Name: From Anger to Awareness A Journey with — Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Duration: 47 min 14 s
Channel: Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Description: Read the full transcript of “From Anger to Awareness A Journey with”, a lecture by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, with timestamps. But perhaps one of his greatest…

0:00 But perhaps one of his greatest achievements was he helped create, uh, a new mindset, a mindset, uh, that rejects extremism, uh, breaks the cycle of, uh, reaction, and replaces anger with, uh, compassion, and inculcates love of God. But perhaps one of his greatest achievements was he helped create, uh, a new mindset, a mindset, uh, that rejects extremism, uh, breaks the cycle of, uh, reaction, and replaces anger with, uh, compassion, and inculcates love of God.

0:15 He taught that, uh, the biggest jihad is not against others, but against one's own negativity. His central message was that, uh, peace is, uh, not part of Islam; peace is Islam. He taught that, uh, the biggest jihad is not against others, but against one's own negativity. His central message was that, uh, peace is, uh, not part of Islam; peace is Islam.

0:40 Welcome, everyone. Today is a very special day for all of us at CPS International. It's our founders' day, a moment to take pause, reflect, and recorrect with the vision on which the institution stands. Welcome, everyone. Today is a very special day for all of us at CPS International. It's our founders' day, a moment to take pause, reflect, and recorrect with the vision on which the institution stands.

0:56 CPS, as you all know, is inseparable from the life and thought of Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, a man who spoke about peace not as a slogan, but as the way of responding, CPS, as you all know, is inseparable from the life and thought of Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, a man who spoke about peace not as a slogan, but as the way of responding,

1:12 the way of thinking, and the way of living. the way of thinking, and the way of living.

1:17 At times when the world was driven by a lot of reactions, Maulana kept on reminding us a very simple thing but yet profound: that inner peace, inner reform, comes before the outer change, At times when the world was driven by a lot of reactions, Maulana kept on reminding us a very simple thing but yet profound: that inner peace, inner reform, comes before the outer change,

1:36 and peace begins in the human mind. I'm glad to have Dr. and peace begins in the human mind. I'm glad to have Dr.

1:42 Rajat Malhotra with us, who is a senior CPS member, who is someone who has been closely mentored by Maulana himself. Rajat Malhotra with us, who is a senior CPS member, who is someone who has been closely mentored by Maulana himself.

1:51 Spending many years in his company, he has not only learned through words but through observation and experiences. Spending many years in his company, he has not only learned through words but through observation and experiences.

2:00 So welcome, Dr. Rajat Malhotra. How are you? Good, uh, thank you. Thank you, Vikrant, for having me in the CPS, uh, studio tod So welcome, Dr. Rajat Malhotra. How are you? Good, uh, thank you. Thank you, Vikrant, for having me in the CPS, uh, studio tod

2:07 ay. So Dr. Rajat, we would like to start with the very basics about CPS International and Maulana Wahiduddin Khan. ay. So Dr. Rajat, we would like to start with the very basics about CPS International and Maulana Wahiduddin Khan.

2:15 Yeah, sure. You know, Maulana Wahiduddin Khan was an extra- extraordinary man, way ahead of his time. Uh, there are moments, uh, in life when you meet someone, uh, who changes the direction of your life, and their words, uh, not just inform you but transform you. Please tell us something about that. Yeah, sure. You know, Maulana Wahiduddin Khan was an extra- extraordinary man, way ahead of his time. Uh, there are moments, uh, in life when you meet someone, uh, who changes the direction of your life, and their words, uh, not just inform you but transform you.

2:34 Uh, Uh,

2:35 Maulana Wahiduddin Khan was, uh, such a voice, a scholar, a thinker, and a global ambassador of, uh, peace. He would say that, uh, violence, uh, anger, confrontation, uh, these are, uh, tools of human failure, of human spirit, and positive thinking, uh, dialogue, spirituality--they are the tools of, uh, change. Maulana Wahiduddin Khan was, uh, such a voice, a scholar, a thinker, and a global ambassador of, uh, peace. He would say that, uh, violence, uh, anger, confrontation, uh, these are, uh, tools of human failure, of human spirit, and positive thinking, uh, dialogue, spirituality—they are the tools of, uh, change.

2:58 But perhaps one of his greatest achievements was he helped create, uh, a new mindset, a mindset, uh, that rejects extremism, uh, breaks the cycle of, uh, reaction, and replaces anger with, uh, compassion, and inculcates love of God. But perhaps one of his greatest achievements was he helped create, uh, a new mindset, a mindset, uh, that rejects extremism, uh, breaks the cycle of, uh, reaction, and replaces anger with, uh, compassion, and inculcates love of God.

3:14 He taught that, uh, the biggest jihad is not against others but against one's own negativity. He taught that, uh, the biggest jihad is not against others but against one's own negativity.

3:22 Through more than 200 of his, uh, books, uh, from "God Arises" to "Prophet of Peace" to "Spirit of Islam" and "Quran Commentary," he reintroduced Islam as a religion of, uh, compassion, reason, and spirituality. Through more than 200 of his, uh, books, uh, from "God Arises" to "Prophet of Peace" to "Spirit of Islam" and "Quran Commentary," he reintroduced Islam as a religion of, uh, compassion, reason, and spirituality.

3:40 And, uh, he did not just stop And, uh, he did not just stop

3:42 at theory. At the age of 75 years, he founded the Center for Peace and Spirituality International, uh, a kind of a movement that, uh, spread from India to far corners of the world, encouraging, uh, uh, positive thinking, interfaith dialogue, building bridges between communities, and, uh, welcoming people, uh, irrespective of faith, to discover God through reflection and gratitude. at theory. At the age of 75 years, he founded the Center for Peace and Spirituality International, uh, a kind of a movement that, uh, spread from India to far corners of the world, encouraging, uh, uh, positive thinking, interfaith dialogue, building bridges between communities, and, uh, welcoming people, uh, irrespective of faith, to discover God through reflection and gratitude.

4:09 Um, Um,

4:10 he was awarded many national and international awards. Uh, in India, he got, uh, the top awards like Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, uh, Rajiv Gandhi Sadhbhavna Award, National Citizen Award, Communal Harmony Award, and many others. he was awarded many national and international awards. Uh, in India, he got, uh, the top awards like Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, uh, Rajiv Gandhi Sadhbhavna Award, National Citizen Award, Communal Harmony Award, and many others.

4:24 And internationally, he was given the Peace Demagogues International Award, which was given by the Nuclear Disarmament Forum, along with Vladimir Putin of Russia, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Princes of Yugoslav And internationally, he was given the Peace Demagogues International Award, which was given by the Nuclear Disarmament Forum, along with Vladimir Putin of Russia, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Princes of Yugoslav

4:36 ia. He also, um, uh, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, um, in Canada by ISNA, and the Muslim Forum gave him an award in Abu Dhabi. ia. He also, um, uh, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, um, in Canada by ISNA, and the Muslim Forum gave him an award in Abu Dhabi.

4:47 Uh, so his journey, uh, carried on, and he never, uh, sort of, uh, uh, focused on the awards, but his work was recognized. Uh, so his journey, uh, carried on, and he never, uh, sort of, uh, uh, focused on the awards, but his work was recognized.

4:58 Today, uh, I would say a world divided, uh, needs bridg Today, uh, I would say a world divided, uh, needs bridg

5:02 es, a world angry needs compassion, and a world restless needs, uh, spirituality, and a world confused, uh, needs clarity. es, a world angry needs compassion, and a world restless needs, uh, spirituality, and a world confused, uh, needs clarity.

5:10 And, uh, this is exactly what is the role of the Center for Peace and Spirituality International. And, uh, CPS International, along with its members across the world, are carrying forward, uh, uh, his legacy of positivity in a hate-free world. And, uh, this is exactly what is the role of the Center for Peace and Spirituality International. And, uh, CPS International, along with its members across the world, are carrying forward, uh, uh, his legacy of positivity in a hate-free world.

5:25 Uh, very nice, uh, Dr. Rajat. Uh, very nice, uh, Dr. Rajat.

5:28 Uh, as I've mentioned, you have spent a quite a good amount of time with Maulana himself. I mean, you have been there, and you have witnessed many things. Uh, as I've mentioned, you have spent a quite a good amount of time with Maulana himself. I mean, you have been there, and you have witnessed many things.

5:36 So if you can, uh, share some of the personal experiences or examples which you taught directly from Maulana and really helped you to understand. So if you can, uh, share some of the personal experiences or examples which you taught directly from Maulana and really helped you to understand.

5:46 Yeah, there are many, uh, Vikrant, um, uh, one, uh, experience that I recall, uh, because that was his way of, uh, teaching and mentoring, uh, everyone, all the CPS members, uh, across the Yeah, there are many, uh, Vikrant, um, uh, one, uh, experience that I recall, uh, because that was his way of, uh, teaching and mentoring, uh, everyone, all the CPS members, uh, across the

5:58 world. I would usually, you know, on the way to office, uh, stop by his house, uh, and spend some time. And, uh, early morning, he would sit on his balcony in silent contemplation. world. I would usually, you know, on the way to office, uh, stop by his house, uh, and spend some time. And, uh, early morning, he would sit on his balcony in silent contemplation.

6:10 So one day, I reached, uh, earlier than usual, and I parked my car, and I saw him sitting on his balcony. So I opened, uh, the iron gate, the lock from the top of the gate, and just went straight up So one day, I reached, uh, earlier than usual, and I parked my car, and I saw him sitting on his balcony. So I opened, uh, the iron gate, the lock from the top of the gate, and just went straight up

6:24 . And, uh, the moment he saw me, uh, the first preface, uh, without any other thing, he said that, uh, "You lack the spirit of status quoism." Uh, now, Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, uh, was, uh, a big believer in, uh, uh, in status quoism. . And, uh, the moment he saw me, uh, the first preface, uh, without any other thing, he said that, uh, "You lack the spirit of status quoism." Uh, now, Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, uh, was, uh, a big believer in, uh, uh, in status quoism.

6:42 To him, status quoism meant, uh, the ability to accept the reality as it is without any, uh, emotional rebellion or inner resist To him, status quoism meant, uh, the ability to accept the reality as it is without any, uh, emotional rebellion or inner resist

6:51 ance. So when he spoke those words that "You lack the spirit of, uh, status quoism," uh, I thought that something in me has faltered, and I'm about to receive a lifelong lesson. ance. So when he spoke those words that "You lack the spirit of, uh, status quoism," uh, I thought that something in me has faltered, and I'm about to receive a lifelong lesson.

7:03 And then he, uh, began. He said that, uh, "When you entered the house, you opened the iron gate, but you didn't close it." And I was, like, amazed that, uh, how does he know? And then he, uh, began. He said that, uh, "When you entered the house, you opened the iron gate, but you didn't close it." And I was, like, amazed that, uh, how does he know?

7:16 Uh, because I recall that, yes, I did leave the gate Uh, because I recall that, yes, I did leave the gate

7:20 open. So he said that "I heard the sound of the lock opening, but I didn't hear the sound of the lock closing." He was so alert. open. So he said that "I heard the sound of the lock opening, but I didn't hear the sound of the lock closing." He was so alert.

7:29 And, uh, then he, uh, added, he said that, uh, "This is also part of social ethics. A believer does not disturb the order." And, uh, I realized that, uh, status quoism is not just about, uh, uh, social ethics or a peace strategy. And, uh, then he, uh, added, he said that, uh, "This is also part of social ethics. A believer does not disturb the order." And, uh, I realized that, uh, status quoism is not just about, uh, uh, social ethics or a peace strategy.

7:47 It is also a spiritual discipline. It is also a spiritual discipline.

7:50 Uh, a believer is one who doesn't create, uh, disorder. So it is about, uh, learning the fact that, uh, uh, a spiritual discipline requires you to be alert, to be attentive, and not disturb order internally or externally. Uh, a believer is one who doesn't create, uh, disorder. So it is about, uh, learning the fact that, uh, uh, a spiritual discipline requires you to be alert, to be attentive, and not disturb order internally or externally.

8:07 Leaving the gate, uh, open is easy, but to preserve the order requires awareness, and awareness is the first step towards God consciousness. Leaving the gate, uh, open is easy, but to preserve the order requires awareness, and awareness is the first step towards God consciousness.

8:18 Very, very nice example you have shared and very relatable, you know, to understand what status quoism is all about. So, uh, Dr. Rajat, you mentioned, um, that he has written more than 200 books. Very, very nice example you have shared and very relatable, you know, to understand what status quoism is all about. So, uh, Dr. Rajat, you mentioned, um, that he has written more than 200 books.

8:31 Uh, we have seen multiple audio-video lectures of him, and multiple articles are being published now also in a lot of newspapers or magaz Uh, we have seen multiple audio-video lectures of him, and multiple articles are being published now also in a lot of newspapers or magaz

8:40 ines. So I want to understand, and we want to know, like, what is the core central message of Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, which he has given to the world? ines. So I want to understand, and we want to know, like, what is the core central message of Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, which he has given to the world?

8:49 So if you can throw some light on that. Yeah, that's very important. His central message was that, uh, peace is, uh, not part of Islam; peace is Islam. So if you can throw some light on that. Yeah, that's very important. His central message was that, uh, peace is, uh, not part of Islam; peace is Islam.

9:01 Uh, whether he spoke about, uh, the Quran or Prophet Muhammad or spirituality, one theme that would always return, which is, uh, violence doesn't build anything; peace builds everything. Uh, whether he spoke about, uh, the Quran or Prophet Muhammad or spirituality, one theme that would always return, which is, uh, violence doesn't build anything; peace builds everything.

9:12 Peace is that master key by which you can make life, uh, meaningful. Uh, Maulana Wahiduddin Khan used to say that, uh, peace is the samambonam, meaning it is the greatest good. Peace is that master key by which you can make life, uh, meaningful. Uh, Maulana Wahiduddin Khan used to say that, uh, peace is the samambonam, meaning it is the greatest good.

9:26 Now, many people would argue that, uh, not peace, but freedom is samambonam. But he would say that, uh, uh, freedom cannot be samambonam because unlimited freedom leads to chaos, to anarchy, and it would stall, uh, progress, uh, both spiritually and materially. Now, many people would argue that, uh, not peace, but freedom is samambonam. But he would say that, uh, uh, freedom cannot be samambonam because unlimited freedom leads to chaos, to anarchy, and it would stall, uh, progress, uh, both spiritually and materially.

9:45 Uh, whereas if you take the case of, uh, peace, peace and progress are directly proportional. If there is more peace, there will be more progress. Uh, whereas if you take the case of, uh, peace, peace and progress are directly proportional. If there is more peace, there will be more progress.

9:54 So So

9:55 his, uh, idea of peace, uh, was very unique in the sense, uh, that he was able to pinpoint the pain point that the world was not able to identify with respect to peace and dialogue. his, uh, idea of peace, uh, was very unique in the sense, uh, that he was able to pinpoint the pain point that the world was not able to identify with respect to peace and dialogue.

10:09 He, uh, said that, uh, for peace to come about, uh, unilateral, uh, adjustment is required. He, uh, said that, uh, for peace to come about, uh, unilateral, uh, adjustment is required.

10:18 Now, uh, take the example of, uh, the International Labour Organization, ILO, which is a UN body. Now, uh, take the example of, uh, the International Labour Organization, ILO, which is a UN body.

10:24 Its constitution says that, uh, real and lasting peace is built on social justice. Uh, but if that were true, then why is it that in human history, we don't see peace with justice? Its constitution says that, uh, real and lasting peace is built on social justice. Uh, but if that were true, then why is it that in human history, we don't see peace with justice?

10:38 And the reason is that most of the scholars tie the idea of peace with many extra condition And the reason is that most of the scholars tie the idea of peace with many extra condition

10:45 s. They say that peace, uh, will come about, uh, or peace is acceptable only if there is no human rights violation, there is no inequality, there is no injustice. s. They say that peace, uh, will come about, uh, or peace is acceptable only if there is no human rights violation, there is no inequality, there is no injustice.

10:57 But Maulana's idea of peace was that you can have peace only on unilateral term But Maulana's idea of peace was that you can have peace only on unilateral term

11:04 s, and for that, uh, you need to abandon confrontational, uh, activities like political activism, protest-based activism, human rights activism. s, and for that, uh, you need to abandon confrontational, uh, activities like political activism, protest-based activism, human rights activism.

11:16 And the moment you do that, there's a logic to it. Uh, the moment you abandon all these, you know, uh, confrontational tactics, uh, normalcy is restored. And the moment you do that, there's a logic to it. Uh, the moment you abandon all these, you know, uh, confrontational tactics, uh, normalcy is restored.

11:27 And when there is normalcy, there is peace, and peace gives you a lot of opportun And when there is normalcy, there is peace, and peace gives you a lot of opportun

11:33 ities. And then, with wise planning, you can achieve all that you call as, uh, social justice. So in the Quran, there is, uh, this verse, uh, which says, "God calls to the home of peace." It clearly indicates that God wants this society to be peaceful, and it says that, uh, ities. And then, with wise planning, you can achieve all that you call as, uh, social justice. So in the Quran, there is, uh, this verse, uh, which says, "God calls to the home of peace." It clearly indicates that God wants this society to be peaceful, and it says that, uh,

11:55 in the Prophet, you have a good example. in the Prophet, you have a good example.

11:58 Now, when you, uh, analyze this verse that in the Prophet, you have a good example, and you study chapter 48, verse number one, uh, the Quran says, uh, "We granted you a clear victory." Now, this verse came, Vikrant, in the context of the Hudaybiyyah Treaty. Now, when you, uh, analyze this verse that in the Prophet, you have a good example, and you study chapter 48, verse number one, uh, the Quran says, uh, "We granted you a clear victory." Now, this verse came, Vikrant, in the context of the Hudaybiyyah Treaty.

12:16 The Hudaybiyyah Treaty was, uh, signed at a place called Hudaybiyyah. It is 24 kilometers, uh, away from the Kaaba, and hence the name, uh, Hudaybiyyah The Hudaybiyyah Treaty was, uh, signed at a place called Hudaybiyyah. It is 24 kilometers, uh, away from the Kaaba, and hence the name, uh, Hudaybiyyah

12:27 Treaty. Now, the interesting, uh, fact about the Hudaybiyyah Treaty is that Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon him, was not able to achieve, uh, the objective for which, uh, he had set, uh, towards the Kaaba along with his 1,400 companions because he was stopped at Hudaybiyyah, and he had to return back. Treaty. Now, the interesting, uh, fact about the Hudaybiyyah Treaty is that Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon him, was not able to achieve, uh, the objective for which, uh, he had set, uh, towards the Kaaba along with his 1,400 companions because he was stopped at Hudaybiyyah, and he had to return back.

12:46 And that is how the treaty, uh, came about. It was signed, and that treaty was, uh, like a one-sided treat And that is how the treaty, uh, came about. It was signed, and that treaty was, uh, like a one-sided treat

12:55 y. And after signing of the treaty, this verse came. So one of the companions, uh, remarked that, "How can this be a victory when we were not even allowed to visit the house of God?" But the Prophet said, "No, indeed, this is, uh, this is a victory." And, uh, as we know from the history, that 628 AD, the Hudaybiyyah Treaty was signed, and 630 AD, less than two years, Mecca was conquered. y. And after signing of the treaty, this verse came. So one of the companions, uh, remarked that, "How can this be a victory when we were not even allowed to visit the house of God?" But the Prophet said, "No, indeed, this is, uh, this is a victory." And, uh, as we know from the history, that 628 AD, the Hudaybiyyah Treaty was signed, and 630 AD, less than two years, Mecca was conquered.

13:22 Uh, Uh,

13:23 so, uh, it basically, uh, gives us a message, uh, from the life of Prophet Muhammad that, uh, uh, do whatever it takes, uh, to establish, uh, peace. so, uh, it basically, uh, gives us a message, uh, from the life of Prophet Muhammad that, uh, uh, do whatever it takes, uh, to establish, uh, peace.

13:37 Hostility can be ended only through dialogue and communication. Hostility can be ended only through dialogue and communication.

13:42 And, uh, to sum up, Maulana's idea of peace, which is derived from the Quran and from the life of Prophet Muhammad, one should aim for practical peace and not ideal peace. And, uh, to sum up, Maulana's idea of peace, which is derived from the Quran and from the life of Prophet Muhammad, one should aim for practical peace and not ideal peace.

13:54 And practical peace comes, uh, through practical wisdom, which, uh, which basically says that, uh, go for unilateral methods. And practical peace comes, uh, through practical wisdom, which, uh, which basically says that, uh, go for unilateral methods.

14:03 And if you make peace conditional, if you make peace, uh, a necessary condition as a bilateral, uh, agreement, then it would be imposs And if you make peace conditional, if you make peace, uh, a necessary condition as a bilateral, uh, agreement, then it would be imposs

14:12 Ible. So, Dr. Rajat, with your explanation, uh, I understand, uh, to maintain peace, positivity is a very essential part. ible. So, Dr. Rajat, with your explanation, uh, I understand, uh, to maintain peace, positivity is a very essential part.

14:22 So if you can just tell us about, like, what positivity means to Maulana and how, uh, what is its application in normal life? So if you can just tell us about, like, what positivity means to Maulana and how, uh, what is its application in normal life?

14:31 You are absolutely right. Maulana Wahiduddin Khan was, uh, positive to the core. Uh, he would receive, uh, threats, uh, abuse, and mocking letter You are absolutelyright. Maulana Wahiduddin Khan was, uh, positive to the core. Uh, he would receive, uh, threats, uh, abuse, and mocking letter

14:42 s, but his standard response would be, uh, "They are doing their job; I must do mine," essentially meaning that, uh, stay mission-focused despite negativity. s, but his standard response would be, uh, "They are doing their job; I must do mine," essentially meaning that, uh, stay mission-focused despite negativity.

14:51 Uh, you know, once, uh, he, uh, ordered a paper weight, uh, uh, from a daily shop, and the paper weight arrived cracked. Uh, you know, once, uh, he, uh, ordered a paper weight, uh, uh, from a daily shop, and the paper weight arrived cracked.

15:01 Normally, a person would get, uh, upset and angry, but he said that, uh, this paper weight still, uh, performs its, uh, function as as a normal paper weight does. Normally, a person would get, uh, upset and angry, but he said that, uh, this paper weight still, uh, performs its, uh, function as as a normal paper weight does.

15:12 So why waste time on negativity or complaining? So for him, positivity meant, uh, to focus on what still works and ignoring, uh, what doesn't. So why waste time on negativity or complaining? So for him, positivity meant, uh, to focus on what still works and ignoring, uh, what doesn't.

15:24 He used to say that, uh, uh, if you desire an orchard of Ma'rifah, that is God realization, then you have to grow within, and you have to turn yourself into a positive personality. He used to say that, uh, uh, if you desire an orchard of Ma'rifah, that is God realization, then you have to grow within, and you have to turn yourself into a positive personality.

15:36 There is a, uh, very good hadith. Uh, the Prophet said that, "Do not do tit for tat," uh, and it essentially means that if somebody tries to harm you or says something negative, you still return good back to that person. There is a, uh, very good hadith. Uh, the Prophet said that, "Do not do tit for tat," uh, and it essentially means that if somebody tries to harm you or says something negative, you still return good back to that person.

15:52 Now, there are men and women who desire God realization, and that is only possible, Maulana Sahib used to say, uh, if you have, if you are engaged in, uh, positive thinking. Now, there are men and women who desire God realization, and that is only possible, Maulana Sahib used to say, uh, if you have, if you are engaged in, uh, positive thinking.

16:05 And at the same time, you know, you would agree that in a society, uh, it is not possible to only have favorable circumstances. And at the same time, you know, you would agree that in a society, uh, it is not possible to only have favorable circumstances.

16:13 Unfavorable, uh, situations do come about Unfavorable, uh, situations do come about

16:17 . The best way to stay positive, or the formula for staying positive, is to free yourself from emotional baggage or negative baggage by returning good, uh, for whatever bad has been done to you and convert your, uh, negative experiences into positive ones, like Maulana used to emphasize. . The best way to stay positive, or the formula for staying positive, is to free yourself from emotional baggage or negative baggage by returning good, uh, for whatever bad has been done to you and convert your, uh, negative experiences into positive ones, like Maulana used to emphasize.

16:36 I, uh, once witnessed, uh, a very interesting interac I, uh, once witnessed, uh, a very interesting interac

16:41 tion. I was traveling with Maulana Wahiduddin Khan Sahib, uh, and we were at the Geneva airport. So there was an Indian lady, uh, who had, uh, been in Switzerland, uh, for a couple of months on some social project, and she was returning back. tion. I was traveling with Maulana Wahiduddin Khan Sahib, uh, and we were at the Geneva airport. So there was an Indian lady, uh, who had, uh, been in Switzerland, uh, for a couple of months on some social project, and she was returning back.

16:57 So when she saw Maulana at the airport, uh, she came to him and she began interacting. She was very happy to see Maulana, Maulana Sahib. So when she saw Maulana at the airport, uh, she came to him and she began interacting. She was very happy to see Maulana, Maulana Sahib.

17:05 And And

17:06 , uh, in the conversation I was witnessing, she began complaining about many things. So Maulana gave her a patient hearing, and then Maulana said that, uh, the solution to your problem is that you should adopt cow culture. , uh, in the conversation I was witnessing, she began complaining about many things. So Maulana gave her a patient hearing, and then Maulana said that, uh, the solution to your problem is that you should adopt cow culture.

17:23 And she was, uh, very curious. She said, "What is this, uh, cow culture?" So Maulana said that, uh, if you see a cow, it converts non-milk to milk. And she was, uh, very curious. She said, "What is this, uh, cow culture?" So Maulana said that, uh, if you see a cow, it converts non-milk to milk.

17:34 It takes grass, twigs, leaves, and through a divine process that goes about in its belly, it returns something very healthy, something good to humanity, which is milk. It takes grass, twigs, leaves, and through a divine process that goes about in its belly, it returns something very healthy, something good to humanity, which is milk.

17:45 So he said to that lady that you will always have, uh, negative, provocative, unexpected experiences. So he said to that lady that you will always have, uh, negative, provocative, unexpected experiences.

17:54 Convert them into positive experiences and return back to humanity something which is good Convert them into positive experiences and return back to humanity something which is good

17:59 . She liked this analogy so much that she said, "Maulana Sahib, I'm really going to try to change myself." So Maulana's idea was to, uh, be positive in every scenario, make the other person also positive. . She liked this analogy so much that she said, "Maulana Sahib, I'm really going to try to change myself." So Maulana's idea was to, uh, be positive in every scenario, make the other person also positive.

18:13 He would size, uh, a person up and then, uh, explain in, in, in the framework of that person He would size, uh, a person up and then, uh, explain in, in, in the framework of that person

18:20 . There was one, uh, lady who was, uh, deeply, uh, spiritual and religious, and, uh, she was in deep work stress. . There was one, uh, lady who was, uh, deeply, uh, spiritual and religious, and, uh, she was in deep work stress.

18:30 So Maulana said to her that, uh, "Let me give you a spiritual formula," uh, that was given by Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon him, and she was, uh, immediately interested. So Maulana said to her that, uh, "Let me give you a spiritual formula," uh, that was given by Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon him, and she was, uh, immediately interested.

18:41 So Maulana said that, uh, the Prophet once narrated that even waiting for a better tomorrow is worship. So Maulana said that, uh, the Prophet once narrated that even waiting for a better tomorrow is worship.

18:50 She was so thrilled to hear this that even waiting for a better tomorrow is worship. And then Maulana said that if you make your mind always positive, save yourself from negativity, your mind will never age. She was so thrilled to hear this that even waiting for a better tomorrow is worship. And then Maulana said that if you make your mind always positive, save yourself from negativity, your mind will never age.

19:04 And, uh, if a person is positive, then that person is able to enhance his or her skills, and a skillful person is the most sought-after person in the corporate world. And, uh, if a person is positive, then that person is able to enhance his or her skills, and a skillful person is the most sought-after person in the corporate world.

19:16 But if you are negative, then you diminish your abilities But if you are negative, then you diminish your abilities

19:20 . So it is very important, uh, that, uh, you stay, uh, positive, uh, all the time. Yes, so training of mind is very essential, very important. . So it is very important, uh, that, uh, you stay, uh, positive, uh, all the time. Yes, so training of mind is very essential, very important.

19:30 Oh, absolutely. Uh, Maulana used to say that people understand and, uh, focus only on professional, uh, training programs. But what is, uh, more important, or the most important, is that you train your mind towards positive thinking because success comes about only if you are positive in life. Oh, absolutely. Uh, Maulana used to say that people understand and, uh, focus only on professional, uh, training programs. But what is, uh, more important, or the most important, is that you train your mind towards positive thinking because success comes about only if you are positive in life.

19:49 Uh, remember that, uh, Satan tries to wrap a human behavior with the negativity. He tries to showcase, uh, to everyone that, uh, what he doesn't have instead of focusing on what one h Uh, remember that, uh, Satan tries to wrap a human behavior with the negativity. He tries to showcase, uh, to everyone that, uh, what he doesn't have instead of focusing on what one h

20:05 as. So his attempt always is to magnify the negativity by telling the person that he's lacking in so many ways, and he magnifies to such an extent that the person ignores all the positive acts till that person becomes ungrateful. as. So his attempt always is to magnify the negativity by telling the person that he's lacking in so many ways, and he magnifies to such an extent that the person ignores all the positive acts till that person becomes ungrateful.

20:25 So the moment one is beset by, uh, negativity, that person should alert himself that these are the whispers of Satan who's trying to convert you negative. So the moment one is beset by, uh, negativity, that person should alert himself that these are the whispers of Satan who's trying to convert you negative.

20:37 And remember, uh, the creator of this universe, the creator of this world himself is a positive being. He loves positivity, and positivity is the only way you can achieve success in life. And remember, uh, the creator of this universe, the creator of this world himself is a positive being. He loves positivity, and positivity is the only way you can achieve success in life.

20:52 Absolutely. Absolutely.

20:53 I think it really helps to understand the essential part of the positivity and the training of a mindset. Like the way you mentioned about the negativity, negativity is the root cause of hatred and anger. I think it really helps to understand the essential part of the positivity and the training of a mindset. Like the way you mentioned about the negativity, negativity is the root cause of hatred and anger.

21:05 Yes. And actually, it also helped me to move to my next question, which is very important in the world of reactions. So Maulana was often being heard of, you know, talking about the confrontation and the non-confrontation approach. Yes. And actually, it also helped me to move to my next question, which is very important in the world of reactions. So Maulana was often being heard of, you know, talking about the confrontation and the non-confrontation approach.

21:21 So why was he opposing so much of confrontation, arguments, and debates? If you can throw some light on it. Well, he was all for, uh, dialogue. So why was he opposing so much of confrontation, arguments, and debates? If you can throw some light on it. Well, he was all for, uh, dialogue.

21:32 Throughout his life, his writings, uh, his interactions were shaped by one principle: uh, do not choose confrontation; choose dialogue. Throughout his life, his writings, uh, his interactions were shaped by one principle: uh, do not choose confrontation; choose dialogue.

21:41 Uh, confrontation, uh, he would say, closes a mind, and dialogue opens it Uh, confrontation, uh, he would say, closes a mind, and dialogue opens it

21:46 . Confrontation actually leads to blindness because, uh, when confrontation begins, it leads to violence, and violence, uh, brings about the killing of innocent people. . Confrontation actually leads to blindness because, uh, when confrontation begins, it leads to violence, and violence, uh, brings about the killing of innocent people.

21:57 There's a very important, uh, verse in the Quran, uh, where it says that, uh, "Beware, affliction will not smite exclusively those among you who have done wrong." It's an amazing verse. There's a very important, uh, verse in the Quran, uh, where it says that, uh, "Beware, affliction will not smite exclusively those among you who have done wrong." It's an amazing verse.

22:12 In a way, it is saying that, uh, do not initiate confrontation, In a way, it is saying that, uh, do not initiate confrontation,

22:16 but if you do so, then do not blame later that why are innocents being killed along with the guilty. Uh, Prophet Muhammad, uh, said something very important in this regard. but if you do so, then do not blame later that why are innocents being killed along with the guilty. Uh, Prophet Muhammad, uh, said something very important in this regard.

22:28 He said that, uh, evil is lying asleep; the curse of God is upon the one who awakens it. It actually means that, uh, evil is always present in the world, so He said that, uh, evil is lying asleep; the curse of God is upon the one who awakens it. It actually means that, uh, evil is always present in the world, so

22:41 one should do utmost to avoid the ill effects, uh, of that evil. And the beginner is the one, uh, who is responsible for its aftermath. one should do utmost to avoid the ill effects, uh, of that evil. And the beginner is the one, uh, who is responsible for its aftermath.

22:52 And one important thing to understand is that, uh, whenever there is, uh, confrontation, it's always the weaker party that suffers the most. So the weaker party should also realize that, uh, they should not let difference, uh, reach the level of confront And one important thing to understand is that, uh, whenever there is, uh, confrontation, it's always the weaker party that suffers the most. So the weaker party should also realize that, uh, they should not let difference, uh, reach the level of confront

23:07 ation because if that happens, then they cannot complain later about the consequences. Uh, you know, there is a principle in the Quran, uh, which we get from the verse that, uh, reconciliation is the best: "As-sul o khayr." The opposite of that would be confrontation is the worst. ation because if that happens, then they cannot complain later about the consequences. Uh, you know, there is a principle in the Quran, uh, which we get from the verse that, uh, reconciliation is the best: "As-sul o khayr." The opposite of that would be confrontation is the worst.

23:27 Reconciliation is the only way that you can, uh, uh, progress, uh, a nation or a or a society. Uh, Reconciliation is the only way that you can, uh, uh, progress, uh, a nation or a or a society. Uh,

23:35 and if you if you study the Quran, you will find that there is emphasis on dialogue. It says in one of the verses that they conduct their affairs through mutual consultations. and if you if you study the Quran, you will find that there is emphasis on dialogue. It says in one of the verses that they conduct their affairs through mutual consultations.

23:46 So dialogue is very important. Uh, the way that we see, uh, in the society that, you know, controversial matters are being argued in the form of debates or arguments, that is not the So dialogue is very important. Uh, the way that we see, uh, in the society that, you know, controversial matters are being argued in the form of debates or arguments, that is not the

23:58 way because in a debate, uh, one party tries to showcase its superiority over the other. There can never be learning in, uh, in a debate, but there is always learning, uh, in dialogue, and this is, uh, how the, uh, companions of the Prophet were. way because in a debate, uh, one party tries to showcase its superiority over the other. There can never be learning in, uh, in a debate, but there is always learning, uh, in dialogue, and this is, uh, how the, uh, companions of the Prophet were.

24:15 It is said about, uh, Hazrat Umar bin Khattab that, uh, he would always learn from the other person. It is said about, uh, Hazrat Umar bin Khattab that, uh, he would always learn from the other person.

24:22 Now, how can you learn from the other person unless you engage in a in a serious dialogue or or in an interaction? So it is very, uh, important that, uh, that one should avoid, uh, confrontation at any cost. Now, how can you learn from the other person unless you engage in a in a serious dialogue or or in an interaction? So it is very, uh, important that, uh, that one should avoid, uh, confrontation at any cost.

24:37 Uh, look at the example of the Hudaybiyyah Treaty; we discussed about it. Uh, look at the example of the Hudaybiyyah Treaty; we discussed about it.

24:41 Uh, but do you know that there was a point when, while the treaty was signed, uh, a confrontational point arose? Uh, but do you know that there was a point when, while the treaty was signed, uh, a confrontational point arose?

24:50 And it was when, uh, the treaty was being drawn and it was to be signed. Then Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon him, he signed with the title, uh, "This is from, uh, Messenger of God, uh, Muhammad." And, uh, Suhail ibn Amr, who was leading the delegation, he obj And it was when, uh, the treaty was being drawn and it was to be signed. Then Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon him, he signed with the title, uh, "This is from, uh, Messenger of God, uh, Muhammad." And, uh, Suhail ibn Amr, who was leading the delegation, he obj

25:09 ected to it. He said, uh, "We do not accept you as Messenger of God, so, uh, remove this title and simply place, uh, Muhammad ibn Abdullah, Muhammad son of Abdullah." And companions were agitated. ected to it. He said, uh, "We do not accept you as Messenger of God, so, uh, remove this title and simply place, uh, Muhammad ibn Abdullah, Muhammad son of Abdullah." And companions were agitated.

25:22 Uh, I mean, just imagine a title being bestowed upon by God Himself, and, uh, the Prophet agreed to remove that title. Uh, I mean, just imagine a title being bestowed upon by God Himself, and, uh, the Prophet agreed to remove that title.

25:33 And he simply, uh, made the companion write, uh, "Muhammad ibn Abdullah." And he simply, uh, made the companion write, uh, "Muhammad ibn Abdullah."

25:38 Uh, this is a remarkable example that the Prophet wanted to avoid confrontation at any cost, and the treaty, uh, came into existence. Uh, this is a remarkable example that the Prophet wanted to avoid confrontation at any cost, and the treaty, uh, came into existence.

25:47 And then we know what happened; the verse came down that, "We granted you a clear victory." Similarly, there was another instance when, uh, Makkah was conquered and they were about to enter Makkah. And then we know what happened; the verse came down that, "We granted you a clear victory." Similarly, there was another instance when, uh, Makkah was conquered and they were about to enter Makkah.

25:59 One of the companions said that today is the day of revenge, but the Prophet said, "No, today is the day of mercy." One of the companions said that today is the day of revenge, but the Prophet said, "No, today is the day of mercy."

26:07 And, uh, he said that there is no blame on you; you all are forgiven. Twenty years of persecution, uh, the Prophet, uh, completely forgave all his opponents. And, uh, he said that there is no blame on you; you all are forgiven. Twenty years of persecution, uh, the Prophet, uh, completely forgave all his opponents.

26:20 Historians have, uh, written that, uh, Makkah was conquered without blood Historians have, uh, written that, uh, Makkah was conquered without blood

26:24 shed, and Maulana Wahiduddin Khan said that, uh, this is, uh, this is one of the greatest examples in human history about, uh, about peace, and it just showcases that, uh, the Prophet, uh, was not out there to conquer lands but to reform hearts. shed, and Maulana Wahiduddin Khan said that, uh, this is, uh, this is one of the greatest examples in human history about, uh, about peace, and it just showcases that, uh, the Prophet, uh, was not out there to conquer lands but to reform hearts.

26:44 Yeah, beautifully you explained about the value and the importance of the Hudaybiyyah Treaty and how people behaved and reacted. Uh, Yeah, beautifully you explained about the value and the importance of the Hudaybiyyah Treaty and how people behaved and reacted. Uh,

26:51 it could have been a very, uh, difficult otherwise to have those treaties, and looking at the results which they have achieved. Uh, but still, uh, what happens in the the kind of world we are into, and we are human beings interacting with each other, you have explained about the mindset, you have explained about, you know, how people are dealing with it. it could have been a very, uh, difficult otherwise to have those treaties, and looking at the results which they have achieved. Uh, but still, uh, what happens in the the kind of world we are into, and we are human beings interacting with each other, you have explained about the mindset, you have explained about, you know, how people are dealing with it.

27:13 Now, my next question, which which is in a day-to-day daily life, everybody is encountering the problems, everybody is encountering the criticism, everybody is encountering the negativity. Now, my next question, which which is in a day-to-day daily life, everybody is encountering the problems, everybody is encountering the criticism, everybody is encountering the negativity.

27:24 So my question to you, Dr. Rajat, that you know how, like, what was Maulana's understanding and how Maulana's ideology was dealing with the negativity, uh, criticism, and, uh, this anger management? So my question to you, Dr. Rajat, that you know how, like, what was Maulana's understanding and how Maulana's ideology was dealing with the negativity, uh, criticism, and, uh, this anger management?

27:37 Well, he would, uh, always say that, uh, negativity is like, uh, self-killing. Well, he would, uh, always say that, uh, negativity is like, uh, self-killing.

27:42 Uh, people usually are negative because they live in the past, and Maulana would always advise that, "Live in the hope of, uh, the future." And, uh, when he used to say this, many many times it happened that people would say that it is very difficult, but he would respond by saying that what you consider difficult is the only workable solution, and what you actually consider, uh, difficult is is a relative term because, Uh, people usually are negative because they live in the past, and Maulana would always advise that, "Live in the hope of, uh, the future." And, uh, when he used to say this, many many times it happened that people would say that it is very difficult, but he would respond by saying that what you consider difficult is the only workable solution, and what you actually consider, uh, difficult is is a relative term because,

28:10 uh, what you really need to do is, uh, learn the art of problem management. Once you learn that art, then difficulty doesn't remain a kind of difficulty. uh, what you really need to do is, uh, learn the art of problem management. Once you learn that art, then difficulty doesn't remain a kind of difficulty.

28:21 So he would say that, uh, what you really need to do is manage things at your mind level, and once you are able to manage your response, you will be able to, uh, manage the situation. So he would say that, uh, what you really need to do is manage things at your mind level, and once you are able to manage your response, you will be able to, uh, manage the situation.

28:34 And on criticism, uh, he would say that if criticism is good, accept it, but if criticism is false, then reject it. And on criticism, uh, he would say that if criticism is good, accept it, but if criticism is false, then reject it.

28:43 Uh, there's a very interesting, uh, uh, thing that he said about humility. Uh, there's a very interesting, uh, uh, thing that he said about humility.

28:49 He said that, uh, one way to find whether you are, uh, humble or not, uh, is, uh, when someone praises you, uh, and if that doesn't please you, and if someone criticizes you and that doesn't offend you, then you are really a humble person. He said that, uh, one way to find whether you are, uh, humble or not, uh, is, uh, when someone praises you, uh, and if that doesn't please you, and if someone criticizes you and that doesn't offend you, then you are really a humble person.

29:06 So criticism is an essential part, uh, in your, uh, life. He would always and always emphasize that don't be negative, don't give negative reaction at any cost So criticism is an essential part, uh, in your, uh, life. He would always and always emphasize that don't be negative, don't give negative reaction at any cost

29:18 . There's one, uh, incident that he has often, uh, narrated about the incident of Taif, uh, when Hazrat Aisha asked Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon him, that which has been the hardest day in your life? . There's one, uh, incident that he has often, uh, narrated about the incident of Taif, uh, when Hazrat Aisha asked Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon him, that which has been the hardest day in your life?

29:32 The Prophet didn't say the Battle of Badr or the Battle of Uhud. He said the hardest day for me was the day of Taif. The Prophet didn't say the Battle of Badr or the Battle of Uhud. He said the hardest day for me was the day of Taif.

29:41 Imagine, uh, Makkah was inhospitable, and the Prophet walked 70 miles, uh, to the town of Taif, uh, seeking support of the three tribal chiefs, and for what? Imagine, uh, Makkah was inhospitable, and the Prophet walked 70 miles, uh, to the town of Taif, uh, seeking support of the three tribal chiefs, and for what?

29:54 Not for any business plan or personal interest. He went there to bring to them a message of one God, a message of equality, brotherhood. Not for any business plan or personal interest. He went there to bring to them a message of one God, a message of equality, brotherhood.

30:04 Basically, he brought, uh, to them a message of eternal goodness. But what happened? Basically, he brought, uh, to them a message of eternal goodness. But what happened?

30:10 Uh, not only did they reject, uh, the message, they wounded him. The street urchins stoned him so badly that he was he profusely bled, uh, in his feet. Uh, not only did they reject, uh, the message, they wounded him. The street urchins stoned him so badly that he was he profusely bled, uh, in his feet.

30:22 And even in that state, uh, he prayed, he made dua, and, uh, as we know from the scriptures, that, uh, the angel descended, Angel Jibreel descended along with the angel of the mounta And even in that state, uh, he prayed, he made dua, and, uh, as we know from the scriptures, that, uh, the angel descended, Angel Jibreel descended along with the angel of the mounta

30:34 in, and the angel of the mountain said that, uh, "Allow me, and I will collide the two mountains overseeing, uh, the town of Taif and crush the people to death." Still bleeding, he said, "No, in, and the angel of the mountain said that, uh, "Allow me, and I will collide the two mountains overseeing, uh, the town of Taif and crush the people to death." Still bleeding, he said, "No,

30:47 I pray that, uh, their future generations would believe in God and would work for His cause." It is really amaz I pray that, uh, their future generations would believe in God and would work for His cause." It is really amaz

30:54 ing. It is as if the entire city of Taif is like a living witness in human history and silently talking to humanity that, "Look at me, I exist, and my people flourish and exist because the Prophet chose, uh, mercy over anger, forgiveness over revenge." So respond in the similar way to humanity as the Prophet did with patience, with forgiveness, and the hope of the future ing. It is as if the entire city of Taif is like a living witness in human history and silently talking to humanity that, "Look at me, I exist, and my people flourish and exist because the Prophet chose, uh, mercy over anger, forgiveness over revenge." So respond in the similar way to humanity as the Prophet did with patience, with forgiveness, and the hope of the future

31:20 . The important lesson that, uh, this demonstrates to us is that one should always look at opportunities that are present, uh, or future possibilities, future opportunities. . The important lesson that, uh, this demonstrates to us is that one should always look at opportunities that are present, uh, or future possibilities, future opportunities.

31:32 One should do wise planning not on the basis of what transpired in the past but what can unfold in the future, and this is the secret of emotional maturity. One should do wise planning not on the basis of what transpired in the past but what can unfold in the future, and this is the secret of emotional maturity.

31:44 Do your best and leave the rest to God. Ver Do your best and leave the rest to God. Ver

31:48 y beautifully explained, Dr. Rajat, about, uh, how to handle the conflict and criticism, uh, in this world. Uh, so we discussed, I mean, you have taken a lot of many examples from the Quran and the Hadiths, you know, from the Prophet's life, and Maulana himself has done the Quranic, uh, interpretation. y beautifully explained, Dr. Rajat, about, uh, how to handle the conflict and criticism, uh, in this world. Uh, so we discussed, I mean, you have taken a lot of many examples from the Quran and the Hadiths, you know, from the Prophet's life, and Maulana himself has done the Quranic, uh, interpretation.

32:08 He has done the commentary,right? And he also has written a book called Quranic Wisdom. He has done the commentary,right? And he also has written a book called Quranic Wisdom.

32:14 So I want to understand, uh, from you, like, what is his thought and vision of Quranic Wisdom and its application in daily life? So I want to understand, uh, from you, like, what is his thought and vision of Quranic Wisdom and its application in daily life?

32:22 Yeah, Maulana Wahiduddin Khan said that the Quran is not a book of rituals; it's a book of, uh, wisdom, and, uh, spirituality is the heart of, uh, Quranic wis Yeah, Maulana Wahiduddin Khan said that the Quran is not a book of rituals; it's a book of, uh, wisdom, and, uh, spirituality is the heart of, uh, Quranic wis

32:36 dom. The Quran, uh, helps us in developing a God-conscious personality, uh, humility, gratitude, uh, moral excellence, uh, and, uh, with these inner reforms, uh, we can do external reforms. dom. The Quran, uh, helps us in developing a God-conscious personality, uh, humility, gratitude, uh, moral excellence, uh, and, uh, with these inner reforms, uh, we can do external reforms.

32:52 So Quranic, uh, wisdom helps in dealing with the modern world So Quranic, uh, wisdom helps in dealing with the modern world

32:57 , and, uh, Maulana said that, uh, Quranic, uh, wisdom matches perfectly with democracy, freedom, uh, global communication, peaceful existence. , and, uh, Maulana said that, uh, Quranic, uh, wisdom matches perfectly with democracy, freedom, uh, global communication, peaceful existence.

33:08 But the, uh, basic theme of, uh, Quranic wisdom is to tell humanity what is the creation plan of God But the, uh, basic theme of, uh, Quranic wisdom is to tell humanity what is the creation plan of God

33:17 . All the other, uh, subjects, uh, that the Quran touches upon directly or indirectly, uh, answers, uh, uh, about the creation plan of God. . All the other, uh, subjects, uh, that the Quran touches upon directly or indirectly, uh, answers, uh, uh, about the creation plan of God.

33:28 Everyone today wants to know, "Who am I? Why am I here? What will happen to me after death? What is, uh, success? Everyone today wants to know, "Who am I? Why am I here? What will happen to me after death? What is, uh, success?

33:36 What is failure? What is the real purpose of my life?" So in one sentence, uh, uh, what is the creation plan of God? What is failure? What is the real purpose of my life?" So in one sentence, uh, uh, what is the creation plan of God?

33:45 And, uh, the Quran answers that in chapter 67 when it says, "God created death and life to find out which one of you is best in conduct. And, uh, the Quran answers that in chapter 67 when it says, "God created death and life to find out which one of you is best in conduct.

33:56 He is the Mighty, the Forgiving One." So here, uh, death and life basically talk about the pre-death period and the post-death period. He is the Mighty, the Forgiving One." So here, uh, death and life basically talk about the pre-death period and the post-death period.

34:07 It covers the entire lifespan of a human, uh, so It covers the entire lifespan of a human, uh, so

34:12 ul, and, uh, God has basically created, uh, this entire humanity as a test. And before, uh, creating the humanity, He created an ideal world which is completely free from, uh, any defect and any evil, and to settle people in that eternal world, He has created this, uh, world as a selective ground. ul, and, uh, God has basically created, uh, this entire humanity as a test. And before, uh, creating the humanity, He created an ideal world which is completely free from, uh, any defect and any evil, and to settle people in that eternal world, He has created this, uh, world as a selective ground.

34:35 It is not something very, uh, you know, mysterious or difficult to understand. It is not something very, uh, you know, mysterious or difficult to understand.

34:41 Uh, it rather gives hope to humanity because, uh, when we look at this world, there is pain, there is sorrow, there is unwanted situation, and, uh, with this creation plan, it gives hope to humanity that all of this is temporary, and God wants us to settle in a world which is a perfect abode, which is an ideal world, and this is exactly what we should aim for in this world. Uh, it rather gives hope to humanity because, uh, when we look at this world, there is pain, there is sorrow, there is unwanted situation, and, uh, with this creation plan, it gives hope to humanity that all of this is temporary, and God wants us to settle in a world which is a perfect abode, which is an ideal world, and this is exactly what we should aim for in this world.

35:07 So whatever, uh, whatever problems, provocations, grief, loneliness that we witness, these are all part of a test and not permanent, uh, in nature. So whatever, uh, whatever problems, provocations, grief, loneliness that we witness, these are all part of a test and not permanent, uh, in nature.

35:18 Now, to understand all this requires, uh, wisdom, and that is why in chapter 2, the Quran says that, "Whoever has been granted wisdom has been given abundant wealth." Now, to understand all this requires, uh, wisdom, and that is why in chapter 2, the Quran says that, "Whoever has been granted wisdom has been given abundant wealth."

35:32 And Maulana Wahiduddin Khan said that, "When I studied the Quran, I discovered the definition of, uh, wisdom, and it is, uh, basically the ability to sort the relevant from the irrelevant." When we look into the life of, uh, Prophet Muhammad, we find that he was truly a Prophet of w And Maulana Wahiduddin Khan said that, "When I studied the Quran, I discovered the definition of, uh, wisdom, and it is, uh, basically the ability to sort the relevant from the irrelevant." When we look into the life of, uh, Prophet Muhammad, we find that he was truly a Prophet of w

35:54 isdom, and Dr. Michael Hart, as you know, he wrote, uh, uh, a book called The Hundred, uh, the most influential person in human history, and he ranked, uh, Prophet Muhammad as the number one personality. isdom, and Dr. Michael Hart, as you know, he wrote, uh, uh, a book called The Hundred, uh, the most influential person in human history, and he ranked, uh, Prophet Muhammad as the number one personality.

36:08 He wrote that he was supremely successful both at religious as well as secular levels. Now, Maulana said that, uh, he did mention the Prophet as the number one personality, but he did not give the reason for his supreme success, He wrote that he was supremely successful both at religious as well as secular levels. Now, Maulana said that, uh, he did mention the Prophet as the number one personality, but he did not give the reason for his supreme success,

36:25 and he explained that the reason for the Prophet being supremely successful was because he applied Quranic wisdom in his in his life. and he explained that the reason for the Prophet being supremely successful was because he applied Quranic wisdom in his in his life.

36:34 Every situation that he faced, he applied Quranic wisdom, and whoever does that today will be, uh, successful. So if it is Quranic wisdom, then what is spirituality, Dr. Every situation that he faced, he applied Quranic wisdom, and whoever does that today will be, uh, successful. So if it is Quranic wisdom, then what is spirituality, Dr.

36:45 Rajat? Yeah, so Quranic wisdom is Quranic spirituality. It is, uh, mind-based spirituality. Rajat? Yeah, so Quranic wisdom is Quranic spirituality. It is, uh, mind-based spirituality.

36:52 It helps in, uh, developing a person, uh, uh, in the complete sense of the word, I mean, the way he interacts, uh, with the world, uh, his conduct, his behavior, uh, everything is colored in the same divine, uh, color, and, uh, uh, he would be a believer at the workplace, he would be a believer in the marketplace, uh, or while he is at home. It helps in, uh, developing a person, uh, uh, in the complete sense of the word, I mean, the way he interacts, uh, with the world, uh, his conduct, his behavior, uh, everything is colored in the same divine, uh, color, and, uh, uh, he would be a believer at the workplace, he would be a believer in the marketplace, uh, or while he is at home.

37:16 Uh, so Quranic, uh, spirituality helps you in converting daily experiences, uh, uh, into lessons of wisdom. Uh, so Quranic, uh, spirituality helps you in converting daily experiences, uh, uh, into lessons of wisdom.

37:25 For example, uh, Maulana would say that, uh, observe the, uh, daily phenomenas, like for example, he, uh, he talked about ant culture. For example, uh, Maulana would say that, uh, observe the, uh, daily phenomenas, like for example, he, uh, he talked about ant culture.

37:34 Now, we see ants in our daily life, but he gave it a term, ant culture, adopt ant culture. Uh, Now, we see ants in our daily life, but he gave it a term, ant culture, adopt ant culture. Uh,

37:41 when you look at an ant walking towards a heap, uh, mixed with salt and, uh, sweet, uh, salt or sugar, what would the ant do? when you look at an ant walking towards a heap, uh, mixed with salt and, uh, sweet, uh, salt or sugar, what would the ant do?

37:50 It would simply approach the heap, uh, retrieve the granules of sugar, and come back to its nest. Uh, so in the same way, the message that the ant culture is giving is that this world is a mixture of negatives and pos It would simply approach the heap, uh, retrieve the granules of sugar, and come back to its nest. Uh, so in the same way, the message that the ant culture is giving is that this world is a mixture of negatives and pos

38:04 itives. What you need to do is ignore what is undesirable and take what is desirable, just like an ant ignores the salt and takes what it desires, which is, uh, sugar. itives. What you need to do is ignore what is undesirable and take what is desirable, just like an ant ignores the salt and takes what it desires, which is, uh, sugar.

38:15 So in this way, you will be able to derive, uh, nectar, uh, of wisdom, uh, through daily experiences. Thank you, Dr. So in this way, you will be able to derive, uh, nectar, uh, of wisdom, uh, through daily experiences. Thank you, Dr.

38:23 Rajat, uh, for helping us understand the Quranic wisdom and the spirituality. Uh, Rajat, uh, for helping us understand the Quranic wisdom and the spirituality. Uh,

38:31 it often, uh, you you will, you know, hear people saying or people reacting very emotionally, uh, when they deliver or talk in terms of a religion or the Quran,right? it often, uh, you you will, you know, hear people saying or people reacting very emotionally, uh, when they deliver or talk in terms of a religion or the Quran,right?

38:42 So, uh, so what happens is that we have been hearing, uh, people talking, but we don't understand the message, and you explained very well that it is at the level of a mind, not at the level of a So, uh, so what happens is that we have been hearing, uh, people talking, but we don't understand the message, and you explained very well that it is at the level of a mind, not at the level of a

38:54 heart. One has to understand that it's a mind-based, uh, wisdom which someone has to extract, and it helps us, you know, when we understand at the level of a mind, it will help us actually apply in our daily life. heart. One has to understand that it's a mind-based, uh, wisdom which someone has to extract, and it helps us, you know, when we understand at the level of a mind, it will help us actually apply in our daily life.

39:07 But when we say people are emotional about it, so, uh, I want to understand, like, what was Maulana's method of giving this God's message to the people and why he has been emphasizing on wisdom over emotions,right? But when we say people are emotional about it, so, uh, I want to understand, like, what was Maulana's method of giving this God's message to the people and why he has been emphasizing on wisdom over emotions,right?

39:24 He would always say that emotional, uh, speeches may excite you only for a moment, but the real transformation comes about, uh, through wisdom, and instead of, uh, stirring feelings, he focused on, uh, awakening one's mind. He would always say that emotional, uh, speeches may excite you only for a moment, but the real transformation comes about, uh, through wisdom, and instead of, uh, stirring feelings, he focused on, uh, awakening one's mind.

39:41 Uh, he would therefore guide people to reflect on nature, on the universe, on the purpose of life, and on signs of God, uh, spread around, uh, all of us Uh, he would therefore guide people to reflect on nature, on the universe, on the purpose of life, and on signs of God, uh, spread around, uh, all of us

39:52 . His, uh, approach was more, uh, individual-based rather than crowd-based. He would say that, uh, if an individual can be made to understand the importance of change, then eventually, uh, the collection of all these individuals will become the instrument of a broader change in the soci . His, uh, approach was more, uh, individual-based rather than crowd-based. He would say that, uh, if an individual can be made to understand the importance of change, then eventually, uh, the collection of all these individuals will become the instrument of a broader change in the soci

40:11 ety. If you look at from the life of Prophet Muhammad, uh, he did not bring about the change in the Aramian society through emotional speeches, but he awakened the moral consciousness. ety. If you look at from the life of Prophet Muhammad, uh, he did not bring about the change in the Aramian society through emotional speeches, but he awakened the moral consciousness.

40:24 He converted his, uh, opponents, uh, to friends by not overpowering them but by outwising them. He converted his, uh, opponents, uh, to friends by not overpowering them but by outwising them.

40:32 So Maulana said the Prophet's approach was intellectual persuasion and not, uh, through any, uh, force or emotional, uh, speeches. So Maulana said the Prophet's approach was intellectual persuasion and not, uh, through any, uh, force or emotional, uh, speeches.

40:42 Uh, his, uh, journey, if you look at, uh, he reached out to the world through every possible means, through books, uh, articles, uh, social media, interfaith platforms, uh, by way of which he conveyed the message of peace, uh, and spirituality to the whole world Uh, his, uh, journey, if you look at, uh, he reached out to the world through every possible means, through books, uh, articles, uh, social media, interfaith platforms, uh, by way of which he conveyed the message of peace, uh, and spirituality to the whole world

41:02 . CPS mission is a literature-based mission that addresses, uh, the minds of people seeking answers, uh, to leading a successful life. . CPS mission is a literature-based mission that addresses, uh, the minds of people seeking answers, uh, to leading a successful life.

41:12 It helps in, uh, making them, uh, spiritual. Maulana believed that the love of God is the main thing, and that can come about by awakening one's mind. It helps in, uh, making them, uh, spiritual. Maulana believed that the love of God is the main thing, and that can come about by awakening one's mind.

41:23 Uh, he never advocated for, uh, conversion or forced belief Uh, he never advocated for, uh, conversion or forced belief

41:29 . He said that the real thing is the inner change, which is, uh, converting your anger into compassion, your greed into contentment, and violence, uh, into peace. . He said that the real thing is the inner change, which is, uh, converting your anger into compassion, your greed into contentment, and violence, uh, into peace.

41:42 Beautifully explained, uh, Dr. Rajat, Beautifully explained, uh, Dr. Rajat,

41:44 and, uh, knowing the world which is so fast and, uh, in the real change of technology, uh, and, uh, knowing the world which is so fast and, uh, in the real change of technology, uh,

41:53 and, you know, uh, the the positive mindset is required to handle many such things at one go, and, you know, uh, the the positive mindset is required to handle many such things at one go,

41:59 uh, which, uh, comes to the last point and last question, like, uh, what is, uh, the real uh, which, uh, comes to the last point and last question, like, uh, what is, uh, the real

42:07 message or what Maulana wanted to give a message to the youth, uh, a new generation of this message or what Maulana wanted to give a message to the youth, uh, a new generation of this

42:13 world? world?

42:15 Uh, three words, uh, uh, education, education, and education. Uh, he was a great advocate, uh, of, uh, every everyone, uh, focusing on, uh, on education, and, uh, by education, uh, he did not just, uh, meant, uh, technical education. Uh, three words, uh, uh, education, education, and education. Uh, he was a great advocate, uh, of, uh, every everyone, uh, focusing on, uh, on education, and, uh, by education, uh, he did not just, uh, meant, uh, technical education.

42:33 There are two types of education: formal education and informal education. So formal education is, of course, uh, you know, our degrees that we get through college and professional institutions that help us get a job, but There are two types of education: formal education and informal education. So formal education is, of course, uh, you know, our degrees that we get through college and professional institutions that help us get a job, but

42:45 he also emphasized on the value system, uh, which comes about through families and spiritual centers, and, uh, he would, uh, uh, tell every youth, uh, to not just focus on one aspect of education but also the other aspect of the education and become, uh, uh, important citizens, global citizens. he also emphasized on the value system, uh, which comes about through families and spiritual centers, and, uh, he would, uh, uh, tell every youth, uh, to not just focus on one aspect of education but also the other aspect of the education and become, uh, uh, important citizens, global citizens.

43:06 Uh, one thing that he at the same time also cautioned youth, uh, which was to save themselves from distraction. I Uh, one thing that he at the same time also cautioned youth, uh, which was to save themselves from distraction. I

43:14 f you see, uh, in today's scenario, uh, today's youth wants, uh, to be prosperous. Uh, they live in the psychologyright here,right now, and they think that if they become rich, they will be happy in life, but happiness is not something that, uh, is only, uh, achieved in a present state. f you see, uh, in today's scenario, uh, today's youth wants, uh, to be prosperous. Uh, they live in the psychologyright here,right now, and they think that if they become rich, they will be happy in life, but happiness is not something that, uh, is only, uh, achieved in a present state.

43:35 True happiness is something that continues till the last moment of your lif True happiness is something that continues till the last moment of your lif

43:42 e. There is a very important, uh, verse, uh, where the Quran says that greed for more and more took you away from remembrance of God till you reached your grave, and this is exactly what we are seeing: that people are increasingly becoming materialistic, uh, and materialism brings in greed. e. There is a very important, uh, verse, uh, where the Quran says that greed for more and more took you away from remembrance of God till you reached your grave, and this is exactly what we are seeing: that people are increasingly becoming materialistic, uh, and materialism brings in greed.

44:03 But an important point to remember, Maulana always emphasized that men and women are greater than money. What is really important is contentment But an important point to remember, Maulana always emphasized that men and women are greater than money. What is really important is contentment

44:12 . Peace is in contentment, and contentment doesn't mean that you're giving up on growth; it means growing without greed, striving without envy, and walking down your path without constant comparison. . Peace is in contentment, and contentment doesn't mean that you're giving up on growth; it means growing without greed, striving without envy, and walking down your path without constant comparison.

44:26 So this is a very important lesson that he, uh, gave, uh, to the So this is a very important lesson that he, uh, gave, uh, to the

44:31 youth. But another aspect that we are witnessing, uh, and which is very alarming, is that today, uh, youths are increasingly seen in anxiety, in tension, in loneliness, and the reason usually they cite is that they fail in the first few attempts and they get rejected. youth. But another aspect that we are witnessing, uh, and which is very alarming, is that today, uh, youths are increasingly seen in anxiety, in tension, in loneliness, and the reason usually they cite is that they fail in the first few attempts and they get rejected.

44:49 But Maulana Wahiduddin Khan said that, uh, failure is experience, and it is not the end of life. If you failed in the first few attempts, there are always options avail But Maulana Wahiduddin Khan said that, uh, failure is experience, and it is not the end of life. If you failed in the first few attempts, there are always options avail

45:00 able. There is a very, uh, interesting and important example which we learned from the life of, uh, Sheryl Sandberg, who was the COO, Chief Operating Officer of Meta, earlier known as Facebook. able. There is a very, uh, interesting and important example which we learned from the life of, uh, Sheryl Sandberg, who was the COO, Chief Operating Officer of Meta, earlier known as Facebook.

45:13 She wrote a book titled "Option B," and in that book, she has related, uh, experiences. In 2015, uh, she lost her husband, and, uh, two weeks after his death, she was doing a father-and-child activity, She wrote a book titled "Option B," and in that book, she has related, uh, experiences. In 2015, uh, she lost her husband, and, uh, two weeks after his death, she was doing a father-and-child activity,

45:30 and while doing that activity, she cried out and said, "I want my husband Dave back," and a friend said to her that option A is not possible. and while doing that activity, she cried out and said, "I want my husband Dave back," and a friend said to her that option A is not possible.

45:40 So in that book, uh, she sent out a very strong message to everyone that many times, uh, things are not in your control, and the options that, uh, you may want to have may no longer be available. So in that book, uh, she sent out a very strong message to everyone that many times, uh, things are not in your control, and the options that, uh, you may want to have may no longer be available.

45:54 Instead, uh, go for option B. Loss doesn't mean the end of everything; Instead, uh, go for option B. Loss doesn't mean the end of everything;

45:59 sometimes loss reshapes your life. Today, Sheryl is a powerful voice on grief and on resilience. Uh, she's focusing now on, uh, philanthropy, on, uh, mentoring, and on public, uh, conversation that places empathy at the heart of leadership. sometimes loss reshapes your life. Today, Sheryl is a powerful voice on grief and on resilience. Uh, she's focusing now on, uh, philanthropy, on, uh, mentoring, and on public, uh, conversation that places empathy at the heart of leadership.

46:17 Uh, remember, uh, creator has, uh, uh, kept us only for a limited, uh, time in this world, so we have two choices: one that ends with us and one that lives on. Uh, remember, uh, creator has, uh, uh, kept us only for a limited, uh, time in this world, so we have two choices: one that ends with us and one that lives on.

46:30 We should choose the option that benefits the generation even after we are gone. The lasting benefit, uh, comes about when we do something that benefits the next generation even after we are long gone. We should choose the option that benefits the generation even after we are gone. The lasting benefit, uh, comes about when we do something that benefits the next generation even after we are long gone.

46:43 Uh, it is therefore important to live as a giver member of the society and not as a taker member. Prophet Muhammadrightfully said that a giving hand is better than the taking hand. Uh, it is therefore important to live as a giver member of the society and not as a taker member. Prophet Muhammadrightfully said that a giving hand is better than the taking hand.

46:56 Thank you, Dr. Rajat, for sharing deep insights and personal reflections. It was a good reminder on Maulana Wahiduddin Khan Sahib's message of peace over provocation, positivity over negativity, and wisdom over emotions. Thank you, Dr. Rajat, for sharing deep insights and personal reflections. It was a good reminder on Maulana Wahiduddin Khan Sahib's message of peace over provocation, positivity over negativity, and wisdom over emotions.

47:13 Let's conclude this conversation by carrying forward Maulana's legacy on peace, reflection, and purposeful living. Thank you, Vikrant. Let's conclude this conversation by carrying forward Maulana's legacy on peace, reflection, and purposeful living. Thank you, Vikrant.

From Anger to Awareness A Journey with Maulana Wahiduddin Khan