the mainstream of Islam? Was it because while being strictly observant of God’s commands themselves, they also believed in stringently making others follow religious injunctions? What is the correct interpretation

to appear as harmless ideas, but after some time they assume dangerous proportions. This is why in Islam extremism that leads to violence is considered extremely abhorrent. People who belong to this

entered Muslim society by reciting the Islamic creed, however, they had not undergone proper training in religion. This is why they still possessed the pre-Islamic extremist mindset. They would excommunicate

thought and expression. In fact, it is Islam that, for the first time in human history, wrought a revolution that gave every person this freedom. Prior to Islam, the world laboured under a system of coercion

unnecessary 'sensitivities' in this matter, rather than to try to end differences or criticism. This is what Islam demands, and reason, too.

[religious] persecution, and religion belongs wholly to God: if they desist, then surely God is watchful of what they do. THE QURAN 8: 39 THIS verse has two parts. The same point is made, first in the form of a

conditions that He has devised. He wanted people to be free of political coercion. In the early Islamic period, the overthrow of monarchical despotism and its replacement by the Caliphate was the beginning

very revolutionary development. This development unfolded over a period of time. With God’s help, Islam, in the seventh century A.D., broke this ancient system of coercive rule. Thereafter, this transformation

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 Muslims1 . His

lawful according to Islam to call the homeland as madar-e-watan (motherland)? I replied that questions on whether it is lawful or unlawful is to make it an issue of the Shariah (Islamic law), while in fact

THE EDITORIAL DIRECTORDr. Farida Khanam has been a professor at the Department of Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi. A Study of World's Major Religions, A Simple Guide to Sufism are two

the books amongst many others, of which she is the author. She has also translated many books on Islam authored by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan. Currently, the chairperson of Centre for Peace and Spirituality

countering extremism and conflict resolution. THE CONCEPT OF SOCIAL WELFARE IN ISLAM ALL human beings, according to Islam have been created by one and the same God, and for this reason they belong to one

like a flowing river that is replenished with fresh thoughts and ideas and continues on its journey. What is the real message of the Quran, the Bible and the Torah? The common message of these three religious

by their Lord; they shall have no fear, nor shall they grieve. (2: 62) Do Muslims love Jesus? In Islam, the Prophet Jesus and the Prophet Muhammad have an equal position in terms of respect. Both were

spirituality. The Quran says: Say, “We believe in God and in what has been sent down to us and to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes. We believe in what has been given to Moses, Jesus and the prophets from

Time and again I have come across people who have promised something and not kept their word. What is the Islamic perspective about promises? In mutual dealings in social life, it often happens that a person

possessor of this highest human virtues. I have heard that Islam gives a sort of daily program to its adherents to follow. Can you elaborate on this? Islam gives a programme for life covering the individual’s

existence. From morning till evening not a single moment of the believer’s life excludes the sphere of Islam. It is only after saying his prayers that he goes to bed at night and when he wakes up early in the

advocate for the unjust killing of non-believers.19.DOING YOGA DAILY AGAINST ISLAM?Yoga has many health benefits and Islam has no negative ruling about doing yoga. To those whom it suits, may do it. If

HOW DIFFERENT IS ISLAM TODAY THAN WHAT THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD INTENDED IT TO BE?There is no difference between what Islam is today and that which was brought by the Prophet Muhammad. Islam is still the same

in the Quran: I am your sincere and honest adviser. (Quran 7:68) Despite the clear teaching of Islam that advocates well- wishing for others and a human-friendly behaviour, a large

advocate for the unjust killing of non-believers.19.DOING YOGA DAILY AGAINST ISLAM?Yoga has many health benefits and Islam has no negative ruling about doing yoga. To those whom it suits, may do it. If

HOW DIFFERENT IS ISLAM TODAY THAN WHAT THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD INTENDED IT TO BE?There is no difference between what Islam is today and that which was brought by the Prophet Muhammad. Islam is still the same

mentioned in the Quran: I am your sincere and honest adviser. (Quran 7:68) Despite the clear teaching of Islam that advocates well- wishing for others and a human-friendly behaviour, a large

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

bed after a good night’s sleep and see the first rays of the morning sun, you are bound to exclaim, “What a beautiful morning!” And the morning of every new year’s day is not just  beautiful, but extra special