we live in a world of equal citizenship. Any such categorization
of people as Muslim or non-Muslim is wrong and no longer valid. So, a
person is either an immigrant to a country or a citizen of the country.
This is the universal norm and Muslim countries should also adopt this principle. They should not differentiate people on the basis of religion,
because this would be unacceptable to the modern mind.
Should we not encourage Muslims to open communication with other
communities?
Yes, this is definitely required. When the Prophet went to Madinah,
half of the population comprised of Jews. The direction of prayer for
the Jews was not the Kabah, it was Jerusalem. The Prophet adopted the
Jewish qiblah (direction of prayer) for the Muslim prayer as well. Today,
education is secular and the state too is administered along secular
principles. Muslims should accept this. If they do not change now, then
they shall have to pay the price of being called backward.
Can a Muslim be secular?
Yes, first and foremost let us understand that secularism is not an antireligious idea. There is a multi-volume encyclopaedia called Religion
and Ethics. It is a compendium of the writings of some great scholars,
and is considered to be a very authentic and authoritative compilation.
There is an article on secularism in this book which runs into twenty
pages. It says that secularism is another name for the policy of noninterference. Secularism in itself is not anti–religious, but rather it is
following the principle of non-interference in matters of religion. A
secular person is one who practises his own religion and does not
interfere with the religious practice of other people.
ABOUT THE MAGAZINE
Spirit of Islam is a monthly magazine which is now in its Eighth
year of publication. The aim of this journal is to present Islam in
the contemporary idiom, while at the same time the contents are
of universal appeal and of interest to a wider circle of spiritual
seekers. It is our desire to help Muslims rediscover Islam, focusing
on its message of peace and spirituality as derived from the Quran
and the teachings of the Prophet, and in general we strive towards
religious understanding for bringing about greater harmony.
Another purpose of this magazine is to assist its readers to deal
with life’s challenges, deriving positivity even from negative
occurrences, gaining in spirituality and developing themselves
intellectually so that they may contribute constructively to society.
The magazine’s regular readers will appreciate that the entire
thrust of its articles is directed to the individual—a collection of
intellectually prepared individuals being the sole foundation on
which a peaceful and harmonious society can be built.
As the subtitle indicates, Spirit of Islam is working towards
enlightening people on the subject of global peace and regularly
addresses relevant contemporary issues. The articles on peace
based on the teachings of the Prophet of Islam offer us an ideology
of peace—principles which lay down how peace may be established
between conflicting groups, controversies resolved and conflicts
defused. We believe that violence begins in the mind and so an
effective ideology of peace needs to be presented to counter its
influence.
We hope and pray that God helps us in this noble endeavour
and grants us His special blessings!
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.
SETTING THE RIGHT PRIORITIES
IN view of the faith of the Muslims, their tradition, history and
numbers in India, the Indian Muslims are in a position to make
a major contribution in the development of this country. In any
developed country no particular community remains backward. This is
a law of nature.
The saying ‘in giving we receive‘ could well have come true for the
Muslims. But for this to become a reality, they need a period of
tranquillity, and this is possible only if they unilaterally withdraw all
their grudges and complaints against other communities. They should
now rise above the reactionary psychology of the times. Unfortunately,
the Muslim leadership has failed to give the necessary guidance. As
a result, the Muslims in general are reduced to being a group ‘with
demands’ and as such have not become a giver group.
The religion of Islam as it is, gives them enough stature to play a
constructive and effective part in tackling the grave problems that our
country is facing. But, due to the intellectual bankruptcy on the part of
the Muslim leadership, no such solutions are forthcoming.
If the Muslims fail to relate to their present situation, it is in large
measure due to their emotional development having atrophied in
memory of their glorious past. They had, after all, been rulers of South
Asia for almost a millennium. This indeed, is the principal underlying
factor in the lack of realism which marks a great deal of their own
planning for the future. Adverse circumstances having led them to
the point where the only feasible course is to take ‘a back seat’, they
are still unwilling to face up to the reality of the situation. Worse, they
are misled by their leaders, who keep harking back to the heyday of
the Mughal reign. In the present context, the paths along which the
Muslims are directed by popular leaders can only lead to destruction.
The realization has not yet come to them that from the position of the
‘back seat’, they are free to devote their time and energy to exploiting
their own considerable potential. By putting aside notions of privilege
and precedence, they can better educate and develop themselves in
consonance with the present times. It is simply a question of their
getting their priorities right.
In this world, it is only those can ultimately succeed who stop railing
against defeat, and accept it with a view to doing something positive
about the situation. Muslims should never lose sight of the fact that
a strategic retreat makes it possible to return to the fray. Such a wise
course was very well understood by the Muslims 1,400 years ago when
they drew up the peace treaty of Hudaibiya which, although apparently
over-conciliatory towards the opponent, ultimately permitted the
Prophet of Islam’s mission to go forward unhindered.
Muslims must concede that ours is a highly competitive world, one
in which success, and sometimes the very survival, is a question of
outdistancing others. But, looked at positively, this spirit of competition
is the ladder to human progress. Few advances have been made in
history without this spirit having been predominant. The first step
towards taking positive action is to admit defeat, and face the realities
of the situation. Once that psychological hurdle has been cleared, there
is nothing to stop an individual, community or nation from working
towards regaining, or even bettering, its lost position. What must be
avoided at all costs is sinking irrevocably into a morass of paranoid
stagnation. While there is nothing to be gained from pessimism, there
is everything to be gained from a positive approach.
Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
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Follow Maulana at http://www.speakingtree.in (The Times of India)
FROM THE EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Dr. Farida Khanam is an author, editor, translator, public speaker and former
professor of Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. Among her books are
‘A Simple Guide to Sufism’ and ‘A Study of World’s Major Religions’. She has translated
into English many books authored by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan. Currently the
chairperson of CPS International, she is a regular contributor of articles to various
publications. Dr. Khanam has edited Maulana’s English translation of the Quran
and has also translated his Urdu commentary of the Quran into English. She can be
reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ISLAM: RELIGION OF TOLERANCE
ISLAM is an entirely tolerant religion. Islam desires peace to prevail in
the world. The Quran calls the way of Islam ‘the path of Peace’ (
The state of peace can never prevail in a society if tolerant attitude
is lacking in the people. Tolerance is the only foundation for peace. In a
society where tolerance is absent, peace likewise will be non-existent.
Peace is the religion of the universe. Peace should, therefore, be the
religion of man too, so that, in the words of Bible, the will of the Lord
may be done on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10)
In a similar vein, the Quran tells us that: The sun is not allowed to
overtake the moon, nor does the night outpace the day. Each in its own
orbit runs. (
When God created heaven and the earth, He so ordered things that
each part might perform its function peacefully without clashing with
any other part. For billions of years, therefore, the entire universe has
been fulfilling its function in total harmony with His divine plan.
The universe is following this path of peace—which is known in science
as the law of nature. The law of nature is imposed upon universe by
God, whereas man has to adopt this path of peace of his own free will.
This has been expressed in the Quran in these words: Do they seek a
religion other than the religion of God, when everything in the heavens
and the earth has submitted to Him, willingly or unwillingly? To Him
they shall all return. (
Peace is no external factor to be artificially imposed upon man. Peace
is inherent in nature itself. The system of nature set up by God already
rests on the basis of peace. If this system is not disrupted, it will
continue to stay the course set for it by the Almighty. But the only way
to keep humanity on the path of peace is to rid it of corruption. That is
why the Quran enjoins: “And do not corrupt the land after it has been
set in order”. (
In order to preserve peace established by nature from disruption,
two important injunctions have been laid down by Islam. One, at the
individual level, stresses the exercise of patience, and the other, at the
social level, forbids taking the offensive.
1. Negative reaction on the part of the individual is the greatest factor
responsible for disrupting peace in daily life. It repeatedly happens
that in social life one experiences bitterness on account of others. On
such occasions, if one reacts negatively, the matter will escalate to the
point of a head-on collision. That is why Islam repeatedly enjoins us to
tread the path of patience. The Quran says: Truly, those who persevere
patiently will be requited without measure. (
The reason for the rewards for patience being so great is that patience
is the key factor in maintaining the desired system of God. In the words
of the Quran the patient man is the helper of God. (
2. The other injunction, designed to maintain peace in human society,
forbids the waging of an offensive war. No one in Islam enjoys the right
to wage war against another. There are no grounds on which this could
be considered justifiable.
There is only one kind of war permitted in Islam and that is a defensive
war. If a nation, by deviating from the principles of nature, wages war
against another nation, defence in such circumstances, subject to
certain conditions, is temporarily allowed.
To sum up, Islam is a religion of peace. The Arabic root of lslam, ‘silm’,
means peace. The Quran says: ‘... and God calls to the home of peace’.
(
Peace is basic to all religions. Let us all strive then to establish peace in
the world, for that is the bedrock on which all human progress rests.
Dr. Farida Khanam
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WOMANS ROLE IN ISLAM
Equal Status, Different Role
THE Quran calls Islam a religion of nature. This is because Islam
is, in fact, based on the laws of nature. The commands of the
Quran are a direct expression of those laws which have operated
in the world of nature since its creation.
The teachings of Islam regarding women are based on the same laws of
nature. Accepting them is not akin to the acceptance of general human
laws, where both acceptance and refusal are possible. The rejection
of Islamic laws as regards women is actually a rejection of the laws of
nature, and by doing so, man can never successfully construct his life
in the present world.
Study of the Quran and Hadith informs us that one of the laws of nature
is that all the things in the world have been created in the form of pairs.
The Quran states:
And We created pairs of all things so that you might reflect. (
The scientific study of the universe has further corroborated this law
of nature. The primary unit of the universe, the atom, is composed of
negative and positive particles. In the absence of any one of the two,
the atom cannot come into existence. Even trees have male and female
characteristics. The whole world is said to exist in pairs. Nature’s entire
factory has functioned all along on this binary basis.
The gender binarism shows that if anything in this world is to function
properly, it must first recognize its true position and adhere strictly to
the limits set for it by nature itself.
For instance, if the negative particles of atoms tried to change
themselves into positive particles, or vice versa, the entire structure
of the atom would be shattered. In a similar way, if men, animals and
trees wanted a change in their position and they opted for a change in
their roles—the entire system of nature would be disrupted.
Islamic law regarding women is rooted in this system of nature.
According to Islam, men and women are equal as regards honour
and status, but physically, biologically and psychologically they are
different. In order to maintain the system of nature between men
and women socially, Islam advocates that women should work in their
capacity while remaining within the bounds of modesty and piety
thereby ensuring their safety in every way.
The system of the human world is divided into two departments of
equal importance: one is represented by the ‘home’ and the other by
the ‘office.’ Just as an office in this context is not confined by four walls
but represents a centre of activity, similarly ‘home’ is not marked by
a boundary, being also a complete practical centre of activity. Under
this division, men and women have been assigned different fields of
activity. All tasks are of equal importance, being neither superior nor
inferior.
This system of nature has functioned successfully in the world for
thousands of years. With the emergence of western civilization in
modern times, efforts were made for the first time to repudiate this
system. In the name of gender equality, an intensive movement
was launched. Male and female were declared to be identical and
interchangeable in all respects. But the 200-year experiment showed
that this self-styled equality could not be established in any part of the
world.
Many reports and surveys came out in the western press which
describe the failure of the feminism movement. Following is a report
concerning the USA, the most developed part of the world. This report
was published in the October 1993 issue of The Atlantic magazine under
the caption: Feminism’s Identity Crisis, The most effective backlash against
feminism comes from within.
According to the report, polls suggest that
a majority of women hesitate to associate
themselves with the feminist movement, not
wanting to identify themselves as feminists.
The polls also adumbrate unarticulated
ambivalence about feminist ideals, particularly
with respect to private life.
The rejection
of Islamic laws as
regards women is
actually a rejection
of the laws of nature,
and by doing so,
man can never
successfully construct
his life in the present
world.
Feminism is a non-issue, says Ellen Levine,
the editor-in-chief of Redbook. Women don’t
think about it. They don’t talk about it. And
they seem not to be particularly interested
in politics. Feminism, however, is popularly
deemed to represent the belief that men and women are equally
capable of raising children and equally capable of waging war. Thus,
feminism represents, in the popular view, a rejection of femininity.
According to a survey by Redbook, feminism has made it harder for
women to balance work and family life. Ellen Levine believes that wageearning mothers still tend to feel guilty about not being with their children and to worry that “the more women get ahead professionally;
the more children will fall back.”
However, it must be admitted that just as modern woman has failed to
find her real position, being caught in the lure of unnatural freedom,
similarly a woman in the present Muslim society has been largely denied
rights that Islam has granted her, for instance, a woman becoming a
victim of a man’s maltreatment or her failing to receive her share in her
parent’s property, etc.
Literacy, the
acquisition of basic
general knowledge,
and some experience
with problem-solving
have an intrinsic
value for the
individual and for
society which cannot
be overestimated.
Now the question arises as to the solution
to this problem. The solution to it lies in
education. It is a fact that present-day
Muslims, both men and women, have been
lagging far behind in education. There was
a time when, during the Abbasid period (AD
751-1258), the highest point in Muslim culture,
literacy was almost one hundred percent. Not
only men but women as well received the
education prevalent at that time. It is at this
point—the point of education—that Muslims
should begin a new Islamic life. If Muslims
were to concentrate on this, and strive towards the goal of hundred
percent literacy, that alone would suffice to bring about their overall
reformation. Once that goal is attained, all other problems could be set
right. Intellectually as well as pragmatically, Muslims would become a
developed community.
With the efforts of Sir Sayed Ahmad Khan (d. 1898) and his colleague,
Maulvi Samiullah, an educational movement was certainly launched
among Muslims. However, due to certain shortcomings, this movement
could not be a success. First, Muslims set a university as the target
for their educational struggle. But when this university came into
being, the hard reality dawned upon them that most students were
not qualified for admission. The solution was sought in the form of
reservations, which, ironically, only compounded the problem. With
“reservation,” all candidates, whether or not they qualified, had to be
granted admission. And as a result, the Muslim university ultimately
came to be a factory turning out people who had academic degrees but
no real qualifications.
This concept of the Muslim educational institution has clearly proved
inadequate, if not actually counterproductive. It will continue to be so
until education is placed at the forefront. There can be no compromise with high standards. The principle of reservation and concessions
must be shunned. Only those students who are truly qualified should
find a place in the university. At the same time, Muslims should be
encouraged to enter into all educational institutions, whether run by
Muslims, Hindus, or Christians.
The proper way for Muslims to achieve progress is to set the goal of
education for its own sake. Literacy, the acquisition of basic general
knowledge, and some experience with problem-solving have an
intrinsic value for the individual and for society which cannot be
overestimated. Universal primary education was wisely made a
solemn directive in the Constitution of Independent India. The fact that
a considerable number of our population of 1.
denied this elementary human right is a major source of the problems
our various communities face today. What Muslims need today more
than a Muslim university is Muslim schools.
It is a matter of the greatest urgency that an
appropriate number of standard schools at
the primary and secondary level be started in
every settlement.
Women can play
a great role in
this campaign for
education. The
literate woman’s
ability to read to her
young children, and
the example
she sets in her own
quest for knowledge
are the most
powerful stimuli
in their educational
progress.
Women can play a great role in this campaign
for education. For instance, educated women
can coach their children at home. The literate
woman’s ability to read to her young children,
and the example she sets in her own quest
for knowledge are the most powerful stimuli
in their educational progress. Furthermore,
women can be better teachers than men when
it comes to teaching children. For women, this
will not amount to a change of workplace, but
will simply be an extension of the home, a
broadening of the practical activity centred
on child-rearing assigned to her by nature.
By playing this role effectively, Muslim women can prepare the next
generation, which is the greatest need of the hour. In this way, they
will hasten the time when an entire generation will be equipped with
standard education. They would then have every opportunity to receive
education in the higher institutions of their choice, and would be more
certain of finding productive employment thereafter.
THE MEANINGFULNESS OF THE UNIVERSE
The Way to God-realization
SCIENCE is the study of nature. Nature comprises of everything we
call the universe. The study of science began initially with very few
discoveries, however, as research in the subject increased and
advanced knowledge was gained, it became clear that the universe
is extremely meaningful. Any explanation of the universe which does
not take into account its meaningfulness contradicts the findings of
science.
Consider, for instance, that scientific knowledge has revealed that
our vast expanding universe is characterized by intelligent design in
its every aspect. Now if it is not accepted that the universe has an
intelligent designer behind it, then this extraordinarily meaningful
universe and all of its phenomena become
strange and inexplicable. Similarly, research
on the universe has shown that it is custommade for human beings, or in other words,
the universe is completely in accordance with
the requirements of sustaining a creature like
man.
If we do not believe
in the existence of a
Creator who created
such remarkable
consonance between
the universe on
the one hand and
human beings on
the other hand, then
there would not be
any other coherent
explanation for this
harmony between
two distinct entities.
If we do not believe in the existence of
a Creator who created such remarkable
consonance between the universe on the one
hand and human beings on the other hand,
then there would not be any other coherent
explanation for this harmony between two
distinct entities. Moreover, discoveries in
various scientific disciplines indicate that
there is a meticulous coordination between
the numerous components of the universe.
An attribute of the universe which has astonished scientists is the
presence of fine-tuning in the constants of nature. For example,
the cosmological constant is responsible for the acceleration of the
universe at its current rate. This constant has a very precise value, a
value it had to have for galaxies to form, for stars to form, and for us to
be here. Such features of the universe are truly mind-boggling.
To quote an excerpt from a book review by physicist Alan Lightman on
the book Why Science Does Not Disprove God? by mathematician Amir
D. Aczel:
“There is plenty of good scientific evidence that our universe began
about 14 billion years ago, in a Big Bang of enormously high density
and temperature, long before planets, stars and even atoms existed.
But what came before? Krauss in his book discusses the current
thinking of physicists that our entire universe could have emerged
from a jitter in the amorphous haze of the subatomic world called the
quantum foam, in which energy and matter
can materialize out of nothing. (On the level
of single subatomic particles, physicists have
verified in the lab that such creation from
“nothing” can occur.) Krauss’s punch line
is that we do not need God to create the
universe. The quantum foam can do it quite
nicely all on its own. Aczel asks the obvious
question: But where did the quantum foam
come from? Where did the quantum laws
come from? Hasn’t Krauss simply passed the
buck? Legitimate questions. But ones we will
probably never be able to answer…[the finetuning problem].
The test of an
individual is to
utilize this mental
ability granted to
him, develop his
thinking power and
discover God through
a process of study,
observation and
contemplation.
For the past 50 years or so, physicists have become more and more
aware that various fundamental parameters of our universe appear to
be fine-tuned to allow the emergence of life—not only life as we know
it but life of any kind. For example, if the nuclear force were slightly
stronger than it is, then all of the hydrogen atoms in the infant universe
would have fused with other hydrogen atoms to make helium, and
there would be no hydrogen left. No hydrogen means no water. On
the other hand, if the nuclear force were substantially weaker than it
is, then the complex atoms needed for biology could not hold together.
In another, even more striking example, if the cosmic “dark energy”
discovered 15 years ago were a little denser than it actually is, our
universe would have expanded so rapidly that matter could never have
pulled itself together to form stars. And if the dark energy were a little
smaller, the universe would have collapsed long before stars had time
to form. Atoms are made in stars. Without stars there would be no
atoms and no life. So, the question is: Why? Why do these parameters
lie in the narrow range that allows life?”
Science is not a religious subject, and its concern is certainly not the
discovery of God. The subject of science is simply the objective study
of creation. However, the study of creation naturally includes the study
of the Creator as well. This is why scientific research into creation has
become a means of unraveling aspects of the Creator. The findings of
study on nature are, in other words, discoveries of the signs of God
(
of the meaningfulness of creation is essentially the discovery of an
intelligent Creator.
The purpose of human life has been stated in the Quran in these words:
“I created the jinn and humankind only so that they might worship
Me” (
interpret the words ‘so that they might worship Me’ as ‘so that they might
discover Me’.
A human being has been created with independent thinking and free
will. This is why a human being is defined as a creature who possesses
the capacity for conceptual thought. The test of an individual is to
utilize this mental ability granted to him, develop his thinking power
and discover God through a process of study, observation and
contemplation.
There are two levels of this discovery of
God. The first is to discover God at the level
of common sense and, the second is to
discover one’s Creator at the level of scientific
knowledge and understanding. Since past
thousands of years it was required of man to
discover God by putting to use his basic level
of reasoning and awakening his inherent
nature. If a person is truly sincere, his common
sense alone would be instrumental in making
him reach God.
God gave human
beings a rational
way of thinking
so that they could
themselves discover
the hidden wisdom
of the Creator in His
creation. Modern
science is the other
name for unfolding
of the hidden wisdom
and truths of the
universe.
The second level of discovery of God is
through study of science. This involves gaining
knowledge about the signs of God hidden
in the universe and arriving at a rational
discovery of God by increasing one’s learning
of natural phenomena. For such kind of comprehension the supporting
data provided by scientific research is crucial for study and reflection.
Merely logical thinking is not enough to arrive at a scientific realization
of God—for this scientific findings on nature are a prerequisite. The knowledge of the laws of nature therefore play a very important part in
discovering God at a rational level. This knowledge was not available to
ancient man, which is why he could not reach the second higher level
of discovery of God.
An attribute of God is that He manages human history. That is, while
keeping human freedom intact, God makes human history arrive at a
stage necessary according to the divine scheme of things. God thus
develops a plan for human beings and achieves it without abrogating
human freedom. This is a very complex task, one which only the Creator
in all His superior powers can bring about. Our task is to understand
this plan of the Creator, rather than try to change it.
God has repeatedly informed in the Quran that the universe has been
subjected for human beings (
laws governing the universe and then through this deep knowledge
of creation, attain a high level of discovery of the Creator. However,
Muslims proved to be inadequate for this task of discovering the laws
of nature. Then God raised up another community to fulfil His plan
(
happened that the European Christian nations suffered a defeat in the
Crusades and as a consequence had to discontinue the fight. The only
option left before them was to re-plan their course of action, and turn
their energies in a direction other than the battlefield. Gradually, they
diverted their attention to studying and discovering the laws governing
nature and the universe.
The Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei is regarded as the father of
modern science. The scientific method began largely with Galileo’s
efforts to observation and study of celestial objects, and the physics
of their motion. After him, the process of study of nature continued
for up to 400 years and reached its culmination in the twentieth
and the twenty-first centuries. The tremendous discoveries made in
the physical world, both at the microscopic and macroscopic levels,
provided enormous amount of information to attain an exalted level of
understanding of the Creator of the universe.
In the universe that God has created, every infinitesimally small
component has the Creator’s imprint stamped upon it. Knowledge of
this is scattered throughout the cosmos. God gave human beings a
rational way of thinking so that they could themselves discover the
hidden wisdom of the Creator in His creation. Modern science is the
other name for unfolding of the hidden wisdom and truths of the
universe.
CHANGING DIRECTION
The True Import
“The foolish will ask, ‘What has made them turn away from their
direction of prayer which they used to face?’ Say, ‘The East and
the West belong to God. He guides whom He pleases to the
right path.’ Thus, We have made you a middle nation, so that
you may act as witnesses for humankind, and the Messenger
may be a witness for you. We decreed your former prayer
direction towards which you used to face only in order that We
might make a clear distinction between the Messenger’s true
followers and those who were to turn their backs on him. This
was indeed a hard test for all but those whom God has guided.
God will never let your faith go to waste. God is compassionate
and merciful to humankind.” (
THE qiblah (present-day Kabah) is the direction Muslims face
when they pray. This direction has to do with the form, rather
than the spirit, of worship. A qiblah is appointed so that prayer
may assume an organized pattern. God can change it as He pleases, for
every direction faces Him. The direction that He lays down is the one
that we should face in our prayer, whatever direction it may be.
The change of
qiblah was a sign
indicating that God
had changed the
course of history
towards peace and
reconciliation.
Before the advent of Islam, Jews offered their prayers facing towards
Jerusalem. This old qiblah had come to be thought of as sacred
and inviolable. In the second year after the Prophet’s emigration to
Madinah, he was commanded to change the
direction of prayer, and face Makkah instead
of Jerusalem. Some people found this switch
difficult to accept. How, they thought, could
another place be the qiblah when Jerusalem
had held this position since time immemorial?
The Jews used the change of the qiblah as an
excuse for spreading all sorts of rumours
about the Prophet. Previous prophets have
always faced Jerusalem in their prayer, they
said. How is it that this prophet has gone
against them? They inferred that the only
purpose of his mission was to spite the Jews. Some poured scorn on
Muhammad’s claim to prophethood. “He seems to be in two minds
about his own mission”, they said. “Sometimes he faces Jerusalem,
sometimes Makkah.” Others said: “Well, if the Kabah in Makkah is the real qiblah, then all the prayers which Muslims have made towards
Jerusalem have been wasted.”
These were the sort of objections that Jews and hypocrites made. True
believers, those who were not caught up in the externals of religion,
did not let such things dishearten them. They realized that it is not the
direction of prayer that really matters, it is God’s commandment. God
can lay down any qiblah, whenever He likes. Whatever He prescribes
should be followed. The commandment regarding the change of qiblah
was revealed seventeen months after the Prophet’s emigration to
Madinah. The Prophet was praying along with a group of his Companions
at the time. As soon as God’s commandment became clear, all of them
turned, as they were praying, from Jerusalem to Makkah—a 1600 turn
from north-west to south.
The change of qiblah was a sign indicating that God had changed the
course of history towards peace and reconciliation. Now, the Kabah
would remain, until the end of time, a rallying-point for the call to
divine religion, a centre for all true believers in God.
The true believers now had to communicate the word of God to their
fellow human beings, just as the Prophet of God communicated it to
them. This is what is meant by the word ‘middle nation’. In other words
they were the connection between the Prophet and other people. This is
a responsibility that is always incumbent upon the Muslim community.
Their success, both in this world and the next, depends upon how they
discharge this responsibility.
“We have frequently seen you turn your face towards heaven. So, We
will make you turn in a direction for prayer that will please you. So, turn
your face now towards the Sacred Mosque: and wherever you may be,
turn your faces towards it. Those who were given the Book know this
to be the truth from their Lord. God is not unaware of what they do.
But even if you should produce every kind of sign for those who have
been given the Book, they would never accept your prayer direction,
nor would you accept their prayer direction: nor would any of them
accept one another’s direction. If, after all the knowledge you have
been given, you yield to their desires, then, you shall surely become a
transgressor. Those to whom We have given the Book recognize it just
as they recognize their own sons. But, some of them knowingly conceal
the truth. Truth is what comes from your Lord; therefore, do not be of
those who doubt.” (
Not until the Prophet of Islam received divine revelation on a certain
matter, did he change the pattern of previous prophets. Faithful to this principle, he initially made Jerusalem his qiblah, for prophets since the
time of Solomon had prayed in that direction. The faith conveyed by the
Prophet of Islam had also to be separated and made distinct from the
previous traditions so that it could appear in a new and unmistakably
pure form.
For the above reason, the Prophet was eagerly awaiting instructions to
change the qiblah. In the second year after his emigration to Madinah,
he received the commandment. The Prophets who had come among
the Jewish people had been informed that one day God would alter
the qiblah, and they had passed the knowledge on to the Jews. Yet
when it happened only a few of them, such as Abdullah ibn Salam and
Mukhaireeq, confirmed the authenticity of this commandment and
acknowledged that God had revealed the truth through the Prophet
Muhammad.
Whenever God reveals some truth to the world, He makes it absolutely
clear. To accept it one should discover God their creator. People
summarily reject the truth, and think that a few words that they have
deigned to utter are proof that they are standing on firm intellectual
ground. But sooner or later, they are bound to realize the weakness of
their arguments and it will dawn upon them that, all along, they had
been labouring under a false sense of security.
ROAD TO TRANQUILITY OF MIND
Aspire For More, Settle For Less
One is ambitious by
nature and therefore
feels compelled to
aim for unachievable
goals. At the same
time, one should
reason and become
aware of his inherent
weaknesses and
accept the fact that
no one has the power
to achieve all the
things that he ideally
wants to.
This is the story of all human beings. Every
person should realize that the world in which
he has to lead his life, is full of options. All one
needs to do is refuse to succumb to despair
and instantly embark on an alternative option
even if that option was never their first choice.
In this world, that is the secret of success.
Don’t give up, just try something new and
look ahead with hope.
PATIENT PERSEVERENCE VS PROTEST
Choose the Wise Strategy
YOUTH are the most productive and energetic asset of a
nation. They can be instrumental to bring value to the world.
Unfortunately, people, including the youth think that protests
and demonstrations will get them what they want. There is no such
example in history where protest directly resulted into a long term and
positive change. On the contrary, it only aggravated the situations. If
there is an issue at hand, then the authorities need to be presented
with the issue in a peaceful manner. If the youth with their strength and
vitality react to every adverse situation through protests and demands,
it will take them away from the goal of education. They must singularly
focus on education and stay away from all distractions like studentpolitics and student-unions.
Usually, the psychology behind protest is the feeling that if one
were to exercise restraint and patience, then the other group would
take advantage of the situation. Therefore people say that there is
a limit to one’s patience. Student politics has adversely affected the
educational system. An alternative situation to such politics is that
educational institutions should work toward better management of
their infrastructure and programmes. They
must allow critical feedback from students,
which would render unnecessary the need to
engage in political mobilization over issues.
According to the
law of nature, any
substantial result
is achieved only
through long-term
planning. Short-term
planning cannot
produce any valuable
result.
The Quran holds patience as the highest
worship rewards of which has no limit.
The Quran talks about limitless reward for
keeping patience. When there is no limit to
the reward to patience, how can there be any
limit to patience? Exercising patience allows
the process of one’s personality development
continue unhindered. Patience is not an
isolated attribute, but has a direct role to play in one’s intellectual
development. Without patience one cannot reflect or ponder over
higher truths. If one lacks a patient personality, one would remain
agitated and disturbed. With such a state of mind one will be unable to
contemplate on the deeper realities of life. This is why patience has to
be adhered to throughout our lives.
A positive social change is possible only through education. Education
leads to self-discipline. This approach seems to be very long-term, but
according to the law of nature, any substantial result is achieved only
through long-term planning. Short-term planning cannot produce any
valuable result. Social upliftment or nation-building is like growing trees
of oak. If we perform this task in the right way, a time will come when
nation-building will have become a reality. However, if we do not adopt
the right method to carry out this task, then even after thousands of
years of effort we will not be able to achieve our target.
There is a very illustrative lesson from the life of George Bernard
Shaw, the Irish playwright and critic. In earlier times, Ireland was not
a place for quality education. Once an Irish person expressed his
despair to Shaw about the community lagging behind in education.
Upon enquiring, Shaw learnt that the person was also uneducated.
Shaw advised him to secure education for himself first so that at least
one person in the community shall no longer remain illiterate. So, the
message is: Identify where the world lacks value, and then fill that gap
by first starting from yourself.
A quality education will contribute to the nation by producing a good
citizen. A good citizen is one who has a predictable character. His fellow
human beings should be confident of his behaviour beforehand. For
example, while planting saplings, a gardener assumes that no one would
harm what he is planting. A gardener expects this good character in his
fellow human beings. The student community of the world should be of
such predictable character. Their seriousness in educating themselves
should be such that the world should have confidence that they will not
take to violence in any situation. In addition to this, the world should
expect them to resolve the issues peacefully while continuing to pursue
their higher goals of acquiring knowledge and skills. This attitude will
surely lead to the development of the nation.
DISCOVERY OF GOD
The Source of True Bliss
ONE who has found God has found everything. After the discovery
of God, no further discovery remains to be made. Thus, when a
man has discovered God, his entire attention is focussed upon
Him. God, for him, becomes a treasure which he cherishes, and it is to
Him then that he has recourse for all his worldly and eternal needs.
God’s world is a collection of atoms. In its elemental form, it all consists
of one and the same type of inert matter; but God has moulded this
matter into countless diverse forms: light, heat, greenery, flowing
water. He has also invested lifeless matter with the properties of
colour, taste and smell; and everywhere, He has set things in motion,
having carefully controlled this motion by gravity. Discovering God who
has made such a world is much more than just acquiring a dry creed. It
means filling one’s heart and soul with the radiant glow of divine light
and opening one’s mind to incredible beauty and delicacy.
When we eat delicious fruits, this gives us a great sense of enjoyment.
When we hear beautiful music we are quite entranced by it. When a
handsome child is born to a couple, their joy knows no bounds. Then
what of our experience of God, who is the source of all beauty, joy
and virtue? On discovering Him, can one remain unmoved? This is
something which is hardly imaginable, for such a sublime experience—
like coming close to a source of dazzling radiance—must surely leave
its mark on one.
Having endowed things with their unique qualities, God Himself must
have qualities that His discoverers may savour. To discover Him,
therefore, is to experience Him like a fragrance in the nostrils, a taste
which excites the palate; a texture which is a joy to caress; a melody
which touches the heart. To come close to Him is to live in an everlasting
garden of brilliant colours and delicate fragrances. It is to hear such
music that one might wish its enchantment to last forever.
The Creator of all light, God Himself is the most resplendent of all
beings. He is the light of the heavens and of the earth, shedding His
radiance on the personalities of all who discover Him. His is the greatest
treasure-house of all true wisdom. He is the greatest repository of all
true strength. His discoverers are so fortified by His strength and so
enlightened by His wisdom that no flood or hurricane can carry them
away. They cannot, once having known Him, do other than evolve into
superior human beings.
WINNING FRIENDS
Through Unilateral Good Behaviour
SOMEONE is your actual friend; another is your potential friend.
This is one of the universal concepts given in the Quran. A relevant
verse from the Quran on this subject is:
Good and evil deeds are not equal. Repel evil with what is
better; then you will see that one who was once your enemy has
become your dearest friend. (
These Quranic verses have a background. When the Prophet of Islam
started his mission in ancient Makkah, people became hostile to him
and to his mission. Clearly, it was an undesirable situation for both the
Prophet and his Companions.
At this moment of crisis, the Prophet and his
Companions were given the above guidance.
It meant: don’t show negative reaction, don’t
try to adopt the policy of tit for tat.
This formula worked very well. Very soon
hostilities ceased altogether. The majority
of those who had been hostile became the
friends of the Prophet—first in Makkah and
then gradually throughout the whole of the
Arabian Peninsula.
Good behaviour
in return for bad
behaviour has a
far-reaching effect;
it touches the
conscience of others.
When you are able to
touch the conscience
of the other person,
you will successfully
change his heart.
Why did this formula prove to be so effective?
The reason is very simple, good behaviour in
return for bad behaviour has a far-reaching
effect; it touches the conscience of others.
And it is a fact that when you are able to touch the conscience of the
other person, you will successfully change his heart. According to the
law of nature, this behaviour is like a psychological compulsion; no one
can afford to go against his conscience.
This Quranic teaching is based on a principle that may be called
unilateral ethics. Bilateral ethics is not part of the social scheme of the
Quran.
There is no doubt that in terms of result, unilateral ethics is far more
effective than bilateral ethics.
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
SIGNS OF GOD
Reasons for Belief
WHEN we look at the different life forms, we witness an
astonishing spectacle. Certain material objects come
together in one body, and there comes into being a creature
like a fish swimming through water, or a bird soaring in the skies. Of
the great variety of creatures which abound on the earth, the one of
greatest interest to us is Man. In ways that are a mystery to us, he is
moulded into a well-proportioned form. The bones within him take on
the meaningful shape of the skeleton, which is covered with flesh and
sealed in by a layer of skin, out of which sprout hair and nails. With
blood coursing through channels within this frame, all of this adds up to
a human being who walks about, holds things in his hands, who hears,
smells, tastes, who has a mind which remembers things, accumulates
information, analyzes it and then expresses it in speech and in writing.
The formation of such an amazing being from inert matter is more
than a miracle. The particles of which a man is composed are the same
as that of earth and stone. But have we ever heard a piece of earth
talking, or seen a piece of stone walking around? The word miraculous
is barely adequate to describe the capabilities of man. But what else is
there to this walking, talking, thinking, feeling man which distinguishes him from earth and stone? This factor—life—is still a mystery to us.
There must indeed be a superior Being who has imbued inert matter
with this quality, thus accomplishing a unique feat of creation.
Man has only to think of the nature of his own being to understand the
nature of God. The self, the ego in man, has an individuality of its own,
which is quite distinct from that of others of his kind living here on
this earth. The ego in man is absolutely sure of its own existence. It is
the part of man which thinks, feels, forms opinions, has intentions and
puts them into practice. It also decides for itself which course of action
to take. Every human being is thus a separate personality with a will
and power of his own. Since our experience
of such a being is an everyday matter,
what is astonishing about the existence of
God, who also is a being wielding personal
power, although on a scale far greater than
ourselves? Believing in God is a very similar
mental process to believing in one’s own self.
That is why the Quran says that man himself
is ample evidence for himself, however much
he may excuse himself (
What further proof
do the sceptics
require when they
have the miracle
of the whole of the
universe which has
been functioning
perfectly for millions
of years on the
vastest of scales?
People demand some miraculous proof
before they will believe in the truth of God
and His message. But what further proof do
they require when they have the miracle of
the whole of the universe which has been functioning perfectly for
millions of years on the vastest of scales? If the sceptic is not prepared
to accept such a great miracle, then how is he going to shed his doubts
when he sees lesser miracles? In truth, man has been provided with
everything he needs to enable him to believe in God, and then to place
himself at His service. If, in spite of this, he does not believe in God, and
fails to acknowledge God’s power and perfection, then it is he himself
and not anyone else who is to blame.
TOWARDS GLOBAL PEACE
We often talk of peace in the context of war. But this is
a very narrow and restricted notion of peace. Peace is
deeply linked with the entirety of human life. Peace is
a complete ideology in itself. Peace is the only religion
for both—man and the universe. It is the master-key
that opens the doors to every success. Peace creates a
favourable atmosphere for success in every endeavour.
Without peace, no positive action—small or big—is possible.
TOWARDS A NONVIOLENT WORLD
A Lesson from History
THOUGH the history of nonviolent movement is a very long
one, historians concede that “the most massive and historically
effective example of nonviolent activism was that of the
movement organized by Mahatma Gandhi”.
India can be justly proud that it was in this country, under the leadership
of Mahatma Gandhi, where for the first time in human history a
nonviolent movement culminated in such resounding success.
The first target for Mahatma Gandhi was to usher in peaceful political
change throughout the country. This ambition was fulfilled in 1947.
Mahatma Gandhi’s second target was to bring about social change
on the basis of nonviolence. But before he could achieve his second
target, he was tragically removed from the scene of action.
Now our greatest need is to fulfil Mahatma Gandhi’s mission. After
political change we have to bring about social change in our country
through Gandhi Andolan, that is, a nonviolent movement. If India could
be successful on this front, it would undoubtedly find itself in a position
to give the lead to the entire world.
There is only one way of exploiting the nonviolent method for the
reform of a society—and that is, to bring about a change in the thinking
of the individual, the basic unit of society.
It has been rightly observed that all violence is born in the mind, and
that it can be terminated in the mind itself. For instance, during the Second World War, Japan was burning to revenge itself on America.
Japanese said that America had devastated their town of Hiroshima,
so they would devastate America. Although Japan’s air force had
been badly hit, its army was still intact, and its officers were bent on
vengeance. At that juncture certain intellectuals in Japan pointed out
that if America had destroyed Hiroshima, they had already destroyed
America’s Pearl Harbour. In this way they were at par. The score was
even.
Due to this timely guidance, the Japanese came to rethink their position,
and, abandoning the path of confrontation with America, opted instead
for the path of adjustment with it. In so doing, they were tremendously
successful.
The truth is that intellectual awakening is the only way to produce a
nonviolent world. This is, without doubt, a long and laborious struggle.
But we have no other alternative. Violence is the result of misguided
thinking. The day you succeed in putting an end to such thought,
violence will disappear on its own.
Take the case, for example, of riots in India. In this matter it has been
found that riots are a result of erroneous way of thinking. If one has the
patience to find out the truth, one will get the correct understanding
of the situation. For example, a group of people, at some disturbing
news of loss caused to them by another group, immediately react and
try to settle scores with the other group leading to violent behaviour.
Instead if they were to first analyze the truth about the situation, then
decide on the most result-oriented course of action, there would be
more chances of finding solutions. With such controlled behaviour, the
first benefit would be prevention of further loss. Immediate reactionary
violence will cause harm to both the parties involved, and the worse
aspect is that it does not solve the problem or compensate the loss. On
the contrary it will escalate the matter further.
An individual is always governed by his thinking. That is why, if we
have to make a nonviolent world for a peaceful society, there is only
one way, and that is by using educative methods to convert people’s
thinking from violence to nonviolence, and to enable them to seek
solution to matters of controversy through peaceful means. We
must learn to understand the value of tolerance and avoidance as
opposed to intolerance and confrontation. It is from such intellectual
awareness alone that a nonviolent world and a peaceful society can be
constructed.
INTRINSIC REALITY
Never Outmoded
IT is earnestly claimed that religion has been rendered old-fashioned
and redundant by modern civilization. But what actual contribution
has western civilization made to humanity? New modes of travel,
novel architectural designs, new means of communication, latest styles
of clothes. In short, commodities and conveniences have become more
luxurious, more glamorous, and more effective than ever before. The
question we must ask ourselves is what the existence of such amenities
has to do with belief in God and religion.
Does the possession of a modern house and a luxury car turn belief in God
into a meaningless cipher? Do wireless modes of communication leave
no room for belief in inspirational forms of revelatory transmission?
Does the ability to fly in the earth’s atmosphere and beyond preclude
the possibility of an afterworld in the cosmos? Does the availability of
gourmet food, high fashion clothes, and elegantly designed furniture
reduce belief in the Garden of Paradise and the Fire of Hell to things
of the ignorant past? Does the legislative capacity of certain individuals
seated in grandiose parliament buildings invalidate the guidelines
enshrined in the Holy Scriptures? While acknowledging the importance
and utility of modern technology and its resultant amenities, we fail to
comprehend in what way these things verify or negate religious truths.
The relevance of religion is its concern with fundamental values rather
than with social manifestations. Social phenomena undergo constant
changes, whereas the values of life are immutable. Although fast,
modern forms of transport have replaced their slower forerunners,
it does not mean that the ethics of vehicle manufacture and use are
thereby invalidated. Modern means of communication may have
rendered the older methods obsolete, but whether these facilities
should be utilized to convey truth or falsehood is as pertinent a
question as before.
Whether members of parliament go to work on foot or by helicopter
does not alter the fact that they are bound to fashion laws in accordance
with the Divine Order which rules the entire cosmos. Whether they
are housed in huts or in magnificent buildings, judicial bodies are still
bound to mete out justice by the same absolute standards so that the
innocent are defended and the guilty punished.
Thus, religion comes out as an integral need for human beings. Study of
Islam is a step for man to fulfil this need. Quran believed to be the word
of God is pure and unaltered guidance for man from the Creator of the
universe. Quran presents the creation plan of God. Accountability in
the Hereafter is central to God's scheme. This concept gives meaning
to our temporary lives in this world. The promise of a perfect world
Paradise is in consonance with our desire for perfection and justice
which cannot be fulfilled in this world. To be successful in the Hereafter
we need to mould our lives which will be acceptable to the Almighty
our Creator and Sustainer.
FUTURE PLANNING
Be Ready with Plan B
IN her book titled, ‘Option B’, Sheryl Sandberg, COO (chief operating
officer) Facebook, relates her personal experience about developing
resilience amid life-shattering experiences. She says that two weeks
after losing her husband in 2015, as she was preparing for a father-child
activity, she cried to her friend saying, “I want Dave (her husband).” Her
friend replied, “Option A is not available.”
Life gives us two options, one temporary, the other eternal. The eternal
option means doing something that continues to benefit you, even
after you have ceased to exist. That is, your end in the physical sense,
you continue to live in the ideological sense.
The Creator has given to all in this world,
albeit for a short period, an opportunity
called life. And every person, in his limited
lifetime, has unique experiences which are
of eternal value. If a person understands his
experiences and records them appropriately,
this record stays intact even after his death
and shall serve as a permanent lesson for the
next generation.
Robert Clive was a young, educated British
clerk in the East India Company. Being
dissatisfied with his job, he once attempted
suicide by aiming a revolver at his head
and pulling the trigger. However, the gun
misfired and he was saved. He then cried
out saying: “Surely, surely I am reserved for
something great!” The turn of events in his life after this incident made
him accomplish great tasks, and he went on to lead British India. He
recorded this event in his life in the book Life Stories, thus giving a great
gift to succeeding generations. This gift was a lesson: “If an accident
takes place in life and it does not kill you, consider it as a blessing. Such
an event implies that God has saved you for a higher purpose.”
This lesson was further expounded by British historian Arnold Toynbee
in his book, ‘A Study of History’. He holds that if a nation faces a challenge,
which is non-crippling, it actually becomes a boost for the nation in
terms of result—it prepares the nation for greater heights.
While recommending Sandberg’s book, Malala Yousafzai said: “None
of us can escape sadness, loss, or life’s disappointments, so the best
option is to find our Option B.” In a nutshell, in the case of a lifechanging event, we must not cling to the pursuit of Option A. We must
instead pursue Option B and share our experiences and lessons with
the world.
In relating her experiences, Sandberg has set an example of this
principle. She has given a living gift to the next generation which shall
continue for eternity. Her gift is that we must not pursue Option A
(when it is not available), as that will always make us sad. We must
instead choose Option B, so that we may be enabled to learn from
experiences and move on.
Death does not mark the end of life. In the
physical sense, it means an end but not in
the ideological sense. Everyone has valuable
experiences that he can share with others—
we must discover these experiences and then
record them for posterity, so that they may
be an inspiration to others. Such a concept of
life ensures that the journey of life is not one
of frustration, but rather one of eternal hope.
There is an English proverb, ‘The end justifies
the means’. Perhaps, there is another more
relevant principle which may be expressed
thus: ‘The end justifies the beginning.’ It is the
end result that proves whether the beginning was right or wrong.
Everyone has
valuable experiences
that he can share
with others—we
must discover these
experiences and
then record them
for posterity, so
that they may be an
inspiration to others.
Many people begin their lives with great enthusiasm. But the latter
period of their life proves that their beginning was not the right one. Their
case was a case of miscalculation, rather than one of right calculation.
For example, Greek emperor Alexander the Great was a very ambitious
person. His goal was to conquer the world. But, his human limitations
overcame him and he died at the age of 32 in Babylon, about 3,000 km
away from his homeland. The same is true of Adolf Hitler who, likewise
an ambitious man, rose to the position of Chancellor of Germany. Then
he decided to rule the whole of Europe, for which he initiated a war
which escalated into the Second World War. Yet, Hitler could not fulfil
his dream, and committed suicide at the age of 56 in a bunker.
There are thousands of such examples. Many individuals start out in
life with high hopes, but fail to achieve their goal, and then die in a state of frustration. In the beginning they were hopeful, but in the end
they died in a state of utter hopelessness.
‘Right here, right now’ is a formula of life that has gained popularity in
the present age. This seems to be a beautiful formula. People have,
in general, adopted this principle. Although in the beginning they are
very happy, in the latter period of their lives they feel that they have
been unsuccessful in achieving their goals. Finally, they fall prey to
frustration and die of some fatal disease, and in a state where they
have lost all hope and enthusiasm.
Happiness in the present is not the criterion of success. The right
criterion is whether a person is able to maintain his happiness and
sense of satisfaction right to the end of his life. The value of a tree
is gauged by the fruit that it offers when it has reached the stage of
full growth. Similarly, the right formula of life is that which can give
a person satisfaction till the end of life, and not just for a temporary
period.
A tree is known by its fruit, which is the final phase of the tree’s life.
Similarly, the pattern of human life will be judged by what it turns out
to be in its final days. Never make the mistake of planning for life by
taking only immediate gain into consideration. You should always plan
by keeping the future in mind.
An individual should first of all discover his own self and then plan
accordingly for his life. People generally set their goals out of zeal, but
this is certainly not a mature way of making decisions. The better way
to decide one’s goal is to understand the realities of life, and then act
in accordance with them. Failure to do so is the main reason for people
dying in frustration after having set out full of enthusiasm. When they
set themselves goals, it was under the influence of emotions, without
due consideration. Such a plan does not work for long. It is like a
sandcastle which is destined in the long run to fall apart.
BELIEF IN THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT
Putting a Check on Man
BELIEF in the Day of Judgment or the Day of Resurrection (Qiyamah)
is a fundamental tenet of faith in Islam. It is also referred in the
Quran as, “the Hour” (
“Day of the Gathering”, “Day of the Reckoning”, “Day of Distress” (
and the “Great Announcement”.
According to Islam the end of the world will come on Doomsday. On
Doomsday God will unravel all veils. All things that were hidden and
unseen from view will appear as clear as daylight. This will be the Day of
Judgement when no action done in the world will remain hidden. Even
a tiny good deed or bad deed done in the world will appear as plain as
daylight. On this day, all virtuous human beings will be rewarded for
their good deeds, whatsoever they may have been; and all corrupt and
depraved people will be doomed for their bad deeds, whatsoever they
may have been.
Referring to Doomsday or the Last Day, The Quran says:
When the earth is shaken with its violent
shaking, when the earth shakes off her
burdens, when man asks, ‘What is happening
to her?’; on that Day it will narrate its account,
for your Lord has so directed it.
On that Day people will come forward in
separate groups to be shown their deeds:
whoever has done the smallest particle of
good will see it; while whoever has done the
smallest particle of evil will see it. (
Nothing that man
possesses will
last. On the Day
of Judgement,
everything will be
taken away from
him. He will be
stripped of even the
most basic of the
worldly amenities
he used to enjoy.
He will be brought
before the Lord of
the universe to be
judged.
When the earthquake of Doomsday strikes,
it will be a proclamation of the termination
of the period of trial. This will mean that the
freedom which people had been allotted for
the purpose of them being tested has been
taken away from them. Then the time will
have come for people to receive their just
desserts.
People eat, drink and make merry in this world. They establish
themselves in comfortable homes. They seek to win promotion in
life. They believe or reject matters at will. They are free to do and say what they like. They strive to excel in whatever department of life they
choose.
Man has been deluded by his worldly position. He thinks that what he
owns in this world will always be his. He forgets that he is being put to
the test by means of all the power which he wields in this ephemeral
world. Nothing that he has will last. Everything will be taken away from
him. He will be stripped of even the most basic of the worldly amenities
he used to enjoy. He will be brought before the Lord of the universe to
be judged.
All disparity between men will disappear on the Day of Judgement. Fear
of God will seal everybody’s tongue. Injustice will benefit no one; truth
will be inescapable. Man will stand alone, answerable for his actions.
Referring to the concept of accountability, the Quran says:
When the sky is cleft asunder; and when the stars are scattered;
when the seas overflow; and when the graves are laid open:
then everyone will know what he has sent ahead, and what
he has left behind. O man! What is it that lures you away from
your bountiful Sustainer, who created you, fashioned you and
proportioned you, in whatever form He pleased? Yet you deny
the Last Judgement. Surely, there are guardians watching over
you, noble recorders, who know all that you do: the virtuous
will dwell in bliss, whereas the wicked will be in Hell; which they
shall enter on the Day of Judgement, and from which they will
find no escape. What will make you realize what the Day of
Judgement will be? Again: what will make you realize what the
Day of Judgement will be? It will be a Day when no human being
shall be of the least avail to any other human being, God [alone]
will hold command on that Day. (
People fail to realize that their own inadequacies should be their
prime concern—not those of others. The only time they feel concerned
with themselves is when their comforts, convenience, safety, etc,
are threatened. Then they make strenuous efforts to see that these
aspects of their lives should never be prejudiced in any way. But just as
a hungry man thinks first and foremost of his own hunger, so should
a moral, social being think first and foremost of his own conduct, and
not of his own convenience, or of the faults of others. It will only be
when the Day of Judgement is upon us and the Truth made plain that
this realization will come to man. On that day will every man be held
accountable for their deeds.
Therefore, linked to the belief in the Day of Judgement is the belief that
man is accountable to God. He is being watched by God and his actions
are being recorded by God’s angels. Though he is free in this world, in
the next, he will be held accountable for every thought, speech and
action that he made in this world.
The Relevance of the Day of Judgement
The present world is full of strange paradoxes. Here, birds chant
hymns of divine praise, while man recites eulogies to himself. Stars
and planets continue their voyages without clashing with one another,
while man willfully sets himself on a collision course with others. In this
world there is no tree which undermines another, but men spend their
lives plotting one another’s destruction. Lofty, upright trees show their
meekness by casting their shadows on the ground, but if man ascends
to any heights he immediately becomes
arrogant. This attitude of man’s is totally
contrary to God’s Will for His entire creation.
Doomsday shall erase these paradoxes, the
might of all save God shall be eradicated.
When this period of trial has run its course,
God will destroy the present world and create
another one. There, the righteous and wicked
will be separated from one another. The
former will reside in Paradise and the latter
in hellfire.
Man is being watched
by God, and his
actions are being
recorded by God’s
angels. Though he
is free in this world,
in the next, he will
be held accountable
for every thought,
speech and action
that he made in this
world.
Today the world of God appears to be silent.
But on the Day of Judgement, everything
will be given the power of speech. Present
day inventions and discoveries have proved
that even lifeless objects have the power of
“speech.” Studio performances can be fully replayed by recording sets.
Similarly, the present world is like a huge divine studio. Whatever man
does or says is being preserved at every moment. And when the time
comes, the story of everyone will be repeated in such a way that neither
great nor small sayings and doings will escape God’s attention.
We must foresee the coming of that day before its arrival. Those who
fail to see it coming before it is upon them will have to pay dearly for
their shortsightedness. They will have to endure the punishment of
hellfire.
The present world may seem to lack nothing;
but the order of this world has been
established with the trial of man in mind.
According to God’s scheme, only a world
which leads up to reward and punishment
can be considered ideal and permanent. This
is not the case in the present world. So, when
the period of trial is over, God will destroy
this world and create another more complete
one. There the evil will be separated from the
righteous, and all will be confronted with the
just consequences of their deeds.
It should be firmly
embedded in his
mind that he is under
divine surveillance at
every moment. The
deeds of his entire
life will be presented
in the court of God.
Be these great
or small, done
secretly or publicly,
everything will be
there on record.
For the observance of proper behaviour
in this world, man requires only one thing.
It should be firmly embedded in his mind
that he is under divine surveillance at every
moment. The deeds of his entire life will be presented in the court of
God. Be these great or small, done secretly or publicly, everything will
be there on record.
If man is fully convinced of this reality, he will be shaken completely
even before the shaking of the world. Before the all-encompassing
earthquake of Doomsday he will experience an earthquake in his own
soul which will change him completely. As a result, he will become
his own keeper. He will adopt a disciplined life instead of a life of
indulgence. He will use his powers as guided by the command of God
instead of acting independently.
HONESTY AND HARD WORK
Traits of Real Value
PROPHET Moses was born in Egypt, where he lived for about thirty
years. Then, for some reason, he had to leave Egypt and after a
long journey he reached Midian (Syria). When he was resting on
the outskirts of Midian, an interesting incident took place which has
been narrated as follows in the Quran:
When Moses arrived at the well of Midian, he found a group of men
watering their flocks, and two women standing apart from them,
holding back their flocks, he asked, “What is the matter with you?” They
replied, “We cannot draw water until the shepherds take away their
sheep. Our father is a very old man.” So Moses watered their flocks
and returned into the shade and prayed, “Lord, I am truly in need of
whatever blessing You may send down for me.” One of the two women
came up to him and said, “My father is asking you to come to reward
you for helping us.” When Moses came to their father and introduced
himself, he said, “Don’t be afraid! You have escaped from those wrongdoing people.” One of the girls said, “Father, hire him! For the best man
to hire is someone strong and trustworthy.” (
Moses lived with his Midian hosts for almost eight years. His host,
Shuayb married his daughter to Moses; then after eight years Moses
returned to his homeland, Egypt.
What the woman said when she asked her father to hire Moses is the
best formula for success. It is a two point formula—honesty and hard
work. Honesty makes one a trustworthy person and hard work means
that a man is ready to dedicate himself to his work.
‘Strong’ refers to physical strength and ‘honest’ refers to spiritual
strength: both are equally important and desirable human qualities.
There is a saying: ‘God helps those who help themselves.’ What is
self-help? Self-help means to prove that you have these two natural
qualities—honesty and the ability to work hard.
ZERODEFECT UNIVERSE
Holding a Mirror to Human Affairs
SOME decades ago, the concept of ‘zero-defect management’ was
propounded. A lot of literature was produced on the subject and
considerable research was conducted on the issue. The concept
spread rapidly in parts of the West, and major efforts were made to try
to implement it. However, despite much effort, it came to be accepted
that ‘zero-defect management’ isn’t at all possible. It proved to be a
failure!
But at around the same time as ‘zero-defect management’ in human
affairs proved to be a failure, scientific research was proving that
the system of nature that operates throughout the universe is based
precisely on the principle of ‘zero-defect management’. To take just one
instance, the stars and the planets move in perfect precision. So, if you
want to know at what time the sun will rise tomorrow and at what time
it will set, you can get the exact information today itself, so accurate is
the motion of Earth around the sun!
So, on the one hand, the idea of ‘zero-defect management’ in the human
world proved to be a complete flop while, on the other hand, in the
natural world it was shown that ‘zero-defect management’ operates
in a perfect manner! So perfect is this management of the non-human
world that we can know today itself that on 15th April 2025 in New Delhi,
sunrise will be at 05:56 am and sunset at 18:46 pm!
One can get accurate information of sunrise and sunset for any other
place in the world, too, well in advance. In the same way, the entire
natural world is working in perfect order, as science reveals. Through
various scientific disciplines we can get the information we want
regarding such phenomenon for the distant past as well as distant
future, and this information will be accurate, without any change.
Now, reflect on the fact that this material world is functioning under
the management of the Creator. From its very inception it has been
operating on the principle of ‘zero-defect management’. In contrast
to this is the human world, where man makes plans but things are
always subject to change, modification and failure. For instance, an
industrialist conceives a project, but no matter how hard he may try,
he cannot implement the project in a zero-defect manner.
As they say, it is in comparison that you understand. Compare God’s
way of managing things with man’s way. The Divine management that orders phenomena in the non-human world is completely zero-defect.
In contrast, human management is necessarily flawed, in some way
or the other. From various verses of the Quran we gain inspiration
to reflect on the difference between the two. This comparative study
tells us there is a basic difference between them. In the human world,
despite all our efforts there is and can be no zero-defect management.
It is simply impossible. In contrast, in the natural world established
and managed by God, zero-defect management prevails fully and
throughout, and with complete accuracy.
When we reflect on this difference, we realize that there is a Creator of
this universe who is All-Powerful and Perfect. The difference between
man’s world and the physical world, the world of the exact sciences, is
a firm proof of God’s existence. As the Quran (
He created seven heavens one above the other in layers. You will not
find any flaw in the creation of the Gracious One. Then look once again:
can you see any flaw? Then look again and again. Your gaze will come
back to you confused and exhausted.
Elsewhere, the Quran (
Have they not observed the sky above them and marked how We have
built it and adorned it, leaving no flaws in it?
This modern discovery of the system of the universe being flawless is
proving one attribute of God to be true, and that is, in the words of the
Quran: “God: there is no deity save Him, the Living, the Eternal One.
Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him.” (
The highest spiritual goal for man
is his spiritual uplift when he has
attained the high state called
"peaceful soul" in the Quran. This
may also be termed as complexfree soul which can withstand all
kinds of negativity.
MOTION AND DIRECTION
Make Your Efforts Result-oriented
BILL COPELAND, an American poet and historian, once commented,
“You have removed most of the road blocks to success when you
have learnt the difference between motion and direction.”
One intrinsic quality of activity is movement. When you are walking,
driving, riding a bicycle, galloping along on horseback or roaring
along on a motorcycle, you are moving. But in what direction? Are you
moving towards your destination, or away from it? The actual motion
in both cases seems to be no different. The great difference between
the two is that the former brings you ever nearer to your destination,
while the latter takes you further and further away from it—leaving you
where? Nowhere. At least nowhere that it is worth your while going. It
is direction that is all-important. Even if we get on to the slow-moving
bullock cart or a cycle rickshaw, we shall do better than an aeroplane
which has no sense of direction.
Whether it is a consideration of private lives or social existence, it is
imperative that we take stock of our means and resources and then
set off in the right direction, if, sooner or later, we are to reach our
destination.
Often people launch themselves on careers plunging headlong into
them, without giving due thought to their actual capacities and to
whether they have any real potential which can be developed. At times
they are led astray by trivial considerations, ill-founded opinions, and
over-whelming emotions, and rush heedlessly into whatever first
comes their way. When the result is not what they had anticipated,
they fall to complaining against others. They lament their losses and
failures. They claim that it was due to prejudices of others that they
had to suffer frustrations and that their careers had come to naught.
Had they given more profound thought to the matter, they would have
realized that the fault lay in their own ill-judged planning or even total
aimlessness. Had they started out in the right direction, others would
not then have had the opportunity to place obstacles in their path and
turn their successes into failures. Aimlessness is a great weakness. It
should be eschewed at all costs. In fact, no activity is of any value unless
it is characterized by its direction and not just its motion.
ONE LIFE NOT ENOUGH
The True World to Set Eyes on
WHEN Benjamin Gayelord Hauser (1895-1984) came to the US
from Germany in 1911, he soon developed tuberculosis of
the hip. Conventional medicine and several operations failed
to cure him, so he turned to natural, herbal remedies. He was told to
take warm baths, herbal teas, a diet of salads, fruit juices and vegetable
soup. Within a few weeks he was cured.
He then devoted his life to promotion of herbal medicine. He opened
an office in Chicago in 1923, and soon moved to Hollywood where many
film stars and celebrities, including Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich and
the Duchess of Windsor sought his advice. His books, including “Look
Younger, Live Longer” and “Harmonized Food Selection with the famous
Hauser Body-building system” were widely read throughout America and
Europe, and were translated into more than 40 languages.
Hauser once said that he would like to live until he was 100 years old,
and then return to earth as a psychiatrist. “I have spent this life being
concerned with the garbage people eat,” he said. “The next time I will
concentrate on getting rid of garbage thoughts.”
Yet Hauser, who had spent his life showing people how to “look younger,
live longer” died, at the age of 89, on Wednesday, December 26, 1984,
of complication from pneumonia. His efforts to look younger were not
able to ward off old age and infirmity. The measures that he took to live
longer were no protection from death. He died before he could reach
his coveted 100-year mark.
People in this world achieve every form of success. Their names become
known far and wide. Still no man is satisfied. Everyone wishes to add
some new feather to his cap. Sometimes his ambitions in this world are
so far-reaching that they cannot even be fulfilled in a life span of 100
years; another life on earth is required for their realization.
Man directs all his attention towards his temporary life on earth. He
wants all his ambition to find fulfillment here. But the world of his dreams
can never come to pass. Instead he will be raised up in an eternal world
of infinite opportunities where no desire will go unfulfilled. But those
who have worked only for this temporary world will find themselves
bereft when they arrive in the Hereafter. They will find themselves in
a world which they had not anticipated or made any preparations for.
They will have left the world in which they sought fulfillment of their
ambitions far behind.
How sad that man is oblivious to the place where his desires can
be fulfilled, and has set his heart on a world where he is doomed to
disappointment.
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 AD 610 and 632. It is a book that brings glad
tidings to humankind, 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
Who speaks better than one who calls to God and does good works
and says, ‘I am surely of those who submit’? Good and evil deeds are
not equal. Repel evil with what is better; then you will see that
one who was once your enemy has become your dearest friend,
but no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise
patience and self-restraint—no one is granted it save those who are
truly fortunate.
If a prompting from Satan should stir you, seek refuge with God: He is
the All Hearing and the All Knowing. (
The call of the Quran is to invite people to God. Bringing man closer to
his Lord and Sustainer; making him spend his whole life in remembrance
of God; developing a feeling in man that he should make the one and
only God the centre of his attention—these are the real aims of the
Quranic call and undoubtedly there is no call better than this.
But, only that person becomes the preacher of God who is so sincere
in his call that he, first of all, accepts whatever he wants others
to accept. Whatever he exhorts others to do, he should have himself
started doing from the outset.
The greatest weapon of a preacher of Truth is his ability to treat people
well. Even if people are not good to him, he should be good to them.
He should adopt the policy of avoidance in the face of provocation or
irritating behaviour, and exercise patience under trying circumstances.
Almighty God has made it possible for unilateral good behaviour to be
immensely persuasive. The preacher of God is aware of this God-given
asset, and uses it to the utmost extent, even though it may involve
crushing his own feelings and killing the urge to retaliate.
Whenever a caller to Truth has the feeling within him that it is necessary
for him to retaliate against a particular instance of oppression in order
to prevent the enemy from becoming so bold as to commit even
greater excesses, he should immediately understand that this is a
satanic inducement. It is the duty of every believer and preacher of
Truth to seek the protection of God from such feelings instead of acting
upon them.
Among His signs are the night and the day, and the sun and the
moon. Do not prostrate yourselves before the sun and the moon, but
prostrate yourselves before God who created them all, if it is truly
Him that you worship. If they grow arrogant, [remember that] those
who are with your Lord glorify Him night and day and never grow
tired. (
The greatest human blunder is having regard for outward appearances.
In ancient times, the sun, the moon and stars appeared quite dazzling
to man, so he took them as deities and started worshipping them. In the
present age, it is the glamour of the material side of civilization which
appears dazzling. So, materialism has now been given the same status
as was enjoyed in former times by the sun and the moon, though the
sun, the moon and other phenomena are all creations of God. A man
should worship the Creator and not His creations.
The arrogance of the proud is not related to the call of Truth but to
the preacher giving that call. It appears to the leaders of an age that
the preacher of Truth is smaller in stature than themselves and that
therefore the message conveyed by him is also of lesser import.
Among His signs is this: you see the earth dry and barren, but when We
send down on it water, it stirs and swells: most surely He who gives it
life is the giver of life to the dead; surely He has power over all things.
Those who distort the meaning of Our message are not concealed
from Us. Who is better—someone who will be thrown into the Fire or
someone who will arrive in safety on the Day of Resurrection? Do as
you will, He sees whatever you do. (
The phenomena of rains soaking dry land and thereafter greenery
sprouting from it are a regular occurrence. This is an allegorical
reference to an inner reality. In this way man is informed that God
has made extensive and elaborate arrangements in this world to
refresh and invigorate his dry existence. The soil absorbs the water and
allows it to percolate downwards, making the rainwater a source of revitalization for it. Similarly, if man allows God’s guidance to permeate
his existence, he too will become rejuvenated upon receiving it.
The main reason for man’s not benefitting from God’s guidance is that
he distorts God’s message. When God’s guidance comes to him, he
does not take it as it is, instead he tries to ferret out some points in
it which he may misrepresent. In this way, God’s guidance does not
become a part of his mind. It does not nourish his soul.
For those who accept God’s guidance as it is, there is the reward of
Paradise, and for those who distort its real meaning, there is the
punishment of Hell.
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.
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 )
