THE SUCCESSFUL FORMULA
Dr. Ahmed Sultan of Bangalore was a unique individual. He was part of the family of Tipu Sultan. However, unlike his ancestors, his belief was that love is the greatest weapon. He passed away on December 13, 1999, at an age of approximately sixty years:
Whenever he visited Delhi, he would meet me and share instructive examples of his “successful formula.” Once, his son went out in the car at night. When he returned at eleven o’clock, he parked the car outside and hurriedly entered the house, quickly going to his room. Shortly after, there was a knock at the door. Dr. Ahmed Sultan opened the door to find two young Hindu men standing outside. They angrily said that his son had hit their scooter and then ran away. Instead of responding defensively, Dr. Sultan gently invited them in, saying that they could discuss the matter inside.
The two men came inside, and Dr. Sultan seated them at a table and said, “It’s cold this season. Let’s have some tea first, then we’ll talk.” A little while later, their anger had dissipated, and they left happily.
Once a young Hindu man came to him, crying and saying, “I am facing a major problem. Please help me solve it.” He explained that he had made a mistake, and as a result, his father had thrown him out of the house. Six months had passed, and his father still hadn’t forgiven him. Dr. Sultan advised, “Do not try to explain yourself to him. Quietly go to your father, place your head at his feet, and say, ‘Father, please forgive me for my mistake.’”
The young man followed this advice. When he got home, his father scolded him. Without replying, the son fell at his father’s feet. This act stirred the father’s paternal feelings. He lifted his son up and hugged him. In a few minutes, all conflicts were resolved.
Dr. Sultan visited a city where the local Muslims told him that soon, a procession by dedicated Hindus was to take place. They had heard that these Hindus were making extensive preparations and planned to march through the Muslim neighbourhood. Dr. Sultan said, “There is no need to worry. Follow my advice, and there will be no riot here.” He suggested, “On the day of the procession, buy two dozen garlands from the market. When their procession reaches your mosque, come out with the garlands and say to the Hindus leading the procession, ‘We welcome you,’ and then place a garland around each of their necks.” The Muslims did exactly as advised. As a result, the day that could have witnessed Hindu-Muslim clashes turned into a day of Hindu-Muslim unity.
Once, while walking on the road near his home in Bangalore, Dr. Sultan was hit by a car driven by a Hindu. Dr. Sultan fell to the ground, sustaining injuries in several places. The Hindu man stopped his car, approached Dr. Sultan, and said, “Please get into my car, and I will take you to the hospital.” Dr. Sultan replied, “You must leave immediately. This is a Muslim area. If the Muslims see you here, they will not let you go without harm.” Insisting firmly, Dr. Sultan sent the man away. From that day on, the Hindu man became Dr. Sultan’s lifelong friend.
Dr. Sultan held no hatred for anyone. He saw everyone through love and affection. This is why he succeeded in using the successful approach mentioned earlier. In this world, love is the most powerful weapon, but the ignorant wrongly believe that hatred is the strongest.
