FROM MAULANA’S DESK

Maulana 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 the establishment of worldwide peace. He has received the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian honour in India, and the Demiurgus Peace International Award. He has been called ’Islam’s spiritual ambassador to the world’ and is recognised as one of its most influential Muslims. His books have been translated into sixteen languages and are part of university curricula in six countries. He is the founder of the Centre for Peace and Spirituality based in New Delhi.

 

 

BE AWARE OF YOUR UNAWARENESS

PEOPLE are generally obsessed with the notion: ‘I am right, you are wrong’. Some reformers have discovered a compromising principle; they say: ‘I am right, you are also right’. Both these formulas are impractical, and will not yield any positive result. Life is full of differences. Even between two persons or two members of a family there are differences; in terms of taste, temperament, way of thinking, etc. In such a situation we have to find a positive method, by which we can turn our negative experiences into a positive result, and convert our problems into opportunities for development.

What is this formula? This formula is based on learning. Make difference a point of discussion. By discussion, I don’t mean debate. The purpose of debate is to establish superiority. This is not discussion. The purpose of discussion—on the other hand—is mutual learning; taking something and giving something. This kind of discussion is highly fruitful for every person. It promotes good relationship between different members of society. Discussion inculcates in people the spirit of love and brings an end to hatred.

Here, let me give you an example. One of my articles was published in the 'Speaking Tree' column of The Times of India on June 8, 2013. The topic of the article was U Turn—A Principle of Life. In this article, I gave some examples from recent history, but all these examples were related to secular people. One Muslim became very angry after reading the article.

He said: “Our Prophet is a complete example. You being a Muslim, why have you adopted the example of secular people?” I pacified the man by saying that Islam does not believe in fanaticism or 'weand- they' concept. There is a good saying of the Prophet in this regard: “Al-hikma zallah al-momin aina wajadaha fahuwa ahaqqu biha” (Wisdom is the lost property of a believer; wherever he finds it, he should take it as his own–Al-Tirmidhi). This Muslim man was unaware of this Hadith. He heard this Hadith, and after thinking for a while said: “Today you have helped me increase my knowledge.”

This is a good example of discussion. Differences in life are a blessing. If there is no difference of opinion, there will not be any discussion and life will become robotic. It is not good to eliminate differences of opinion amongst ourselves. In such a society the saying ‘If everyone thinks alike no one thinks very much’ will prove to be true. Sometimes you believe that “I know”, while it may be that you don’t know. There is every possibility that your thinking is based on inadequate information. Whilst living in your own intellectual cell, you may wrongly believe that you are living in reality. It is better to come out of your cell rather than living in it forever.

Do not be angered by a different opinion from another person. Instead of taking it negatively, make it a point of discussion. If your discussion is a scientific, rational one, it will certainly lead to a useful learning experience. Caliph Umar was the second Caliph in Islamic history. About him it is said: “Kana yataallama min kulli ahad” (He was able to learn from everyone). How was he able to learn from everyone? This was through positive discussion. If you present your point with sincerity, and are also ready to accept reality—as it emerges after discussion— then your discussion is a blessing.

To think that you are right, is okay. The only thing which is not okay, is for you to think that you are always right and others are always wrong. This kind of thinking makes you a fanatic and inculcates in you an unrealistic approach. You will be bound to live in bias, and living in bias is like living in an intellectual prison. This kind of living is harmful not for others, but for your own self.

Be aware of your unawareness

— this is the greatest key to intellectual development.

Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
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