Name: Quranic Wisdom — Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Duration: 32 min 10 s
Channel: Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Description: Read the full transcript of “Quranic Wisdom”, a lecture by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, with timestamps. Covers: Giving to others from nature examples.

0:06 I'm Mariya Khan from Centre for Peace and Spirituality. I'm joined by Razia Siddiqui, who's also a member of CPS International. I'm Mariya Khan from Centre for Peace and Spirituality. I'm joined by Razia Siddiqui, who's also a member of CPS International.

0:14 Today we'll be discussing this book, "Quranic Wisdom," by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan. Today we'll be discussing this book, "Quranic Wisdom," by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan.

0:19 In this book, Maulana takes a verse of the Quran in each chapter, and he tells us the In this book, Maulana takes a verse of the Quran in each chapter, and he tells us the

0:24 lesson that we draw from that verse, and that how we should imbibe that lesson in our lives. lesson that we draw from that verse, and that how we should imbibe that lesson in our lives.

0:31 Uh, Razia, I was reading this book, and one of the chapters that I was reading in this Uh, Razia, I was reading this book, and one of the chapters that I was reading in this

0:35 book was about the tree, about how we have to imbibe the lessons that we get from the book was about the tree, about how we have to imbibe the lessons that we get from the

0:42 tree, how we have to emulate the tree. tree, how we have to emulate the tree.

0:45 So there is a verse in the Quran which describes a good tree. So there is a verse in the Quran which describes a good tree.

0:49 It tells us that a good tree has its roots firm in the ground, its branches are vastly It tells us that a good tree has its roots firm in the ground, its branches are vastly

0:55 spread out, and that it, uh, yields fruit every season. spread out, and that it, uh, yields fruit every season.

0:59 So that is the description of a tree. So that is the description of a tree.

1:01 So we have to translate this tree culture in our own lives. So we have to translate this tree culture in our own lives.

1:05 That is, we have to be strong, like the tree is strong, strongly rooted. That is, we have to be strong, like the tree is strong, strongly rooted.

1:09 We have to have a vibrant character, like the leaves. We have to have a vibrant character, like the leaves.

1:13 When we look at the leaves, we get a very fresh feeling. When we look at the leaves, we get a very fresh feeling.

1:15 So we ought to have a very vibrant character, like the tree has. So we ought to have a very vibrant character, like the tree has.

1:19 And similarly, the tree yields fruit every season. And similarly, the tree yields fruit every season.

1:24 So we also have to be a giver member of society. So we also have to be a giver member of society.

1:27 That is, we have to unilaterally give to people That is, we have to unilaterally give to people

1:30 So the tree, for example, gives oxygen, and oxygen is one of the very important ingredients of human life. Life cannot exist without oxygen. But the tree gives us oxygen, provides us with oxygen without sending any bills. So that is the kind of character or attitude that we have to develop in ourselves while we're living in society. Yes. I think, uh, nature is so full of such beautiful analogies, right? So the tree, for example, gives oxygen, and oxygen is one of the very important ingredients of human life. Life cannot exist without oxygen. But the tree gives us oxygen, provides us with oxygen without sending any bills. So that is the kind of character or attitude that we have to develop in ourselves while we're living in society. Yes. I think, uh, nature is so full of such beautiful analogies, right?

1:57 And, and Maulana just, uh, captures a couple of more of these in, in the book. Uh, I in a similar vein, I also read he gave the example of, uh, of, of rain or of the oar. So when the rain falls and it hits streams and through mountains, and the foam, etc., that gets made is eventually separated, and then water is actually, uh, still moving on. And, and Maulana just, uh, captures a couple of more of these in, in the book. Uh, I in a similar vein, I also read he gave the example of, uh, of, of rain or of the oar. So when the rain falls and it hits streams and through mountains, and the foam, etc., that gets made is eventually separated, and then water is actually, uh, still moving on.

2:22 And similarly with oars, once the smelting is done, the impurities are all just separated, and the mineral remains. So he says that it's so critical that you have to be a giver member of society to continue to thrive in society. So both the rain, the water, I mean, and the mineral are beneficial for man, and that's why they continue to exist. The impurities just evaporate away. And similarly with oars, once the smelting is done, the impurities are all just separated, and the mineral remains. So he says that it's so critical that you have to be a giver member of society to continue to thrive in society. So both the rain, the water, I mean, and the mineral are beneficial for man, and that's why they continue to exist. The impurities just evaporate away.

2:48 And there is such important lesson in this, in this, uh, example from the nature, that, you know, And there is such important lesson in this, in this, uh, example from the nature, that, you know,

2:56 while we all hear, uh, the term survival of the fittest in context of, let's say, the theory while we all hear, uh, the term survival of the fittest in context of, let's say, the theory

3:01 of evolution, it might be controversial there, but it can definitely be a tenable principle in, in society of evolution, it might be controversial there, but it can definitely be a tenable principle in, in society

3:10 or in daily living, where you really have to be a giver member of the society, of somebody or in daily living, where you really have to be a giver member of the society, of somebody

3:17 who's of benefit to all those around you, to continue to thrive. who's of benefit to all those around you, to continue to thrive.

3:22 And not just simply be a taker member of the society who does not have the ability to And not just simply be a taker member of the society who does not have the ability to

3:26 give back anything. give back anything.

3:28 So that is one of the very foremost principles of social living. So that is one of the very foremost principles of social living.

3:32 Yes. We have to develop the ability of giving to others rather than simply wanting, or taking, or Yes. We have to develop the ability of giving to others rather than simply wanting, or taking, or

3:38 demanding from others. demanding from others.

3:39 So one of the things that was going on in my mind when I was listening to you So one of the things that was going on in my mind when I was listening to you

3:43 is that often we hear a lot of controversies and a lot of debate and discussion on various is that often we hear a lot of controversies and a lot of debate and discussion on various

3:48 laws and legislations of the Quran, various rules and regulations and the technicalities of the Quran. laws and legislations of the Quran, various rules and regulations and the technicalities of the Quran.

3:55 But very few people know that the Quran is basically a book of wisdom, on wisdom of how But very few people know that the Quran is basically a book of wisdom, on wisdom of how

4:02 we should develop ourselves and how we should live in society. we should develop ourselves and how we should live in society.

4:06 So it, it basically guides human beings on how they have to live in this world. So it, it basically guides human beings on how they have to live in this world.

4:12 It is not a book of laws, a book of commandments, a book of regulations. It's a book of wisdom. It is not a book of laws, a book of commandments, a book of regulations. It's a book of wisdom.

4:17 . It's a book, book that develops your mind, develops your character, and helps you live successfully in . It's a book, book that develops your mind, develops your character, and helps you live successfully in

4:22 life. And one of the articles which I was reading, which is also about social living, was about life. And one of the articles which I was reading, which is also about social living, was about

4:30 provocation. So, uh, there is a verse in the Quran— rather, uh, the background to this verse is provocation. So, uh, there is a verse in the Quran— rather, uh, the background to this verse is

4:36 that, uh, many companions of the Prophet once, uh, used certain objectionable words for the gods of those that, uh, many companions of the Prophet once, uh, used certain objectionable words for the gods of those

4:45 people who had not yet become the followers of the Prophet and were his opponents. people who had not yet become the followers of the Prophet and were his opponents.

4:50 So, um, in reaction to this, in response to this, those people also uttered certain objectionable words about So, um, in reaction to this, in response to this, those people also uttered certain objectionable words about

4:56 God. God.

4:58 So at the— at this instance, a verse was revealed in the Quran which said that, "Do not So at the— at this instance, a verse was revealed in the Quran which said that, "Do not

5:03 revile the gods of others, because if you do so, then they will revile or use objectionable words revile the gods of others, because if you do so, then they will revile or use objectionable words

5:09 or abuse God and His Prophet." or abuse God and His Prophet."

5:12 So it's a very important, I think, principle that we derive from this verse. So it's a very important, I think, principle that we derive from this verse.

5:16 And that is that, uh, God did not ask Muslims to not require others to use objectionable words And that is that, uh, God did not ask Muslims to not require others to use objectionable words

5:23 against God and the Prophet. against God and the Prophet.

5:25 Rather, He said to Muslims that you should not use objectionable words about those things that they venerate Rather, He said to Muslims that you should not use objectionable words about those things that they venerate

5:32 and they respect. and they respect.

5:34 So I think in this, uh, whole context, the Quran pinpoints the whole issue of controversy. So I think in this, uh, whole context, the Quran pinpoints the whole issue of controversy.

5:42 It says that controversy basically begins, or conflict begins, when we provoke others. It says that controversy basically begins, or conflict begins, when we provoke others.

5:48 Provocation is the reason for conflict and controversy. Provocation is the reason for conflict and controversy.

5:52 So don't give others the chance of provocation. So don't give others the chance of provocation.

5:56 That is, don't provoke others. That is, don't provoke others.

5:58 So if I don't provoke you, or if I don't provoke another person, that person would not respond So if I don't provoke you, or if I don't provoke another person, that person would not respond

6:03 in a reactionary way. in a reactionary way.

6:04 But if I provoke that person and he responds in a reactionary way, then I don't have theright But if I provoke that person and he responds in a reactionary way, then I don't have theright

6:09 to tell that person, "Don't hurt me. to tell that person, "Don't hurt me.

6:11 Don't hurt my sentiments. Don't hurt my sentiments.

6:13 Behave properly." So I think this verse tells Muslims to unilaterally adhere to, uh, ethical standards rather than Behave properly." So I think this verse tells Muslims to unilaterally adhere to, uh, ethical standards rather than

6:21 demand from others to adopt these standards. demand from others to adopt these standards.

6:26 Yes. And which is, uh, I think, a very, uh, integral principle should you expect a harmonious society, should you expect a congenial, uh, environment around you. Because, uh, yes, as you very rightly said that, you know, it's really provocation that brings out the evil side in everybody, and then it cascades on to becoming rave anger and hatred and so on and so on and so forth. Yes. And which is, uh, I think, a very, uh, integral principle should you expect a harmonious society, should you expect a congenial, uh, environment around you. Because, uh, yes, as you very rightly said that, you know, it's really provocation that brings out the evil side in everybody, and then it cascades on to becoming rave anger and hatred and so on and so on and so forth.

6:52 , uh, I think what, what gets missed out in the process also is that, you know, we , uh, I think what, what gets missed out in the process also is that, you know, we

6:58 cannot, through complaints or protests, ever achieve anything positive in life. cannot, through complaints or protests, ever achieve anything positive in life.

7:04 There is another verse of the Quran which Maulana mentions here. There is another verse of the Quran which Maulana mentions here.

7:07 It says that, you know, after, "With every hardship there is ease." It says that, you know, after, "With every hardship there is ease."

7:12 And the same phrase comes twice in the Quran. And the same phrase comes twice in the Quran.

7:15 And he interprets it and says that, you know, the reason why the Quran pays such emphasis on And he interprets it and says that, you know, the reason why the Quran pays such emphasis on

7:21 the word "ease" is because with every trouble or with every, um, you know, seemingly difficult situation that the word "ease" is because with every trouble or with every, um, you know, seemingly difficult situation that

7:29 we face in life, there are also numerous opportunities that coexist. we face in life, there are also numerous opportunities that coexist.

7:35 It is upon us to figure out those opportunities and to avail them. It is upon us to figure out those opportunities and to avail them.

7:41 But somebody who is only stuck in, in confrontation or reacting to a provocation, etc., But somebody who is only stuck in, in confrontation or reacting to a provocation, etc.,

7:48 etc., will never be able to see those opportunities, even if it might beright there, glaring in front etc., will never be able to see those opportunities, even if it might beright there, glaring in front

7:54 of them. So it's so important that, you know, we believe with absolute conviction that there is a of them. So it's so important that, you know, we believe with absolute conviction that there is a

8:00 way out, there are opportunities out there which we can definitely avail. way out, there are opportunities out there which we can definitely avail.

8:04 The world has not come to an end. The world has not come to an end.

8:05 And, and just go out and avail it with, with a positive sentiment, instead of continuing to think, And, and just go out and avail it with, with a positive sentiment, instead of continuing to think,

8:11 you know, how to retaliate, how to, uh, harm the other person, or just continue to delve in, you know, how to retaliate, how to, uh, harm the other person, or just continue to delve in,

8:17 in negative, in negative thoughts, which is very harmful for our overall personality and also for any opportunity in negative, in negative thoughts, which is very harmful for our overall personality and also for any opportunity

8:24 that, that we might just absolutely not be able to avail. that, that we might just absolutely not be able to avail.

8:28 So we should ignore the problems and avail of the opportunities. So we should ignore the problems and avail of the opportunities.

8:31 Absolutely, yes. So apart from social life, apart from living with others, there are also a lot of Absolutely, yes. So apart from social life, apart from living with others, there are also a lot of

8:37 principles that the Quran gives us about individual life, about how to reform our individual life, about what principles that the Quran gives us about individual life, about how to reform our individual life, about what

8:45 should we do, uh, in terms of the purpose that we have to set for ourselves. should we do, uh, in terms of the purpose that we have to set for ourselves.

8:51 So there is a verse, and often we people, uh, for example, gain a lot of material achievement So there is a verse, and often we people, uh, for example, gain a lot of material achievement

8:57 and prosperity. But still we see that, uh, we are not contented. and prosperity. But still we see that, uh, we are not contented.

9:02 We are stressed out, or we are tensed, or we feel that there is some kind of a We are stressed out, or we are tensed, or we feel that there is some kind of a

9:06 vacuum or a void. vacuum or a void.

9:08 And we feel, uh, restless And we feel, uh, restless

9:12 So the Quran says in this particular, uh, context that only in the remembrance of God can hearts find comfort. That is, comfort or solace or peace of mind is only when we remember God. So, uh, this verse tells us, and Maulana explains or interprets this verse by saying that remembrance of God does not mean reciting the word God or reciting the word Allah. So the Quran says in this particular, uh, context that only in the remembrance of God can hearts find comfort. That is, comfort or solace or peace of mind is only when we remember God. So, uh, this verse tells us, and Maulana explains or interprets this verse by saying that remembrance of God does not mean reciting the word God or reciting the word Allah.

9:39 Remembrance of God means to discover the creation plan of God for this world, the laws of nature that God has set for this world, and to adjust ourselves with those laws of nature. And then Maulana says that one of the very important, uh, uh, characteristics or traits of this world is that this world is limited. Remembrance of God means to discover the creation plan of God for this world, the laws of nature that God has set for this world, and to adjust ourselves with those laws of nature. And then Maulana says that one of the very important, uh, uh, characteristics or traits of this world is that this world is limited.

10:02 I mean, often we feel that we have achieved everything, but still there is something missing. And many a times we have so many desires in ourselves, but still and we s and we feel that these desires cannot get fulfilled because the nature of this world is that it is limited. I mean, often we feel that we have achieved everything, but still there is something missing. And many a times we have so many desires in ourselves, but still and we s and we feel that these desires cannot get fulfilled because the nature of this world is that it is limited.

10:21 So our desires do not get fulfilled, material desires or other such desires. So our desires do not get fulfilled, material desires or other such desires.

10:26 So the Maulana says that this particular verse of the Quran tells us that we have to understand So the Maulana says that this particular verse of the Quran tells us that we have to understand

10:31 this law of nature, this, this, this way the world has been built, that it is limited physically this law of nature, this, this, this way the world has been built, that it is limited physically

10:37 and materially. So what we have to do is that we don't have to set a physical or and materially. So what we have to do is that we don't have to set a physical or

10:42 a material goal for ourselves. a material goal for ourselves.

10:44 We have to set an intellectual goal for ourselves. We have to set an intellectual goal for ourselves.

10:47 Because we all see, I mean, we all experience, Because we all see, I mean, we all experience,

10:51 and something which scientists and physicists and mathematicians have experienced on a much larger and a much deeper and something which scientists and physicists and mathematicians have experienced on a much larger and a much deeper

10:57 level, that the world of thought is absolutely unlim level, that the world of thought is absolutely unlim

11:01 ited. So we have to keep the intellectual goal before ourselves. ited. So we have to keep the intellectual goal before ourselves.

11:05 I mean, materially we have to be contented with what is our basic need. I mean, materially we have to be contented with what is our basic need.

11:09 We should not make the material, uh, objective, for example, gaining material prosperity and fame, etc. We should not make the material, uh, objective, for example, gaining material prosperity and fame, etc.

11:17 That should not be our goal. That should not be our goal.

11:18 We should be contented as far as life is concerned, the material life is concerned, the physical life We should be contented as far as life is concerned, the material life is concerned, the physical life

11:24 is concerned. And we should set for ourselves the intellectual goal. is concerned. And we should set for ourselves the intellectual goal.

11:28 So there is, there was a physicist called John Wheeler who said something to the effect that if So there is, there was a physicist called John Wheeler who said something to the effect that if

11:33 you haven't discovered something new, then your day has been, has been wasted. you haven't discovered something new, then your day has been, has been wasted.

11:39 So, you know, so we have to, at the level of thought, discover new things. So, you know, so we have to, at the level of thought, discover new things.

11:43 And that is what will satisf And that is what will satisf

11:45 If we set material goals for us, even after fulfillment, we won't be happy. Yes. And I think that's what happens, right? I mean, people reach they aspire to reach a certain level in life, and then they reach that level, and then now what? And then now what? And then now what continues for, uh, you know, as. Ad infinitum. Absolutely. Ad infinitum and it kind of continues. The climb continues, but satisfaction never comes in, that, that feeling of solace never comes in. If we set material goals for us, even after fulfillment, we won't be happy. Yes. And I think that's what happens, right? I mean, people reach they aspire to reach a certain level in life, and then they reach that level, and then now what? And then now what? And then now what continues for, uh, you know, as. Ad infinitum. Absolutely. Ad infinitum and it kind of continues. The climb continues, but satisfaction never comes in, that, that feeling of solace never comes in.

12:12 And, uh, it's such an incredible idea. And, uh, it's such an incredible idea.

12:14 You know, when you were saying that the world of thought is unlimited, I almost had goosebumps. You know, when you were saying that the world of thought is unlimited, I almost had goosebumps.

12:18 Because indeed, you know, when you realize that the world of thought is unlimited, and what potentially we Because indeed, you know, when you realize that the world of thought is unlimited, and what potentially we

12:24 can do with the mind that we've been bestowed with, it's a completely fascinating idea. can do with the mind that we've been bestowed with, it's a completely fascinating idea.

12:30 But I think a lot of times people think that the moment you're talking about, uh, intellectual development But I think a lot of times people think that the moment you're talking about, uh, intellectual development

12:38 or living at such a high plane, you probably have to just forego everything and, you know, relinquish or living at such a high plane, you probably have to just forego everything and, you know, relinquish

12:44 all the material aspects that you have in life and just move away to forests and mountains and, all the material aspects that you have in life and just move away to forests and mountains and,

12:51 you know, just make peace with, with you know, just make peace with, with

12:53 But, uh, I think that is such an underestimation of ourselves as human beings and our capability to discern and understand things despite being in a in a in, in the environment that we exist in. Because, uh, it should not be that we, you know, we live in an environment and we are not able to draw out lessons from it. But, uh, I think that is such an underestimation of ourselves as human beings and our capability to discern and understand things despite being in a in a in, in the environment that we exist in. Because, uh, it should not be that we, you know, we live in an environment and we are not able to draw out lessons from it.

13:15 I think that's the gist. We should become such a mind that we are able to extract those deep spiritual lessons from everything that happens around us. I mean, there is so much if from the time we wake up in the day, the sun, the air, the plants, the trees that you were taking the example of, everything that we see around us, and even our bodies, right? I think that's the gist. We should become such a mind that we are able to extract those deep spiritual lessons from everything that happens around us. I mean, there is so much if from the time we wake up in the day, the sun, the air, the plants, the trees that you were taking the example of, everything that we see around us, and even our bodies, right?

13:37 Every aspect of our existence, there is so much to learn. There's so much to extract lessons from, everything. But we seldom care about it, right? We have a very, um normally, we have a very casual attitude to all of this because we've seen it from the day we are born, so we take it for granted. And it is that sense of taking it for granted which completely reframes our capacity mentally to draw any special lessons out of it. Every aspect of our existence, there is so much to learn. There's so much to extract lessons from, everything. But we seldom care about it, right? We have a very, um normally, we have a very casual attitude to all of this because we've seen it from the day we are born, so we take it for granted. And it is that sense of taking it for granted which completely reframes our capacity mentally to draw any special lessons out of it.

14:05 I mean, if, if somebody from, let's say, another planet should there be an alien being was to come here and see, uh, you know, let's say they never have a sun and we have a sun rising or to see the human beings in the form that they are, they would be fascinated. But we see each other every day, and there's no longer any fascination to the ears and the eyes and the beautiful way of speech that, that human beings have been, uh, endowed with. I mean, if, if somebody from, let's say, another planet should there be an alien being was to come here and see, uh, you know, let's say they never have a sun and we have a sun rising or to see the human beings in the form that they are, they would be fascinated. But we see each other every day, and there's no longer any fascination to the ears and the eyes and the beautiful way of speech that, that human beings have been, uh, endowed with.

14:31 But I think high thinking also means that we have to live at a plane where we have high ideals. You know, so Maulana also gives another, uh, extremely gripping example. And he says that, uh, let's take the air, for instance. It flows regardless. It does not get into any form of confrontation. It just keeps flowing endlessly. But I think high thinking also means that we have to live at a plane where we have high ideals. You know, so Maulana also gives another, uh, extremely gripping example. And he says that, uh, let's take the air, for instance. It flows regardless. It does not get into any form of confrontation. It just keeps flowing endlessly.

14:52 And that's what a high thinker has to be like. Because he or she does not have to get into any confrontation or any conflict because that would waste away his energy. And that's what a high thinker has to be like. Because he or she does not have to get into any confrontation or any conflict because that would waste away his energy.

15:02 That would waste away his time. He has to just be relentlessly pursuing the goal of developing himself as a human being as he as he evolves in life. I think that is so important. And he should just overlook all problems and only focus on the opportunities of development that he has to grow intellectually as a human being. That's a very important point. That would waste away his time. He has to just be relentlessly pursuing the goal of developing himself as a human being as he as he evolves in life. I think that is so important. And he should just overlook all problems and only focus on the opportunities of development that he has to grow intellectually as a human being. That's a very important point.

15:26 And I was very fascinated by your example of the alien. You said that when, if an alien being ever, if it exists, would come on Earth, it would be very amazed to see human beings, intelligent human beings, and all the life support systems that we have around us. So you were saying that, uh, we human beings are not fascinated as an alien would be fascinated because we do not think. And I was very fascinated by your example of the alien. You said that when, if an alien being ever, if it exists, would come on Earth, it would be very amazed to see human beings, intelligent human beings, and all the life support systems that we have around us. So you were saying that, uh, we human beings are not fascinated as an alien would be fascinated because we do not think.

15:48 We do not reflect. So another very important point that comes from here is that the Quran gives a lot of emphasis on thinking, on pondering, on contemplation, and reflection. So very often, when you open the Quran and read it, very often the Quran says, "Do you not reflect? Do you not understand? Do you not ponder? Do you not think?" We do not reflect. So another very important point that comes from here is that the Quran gives a lot of emphasis on thinking, on pondering, on contemplation, and reflection. So very often, when you open the Quran and read it, very often the Quran says, "Do you not reflect? Do you not understand? Do you not ponder? Do you not think?

16:09 " So, uh, one of the articles which Maulana has, uh, talked about in this book is that the Quran wants to develop in its reader the quality of thinking, wants to inculcate the quality of, uh, contemplation. And the reason is that, uh, as Jesus Christ said, that there are that man cannot live by bread alone. So it means that a human being has two parts to his personality: the physical and the spiritual, the non-physical. " So, uh, one of the articles which Maulana has, uh, talked about in this book is that the Quran wants to develop in its reader the quality of thinking, wants to inculcate the quality of, uh, contemplation. And the reason is that, uh, as Jesus Christ said, that there are that man cannot live by bread alone. So it means that a human being has two parts to his personality: the physical and the spiritual, the non-physical.

16:37 So the physical part, of course, cannot survive if we do not give physical food to it, if we do not give physical nourishment. We'll become weak, and we'll almost even die. So similarly, the spiritual aspect of our beings becomes weakened if we do not provide spiritual nourishment to it. And I think a lot of people do not understand this. You know, they have they are living in this world. So the physical part, of course, cannot survive if we do not give physical food to it, if we do not give physical nourishment. We'll become weak, and we'll almost even die. So similarly, the spiritual aspect of our beings becomes weakened if we do not provide spiritual nourishment to it. And I think a lot of people do not understand this. You know, they have they are living in this world.

16:59 They get everything. And somewhere down the line, they feel that things are not even if everything is all right, they do not feel good. They do not feel happy. The reason is that they're not providing spiritual nourishment to themselves, spiritual food. Because you have a spiritual side to yourself. And if you do not feed it, if you do not pay attention to it, you will consciously or unconsciously feel that there's something that you're not doing which you ought to do. They get everything. And somewhere down the line, they feel that things are not even if everything is all right, they do not feel good. They do not feel happy. The reason is that they're not providing spiritual nourishment to themselves, spiritual food. Because you have a spiritual side to yourself. And if you do not feed it, if you do not pay attention to it, you will consciously or unconsciously feel that there's something that you're not doing which you ought to do.

17:26 So the Quran, uh, tells us that we have to develop this spiritual side of ours. We have to give spiritual food or spiritual nourishment to ourselves. And the way to give spiritual nourishment or the way for spiritual development is thinking and contemplation or reflection. So as you said, that we see so many things around us that we don't think. We see the sun rising, our bodies, our hands, everything if we do not think. So the Quran, uh, tells us that we have to develop this spiritual side of ours. We have to give spiritual food or spiritual nourishment to ourselves. And the way to give spiritual nourishment or the way for spiritual development is thinking and contemplation or reflection. So as you said, that we see so many things around us that we don't think. We see the sun rising, our bodies, our hands, everything if we do not think.

17:53 So Maulana has said in this book that we have to really reflect and go deep into this into whatever we see, whatever we observe, whatever we read, or if we, you know, come across a historical remnant, we have to penetrate deep into what lesson we can draw from that. And the derivation of that lesson is a kind of a spiritual food for us. So Maulana has said in this book that we have to really reflect and go deep into this into whatever we see, whatever we observe, whatever we read, or if we, you know, come across a historical remnant, we have to penetrate deep into what lesson we can draw from that. And the derivation of that lesson is a kind of a spiritual food for us.

18:17 So he said that only human beings have this ability of deriving lessons from what they see, meaningful lessons from their observation, from their reading, from whatever they experience. They have to draw meaningful intellectual, spiritual lessons. So he said that human beings are especially endowed with this quality of conceptual thought. So he said that only human beings have this ability of deriving lessons from what they see, meaningful lessons from their observation, from their reading, from whatever they experience. They have to draw meaningful intellectual, spiritual lessons. So he said that human beings are especially endowed with this quality of conceptual thought.

18:38 An animal cannot do conceptual thinking. Only a human being can do conceptual thinking. So for example, the Big Bang. The Big Bang happened 13. 8 billion years ago. That is, the universe at that point in time was in a very highly dense and compressed and small, uh, atom, a small dot. And then it exploded, and everything that we see today came into existence. But nobody has seen the Big Bang. But how did scientists discover this Big Bang? An animal cannot do conceptual thinking. Only a human being can do conceptual thinking. So for example, the Big Bang. The Big Bang happened 13. 8 billion years ago. That is, the universe at that point in time was in a very highly dense and compressed and small, uh, atom, a small dot. And then it exploded, and everything that we see today came into existence. But nobody has seen the Big Bang. But how did scientists discover this Big Bang?

19:07 It was through conceptual thinking. So Maulana says that why the Quran gives a lot of importance to thinking and contemplation is that we use this conceptual ability, the ability of conceptual thought that God has given us, and we give intellectual food to ourselves and spiritual food to ourselves. And that alone will make us feel that we are we are a complete human being. We are giving physical food to ourselves and spiritual food to ourselves. We are a whole. It was through conceptual thinking. So Maulana says that why the Quran gives a lot of importance to thinking and contemplation is that we use this conceptual ability, the ability of conceptual thought that God has given us, and we give intellectual food to ourselves and spiritual food to ourselves. And that alone will make us feel that we are we are a complete human being. We are giving physical food to ourselves and spiritual food to ourselves. We are a whole.

19:35 You know, when you were saying this, I was, uh, just having this idea in my mind that, You know, when you were saying this, I was, uh, just having this idea in my mind that,

19:40 you know, everybody is able to see a famished body, but nobody sees a famished, you know, inner you know, everybody is able to see a famished body, but nobody sees a famished, you know, inner

19:46 personality, the one that is really devoid of any higher intellectual food that it really, really wants. personality, the one that is really devoid of any higher intellectual food that it really, really wants.

19:53 And it's like you completely kept it away from all forms of nourishment, and you expect to have And it's like you completely kept it away from all forms of nourishment, and you expect to have

19:59 in return satisfaction and solace and all other things which are akin to nourishment that a body would in return satisfaction and solace and all other things which are akin to nourishment that a body would

20:05 derive from food. derive from food.

20:07 But, um, yeah, that's a very important point. And Maulana also mentions here that in order to, uh, you know, be able to extract these lessons, one has to be a prepared mind. So he gives another excellent analogy. He says that, uh, you know, for example, we know trigger as a mechanical term, right? But, uh, it is used to initiate firing. But before the firing happens, the gun has to be loaded, right? But, um, yeah, that's a very important point. And Maulana also mentions here that in order to, uh, you know, be able to extract these lessons, one has to be a prepared mind. So he gives another excellent analogy. He says that, uh, you know, for example, we know trigger as a mechanical term, right? But, uh, it is used to initiate firing. But before the firing happens, the gun has to be loaded, right?

20:34 An unloaded gun, regardless of how many times you throw the trigger, will be of no use. An unloaded gun, regardless of how many times you throw the trigger, will be of no use.

20:38 So he says that similarly, the mind has to be first prepared for us to be able to So he says that similarly, the mind has to be first prepared for us to be able to

20:42 extract these deeper lessons, for us to be able to continue to contemplate and ponder. extract these deeper lessons, for us to be able to continue to contemplate and ponder.

20:47 Of course, the beginning is that we should be a mind who's, who's not just looking at things Of course, the beginning is that we should be a mind who's, who's not just looking at things

20:52 and passing over them. and passing over them.

20:54 Somebody who is looking at things and trying to understand it at a deeper level. Somebody who is looking at things and trying to understand it at a deeper level.

21:00 But, um, also, it's so important to kind of relate this to the fact that, you know, spirituality But, um, also, it's so important to kind of relate this to the fact that, you know, spirituality

21:08 or inner solace is just not poss or inner solace is just not poss

21:12 We should not do something like this. If we only continue to live at a material plane, we will never be able to derive that, uh, satisfaction that we've been talking about. And he quotes another of, uh, Christ's sayings where, uh, Jesus Christ has prayed to God saying that, "Give us our daily bread." Now, that daily bread, a lot of us would like to believe, is the material bread, right? Or maybe the food and all other material comforts that we have in life. But this does not end only at material comfort. We should not do something like this. If we only continue to live at a material plane, we will never be able to derive that, uh, satisfaction that we've been talking about. And he quotes another of, uh, Christ's sayings where, uh, Jesus Christ has prayed to God saying that, "Give us our daily bread." Now, that daily bread, a lot of us would like to believe, is the material bread, right? Or maybe the food and all other material comforts that we have in life. But this does not end only at material comfort.

21:42 You know, it is much beyond that. Daily bread is, you know, as you were quoting, the scientists who said that if you haven't discovered something new every day, the day in the past has just gone waste. So similarly, that daily bread is that new lesson or the new learning that we derive every day in the in the life that we all lead which enriches us as a human being, which takes our intellectual development to probably just that next level of, uh, development. You know, it is much beyond that. Daily bread is, you know, as you were quoting, the scientists who said that if you haven't discovered something new every day, the day in the past has just gone waste. So similarly, that daily bread is that new lesson or the new learning that we derive every day in the in the life that we all lead which enriches us as a human being, which takes our intellectual development to probably just that next level of, uh, development.

22:09 So the provision that Christ has spoken of is not physical provision. It is spiritual provision or intellectual provision. Yes. That is what keeps our mind alive. So now, uh, coming to an entirely different topic about a topic that is completely different from intellectual development, spiritual development, it's about peace. So the provision that Christ has spoken of is not physical provision. It is spiritual provision or intellectual provision. Yes. That is what keeps our mind alive. So now, uh, coming to an entirely different topic about a topic that is completely different from intellectual development, spiritual development, it's about peace.

22:28 . Peace is a social subject, a subject about society of society. . Peace is a social subject, a subject about society of society.

22:33 So we often, obviously, keep hearing news of politics and the lot the importance that people give to So we often, obviously, keep hearing news of politics and the lot the importance that people give to

22:40 politics and also a lot of problems that are created in the world through politics. politics and also a lot of problems that are created in the world through politics.

22:45 Particularly, we keep listening these days, we keep reading in the Middle East, there's a lot of, there Particularly, we keep listening these days, we keep reading in the Middle East, there's a lot of, there

22:50 are a lot of political problems. are a lot of political problems.

22:52 A lot of problems around politics. A lot of problems around politics.

22:54 People want to gain political power. People want to gain political power.

22:56 So Maulana says that people have given a lot of importance to politics. So Maulana says that people have given a lot of importance to politics.

23:01 They think that acquiring, uh, political control over a particular piece of land, gaining political control, and establishing They think that acquiring, uh, political control over a particular piece of land, gaining political control, and establishing

23:09 your rule over that land is the greatest form of success in life. your rule over that land is the greatest form of success in life.

23:14 That is, that is why we see people fighting over politics. That is, that is why we see people fighting over politics.

23:18 There's a lot of strife over politics. There's a lot of strife over politics.

23:20 But he says that the Quran, according to the Quran, if you read the Quran, you will discover But he says that the Quran, according to the Quran, if you read the Quran, you will discover

23:25 that the Quran does not tell us, uh, that politics is the greatest. that the Quran does not tell us, uh, that politics is the greatest.

23:32 Rather the, rather peace is the greatest. Rather the, rather peace is the greatest.

23:35 If you read the Quran, you will learn that peace is the sum of all, the greatest good, If you read the Quran, you will learn that peace is the sum of all, the greatest good,

23:40 according to the Quranic teaching. according to the Quranic teaching.

23:42 So he tells us why is it that peace is the greatest and why politics is not the So he tells us why is it that peace is the greatest and why politics is not the

23:48 greatest. It's because politics, the scope of politics is limited greatest. It's because politics, the scope of politics is limited

23:52 But the scope of peace is not is not limited. The scope of peace is absolutely unlimited. Because what is politics? Politics, if you gain political power, you only acquire rule over a territory, over a piece of land, and you start ruling over a group of people. But on the contrary, peace is something very different. You know, peace opens the door to doors to all opportunities, all healthy, constructive activities. So the scope of peace is absolutely unlimited. But the scope of peace is not is not limited. The scope of peace is absolutely unlimited. Because what is politics? Politics, if you gain political power, you only acquire rule over a territory, over a piece of land, and you start ruling over a group of people. But on the contrary, peace is something very different. You know, peace opens the door to doors to all opportunities, all healthy, constructive activities. So the scope of peace is absolutely unlimited.

24:21 . And Maulana also says something very important, uh, from which we learn that the Quran gives more . And Maulana also says something very important, uh, from which we learn that the Quran gives more

24:28 importance to peace than to political power. importance to peace than to political power.

24:30 And that is when, uh, in one of the chapters, uh, the Quran says that the conquest of And that is when, uh, in one of the chapters, uh, the Quran says that the conquest of

24:36 Mecca, which happened in, uh, 8 AH, that is, eight years after the Prophet's migration from Mecca to Mecca, which happened in, uh, 8 AH, that is, eight years after the Prophet's migration from Mecca to

24:43 Medina, the Quran refers to this event as Fath or victory, simply as Fath or victory. Medina, the Quran refers to this event as Fath or victory, simply as Fath or victory.

24:49 But on the contrary, there was another, uh, event that happened in the life of the Prophet six But on the contrary, there was another, uh, event that happened in the life of the Prophet six

24:55 years after his migration. years after his migration.

24:57 So that was the signing of the peace treaty of Hudaybiyyah between the Prophet and his opponents. So that was the signing of the peace treaty of Hudaybiyyah between the Prophet and his opponents.

25:02 And the Quran refers to that event as clear victory or open victory. And the Quran refers to that event as clear victory or open victory.

25:07 So politics, uh, gaining of political rule over a land is referred to as victory, while, uh, signing So politics, uh, gaining of political rule over a land is referred to as victory, while, uh, signing

25:15 a peace treaty is referred to as clear victory or open victory. a peace treaty is referred to as clear victory or open victory.

25:20 So he says that this clearly shows the importance of having a peaceful atmosphere of peace in society So he says that this clearly shows the importance of having a peaceful atmosphere of peace in society

25:27 over gaining political power. over gaining political power.

25:30 And he said that politics also leads to a lot of jealousy, a lot of rivalry, strife, and And he said that politics also leads to a lot of jealousy, a lot of rivalry, strife, and

25:37 controversy. So political, gaining political power or political authority has many negative, uh, connotations or many negative effects. controversy. So political, gaining political power or political authority has many negative, uh, connotations or many negative effects.

25:46 While peace has no such negative effect. While peace has no such negative effect.

25:49 It's all positive. It's all positive.

25:50 So it shows how important peace is and how, how much importance we should lay on establishing peace So it shows how important peace is and how, how much importance we should lay on establishing peace

25:58 in society rather than fighting over gaining political power. in society rather than fighting over gaining political power.

26:03 Yes. I think, uh, there's a very, very critical point here that, of course, politics as, uh, an idea is required to administrate the, uh, daily workings of the society, yes, or, or kind of be at an operating level. But it is not seen as that. It is really tagged along, uh, with something which has to be acquired, and then, uh, a lot of change has to be brought about. Yes. I think, uh, there's a very, very critical point here that, of course, politics as, uh, an idea is required to administrate the, uh, daily workings of the society, yes, or, or kind of be at an operating level. But it is not seen as that. It is really tagged along, uh, with something which has to be acquired, and then, uh, a lot of change has to be brought about.

26:27 be brought about. be brought about.

26:27 So I think if that distinction is made, which also is something that he talks about, that if So I think if that distinction is made, which also is something that he talks about, that if

26:32 it's kept only in administrative sphere, because it's just one part, it's a very small, minuscule part, but it's kept only in administrative sphere, because it's just one part, it's a very small, minuscule part, but

26:39 the opportunities that exist parallelly alongside it within the ambit of peace are incredibly massive. the opportunities that exist parallelly alongside it within the ambit of peace are incredibly massive.

26:48 And I think, uh, why we get in such a situation of strife over, let's say, political matters And I think, uh, why we get in such a situation of strife over, let's say, political matters

26:58 or peace not continuing, as we know, uh, as we know the world, you know, is also because, or peace not continuing, as we know, uh, as we know the world, you know, is also because,

27:06 uh, a lot of times we face a lot of troubles in life, whether personal or at social uh, a lot of times we face a lot of troubles in life, whether personal or at social

27:12 level or at international level. level or at international level.

27:14 And, uh, while we keep asking this question to ourselves that, you know, why are there so many And, uh, while we keep asking this question to ourselves that, you know, why are there so many

27:21 troubles in this world troubles in this world

27:23 If He is the Creator of the world, who's merciful and beneficial, then why such troubles? But somehow, I think we are not able to in entirety explain this idea of trouble. If we are able to look at it as a blessing in disguise, our entire perspective would alter. Our entire perspective would change. But that's what we are not able to do. If He is the Creator of the world, who's merciful and beneficial, then why such troubles? But somehow, I think we are not able to in entirety explain this idea of trouble. If we are able to look at it as a blessing in disguise, our entire perspective would alter. Our entire perspective would change. But that's what we are not able to do.

27:42 And there's a verse in the Quran which he quotes here which says that man has been created into a life of toil and strife, which means that toil and strife is something which will continue to exist as a plan of the, uh, you know, the way of working of nature. It's not something which will ever be which man ever will be extricated from. And there's a verse in the Quran which he quotes here which says that man has been created into a life of toil and strife, which means that toil and strife is something which will continue to exist as a plan of the, uh, you know, the way of working of nature. It's not something which will ever be which man ever will be extricated from.

28:01 It will always exist the way it has been. So one will never be able to completely eliminate the problems or completely eliminate the troubles in life. And then these troubles kind of cascade and attain different forms as we know as we know them. But in a sense, we have to first time also understand that what perspective are we talking about when we say that we should look at it as a blessing in disguise? Why should we look at it as a blessing in disguise? It will always exist the way it has been. So one will never be able to completely eliminate the problems or completely eliminate the troubles in life. And then these troubles kind of cascade and attain different forms as we know as we know them. But in a sense, we have to first time also understand that what perspective are we talking about when we say that we should look at it as a blessing in disguise? Why should we look at it as a blessing in disguise?

28:29 The foremost thing here is that, you know, man as a as a creature has been born with immense potential. And that potential does not unfold from the day he was born. It's something which happens over a period of time. And there's a lot of effort that he has to do, which means he has to be able to consciously unfold every layer of his personality to arrive at a level of development that he that he would like to see himself at. The foremost thing here is that, you know, man as a as a creature has been born with immense potential. And that potential does not unfold from the day he was born. It's something which happens over a period of time. And there's a lot of effort that he has to do, which means he has to be able to consciously unfold every layer of his personality to arrive at a level of development that he that he would like to see himself at.

28:56 And in order to do that, troubles are like stepping stones. If we do not have troubles, we will not be able to kind of think of a lot of other options and avenues and opportunities. So troubles, in a sense, mold our personalities. And troubles of all kinds, right? And in order to do that, troubles are like stepping stones. If we do not have troubles, we will not be able to kind of think of a lot of other options and avenues and opportunities. So troubles, in a sense, mold our personalities. And troubles of all kinds, right?

29:15 And we also have to very, uh another very important point for us to understand here is that as a part of the creation plan, God has given freedom to everybody. Now, if I am somebody who upholds certain virtues, it's the freedom that I have to ensure that those virtues that are upheld is only within my sphere of existence. I cannot, uh, you know, try and and impose it on another individual. Even in a family, it can't be done anymore, right? And we also have to very, uh another very important point for us to understand here is that as a part of the creation plan, God has given freedom to everybody. Now, if I am somebody who upholds certain virtues, it's the freedom that I have to ensure that those virtues that are upheld is only within my sphere of existence. I cannot, uh, you know, try and and impose it on another individual. Even in a family, it can't be done anymore, right?

29:44 anymore,right? So the moment you start following a language of dos and don'ts with children, they begin to anymore,right? So the moment you start following a language of dos and don'ts with children, they begin to

29:49 rebel. Then how are we expecting that the society as we know it or the world as we rebel. Then how are we expecting that the society as we know it or the world as we

29:53 know it, we, if we start to impose something upon them, it will just be taken, uh, lying know it, we, if we start to impose something upon them, it will just be taken, uh, lying

29:59 low? No, it won't be. low? No, it won't be.

30:00 So the idea is that my freedom is restricted to my sphere, and that's where I should uphold So the idea is that my freedom is restricted to my sphere, and that's where I should uphold

30:05 these ideals and live as a giver and a contributory member to the society and ensure that peace these ideals and live as a giver and a contributory member to the society and ensure that peace

30:11 is something which, regardless of what I may have to do, is something that I'm able to, uh, is something which, regardless of what I may have to do, is something that I'm able to, uh,

30:17 sustain. And that will eventually, if individuals arise at that level of, uh, realization and then an amalgam sustain. And that will eventually, if individuals arise at that level of, uh, realization and then an amalgam

30:25 of all such individuals and eventually leads to a peaceful society and a peaceful nation eventually develop of all such individuals and eventually leads to a peaceful society and a peaceful nation eventually develop

30:31 s. So we have to be ideal as far as our individual life is concerned. s. So we have to be ideal as far as our individual life is concerned.

30:35 We have to uphold the ideal principles. We have to uphold the ideal principles.

30:37 But as far as social life is concerned, we have to be very pragmatic. But as far as social life is concerned, we have to be very pragmatic.

30:40 We should not expect others also to abide by those same ideal principles. We should not expect others also to abide by those same ideal principles.

30:45 It's a very important principle. It's a very important principle.

30:47 And also the, uh, verse that you quoted in the beginning that, uh, the Quran says that we And also the, uh, verse that you quoted in the beginning that, uh, the Quran says that we

30:53 created trouble, we created life to test man. created trouble, we created life to test man.

30:56 So all the troubles and tribulations are meant to test human beings. So all the troubles and tribulations are meant to test human beings.

31:00 I think this, uh, particular notion, this idea that the troubles and tribulation and difficulties of life are I think this, uh, particular notion, this idea that the troubles and tribulation and difficulties of life are

31:08 meant to prepare us and develop us, gives a lot of solace. meant to prepare us and develop us, gives a lot of solace.

31:12 Because somewhere down the line, uh, we keep thinking about the fact that we are facing so many Because somewhere down the line, uh, we keep thinking about the fact that we are facing so many

31:17 difficulties. I wish these difficulties were not there. difficulties. I wish these difficulties were not there.

31:19 I wish the pain was not there. I wish the pain was not there.

31:21 I wish the failure, the discontentment was not there. I wish the failure, the discontentment was not there.

31:24 But once we realize that, once we consciously understand how failure develops us, how, how pain and suffering But once we realize that, once we consciously understand how failure develops us, how, how pain and suffering

31:31 actually develop our, our capabilities, develop our hidden potential, we would have not been able to find certain actually develop our, our capabilities, develop our hidden potential, we would have not been able to find certain

31:40 hidden qualities in ourselves unless we face those very exacting, uh, circumstances. hidden qualities in ourselves unless we face those very exacting, uh, circumstances.

31:45 So failure and discontentment and all these things are very important. So failure and discontentment and all these things are very important.

31:49 And I think I would like to end by a quote by Bill Gates, a very famous quote And I think I would like to end by a quote by Bill Gates, a very famous quote

31:54 that, uh, when he said that, uh, my classmate passed in all the exams, but I failed in that, uh, when he said that, uh, my classmate passed in all the exams, but I failed in

32:00 some. Now he's the, he's the, he's an engineer in an organization and I'm the owner of that some. Now he's the, he's the, he's an engineer in an organization and I'm the owner of that

32:07 organization. So that's how failure really helped him organization. So that's how failure really helped him

32:10 It was a stepping stone to his marvelous success. So I think we have to look at everything positively. So these are some very amazing principles that we learned from Quranic wisdom. And we'll continue with our discussion. Please join us again next Sunday at 2:00 PM. If you want to watch more videos from CPS International, please log on to our website, cpsglobal.org. Thank you. It was a stepping stone to his marvelous success. So I think we have to look at everything positively. So these are some very amazing principles that we learned from Quranic wisdom. And we'll continue with our discussion. Please join us again next Sunday at 2:00 PM. If you want to watch more videos from CPS International, please log on to our website, cpsglobal.org. Thank you.