Name: Discussions on the impact of 's Thought July 1, 2020 — Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Uploaded: 2020-01-01
Duration: 31 min 55 s
Channel: Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Description: Read the full transcript of “Discussions on the impact of 's Thought July 1, 2020”, a lecture by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, with timestamps.

0:12 So hi, Ajay. How are you today? I'm good. How are you, Swami? I'm good, I'm good. I'm so excited to be doing this, and it's so good to connect with you. So hi, Ajay. How are you today? I'm good. How are you, Swami? I'm good, I'm good. I'm so excited to be doing this, and it's so good to connect with you.

0:23 Could you tell me a little more about yourself? Oh, well, Swami, HR professional. By profession, I'm an HR professional, and it's been 13, 14 years in HR fraternity. Could you tell me a little more about yourself? Oh, well, Swami, HR professional. By profession, I'm an HR professional, and it's been 13, 14 years in HR fraternity.

0:38 I work for a non-banking financial company I work for a non-banking financial company

0:41 . I'm based out of Gurgaon, and it's been 20 years for me to stay in Delhi and Sehar. Yeah. . I'm based out of Gurgaon, and it's been 20 years for me to stay in Delhi and Sehar. Yeah.

0:51 Wow, that's great. So just a little bit about me. I'm Sohini, and I happen to be an inter-religious dialogue facilitator. Wow, that's great. So just a little bit about me. I'm Sohini, and I happen to be an inter-religious dialogue facilitator.

1:00 So it's an out-of-the-box profile. You wouldn't meet many, I guess, So it's an out-of-the-box profile. You wouldn't meet many, I guess,

1:07 every day. But yeah, so I'm based out of Kolkataright now, and I come to Delhi sometimes, and I have a lot of friends there, have stayed there for some time as well. every day. But yeah, so I'm based out of Kolkataright now, and I come to Delhi sometimes, and I have a lot of friends there, have stayed there for some time as well.

1:22 So as you know, today we are meeting here to talk about something that is really meaningful to me, something very, very deep and meaningful. So as you know, today we are meeting here to talk about something that is really meaningful to me, something very, very deep and meaningful.

1:30 So on many a trip to Delhi these days, I have a new famil So on many a trip to Delhi these days, I have a new famil

1:35 y,right? So that new family is none other than Maulana Wahiduddin Khan's family, and they've blessed me with so much. y,right? So that new family is none other than Maulana Wahiduddin Khan's family, and they've blessed me with so much.

1:43 And I am, to a great extent, who I am because of everything that I've gained from them, from the entire family, from Maulana, from Farid Apa, and Maarya and all of these people. And I am, to a great extent, who I am because of everything that I've gained from them, from the entire family, from Maulana, from Farid Apa, and Maarya and all of these people.

1:56 So I wanted to learn I was curious, could you tell me what has your experience been like? So I wanted to learn I was curious, could you tell me what has your experience been like?

2:05 What's your story of interaction with Maulana Wahiduddin Khan and his organization, his family? I mean, they're such lovely people. What's your story of interaction with Maulana Wahiduddin Khan and his organization, his family? I mean, they're such lovely people.

2:13 So if you could tell me a little more about that story. Tell me about your first memory. Sure. So if you could tell me a little more about that story. Tell me about your first memory. Sure.

2:21 Thank you so much, first of all, inviting me for this opportunity. I mean, it's an honor for me to speak about Maulana and the entire CPS team, I would say. Thank you so much, first of all, inviting me for this opportunity. I mean, it's an honor for me to speak about Maulana and the entire CPS team, I would say.

2:38 I think, if I'm not wrong, 2009, that was the year when I met Maulana first time. It's been 10, 11 years, a decade. I think, if I'm not wrong, 2009, that was the year when I met Maulana first time. It's been 10, 11 years, a decade.

2:50 And if I have to go back in my memory lanes and remember my first meeting with Maulana, I started going just like any other seeker. And if I have to go back in my memory lanes and remember my first meeting with Maulana, I started going just like any other seeker.

3:03 So I had a very deep urge of knowing certain things. All my life, I think I have been like that. So I had a very deep urge of knowing certain things. All my life, I think I have been like that.

3:15 But meeting a spiritual guru, a master, face-to-face, that was a sort of first-of-a-kind experience for me. But meeting a spiritual guru, a master, face-to-face, that was a sort of first-of-a-kind experience for me.

3:26 So initially, in a few days, I know I just I used to go for the Sunday classes. So initially, in a few days, I know I just I used to go for the Sunday classes.

3:34 Every Sunday, 10:00 in the morning, Maulana used to conduct these sessions. Every Sunday, 10:00 in the morning, Maulana used to conduct these sessions.

3:45 Anybody can go. It's absolutely no sort of reservation. Anybody can go. It's absolutely no sort of reservation.

3:52 Anybody can go. And so just like a seeker, I also went there. I would say that, first of all, it's important that before you meet a master or a guru or somebody like Maulana, Anybody can go. And so just like a seeker, I also went there. I would say that, first of all, it's important that before you meet a master or a guru or somebody like Maulana,

4:08 you get to you get to

4:09 meet the team members first, people who are around them. And I remember that entire Maulana's family and all the CPS members, the way they treated me on day one, meet the team members first, people who are around them. And I remember that entire Maulana's family and all the CPS members, the way they treated me on day one,

4:24 I felt I mean, that first day only, I got this feeling that I'm home. I felt I mean, that first day only, I got this feeling that I'm home.

4:30 I'm meeting people who are like I got this vibe that they are like they are my friends. I'm meeting people who are like I got this vibe that they are like they are my friends.

4:39 They are my I'm safe with them. And so initially, I think, in a few Sundays, I was just They are my I'm safe with them. And so initially, I think, in a few Sundays, I was just

4:50 reluctant to go to Maulana and talk to him. reluctant to go to Maulana and talk to him.

4:54 But then once, I remember, I got an opportunity, and Maulana got to know from one of the team members that I've been coming. But then once, I remember, I got an opportunity, and Maulana got to know from one of the team members that I've been coming.

5:04 And then Maulana called me, and he said that, "No, I bet you know how we're going to talk." So I was a little nervous. And then Maulana called me, and he said that, "No, I bet you know how we're going to talk." So I was a little nervous.

5:16 And he asked me that, "I mean, what I have learned is that you have been coming for quite some time. So why do you come? And he asked me that, "I mean, what I have learned is that you have been coming for quite some time. So why do you come?

5:27 What is the reason? What are you looking for?" And that in all that nervousness, I told him, "Maulana, I come because after your lecture, What is the reason? What are you looking for?" And that in all that nervousness, I told him, "Maulana, I come because after your lecture,

5:41 I get food for thought. I get food for thought.

5:45 Whatever you say stimulates my intellect." And sochne ko miltai. After that, I get time. I get opportunity to ponder on things. Whatever you say stimulates my intellect." And sochne ko miltai. After that, I get time. I get opportunity to ponder on things.

5:58 So Maulana was very happy by this. And he says that, "No, apko patai, apko ek sutra mil gaya. So Maulana was very happy by this. And he says that, "No, apko patai, apko ek sutra mil gaya.

6:07 You have got a sort of method or a tool with which you can really go deeper in your journey." So that was my first interaction with Maulana. You have got a sort of method or a tool with which you can really go deeper in your journey." So that was my first interaction with Maulana.

6:26 And I still remember when he says that, "No, apko ek sutra mil gaya. Apko ek path mil gaya in a way." And I still remember when he says that, "No, apko ek sutra mil gaya. Apko ek path mil gaya in a way."

6:35 And now it's been 10 years, huh? 9 to 10 years, I guess. Yeah, long time. Long time to be. Ye And now it's been 10 years, huh? 9 to 10 years, I guess. Yeah, long time. Long time to be. Ye

6:41 ah, seriously. I mean, ever since, I think it has been only, for me, a phenomenal personal spiritual journey that he basically the seed that I think that I had, he nurtured it with his teachings. ah, seriously. I mean, ever since, I think it has been only, for me, a phenomenal personal spiritual journey that he basically the seed that I think that I had, he nurtured it with his teachings.

7:05 So he has basically showered his love, his teaching, and compassion that anybody who lives around him, who goes around Maulana, can feel that compassion, that love, So he has basically showered his love, his teaching, and compassion that anybody who lives around him, who goes around Maulana, can feel that compassion, that love,

7:21 and obviously, I mean, the depth that he has on each and every aspect of life. And I mean, it has completely changed me as an individual, I would say. and obviously, I mean, the depth that he has on each and every aspect of life. And I mean, it has completely changed me as an individual, I would say.

7:34 So tell me more. How did you first decide to go see him? Did you read his books before, or perhaps had you how did you get to know about him? So tell me more. How did you first decide to go see him? Did you read his books before, or perhaps had you how did you get to know about him?

7:49 Because he's a very world-renowned Islamic studies scholar. So has it ever somewhere struck you that I mean, we all grow up with our own prejudices. Because he's a very world-renowned Islamic studies scholar. So has it ever somewhere struck you that I mean, we all grow up with our own prejudices.

8:01 We all grow up in different commun We all grow up in different commun

8:03 ities. So for instance, I hail from the Hindu community, from a Bengali Hindu family. And I did have my reservations in the beginning. But things turned around for me when I met him. ities. So for instance, I hail from the Hindu community, from a Bengali Hindu family. And I did have my reservations in the beginning. But things turned around for me when I met him.

8:15 When he would be talking to me, I would forget that we are from different communities. Butright before that encounter, you have these inhibitions When he would be talking to me, I would forget that we are from different communities. Butright before that encounter, you have these inhibitions

8:25 in mind. You have these fears. And you're like, "Okay, so is this going to be palatable to me because I'm from some other tradition?" in mind. You have these fears. And you're like, "Okay, so is this going to be palatable to me because I'm from some other tradition?

8:34 Are the teachings going to be relevant? Am I going to be Are the teachings going to be relevant? Am I going to be

8:41 asked to take on some identity in order to be a part of the gathering?" Or something like that. We have so many fears,right? asked to take on some identity in order to be a part of the gathering?" Or something like that. We have so many fears,right?

8:50 I have grown up with a number of these kind of prejudices. But of course, they all turned around the way I was embraced by them. I have grown up with a number of these kind of prejudices. But of course, they all turned around the way I was embraced by them.

9:00 And till date, I've never felt that there's been any problem for me to relate to anything because of my identity or because of what I identify with, what community I belong to. And till date, I've never felt that there's been any problem for me to relate to anything because of my identity or because of what I identify with, what community I belong to.

9:15 So what would you say? What has your experience been along those lines? So what would you say? What has your experience been along those lines?

9:20 What would you say that is this how universal are his teachings? How do they appeal across communities, across identity barriers? What would you say that is this how universal are his teachings? How do they appeal across communities, across identity barriers?

9:29 And is there any way you can perhaps share how you have felt connected, safe, and welcome, and not lost yourself either? And is there any way you can perhaps share how you have felt connected, safe, and welcome, and not lost yourself either?

9:43 So regarding the teachings, how have they served you to be more rooted to perhaps your ident So regarding the teachings, how have they served you to be more rooted to perhaps your ident

9:49 ity? I mean, I know it has done so with respect to me, but I wouldn't be wanting to prompt you. So please share a little bit about your journey in that sense. ity? I mean, I know it has done so with respect to me, but I wouldn't be wanting to prompt you. So please share a little bit about your journey in that sense.

9:59 Sure, sure. And very interesting question. And I can relate to you a lot, okay? Sure, sure. And very interesting question. And I can relate to you a lot, okay?

10:07 In my context, how it was that I had certain notions about Islam, and very strong notions about Islam, that it is a religion that prescribes or subscribes violence, In my context, how it was that I had certain notions about Islam, and very strong notions about Islam, that it is a religion that prescribes or subscribes violence,

10:28 and also that a lot of it's more than a religion. It is a political movement. and also that a lot of it's more than a religion. It is a political movement.

10:37 So that was my notions about anybody who has just neutrally grown in the environment and noticing what things were happening at that point of time, it was very easy to reach out to this kind of conclusion. So that was my notions about anybody who has just neutrally grown in the environment and noticing what things were happening at that point of time, it was very easy to reach out to this kind of conclusion.

11:00 Because as Maulana says, and again, I'm sort of jumping to the learnings that I got from Maulana, but that what was happening earlier is that I was looking at Muslims across and the newspapers, Because as Maulana says, and again, I'm sort of jumping to the learnings that I got from Maulana, but that what was happening earlier is that I was looking at Muslims across and the newspapers,

11:22 and I was whatever Muslims were doing, I was relating it to Islam. and I was whatever Muslims were doing, I was relating it to Islam.

11:29 So I never had this distinction in my mind that there are two things. One is the scripture, the ideology, the So I never had this distinction in my mind that there are two things. One is the scripture, the ideology, the

11:44 whole concept of peace and everything which is there in Islam. whole concept of peace and everything which is there in Islam.

11:51 I was looking at Muslims, and what certain a small chunk of Muslims were doing in the world, I was just sort of imposing it on Islam. I was looking at Muslims, and what certain a small chunk of Muslims were doing in the world, I was just sort of imposing it on Islam.

12:02 When I was looking at Muslims, okay, so 9/11 happened. It was done by a few terrorists or extremists, and they did it in the name of When I was looking at Muslims, okay, so 9/11 happened. It was done by a few terrorists or extremists, and they did it in the name of

12:16 Islam. And that's why Islam is like this. So I had sort of those kind of notions. What completely turned around, what happened to me is that when I went and I started listening to Maulana, Islam. And that's why Islam is like this. So I had sort of those kind of notions. What completely turned around, what happened to me is that when I went and I started listening to Maulana,

12:34 the first thing that I learned is that you have to distinguish between both of them. One is that Islam as a religion and Muslims and their culture. the first thing that I learned is that you have to distinguish between both of them. One is that Islam as a religion and Muslims and their culture.

12:47 So these two things are different. And he is the one who taught me or who gave me this perspective, not only limited to Islam, but from my entire life, that you should judge people So these two things are different. And he is the one who taught me or who gave me this perspective, not only limited to Islam, but from my entire life, that you should judge people

13:07 in the eyes of what text says, what has been prescribed to these people, not vice versa. in the eyes of what text says, what has been prescribed to these people, not vice versa.

13:17 You should not be seeing Muslims and say that, "No, Islam is like this." So that was the first fundamental, I would say, clarity that I got in context to You should not be seeing Muslims and say that, "No, Islam is like this." So that was the first fundamental, I would say, clarity that I got in context to

13:35 Islam. And when Maulana started explaining it, Maulana started talking about the life of the Prophet of Islam, Prophet Muhammad, and how he lived his life, then I think it was a 360 kind of change. Islam. And when Maulana started explaining it, Maulana started talking about the life of the Prophet of Islam, Prophet Muhammad, and how he lived his life, then I think it was a 360 kind of change.

13:57 And I'll definitely share a few things with you. But I hope that I have been able to answer your first question that how. And I'll definitely share a few things with you. But I hope that I have been able to answer your first question that how.

14:07 Yes, absolutely. Absolutely. So yeah, that is what happened to me. Yes. I mean, that's what happens. Yes, absolutely. Absolutely. So yeah, that is what happened to me. Yes. I mean, that's what happens.

14:17 I mean, when you actually meet Maulana in person, that's when, for a second, you're like, "Okay." So for me, when I was meeting him for the first time, and I remember I sat in front of him I mean, when you actually meet Maulana in person, that's when, for a second, you're like, "Okay." So for me, when I was meeting him for the first time, and I remember I sat in front of him

14:30 waiting for him to speak. Almost for some time, I was like, "I forgot that I was meeting such a world-renowned scholar." I felt I was just listening. waiting for him to speak. Almost for some time, I was like, "I forgot that I was meeting such a world-renowned scholar." I felt I was just listening.

14:42 I was just sitting there at his feet I was just sitting there at his feet

14:46 like a grandchild would, to just listen to stories, which is a very cultural thing in our Indian society. like a grandchild would, to just listen to stories, which is a very cultural thing in our Indian society.

14:55 So could you tell me something very memorable that you remember about anything that he said that stuck with you, something that So could you tell me something very memorable that you remember about anything that he said that stuck with you, something that

15:03 was very relevant to your life at some point, and maybe how it has helped you? was very relevant to your life at some point, and maybe how it has helped you?

15:10 And also maybe tell us more about how you've built relationships with the other community, as I say, with Muslims, how that has changed after perhaps meeting Maulana and the entire team of CPS. And also maybe tell us more about how you've built relationships with the other community, as I say, with Muslims, how that has changed after perhaps meeting Maulana and the entire team of CPS.

15:26 Sure, sure. So first of all, telling one thing would be very, very difficult for me because there is no sort of one thing. Sure, sure. So first of all, telling one thing would be very, very difficult for me because there is no sort of one thing.

15:39 In the last 10 years, 10, 11 years, there have been a complete shift in me. Exactly. In the last 10 years, 10, 11 years, there have been a complete shift in me. Exactly.

15:48 I imagine. I am a different person altogether. And it's essentially because of Maulana. And if I have to sum it up, a few things that are very, very, I imagine. I am a different person altogether. And it's essentially because of Maulana. And if I have to sum it up, a few things that are very, very,

16:02 I would say, sort of have been very, very helpful for me or have become principles of my life is first, when I went there, somewhere I had this in my heart that there is something that we and they. I would say, sort of have been very, very helpful for me or have become principles of my life is first, when I went there, somewhere I had this in my heart that there is something that we and they.

16:27 So whether it is by religion, in some societies, it is by the color of the skin, or by various others, sometimes caste, religion, So whether it is by religion, in some societies, it is by the color of the skin, or by various others, sometimes caste, religion,

16:43 nationality, and all that. nationality, and all that.

16:46 One thing which has become a principle of my life is that Maulana has taught us, and he derives it from the life of Prophet of Islam and the Quran, One thing which has become a principle of my life is that Maulana has taught us, and he derives it from the life of Prophet of Islam and the Quran,

17:00 is that there is no enemy. is that there is no enemy.

17:04 So there is nothing like enemy. So Quran says that either you have friends or you have potential friends. So there is nothing like enemy. So Quran says that either you have friends or you have potential friends.

17:15 So somebody whom you have not met, interacted, spent time, went on a coffee, tried to understand each other, till that time, that person is a potential friend for you. So somebody whom you have not met, interacted, spent time, went on a coffee, tried to understand each other, till that time, that person is a potential friend for you.

17:29 And then friends, you know that your And then friends, you know that your

17:33 circle, your parents, and everybody. I mean, so that is one category, which is a category of friends. And there is another category, people you haven't met, understood their life, didn't know their context. circle, your parents, and everybody. I mean, so that is one category, which is a category of friends. And there is another category, people you haven't met, understood their life, didn't know their context.

17:46 So they are basically your potential friends. So there is no I mean, there is no scope of So they are basically your potential friends. So there is no I mean, there is no scope of

17:53 we, they. we, they.

17:56 True. So that is, I would say, a very profound learning I got it from Maulana. And only somebody like Maulana can help you understand that because he practiced that in his life. True. So that is, I would say, a very profound learning I got it from Maulana. And only somebody like Maulana can help you understand that because he practiced that in his life.

18:09 And you are an example. I mean, you have felt it. I have felt And you are an example. I mean, you have felt it. I have felt

18:13 it. All the people who have met, I mean, across, I would say, that ideology or belief system people, I've seen Maulana sitting with all I mean, with people of all religions, all faith. it. All the people who have met, I mean, across, I would say, that ideology or belief system people, I've seen Maulana sitting with all I mean, with people of all religions, all faith.

18:32 And the feeling that I get is that there is not we or they. So first thing, I think that has happened. And the feeling that I get is that there is not we or they. So first thing, I think that has happened.

18:42 I think another thing which is very, very important that I have learned from Maulana is how you deal with the situation. I think another thing which is very, very important that I have learned from Maulana is how you deal with the situation.

18:53 And most important, the situations which are not favorable. And most important, the situations which are not favorable.

18:58 And we really get uncomfortable in those situations. And we really do not we want to run away from them. We want them to disappear. And we really get uncomfortable in those situations. And we really do not we want to run away from them. We want them to disappear.

19:10 10 years going to Maulana, what has happened to me is I now do not see problems as problems. 10 years going to Maulana, what has happened to me is I now do not see problems as problems.

19:18 Wow. Maulana, again, he refers it from Quran, from the life of Prophet of Islam, that with every problem, there is ease. Wow. Maulana, again, he refers it from Quran, from the life of Prophet of Islam, that with every problem, there is ease.

19:31 And if you have to translate it into a, let's say, in a very secular mindset or somebody who's progressive, I think what he has taught us is that with every difficulty, there is an opportunity. And if you have to translate it into a, let's say, in a very secular mindset or somebody who's progressive, I think what he has taught us is that with every difficulty, there is an opportunity.

19:49 So the mind shift that has changed is that if there is a problem, I mean, just stay with it, stay the course, and look for the opportunities in it rather than saying that, "Why is this happening So the mind shift that has changed is that if there is a problem, I mean, just stay with it, stay the course, and look for the opportunities in it rather than saying that, "Why is this happening

20:08 to me?" Or most important is that not blaming others. Most important, not blaming others. to me?" Or most important is that not blaming others. Most important, not blaming others.

20:18 True. So most of the time, what happens is that there is an aggregate I mean, that aggression comes from within, that it is happening because of so-and-so people, so-and-so is troubling me in the office. True. So most of the time, what happens is that there is an aggregate I mean, that aggression comes from within, that it is happening because of so-and-so people, so-and-so is troubling me in the office.

20:33 And we experience every And we experience every

20:36 day. So I think the simple thing I can say is that if now I'm going to the office and I know that there is bad traffic, and on top of that, somebody is honking, day. So I think the simple thing I can say is that if now I'm going to the office and I know that there is bad traffic, and on top of that, somebody is honking,

20:49 rather than looking back and abusing that guy, what has happened to me is that I sometimes think that he might be honking because he must be really getting late for the office, rather than looking back and abusing that guy, what has happened to me is that I sometimes think that he might be honking because he must be really getting late for the office,

21:02 or he must have somebody who is waiting for him, and he is in anurgency. So that shift is a very fundamental shift that I would say that has happened within me. or he must have somebody who is waiting for him, and he is in anurgency. So that shift is a very fundamental shift that I would say that has happened within me.

21:15 And it has only happened because of Maulana and his teachings. And it has only happened because of Maulana and his teachings.

21:21 Wonderful. This reminds me of one thing which stuck with me. So when I was meeting him for the first time, at that point of time, I was going through a very low phase of my life. Wonderful. This reminds me of one thing which stuck with me. So when I was meeting him for the first time, at that point of time, I was going through a very low phase of my life.

21:31 So I was really I was suffering physically also. So I wasn't very well. And I used to constantly ask that question, "Why me? So I was really I was suffering physically also. So I wasn't very well. And I used to constantly ask that question, "Why me?

21:40 Why is this happening to me? Why is this happening to me?

21:42 " Always, I felt like the world had turned against me. All of a sudden, Maulana almost opened that door for self-reflection. " Always, I felt like the world had turned against me. All of a sudden, Maulana almost opened that door for self-reflection.

21:51 And I still remember the very important line that he said. He said that, "When apparently you're not doing much outside, a lot is happening inside." And that was something that was new. And I still remember the very important line that he said. He said that, "When apparently you're not doing much outside, a lot is happening inside." And that was something that was new.

22:06 It didn't occur to me to think that maybe there was something that was going on inside which is going to be helpful for when I emerge out of the situation. It didn't occur to me to think that maybe there was something that was going on inside which is going to be helpful for when I emerge out of the situation.

22:16 And that's something that I think has been very meaningful in my life. Whenever I have suffered health-wise or I feel that I'm not being productive, that's when I just go on and sort of go and hold that sutra that something is happening inside. And that's something that I think has been very meaningful in my life. Whenever I have suffered health-wise or I feel that I'm not being productive, that's when I just go on and sort of go and hold that sutra that something is happening inside.

22:35 It might not showright now, but eventually, it will It might not showright now, but eventually, it will

22:38 . So yeah, it's been life-changing. So tell me, Ajay, as we round up this dialogue, how would you say that people from all different backgrounds would benefit? . So yeah, it's been life-changing. So tell me, Ajay, as we round up this dialogue, how would you say that people from all different backgrounds would benefit?

22:56 What What

22:57 would you say? What would be your invitation to people from all backgrounds to explore the openness of a seeker and to understand that your identity does not come in the way of seeking knowledge from wherever you can find it, and how Maulana has been, in fact, a fountainhead for such knowledge for everyone, be it from any community possible would you say? What would be your invitation to people from all backgrounds to explore the openness of a seeker and to understand that your identity does not come in the way of seeking knowledge from wherever you can find it, and how Maulana has been, in fact, a fountainhead for such knowledge for everyone, be it from any community possible

23:24 ? So what would be your message ? So what would be your message

23:28 to everyone who's listening to us today about how to everyone who's listening to us today about how

23:34 seeking should be something that is focused on knowledge and not on identity, perhaps, to not let perhaps seeking should be something that is focused on knowledge and not on identity, perhaps, to not let perhaps

23:42 identity come in the way of stopping your identity come in the way of stopping your

23:48 attitude or your approach to seeking more knowledge, and how Maulana can be attitude or your approach to seeking more knowledge, and how Maulana can be

23:57 such a treasure trove of knowledge in that such a treasure trove of knowledge in that

24:01 sense? And we still have him. And may he live another 100 years. And we're so lucky. We are so lucky to have him, such a fountainhead of knowledge. sense? And we still have him. And may he live another 100 years. And we're so lucky. We are so lucky to have him, such a fountainhead of knowledge.

24:11 So your message. Yeah. So giving a message is sort of the big thing. I So your message. Yeah. So giving a message is sort of the big thing. I

24:19 don't know. I mean, I can just share a few more things which I learned from Maulana. don't know. I mean, I can just share a few more things which I learned from Maulana.

24:27 And what he keeps saying is that I think open-mindedness is the key. You should be really open. And what he keeps saying is that I think open-mindedness is the key. You should be really open.

24:37 And that has been a fundamental thing. If you look at the CPS culture, if you go and meet Maulana, you see that openness. And that has been a fundamental thing. If you look at the CPS culture, if you go and meet Maulana, you see that openness.

24:50 From wherever the knowledge is coming, just take it with all sincerity. From wherever the knowledge is coming, just take it with all sincerity.

25:00 And my entire view, as I said, has completely changed about Islam And my entire view, as I said, has completely changed about Islam

25:09 and what Islam practices, teaches. So just a couple of things I would like to talk about from what I learned from Maulana and from the Quran. and what Islam practices, teaches. So just a couple of things I would like to talk about from what I learned from Maulana and from the Quran.

25:23 So if you read the Quran with all sincerity, and if you go and meet Maulana, and if you get an opportunity to learn So if you read the Quran with all sincerity, and if you go and meet Maulana, and if you get an opportunity to learn

25:32 the real essence of Islam from Maulana, then one thing is that it brings a lot of accountability on you. the real essence of Islam from Maulana, then one thing is that it brings a lot of accountability on you.

25:44 That if you read the Quran, a lot of That if you read the Quran, a lot of

25:48 emphasis has been given on doing good deeds, being kind to people, helping each other. emphasis has been given on doing good deeds, being kind to people, helping each other.

25:59 And most important is that so there is one And most important is that so there is one

26:05 chapter in the Quran, the earthquake. And there is a verse in that which you can probably sum it up as the key learning of me from the Quran is that chapter in the Quran, the earthquake. And there is a verse in that which you can probably sum it up as the key learning of me from the Quran is that

26:21 anybody who has done a particle of evil will see it or will have to face it in the hereafter. anybody who has done a particle of evil will see it or will have to face it in the hereafter.

26:30 And anybody who has done a particle of good deed will see it in the hereafter. So it clearly And anybody who has done a particle of good deed will see it in the hereafter. So it clearly

26:39 makes you an accountable person, a person who cannot be a trouble for anybody, a human being who is always conscious and aware about his deeds or her deeds rather than focusing on what is happening around makes you an accountable person, a person who cannot be a trouble for anybody, a human being who is always conscious and aware about his deeds or her deeds rather than focusing on what is happening around

26:58 or who is doing what. And that is not only on the action level. I would say that, "Okay, so I should be in a way politically correct or doing all good deeds in the eyes of God or others." It's not even like that or who is doing what. And that is not only on the action level. I would say that, "Okay, so I should be in a way politically correct or doing all good deeds in the eyes of God or others." It's not even like that

27:17 . So in another place, . So in another place,

27:20 Maulana talks about that, and it is, again, from the life of the Prophet of Islam, Prophet Muhammad, Maulana talks about that, and it is, again, from the life of the Prophet of Islam, Prophet Muhammad,

27:28 is that once he looked at a person, and he says that, "Do you know " and he is that once he looked at a person, and he says that, "Do you know " and he

27:34 was sitting with his companions, and he looked at a person, and he said that, "This person was sitting with his companions, and he looked at a person, and he said that, "This person

27:40 will go to paradise hereafter." will go to paradise hereafter."

27:45 And a lot of people who were sitting around him were amused in a sense that because getting And a lot of people who were sitting around him were amused in a sense that because getting

27:52 a paradise is the biggest reward a paradise is the biggest reward

27:56 in Islam. in Islam.

27:58 And so a lot of people who were around him, his companions, they got curious that, "How come Prophet said such a thing about this person And so a lot of people who were around him, his companions, they got curious that, "How come Prophet said such a thing about this person

28:08 ?" So one of the companions, Hazrat Ali, he followed this guy. And he went to his house, and he says that from that point of that in that time, you could go to any person and stay at his home for three to five days, ?" So one of the companions, Hazrat Ali, he followed this guy. And he went to his house, and he says that from that point of that in that time, you could go to any person and stay at his home for three to five days,

28:27 and the person will not say no to you. So he said that, "No, I want to spend time with you." So then and the person will not say no to you. So he said that, "No, I want to spend time with you." So then

28:37 this person allowed Hazrat Ali that, "Okay, you come, and you stay with me." So he spent three, four days. And he realized that this person is not doing something extra. this person allowed Hazrat Ali that, "Okay, you come, and you stay with me." So he spent three, four days. And he realized that this person is not doing something extra.

28:50 Then what do I do? Then what do I do?

28:53 So yes, he's praying during all five times. He takes care of his family well and everything, I mean, which is aspect out of any Muslim, okay? So yes, he's praying during all five times. He takes care of his family well and everything, I mean, which is aspect out of any Muslim, okay?

29:09 He's not doing something extra. So how come Prophet of Islam said that this person will go to paradise with such a surety, such an authority? He's not doing something extra. So how come Prophet of Islam said that this person will go to paradise with such a surety, such an authority?

29:20 While going on the third day or fifth day, he said that, "Actually, this happened, and I got curious. I wanted to know what special do you have because of which Prophet said that you will go to paradise While going on the third day or fifth day, he said that, "Actually, this happened, and I got curious. I wanted to know what special do you have because of which Prophet said that you will go to paradise

29:36 ?" So this person said that, "No, I also do not know why Prophet of Islam said this. ?" So this person said that, "No, I also do not know why Prophet of Islam said this.

29:42 But I can tell you one thing about me, But I can tell you one thing about me,

29:46 and I can assure you that I never keep malice or any hard feeling for anybody in my and I can assure you that I never keep malice or any hard feeling for anybody in my

29:51 heart." So that is, I think, the probably could be a thing that I can tell you with heart." So that is, I think, the probably could be a thing that I can tell you with

29:58 all assurance that I do not have anger, hatred, or malice for anybody in my heart. all assurance that I do not have anger, hatred, or malice for anybody in my heart.

30:06 And then Hazrat Ali understood that. I think that was the reason why Prophet said that this person will go to paradise. So what I'm trying to say is that it's not only on the action level but what you think in your heart. And then Hazrat Ali understood that. I think that was the reason why Prophet said that this person will go to paradise. So what I'm trying to say is that it's not only on the action level but what you think in your heart.

30:23 Islam emphasizes a lot on that. Islam emphasizes a lot on that.

30:27 The Quran clearly says that it's important that not only from your behavior or demeanor, what kind of person you are, but what is important is that in private, who you are. The Quran clearly says that it's important that not only from your behavior or demeanor, what kind of person you are, but what is important is that in private, who you are.

30:41 So I think that has been a few very profound learnings for me. And So I think that has been a few very profound learnings for me. And

30:47 I would only say to everybody that read the Quran. And in the guidance of somebody like Maulana, or if possible, I would say that read Maulana's literature. I would only say to everybody that read the Quran. And in the guidance of somebody like Maulana, or if possible, I would say that read Maulana's literature.

31:00 He has written hundreds of books, and he is there. You can go meet him, listen to him on He has written hundreds of books, and he is there. You can go meet him, listen to him on

31:10 all social media channels which are there. And then make your perception, make your notions about Islam or what kind of religion it is. all social media channels which are there. And then make your perception, make your notions about Islam or what kind of religion it is.

31:23 Don't look at Muslims and say that Islam is like that. Don't look at Muslims and say that Islam is like that.

31:30 Yeah. True. That was so valuable. Ajay, thank you so much. It was lovely, lovely listening to your story and listening to you share about your experience with Maulana. Yeah. True. That was so valuable. Ajay, thank you so much. It was lovely, lovely listening to your story and listening to you share about your experience with Maulana.

31:44 I look forward to talking to you again. And. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you so much for your time and for coming forward and sharing this with the world. I look forward to talking to you again. And. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you so much for your time and for coming forward and sharing this with the world.

31:54 Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much for having me here. Sorry. Take care. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much for having me here. Sorry. Take care.

Discussions on the impact of Maulana Wahiduddin Khan's Thought July 1, 2020