Name: In Search for Truth 18 May 2007 — Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Uploaded: 2007-01-01
Duration: 59 min 21 s
Channel: Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Description: Read the full transcript of “In Search for Truth 18 May 2007”, a lecture by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, with timestamps. Covers: In Search for Truth - Introduction.

0:10 bismillah rahman rahim, wa salla Allahu ala nabiyyi al-karim. Rabb ishrah li sadri, wa yassir li amri, wahluqdatan min lisani, yafqahu qawli. بسم اللہ الرحمن الرحیم، وصلی اللہ علی النبی الکریم۔ رب اشرح لی صدری، ویسر لی امری، واحل العقدۃ من لسانی، یفقہ قولی۔

0:31 The topic for this day is "In Search for Truth." The topic for this day is "In Search for Truth."

0:45 I think it is a very important topic because everyone is obsessed with this question. I think it is a very important topic because everyone is obsessed with this question.

0:58 According to anthropological studies, everyone is a seeker by birth. According to anthropological studies, everyone is a seeker by birth.

1:14 Seeking spirit is interwoven in every human being, men and women both. Seeking spirit is interwoven in every human being, men and women both.

1:28 Everyone who finds himself in this world, he always tries to know, "Who am I?" Everyone who finds himself in this world, he always tries to know, "Who am I?

1:44 Why am I here in this world? What is the purpose of my life? What is life? Why am I here in this world? What is the purpose of my life? What is life?

1:54 What is What is

1:55 death?" All these questions are death?" All these questions are

2:05 everybody's question. everybody's question.

2:11 Apparently, you see that people are engaged in some other things like money. Everyone is running after money. Apparently, you see that people are engaged in some other things like money. Everyone is running after money.

2:22 But I don't think that money is there. Money is the answer to their question. Money or political power or fame, But I don't think that money is there. Money is the answer to their question. Money or political power or fame,

2:38 all these things are all these things are

2:44 obviously people's targets. But I don't think that they have adopted these things as the answer to their question. obviously people's targets. But I don't think that they have adopted these things as the answer to their question.

3:03 They have only associated their inner feeling to these things. They have only associated their inner feeling to these things.

3:14 But after some time, they feel that these things are not the true answer to their question. But after some time, they feel that these things are not the true answer to their question.

3:27 No amount of money, no amount of fame, no amount of power gives them satisfaction. No amount of money, no amount of fame, no amount of power gives them satisfaction.

3:43 It is a fact that everyone, all those achievers and super achievers, died in despair. It is a fact that everyone, all those achievers and super achievers, died in despair.

4:02 No one was able to No one was able to

4:07 say that, "I attained what I wanted to attain." No. say that, "I attained what I wanted to attain." No.

4:19 Although we find several, although we find so many people who were able to achieve success in terms of money, in terms of political power, Although we find several, although we find so many people who were able to achieve success in terms of money, in terms of political power,

4:35 in terms of fame, in terms of big buildings, but no one was able to see, in terms of fame, in terms of big buildings, but no one was able to see,

4:48 no one was able to say that, "I am a successful person no one was able to say that, "I am a successful person

4:58 . I attained all those things which I wanted to attain." No. So everyone dies in despair, in frustration. . I attained all those things which I wanted to attain." No. So everyone dies in despair, in frustration.

5:12 Everyone lives in dissatisfaction, and then he dies in despair. This is the fate of every men and women. Everyone lives in dissatisfaction, and then he dies in despair. This is the fate of every men and women.

5:27 Why? Why?

5:28 Because the real answer was Truth, THE Truth with the capital T. But they failed to find THE Truth. Because the real answer was Truth, THE Truth with the capital T. But they failed to find THE Truth.

5:47 What they found was a reduced form of reduced, not THE Truth. What they found was a reduced form of reduced, not THE Truth.

5:56 Now, Now,

6:00 let us take the issue in detail. You know, let us take the issue in detail. You know,

6:14 there are some, there are many, many philosophers who there are some, there are many, many philosophers who

6:22 were engaged in this issue. Philosophy, what is philosophy? Philosophy is the pursuit to find the Truth were engaged in this issue. Philosophy, what is philosophy? Philosophy is the pursuit to find the Truth

6:33 . The pursuit of Truth is the subject of philosophy. So thousands and thousands of people engaged themselves in philosophy to attain THE Truth, but all the philosophers failed. . The pursuit of Truth is the subject of philosophy. So thousands and thousands of people engaged themselves in philosophy to attain THE Truth, but all the philosophers failed.

7:00 For example, Aristotle and Plato and Socrates were great philosophers of Greece, but every one of them died in despair. For example, Aristotle and Plato and Socrates were great philosophers of Greece, but every one of them died in despair.

7:21 So what is the fate of all other philosophers? So what is the fate of all other philosophers?

7:29 So when a seeker tries to find the answer from philosophy, he fails So when a seeker tries to find the answer from philosophy, he fails

7:41 because philosophy is a pursuit, but philosophy is not a finding. because philosophy is a pursuit, but philosophy is not a finding.

7:51 You know, even the philosophers were not able to say that, "I found myself." It is a great question among philosophers. You know, even the philosophers were not able to say that, "I found myself." It is a great question among philosophers.

8:07 Why the existence of myself Why the existence of myself

8:11 ? How can I say that I exist? Philosophers were unable to provide the answer to this question. ? How can I say that I exist? Philosophers were unable to provide the answer to this question.

8:23 There is a well-known philosopher, Descartes, who said, "I think, therefore I exist." There is a well-known philosopher, Descartes, who said, "I think, therefore I exist."

8:37 But other philosophers rejected But other philosophers rejected

8:42 this dictum. They said that it is a subjective statement. this dictum. They said that it is a subjective statement.

8:54 When you say that, "I think, therefore I exist," it is your own perception, your inner perception. When you say that, "I think, therefore I exist," it is your own perception, your inner perception.

9:06 It is a subjective argument. And a subjective argument is not enough to prove your existence It is a subjective argument. And a subjective argument is not enough to prove your existence

9:18 . You have to provide . You have to provide

9:23 an argument which is demonstratable. So no philosopher was able to give the an argument which is demonstratable. So no philosopher was able to give the

9:39 reason. No philosopher was able to give the answer of the simplest question. reason. No philosopher was able to give the answer of the simplest question.

9:51 So all the philosophers were a case of failure. So all the philosophers were a case of failure.

10:00 I I

10:03 read a book that is "Life of Bertrand Russell." It was written by his friend. read a book that is "Life of Bertrand Russell." It was written by his friend.

10:13 So in this book, his friend says that Bertrand Russell was a philosopher of no philosophy. So in this book, his friend says that Bertrand Russell was a philosopher of no philosophy.

10:25 But I can say that this statement is true for all other philosophers. This statement is true for the other philosophers also. But I can say that this statement is true for all other philosophers. This statement is true for the other philosophers also.

10:39 No philosopher of history was philosopher. All the philosophers of history were philosophers of no philosophy. No philosopher of history was philosopher. All the philosophers of history were philosophers of no philosophy.

10:52 Why? Because there is no agreement. There was no agreement among philosophers. Why? Because there is no agreement. There was no agreement among philosophers.

11:01 No one was able to formulate a principle that may be agreeable to all other philosophers. No one was able to formulate a principle that may be agreeable to all other philosophers.

11:14 So everyone was a case of failure. So everyone was a case of failure.

11:23 Man requires an answer to this question which is agreeable to all other people, but philosophers failed to provide such an answer. Man requires an answer to this question which is agreeable to all other people, but philosophers failed to provide such an answer.

11:42 So one who is a seeker, one who wants to know what is Truth, he So one who is a seeker, one who wants to know what is Truth, he

11:54 begins his study from philosophy. But after a long study, he fails to find the answer. begins his study from philosophy. But after a long study, he fails to find the answer.

12:07 He finds that no philosopher was able to give him the answer to his question. He finds that no philosopher was able to give him the answer to his question.

12:20 There is a There is a

12:22 line of a Persian poet, line of a Persian poet,

12:28 "Falsafi Sirri Haqiqat "Falsafi Sirri Haqiqat

12:32 Nata Wanist Kushud." Nata Wanist Kushud."

12:51 No philosopher was able to open the secret of life. So it is correct to all the philosophers. No philosopher was able to open the secret of life. So it is correct to all the philosophers.

13:12 Then one who is a seeker and tries to know the answer to his question, after philosophy, he wants to Then one who is a seeker and tries to know the answer to his question, after philosophy, he wants to

13:30 go to further study. So he adopts science. go to further study. So he adopts science.

13:36 After philosophy, he adopts science for his further studies. So he starts studying scientific disciplines. After philosophy, he adopts science for his further studies. So he starts studying scientific disciplines.

13:49 But here also he achieves nothing but despair because science itself But here also he achieves nothing but despair because science itself

14:05 confesses that science gives us but a partial knowledge of reality. Science deals, for example, let us take flower. confesses that science gives us but a partial knowledge of reality. Science deals, for example, let us take flower.

14:20 Flower has two aspects. One, its chemistry, and the second, its fragrance. Flower has two aspects. One, its chemistry, and the second, its fragrance.

14:30 Chemistry and fragrance. So science can deal with the chemistry of flowers. Science can deal with the chemistry of flowers. Chemistry and fragrance. So science can deal with the chemistry of flowers. Science can deal with the chemistry of flowers.

14:44 But science cannot deal with the fragrance of the flowers. But science cannot deal with the fragrance of the flowers.

14:52 About the chemistry of flowers, science has some answers. But about the fragrance of flowers, science has no answer. About the chemistry of flowers, science has some answers. But about the fragrance of flowers, science has no answer.

15:06 So it is accepted, it is generally accepted that science gives us but a partial knowledge of reality. So one seeker who tries to know his answers from science, he again fails. So it is accepted, it is generally accepted that science gives us but a partial knowledge of reality. So one seeker who tries to know his answers from science, he again fails.

15:31 Science itself accepts that it is not able to provide you the answer to this question. Science itself accepts that it is not able to provide you the answer to this question.

15:44 So first of all, he studies philosophy, but he So first of all, he studies philosophy, but he

15:56 fails to find fails to find

16:00 the answer to his questions. Then he tries to, then he studies science, but again he fails to find the answer to his questions. the answer to his questions. Then he tries to, then he studies science, but again he fails to find the answer to his questions.

16:18 Then he Then he

16:26 starts, then he adopts religion. Then he starts reading religion to find his answer. starts, then he adopts religion. Then he starts reading religion to find his answer.

16:40 This is the seeker's third option. In the first stage, the seeker tried to find his answer from philosophy, but he failed. This is the seeker's third option. In the first stage, the seeker tried to find his answer from philosophy, but he failed.

16:53 In the second stage, the seeker tried to In the second stage, the seeker tried to

17:00 find his answers from science, but he failed. Now in the third phase, the seeker takes religion. find his answers from science, but he failed. Now in the third phase, the seeker takes religion.

17:11 But here also But here also

17:15 he fails because all the religions he studies are un—because all the religions he studies are he fails because all the religions he studies are un—because all the religions he studies are

17:36 historically historically

17:40 not authentic. These religions are—first of all, he wants to know the history of religion because religion is a historical phenomenon. not authentic. These religions are—first of all, he wants to know the history of religion because religion is a historical phenomenon.

17:54 All the religions were a phenomenon of history. All the religions were a phenomenon of history.

18:01 So first of all, he wants to know the history of these religions. But he discovers that religions have no authentic history. So first of all, he wants to know the history of these religions. But he discovers that religions have no authentic history.

18:18 All these religions are simply mythology. Even they were not recorded in the history. All these religions are simply mythology. Even they were not recorded in the history.

18:30 They are mentioned in the recorded history. So again he fell into despair. They are mentioned in the recorded history. So again he fell into despair.

18:40 When the religions have no historical credibility, so how can one rely on these religions? When the religions have no historical credibility, so how can one rely on these religions?

18:57 Because all those people who are said to be founders of these religions, they are lost in history. Because all those people who are said to be founders of these religions, they are lost in history.

19:09 There is no history to know about their activities, about their mission. There is no history to know about their activities, about their mission.

19:18 No history at all. No history at all.

19:22 Then those books that are attributed to these founders are not preserved in their original form. Are not preserved in their original form. Then those books that are attributed to these founders are not preserved in their original form. Are not preserved in their original form.

19:40 Let us take Buddha. Buddha, his sayings are not preserved in history. Very few sayings of Buddha are reported in Pali. Let us take Buddha. Buddha, his sayings are not preserved in history. Very few sayings of Buddha are reported in Pali.

19:59 But we do not know the details of Buddha. Only the second generation, only his later disciples wrote about him. But we do not know the details of Buddha. Only the second generation, only his later disciples wrote about him.

20:18 And we have only And we have only

20:23 those writings which were prepared by his disciples. But directly we have, directly we cannot know the details about Buddha. those writings which were prepared by his disciples. But directly we have, directly we cannot know the details about Buddha.

20:37 So what is the case of all the founders of ancient religions So what is the case of all the founders of ancient religions

20:47 ? All are mythology. They have no mention in the recorded history. So the seeker again falls into despair. ? All are mythology. They have no mention in the recorded history. So the seeker again falls into despair.

21:05 Then he starts studying Islam. Then he starts studying Islam.

21:11 His last phase, in the last stage, he starts to study Islam, to understand, to find his questions from the religion of Islam. His last phase, in the last stage, he starts to study Islam, to understand, to find his questions from the religion of Islam.

21:32 Here he is surprised to know that Islam is Here he is surprised to know that Islam is

21:41 a historical phenomenon in the complete sense of the word. Everything in Islam is historical. Nothing is ambiguous. a historical phenomenon in the complete sense of the word. Everything in Islam is historical. Nothing is ambiguous.

21:54 Everything is quite known Everything is quite known

21:56 . Everything is recorded in history. For example, . Everything is recorded in history. For example,

22:07 for example, Muhammad was the founder of Islam. for example, Muhammad was the founder of Islam.

22:14 If you want to know If you want to know

22:18 the name of his father, you can say that Abdullah was the father of Muhammad. We precisely know that Muhammad bin Abdullah bin Abdul Muttalib. the name of his father, you can say that Abdullah was the father of Muhammad. We precisely know that Muhammad bin Abdullah bin Abdul Muttalib.

22:36 Then we precisely know in historical terms Then we precisely know in historical terms

22:44 that Muhammad was born in 570 AD. that Muhammad was born in 570 AD.

22:53 Muhammad was born in Makkah, a city in Arabia. Muhammad declared his prophethood in 610 AD. Muhammad was born in Makkah, a city in Arabia. Muhammad declared his prophethood in 610 AD.

23:09 He started his mission in Makkah. He started his mission in Makkah.

23:15 Some people accepted his religion, his mission Some people accepted his religion, his mission

23:22 . Then he migrated from Makkah to Madinah in 622 AD. He continued his mission in Madinah up to 10 years. . Then he migrated from Makkah to Madinah in 622 AD. He continued his mission in Madinah up to 10 years.

23:36 And he died in Madinah in 632 AD. So here everything is known in historical terms. And he died in Madinah in 632 AD. So here everything is known in historical terms.

23:50 Everything you want to know about Muhammad, you can find Everything you want to know about Muhammad, you can find

23:58 in the books. In the books that is called Sira. in the books. In the books that is called Sira.

24:08 Sira means Life of the Prophet of Islam. Sira means Life of the Prophet of Islam.

24:15 Then there is a vast literature that is called Hadith. Hadith is sayings of the Prophet of Islam. Then there is a vast literature that is called Hadith. Hadith is sayings of the Prophet of Islam.

24:25 So all the sayings of the Prophet of Islam are preserved. So all the sayings of the Prophet of Islam are preserved.

24:33 If you want to know what was his ideas, so you can know his ideas from Hadith literature. If you want to know what was his ideas, so you can know his ideas from Hadith literature.

24:53 Everything is there. Everything is there.

24:58 How was his character? Wh How was his character? Wh

25:06 at was his method of prayer? How he preached his message? at was his method of prayer? How he preached his message?

25:24 Who were his companions? All these things are mentioned in the Book of History. Who were his companions? All these things are mentioned in the Book of History.

25:34 There is History of Islam. There is History of Islam.

25:37 So here nothing is ambiguous. So here nothing is ambiguous.

25:42 Then let us take the Quran. Prophet Muhammad presented the Quran that it was revealed to me by God Almighty. Then let us take the Quran. Prophet Muhammad presented the Quran that it was revealed to me by God Almighty.

26:04 So historically it is established that the present Quran is the same book that was presented by the Prophet of Islam as a revealed book. So historically it is established that the present Quran is the same book that was presented by the Prophet of Islam as a revealed book.

26:21 There is no alteration. There is no alteration in the Quran. There is no interpolation in the Quran. There is no change in the Quran. There is no alteration. There is no alteration in the Quran. There is no interpolation in the Quran. There is no change in the Quran.

26:35 Even its language is also preserved. Even its language is also preserved.

26:40 So the language of the Quran and the text of the Quran are preserved. Even its accent is also preserved. So the language of the Quran and the text of the Quran are preserved. Even its accent is also preserved.

26:52 Its accent, the same accent, the prophetic accent is preserved up to this date. Its accent, the same accent, the prophetic accent is preserved up to this date.

27:05 When you hear the Quran from a Qari, you are hearing the same voice which was uttered by the Prophet and his companions. When you hear the Quran from a Qari, you are hearing the same voice which was uttered by the Prophet and his companions.

27:20 So everything is preserved. So everything is preserved.

27:25 So here the journey of seekers reaches to its end. So here the journey of seekers reaches to its end.

27:35 A true seeker tries to understand by A true seeker tries to understand by

27:48 trying to understand the truth on his own, but he feels that, "I am not able to know the answer to my question. trying to understand the truth on his own, but he feels that, "I am not able to know the answer to my question.

28:04 I am a limited person." Then he tries to find the answer from philosophy, but he fails. I am a limited person." Then he tries to find the answer from philosophy, but he fails.

28:15 Then he tries to find the answer from science, but again he fails. Then he tries to find the answer from other religions, but he again fails. Then he tries to find the answer from science, but again he fails. Then he tries to find the answer from other religions, but he again fails.

28:33 Then in the last, he tries to find his answer from Islam. Then in the last, he tries to find his answer from Islam.

28:39 And here he finds the answer. And here he finds the answer.

28:45 One example of such a person is Dr. Nishikan Chattopadhyay. He was born in a Bengali Hindu family. One example of such a person is Dr. Nishikan Chattopadhyay. He was born in a Bengali Hindu family.

28:57 He was a great scholar. He was a master of several languages like Bengali, Sanskrit, French, German, English, He was a great scholar. He was a master of several languages like Bengali, Sanskrit, French, German, English,

29:14 and perhaps some other languages. Dr. Nishikan Chattopadhyay was a true seeker. and perhaps some other languages. Dr. Nishikan Chattopadhyay was a true seeker.

29:27 He spent his whole life in study. So after a long study, he discovered Islam as the true religion. He spent his whole life in study. So after a long study, he discovered Islam as the true religion.

29:44 He accepted Islam He accepted Islam

29:49 . So he published a book, "Why Have I Accepted Islam?" . So he published a book, "Why Have I Accepted Islam?"

30:01 This book I have published, this book is a chapter of my book, "Islam Rediscovered." "Islam Rediscovered" is one of my books. This book I have published, this book is a chapter of my book, "Islam Rediscovered." "Islam Rediscovered" is one of my books.

30:16 And I have included And I have included

30:22 the thesis of Dr. Nishikan Chattopadhyay as one of his chapters. You can read it in this book. the thesis of Dr. Nishikan Chattopadhyay as one of his chapters. You can read it in this book.

30:35 In this book, he tries to give a description of his long study. It is a very interesting book. In this book, he tries to give a description of his long study. It is a very interesting book.

30:48 In this book, he gives the detail of his study. He started from philosophy, then science, then religion, then spirituality, In this book, he gives the detail of his study. He started from philosophy, then science, then religion, then spirituality,

31:03 everything. everything.

31:07 And in the last, he studied Islam. And in the last, he studied Islam.

31:10 And then he says that, "I found truth here in this religion." So when he discovered Islam as the truth, he says in his book, in his essay, And then he says that, "I found truth here in this religion." So when he discovered Islam as the truth, he says in his book, in his essay,

31:29 that that

31:33 these are his words, "Oh, what a relief to find after all a truly prophet, a truly historical prophet to belie these are his words, "Oh, what a relief to find after all a truly prophet, a truly historical prophet to belie

31:48 ve in. Oh, what a relief to find after all a truly historical prophet to believe in." This was his final finding. ve in. Oh, what a relief to find after all a truly historical prophet to believe in." This was his final finding.

32:04 This book is a very interesting book. You can see this book in my "Islam Rediscovered." So this is the This book is a very interesting book. You can see this book in my "Islam Rediscovered." So this is the

32:24 journey of a true seeker. journey of a true seeker.

32:30 Everyone is a seeker by birth Everyone is a seeker by birth

32:35 . But there are some people, there are few people who were so keen in this pursuit and followed the path of seeking like Dr. . But there are some people, there are few people who were so keen in this pursuit and followed the path of seeking like Dr.

32:53 Nishikan Chattopadhyay. Nishikan Chattopadhyay.

33:00 So I can say that it is a very serious question, a very, very serious question. So I can say that it is a very serious question, a very, very serious question.

33:15 We are here, but we do not know why we are here. So without knowing the answer to this question, We are here, but we do not know why we are here. So without knowing the answer to this question,

33:29 how can we plan our life in a correct way? how can we plan our life in a correct way?

33:35 So it is the most important So it is the most important

33:44 question for everyone. We have to find out the truth so that we may be able to plan our life in a correct manner. question for everyone. We have to find out the truth so that we may be able to plan our life in a correct manner.

34:04 We must know the Creation Plan of God We must know the Creation Plan of God

34:11 . We are not the creator of this world. We are not the creator of this world. So we have to know who is the creator, what was the purpose of this creation, . We are not the creator of this world. We are not the creator of this world. So we have to know who is the creator, what was the purpose of this creation,

34:26 what was the plan of the Creator by creating this world. what was the plan of the Creator by creating this world.

34:35 So without knowing the Creation Plan of God, we cannot So without knowing the Creation Plan of God, we cannot

34:46 plan our life in a successful manner. Then there is the question of life and death plan our life in a successful manner. Then there is the question of life and death

35:01 . Everyone knows that here we are only for a temporary period, 50 years, 60 years, 70 years. . Everyone knows that here we are only for a temporary period, 50 years, 60 years, 70 years.

35:15 That is all. So everyone asks, everyone wants to know, what is after death? That is all. So everyone asks, everyone wants to know, what is after death?

35:27 We have to know We have to know

35:31 the purpose of life in the pre-death period. Also, we have to know the final result the purpose of life in the pre-death period. Also, we have to know the final result

35:46 of our life in the post-death period. of our life in the post-death period.

35:52 Without knowing Without knowing

35:58 these questions, we cannot do anything. We cannot discover the purpose of our life, the direction of our life, the goal of our life, the target of our life. these questions, we cannot do anything. We cannot discover the purpose of our life, the direction of our life, the goal of our life, the target of our life.

36:21 We cannot set our goal. So it is important, it is most important to We cannot set our goal. So it is important, it is most important to

36:34 understand these questions. understand these questions.

36:40 It is imperative for everyone, for every human being, for every man and for every woman. It is imperative for everyone, for every human being, for every man and for every woman.

36:51 I can say about myself that although I was born in a Muslim family I can say about myself that although I was born in a Muslim family

37:00 and although I was educated in an Arabic institution, but when I reached the maturity age, I became an agnostic. and although I was educated in an Arabic institution, but when I reached the maturity age, I became an agnostic.

37:21 I wanted to know I wanted to know

37:27 in the light of my reason, what is the truth in the light of my reason, what is the truth

37:32 ? I wanted to discover the truth on a rational basis. ? I wanted to discover the truth on a rational basis.

37:43 So I embarked on a long, long journey. I myself So I embarked on a long, long journey. I myself

37:51 have experienced all these things. I was a Muslim by birth have experienced all these things. I was a Muslim by birth

37:59 . I was educated in a Muslim Arabic institution. But then I became . I was educated in a Muslim Arabic institution. But then I became

38:12 a skeptic or agnostic. For further conviction, for further conviction, I wanted to know Islam in detail. a skeptic or agnostic. For further conviction, for further conviction, I wanted to know Islam in detail.

38:29 So I wanted to judge Islam on my rational—so I wanted to judge Islam on a rational ground. So I wanted to judge Islam on my rational—so I wanted to judge Islam on a rational ground.

38:43 I wanted to judge Islam on the rational ground I wanted to judge Islam on the rational ground

38:47 . So although my case was just like Dr. Nishikan Chattopadhyay, he was a Hindu by—he was a Hindu by birth, then he discovered Islam. . So although my case was just like Dr. Nishikan Chattopadhyay, he was a Hindu by—he was a Hindu by birth, then he discovered Islam.

39:03 And I was a Muslim by birth, then I rediscovered Islam. And I was a Muslim by birth, then I rediscovered Islam.

39:07 So my case and the case of Dr. Nishikan Chattopadhyay were very similar. So my case and the case of Dr. Nishikan Chattopadhyay were very similar.

39:22 Dr. Nishikan Chattopadhyay was a Hindu by birth. Then after a long study, he discovered Islam. Dr. Nishikan Chattopadhyay was a Hindu by birth. Then after a long study, he discovered Islam.

39:35 And I was a Muslim by birth And I was a Muslim by birth

39:37 . Then after a long study, I rediscovered the truth of Islam. This is very interesting. . Then after a long study, I rediscovered the truth of Islam. This is very interesting.

39:49 So my Islam is not a traditional Islam. My Islam is a rational Islam. So my Islam is not a traditional Islam. My Islam is a rational Islam.

39:59 I stand on logic. This logic gives me conviction I stand on logic. This logic gives me conviction

40:06 . So I can say with conviction, I can say with complete conviction that I have discovered Islam as the truth, as the answer to my questions. . So I can say with conviction, I can say with complete conviction that I have discovered Islam as the truth, as the answer to my questions.

40:29 So I invite every man and woman to follow this path So I invite every man and woman to follow this path

40:42 . You know, simply traditional knowledge—simply traditional knowledge cannot give you conviction. . You know, simply traditional knowledge—simply traditional knowledge cannot give you conviction.

40:57 Conviction is the very basic part of religion. Conviction is the very basic part of religion.

41:05 Without conviction, we cannot live on this earth, in this world. Without conviction, we cannot live on this earth, in this world.

41:11 So we need conviction. So only traditional knowledge of religion cannot give you conviction. So we need conviction. So only traditional knowledge of religion cannot give you conviction.

41:24 You have to apply your reason. You have to apply your logic on all those disciplines. You have to apply your reason. You have to apply your logic on all those disciplines.

41:35 You have to study philosophy. You have to study spirituality. You have to study religion. You have to study sciences. You have to study philosophy. You have to study spirituality. You have to study religion. You have to study sciences.

41:46 Then you have to do Islam. You have to study Islam. Then you have to do Islam. You have to study Islam.

41:53 And I believe, I can say with conviction, if you study all these things, And I believe, I can say with conviction, if you study all these things,

42:04 your case will be the same case which was the case of Dr. Nishikan Chattopadhyay and also that was my own case. your case will be the same case which was the case of Dr. Nishikan Chattopadhyay and also that was my own case.

42:16 You will You will

42:21 discover—I can say with conviction that you will discover Islam as a truth, as a divine truth discover—I can say with conviction that you will discover Islam as a truth, as a divine truth

42:33 . So it is a fact that everyone is born with a seeking spirit. . So it is a fact that everyone is born with a seeking spirit.

42:44 Everyone is a seeker by birth. Everyone is a seeker by birth.

42:50 But people But people

42:55 ignore their inner spirit. ignore their inner spirit.

43:00 They try to find satisfaction in money, in worldly things, in business, in jobs, in fame, They try to find satisfaction in money, in worldly things, in business, in jobs, in fame,

43:15 in political power. But all these things are not answered to their question. That question is a very deep-rooted question. in political power. But all these things are not answered to their question. That question is a very deep-rooted question.

43:33 The question of truth is a universal question. You know, man is an explanation-seeking animal. The question of truth is a universal question. You know, man is an explanation-seeking animal.

43:44 It is said that man is an explanation-seeking animal. Man always wants to explain everything. The well-known historical example is that of Newton. It is said that man is an explanation-seeking animal. Man always wants to explain everything. The well-known historical example is that of Newton.

44:00 Newton saw an apple falling from the tree. So he questioned, "Why did the apple Newton saw an apple falling from the tree. So he questioned, "Why did the apple

44:16 come down? Why come down? Why

44:19 ?" So it was a question. It was an inquiry. And then he discovered the ?" So it was a question. It was an inquiry. And then he discovered the

44:28 gravitational pull. So this is the nature of every human being. gravitational pull. So this is the nature of every human being.

44:42 Everyone wants to explain things around him. Everyone wants to explain things around him.

44:49 It is this explanation-seeking spirit that is—and the phenomenon of seeking is also a phenomenon of this. It is this explanation-seeking spirit that is—and the phenomenon of seeking is also a phenomenon of this.

45:03 So the seeking spirit is also a phenomenon of this explanation nature of the human being. So the seeking spirit is also a phenomenon of this explanation nature of the human being.

45:17 So man is born with an explanation-seeking spirit. And it is this spirit that culminates to So man is born with an explanation-seeking spirit. And it is this spirit that culminates to

45:30 seeking the truth. seeking the truth.

45:33 Everyone wants to know what is truth. So this seeking spirit is interwoven in every human being. Everyone wants to know what is truth. So this seeking spirit is interwoven in every human being.

45:45 But it is also a fact that man by his own cannot discover the answer to this question. But it is also a fact that man by his own cannot discover the answer to this question.

45:55 Also, all those disciplines developed by man, like philosophy and science, cannot give an answer to you, cannot provide an answer to these questions. Also, all those disciplines developed by man, like philosophy and science, cannot give an answer to you, cannot provide an answer to these questions.

46:12 Only a prophet can give the answer because a prophet is an inspired person. Only a prophet can give the answer because a prophet is an inspired person.

46:22 Who is a prophet? A prophet received the knowledge of truth from God directly. Who is a prophet? A prophet received the knowledge of truth from God directly.

46:33 So he is the authentic source of truth. So he is the authentic source of truth.

46:40 No philosophy, no scientist, no scholar can say that, "I have discovered truth." You know, there were No philosophy, no scientist, no scholar can say that, "I have discovered truth." You know, there were

46:58 hundreds of scientists who said that, "I discovered this thing or that thing," like Archimedes. hundreds of scientists who said that, "I discovered this thing or that thing," like Archimedes.

47:08 Archimedes was a philosopher, was a Greek philosopher. He discovered the science of hydrostatics. Archimedes was a philosopher, was a Greek philosopher. He discovered the science of hydrostatics.

47:22 Archimedes Archimedes

47:27 was born before Christianity. So Archimedes discovered the was born before Christianity. So Archimedes discovered the

47:38 science of hydrostatics. So when he discovered, he said, "Eureka, eure science of hydrostatics. So when he discovered, he said, "Eureka, eure

47:46 ka! I found, I found." So there are many scientists who were able to say, "Eureka, eureka! ka! I found, I found." So there are many scientists who were able to say, "Eureka, eureka!

47:57 I found, I found." But all these scientists, all these scholars, I found, I found." But all these scientists, all these scholars,

48:07 but what did they find? but what did they find?

48:11 They found only about the—here I would like to refer to that Barton Russell has rightly said that there are two kinds of knowledge, They found only about the—here I would like to refer to that Barton Russell hasrightly said that there are two kinds of knowledge,

48:28 two kinds of knowledge: knowledge of things, knowledge of truth. two kinds of knowledge: knowledge of things, knowledge of truth.

48:37 Knowledge of things, knowledge of truth. Knowledge of things, knowledge of truth.

48:40 So all these scientists were the scientists of things and not scientists of truth. So all these scientists were the scientists of things and not scientists of truth.

48:52 So when they said that, "Eureka, eureka!" they found only some things and not truth. So when they said that, "Eureka, eureka!" they found only some things and not truth.

49:01 You know, there are two different branches of science: physical science and science of truth. You know, there are two different branches of science: physical science and science of truth.

49:12 So what they— So what they—

49:15 there are hundreds and thousands of scientists who discovered something. But all these discoveries pertain to the physical aspects of the universe and not the spiritual aspects of the universe. there are hundreds and thousands of scientists who discovered something. But all these discoveries pertain to the physical aspects of the universe and not the spiritual aspects of the universe.

49:32 So although there were scholars and scientists who claimed that, "Eureka, eureka! So although there were scholars and scientists who claimed that, "Eureka, eureka!

49:40 I found, I found." But as far as the truth is concerned, no one was able to say that, "I found the truth." It is only a prophet. I found, I found." But as far as the truth is concerned, no one was able to say that, "I found the truth." It is only a prophet.

49:55 Only a prophet was able to say that, "I found the truth." Only a prophet was able to say that, "I found the truth."

50:04 If you read the Quran, you will find that in the beginning, the Quran says, "hudan lil muttaqin." This is the book. If you read the Quran, you will find that in the beginning, the Quran says, "هُدًّا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ." This is the book.

50:18 There is no doubt about it. There is no doubt about it.

50:24 This is the book. There is no doubt about it. This is the book of guidance from God. So this kind of claim cannot This is the book. There is no doubt about it. This is the book of guidance from God. So this kind of claim cannot

50:35 —this kind of claim —this kind of claim

50:37 we fail to find we fail to find

50:40 in any scientists or philosophers. in any scientists or philosophers.

50:45 No philosopher, no scientist was able to say regarding truth No philosopher, no scientist was able to say regarding truth

50:52 that, "I found." that, "I found."

50:56 Only prophets were able to say that, "I found the truth." Only prophets were able to say that, "I found the truth."

51:03 So one who is a seeker So one who is a seeker

51:08 must study the prophet's life, prophet's sayings, prophet's mission. must study the prophet's life, prophet's sayings, prophet's mission.

51:16 Here we can find the starting point Here we can find the starting point

51:23 because one who claims that, "I found the truth," he gives you a starting point. Those who never claim that, "We found the truth," they are not giving you a starting point. because one who claims that, "I found the truth," he gives you a starting point. Those who never claim that, "We found the truth," they are not giving you a starting point.

51:40 They are not a point of reference in this regard. They are not a point of reference in this regard.

51:48 So it is very important. It is a very serious matter. Throughout history, only a prophet was able to say like this: "ana al nabiyyu la kadhibun" that, "I have discovered the truth. So it is very important. It is a very serious matter. Throughout history, only a prophet was able to say like this: "أَنَا النَّبِيُّ لَا كَذِبٌ" that, "I have discovered the truth.

52:06 I found the truth." So this claim by a prophet gives us a point of reference, a starting point. I found the truth." So this claim by a prophet gives us a point of reference, a starting point.

52:23 And when we— And when we—

52:28 and if you are serious, if you are sincere in this matter, we have to listen to these voices. and if you are serious, if you are sincere in this matter, we have to listen to these voices.

52:39 And we have to—we have to study. We have to study the Quran, the Hadith, the life of the Prophet of Islam. And we have to—we have to study. We have to study the Quran, the Hadith, the life of the Prophet of Islam.

52:56 So I am sure that everyone who is sincere and who tries to So I am sure that everyone who is sincere and who tries to

53:07 find the answer to his questions, he will find the answer to his questions here, find the answer to his questions, he will find the answer to his questions here,

53:22 as I have found. as I have found.

53:26 I was born in a Muslim family, but my Islam is not by birth. My Islam is a discovery. I was born in a Muslim family, but my Islam is not by birth. My Islam is a discovery.

53:39 You can see the detail of my discovery in my book, "Islam Rediscovered." So Islam is my discovery. You can see the detail of my discovery in my book, "Islam Rediscovered." So Islam is my discovery.

53:50 As I was born in Muslim families, so I said that Islam is my rediscovery. Otherwise, it is my discovery. As I was born in Muslim families, so I said that Islam is my rediscovery. Otherwise, it is my discovery.

54:00 So So

54:04 in search for truth, it is a very important subject. I have read so many books on this subject. in search for truth, it is a very important subject. I have read so many books on this subject.

54:14 But all these books are books of ambiguity. There is nothing except ambiguity. But all these books are books of ambiguity. There is nothing except ambiguity.

54:29 I failed to find clear-cut information in these books. Only the Quran gives us clear-cut information, clear-cut teachings, clear-cut messages. I failed to find clear-cut information in these books. Only the Quran gives us clear-cut information, clear-cut teachings, clear-cut messages.

54:48 I have read so many books on this subject. But all those books were books of ambiguity, books of doubts, books of I have read so many books on this subject. But all those books were books of ambiguity, books of doubts, books of

55:05 confusion. confusion.

55:09 Only on this subject, the subject of truth, truth is a subject. On this subject, only one book you can find under the sky that is free of confusion, Only on this subject, the subject of truth, truth is a subject. On this subject, only one book you can find under the sky that is free of confusion,

55:28 free of ambiguity, and that is the Quran. free of ambiguity, and that is the Quran.

55:35 So everyone who is a seeker must read the Quran with objectivity, with objectivity. So everyone who is a seeker must read the Quran with objectivity, with objectivity.

55:53 Because I have, as I have earlier said, although there are other religious books, but these books are not authentic books. These books have no historical credibility. Because I have, as I have earlier said, although there are other religious books, but these books are not authentic books. These books have no historical credibility.

56:09 I am not saying that Muhammad was the only prophet. Also, I am not saying that Muhammad was the superior prophet. No. Muhammad was one of the prophets. I am not saying that Muhammad was the only prophet. Also, I am not saying that Muhammad was the superior prophet. No. Muhammad was one of the prophets.

56:26 God Almighty sent thousands and thousands of prophets in every town, in every place, everywhere. God Almighty sent thousands and thousands of prophets in every town, in every place, everywhere.

56:43 According to Hadith, the number of prophets was According to Hadith, the number of prophets was

56:51 124,000 124,000

56:55 . But the fact is that only Prophet Muhammad is a historical prophet. . But the fact is that only Prophet Muhammad is a historical prophet.

57:06 Only Prophet Muhammad, only the teachings of Prophet Muhammad are preserved in their original form. Only Prophet Muhammad, only the teachings of Prophet Muhammad are preserved in their original form.

57:19 So Muhammad was not a single prophet. Muhammad was not a superior prophet. The only thing is that Muhammad was a preserved prophet. So Muhammad was not a single prophet. Muhammad was not a superior prophet. The only thing is that Muhammad was a preserved prophet.

57:31 His teachings are preserved. He is a historical prophet. We can say with conviction that Muhammad was born in 600, Muhammad was born in 570 AD, and he died in 632 AD. His teachings are preserved. He is a historical prophet. We can say with conviction that Muhammad was born in 600, Muhammad was born in 570 AD, and he died in 632 AD.

57:54 Muhammad was born in 570 AD, and Muhammad died in 632 AD. Muhammad was born in 570 AD, and Muhammad died in 632 AD.

58:04 This kind of statement is not available to other prophets. So the only difference is in authenticity and not in superiority. This kind of statement is not available to other prophets. So the only difference is in authenticity and not in superiority.

58:19 Among prophets, there is no superior, no inferior. All the prophets were equal. No difference at all. Among prophets, there is no superior, no inferior. All the prophets were equal. No difference at all.

58:31 But the only But the only

58:36 fact is that Muhammad's language is preserved, Muhammad's book is preserved, Muhammad's teachings are preserved. Everything fact is that Muhammad's language is preserved, Muhammad's book is preserved, Muhammad's teachings are preserved. Everything

58:48 about the life of Prophet Muhammad is historical. about the life of Prophet Muhammad is historical.

58:56 So because of this authenticity, I can say that we have no option other than to study Muhammad (SAW). So because of this authenticity, I can say that we have no option other than to study Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم).

59:10 Also, there are some mentions in the Quran of other prophets. Twenty-five thousand are mentioned in the Quran. Also, there are some mentions in the Quran of other prophets. Twenty-five thousand are mentioned in the Quran.

59:20 The available details are only about Muhammad (SAW). So this The available details are only about Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم). So this