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

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

countries. He is the founder of the Centre for Peace and Spirituality based in New Delhi. THE AIM OF ISLAM THERE are some who claim that religion is an individual matter, and others who take the opposite view

ISLAM AND POLITICSTHE Prophet of Islam has said: “Perform your prayer as you see me performing it.” The same he said about Hajj. He said: “Learn the method of Hajj from my practice.” It means that there

So, Muslims must emulate this Prophetic example forever. But it is significant that the Prophet of Islam never gave any advice about politics. Although he was the head of the Medina state, he never said

with regards to the political system, there is no such set pattern of politics in Islam. The political system in Islam is based on the social condition of the time. From this difference we can draw

define the essence of Islam, what would you say? The very word ‘Islam’ tells us the essence of Islam. The root of the word ‘Islam’ is silm, which means peace. And so, the essence of Islam is peace. Many Westerners

Westerners believe freedom to be the summum bonum, but according to Islam, the summum bonum is peace. There are many verses in the Quran that stress the importance of peace. For instance, the Quran says

family life, in our social life—can be achieved without peace. And so, Islam stresses peace. That said, I should make it clear that in Islam peace is not a matter of belief. Its importance lies in its practical

those to whom the spirit of Islamic teachings is close to the heart, I take this opportunity on the New Year to thank all the readers of our monthly magazine Spirit of Islam. The beginning of the 7th year

present to others what we ourselves benefit from. It was my heartfelt desire to understand Islam in the contemporary idiom since my childhood. I had read many books and journals on Islam, but none gave me

me the picture of Islam in a language that I could understand. When I got involved with Spirit of Islam and Maulana Wahiduddin Khan’s Centre, my mind found what it had been looking for all along. I felt

a prolific writer of children’s books with more than 100 titles to his name. His books focus on Islamic themes and have been translated into many languages. He was awarded Sharjah Children’s Book Award

inspiration to believers, especially women. She is an excellent example of how one can give to the cause of Islam one’s time, energy, wealth and life. The following is a selection from this award-winning book. KHADIJA

did man come into being? Why was he placed on earth? How should he live on earth? What is life? What is death? And what will happen to man after he dies?” After years of seeking the truth, God showered

his effort, the Quran copies and other books on Islam are available in the same mosque. These books are aimed at dispelling the misconceptions about Islam. He lives in Pennsylvania, USA. He visited CPS

conversation. Looking back on your student life, how was your mentality then? I mean what did you think of religion in particular Islam? I divide my life into two parts. The first part is before I started reading

the second part is after I started reading him. I grew up in a village and only knew traditional Islam. It was a formbased religion. It taught that if you do this, read that you will get so much reward

THE SPIRIT OF ISLAMReligion of Nature ISLAM is the answer to the demands of nature. It is in fact a complement of human nature. This is why Islam has been called a religion of nature in the Quran and Hadith

Prophet Muhammad and asked him what he should do in a certain matter. The Prophet replied, ‘Consult your heart about it.’ By the heart, the Prophet meant common sense. That is, what one’s common sense tells

tells would likewise be the demand of Islam. What does human nature desire more than anything? It desires, above all, peace and love. Every human being wants to live in peace and to receive love from the people

ASK MAULANAYour Questions Answered What is the purpose of fasting? There are two purposes of fasting: to make one cautious in life and to make one thankful to God. (QURAN 2: 183 & 185). The Quran

acknowledgement of the reward. Through fasting man makes himself worthy of being thankful to God. What is the essence of fasting? The essence of fasting is to eschew all evil ways throughout the year.

greatest obstacle to human progress. Fasting is the pious way to solve this biggest of human problems. What is the rationale behind the period of 30 days of fasting, why not less or more? The rationale behind