Name: Peace and Interfaith Harmony · July 16, 2017 — Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Uploaded: 2017-08-13
Duration: 42 min 18 s
Channel: Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Description: Read the full transcript of “Peace and Interfaith Harmony · July 16, 2017”, a lecture by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, with timestamps. Covers: Islam rejects violence.

0:13 assalam o alaikum. السلام علیکم۔

0:19 today we have a group of students from the university of dublin, and because of that there will Today we have a group of students from the University of Dublin, and because of that there will

0:25 be a special talk given by maulana, and the topic will be peace and interfaith harmony. be a special talk given by Maulana, and the topic will be peace and interfaith harmony.

0:31 bismillah hir rahman nir rahim. بسم اللہ الرحمن الرحیم۔

0:37 sisters and brothers, welcome to you on indian soil. the topic Sisters and brothers, welcome to you on Indian soil. The topic

0:44 for the present talk is importance of peace. I can say that I have read a lot about knowing what peace is. I read a lot on the subject of pacifism, and here I would like to share with some of my exper for the present talk is importance of peace. I can say that I have read a lot about knowing what peace is. I read a lot on the subject of pacifism, and here I would like to share with some of my exper

1:14 iences. iences.

1:21 I can say that peace is the greatest concern of every man, man or woman, because peace is I can say that peace is the greatest concern of every man, man or woman, because peace is

1:29 best for all kinds of progress. best for all kinds of progress.

1:36 Without peace, there is no development, no progress at all Without peace, there is no development, no progress at all

1:44 . .

1:52 Every religion laid great emphasis on peace, including Islam. Every religion laid great emphasis on peace, including Islam.

2:00 According to my spirit study, I can say that India is the best country for us. According to my spirit study, I can say that India is the best country for us.

2:08 The traditions of India are based on peace The traditions of India are based on peace

2:16 . .

2:24 So, every religion provided it follows a peaceful method can carry on its mission without any difficulty. So, every religion provided it follows a peaceful method can carry on its mission without any difficulty.

2:31 You know, Mahatma Gandhi is well known on this subject. You know, Mahatma Gandhi is well known on this subject.

2:39 I can say that Mahatma I can say that Mahatma

2:46 Gandhi is a symbol of peace, symbol of Indian tradition. Gandhi is a symbol of peace, symbol of Indian tradition.

2:54 You know, Mahatma Gandhi was born in the 20th century. You know, Mahatma Gandhi was born in the 20th century.

3:02 At that time, there were so many problems against Indian nations. At that time, there were so many problems against Indian nations.

3:09 He started his mission of freedom in that He started his mission of freedom in that

3:17 situation. situation.

3:24 But it is very, very unique that Mahatma Gandhi decided to opt for peaceful activism, no violence at all. But it is very, very unique that Mahatma Gandhi decided to opt for peaceful activism, no violence at all.

3:32 So, this is the Indian tradition, and Islam is also following the same tradition according to the teachings So, this is the Indian tradition, and Islam is also following the same tradition according to the teachings

3:40 of the Quran of the Quran

3:47 and Sunnah of the Prophet. and Sunnah of the Prophet.

3:55 I would like to say that the Christian community is following the same path due to this Christian I would like to say that the Christian community is following the same path due to this Christian

4:02 community being treated in this country as a very respectable community. community being treated in this country as a very respectable community.

4:10 The Quran gives us a very important principle in The Quran gives us a very important principle in

4:17 this regard: wa amma ma anfa'a al-nas fa an kuntu fi al-ard. this regard: وَأَمَّا مَا أَنْفَعُ النَّاسُ فَأَنْ كُنْتُ فِي الْأَرْضِ.

4:25 It means that any community that is able to live as a giver community, giver community, it will It means that any community that is able to live as a giver community, giver community, it will

4:32 certainly find respect in this country, in every country. certainly find respect in this country, in every country.

4:40 And I think that And I think that

4:47 the Christian community of India has demonstrated a very good example in this regard. the Christian community of India has demonstrated a very good example in this regard.

4:53 The Christian community is providing the best education in our country. The Christian community is providing the best education in our country.

4:59 So, the Christian community is a giver community. So, the Christian community is a giver community.

5:06 I love very much this community. I love very much this community.

5:12 And I would say that in the Quran, there is a chapter, As-Saff And I would say that in the Quran, there is a chapter, As-Saff

5:18 . .

5:25 This chapter presents the Christian community, there is Al-Hawariyun, as a model in this regard, as a model This chapter presents the Christian community, there is Al-Hawariyun, as a model in this regard, as a model

5:33 in this regard. in this regard.

5:40 So, I would say that we have a very good opportunity to live togeth So, I would say that we have a very good opportunity to live togeth

5:48 er. er.

5:56 We are in the Christian community and other communities. We are in the Christian community and other communities.

6:03 We have every opportunity in this country that we have to carry on our mission by finding support We have every opportunity in this country that we have to carry on our mission by finding support

6:11 from every country. Then, from every country. Then,

6:19 regarding Islam, I would say that Islam laid great emphasis on peace. Even I would say that according to Islam, peace is the summum bonum, greatest good. There is a verse in the Quran: wa allahu yad'u ila daris salam, and God calls to regarding Islam, I would say that Islam laid great emphasis on peace. Even I would say that according to Islam, peace is the summum bonum, greatest good. There is a verse in the Quran: وَاللَّهُ يَدُعُ إِلَى دَارِ السَّلَامِ, and God calls to

6:49 the home of peace. the home of peace.

6:56 Here, Dar es Salaam is referred to as Paradise. Here, Dar es Salaam is referred to as Paradise.

7:04 According to this Quranic verse, Paradise is a society of peaceful people. According to this Quranic verse, Paradise is a society of peaceful people.

7:11 Peace is its greatest aspect, so it is called Dar es Salaam, home of peace. Those Peace is its greatest aspect, so it is called Dar es Salaam, home of peace. Those

7:19 people who have proved that they are able to live in peace with other countrymen, with other neighbors, people who have proved that they are able to live in peace with other countrymen, with other neighbors,

7:26 so they will find entry into Paradise. so they will find entry into Paradise.

7:34 Here, I would say that peace is very good, but peace wants some price. Here, I would say that peace is very good, but peace wants some price.

7:41 In this world, if you want to have In this world, if you want to have

7:49 anything, you cannot find it without paying the price. anything, you cannot find it without paying the price.

7:57 So, peace's price is the giving spirit: wa amma ma anfa'a al-nasu fa an kuntu fi al-ardi. So, peace's price is the giving spirit: وَأَمَّا مَا أَنْفَعُ النَّاسُ فَأَنْ كُنْتُ فِي الْأَرْضِ.

8:05 The price of peace is the giving spirit. The price of peace is the giving spirit.

8:13 Only those people or those countries, those communities who are able to Only those people or those countries, those communities who are able to

8:21 provide some good things to their neighbors who are able to live as a giving community, they will provide some good things to their neighbors who are able to live as a giving community, they will

8:31 be accepted with respect, otherwise not. be accepted with respect, otherwise not.

8:41 I always advise Muslims that discover India as a country of peace, as a country of I always advise Muslims that discover India as a country of peace, as a country of

8:51 opportunities. opportunities.

8:59 India is the best country for us. India is the best country for us.

9:07 So, I always advise Muslims that discover India and live here as a creative community, as a peaceful So, I always advise Muslims that discover India and live here as a creative community, as a peaceful

9:15 community, and you will be able to find all kinds of help for our countrymen. community, and you will be able to find all kinds of help for our countrymen.

9:23 Then, I would say that peace is not for others. Then, I would say that peace is not for others.

9:30 When we adopt a peaceful way of life, there is not for others. When we adopt a peaceful way of life, there is not for others.

9:38 First of all, it is for ourselves. First of all, it is for ourselves.

9:45 When you are able to live with peace, when you adopt a peace culture, then y When you are able to live with peace, when you adopt a peace culture, then y

9:53 ou have a good time to develop yourself. ou have a good time to develop yourself.

10:01 In this world, according to Islam, the most important point is that you have to develop your personality In this world, according to Islam, the most important point is that you have to develop your personality

10:08 as a creative personality, as a peaceful personality, as a developed personality. as a creative personality, as a peaceful personality, as a developed personality.

10:16 This is the only way to success This is the only way to success

10:23 for every human being. for every human being.

10:31 So, I always advise Muslims to follow this path. So, I always advise Muslims to follow this path.

10:38 They must try to live here in this country as a giver community, and then they will find They must try to live here in this country as a giver community, and then they will find

10:46 good time, good opportunities to develop themselves as a man of Par good time, good opportunities to develop themselves as a man of Par

10:53 adise, that is man of peace. adise, that is man of peace.

11:08 If anyone says some negative thoughts about India, I would say that if he failed to discover this country, anyone If anyone says some negative thoughts about India, I would say that if he failed to discover this country, anyone

11:23 who speaks negatively regarding this country, I will say that he has failed to discover the true spirit who speaks negatively regarding this country, I will say that he has failed to discover the true spirit

11:31 of this country. of this country.

11:39 India is the best for us. India is the best for us.

11:47 You know, Islam is a peaceful mission You know, Islam is a peaceful mission

11:54 . .

11:59 Islam has nothing to do with violence. Islam has nothing to do with violence.

12:04 Violence is not a way of Islam. Violence is not a way of Islam.

12:08 Violence is not the way of Islamic culture. Violence is not the way of Islamic culture.

12:13 So, Islamic culture is based on peace. So, Islamic culture is based on peace.

12:18 In this sense, I can say that India is best for us. In this sense, I can say that India is best for us.

12:22 We have to discover this We have to discover this

12:27 potential of India, and we have to avail this potential, and we have to develop our personality as potential of India, and we have to avail this potential, and we have to develop our personality as

12:38 a peaceful person so we can find entry into Paradise. a peaceful person so we can find entry into Paradise.

12:48 And I would say that Muslims and Christians, also other communities, have a good chance to And I would say that Muslims and Christians, also other communities, have a good chance to

12:59 find cooperation with other people in this country. find cooperation with other people in this country.

13:10 So, we can develop this culture, and we can do for the cause of peace. So, we can develop this culture, and we can do for the cause of peace.

13:21 And you know that the present world, the whole world, is eagerly in need of peace And you know that the present world, the whole world, is eagerly in need of peace

13:32 . Every country, every nation, every community is in need of peace. So, we have to struggle for this cause. We have to try to establish peace not only in this country but in all the world. In media, you al . Every country, every nation, every community is in need of peace. So, we have to struggle for this cause. We have to try to establish peace not only in this country but in all the world. In media, you al

14:02 ways see some news about violence. ways see some news about violence.

14:10 Violence, I would say that violence is not part of any religion, neither Islam nor any other religion. Violence, I would say that violence is not part of any religion, neither Islam nor any other religion.

14:17 Part of any violence is alien to all religions, all traditions. Part of any violence is alien to all religions, all traditions.

14:25 Violence is a culture of jungle and Violence is a culture of jungle and

14:32 not a culture of human society. not a culture of human society.

14:37 So, we have to follow one principle that if you want to live with peace, you have to So, we have to follow one principle that if you want to live with peace, you have to

14:42 give others peace. give others peace.

14:47 It is the give-and-take principle. It is the give-and-take principle.

14:52 You have to give others peace, then you will find peace from others. You have to give others peace, then you will find peace from others.

14:57 In this world, this culture In this world, this culture

15:02 is the universal culture. is the universal culture.

15:10 And I would say that Muslims have so many things to provide for their countrymen. And I would say that Muslims have so many things to provide for their countrymen.

15:17 For example, the Prophet of Islam, Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, was the Prophet of Peace. For example, the Prophet of Islam, Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, was the Prophet of Peace.

15:25 I published a book, and this is the title of this book: I published a book, and this is the title of this book:

15:32 Prophet of Peace. Prophet of Peace.

15:39 So, the Prophet of Islam has so many items to provide others as items of peace. So, the Prophet of Islam has so many items to provide others as items of peace.

15:45 The whole life of the Prophet was a life of peace. The whole life of the Prophet was a life of peace.

15:51 He always managed things peacefully. He always managed things peacefully.

15:57 I think that one I think that one

16:03 contribution of the Prophet of Islam is that if there is a problem, don't go to fighting but try to manage it. If there is a problem, if you are facing some violence, then don't react. No, but try to manage it. Better contribution of the Prophet of Islam is that if there is a problem, don't go to fighting but try to manage it. If there is a problem, if you are facing some violence, then don't react. No, but try to manage it. Better

16:33 to manage it rather than to confront it. to manage it rather than to confront it.

16:40 And the Prophet of Islam is a very good model for this purpose. And the Prophet of Islam is a very good model for this purpose.

16:46 You know, the Prophet of Islam was born in a tribal culture in Arabia. You know, the Prophet of Islam was born in a tribal culture in Arabia.

16:53 He started his mission in 610 A.D. He started his mission in 610 A.D.

17:00 At that time, At that time,

17:06 Arabia was a tribal culture, and tribal culture was based on violence. Violence. Arabia was a tribal culture, and tribal culture was based on violence. Violence.

17:12 Everywhere there is violence. Everywhere there is violence.

17:19 They don't know anything except swords. They don't know anything except swords.

17:25 But the Prophet successfully managed all the problems. But the Prophet successfully managed all the problems.

17:31 One historian has rightly pointed out that the revolution brought out One historian hasrightly pointed out that the revolution brought out

17:37 by the Prophet of Islam was a bulletless revolution. Bulletless revolution. by the Prophet of Islam was a bulletless revolution. Bulletless revolution.

17:47 And it was the basic quality of the Prophet was that he always tried to manage the problems And it was the basic quality of the Prophet was that he always tried to manage the problems

17:58 rather than to confront the problem. rather than to confront the problem.

18:08 His wife, Aisha, says about his policy that "Ma khujra Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam ban amraan illaqtara israahuma." It means that whenever the Prophet had to choose between the two, he always opted for the easier option rather than the harder option. And what is the His wife, Aisha, says about his policy that "Ma khujra Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam ban amraan illaqtara israahuma." It means that whenever the Prophet had to choose between the two, he always opted for the easier option rather than the harder option. And what is the

18:38 easier option? easier option?

18:42 There is peace. There is peace.

18:47 So, the harder option was violence, and the easier option was peace. So, the harder option was violence, and the easier option was peace.

18:51 So, the Prophet of Islam always opted for peace. So, the Prophet of Islam always opted for peace.

18:55 He never engaged in violence or war. He never engaged in violence or war.

19:00 It is said that the Prophet of Islam engaged in some war, but it is not correct. It is said that the Prophet of Islam engaged in some war, but it is not correct.

19:04 It is true that the other party It is true that the other party

19:09 tried to engage him in war, but he was able to manage those occasions, and he was able tried to engage him in war, but he was able to manage those occasions, and he was able

19:16 to reduce it as scarcities. to reduce it as scarcities.

19:24 So, all those wars that are attributed to the Prophet were scarcities, where scarcities are not war in So, all those wars that are attributed to the Prophet were scarcities, where scarcities are not war in

19:32 two senses of the word. two senses of the word.

19:39 So, this is the message of the Prophet of Islam. This is the message of the religion of Islam, and I study Islam a lot. I studied so many books on Islam and Sirah and the Prophet. I can say with certainty that Islam is the religion of pe So, this is the message of the Prophet of Islam. This is the message of the religion of Islam, and I study Islam a lot. I studied so many books on Islam and Sirah and the Prophet. I can say with certainty that Islam is the religion of pe

20:09 ace in the complete sense of the word. ace in the complete sense of the word.

20:17 And the spirit of Islam is peace, and also Islam acknowledges others in this regard. And the spirit of Islam is peace, and also Islam acknowledges others in this regard.

20:24 For example, Islam has acknowledged the Christian community that the Christian community is a peaceful community. For example, Islam has acknowledged the Christian community that the Christian community is a peaceful community.

20:32 It is mentioned in the Quran. It is mentioned in the Quran.

20:40 So, we are here in India and have established a Centre for Peace and Spirituality. So, we are here in India and have established a Centre for Peace and Spirituality.

20:47 You know, peace and spirituality are only two facets of a single kind. You know, peace and spirituality are only two facets of a single kind.

20:55 Two facets of a single kind. Two facets of a single kind.

21:03 The inner content of peace is spirituality, and the external expression of The inner content of peace is spirituality, and the external expression of

21:10 spirituality is peace. So, both are two facets of a single kind, and we are working for this mission. By the grace of God, we have established, we have found so many helpers, so many colleagues, so many people not spirituality is peace. So, both are two facets of a single kind, and we are working for this mission. By the grace of God, we have established, we have found so many helpers, so many colleagues, so many people not

21:40 only in India but in other countries also. only in India but in other countries also.

21:51 And by the help of these friends and these helpers, we are doing for peace and spirituality since long. And by the help of these friends and these helpers, we are doing for peace and spirituality since long.

22:01 So, I pray God for you. So, I pray God for you.

22:11 For you, you came here, and you have blessed us for your presence here in this program. For you, you came here, and you have blessed us for your presence here in this program.

22:17 So, I welcome you. So, I welcome you.

22:23 I pray you. I pray you.

22:30 I believe that I would say that may God bless you. I believe that I would say that may God bless you.

22:36 May God help you realize this noble cause. May God help you realize this noble cause.

22:42 Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

22:49 So, we will be starting with the question-answer session now. So, we will be starting with the question-answer session now.

22:57 Online viewers can send in their questions at info@cps.org, or they can also post their comments or questions Online viewers can send in their questions at info@cps.org, or they can also post their comments or questions

23:04 in the comment section of Face in the comment section of Face

23:12 book. Maulana, first we will start with a couple of comments that have come. So, one comment that has come from Dr. Safina Tabassoum. She wrote that "Peace, the price of peace is giving spirit." Thank you, Maulana. Mohammad Irfan has written, "Need of the R is to shun the negative thinking and book. Maulana, first we will start with a couple of comments that have come. So, one comment that has come from Dr. Safina Tabassoum. She wrote that "Peace, the price of peace is giving spirit." Thank you, Maulana. Mohammad Irfan has written, "Need of the R is to shun the negative thinking and

23:42 work together for peace." Sabina Ansari has wrote, "You are right, Maulana Saab. work together for peace." Sabina Ansari has wrote, "You areright, Maulana Saab.

23:53 Allah says in Quran, 'Asuluk hair.' Peace is the best." Another comment has come from Naqeem, "It's nice Allah says in Quran, 'Asuluk hair.' Peace is the best." Another comment has come from Naqeem, "It's nice

24:04 to see you, Maulana." Now we will start with the question-answer. to see you, Maulana." Now we will start with the question-answer.

24:15 Maulana, this first question has come from Mr. Maulana, this first question has come from Mr.

24:22 Amir Mori, and he has written, "Maulana, a lot of Muslims lead to talk a lot about Aqeeda Amir Mori, and he has written, "Maulana, a lot of Muslims lead to talk a lot about Aqeeda

24:30 these days, and sometimes it becomes the source of conflict between believers, and if it goes to such these days, and sometimes it becomes the source of conflict between believers, and if it goes to such

24:38 an extent that people take the position of Almighty an extent that people take the position of Almighty

24:45 by calling some personright and others wrong. by calling some personright and others wrong.

24:55 Kindly guide us what Aqeeda really is and which aspect of Deen comes under Aqeeda." These people are Kindly guide us what Aqeeda really is and which aspect of Deen comes under Aqeeda." These people are

25:05 a case of Gulu, that is extremism. Gulu a case of Gulu, that is extremism. Gulu

25:16 is very common to all communities. is very common to all communities.

25:22 Aqeeda is very important, but Aqeeda is a personal matter. Aqeeda is very important, but Aqeeda is a personal matter.

25:28 It is your personal choice. It is your personal choice.

25:34 But when you become extremist, you start fighting. But when you become extremist, you start fighting.

25:40 You are issuing fatwas that I am a true believer, and you are not You are issuing fatwas that I am a true believer, and you are not

25:46 . .

25:53 So, Aqeeda is good in the sense that it is a personal choice, but when you try to So, Aqeeda is good in the sense that it is a personal choice, but when you try to

26:01 change others, when you try to issue fatwas against others, then it becomes Gulu and extremism, and that change others, when you try to issue fatwas against others, then it becomes Gulu and extremism, and that

26:08 is not allowed in Islam. is not allowed in Islam.

26:16 There is a Hadith, "Iyyakum bal Gulu fi Deen." There is a Hadith, "Iyyakum bal Gulu fi Deen."

26:23 So, Aqeeda is good, but Gulu is not. So, Aqeeda is good, but Gulu is not.

26:27 So, the case of these people is not a case of Aqeeda. So, the case of these people is not a case of Aqeeda.

26:32 It is a case of Gulu. It is a case of Gulu.

26:36 Gulu means extremism. Gulu means extremism.

26:40 Maulana, the next question has come from Ms. Maulana, the next question has come from Ms.

26:45 Hayden, and they have Amir. Hayden, and they have Amir.

26:49 The question is, "How do you think we can convince Muslims The question is, "How do you think we can convince Muslims

26:53 who commit acts of violence to choose the peaceful path?" How do you think we can convince Muslims who commit acts of violence to choose the peaceful path?" How do you think we can convince Muslims

27:01 who commit acts of violence to choose the peaceful path? who commit acts of violence to choose the peaceful path?

27:09 Yes, it is a good question. Yes, it is a good question.

27:17 According to my experience, the case of these Muslims is a case of unawareness According to my experience, the case of these Muslims is a case of unawareness

27:24 .

27:30 These people are quite unaware of the true teaching of Islam. These people are quite unaware of the true teaching of Islam.

27:36 True teachings of Islam are based on peace and love and compassion, but these people are misguided people. Misguided. True teachings of Islam are based on peace and love and compassion, but these people are misguided people. Misguided.

27:42 So, they are unaware of the true spirit of Islam. So, they are unaware of the true spirit of Islam.

27:48 We are trying to change this mentality, and there are so many people who We are trying to change this mentality, and there are so many people who

27:54 have changed their mind. have changed their mind.

28:02 Inshallah, when we will make them aware of this fact, they will change their mind, and they will Inshallah, when we will make them aware of this fact, they will change their mind, and they will

28:10 opt for peace, Inshallah. opt for peace, Inshallah.

28:18 Maulana, the next question has come from Mr. John. He wrote, Maulana, the next question has come from Mr. John. He wrote,

28:26 "We who have education and work in institutes of peace happily accept what you teach. "We who have education and work in institutes of peace happily accept what you teach.

28:36 How do ordinary people in small communities overcome division and build peace?" That process has already begun. How do ordinary people in small communities overcome division and build peace?" That process has already begun.

28:46 We are trying to spread our message to all people, all people, not only We are trying to spread our message to all people, all people, not only

28:56 some selective people. some selective people.

29:02 And I can say with the good news that so many people are accepting our concept because we And I can say with the good news that so many people are accepting our concept because we

29:08 always refer to the Quran. always refer to the Quran.

29:14 We always refer to the Sunnah of the Prophet. We always refer to the Sunnah of the Prophet.

29:20 And Quran and Sunnah, if you read Quran and Sunnah without any preoccup And Quran and Sunnah, if you read Quran and Sunnah without any preoccup

29:26 ation, you will find that Quran and Sunnah are totally based on peace. ation, you will find that Quran and Sunnah are totally based on peace.

29:34 So, these people are misguided people. So, these people are misguided people.

29:42 We try to give them theright guidance, and I could say that these people are changing their mind, We try to give them theright guidance, and I could say that these people are changing their mind,

29:50 and they are accepting the true concept of Islam, Inshallah. and they are accepting the true concept of Islam, Inshallah.

29:58 Next question from Erin. Next question from Erin.

30:03 "Thank you for speaking with us today. "Thank you for speaking with us today.

30:08 Within your vision of Islam, what is the role of women in constructing peace in India now?" It Within your vision of Islam, what is the role of women in constructing peace in India now?" It

30:13 is a very good question. is a very good question.

30:18 I would like to refer to one Hadith. I would like to refer to one Hadith.

30:23 Hadith means saying of the Proph Hadith means saying of the Proph

30:28 et of Islam. The Prophet of Islam said in this regard that, "Innamun nisao shakaaiku rajal." This Hadith, there is a saying of the Prophet. He said, "Innamun nisao shakaaiku rajal." It means that men and women are two equal halves of a single un et of Islam. The Prophet of Islam said in this regard that, "Innamun nisao shakaaiku rajal." This Hadith, there is a saying of the Prophet. He said, "Innamun nisao shakaaiku rajal." It means that men and women are two equal halves of a single un

30:58 it. it.

31:07 Men and women are two equal halves of a single unit. Men and women are two equal halves of a single unit.

31:15 This is the best expression of the equalright of men. This is the best expression of the equalright of men.

31:24 Men and women both are equal rights in Islam, and this Hadith is very clear in this regard. Men and women both are equal rights in Islam, and this Hadith is very clear in this regard.

31:32 Maulana, the next question is from Jaini. Maulana, the next question is from Jaini.

31:42 "Can you tell us about Umma and its role in creating communal widespread peace?" Umma means community. Community. "Can you tell us about Umma and its role in creating communal widespread peace?" Umma means community. Community.

31:52 Muslim Umma means Muslim community. So, true Muslim Umma means Muslim community. So, true

32:02 Umma is one who believes in peace and tries to attain its goal by the way of peace. Umma is one who believes in peace and tries to attain its goal by the way of peace.

32:13 If some people are engaged in violence, that is not due to the teaching of Islam. If some people are engaged in violence, that is not due to the teaching of Islam.

32:23 It is due to deviation. These people It is due to deviation. These people

32:33 are misguided. are misguided.

32:38 They have adopted some wrong concepts of Islam. They have adopted some wrong concepts of Islam.

32:43 As I referred already, "Wal-law yadu wal-ad-dar islam." God calls to the home of peace. As I referred already, "Wal-law yadu wal-ad-dar islam." God calls to the home of peace.

32:48 Very clear teaching. Very clear teaching.

32:53 God calls to the home of peace. God calls to the home of peace.

32:58 It means that the home of peace, that is peaceful society, is the best society, It means that the home of peace, that is peaceful society, is the best society,

33:03 and everyone must try to become aright member of this society. and everyone must try to become aright member of this society.

33:11 So, peaceful society, the Islamic society, and peaceful men and women are true members of this society. So, peaceful society, the Islamic society, and peaceful men and women are true members of this society.

33:19 "Wal-law yadu wal-ad-dar islam." And God calls to the home of peace. "Wal-law yadu wal-ad-dar islam." And God calls to the home of peace.

33:26 Maulana, previous jo question tha, usmein Er Maulana, previous जो question था, उसमें Er

33:34 in ne specifically ek cheez yeh bhi poochni thi, "What is the role of women in constructing peace in ने specifically एक चीज यह भी पूछी थी, "What is the role of women in constructing peace

33:39 in India now?" So, India ke reference se Maulana kuch. in India now?" So, India के reference से Maulana कुछ.

33:44 Here you see there are so many women working with us. Here you see there are so many women working with us.

33:49 It is a good example. It is a good example.

33:54 We are doing to establish peace in this country, and there are so many women with us. We are doing to establish peace in this country, and there are so many women with us.

33:59 Some of those women are Some of those women are

34:04 here. here.

34:10 So, it is a practical example that women are with us, and women are trying to establish peace So, it is a practical example that women are with us, and women are trying to establish peace

34:16 in this country, and you can... in this country, and you can...

34:22 It is good news for you, especially about India. It is good news for you, especially about India.

34:29 Maulana, this question has been asked by Mr. Vikrant Dagger. Maulana, this question has been asked by Mr. Vikrant Dagger.

34:35 He has written, "An aspect of today's age is complete freedom of expression. He has written, "An aspect of today's age is complete freedom of expression.

34:41 Muslims often object to this and say that there should be restrictions to use abusive language towards Islam Muslims often object to this and say that there should be restrictions to use abusive language towards Islam

34:47 and their Prophet. and their Prophet.

34:53 What is your opinion on this?" I believe in total freedom. What is your opinion on this?" I believe in total freedom.

34:59 No restriction at all, except one, No restriction at all, except one,

35:05 that is you have to avoid violence. If you are peaceful, then you can enjoy total freedom in Islam. If someone misuses his freedom, then it means that you have a good chance to take advantage, to make them aware about the true that is you have to avoid violence. If you are peaceful, then you can enjoy total freedom in Islam. If someone misuses his freedom, then it means that you have a good chance to take advantage, to make them aware about the true

35:35 spirit of Islam. spirit of Islam.

35:43 So, if there are differences, that is that one invites dialogue, and dialogue is the only way to intellectual development. So, if there are differences, that is that one invites dialogue, and dialogue is the only way to intellectual development.

35:50 I am not afraid that if some people misuse freedom, I take always that it gives us a I am not afraid that if some people misuse freedom, I take always that it gives us a

35:58 chance to provide Islam, to provide the chance to provide Islam, to provide the

36:05 true face of Islam. true face of Islam.

36:10 So, misuse of freedom is not a problem. So, misuse of freedom is not a problem.

36:15 It is an advantage for us. It is an advantage for us.

36:20 Maulana, the next question has come from Mr. Faraz Khan. Maulana, the next question has come from Mr. Faraz Khan.

36:25 He has asked, "What should be the principle of doing dialogue between different religious groups?" Only one principle, He has asked, "What should be the principle of doing dialogue between different religious groups?" Only one principle,

36:30 that is enter in dialogue with the that is enter in dialogue with the

36:35 spirit of mutual learning, not as a debater, not as a debater, but as a dialogueur. spirit of mutual learning, not as a debater, not as a debater, but as a dialogueur.

36:45 There is a great difference between a dialogueur and a debater. There is a great difference between a dialogueur and a debater.

36:55 So, Islam promotes dialogue in this sense that dialogue provides us an opportunity for So, Islam promotes dialogue in this sense that dialogue provides us an opportunity for

37:06 mutual learning, mutual learning. mutual learning, mutual learning.

37:14 If you are a seeker, if you are eager to learn more and more, then dialogue is very If you are a seeker, if you are eager to learn more and more, then dialogue is very

37:22 good, and anyone who misuses his freedom, he provides a good chance for you to engage in dialogue good, and anyone who misuses his freedom, he provides a good chance for you to engage in dialogue

37:30 with those people. with those people.

37:38 Maulana, this question has come from Dar Firdous, and the question is, "Maulana, if a Muslim community is Maulana, this question has come from Dar Firdous, and the question is, "Maulana, if a Muslim community is

37:43 subjugated by any other faith, then what should a Muslim community do?" I do not believe in this subjugated by any other faith, then what should a Muslim community do?" I do not believe in this

37:48 kind of concept. kind of concept.

37:53 Everyone is a peace lover. Everyone is a peace lover.

37:58 No one is a zalim. No one is a ظالم.

38:03 No one is an oppressor. No one is an oppressor.

38:08 Everyone is a peace lover. Everyone is a peace lover.

38:15 But when you are living in society, there are differences. But when you are living in society, there are differences.

38:21 Sometimes differences become a problem, but you have to try to manage the differences. Sometimes differences become a problem, but you have to try to manage the differences.

38:27 Learn the art of different management. Learn the art of different management.

38:34 I am a firm believer that man I am a firm believer that man

38:40 agement can solve all the problems. By management, you can avoid all those so-called zalmana fighting. I believe that everyone is born created by God Almighty. No one was created by Satan. So, everyone is a peace lover by birth. So, try agement can solve all the problems. By management, you can avoid all those so-called ظلمان fighting. I believe that everyone is born created by God Almighty. No one was created by Satan. So, everyone is a peace lover by birth. So, try

39:10 to discover that nature and avail that nature, and then there is no violence, no injustice. to discover that nature and avail that nature, and then there is no violence, no injustice.

39:16 Maulana, this question has come from Sabina Ali, and she has written, "Maulana, I have often observed that Maulana, this question has come from Sabina Ali, and she has written, "Maulana, I have often observed that

39:22 Muslims are very traditional in thought. Muslims are very traditional in thought.

39:28 The scientific approach does not address their mind. The scientific approach does not address their mind.

39:34 They shirk thes They shirk thes

39:40 e, and their main focus is Namaz, Roza, Hajj, and Zakat, which is form-based and lacking in spirit. e, and their main focus is Namaz, Roza, Hajj, and Zakat, which is form-based and lacking in spirit.

39:48 Please guide us." You areright, but not for all. Please guide us." You areright, but not for all.

39:55 There are so many people who were educated in modern institutions, and they are very bright thinkers. There are so many people who were educated in modern institutions, and they are very bright thinkers.

40:03 They are liberal. They are liberal.

40:10 They are scientific thinkers. They are scientific thinkers.

40:17 So, we are trying to make people aware of this fact. So, we are trying to make people aware of this fact.

40:23 We are trying to bring about scientific thinking, scientific mind. We are trying to bring about scientific thinking, scientific mind.

40:29 And I can say that there are so many people who have changed their mind, and now they And I can say that there are so many people who have changed their mind, and now they

40:36 are scientific thinkers rather than traditional thinkers. are scientific thinkers rather than traditional thinkers.

40:42 Maulana, this question has come from Iqbal Umri from Chennai. Maulana, this question has come from Iqbal Umri from Chennai.

40:52 He has written, "Is material interest or religious interest demolish peace and harmony?" I do not believe what He has written, "Is material interest or religious interest demolish peace and harmony?" I do not believe what

41:03 demolishes the peace and harmony is Gulu, extremism. demolishes the peace and harmony is Gulu, extremism.

41:13 Nothing is wrong except Gulu. If you believe, if your belief is different and my belief is different, so we have to take you as an intellectual partner. If there are differences, make the other person as your intellectual partner. Establish discussion, interaction. It is G Nothing is wrong except Gulu. If you believe, if your belief is different and my belief is different, so we have to take you as an intellectual partner. If there are differences, make the other person as your intellectual partner. Establish discussion, interaction. It is G

41:43 ulu or extremism that creates the problem and not the difference. ulu or extremism that creates the problem and not the difference.

41:50 I will repeat that difference itself is not the problem, but Gulu is the problem. I will repeat that difference itself is not the problem, but Gulu is the problem.

41:57 There is a good saying in English that if everyone thinks alike, no one thinks very much. There is a good saying in English that if everyone thinks alike, no one thinks very much.

42:04 So, difference is good. So, difference is good.

42:10 Extremism is bad. Extremism is bad.

42:17 Maulana, in the end, there is one comment from Mr. Sajid Anwar from Mumbai. He has written, "Maulana, today only I knew that the price of peace is giving spirit." That is very true. Jazak Allah. So, we will end this session now. Mashallah. Maulana, in the end, there is one comment from Mr. Sajid Anwar from Mumbai. He has written, "Maulana, today only I knew that the price of peace is giving spirit." That is very true. Jazak Allah. So, we will end this session now. Mashallah.

Peace and Interfaith Harmony | July 16, 2017 | Maulana Wahiduddin Khan