Name: Islam Principles and Practice (English) September 8, 2007 — Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Uploaded: 2007-01-01
Duration: 35 min 33 s
Channel: Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Description: Read the full transcript of “Islam Principles and Practice (English) September 8, 2007”, a lecture by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, with timestamps.

0:13 greetings to you all the root word of islam is salm which means peace it is therefore no exaggeration to say that violence and islam are contradictory to each other Greetings to you all. The root word of Islam is سلم, which means peace. It is therefore no exaggeration to say that violence and Islam are contradictory to each other.

0:26 the concept of islamic violence is so obviously unfounded that prima facie it stands rejected The concept of Islamic violence is so obviously unfounded that prima facie it stands rejected.

0:33 the fact that violence is not sustainable in the present world is enough to convince one that violence as a principle is quite alien to the scheme of things in islam The fact that violence is not sustainable in the present world is enough to convince one that violence as a principle is quite alien to the scheme of things in Islam.

0:45 islam claims to be an eternal religion and will not afford a principle which will not be sustainable in the later periods of human history Islam claims to be an eternal religion and will not afford a principle which will not be sustainable in the later periods of human history.

0:54 to throw some more light we have with us today a very well known islamic spiritual scholar maulana wahiduddin khan To throw some more light, we have with us today a very well-known Islamic spiritual scholar, مولانا وحید الدین خان

1:02 maulana wahiduddin khan is the president of islamic centre new delhi and also the founder for centre for peace and spirituality welcome maulana wahiduddin khan . مولانا وحید الدین خان is the president of Islamic Centre New Delhi and also the founder for Centre for Peace and Spirituality. Welcome, مولانا وحید الدین خان.

1:13 maulana how would you define islam the name islam itself gives us a definition مولانا، how would you define Islam? The name Islam itself gives us a definition

1:25 the word islam means . The word Islam means

1:31 submission or surrender it means that islam is a religion of surrender or submission submission or surrender. It means that Islam is a religion of surrender or submission.

1:40 surrender to god almighty or submission before god almighty Surrender to God Almighty or submission before God Almighty.

1:49 so islamic religion means a life of that is that we may call god oriented life So, Islamic religion means a life of that is that we may call God-oriented life.

2:00 ji a submissive lif जी. A submissive lif

2:05 e. So, according to Islam, you have to adopt e. So, according to Islam, you have to adopt

2:14 a God-oriented life. God-oriented thinking. God-oriented behavior. God-oriented morality. a God-oriented life. God-oriented thinking. God-oriented behavior. God-oriented morality.

2:26 So, this is Islam. Islam has nothing to do with violence or war or fighting. No. So, this is Islam. Islam has nothing to do with violence or war or fighting. No.

2:35 Islam means surrendering before God. This is the true meaning of Islam. Islam means surrendering before God. This is the true meaning of Islam.

2:46 ji. Maulana, you said Islam means God-oriented life. So, what are the basic fundamentals on which Islamic belief resides on? जी. مولانا، you said Islam means God-oriented life. So, what are the basic fundamentals on which Islamic belief resides on?

2:59 Basic principle is tauheed. Basic principle is توحید.

3:02 tauheed means oneness of God. It means that there is no God but one God. So, this is the basic creed of Islam. توحید means oneness of God. It means that there is no God but one God. So, this is the basic creed of Islam.

3:16 All other teachings are derived from this basic concep All other teachings are derived from this basic concep

3:22 t. When you believe there is no God but one God, you also believe that God is the creator, God is the sustainer, God is the giver, t. When you believe there is no God but one God, you also believe that God is the creator, God is the sustainer, God is the giver,

3:35 and also you believe that God gives us guidance. and also you believe that God gives us guidance.

3:44 ji. जी.

3:46 So, when you believe that God is one, it is not a simple belief. It is a comprehensive belief. So, when you believe that God is one, it is not a simple belief. It is a comprehensive belief.

3:57 so, tauheed means So, توحید means

3:59 god is one. God is one.

4:01 he is only the sustainer. He is only the sustainer.

4:31 ji. Maulana, you said God-centered life. What is actually the concept of God in Islam, if you can elaborate on that? You know, in every religion, people believe in God. जी. مولانا، you said God-centered life. What is actually the concept of God in Islam, if you can elaborate on that? You know, in every religion, people believe in God.

4:44 The existence of God is not only in Islam. But in Islam, it is a purified form. According to Islam, God is a The existence of God is not only in Islam. But in Islam, it is a purified form. According to Islam, God is a

4:59 person person

5:02 . Person means all the attributes. He has all those attributes like . Person means all the attributes. He has all those attributes like

5:12 thinking and seeing and listening. So, God has all these attributes. God is not simply thinking and seeing and listening. So, God has all these attributes. God is not simply

5:22 a vague spirit like gravity. a vague spirit like gravity.

5:25 Maulana, Islam claims to be a revealed religion. But there are other religions also which lay a similar claim. So, how is Islam different from these other revealed religions? مولانا، Islam claims to be a revealed religion. But there are other religions also which lay a similar claim. So, how is Islam different from these other revealed religions?

5:39 I think that the only difference between Islam and other religions is that Islamic revelation is preserved in its original form. I think that the only difference between Islam and other religions is that Islamic revelation is preserved in its original form.

5:51 Quran is the book of revelation. Quran is the book of revelation.

5:54 It is in Arabic language. And it is a fact, it is a historical fact, that Quran is the same book which was revealed to the Prophet of Islam. It is in Arabic language. And it is a fact, it is a historical fact, that Quran is the same book which was revealed to the Prophet of Islam.

6:10 So, it is preserved in the same form, in the same language. There is no change, no alteration. So, it is preserved in the same form, in the same language. There is no change, no alteration.

6:21 But other religions are not preserved religions. There are so many alterations in other religions. But other religions are not preserved religions. There are so many alterations in other religions.

6:32 So, the only difference is that Islam is a preserved religion and other religions are not preserved religions. So, the only difference is that Islam is a preserved religion and other religions are not preserved religions.

6:44 This is the only difference. Jee. Maulana, according to Quran, there is the concept of one God This is the only difference. जी. مولانا، according to Quran, there is the concept of one God

6:51 . Why does this concept of one God is being propounded? Why cant there be more than one God? It is irrational to believe that there are many gods. . Why does this concept of one God is being propounded? Why can't there be more than one God? It is irrational to believe that there are many gods.

7:06 Because if you study, if you observe the universe, the creation, you will find that there is a complete harmony in every part of the universe. Because if you study, if you observe the universe, the creation, you will find that there is a complete harmony in every part of the universe.

7:26 There are numerous objects, numerous items in this universe. Jee. But there is a complete harmony, complete unity. There are numerous objects, numerous items in this universe. जी. But there is a complete harmony, complete unity.

7:37 There is no contradiction between one item and another item. So, this kind of harmony is possible only when God is one. There is no contradiction between one item and another item. So, this kind of harmony is possible only when God is one.

7:51 If there were If there were

7:55 many gods, then this kind of harmony was not possible many gods, then this kind of harmony was not possible

8:02 . And now, you know, according to the scientific research, it is now a well-established fact. . And now, you know, according to the scientific research, it is now a well-established fact.

8:14 You know, during Newton—Newton was the father of science, father of modern science— You know, during Newton—Newton was the father of science, father of modern science—

8:23 scientific committees were believing in four forces that control the universe. scientific committees were believing in four forces that control the universe.

8:34 But now, Stephen Hawking, who is the greatest expert in theoretical science, he, according to his calculation and according to his research, But now, Stephen Hawking, who is the greatest expert in theoretical science, he, according to his calculation and according to his research,

8:48 says that there is only one force that controls the whole universe. And he has named it as single-string theory. says that there is only one force that controls the whole universe. And he has named it as single-string theory.

9:01 So, single-string theory is completely in accordance with the tauheed. So, I think that it is completely a rational and scientific idea that God is one. So, single-string theory is completely in accordance with the توحید. So, I think that it is completely a rational and scientific idea that God is one.

9:14 There is no God but one God. Jee. Maulana, the ultimate aim of any religion is to show the path to salvation. What, according to you, is the concept of salvation as per Islam? There is no God but one God. जी. مولانا، the ultimate aim of any religion is to show the path to salvation. What, according to you, is the concept of salvation as per Islam?

9:28 Acc Acc

9:29 ording to Islam, salvation means proving to be settled in paradise. According to Islam, the present world is a testing ground. ording to Islam, salvation means proving to be settled in paradise. According to Islam, the present world is a testing ground.

9:45 Everyone is put on test. So, those people who fail in this test, they will go to hell. And those people who stand on this test, they will go to paradise. Everyone is put on test. So, those people who fail in this test, they will go to hell. And those people who stand on this test, they will go to paradise.

9:57 This is salvation. This is salvation.

9:59 Other than paradise, there is no salvation in Islam. Jee. Many people say that Islam promotes orthodoxy. What is your comment on that? Other than paradise, there is no salvation in Islam. जी. Many people say that Islam promotesorthodoxy. What is your comment on that?

10:09 According to my knowledge, there is no orthodoxy in Islam. You know, what is orthodoxy? According to my knowledge, there is noorthodoxy in Islam. You know, what isorthodoxy?

10:18 Orthodoxy means that Orthodoxy means that

10:23 you believe in a religious authority, a body that is authorized to say anything about religion. you believe in a religious authority, a body that is authorized to say anything about religion.

10:34 So, in Islam, there is no such concept. In Islam, there is no religious authority. Quran is the only authority. Quran is the only authority. So, in Islam, there is no such concept. In Islam, there is no religious authority. Quran is the only authority. Quran is the only authority.

10:46 Other than Quran, there is no religious authority. So, according to my knowledge, there is no orthodoxy in Islam. Other than Quran, there is no religious authority. So, according to my knowledge, there is noorthodoxy in Islam.

10:56 Maulana, if today a Muslim wants to study and find out about other religions, will Islam forbid him to do so, or can he do it freely? مولانا، if today a Muslim wants to study and find out about other religions, will Islam forbid him to do so, or can he do it freely?

11:06 Not at all. Islam believes in freedom. Islam believes in Not at all. Islam believes in freedom. Islam believes in

11:15 conviction conviction

11:17 . You have to adopt Islam by conviction and not simply by tradition. Jee. So, you have to study all those things. . You have to adopt Islam by conviction and not simply by tradition. जी. So, you have to study all those things.

11:26 You have to know all those things so that you may opt for Islam by conviction. So, in Islam, study is not a taboo. You have to know all those things so that you may opt for Islam by conviction. So, in Islam, study is not a taboo.

11:41 You are allowed to study anything. You are free to study anything and then reach You are allowed to study anything. You are free to study anything and then reach

11:50 to the conclusion that Islam is the only truth. Without study, this kind of conviction is not possible. to the conclusion that Islam is the only truth. Without study, this kind of conviction is not possible.

12:01 Maulana, is there an example from the Prophet of Islam's life where he gave instructions not to do a comparative study on other religions? مولانا، is there an example from the Prophet of Islam's life where he gave instructions not to do a comparative study on other religions?

12:11 No. No.

12:14 People cite an incident. But that People cite an incident. But that

12:24 event has some special contex event has some special contex

12:30 t. Those people who claim that in Islam it is taboo to study other religious books, they refer to that event. t. Those people who claim that in Islam it is taboo to study other religious books, they refer to that event.

12:41 But they refer to it by taking it out of context. In Quran, you see that Quran refers again and again to other books. But they refer to it by taking it out of context. In Quran, you see that Quran refers again and again to other books.

12:55 fasalbihi khabeeran S فَسَلْبَهِ خَبِيرًا S

13:00 o, there are many verses in the Quran that refer to previous religious books. So, you cannot find any single verse in the Quran that says that you are not allowed to read other books. o, there are many verses in the Quran that refer to previous religious books. So, you cannot find any single verse in the Quran that says that you are not allowed to read other books.

13:21 But Quran encourages you to read the other books so that you may adopt Islam by conviction and not simply by tradition. But Quran encourages you to read the other books so that you may adopt Islam by conviction and not simply by tradition.

13:34 Jee. Does Islam in any way offer an opportunity or provide an opportunity for intellectual development of an individual? जी. Does Islam in any way offer an opportunity or provide an opportunity for intellectual development of an individual?

13:43 Yes. That is the greatest concern of Islam. Yes. That is the greatest concern of Islam.

13:49 You know, there is a very important principle, TAZKIYA. You know, there is a very important principle, التزكية.

13:58 Tazkiya. Tazkiya means literally... Literally, tazkiya means purification. That is intellectual purification. التزكية. تزكية means literally... Literally, تزكية means purification. That is intellectual purification.

14:11 So, tazkiya is only the other name for intellectual development So, تزكية is only the other name for intellectual development

14:18 . Islam is completely a scientific religion. So, Islam needs . Islam is completely a scientific religion. So, Islam needs

14:29 those people who are intellectually awakened people. Without awakening, without intellectual awakening, you cannot understand the beauty of Islam, the beauty of God, the beauty of natu those people who are intellectually awakened people. Without awakening, without intellectual awakening, you cannot understand the beauty of Islam, the beauty of God, the beauty of natu

14:47 re. So, I think that intellectual development is an integral part of Islam. Maulana, what would be your formula for intellectual development? re. So, I think that intellectual development is an integral part of Islam. مولانا، what would be your formula for intellectual development?

15:00 I think that I think that

15:06 two are basic sources. First, two are basic sources. First,

15:13 to study the scriptures, Quran and Hadith. to study the scriptures, Quran and Hadith.

15:17 First of all, you have to study the scriptures so that you may find theright framework. First of all, you have to study the scriptures so that you may find theright framework.

15:25 Theright framework. Quran and Hadith give you theright framework. Then, you have to observe the world around you. Theright framework. Quran and Hadith give you theright framework. Then, you have to observe the world around you.

15:37 That is called nature. So, study in scripture and study in nature. That is called nature. So, study in scripture and study in nature.

15:44 Study in scripture and study in nature. These are two basic sources of intellectual development. Maulana, intellectual development, as you shortly mentioned, it brings us to the importance of education as well. Study in scripture and study in nature. These are two basic sources of intellectual development. مولانا، intellectual development, as you shortly mentioned, it brings us to the importance of education as well.

15:58 How does Islam lay its emphasis on education? Education is very, very important in Islam. How does Islam lay its emphasis on education? Education is very, very important in Islam.

16:08 You know, the first verse revealed upon the Prophet Muhammad was iqra. iqra means read. You know, the first verse revealed upon the Prophet Muhammad was اقرأ. اقرأ means read.

16:18 Then, there is another verse, allama bil qalam. God teaches through pen. That is book. Then, there is another verse, عَلَّمَ بِالْقَلَمِ God teaches through pen. That is book.

16:28 Pen produces book. So, it means that book reading, through book reading. Pen produces book. So, it means that book reading, through book reading.

16:36 Then, you know, Then, you know,

16:42 the early Muslims were so inspired by these teachings that they the early Muslims were so inspired by these teachings that they

16:50 commanded the international community in the field of learning at that time. So, I think that education is a must for Islamic development. commanded the international community in the field of learning at that time. So, I think that education is a must for Islamic development.

17:04 Without education, Islam has no great future. Without education, Islam has no great future.

17:13 Maulana, if education is such an important aspect as per Islam, then why are Muslims so backward in receiving education? It is a recent phenomenon. مولانا، if education is such an important aspect as per Islam, then why are Muslims so backward in receiving education? It is a recent phenomenon.

17:25 In early centuries, they were engaged in learning up to 1,000 years. In early centuries, they were engaged in learning up to 1,000 years.

17:35 But in recent years, they became backward in education because they were greatly involved in fighting in Palestine and also in other parts of the world But in recent years, they became backward in education because they were greatly involved in fighting in Palestine and also in other parts of the world

17:55 . So, it is this fighting and violent activism that is the main obstacle. . So, it is this fighting and violent activism that is the main obstacle.

18:04 I believe that all these fightings are quite wrong, quite un-Islamic. Islam believes that avoid fighting and obtain education. I believe that all these fightings are quite wrong, quite un-Islamic. Islam believes that avoid fighting and obtain education.

18:17 So, educational activism is the Islamic method. Violent activism is not an Islamic method. So, educational activism is the Islamic method. Violent activism is not an Islamic method.

18:25 But educational activism is an Islamic method. But due to reaction, Muslims were involved in fighting and confrontation. But educational activism is an Islamic method. But due to reaction, Muslims were involved in fighting and confrontation.

18:45 So, the basic reason is confrontational politics and not the Islam. So, the basic reason is confrontational politics and not the Islam.

18:53 Maulana, on also the subject of women, it is often said that women do not enjoy equal status in Islam. What is your comment on that? مولانا، on also the subject of women, it is often said that women do not enjoy equal status in Islam. What is your comment on that?

19:03 No, it is wrong. It is wrong. Maybe in some society, you can find this kind of phenomenon. No, it is wrong. It is wrong. Maybe in some society, you can find this kind of phenomenon.

19:18 But as far as the Quran and Hadith is concerned, you cannot find such discrimination. For example, there is a hadith the Prophet of Islam has said, al nisa shaqaiq al rijal. But as far as the Quran and Hadith is concerned, you cannot find such discrimination. For example, there is a hadith the Prophet of Islam has said, النساء شقائق الرجال.

19:33 It means that men and women are two equal halves of a single unit. It means that men and women are two equal halves of a single unit.

19:43 Men and women are two equal halves of a single unit. So, Islam believes in complete equality. Men and women are two equal halves of a single unit. So, Islam believes in complete equality.

19:54 Jee. But there is a difference. Islamic formula is equal in respect but different in role. जी. But there is a difference. Islamic formula is equal in respect but different in role.

20:09 Men and women are equal in respect but different in role. This is the Islamic formula. Men and women are equal in respect but different in role. This is the Islamic formula.

20:19 The other formula is equal in respect and equal in role. This kind of formula is unnatural. It is not practicable. The other formula is equal in respect and equal in role. This kind of formula is unnatural. It is not practicable.

20:30 Maulana, if Islam gives equal status to men and women, then why does Islam allow for multiple marriages? مولانا، if Islam gives equal status to men and women, then why does Islam allow for multiple marriages?

20:39 That is a law of neither the other is a law of necessity. It is not a general law. That is a law of neither the other is a law of necessity. It is not a general law.

20:48 It is under the law of necessity. Islam allows only in such a situation when women are surplus. It is under the law of necessity. Islam allows only in such a situation when women are surplus.

20:59 Otherwise, only one. Otherwise, only one.

21:04 The national The national

21:09 marriage is one boy, one girl. And polygamy is a law of necessity. marriage is one boy, one girl. And polygamy is a law of necessity.

21:21 Sometimes, women are in surplus. Then, Islam allows polygamy. Otherwise, not. Sometimes, women are in surplus. Then, Islam allows polygamy. Otherwise, not.

21:27 There is a historical example that after the Second World War in Germany, women became surplus. There is a historical example that after the Second World War in Germany, women became surplus.

21:38 So, it was difficult for women to have a boy, to have a husband. So, it was difficult for women to have a boy, to have a husband.

21:48 So, what happened So, what happened

21:51 ? Women ? Women

21:56 announced... women placed some boards on their homes that wanted an evening guest. announced... women placed some boards on their homes that wanted an evening guest.

22:11 It means that Germany adopted sexual anarchy. It means that Germany adopted sexual anarchy.

22:16 Islam opted for polygamy. So, in such a situation when women are surplus, you have only two options. Islam opted for polygamy. So, in such a situation when women are surplus, you have only two options.

22:29 No third option is available. Either opt for polygamy or opt for sexual anarchy. No third option is available. Either opt for polygamy or opt for sexual anarchy.

22:40 In such a situation, monogamy is not possible In such a situation, monogamy is not possible

22:45 . So, the option is between polygamy and sexual anarchy. So, other societies... . So, the option is between polygamy and sexual anarchy. So, other societies...

22:56 in modern society, they have adopted sexual anarchy. And Islam has adopted polygamy. in modern society, they have adopted sexual anarchy. And Islam has adopted polygamy.

23:09 It is wrong to say that other societies have adopted monog It is wrong to say that other societies have adopted monog

23:14 amy. That is impossible. Monogamy is not an option for them in such a situation. So, in such a situation, Islam adopts polygamy because sexual anarchy is not allowed in Islam. amy. That is impossible. Monogamy is not an option for them in such a situation. So, in such a situation, Islam adopts polygamy because sexual anarchy is not allowed in Islam.

23:34 Maulana, if you look at the divorce system, it seems to favor the Muslim men. Why is this so? مولانا، if you look at the divorce system, it seems to favor the Muslim men. Why is this so?

23:40 No, no. It is not correct. People fail to differentiate between Muslims and Islam. No, no. It is not correct. People fail to differentiate between Muslims and Islam.

23:55 What... and they see some Muslim practices and they believe that this is the Islam. What... and they see some Muslim practices and they believe that this is the Islam.

24:03 I admit that in Muslim society, there are some I admit that in Muslim society, there are some

24:09 bad experiences. But it is not an Islamic principle. In Islam, there is complete equality in status, in respec bad experiences. But it is not an Islamic principle. In Islam, there is complete equality in status, in respec

24:26 t. But as far as the Muslim society is concerned, so there are... you can find that they are not following the Islamic principle. t. But as far as the Muslim society is concerned, so there are... you can find that they are not following the Islamic principle.

24:40 So, this kind of phenomenon is a result of deviation from Islam and not So, this kind of phenomenon is a result of deviation from Islam and not

24:50 following Islam. following Islam.

24:54 Maulana, what, according to you, is the concept of peace in Islam? I think that in terms of method, peace is summum bonum in Islam. مولانا، what, according to you, is the concept of peace in Islam? I think that in terms of method, peace is summum bonum in Islam.

25:11 In terms of ideology, Tawhid is the summum bonum in Islam. But in terms of method, peace is the summum bonum in Islam. In terms of ideology, Tawhid is the summum bonum in Islam. But in terms of method, peace is the summum bonum in Islam.

25:20 Wh Wh

25:21 y? Because without peace, you cannot do anything. Without peace, there is no development, no progress, no da'wah work. y? Because without peace, you cannot do anything. Without peace, there is no development, no progress, no da'wah work.

25:33 So, peace is a must for all kinds of activities. So, peace is a must for all kinds of activities.

25:42 So, as far as the creed is concerned, Tawhid is the most important principle in Islam. So, as far as the creed is concerned, Tawhid is the most important principle in Islam.

25:51 But as far as the method is concerned, peace is the most important principle in Islam. According to Islam, you have to establish peace at any cost. But as far as the method is concerned, peace is the most important principle in Islam. According to Islam, you have to establish peace at any cost.

26:04 You have to establish peace at any cost because peace gives you opportunity. You have to establish peace at any cost because peace gives you opportunity.

26:11 And by availing those opportunities, you can achieve all other things like your rights, social rights, and justice, etc. And by availing those opportunities, you can achieve all other things like your rights, social rights, and justice, etc.

26:24 Maulana, if peace is an important principle and without peace, there is no progress or development, then why does Islam sanction violence? مولانا، if peace is an important principle and without peace, there is no progress or development, then why does Islam sanction violence?

26:33 No, no. Not at all. No, no. Not at all.

26:37 It is a rumor that Islam sanctions violence. No. I would like to say that Islam makes violence a taboo. It is a rumor that Islam sanctions violence. No. I would like to say that Islam makes violence a taboo.

26:53 Islam makes violence a taboo. There is a very well-known verse in the Quran, "alsulh khair." "alsulh khair" means peace is the best Islam makes violence a taboo. There is a very well-known verse in the Quran, "الصلح خیر." "الصلح خیر" means peace is the best

27:09 . Peace is the best. Sufi people have adopted this principle. And their formula is "sulh kul." "sulh kul" means peace with all. . Peace is the best. Sufi people have adopted this principle. And their formula is "صلح کل." "صلح کل" means peace with all.

27:25 Although it is a Sufi formula, but it is an Islamic formula. This Sufi formula is derived from "alsulh khair." So, this Sufi formula is according to the spirit of Islam. Although it is a Sufi formula, but it is an Islamic formula. This Sufi formula is derived from "الصلح خیر." So, this Sufi formula is according to the spirit of Islam.

27:40 So, violence is... I can say that in Islam, peace is the rule and violence is an exception. So, violence is... I can say that in Islam, peace is the rule and violence is an exception.

27:51 A war exception. Why? Only defensive war is permitted in Islam. At the time of attack, time of aggression, you have to go to defens A war exception. Why? Only defensive war is permitted in Islam. At the time of attack, time of aggression, you have to go to defens

28:07 e. That is... that is under the law of necessity. So, except defense, there is no war in Islam. e. That is... that is under the law of necessity. So, except defense, there is no war in Islam.

28:19 So, I can say that So, I can say that

28:25 peace is the summum bonum in Islam. But Maulana, is it not correct that Islam is opposed to religious freedom? peace is the summum bonum in Islam. But مولانا، is it not correct that Islam is opposed to religious freedom?

28:36 Not at Not at

28:37 all. No. Islam believes in complete religious freedom. It is not against religious freedom. No. all. No. Islam believes in complete religious freedom. It is not against religious freedom. No.

28:49 Some Muslims may... some Muslims are involved in such activities that seem to be against this Islamic principle. Some Muslims may... some Muslims are involved in such activities that seem to be against this Islamic principle.

29:02 But there are Muslims... there are Muslim practices in Islamic teachings. But there are Muslims... there are Muslim practices in Islamic teachings.

29:15 I would like to say with conviction that Islam believes in religious freedom in the complete sense of the word. I would like to say with conviction that Islam believes in religious freedom in the complete sense of the word.

29:26 Maulana, why is it so that Islam holds non-Muslims as kafir? It is wrong. Non-Muslims are not kafir. مولانا، why is it so that Islam holds non-Muslims as kafir? It is wrong. Non-Muslims are not kafir.

29:37 Non-Muslims are insan. Non-Muslims are insan.

29:43 If you read the Quran, you will find that Islam addresses by saying, "Ayyuha al-nas, ayyuha al-insan." So, all the peoples are insan. If you read the Quran, you will find that Islam addresses by saying, "أيها الناس، أيها الإنسان." So, all the peoples are insan.

29:59 No one is a kafir. It is wrong to say that according to Islam, every non-Muslim is a kafir. No one is a kafir. It is wrong to say that according to Islam, every non-Muslim is a kafir.

30:10 No. Every non-Muslim is an insan. No. Every non-Muslim is an insan.

30:14 What does "insan" mean, Maulana? Man. Human being. Human being. Everyone is a human being. What does "insan" mean, مولانا? Man. Human being. Human being. Everyone is a human being.

30:29 Everyone is a human being. But Maulana, isn't it true that Islam sanctions fanaticism because every time there is a controversy, it has to do something with Islam? Everyone is a human being. But مولانا، isn't it true that Islam sanctions fanaticism because every time there is a controversy, it has to do something with Islam?

30:44 Why is it so? No. Fanaticism means extremism. What is fanaticism? It is extremism. Why is it so? No. Fanaticism means extremism. What is fanaticism? It is extremism.

30:54 And extremism is the ghulu. Ghulu. And the Quran and Hadith both say that there is no ghulu in Islam. And extremism is the غلو. غلو. And the Quran and Hadith both say that there is no غلو in Islam.

31:06 La ghulu fi al-din. So, there is no extremism in religion. لا غلو في الدين. So, there is no extremism in religion.

31:13 There is no extremism in Islam. So, fundamentalism is quite an un-Islamic concept in the sense of extremism. There is no extremism in Islam. So, fundamentalism is quite an un-Islamic concept in the sense of extremism.

31:24 Extremism is not allowed in Islam. It is quite alien to the Islamic system. Extremism is not allowed in Islam. It is quite alien to the Islamic system.

31:35 So, if I may ask you, what kind of a society does Islam aim for? So, if I may ask you, what kind of a society does Islam aim for?

31:41 There is a Hadith. And this Hadith throws light on this question. The Prophet of Islam has said, There is a Hadith. And this Hadith throws light on this question. The Prophet of Islam has said,

31:54 "Addu ilayhim haqqahum wa salli Allah haqqakum." Give what is due to others. And ask your rights from God. "أدوا إليهم حقهم وصَلُوا الله حقكم." Give what is due to others. And ask your rights from God.

32:09 So, it means that Islam wants to establish a duty-conscious society and not aright-conscious society. So, it means that Islam wants to establish a duty-conscious society and not aright-conscious society.

32:21 These are the basic principles of Islam. There are two kinds of societies:right-conscious society and duty-conscious society. These are the basic principles of Islam. There are two kinds of societies:right-conscious society and duty-conscious society.

32:30 So, according to Islamic teachings, the best society is one that is a duty-conscious society. So, according to Islamic teachings, the best society is one that is a duty-conscious society.

32:39 And this is the target of Islam. What, according to you, is the ultimate aim of Islam? And this is the target of Islam. What, according to you, is the ultimate aim of Islam?

32:49 I think that the ultimate aim of Islam is to build a personality that is... I think that the ultimate aim of Islam is to build a personality that is...

33:01 that is a God-oriented personality. There are two kinds of personalities: self-oriented and God-oriented. that is a God-oriented personality. There are two kinds of personalities: self-oriented and God-oriented.

33:13 So, the Islamic target is to build that kind of person who is a God-oriented personality. So, the Islamic target is to build that kind of person who is a God-oriented personality.

33:26 This is the Islamic target. Maulana, Islam claims to be an eternal religion. This is the Islamic target. مولانا، Islam claims to be an eternal religion.

33:36 What is the basis of this claim? What is the basis of this claim?

33:41 Every religion was an eternal religion, not only Islam. Every religion was an eternal religion, not only Islam.

33:47 But in the later periods, other religions changed. But in the later periods, other religions changed.

33:57 There was some interpolation. Otherwise, every religion was eternal, just like the sun and the moon. There was some interpolation. Otherwise, every religion was eternal, just like the sun and the moon.

34:08 Religion is not a temporary phenomenon. Religion is not a temporary phenomenon.

34:11 Religion means an expression of law of nature in human society. So, the law of nature is eternal. Religion means an expression of law of nature in human society. So, the law of nature is eternal.

34:21 So, the law of humanity is also eternal. So, the law of humanity is also eternal.

34:27 So, Islam is eternal in the sense that Islam is a preserved religion. Otherwise, all the religions were eternal religions. So, Islam is eternal in the sense that Islam is a preserved religion. Otherwise, all the religions were eternal religions.

34:39 What, according to you, is the biggest concern of Islam? What, according to you, is the biggest concern of Islam?

34:45 I think that the biggest concern of Islam is to I think that the biggest concern of Islam is to

34:55 make people understand the creation plan of God. The creation plan of God. make people understand the creation plan of God. The creation plan of God.

35:05 Without knowing the creation plan of God, you cannot plan your life in theright way. If you read the Quran, you will find that the Quran is a book in which... Without knowing the creation plan of God, you cannot plan your life in theright way. If you read the Quran, you will find that the Quran is a book in which...

35:20 the Quran tries to make people know what is the creation plan of God. This is the main subject of the Quran. the Quran tries to make people know what is the creation plan of God. This is the main subject of the Quran.

35:32 Thank you very much, Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, for sharing your views with us. Thank you. Thank you very much, مولانا وحید الدین خان, for sharing your views with us. Thank you.

Islam Principles and Practice (English) September 8, 2007 Maulana Wahiduddin Khan