Name: 's Visit to United States Institute of Peace Washington DC · September, 2015 — Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Uploaded: 2015-11-14
Duration: 48 min 7 s
Channel: Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Description: Read the full transcript of “'s Visit to United States Institute of Peace Washington DC · September, 2015”, a lecture by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, with timestamps.

0:19 Thank you so much. Thank you so much.

0:24 Thank you all for being here. Thank you all for being here.

0:28 I, uh, as Colette mentioned, my name is Shahirah Zad-Jafari, and I'm feeling incredibly honored to be able I, uh, as Colette mentioned, my name is Shahirah Zad-Jafari, and I'm feeling incredibly honored to be able

0:32 to moderate today's discussion with Mawlana Wahiduddin Khan. Thank you. to moderate today's discussion with Mawlana Wahiduddin Khan. Thank you.

0:37 I especially want to thank Mawlana's community and family for being here as well today and being with I especially want to thank Mawlana's community and family for being here as well today and being with

0:41 us for this discussion. us for this discussion.

0:45 As we all know, Mawlana Khan is an eminent Islamic scholar, teach As we all know, Mawlana Khan is an eminent Islamic scholar, teach

0:50 er, and nonviolent activist. er, and nonviolent activist.

0:55 For his lifelong contributions to world peace, he has received numerous awards—far too many for me to list For his lifelong contributions to world peace, he has received numerous awards—far too many for me to list

1:00 them all here. them all here.

1:05 We'll be there all day, but including one of the highest honors in India, the Padma Bhushan Award, We'll be there all day, but including one of the highest honors in India, the Padma Bhushan Award,

1:10 the National Citizens Award presented by Mother Teresa, and recently from the 2015 Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies. the National Citizens Award presented by Mother Teresa, and recently from the 2015 Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies.

1:15 His Center for Peace and Spirituality International, His Center for Peace and Spirituality International,

1:20 CPS International, draws inspiration from the Quran and the life of the Prophet Muhammad to promote peace and CPS International, draws inspiration from the Quran and the life of the Prophet Muhammad to promote peace and

1:26 spirituality through interfaith efforts. spirituality through interfaith efforts.

1:32 And Mawlana Khan has authored thousands of articles in over 200 books, of which we have some here, And Mawlana Khan has authored thousands of articles in over 200 books, of which we have some here,

1:38 on Islam, prophetic wisdom, peace, and coexistence in a multiethnic society. on Islam, prophetic wisdom, peace, and coexistence in a multiethnic society.

1:44 His most recent book, which we have the great pleasure of hearing about today, is called His most recent book, which we have the great pleasure of hearing about today, is called

1:50 The Age of Peace. And before we have a chance to hear from Mawlana himself, we have the great pleasure of having with us Dr. Saeed Saeed, who will launch, who will introduce us to the book. Dr. Saeed, as we know, is the Director of Interfaith and Community Alliances at the Islamic Society of North America, ISNA. Prior to this, he served for 12 years as the Secretary General of ISNA. And Dr. Saeed has also served as the Secretary The Age of Peace. And before we have a chance to hear from Mawlana himself, we have the great pleasure of having with us Dr. Saeed Saeed, who will launch, who will introduce us to the book. Dr. Saeed, as we know, is the Director of Interfaith and Community Alliances at the Islamic Society of North America, ISNA. Prior to this, he served for 12 years as the Secretary General of ISNA. And Dr. Saeed has also served as the Secretary

2:20 General of the International Islamic Federation of Student Organizations and as the General Secretary of the Association of Muslim Social Scientists. And he's also one of the founders of the quarterly American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences. So thank you so much for being here, Dr. Saeed, and we are looking forward to your thoughts on The Age of Peace. General of the International Islamic Federation of Student Organizations and as the General Secretary of the Association of Muslim Social Scientists. And he's also one of the founders of the quarterly American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences. So thank you so much for being here, Dr. Saeed, and we are looking forward to your thoughts on The Age of Peace.

2:42 Assalamu alaikum. Assalamu alaikum.

2:48 What a great pride and what a unique opportunity to welcome Mawlana Wahiduddin Khan, a unique scholar in What a great pride and what a unique opportunity to welcome Mawlana Wahiduddin Khan, a unique scholar in

2:54 the area of peacebuilding in Islam, and today also welcoming his family and his friends who have traveled the area of peacebuilding in Islam, and today also welcoming his family and his friends who have traveled

3:00 all the way from India. all the way from India.

3:06 On behalf of my organization, Islamic Society of North America, which On behalf of my organization, Islamic Society of North America, which

3:12 is celebrating its 52nd anniversary of its existence, that what that means is it was born on the is celebrating its 52nd anniversary of its existence, that what that means is it was born on the

3:20 same day, same month, same year, when Martin Luther King had his dream speech in America. same day, same month, same year, when Martin Luther King had his dream speech in America.

3:27 So we are the result of that dream. So we are the result of that dream.

3:35 People think that that dream turned America into a more inclusive society in terms of different races and ethnic People think that that dream turned America into a more inclusive society in terms of different races and ethnic

3:42 ities. ities.

3:47 But the fact is that America became more inclusive in these 52 years in terms of religious diversity But the fact is that America became more inclusive in these 52 years in terms of religious diversity

3:52 as well, because a new religion was added to the American religious landscape. as well, because a new religion was added to the American religious landscape.

3:57 So for the last 52 years, we have been involved in that kind of peacebuilding, and the creation So for the last 52 years, we have been involved in that kind of peacebuilding, and the creation

4:02 of this institute was one of the greatest collective achievements from us. of this institute was one of the greatest collective achievements from us.

4:07 And we work very clos And we work very clos

4:12 ely from the very beginning, and we are involved in different ways in different projects nationally and internationally. ely from the very beginning, and we are involved in different ways in different projects nationally and internationally.

4:19 So it is really a great honor for me to bring to your attention this special book, The So it is really a great honor for me to bring to your attention this special book, The

4:25 Age of Peace. Age of Peace.

4:31 Mawlana calls it the re- re-engineering of the of mind. Mawlana calls it the re- re-engineering of the of mind.

4:37 So there's another book that was written So there's another book that was written

4:43 about 75 years ago. about 75 years ago.

4:48 It was called Reconstruction of Islamic Thought. It was called Reconstruction of Islamic Thought.

4:53 It was written by one of the topmost scholars of Islam, Allama Iqbal, Reconstruction of Islamic Thought, because It was written by one of the topmost scholars of Islam, Allama Iqbal, Reconstruction of Islamic Thought, because

4:58 at that time he thought that there has to be a reform in the Islamic theology, Islamic jurisprudence, at that time he thought that there has to be a reform in the Islamic theology, Islamic jurisprudence,

5:03 and so on. and so on.

5:08 And then he thought that in order to have that reform, we should have some stat And then he thought that in order to have that reform, we should have some stat

5:13 e, we should have some homeland where we can introduce that reformed understanding of Islam. But the politicians took the second part of his claim and forgot the first part. That is, they created a homeland called Pakistan, but they did not continue the vision of Allama Iqbal to have a reconstruction of Islamic thought. So today we are not talking just of reconstruction of Islamic thought. We are talking e, we should have some homeland where we can introduce that reformed understanding of Islam. But the politicians took the second part of his claim and forgot the first part. That is, they created a homeland called Pakistan, but they did not continue the vision of Allama Iqbal to have a reconstruction of Islamic thought. So today we are not talking just of reconstruction of Islamic thought. We are talking

5:43 about the re- what do you call it? The re- this is a new word, the re-engineering of the mind. So this is a unique book in that sense. But I want to tell you that books of this nature, Mawlana's books, because they are introducing a new thought, they are controversial. There are people who like them, there are people who don't like them. about the re- what do you call it? The re- this is a new word, the re-engineering of the mind. So this is a unique book in that sense. But I want to tell you that books of this nature, Mawlana's books, because they are introducing a new thought, they are controversial. There are people who like them, there are people who don't like them.

6:13 And I'm sure that this book will be burned in many parts of the Muslim world. And I'm sure that this book will be burned in many parts of the Muslim world.

6:17 And I'm sure that if it is not burned, it will be banned in many parts of the Muslim world. And I'm sure that if it is not burned, it will be banned in many parts of the Muslim world.

6:21 But I want to say that during the last 52 years, the community that we have created in But I want to say that during the last 52 years, the community that we have created in

6:26 this country, they are open-minded. this country, they are open-minded.

6:30 They are ready to discuss and debate. They are ready to discuss and debate.

6:34 They don't support the burning and the banning of the books. They don't support the burning and the banning of the books.

6:39 This is American Muslim commun This is American Muslim commun

6:43 ity, and we are proud of that. ity, and we are proud of that.

6:48 We hope that it will generate that debate, it will generate that discussion, and that will provide a We hope that it will generate that debate, it will generate that discussion, and that will provide a

6:53 better perspective to our other brothers and sisters in the rest of the world. better perspective to our other brothers and sisters in the rest of the world.

6:58 So it is with that prayer I am launching this book, The Age of Peace, in the most So it is with that prayer I am launching this book, The Age of Peace, in the most

7:03 appropriate place, the US Institute of Peace. appropriate place, the US Institute of Peace.

7:08 You must have seen that You must have seen that

7:13 this place is very appropriate in terms of its environment, its architecture, and the location. this place is very appropriate in terms of its environment, its architecture, and the location.

7:19 When we come into Washington, DC, we enter through the Constitution Avenue, the first thing that impresses us When we come into Washington, DC, we enter through the Constitution Avenue, the first thing that impresses us

7:25 is the US Institute of Peace. is the US Institute of Peace.

7:31 So I conclude with the prayer that Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, Almighty God, He opens up the hearts So I conclude with the prayer that Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, Almighty God, He opens up the hearts

7:37 and minds of everybody and helps us to under and minds of everybody and helps us to under

7:43 stand and to discuss what Mawlana has to offer us. You know that he is our guest in our 52nd annual convention in Chicago. So I want to invite all of you to come to our convention and to continue the discussion that we will have today. Shukran, JazakAllahu Khairan, thank you very much. stand and to discuss what Mawlana has to offer us. You know that he is our guest in our 52nd annual convention in Chicago. So I want to invite all of you to come to our convention and to continue the discussion that we will have today. Shukran, JazakAllahu Khairan, thank you very much.

8:07 Thank you so much. Thank you so much.

8:09 Thank you. Thank you.

8:16 I can say that I visit I visited USA more than 10 times. I can say that I visit I visited USA more than 10 times.

8:24 But this visit is quite different. But this visit is quite different.

8:32 This time I'm here to introduce my latest book, The Age of Peace This time I'm here to introduce my latest book, The Age of Peace

8:39 .

8:46 I can say that I'm a born pacifist. Born pacifist. I can say that I'm a born pacifist. Born pacifist.

8:53 Peace was my subject. Peace was my subject.

8:59 I love peace, and I wanted to know what is peace. I love peace, and I wanted to know what is peace.

9:06 So I studied so many books. So I studied so many books.

9:12 Then I published several books on peace. Then I published several books on peace.

9:18 This is my latest book, The Age of Peace. This is my latest book, The Age of Peace.

9:24 I found that there are so many people who have who are negative towards modern civilization or modern age. I found that there are so many people who have who are negative towards modern civilization or modern age.

9:30 But according to my study, this is wrong. But according to my study, this is wrong.

9:37 Modern civilization is civilization of peace Modern civilization is civilization of peace

9:43 .

9:49 Modern age is age of peace. Modern age is age of peace.

9:55 So after this discovery, I wanted to publish a book with this title, The Age of Peace. So after this discovery, I wanted to publish a book with this title, The Age of Peace.

10:01 Those who are engaged in violence and war, they are doing this due to unawareness. Those who are engaged in violence and war, they are doing this due to unawareness.

10:07 These people don't know the real These people don't know the real

10:13 nature of modern civilization and modern age. nature of modern civilization and modern age.

10:18 You know, there are some difficulties. You know, there are some difficulties.

10:22 So they refer these difficulties. So they refer these difficulties.

10:26 They want a civilization that is free of difficulties. They want a civilization that is free of difficulties.

10:31 That is impossible. That is impossible.

10:35 That is against the law of nature. That is against the law of nature.

10:39 Because without difficulty, without problem, there is no progr Because without difficulty, without problem, there is no progr

10:43 ess. ess.

10:54 When there is problem, when there are differences, it leads to discussion, interaction. When there is problem, when there are differences, it leads to discussion, interaction.

11:04 And through interaction and through discussion, we our journeys continue towards towards our goal, that is finding the high truth And through interaction and through discussion, we our journeys continue towards towards our goal, that is finding the high truth

11:14 .

11:20 So according to my study, present age is age of peace. So according to my study, present age is age of peace.

11:26 Present and and civilization, modern civilization is age is civilization of peace. Present and and civilization, modern civilization is age is civilization of peace.

11:32 So those who are engaged in violence, I wanted to to make them aware of this fact. So those who are engaged in violence, I wanted to to make them aware of this fact.

11:38 It is my It is my

11:44 belief that present age is age of opportunities. belief that present age is age of opportunities.

11:48 But age of opportunity explosion. But age of opportunity explosion.

11:53 Everywhere there are open explosion. Everywhere there are open explosion.

11:57 And there is freedom. And there is freedom.

12:01 There is no restriction at all. There is no restriction at all.

12:06 Everyone can avail these opportunities and can achieve his or her goal. Everyone can avail these opportunities and can achieve his or her goal.

12:10 So why why fighting? Why hate So why why fighting? Why hate

12:14 ? Why war? ? Why war?

12:19 In in the present age, war and violence is just to waste your time. In in the present age, war and violence is just to waste your time.

12:24 If you are engaged in in war and violence, you are wasting your time. If you are engaged in in war and violence, you are wasting your time.

12:29 When there are open opportunities, you have to avail those opportunities. When there are open opportunities, you have to avail those opportunities.

12:34 And this is your goal. And this is your goal.

12:40 So this is the purpose of this book. You know, So this is the purpose of this book. You know,

12:45 it is a fact that people are generally engaged in in wrong activities due to due to their unawareness. it is a fact that people are generally engaged in in wrong activities due to due to their unawareness.

12:52 There is there is a saying in Arabic, annasu adaw ma jahilu. There is there is a saying in Arabic, annasu adaw ma jahilu.

13:00 And if people are engaged in in wrong activities due to their unawareness. And if people are engaged in in wrong activities due to their unawareness.

13:07 So all these strife, hate, and So all these strife, hate, and

13:15 war and violence are due to unawareness. war and violence are due to unawareness.

13:23 So I wanted to make them aware of the fact so that they may choose peace instead of war. So I wanted to make them aware of the fact so that they may choose peace instead of war.

13:31 Then as far as Islam is concerned, Islam is religion of peace. Then as far as Islam is concerned, Islam is religion of peace.

13:39 You know, the the very term Islam has a connotation of peace. You know, the the very term Islam has a connotation of peace.

13:47 It means that Islam is religion of peace. It means that Islam is religion of peace.

13:51 There is a very important verse in this regard. There is a very important verse in this regard.

13:56 Wallahu yadhu ila dar es salaam. Wallahu yadhu ila dar es salaam.

14:00 And God calls to the home of peace. And God calls to the home of peace.

14:04 It means that it is call of God that people must establish a a society of peace, a It means that it is call of God that people must establish a a society of peace, a

14:09 life of peace. life of peace.

14:13 People must live in People must live in

14:17 peace of mind. peace of mind.

14:22 So positivity is the law of nature. So positivity is the law of nature.

14:26 Negative thinking is against the law of nature. Negative thinking is against the law of nature.

14:30 And positive thinking is according to the law of nature. And positive thinking is according to the law of nature.

14:35 So this is the purpose of this book. So this is the purpose of this book.

14:39 I believe that those who are engaged in violence and war, they are paying a very heavy price. I believe that those who are engaged in violence and war, they are paying a very heavy price.

14:44 That is, they are backward That is, they are backward

14:48 .

14:54 They fail to to fail to achieve the higher goal that is that is possible for everyone in this age. They fail to to fail to achieve the higher goal that is that is possible for everyone in this age.

15:00 So I have studied this subject and so many books, so many books, so many books. So I have studied this subject and so many books, so many books, so many books.

15:06 And I I can say that this book is gist of my study. And I I can say that this book is gist of my study.

15:12 And everyone who will read this book, he And everyone who will read this book, he

15:18 will find that peace is peace is samambunam. Peace is the greatest good for our life. Without peace, you cannot do anything. Peace is must for all kind of progress, religious or secular or any other progress. So this is the purpose of my visit. And I will find that peace is peace is samambunam. Peace is the greatest good for our life. Without peace, you cannot do anything. Peace is must for all kind of progress, religious or secular or any other progress. So this is the purpose of my visit. And I

15:48 'm thankful to you for arranging this meeting and this and inviting me to address this learning audience. So I'm thank I'm thankful. And may God may God bless you. May God bless you. May God bless you. 'm thankful to you for arranging this meeting and this and inviting me to address this learning audience. So I'm thank I'm thankful. And may God may God bless you. May God bless you. May God bless you.

16:14 Thank you so much. Thank you so much.

16:18 Thank you, Mawlana. Thank you, Mawlana.

16:21 We're going to now have time for questions and answers from Mawlana. We're going to now have time for questions and answers from Mawlana.

16:25 And I'd like to start with one question, something that I know Mawlana, you have written about extensively, And I'd like to start with one question, something that I know Mawlana, you have written about extensively,

16:29 you talk about frequently, and I know it's an important part of your book here, which is the you talk about frequently, and I know it's an important part of your book here, which is the

16:33 message that we need to be working for peace without conditions. message that we need to be working for peace without conditions.

16:37 So I wanted to see if you could say more about that. So I wanted to see if you could say more about that.

16:40 What does that mean, What does that mean,

16:44 working for peace without conditions? What does Islam say about that? working for peace without conditions? What does Islam say about that?

16:50 I visited some Muslim countries who are engaged in violence. I visited some Muslim countries who are engaged in violence.

16:54 So I asked, I asked, why you are engaged in violence? So I asked, I asked, why you are engaged in violence?

16:59 Why this war? Why this war?

17:03 They said, yes, we want peace, but we want peace with justice. They said, yes, we want peace, but we want peace with justice.

17:07 This was their answer. This was their answer.

17:11 Give us justice and we will give you peace. Give us justice and we will give you peace.

17:16 So I I was So I I was

17:20 struck with this answer. struck with this answer.

17:24 Then I discovered that this answer is unnatural. Then I discovered that this answer is unnatural.

17:29 This answer is unnatural. This answer is unnatural.

17:33 Because according to the law of nature, justice is not part of peace. Because according to the law of nature, justice is not part of peace.

17:37 It is very important. It is very important.

17:42 It is my discovery that justice is not part of peace. It is my discovery that justice is not part of peace.

17:46 Justice is part of your own endeavor, y Justice is part of your own endeavor, y

17:50 our struggle. So according to the according to the law of nature, this I told them, according to the law of nature, first of all, you have to establish peace. Peace will open the opportunities. And by availing by availing these opportunities, you can avail justice. Justice or any other rights can be achieved can can be achieved only our struggle. So according to the according to the law of nature, this I told them, according to the law of nature, first of all, you have to establish peace. Peace will open the opportunities. And by availing by availing these opportunities, you can avail justice. Justice or any other rights can be achieved can can be achieved only

18:20 through your own endeavor. through your own endeavor.

18:25 So justice is different and and peace is different. So justice is different and and peace is different.

18:30 Peace gives you base. Peace gives you base.

18:36 Peace only can you give base, not the justice. Peace only can you give base, not the justice.

18:41 So first of all, you have to to establish peace at any cost. So first of all, you have to to establish peace at any cost.

18:46 It is my belief that peace for the sake of justice. It is my belief that peace for the sake of justice.

18:51 Peace for the sake of peace. Peace for the sake of peace. Peace for the sake of peace. Peace for the sake of peace.

18:55 Peace for the sake of peace. Peace for the sake of peace.

19:00 Peace for the sake of peace. Peace for the sake of peace.

19:05 So first of all, you have to establish peace at any cost. So first of all, you have to establish peace at any cost.

19:10 Then peace will open all the doors of opportunities. Then peace will open all the doors of opportunities.

19:15 And by availing these opportunities, you can achieve your goal. And by availing these opportunities, you can achieve your goal.

19:20 And this formula I I discovered in the Quran, in from the life of the Prophet of Islam And this formula I I discovered in the Quran, in from the life of the Prophet of Islam

19:25 . Prophet of Islam was born in a tribal society. At that time, there were tribal means age of tribal means age of age of violence. So Prophet was born in in this society. So there was violence. There was war. But Prophet . Prophet of Islam was born in a tribal society. At that time, there were tribal means age of tribal means age of age of violence. So Prophet was born in in this society. So there was violence. There was war. But Prophet

19:55 tried to establish peace. tried to establish peace.

19:59 And he gave all kind of price for this purpose. And he gave all kind of price for this purpose.

20:04 And when there was peace, there was opportunity. And when there was peace, there was opportunity.

20:08 And Prophet then availed those opportunities. And Prophet then availed those opportunities.

20:12 And the result was that he he emerged a successful person. And the result was that he he emerged a successful person.

20:17 You know, Dr. You know, Dr.

20:21 Hart has published a bo Hart has published a bo

20:26 ok, The Hundred. ok, The Hundred.

20:31 In this book, he says that the Prophet of Islam was supremely successful person. In this book, he says that the Prophet of Islam was supremely successful person.

20:36 But in this book, you cannot find the method. But in this book, you cannot find the method.

20:41 Why Prophet became why why Prophet emerged as a supremely successful person? Why Prophet became why why Prophet emerged as a supremely successful person?

20:46 Due to following this formula. Due to following this formula.

20:51 The formula of Prophet of Islam was that you have The formula of Prophet of Islam was that you have

20:56 to establish peace at any cost. to establish peace at any cost.

21:03 Peace will open the door all the door of opportunities. Peace will open the door all the door of opportunities.

21:11 And you have to you have to avail these opportunities by by wise planning. And you have to you have to avail these opportunities by by wise planning.

21:18 And the result is is is your is is just success And the result is is is your is is just success

21:26 . This is my this is my finding. . This is my this is my finding.

21:39 Thank you. Lets open it up for questions and discussion. If you can please say your name and and possibly your affiliation and then your your question, your comment. Would anyone like to start? Yes. Thank you. Let's open it up for questions and discussion. If you can please say your name and and possibly your affiliation and then your your question, your comment. Would anyone like to start? Yes.

22:06 Assalamu alaikum. Assalamu alaikum.

22:11 My name is Arslan Suleiman. My name is Arslan Suleiman.

22:15 I work at the State Department, currently as the acting US envoy to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. I work at the State Department, currently as the acting US envoy to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

22:20 I wanted to thank the Mawlana for coming to the United States and for discussing his book and I wanted to thank the Mawlana for coming to the United States and for discussing his book and

22:24 for all of his delegation members as well. for all of his delegation members as well.

22:28 One question that I had was the Mawlana was mentioning that in his studies, he's drawing from the One question that I had was the Mawlana was mentioning that in his studies, he's drawing from the

22:33 Quran and the example of the Prophet in promoting peace Quran and the example of the Prophet in promoting peace

22:37 . .

22:42 But today, we also have many of these members of extremist groups who look back at the example But today, we also have many of these members of extremist groups who look back at the example

22:47 of the Prophet and the Sahaba during wartime. of the Prophet and the Sahaba during wartime.

22:53 And they look at these examples and use different practices during battles and other examples as justification for And they look at these examples and use different practices during battles and other examples as justification for

22:58 their own violent acts and tendencies. their own violent acts and tendencies.

23:03 So I was wondering if the Mawlana had any comments about that, about how the So I was wondering if the Mawlana had any comments about that, about how the

23:08 examples from the past have to be contextualized and how to distinguish between those examples which have a basis or a context of around violence and and those that that dont. Thank you. examples from the past have to be contextualized and how to distinguish between those examples which have a basis or a context of around violence and and those that that don't. Thank you.

23:24 It is my finding I discovered after the after detailed study that that war in Islam was due It is my finding I discovered after the after detailed study that that war in Islam was due

23:32 to age factor. to age factor.

23:39 It was not Islam's own choice. It was not Islam's own choice.

23:47 Islam never wanted to wage a war. But as Islam never wanted to wage a war. But as

23:54 it was it was age of tribals. it was it was age of tribals.

24:01 And tribal means age of wars. And tribal means age of wars.

24:07 So due to this, that they always wanted to engage Prophet of Islam in wars. So due to this, that they always wanted to engage Prophet of Islam in wars.

24:14 But Prophet always managed those wars. But Prophet always managed those wars.

24:20 And in Islam, there was no full-fledged war And in Islam, there was no full-fledged war

24:26 . Full-fledged war means at least six days war minimum. But there was there was no full-fledged war. All those so-called wars were escarmishes. Escarmishes. Why? Because Prophet of Islam always managed the situation rather than jumping to fight. Then . Full-fledged war means at least six days war minimum. But there was there was no full-fledged war. All those so-called wars were escarmishes. Escarmishes. Why? Because Prophet of Islam always managed the situation rather than jumping to fight. Then

24:56 I published a book, Prophet of Peace. I published a book, Prophet of Peace.

25:01 I think this book is is available here. I think this book is is available here.

25:05 You can read it. You can read it.

25:09 Prophet of Peace. Prophet of Peace.

25:14 People generally think that Prophet of Islam was Prophet of violence. People generally think that Prophet of Islam was Prophet of violence.

25:18 It is completely wrong. It is completely wrong.

25:22 Any according to my study, those people who are tribal Any according to my study, those people who are tribal

25:26 chiefs, they wanted to involve him in in war almost 85 times. 85 times. chiefs, they wanted to involve him in in war almost 85 times. 85 times.

25:34 But actual in actual sense, there were only four wars. Four. But actual in actual sense, there were only four wars. Four.

25:42 Because Prophet always managed always diffuse the tension. Because Prophet always managed always diffuse the tension.

25:50 So Prophet gave this example that if there are some So Prophet gave this example that if there are some

25:58 violence from the opposite party, you have to manage it. Dont respond violently, but respond peacefully. So I have I have established this fact in my book, The Prophet of Peace. Perhaps this book is available here. And inshaAllah, you can find some time to read it. violence from the opposite party, you have to manage it. Don't respond violently, but respond peacefully. So I have I have established this fact in my book, The Prophet of Peace. Perhaps this book is available here. And insha'Allah, you can find some time to read it.

26:25 Yes. Good afternoon. Yes. Good afternoon.

26:29 My name is Emre Çelik. My name is Emre Çelik.

26:34 I preside over the Rumi Forum. I preside over the Rumi Forum.

26:38 And our president, honorary president, is Mr. Fethullah Gülen. And our president, honorary president, is Mr. Fethullah Gülen.

26:42 Linking to what was just asked, what do you see as the causes for so many people rushing Linking to what was just asked, what do you see as the causes for so many people rushing

26:47 to such groups? to such groups?

26:51 We have a history of now ISIS and Boko Haram and Al-Qaeda and numerous other types of groups. What is We have a history of now ISIS and Boko Haram and Al-Qaeda and numerous other types of groups. What is

26:55 the reason that so many, particularly educated, affluent Muslims in the West run towards such groups? And what do you see as possible or probable solutions for such prevention of the formation of such groups? Thank you. the reason that so many, particularly educated, affluent Muslims in the West run towards such groups? And what do you see as possible or probable solutions for such prevention of the formation of such groups? Thank you.

27:12 Very simple answer. Very simple answer.

27:16 I will give you a very simple answer. I will give you a very simple answer.

27:20 That is, you have to differentiate between Islam and Muslims. That is, you have to differentiate between Islam and Muslims.

27:24 These people are Muslim belong to Muslim community, but they are not Islam. These people are Muslim belong to Muslim community, but they are not Islam.

27:27 Islam is an ideology. Islam is an ideology.

27:31 Islam itself is not a community. Islam itself is not a community.

27:35 Islam is an ideology. Islam is an ideology.

27:39 So you have to judge Muslims by the So you have to judge Muslims by the

27:43 teaching of Islam and not vice versa. teaching of Islam and not vice versa.

27:53 Then these people are always according to my study, these people are remnant of tribal culture. Then these people are always according to my study, these people are remnant of tribal culture.

28:03 All those people who are engaged in in in war, they are remnant of tribal culture All those people who are engaged in in in war, they are remnant of tribal culture

28:13 . So it requires education. I think Muslims are backward in education. By education, I mean modern education. So the root cause is their backwardness in education. So simply condemnation will not work. Simply waging war against them will not work. You have . So it requires education. I think Muslims are backward in education. By education, I mean modern education. So the root cause is their backwardness in education. So simply condemnation will not work. Simply waging war against them will not work. You have

28:43 to educate these people. to educate these people.

28:47 Without education, you cannot eliminate this phenomenon. Without education, you cannot eliminate this phenomenon.

28:52 I'm I myself engaged in this in this cause. I'm I myself engaged in this in this cause.

28:56 I published so many books in different languages. I published so many books in different languages.

29:00 I want to educate these people. I want to educate these people.

29:04 So I can say that there are thousand and thousand people who have who have abandoned violence due So I can say that there are thousand and thousand people who have who have abandoned violence due

29:09 to my literature, due to my mission to my literature, due to my mission

29:13 . .

29:19 So there is a dictum adopted by UNESCO that violence begins from mind. So there is a dictum adopted by UNESCO that violence begins from mind.

29:25 I would say that peace also begins from mind. I would say that peace also begins from mind.

29:31 If you are if you are if your thinking is peaceful, then your act will be peaceful. If you are if you are if your thinking is peaceful, then your act will be peaceful.

29:37 If your thinking is is violent, then you If your thinking is is violent, then you

29:43 will be violent. will be violent.

29:50 So education means to make people aware of the fact, to awaken the mind of people. So education means to make people aware of the fact, to awaken the mind of people.

29:56 So awakened mind, insha'Allah, will not do like these things. So awakened mind, insha'Allah, will not do like these things.

30:03 Only those people who are not awakened, they are engaged in violence. Only those people who are not awakened, they are engaged in violence.

30:09 So we are doing in in both the So we are doing in in both the

30:16 aspect education and literature. This is theright solution to this problem. aspect education and literature. This is theright solution to this problem.

30:25 Actually, these modern educated people are misled because of the wrong information, misinterpretation of the ideology of Islam. Actually, these modern educated people are misled because of the wrong information, misinterpretation of the ideology of Islam.

30:33 And full of the internet, there are many sites on the internet which are full of the wrong information, misquoting. And full of the internet, there are many sites on the internet which are full of the wrong information, misquoting.

30:40 And like they have developed the concept of Khilafat, which is totally un-Islamic. And like they have developed the concept of Khilafat, which is totally un-Islamic.

30:48 There is no verse in the Quran which says that you have to establish Khilafat. So it There is no verse in the Quran which says that you have to establish Khilafat. So it

30:55 is full of wrong interpretation of Islam. is full of wrong interpretation of Islam.

31:00 So we have developed theright interpretation of Islam. So we have developed theright interpretation of Islam.

31:05 And by reading our books, many people in thousands of numbers, they have come back to theright concept, And by reading our books, many people in thousands of numbers, they have come back to theright concept,

31:10 peaceful concept of Islam. peaceful concept of Islam.

31:15 So we will have to give themright ideology. So we will have to give themright ideology.

31:20 And like the Prophet's most important event in the life of the Prophet is Sul Hudaybiyah, And like the Prophet's most important event in the life of the Prophet is Sul Hudaybiyah,

31:25 peace agreement. peace agreement.

31:29 They don't refer to this peace agreement. They don't refer to this peace agreement.

31:32 They will refer to the battles. They will refer to the battles.

31:35 Because in that in those age, it was the age of religious persecution. Because in that in those age, it was the age of religious persecution.

31:39 And the Prophet was propagating Islam peacefully. And the Prophet was propagating Islam peacefully.

31:42 But because of the age of religious persecution, he was opposed. But because of the age of religious persecution, he was opposed.

31:46 He was opposed. He was opposed.

31:49 He was driven away from his home town. He was driven away from his home town.

31:52 And when he went to Medina, he was attacked two, three, four And when he went to Medina, he was attacked two, three, four

31:56 many times. many times.

32:02 He always avoided. He always avoided.

32:08 So they they refer only to those skirmishes which led because of the opposition. So they they refer only to those skirmishes which led because of the opposition.

32:14 And they don't refer to the Prophet's stand, stand of tolerance, stand of avoidance, stand of peace treaty. And they don't refer to the Prophet's stand, stand of tolerance, stand of avoidance, stand of peace treaty.

32:20 And this peace treaty Prophet had accepted by had made by accepting all And this peace treaty Prophet had accepted by had made by accepting all

32:26 the conditions unilaterally. the conditions unilaterally.

32:31 Humiliating conditions he accepted because he thought he knew that once peace prevails, then we can do everything. Humiliating conditions he accepted because he thought he knew that once peace prevails, then we can do everything.

32:36 All constructive activities are possible in peaceful conditions. All constructive activities are possible in peaceful conditions.

32:41 So they don't refer to all these things which the Prophet did as a matter of ideology. So they don't refer to all these things which the Prophet did as a matter of ideology.

32:46 What the Prophet did as a matter of compulsion because the enemy was attacking him. What the Prophet did as a matter of compulsion because the enemy was attacking him.

32:51 So he had to defend himself. So So he had to defend himself. So

32:56 they have they think that is the principle. So it is total misconception, misinterpretation of the ideology of Islam. And they have filled with those things in the internet. And these people are being misled by the information, wrong information on the internet. they have they think that is the principle. So it is total misconception, misinterpretation of the ideology of Islam. And they have filled with those things in the internet. And these people are being misled by the information, wrong information on the internet.

33:21 Assalamu alaikum. My name is Saeed Mokhtadir. I'm the president of all Dallas area Muslim society known as Adam Center. The Mawlana will be honored to host you this Saturday at 6:30. You are all welcome to join us at Adam Center. It will be an honor, Mawlana, to have you there. It's indeed an honor to speak to you today. My particular question is from a wisdom. If you look at the pe Assalamu alaikum. My name is Saeed Mokhtadir. I'm the president of all Dallas area Muslim society known as Adam Center. The Mawlana will be honored to host you this Saturday at 6:30. You are all welcome to join us at Adam Center. It will be an honor, Mawlana, to have you there. It's indeed an honor to speak to you today. My particular question is from a wisdom. If you look at the pe

33:51 ace process, historically, it has always been a struggle with the political objectives or nationalistic objectives more than ace process, historically, it has always been a struggle with the political objectives or nationalistic objectives more than

33:58 anything else that creates the barrier in peacemaking. anything else that creates the barrier in peacemaking.

34:06 In actual peacemaking, in your mind, do you see a role that the political process of the politicians In actual peacemaking, in your mind, do you see a role that the political process of the politicians

34:13 can play that can endure can play that can endure

34:21 peace rather than violence and so on? peace rather than violence and so on?

34:26 I don't think that political leaders can play a role. Only education. Only education. I don't think that political leaders can play a role. Only education. Only education.

34:31 When there is education, there is peace. When there is education, there is peace.

34:36 The one example is the history of Islam. The one example is the history of Islam.

34:41 In the early period of Islam, there was war and violence. In the early period of Islam, there was war and violence.

34:46 But Prophet of Islam tried to educate these people. But Prophet of Islam tried to educate these people.

34:51 Not in modern Not in modern

34:56 sense. sense.

35:01 There was no such schools. There was no such schools.

35:05 But Quran itself was a source of education. But Quran itself was a source of education.

35:09 Quran there was a universal principle given in the Quran that as-sulh khair, peace is the best. Quran there was a universal principle given in the Quran that as-sulh khair, peace is the best.

35:14 This was Quranic education. This was Quranic education.

35:18 Peace is the best. Peace is the best.

35:22 Through peace, you can achieve all your goals. But Through peace, you can achieve all your goals. But

35:27 through violence, you cannot go you cannot achieve anything. through violence, you cannot go you cannot achieve anything.

35:31 So Quran itself was a source of education. So Quran itself was a source of education.

35:35 Then you know there was a peaceful society. Then you know there was a peaceful society.

35:40 Before Islam, there was a tribal culture. Before Islam, there was a tribal culture.

35:44 Every day there was war and violence. Every day there was war and violence.

35:48 But after but Islam was successful to establish peace. But after but Islam was successful to establish peace.

35:53 It was through education. It was through education.

35:57 Quran itself was education. Quran itself was education.

36:03 So I don't believe that political leaders control play a role. So I don't believe that political leaders control play a role.

36:09 History is not history will not witness to this claim. History is not history will not witness to this claim.

36:15 Only preachers, only spiritual persons, only religious personalities, only educators can establish peace. Only preachers, only spiritual persons, only religious personalities, only educators can establish peace.

36:21 The greatest r The greatest r

36:27 ole in this in this regard is educators' role. ole in this in this regard is educators' role.

36:35 Educators not by not in formal sense. Educators not by not in formal sense.

36:43 I believe that in formal education and informal education, both can play a role in this regard. I believe that in formal education and informal education, both can play a role in this regard.

36:52 And I am I am I myself is an educator. And I am I am I myself is an educator.

37:00 Absolutely. Yes. Absolutely. Yes.

37:02 Mawlana, follow up on this question which was very relevant. Mawlana, follow up on this question which was very relevant.

37:05 Education is important. Education is important.

37:08 We all know that. Sorry. We all know that. Sorry.

37:12 My name is Tariq. My name is Tariq.

37:15 And I'm just an independent consultant nowadays. And I'm just an independent consultant nowadays.

37:18 Now, education is important. Now, education is important.

37:22 But the thing is, we have so many people who have been educated enough in this world. But the thing is, we have so many people who have been educated enough in this world.

37:25 But with that, there has to be from my personal perspective, has to be a desire of discovery of God. But with that, there has to be from my personal perspective, has to be a desire of discovery of God.

37:28 So without that discovery, l So without that discovery, l

37:32 ike in case of Muslims, I can safely say, I lived a long life with Muslims. ike in case of Muslims, I can safely say, I lived a long life with Muslims.

37:37 Except your readings, your books, I never came across a single Muslim in the last more than 50 Except your readings, your books, I never came across a single Muslim in the last more than 50

37:42 years of my life who ever told me that you have to discover God. years of my life who ever told me that you have to discover God.

37:47 Now, when Dr. Now, when Dr.

37:52 Saeed was talking about Imam Iqbal, I sometimes think he was giving a very interesting thought at that time. Saeed was talking about Imam Iqbal, I sometimes think he was giving a very interesting thought at that time.

37:57 But the fact is, Muslims ruled India for seven, eight centuries. But the fact is, Muslims ruled India for seven, eight centuries.

38:02 They had no inhibition. They had no inhibition.

38:07 They had no obstacles. They had no obstacles.

38:11 But since they had not discovered God, from my perspective, therefore, they never cared about God. But since they had not discovered God, from my perspective, therefore, they never cared about God.

38:15 And now, when Hindus become a majority after the during the independence struggle, the same Muslims, because of And now, when Hindus become a majority after the during the independence struggle, the same Muslims, because of

38:19 fear of being a minority, they start looking for a homeland. fear of being a minority, they start looking for a homeland.

38:24 So I think realities are very bitter. So I think realities are very bitter.

38:28 Now, because of that thinking, my my question, you know, what I what both Now, because of that thinking, my my question, you know, what I what both

38:32 ers me is, why couldn't Iqbal understand this fact at that time that people like me, I have no interest with God. And they are trying to experiment something in a separate homeland. So all I'm saying is that with education, there has to be an interest in God. Without that, education can lead us nowhere. Thank you. ers me is, why couldn't Iqbal understand this fact at that time that people like me, I have no interest with God. And they are trying to experiment something in a separate homeland. So all I'm saying is that with education, there has to be an interest in God. Without that, education can lead us nowhere. Thank you.

38:55 Yes. I I do agree that if you are if you are a believer in God in true sense of the word, then you are a spiritual person. You are a pacifist. You are you will you are a peaceful person. But I th Yes. I I do agree that if you are if you are a believer in God in true sense of the word, then you are a spiritual person. You are a pacifist. You are you will you are a peaceful person. But I th

39:25 ink that peace is not religious subject, basically. Peace is a secular subject, basically. It is true that the believer in God will never go to violence. It is true. But peace itself is a secular subject. And I can say that I can refer to Japanese society. Japanese society is a secular societ ink that peace is not religious subject, basically. Peace is a secular subject, basically. It is true that the believer in God will never go to violence. It is true. But peace itself is a secular subject. And I can say that I can refer to Japanese society. Japanese society is a secular societ

39:55 y, basically. y, basically.

39:59 And they are most peaceful person. And they are most peaceful person.

40:03 Although in the in the Second World War, there were violent person. Although in the in the Second World War, there were violent person.

40:07 But now they are peaceful person. But now they are peaceful person.

40:10 So I think that belief in God is greatest good. So I think that belief in God is greatest good.

40:14 It is true. It is true.

40:18 But peace can be established through secular way. But peace can be established through secular way.

40:22 Because where there is peace, there is industry. Because where there is peace, there is industry.

40:26 There are all kind of development. There are all kind of development.

40:32 So it is everyone everyone's own interest. So it is everyone everyone's own interest.

40:38 Everyone wants to to to do business, to do all those things that is good for his life Everyone wants to to to do business, to do all those things that is good for his life

40:45 or his family's life. or his family's life.

40:51 So it is everyone's concern to So it is everyone's concern to

40:57 to find peaceful situation. to find peaceful situation.

41:03 So so I can say that peace peace is not religious subject, basically. So so I can say that peace peace is not religious subject, basically.

41:09 It is secular subject. It is secular subject.

41:15 It is my belief. It is my belief.

41:22 Although in Quran and Hadith, there are so many verses that that preach peace Although in Quran and Hadith, there are so many verses that that preach peace

41:28 , peace. , peace.

41:33 But peace is not like like prayer and like Hajj and Zakat. But peace is not like like prayer and like Hajj and Zakat.

41:38 Where there is peace, there is religious activities also. Where there is peace, there is religious activities also.

41:43 So it is it is religious concern to establish peace. So it is it is religious concern to establish peace.

41:48 Because without peace, there is no religious activities. Because without peace, there is no religious activities.

41:53 But at the same time, But at the same time,

41:58 without peace, there are no secular activities, educational activities, industrial activities. This is my personal belief. without peace, there are no secular activities, educational activities, industrial activities. This is my personal belief.

42:12 Thank you. And well, I can't believe it, but we're actually out of time already. You have one more question. Do we do we need to leave the room immediately or one more question? Okay. Thank you. And well, I can't believe it, but we're actually out of time already. You have one more question. Do we do we need to leave the room immediately or one more question? Okay.

42:28 You talked about re-engineering of minds. How can you re-engineering jihadist mindsets? And how have you dealt it in this book? You talked about re-engineering of minds. How can you re-engineering jihadist mindsets? And how have you dealt it in this book?

42:39 Re-engineering of mind means deconditioning of minds. Re-engineering of mind means deconditioning of minds.

42:45 People because everyone is born in a society. People because everyone is born in a society.

42:51 And it is society that that conditions your mind. And it is society that that conditions your mind.

42:58 Everyone becomes misconditioned, misconditioned or misconditioned. Everyone becomes misconditioned, misconditioned or misconditioned.

43:04 So it is the first duty of educators to decondition their mind. So it is the first duty of educators to decondition their mind.

43:10 Deconditioning means re-engineering of mind. Deconditioning means re-engineering of mind.

43:18 Without deconditioning of mind, you cannot you cannot expect from people. Without deconditioning of mind, you cannot you cannot expect from people.

43:25 Because man always think under his conditioning. Because man always think under his conditioning.

43:33 So before deconditioning, you cannot make them objective th So before deconditioning, you cannot make them objective th

43:41 inker. inker.

43:47 Only deconditioned thinking can think objectively. Only deconditioned thinking can think objectively.

43:53 So this is the psychological issue. So this is the psychological issue.

43:59 According to psychology, everyone is conditioned, misconditioned or misconditioned. According to psychology, everyone is conditioned, misconditioned or misconditioned.

44:05 So if you want to bring about change in life, you first of all, you have to decondition their mind. So if you want to bring about change in life, you first of all, you have to decondition their mind.

44:11 Before deconditioning, you cannot bring about any change in their life. Before deconditioning, you cannot bring about any change in their life.

44:23 I just want to add something. I just want to add something.

44:27 My name is Rajat Malhotra. My name is Rajat Malhotra.

44:30 And you know, I've been associated with Mawlana's Center for Peace and Spirituality for the last 15 years. And you know, I've been associated with Mawlana's Center for Peace and Spirituality for the last 15 years.

44:33 And I come from non-Islamic background. And I come from non-Islamic background.

44:37 And I can say that, you know, I am a product of, you know, that re-engineering of mind And I can say that, you know, I am a product of, you know, that re-engineering of mind

44:40 that he talks about. that he talks about.

44:43 Because when I met him, I was living in hatred and in the concept of we and they. Because when I met him, I was living in hatred and in the concept of we and they.

44:47 And then, you know, his peace process initiated. And then, you know, his peace process initiated.

44:50 And you know, that changed my life complet And you know, that changed my life complet

44:53 ely. And as a result, you know, I'm sitting here in front of you, completely 360 degree, you know, turned around in my life. And I want to give a, you know, real life example as to how, you know, Center for Peace and Spirituality does that. And that is way of, you know, doing several workshops, you know, that we organize. So you know, in one of the workshops, there were some Muslim scholars, ulemas, who were present. And Mawlana was, you know, kind of checking as to, ely. And as a result, you know, I'm sitting here in front of you, completely 360 degree, you know, turned around in my life. And I want to give a, you know, real life example as to how, you know, Center for Peace and Spirituality does that. And that is way of, you know, doing several workshops, you know, that we organize. So you know, in one of the workshops, there were some Muslim scholars, ulemas, who were present. And Mawlana was, you know, kind of checking as to,

45:23 you know, what is their thinking process. So in one of the sessions, you know, he asked one of the ulema that, do you hate, you know, people? So he said, no, Mawlana, I'm totally free of hate. So he asked him, okay, I want to know, do you hate Christians? So he said, no, I don't hate Christians. So then Mawlana said that, do you hate Hindus? He said, no, I don't hate Hindus. He said, do you hate this political party, that political party? So to every question, you know, the answer was no. But the you know, what is their thinking process. So in one of the sessions, you know, he asked one of the ulema that, do you hate, you know, people? So he said, no, Mawlana, I'm totally free of hate. So he asked him, okay, I want to know, do you hate Christians? So he said, no, I don't hate Christians. So then Mawlana said that, do you hate Hindus? He said, no, I don't hate Hindus. He said, do you hate this political party, that political party? So to every question, you know, the answer was no. But the

45:53 moment Mawlana brought about, do you hate Jews, he almost stood up. moment Mawlana brought about, do you hate Jews, he almost stood up.

45:57 And he said, of course, they are our enemies. And he said, of course, they are our enemies.

46:01 We should kill them. We should kill them.

46:05 So Mawlana was able to find out, you know, that in the heart of his hearts, he had this hatred. So Mawlana was able to find out, you know, that in the heart of his hearts, he had this hatred.

46:08 So then he started, you know, his process. So then he started, you know, his process.

46:12 And he said that, do you know that one of the Islamic teaching is that if you have And he said that, do you know that one of the Islamic teaching is that if you have

46:16 even an iota of hatred, God will not enter you into paradise. even an iota of hatred, God will not enter you into paradise.

46:20 So you know, this whole process of re-engineering is about So you know, this whole process of re-engineering is about

46:23 giving a counter ideology, telling them that what they are doing is not definitely going to take them to paradise. giving a counter ideology, telling them that what they are doing is not definitely going to take them to paradise.

46:29 Rather, it is going to take them to hell. Rather, it is going to take them to hell.

46:34 So unless you make these, you know, these suicide bombers, these jihadis believe from the very own scriptures So unless you make these, you know, these suicide bombers, these jihadis believe from the very own scriptures

46:39 that they refer to and tell them that what they are doing is un-Islamic, it is unlawful, and that they refer to and tell them that what they are doing is un-Islamic, it is unlawful, and

46:44 God will not pardon it, they will not move from that path. God will not pardon it, they will not move from that path.

46:49 So Mawlana's mission, Mawlana's Center So Mawlana's mission, Mawlana's Center

46:54 for Peace and Spirituality, his work is actually engaged in doing that. for Peace and Spirituality, his work is actually engaged in doing that.

46:59 And while I was not a jihadi, but of course, I lived in, you know, this hatred concept. And while I was not a jihadi, but of course, I lived in, you know, this hatred concept.

47:04 And you know, I am a product of that re-engineering process. And you know, I am a product of that re-engineering process.

47:09 So this is all that, you know, he has been doing. So this is all that, you know, he has been doing.

47:14 And when he says he's an educator, there's several workshops that, you know, we do in Delhi and outside Delhi. And when he says he's an educator, there's several workshops that, you know, we do in Delhi and outside Delhi.

47:19 And the entire focus is to make people positive oriented, contributing citizens, And the entire focus is to make people positive oriented, contributing citizens,

47:24 you know, towards universal peace. So I just wanted to add to that. you know, towards universal peace. So I just wanted to add to that.

47:27 The best example is Kashmir. The best example is Kashmir.

47:29 Yes. Yes.

47:29 Yeah. Yeah.

47:33 So Kashmir is one example. So Kashmir is one example.

47:36 And you know, the government of India recognizes Mawlana's work. And you know, the government of India recognizes Mawlana's work.

47:40 And there are several people, jihadis, who have given up, you know, arms. And there are several people, jihadis, who have given up, you know, arms.

47:43 And they have taken you would be very happy to know that they have taken to the field of education. And they have taken you would be very happy to know that they have taken to the field of education.

47:46 So you know, and we did several workshops. So you know, and we did several workshops.

47:50 And in one of the workshops, the stone thrower came and he stood up. And in one of the workshops, the stone thrower came and he stood up.

47:53 And he said, Mawlana, I pledge in front of these 200 people that I would never, ever throw a stone. And he said, Mawlana, I pledge in front of these 200 people that I would never, ever throw a stone.

47:56 And I would rather, you know, give them a book of peace. So And I would rather, you know, give them a book of peace. So

48:00 that is exactly, you know, what his, you know, center is doing. And his re-engineering process is all about. Yeah. that is exactly, you know, what his, you know, center is doing. And his re-engineering process is all about. Yeah.

48:06 Excellent. Well, that's a powerful example to end our discussion. Thank you for sharing that. And thank you all for being here. Mawlana, it's been a true honor. Thank you for sharing your time with us. And thank you for being the teacher for so many people around the world, touching hundreds of thousands of lives. We're honored to have you here. Dr. Saeed, thank you also for being here and for introducing us to the Age of Peace. Excellent. Well, that's a powerful example to end our discussion. Thank you for sharing that. And thank you all for being here. Mawlana, it's been a true honor. Thank you for sharing your time with us. And thank you for being the teacher for so many people around the world, touching hundreds of thousands of lives. We're honored to have you here. Dr. Saeed, thank you also for being here and for introducing us to the Age of Peace.

Maulana Wahiduddin Khan's Visit to United States Institute of Peace Washington DC | September, 2015