BOOK REVIEWName of the Book: THE TRUE JIHAD: THE CONCEPTS OF PEACE, TOLERANCE AND NON-VIOLENCE IN ISLAM Author: Maulana Wahiduddin Khan Published by: Goodword Books, New Delhi (India) (www.goodwordbooks

debated about and have made many inquisitive minds read about Islam is the word ‘jihad’. What does the holy book of Muslims say about jihad? What place does this word have in the life of a believer? Can the

questions have been dwelt on in detail in this book by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, one of the most eminent Islamic scholars of modern times. The Quran exhorts believers to “strive for the cause of God as it behoves

took admission at the Madrasat-ul-Islah at Saraimir (located in Azamgarh district) for Arabic and Islamic studies. After graduating from there, I found that I was actually irrelevant in society. I found

gained an awareness of the times, of the contemporary age, and with full certainty I rediscovered Islam. What do you think are the basic principles for properly understanding the Quran? The basic principles

lifestyle, my principle is: ‘Simple living, high thinking’. What do you think might be some of the difficulties in inviting people towards God—Islamic missionary activity—in these times? In today’s age, in

compound citing the reason that the fallen leaves were a source of annoyance for him. Please tell us what Islam has to say about trees. Vegetation, plants and trees have been described in the Quran as special

vegetation, the Quran mentions farming and gardening as means of human existence. The Prophet of Islam once observed: “When a person plants a tree and the tree grows and yields fruit which human beings

earth". Such teachings show how great importance is attached to planting and vegetation in Islam. In this way Islam inculcates the spirit in a person to strive to make the earth green and verdant. Even if

OF GODAn Interview with Dr Naghma Siddiqi Dr Naghma Siddiqi is the editorial director of Spirit of Islam. She has been associated with the CPS mission for close to two decades. Her role in bringing out the

produced books and teaching material which highlight the message of peace and spirituality based on the Islamic Scriptures. She has dedicated her life to this mission. Her passion has permeated to her family.

master’s in Islamic Studies. Though I felt I would not be able to complete even this programme, God sent His angels and enabled me to complete my master’s in Islamic Studies from Jamia Millia Islamia in 2008

Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, born in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh in 1925 is an Islamic spiritual scholar who is well-versed in both classical Islamic learning and modern disciplines. The mission of his life has been

highest civilian honour in India, and the Demiurgus Peace International Award. He has been called ’Islam’s spiritual ambassador to the world’ and pronounced one of the most influential Muslims. His books

in six countries. He is the founder of the Centre for Peace and Spirituality based in New Delhi. WHAT you have in your hands is not just another magazine. It is much more than that. In fact it is an institution

that they may understand my speech) Distinguished guests, Brother Shaykh Abdullah Bin Bayyah, and Islamic scholars, We are here to discuss a very serious problem—how to promote peace in Muslim societies

misconceptions. Only then will it be possible for peace to prevail. The Right, Peaceful Interpretation of Islam   According to a well-known dictum, ‘Violence begins in the mind’. So, is the case with peace. Peace

terrorism in the name of Islam will change their minds. The sources of Islam—the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet—tell us that Islam is a religion of peace. The Prophet of Islam started his mission in

countries. Many call for democratic reform, however, we have seen what happens through the overthrow of many of these leaders in the Arab world. What should our response be here for those who call against such

kings, they are basically Islamic rulers. The only difference is that they were not elected by the western democratic process, but rather are members of a dynasty. To be an Islamic ruler, there is no criterion

to follow Islam, and such religious freedom is certainly present today in every Arab country.  Democracy in the European sense is not an article of faith in Islam. The history of early Islam shows that

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

into the open. At that time, every human being will know what he has lost in life, and what he has gained, what opportunity he has availed of, and what opportunity he has missed out. This record of life of

three religions in the Semitic family: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. In historical order, Judaism comes first, Christianity second and Islam third. Common to all the three religions is love. During a visit

a lecture on Islam and peace. After my lecture, a Christian scholar asked: ‘In Christianity, there is a moral injunction: ‘Love your enemy’. Can you cite any such teaching from the Islamic scripture?’ Friends

43-44) In one of its chapters, the Quran says: ‘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.’ (41:

mine is very upset about the horrific terrorism that self-styled ‘Islamic’ groups continue to commit in the name of Islam. Because of what these groups are doing, she has become embarrassed to be seen as

discriminate against her or wrongly look at her with doubt and suspicion just because she has a Muslim name. What advice would you have for her and others like her? Your fear lies within and has no existence outside

your mind of this thinking. You must be convinced that these terror acts are not truly inspired by Islam but are done by some misled Muslims. I am myself an example of this way of thinking. I travel in India