Interfaith Dialogue (English) February 1, 2014 Maulana Wahiduddin Khan

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1. 0:11 bismillah rahman rahim. بسم اللہ الرحمن الرحیم۔ ☆
2. 0:17 february 1, 2014. فروری 1، 2014۔ ☆
3. 0:28 The theme for the present talk is "Interfaith Dialogue". The theme for the present talk is "Interfaith Dialogue". ☆
4. 0:43 The first question is: What is the purpose of dialogue? Purpose of interfaith dialogue? The first question is: What is the purpose of dialogue? Purpose of interfaith dialogue? ☆
5. 0:59 It is generally accepted that the purpose of interfaith dialogue is to establish harmony among religious groups. It is generally accepted that the purpose of interfaith dialogue is to establish harmony among religious groups. ☆
6. 1:17 Now, the other question is that, according to the history, this kind of interfaith dialogue is going on since long, maybe several hundred years. Now, the other question is that, according to the history, this kind of interfaith dialogue is going on since long, maybe several hundred years. ☆
7. 1:40 Perhaps the latest was that Perhaps the latest was that ☆
8. 1:48 held in Chicago in 1893. In held in Chicago in 1893. In ☆
9. 1:56 this dialogue, all the major religions were present. this dialogue, all the major religions were present. ☆
10. 2:05 But But ☆
11. 2:09 according to my experience, all these exercises are according to my experience, all these exercises are ☆
12. 2:25 fruitless, resultless. No positive result can be cited. fruitless, resultless. No positive result can be cited. ☆
13. 2:36 Religious harmony among different groups is still a distant dream. Religious harmony among different groups is still a distant dream. ☆
14. 2:47 So, if this is the purpose of dialogue, then we have to reassess the whole matter. So, if this is the purpose of dialogue, then we have to reassess the whole matter. ☆
15. 2:58 Now, the question is that why did these exercises fail? Now, the question is that why did these exercises fail? ☆
16. 3:09 I would say that I would say that ☆
17. 3:14 the method was notright. The method was unnatural. the method was notright. The method was unnatural. ☆
18. 3:27 According to my experience, According to my experience, ☆
19. 3:32 there were two there were two ☆
20. 3:36 models of this interfaith dialogue. The models of this interfaith dialogue. The ☆
21. 3:41 first model was based on the concept of uniformity. first model was based on the concept of uniformity. ☆
22. 3:51 According to this concept, all the religions are one and the same. There is an essential unity among all the religions. According to this concept, all the religions are one and the same. There is an essential unity among all the religions. ☆
23. 4:05 So, we have to discover this essential unity and make people aware of this unity or uniformity. So, we have to discover this essential unity and make people aware of this unity or uniformity. ☆
24. 4:19 So, this is the way by which we can expect the harmony among religious groups. So, this is the way by which we can expect the harmony among religious groups. ☆
25. 4:30 But this kind of exercise completely failed. But this kind of exercise completely failed. ☆
26. 4:37 We know that there are thousands upon thousands of names behind this method, some very great people, some very great minds. We know that there are thousands upon thousands of names behind this method, some very great people, some very great minds. ☆
27. 4:52 So, why did it fail? I think that it was an unnatural concept. So, why did it fail? I think that it was an unnatural concept. ☆
28. 5:04 Why? Why? ☆
29. 5:07 Because uniformity is against the Krishna-puran of God. In nature, there is no uniformity. Because uniformity is against the Krishna-puran of God. In nature, there is no uniformity. ☆
30. 5:19 Nature believes in difference. The whole nature, material world and human world both, are based on differences. Nature believes in difference. The whole nature, material world and human world both, are based on differences. ☆
31. 5:34 You cannot find two women or two You cannot find two women or two ☆
32. 5:40 men or two women men or two women ☆
33. 5:45 quite alike. So, uniformity is found in dictionaries and not in society, not in the human world. quite alike. So, uniformity is found in dictionaries and not in society, not in the human world. ☆
34. 6:00 So, if this formula is unnatural and So, if this formula is unnatural and ☆
35. 6:07 not in accordance with the Krishna-purana, then it was but natural that it failed. not in accordance with the Krishna-purana, then it was but natural that it failed. ☆
36. 6:18 Then, the other model is based on Then, the other model is based on ☆
37. 6:25 debate. It is a debating model. debate. It is a debating model. ☆
38. 6:30 I mean that the other model believes that truth is one. So, everyone tries to establish his superiority. I mean that the other model believes that truth is one. So, everyone tries to establish his superiority. ☆
39. 6:43 I amright. Others are wrong. I amright. Others are wrong. ☆
40. 6:50 So, this kind of model also failed because we know that there were so many conferences of such kind, so much literature was published on this subject. So, this kind of model also failed because we know that there were so many conferences of such kind, so much literature was published on this subject. ☆
41. 7:06 But we see that this kind of exercises failed to establish harmony. But we see that this kind of exercises failed to establish harmony. ☆
42. 7:18 So, now the question is to reassess the whole matter. You have to find some other formula other than these two formulas. So, now the question is to reassess the whole matter. You have to find some other formula other than these two formulas. ☆
43. 7:34 I have studied on this matter. I have studied on this matter. ☆
44. 7:38 Also, I have participated in a number of dialogues throughout the world, national and international both. Also, I have participated in a number of dialogues throughout the world, national and international both. ☆
45. 7:53 After all these studies and after all these experiences, I can say that I have discovered a third formula. After all these studies and after all these experiences, I can say that I have discovered a third formula. ☆
46. 8:06 A A ☆
47. 8:07 third formula. And according to my third formula. And according to my ☆
48. 8:14 perception, this third formula is quite in accordance with the Krishna-purana. perception, this third formula is quite in accordance with the Krishna-purana. ☆
49. 8:23 And And ☆
50. 8:27 undoubtedly, it is feasible. There is no question of its failure. undoubtedly, it is feasible. There is no question of its failure. ☆
51. 8:38 This third formula is based on a tradition. I can say that it is a Faruqi formula. This third formula is based on a tradition. I can say that it is a Faruqi formula. ☆
52. 8:50 This formula was adopted by Umar ibn al-Khattab, This formula was adopted by Umar ibn al-Khattab, ☆
53. 9:00 who was the second Caliph of Islam who was the second Caliph of Islam ☆
54. 9:06 . So, about Umar ibn al-Khattab, we find in books there is a report about him in these words: . So, about Umar ibn al-Khattab, we find in books there is a report about him in these words: ☆
55. 9:23 "qana yata'allamu min kulli haddin." "قَانَا يَتَعَلَّمُ مِنْ كُلِّ حَدٍّ." ☆
56. 9:31 It means that he used to learn from everyone. So, this third formula is based on a learning process. It means that he used to learn from everyone. So, this third formula is based on a learning process. ☆
57. 9:44 Learning. Learning. ☆
58. 9:47 So, when I apply this on the concept of interfaith dialogue, I would say that the third formula is mutual learning. So, when I apply this on the concept of interfaith dialogue, I would say that the third formula is mutual learning. ☆
59. 10:03 Mutual learning. Mutual learning. ☆
60. 10:05 It means that It means that ☆
61. 10:10 interfaith dialogue, the purpose of interfaith dialogue is neither to discover the uniformity among all the religions, also not to establish your superiority on other religions. interfaith dialogue, the purpose of interfaith dialogue is neither to discover the uniformity among all the religions, also not to establish your superiority on other religions. ☆
62. 10:33 No. No. ☆
63. 10:35 Instead of these two formulas, the third formula is based on mutual learning. All the participants in this process must try to learn from each other. Instead of these two formulas, the third formula is based on mutual learning. All the participants in this process must try to learn from each other. ☆
64. 10:57 This is I can say this is completely based on the law of nature, and it is workable. This is I can say this is completely based on the law of nature, and it is workable. ☆
65. 11:11 There is no doubt about it. Then, There is no doubt about it. Then, ☆
66. 11:18 I can say that this formula is not a religious formula. It is a universal formula. I can say that this formula is not a religious formula. It is a universal formula. ☆
67. 11:27 In all the in every walk of life, in every discipline, we In all the in every walk of life, in every discipline, we ☆
68. 11:43 use we exercise the same formula use we exercise the same formula ☆
69. 11:48 in education, in industry, in business, in social life. Everywhere, we try to learn from the others. in education, in industry, in business, in social life. Everywhere, we try to learn from the others. ☆
70. 12:01 Mutual learning is a very basic concept of universal life. So, why try to single out religion? Mutual learning is a very basic concept of universal life. So, why try to single out religion? ☆
71. 12:16 Why not apply this formula also on religious affairs? Why not apply this formula also on religious affairs? ☆
72. 12:26 So, in this sense, interfaith dialogue is a part of the universal process. So, in this sense, interfaith dialogue is a part of the universal process. ☆
73. 12:37 It is not pertinent to religion only. It is not pertinent to religion only. ☆
74. 12:45 I have learned a lot from all these exercises. I have studied the I have different religions, the literature of different relig I have learned a lot from all these exercises. I have studied the I have different religions, the literature of different relig ☆
75. 13:02 ions. Also, I have participated in ions. Also, I have participated in ☆
76. 13:08 many interfaith dialogues. And I can say that I have learned a lot many interfaith dialogues. And I can say that I have learned a lot ☆
77. 13:17 because I never wanted to establish my superiority. because I never wanted to establish my superiority. ☆
78. 13:23 Simply, I wanted to learn. And always, I learned from other books, other experiences. Simply, I wanted to learn. And always, I learned from other books, other experiences. ☆
79. 13:36 Then, there is a question. Then, there is a question. ☆
80. 13:42 Religion is an issue of conviction Religion is an issue of conviction ☆
81. 13:47 . When I say that I believe in so-and-so religion, then it means that I take it as a truth with a capital T. . When I say that I believe in so-and-so religion, then it means that I take it as a truth with a capital T. ☆
82. 14:04 Without taking religion in this sense, I cannot establish conviction in my mind. Without taking religion in this sense, I cannot establish conviction in my mind. ☆
83. 14:14 If religion fails to give you conviction, then it is not religion. Why religion? The basic purpose of religion is to give you conviction regarding truth, regarding reality, If religion fails to give you conviction, then it is not religion. Why religion? The basic purpose of religion is to give you conviction regarding truth, regarding reality, ☆
84. 14:29 regarding the purpose of life. regarding the purpose of life. ☆
85. 14:32 So, conviction is an integral part of religion. So, conviction is an integral part of religion. ☆
86. 14:41 And I can say that I And I can say that I ☆
87. 14:45 have great conviction in Islam. I have discovered Islam as my faith. I believe in Islam with all convictions. have great conviction in Islam. I have discovered Islam as my faith. I believe in Islam with all convictions. ☆
88. 14:58 I have no doubt about it I have no doubt about it ☆
89. 15:00 . According to my perception, Islam is the truth with a capital T. . According to my perception, Islam is the truth with a capital T. ☆
90. 15:10 But I can say that this belief never due to this belief, I never found any hate against anyone. But I can say that this belief never due to this belief, I never found any hate against anyone. ☆
91. 15:26 I can say that I love every human be I can say that I love every human be ☆
92. 15:30 ing. I love every religion. ing. I love every religion. ☆
93. 15:35 It is a fact. All those people who know about myself can say that I have no outer hate against anyone. It is a fact. All those people who know about myself can say that I have no outer hate against anyone. ☆
94. 15:50 I respect by heart every religion. And I can say that I respect by heart every religion. And I can say that ☆
95. 16:01 this is possible for everyone, every human being, because man has a great capacity. this is possible for everyone, every human being, because man has a great capacity. ☆
96. 16:11 Human beings have enormous capacity. Human beings have enormous capacity. ☆
97. 16:19 Man is able to live with contradictions. It is very it is Man is able to live with contradictions. It is very it is ☆
98. 16:30 quite possible for a human being, for a human mind. One American philosopher has rightly said that, "I am large enough to contain all these contradictions." quite possible for a human being, for a human mind. One American philosopher hasrightly said that, "I am large enough to contain all these contradictions." ☆
99. 16:49 So, there is no question that if you believe that religion A is truth for you with a capital T, it doesn't mean that you hate other religions, you fail to respect other religions. So, there is no question that if you believe that religion A is truth for you with a capital T, it doesn't mean that you hate other religions, you fail to respect other religions. ☆
100. 17:07 Our mind is able to live with both the concep Our mind is able to live with both the concep ☆
101. 17:19 ts, believing that your religion is true, at the same time giving respect to others by heart, not by lip service. ts, believing that your religion is true, at the same time giving respect to others by heart, not by lip service. ☆
102. 17:32 So, according to my experience, interfaith dialogue means mutual learning. As far as the social harmony is concerned, harmony is another subject. So, according to my experience, interfaith dialogue means mutual learning. As far as the social harmony is concerned, harmony is another subject. ☆
103. 17:48 And I think the best formula for social harmony is given by some reformers in these words: peaceful coexistence. And I think the best formula for social harmony is given by some reformers in these words: peaceful coexistence. ☆
104. 18:03 Social harmony, international harmony, national harmony. In all these matters, the best formula of harmony is peaceful coexistence. Social harmony, international harmony, national harmony. In all these matters, the best formula of harmony is peaceful coexistence. ☆
105. 18:18 United Nations have adopted this formula. United Nations have already adopted this formula. And the same formula is also applicable to the religious groups. United Nations have adopted this formula. United Nations have already adopted this formula. And the same formula is also applicable to the religious groups. ☆
106. 18:37 So, I would say that as far as the social harmony is concerned, So, I would say that as far as the social harmony is concerned, ☆
107. 18:49 we have to adopt the principle of coexistence. we have to adopt the principle of coexistence. ☆
108. 18:57 And as far as the interfaith dialogue is concerned, we have to take it as a And as far as the interfaith dialogue is concerned, we have to take it as a ☆
109. 19:07 process of mutual learning. process of mutual learning. ☆
110. 19:14 This is my finding. This is my experience. This is my This is my finding. This is my experience. This is my ☆
111. 19:25 I can say this is my discovery. And I myself have adopted this for my life. I can say this is my discovery. And I myself have adopted this for my life. ☆
112. 19:37 For me, this formula is not simply a matter of speech. No. For me, this formula is not simply a matter of speech. No. ☆
113. 19:46 It is my way of life. It is my way of life. It is my way of life. I am by nature, I am a seeker by nature. It is my way of life. It is my way of life. It is my way of life. I am by nature, I am a seeker by nature. ☆
114. 20:03 I am a seeker by nature. I always try to learn from others. I am a seeker by nature. I always try to learn from others. ☆
115. 20:10 So, my seeking spirit has no end. I try to learn from secular people. So, my seeking spirit has no end. I try to learn from secular people. ☆
116. 20:19 So, I try to learn from other people of other religions. I don't know any So, I try to learn from other people of other religions. I don't know any ☆
117. 20:30 difficulty. difficulty. ☆
118. 20:37 So, I think that we have to reassess the whole matter. So, I think that we have to reassess the whole matter. ☆
119. 20:44 When those two models failed to yield any positive result, then we have to try to find some other formula. When those two models failed to yield any positive result, then we have to try to find some other formula. ☆
120. 20:59 As I earlier said, that the formula based on the model based on uniformity failed in terms of result. As I earlier said, that the formula based on the model based on uniformity failed in terms of result. ☆
121. 21:13 And the formula that is the model that is based on debate is also failed. And the formula that is the model that is based on debate is also failed. ☆
122. 21:27 So, both these models have failed. So, both these models have failed. ☆
123. 21:33 So, what is the purpose of repeating these models? We have to try to find out some other formula. So, what is the purpose of repeating these models? We have to try to find out some other formula. ☆
124. 21:43 And that formula is And that formula is ☆
125. 21:48 what I call Faruqi formula. Faruqi formula means based on mutual learning. what I call Faruqi formula. Faruqi formula means based on mutual learning. ☆
126. 22:01 So, I would say that we have to separate both the issues: social harmony and religious truth. So, I would say that we have to separate both the issues: social harmony and religious truth. ☆
127. 22:16 We are all seekers. We have to try to find truth. And this process is We are all seekers. We have to try to find truth. And this process is ☆
128. 22:27 a continued process, an eternal process. a continued process, an eternal process. ☆
129. 22:34 We have to try to achieve conviction. We have to try to achieve conviction. ☆
130. 22:42 And for this purpose, we have to study. We have to interact with people. That is a process And for this purpose, we have to study. We have to interact with people. That is a process ☆
131. 22:53 . So, interfaith dialogue is for this purpose, for mutual learning, . So, interfaith dialogue is for this purpose, for mutual learning, ☆
132. 23:05 for sharing. Interfaith dialogue is for sharing. for sharing. Interfaith dialogue is for sharing. ☆
133. 23:15 Everyone must share his experience regarding truth. Everyone must share his experience regarding truth. ☆
134. 23:25 And everyone must try to learn from other groups. That is a healthy interaction. And everyone must try to learn from other groups. That is a healthy interaction. ☆
135. 23:36 So, interaction is very important. So, interaction is very important. ☆
136. 23:40 Interaction, dialogue, discussion, exchange of thought, all these things are very, very important. Interaction, dialogue, discussion, exchange of thought, all these things are very, very important. ☆
137. 23:51 But not for establishing your supremacy, your superiority. But not for establishing your supremacy, your superiority. ☆
138. 24:01 Not to establish your superiority upon others, but only for the purpose of learning. Not to establish your superiority upon others, but only for the purpose of learning. ☆
139. 24:12 You know, learning has no end. You know, learning has no end. ☆
140. 24:18 There are limitless things that we need to learn. The universe of fact is limitless. There are limitless things that we need to learn. The universe of fact is limitless. ☆
141. 24:31 The universe of fact has no end. The universe of fact has no end. ☆
142. 24:34 So, our learning process is an eternal process, So, our learning process is an eternal process, ☆
143. 24:45 an unending process. an unending process. ☆
144. 24:50 So, as far as the social harmony is concerned, we have to adopt the tested formula that is peaceful coexistence. So, as far as the social harmony is concerned, we have to adopt the tested formula that is peaceful coexistence. ☆
145. 25:05 And as far as the interfaith dialogue is concerned, we have to take it as a learning, as an interaction, And as far as the interfaith dialogue is concerned, we have to take it as a learning, as an interaction, ☆
146. 25:21 as an exchange of thought, as a sharing. as an exchange of thought, as a sharing. ☆
147. 25:33 By this method, by following this method, we can achieve both goals, both the goals. By this method, by following this method, we can achieve both goals, both the goals. ☆
148. 25:46 One One ☆
149. 25:51 goal is to discover the truth. The second is to establish harmony. goal is to discover the truth. The second is to establish harmony. ☆
150. 26:02 So, by taking interfaith dialogue as a mutual learning, we can So, by taking interfaith dialogue as a mutual learning, we can ☆
151. 26:11 continue our process towards seeking the truth. And by adopting the formula of coexistence, we can establish harmony in society. continue our process towards seeking the truth. And by adopting the formula of coexistence, we can establish harmony in society. ☆
152. 26:27 This is my experience. This is my experience. ☆
153. 26:32 I can say that this formula is based on the law of nature. This is in accordance with the Krishna plan of God. I can say that this formula is based on the law of nature. This is in accordance with the Krishna plan of God. ☆
154. 26:45 So, there is no contradiction in this formula with nature. It is quite practicable, quite feasible. So, there is no contradiction in this formula with nature. It is quite practicable, quite feasible. ☆
155. 27:05 So, I am convinced that this is the only formula for interfaith dialogue. So, I am convinced that this is the only formula for interfaith dialogue. ☆
156. 27:18 It is very clear that dialogue, for the sake of dialogue, is nothing. It is very clear that dialogue, for the sake of dialogue, is nothing. ☆
157. 27:26 Dialogue, for the sake of dialogue, is nothing. Dialogue, for the sake of dialogue, is nothing. ☆
158. 27:33 So, if we want to take dialogue for some purpose, then what is the purpose? So, according to my experience, the purpose is to the is sharing, mutual learning, So, if we want to take dialogue for some purpose, then what is the purpose? So, according to my experience, the purpose is to the is sharing, mutual learning, ☆
159. 27:55 interaction. interaction. ☆
160. 28:01 Then, it is also very important that if we want to achieve some goal, we have to adopt a peaceful method Then, it is also very important that if we want to achieve some goal, we have to adopt a peaceful method ☆
161. 28:16 . Any method that creates problems, that creates hate, that promotes negative thinking, there is no method. . Any method that creates problems, that creates hate, that promotes negative thinking, there is no method. ☆
162. 28:31 There is no method. Method is one that is totally peaceful method. Method is one. There is no method. Method is one that is totally peaceful method. Method is one. ☆
163. 28:40 If we follow it, it will not create any new problem. If we follow it, it will not create any new problem. ☆
164. 28:47 Method must be highly peaceful, problem-free method. Method must be highly peaceful, problem-free method. ☆
165. 28:59 Any method that is problem-free is method. Otherwise, it is not a method. Any method that is problem-free is method. Otherwise, it is not a method. ☆
166. 29:10 So, why I suggest in this regard is problem-free method. So, why I suggest in this regard is problem-free method. ☆
167. 29:21 There is no problem at all. There is no problem at all. ☆
168. 29:33 So, according to my experience, this is my finding. So, according to my experience, this is my finding. ☆
169. 29:45 And I have adopted it as my And I have adopted it as my ☆
170. 29:54 way of life. way of life. ☆
171. 30:01 As-Salamu-Alaikum warahmatullahi. As-Salamu-Alaikum warahmatullahi. ☆