The Prophetic WisdomOne of the qualities of the Prophet of Islam was his great vision, as a result of which he urged his followers to adopt a wise approach in all their dealings. A number of sayings on

light upon others. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 73) Abdullah ibn Abbas said that the Prophet of Islam embraced him and prayed to God to grant him wisdom. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 3756) A large number

traditions have been recorded which underscore the importance of wisdom. For instance, the Prophet of Islam said: How good is the gathering at which wise sayings are uttered. Similarly,

turn [all] your attention. (The Quran, 94:1-7) One particular aspect of the life of the Prophet of Islam comes before us in these verses. That is, the ability to see ease in difficulty was bestowed upon

great frustration. Through certain examples God made this matter clear. For instance, the Prophet of Islam underwent great hardship. His experiences broadened his vision, making him more confident. Ironically

propaganda became the means of spreading his message far and wide, etc. The followers of the Prophet of Islam should also inculcate this same mentality among themselves. They should develop within themselves

they who are the evil-doers, though they may not perceive it” (2:11). They hold that the aim of Islam is to establish an ideal society and an ideal state. But since, by their lights, this task cannot

having become counter-productive is in itself a proof that their activities were disapproved of by Islam. This is quite expressly stated in the Quran: “God does not love the transgressors” (2:205). The

state’ and ‘ideal society’ have a wonderful resonance, but their use in the name of Islam is sheer exploitation of Islam. Verse ninety-nine of the 16th chapter is quite specific about this. It says: “God

turn [all] your attention. (The Quran, 94:1-7) One particular aspect of the life of the Prophet of Islam comes before us in these verses. That is, the ability to see ease in difficulty was bestowed upon

great frustration. Through certain examples God made this matter clear. For instance, the Prophet of Islam underwent great hardship. His experiences broadened his vision, making him more confident. Ironically

propaganda became the means of spreading his message far and wide, etc. The followers of the Prophet of Islam should also inculcate this same mentality among themselves. They should develop within themselves

traditions in the first phase of Islam lasted from the time of the Umayyad empire till that of the Abbasid empire. Without doubt, the rot had set in in the Muslim rulers. But the Islamic scholars of this period

we find that the actual target of a religious mission is the Islamization of the individual rather than the State. The domination of Islam at the level of the state is

the historical Islam to be the true Islam is that other nations are now seen simply as rivals. So long as this rivalry continues between Muslims and other nations, no real work of Islamic revival can be

sacrifices and other such attributes must be possessed by those who come forward for the mission of Islamic revival. For the preparation of such individuals in modern times, again the same planning is required

Mandir-Masjid IssueTHE POSITION OF THE MOSQUE IN ISLAM Particular structures designated as mosques are now familiar landmarks in town and village landscapes. The main aim of putting up such buildings

congregational prayer. But the mere fact of the existence of mosques does not in any way mean that Islamic worship— namaz—must be performed only within their walls. The literal meaning of mosque is ‘a place

‘Wherever you pray is mosque. The whole earth had been made a mosque and purified for me (i.e. for Islam) so you can say your prayers wherever you are.’ (Sahih alBukhari, Hadith No. 335) STATUS OF MOSQUES

take reprisals against people becoming Muslims. There was nothing now to stop people from accepting Islam. It was as if a large crowd had gathered at its gates. With the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, those gates

numbered no more than 3,000. This was the direct outcome of the greatest obstacle to the acceptance of Islam—the anger and hostility of the Quraysh which would result from such conversions. Bara’a was one of

used to say to latter-day people, who considered the Conquest of Makkah to be the great victory of Islam, that the Companions of the Prophet considered the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah as the victory. The economic

heart to bestow upon others. Now I should like to say a few words about prayer and meditation in Islam. Let me begin with a question from the Quran: “When My servants question you about Me, tell them that

trust in Me, that they may be rightly guided (2:186).” This verse of the Quran tells us that in Islam there is no need for any intermediary to establish contact between God and man. At any time and place

can contact God directly. The only condition is that man should turn to God with sincere devotion. Islam believes in a personal God. God is an alive being, fully aware of His servants. He hears and sees

heart to bestow upon others. Now I should like to say a few words about prayer and meditation in Islam. Let me begin with a question from the Quran: “When My servants question you about Me, tell them that

their trust in Me, that they may be rightly guided (2:186).” This verse of the Quran tells us that in Islam there is no need for any intermediary to establish contact between God and man. At any time and place

can contact God directly. The only condition is that man should turn to God with sincere devotion. Islam believes in a personal God. God is an alive being, fully aware of His servants. He hears and sees