Name: Remembrance Memorial Service Honouring - 25 April 2021 — Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Uploaded: 2021-01-01
Duration: 1 h 2 min 19 s
Channel: Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Description: Read the full transcript of “Remembrance Memorial Service Honouring - 25 April 2021”, a lecture by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, with timestamps.

0:09 and, uh, in the course of my work, I have, uh, done many programs on interfaith work and, uh, with, with Owais as my partner, and of course associated with Maulana Sab and, and his, and his, and his organization. And, uh, in the course of my work, I have, uh, done many programs on interfaith work and, uh, with, with Owais as my partner, and of course associated with Maulana Sab and, and his, and his, and his organization.

0:22 But I must admit that I didn't know much about him initially. This was something which was, which was not part of our daily work in, in AJC, nor, uh, at least in my side of, of AJC. But I must admit that I didn't know much about him initially. This was something which was, which was not part of our daily work in, in AJC, nor, uh, at least in my side of, of AJC.

0:38 Rabbi Rosen would mention it, that he had people there, and when I would speak about it to many Islamic scholars and others, they would talk about, uh, "Have you associated with Rabbi Rosen would mention it, that he had people there, and when I would speak about it to many Islamic scholars and others, they would talk about, uh, "Have you associated with

0:48 Maulana Sab?" I said, "Not as yet." Whenever I would whenever there would be any kind of a conversation on, on interfaith work, on understanding Islam, his name would always come up on top, Maulana Sab?" I said, "Not as yet." Whenever I would whenever there would be any kind of a conversation on, on interfaith work, on understanding Islam, his name would always come up on top,

1:01 always. And I had the fortune of meeting, uh, Maulana Sab twice, one with, uh, Rabbi Rosen and one on my own when I came to see him about a couple of years ago. always. And I had the fortune of meeting, uh, Maulana Sab twice, one with, uh, Rabbi Rosen and one on my own when I came to see him about a couple of years ago.

1:12 And even then, although his health was not at the best of times there, even then, I still remember sitting down and every word he said had such wisdom in it, every single word. And even then, although his health was not at the best of times there, even then, I still remember sitting down and every word he said had such wisdom in it, every single word.

1:25 It was worth listening to what he had to say at all times. And I regret that I didn't, uh, have too much time to listen to him at all times for many, many years in the past, and that I didn't know about him for a for a long time. It was worth listening to what he had to say at all times. And I regret that I didn't, uh, have too much time to listen to him at all times for many, many years in the past, and that I didn't know about him for a for a long time.

1:39 Unfortunately, we lost him, uh, just last week, just four days ago. May God bless his soul. But I am but, but, but I would be grateful, and I'm thankful that there are people who carry out his work around the country, around the world, who are familiar with his work, and, and the and the legacy is carried out forward. Unfortunately, we lost him, uh, just last week, just four days ago. May God bless his soul. But I am but, but, but I would be grateful, and I'm thankful that there are people who carry out his work around the country, around the world, who are familiar with his work, and, and the and the legacy is carried out forward.

2:00 And I think the this, this event is not a is not our usual format of a of a panel discussion where it's a where it's a question-answer session kind of thing. And I think the this, this event is not a is not our usual format of a of a panel discussion where it's a where it's a question-answer session kind of thing.

2:10 Here we would like to celebrate his life. Here we would like to like people to whoever is hearing in and joining in to understand what the person behind the Maulana, the, the greatness behind the person, he may have had that look where people some people who are not familiar with, with, with his with his life and others have got that, that look which is, "Oh, he's got that austere look, and, oh, he's, uh, very serious," and all that. Here we would like to celebrate his life. Here we would like to like people to whoever is hearing in and joining in to understand what the person behind the Maulana, the, the greatness behind the person, he may have had that look where people some people who are not familiar with, with, with his with his life and others have got that, that look which is, "Oh, he's got that austere look, and, oh, he's, uh, very serious," and all that.

2:37 On the contrary, the person had a very good sense of humor, Maulana Sab. On the contrary, the person had a very good sense of humor, Maulana Sab.

2:42 He used to simplify things so that others could understand, and what and he never, ever hesitated in giving a response, the appropriate and the correct response to whatever was asked of him. He used to simplify things so that others could understand, and what and he never, ever hesitated in giving a response, the appropriate and the correct response to whatever was asked of him.

2:57 So this is going to be a very, uh, uh, relaxed, uh, one hour where we are going to discuss his life, and we will, I think, start the best way is to is to have a short prayer in his in his memory. So this is going to be a very, uh, uh, relaxed, uh, one hour where we are going to discuss his life, and we will, I think, start the best way is to is to have a short prayer in his in his memory.

3:13 And I would like to invite, uh, Hafez Sab to, to begin, his first by him and then by Rabbi Rosen. And I would like to invite, uh, Hafez Sab to, to begin, his first by him and then by Rabbi Rosen.

3:25 Thank you. Thank you.

3:33 aoozu billahi minash shaitanir rajeem. bismillahir rahmanir raheem. أعوذ بالله من الشيطان الرجيم. بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم.

3:47 ya ayyuhallazeena amanu ist'eenoo bissabri wassalaat. يا أيها الذين آمنوا استعينوا بالصبر والصلاة.

3:58 innallaha ma'as saabireen. إن الله مع الصابرين.

4:07 wala taqooloo liman yuqtalu fee sabeelillahi amwaat, bal ولا تقولوا لمن يقتل في سبيل الله أموات، بل

4:19 ahyaaoon walakin la tash'uroon. walanabluwannakum bishai'im min alkhawfi waljoo'i wa naqsim min al-anfus, أحياء ولكن لا تشعرون. ولنبلونكم بشيء من الخوف والجوع ونقص من الأنفس،

4:42 wa naqsim min al-amwaali wal-anfusi waththamaaraat. ونقص من الأموال والأنفس والثمرات.

4:53 wa bashshir as-saabireen وبشر الصابرين

4:59 allazeena itha saabat-hum museebatun qaaloo inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raaji'oon. الذين إذا صابتهم مصيبة قالوا إنا لله وإنا إليه راجعون.

5:19 ulaa'ika 'alayhim salawaatun mir rabbihim wa rahmatun, wa ulaa'ika humul muhtadoon. أولئك عليهم صلوات من ربهم ورحمة، وأولئك هم المهتدون.

5:39 I will request now Dr. Mariya Khan to translate the verses in English. jazakallah. I will request now Dr. Mariya Khan to translate the verses in English. جزاک اللہ.

5:48 Thank you. Thank you.

5:55 In the name of God, the most gracious, the most merciful. You who believe, seek help through patience and prayer. In the name of God, the most gracious, the most merciful. You who believe, seek help through patience and prayer.

6:09 Surely God is with the steadfast. Do not say that those who are killed in God's cause are dead. Surely God is with the steadfast. Do not say that those who are killed in God's cause are dead.

6:18 They are alive. But you are not aware of it. They are alive. But you are not aware of it.

6:23 We shall certainly test you with fear and hunger and loss of property, lives, and crops. Give good news to those who endure with fortitude. We shall certainly test you with fear and hunger and loss of property, lives, and crops. Give good news to those who endure with fortitude.

6:36 Those who save and afflicted with a calamity. We belong to God, and to Him we shall return. Are the ones who will have blessings and mercy from their Lord. Those who save and afflicted with a calamity. We belong to God, and to Him we shall return. Are the ones who will have blessings and mercy from their Lord.

6:48 It is they who are on theright path. Ameen. It is they who are on theright path. Ameen.

6:52 Shukriya Maria ji. Shukriya Hafiz Sahab. And may I call upon David, Rabbi Rosen, too? شکریہ ماریہ جی۔ شکریہ حافظ صاحب۔ And may I call upon David, Rabbi Rosen, too?

7:01 The traditional Jewish memorial prayer is called El Malei Rahamim, which means, "O Lord, abundant in mercy," and therefore, in essence, is similar to the reference to the Creator and Guide of the universe as Ar-Rahman, Ar-Rahim. The traditional Jewish memorial prayer is called El Malei Rahamim, which means, "O Lord, abundant in mercy," and therefore, in essence, is similar to the reference to the Creator and Guide of the universe as Ar-Rahman, Ar-Rahim.

7:25 This prayer calls on God, uh, acknowledges that the departed has been received, and prays for the eternal elevation of the soul to God's closest proximity, This prayer calls on God, uh, acknowledges that the departed has been received, and prays for the eternal elevation of the soul to God's closest proximity,

7:45 and that the bond of that memory will be bound up in the bond of the living. El malei rahamim shochen adnei ramim, and that the bond of that memory will be bound up in the bond of the living. אל מלאי רחמים שוכן בעם רומים,

8:01 hamotze menucha nechona tachat knfei hashechina, bemaalot kedoshim vetoharim, kizoar hakikay mazzirim et nishmat המוצא מנוחה נכונה תחת כנפי השכינה, במעלות קדושים וטהורים, כזוהר הרקיע מזהירים את נשמת

8:15 Maulana Wahiduddin Khan sahib ke jo chal base hain. Hum dua karte hain unki yaad mein, Baal Harachamim, yisatirehu beseter knfay leolamim, מעולן الوحידו דין כאן שהלך לעולמות. אנו מתפללים להזכרת נשמתו, בעל הרחמים, יסתיריהו בסתר כנפיו לעולמים,

8:32 veyitzror btzror hachayim et nishmato, Adonai venachalato, veyanuach beshalom al mishkavo, ויצרור בצרור החיים את נשמתו, אדוני ונחלתו, וינוח בשלום על משכבו,

8:46 venomar Ameen, Ameen. ונאמר אמן, אמן.

8:52 Thank you. Thank you, David. That was that was absolutely lovely. Uh, difficult subject, but let's, let's kick it off, and let's as, as we said, we'll talk about the about the about the man behind the family man as well behind, uh, behind the Maulana, Thank you. Thank you, David. That was that was absolutely lovely. Uh, difficult subject, but let's, let's kick it off, and let's as, as we said, we'll talk about the about the about the man behind the family man as well behind, uh, behind the Maulana,

9:09 Maulana Sab. And, uh, Mariya, if I can start off with you, how you've grown up with him as his granddaughter. I've seen the close interaction that you've that you've had Maulana Sab. And, uh, Mariya, if I can start off with you, how you've grown up with him as his granddaughter. I've seen the close interaction that you've that you've had

9:21 . How would you describe him just as a as a as a grandfather rather than the renowned, well-known, world-famous Maulana Sab? Thank you. . How would you describe him just as a as a as a grandfather rather than the renowned, well-known, world-famous Maulana Sab? Thank you.

9:32 Thank you, Mr. Arjun. Thank you, Brother Owais. And seeing Rabbi Rosen on the panel, the memory came back alive when he last visited Maulana at his home in Delhi in the year 2017. Thank you, Mr. Arjun. Thank you, Brother Owais. And seeing Rabbi Rosen on the panel, the memory came back alive when he last visited Maulana at his home in Delhi in the year 2017.

9:47 And at that point, uh, Dr. Rajat and, uh, even Professor Farida Khanum was, uh, in the room, and I remember it was a very fruitful and a very peaceful meeting and exchange. And at that point, uh, Dr. Rajat and, uh, even Professor Farida Khanum was, uh, in the room, and I remember it was a very fruitful and a very peaceful meeting and exchange.

10:00 And I was just listening to a member of the Center for Peace and Spirituality from Kolkata, Mr. Mohammad Abdullah, And I was just listening to a member of the Center for Peace and Spirituality from Kolkata, Mr. Mohammad Abdullah,

10:09 and he was sharing his remarks on the passing of the Maulana, and he said that he veryrightly said that it seems that Maulana was a giant tree of learning and wisdom, and we are still sitting under the shade of this tree which is providing us with coolness and peace and he was sharing his remarks on the passing of the Maulana, and he said that he veryrightly said that it seems that Maulana was a giant tree of learning and wisdom, and we are still sitting under the shade of this tree which is providing us with coolness and peace

10:30 . So this is, I think, exactly what I feel about the Maulana, and I started seriously interacting with Maulana when I was barely out of school . So this is, I think, exactly what I feel about the Maulana, and I started seriously interacting with Maulana when I was barely out of school

10:40 . And the first, uh, discovery that I had of Maulana, or the first attribute of his which I discovered, was that he really respected every person because I was extremely junior at that time, very immature, had no knowledge, and I used to pester him with a lot of questions, and he would patiently answer all of my questions. . And the first, uh, discovery that I had of Maulana, or the first attribute of his which I discovered, was that he really respected every person because I was extremely junior at that time, very immature, had no knowledge, and I used to pester him with a lot of questions, and he would patiently answer all of my questions.

11:06 And not only that, he would then call me back and ask me, "I hope your questions have been answered, and if you have any further queries in your mind." So this is the way Maulana really trained us all, And not only that, he would then call me back and ask me, "I hope your questions have been answered, and if you have any further queries in your mind." So this is the way Maulana really trained us all,

11:19 and in every young person I saw that Maulana saw great potential, and he inspired and guided us to fully actualize our potential. and in every young person I saw that Maulana saw great potential, and he inspired and guided us to fully actualize our potential.

11:30 And one of the things which I think everybody who came close to Maulana noticed was that he was extremely open and very approachable And one of the things which I think everybody who came close to Maulana noticed was that he was extremely open and very approachable

11:41 , so he did not have the demeanor of a grand, imposing figure whom you could speak only from a distance or after taking extensive appointments. , so he did not have the demeanor of a grand, imposing figure whom you could speak only from a distance or after taking extensive appointments.

11:52 Rather, I noticed that Maulana would, um, generously share his wisdom with anyone who came to his home. Rather, I noticed that Maulana would, um, generously share his wisdom with anyone who came to his home.

12:01 And one of his ways, very interesting ways of involving a person in his conversation, was that he would ask that person's opinion on what Maulana shared with him. And one of his ways, very interesting ways of involving a person in his conversation, was that he would ask that person's opinion on what Maulana shared with him.

12:13 And if you differed with Maulana or if you criticized Maulana, he appreciated all the more. So this is a very important memory that I have And if you differed with Maulana or if you criticized Maulana, he appreciated all the more. So this is a very important memory that I have

12:23 of him, and also, unlike most Islamic scholars, when you met Maulana, he would not start a monologue. He would not start a sermon. of him, and also, unlike most Islamic scholars, when you met Maulana, he would not start a monologue. He would not start a sermon.

12:33 Rather, he would ask the his first remark to the person he met would be, "Share with me your life experiences." And, um, that person would share some of his life experiences with Maulana, and I also remember he once said that I met a, uh, I met the head of a gang of robbers, a decoyt. Rather, he would ask the his first remark to the person he met would be, "Share with me your life experiences." And, um, that person would share some of his life experiences with Maulana, and I also remember he once said that I met a, uh, I met the head of a gang of robbers, a decoyt.

12:57 And when he met that decoyt, Maulana sat with him comfortably and asked him also, "Please share with me some unique experiences which you may have had in your life." So in this way, And when he met that decoyt, Maulana sat with him comfortably and asked him also, "Please share with me some unique experiences which you may have had in your life." So in this way,

13:10 Maulana was a learner. He was a person of absolute humility. He would not approach you with the feeling of superiority or the feeling of having or being on a very high ground. Maulana was a learner. He was a person of absolute humility. He would not approach you with the feeling of superiority or the feeling of having or being on a very high ground.

13:23 He would learn with he learned from everybody. And interestingly for me, I learned that from these experiences that he gained from people, he would extract principles of human psychology, principles of He would learn with he learned from everybody. And interestingly for me, I learned that from these experiences that he gained from people, he would extract principles of human psychology, principles of

13:41 principles that govern human life. And all his readers and listeners would immensely benefit from these real-life examples that he quoted. principles that govern human life. And all his readers and listeners would immensely benefit from these real-life examples that he quoted.

13:53 And what was very special about Maulana, especially when you interact with interacted with him, was that he he would And what was very special about Maulana, especially when you interact with interacted with him, was that he he would

14:01 instantaneously come up with some creative formulas. So once he said to me, and he has said to many other people who came to him, that, "Don't, uh, allow anyone to dictate to you," and he would say that if if you if someone provokes you and you get angry, that means you're letting that person instantaneously come up with some creative formulas. So once he said to me, and he has said to many other people who came to him, that, "Don't, uh, allow anyone to dictate to you," and he would say that if if you if someone provokes you and you get angry, that means you're letting that person

14:23 dictate to you because he wanted to make you angry, and you got dictate to you because he wanted to make you angry, and you got

14:27 angry, so you accepted his dictation. So this is one of his favorite advisors to me: "Don't let anyone dictate to you." So this is, uh, briefly some of the thoughts that I could share. angry, so you accepted his dictation. So this is one of his favorite advisors to me: "Don't let anyone dictate to you." So this is, uh, briefly some of the thoughts that I could share.

14:40 Now over to Mr. Arjun. Thank you. Uh, thank you, Mariya. That was that was really interesting. Yeah, it explains what what comes out very clearly in what you have said and what others would say and others have I've been saying, is there was nothing hidden about Now over to Mr. Arjun. Thank you. Uh, thank you, Mariya. That was that was really interesting. Yeah, it explains what what comes out very clearly in what you have said and what others would say and others have I've been saying, is there was nothing hidden about

14:57 him. What he what you saw is what you get. This is who he was, whether it was in terms of scholarship, whether in terms of interaction with people. him. What he what you saw is what you get. This is who he was, whether it was in terms of scholarship, whether in terms of interaction with people.

15:07 He was completely open. He did not hold his his fame, his his knowledge, as something that is that is superior to others or something. And that is an example which I think everybody from all faiths should and people should should should should take in in the incorporate them into their lives. He was completely open. He did not hold his his fame, his his knowledge, as something that is that is superior to others or something. And that is an example which I think everybody from all faiths should and people should should should should take in in the incorporate them into their lives.

15:25 Uh, Farida ji, as I as I understand, he was also and not very and considering his, uh, considering his, uh, uh, from the time that he came from in the early days, from everybody in every religion, Uh, Farida ji, as I as I understand, he was also and not very and considering his, uh, considering his, uh, uh, from the time that he came from in the early days, from everybody in every religion,

15:42 he was also a great advocate for women's rights, and which was not common anywhere in any religion for that matter, especially in those days and in in his time. he was also a great advocate for women's rights, and which was not common anywhere in any religion for that matter, especially in those days and in in his time.

15:55 And yet he was he was at the forefront of this. And he must have faced opposition, I'm sure, for education and other things. I mean, his own granddaughter is a is a doctorate, a PhD. And yet he was he was at the forefront of this. And he must have faced opposition, I'm sure, for education and other things. I mean, his own granddaughter is a is a doctorate, a PhD.

16:06 Ma'am, you yourself are a professor. Ma'am, you yourself are a professor.

16:10 How how how did he overcome these these How how how did he overcome these these

16:13 how did he persuade people to to allow to to persuade people to allow to allow women to come back to come into the main frame instead of and without a sense of argument about it? how did he persuade people to to allow to to persuade people to allow to allow women to come back to come into the main frame instead of and without a sense of argument about it?

16:26 He did it in his own way, calmly. He did it in his own way, calmly.

16:31 Thank you. I also wanted to speak on this thing because you you know, we belong to a traditional family where women were not attached great importance. Thank you. I also wanted to speak on this thing because you you know, we belong to a traditional family where women were not attached great importance.

16:46 They were meant to live in their home and not going going out and study. So, uh, and we lived in a village. They were meant to live in their home and not going going out and study. So, uh, and we lived in a village.

16:59 So it's quite strange how how he gave us full freedom to study, to do whatever we wanted to do, to go out, to So it's quite strange how how he gave us full freedom to study, to do whatever we wanted to do, to go out, to

17:15 to even to criticize him. He to even to criticize him. He

17:19 he would ask me to criticize on his writings. So he gave us full freedom, I think, because he was an embodiment of the spirit of inquiry, of the freedom of expression. he would ask me to criticize on his writings. So he gave us full freedom, I think, because he was an embodiment of the spirit of inquiry, of the freedom of expression.

17:35 So he was he thought that this is the only way for the for a community, for a nation, to go forward, to give them full freedom of expression, So he was he thought that this is the only way for the for a community, for a nation, to go forward, to give them full freedom of expression,

17:48 religious freedom, and all kinds of freedom. He he never told us to do not to do this thing or not to do that thing. religious freedom, and all kinds of freedom. He he never told us to do not to do this thing or not to do that thing.

18:00 So even even these these days when he was quite sick, so I used to go to So even even these these days when he was quite sick, so I used to go to

18:08 him, he said he would say, "Don't stay here. Don't waste your time. You go and you go and study. You go and study." So I said, "No, I want to stay here." So he in fact, this was so much knowledge that even till his last breath, he wanted to know more and more and more. him, he said he would say, "Don't stay here. Don't waste your time. You go and you go and study. You go and study." So I said, "No, I want to stay here." So he in fact, this was so much knowledge that even till his last breath, he wanted to know more and more and more.

18:32 Whenever any visitor came, and he was not able to even talk, he was so weak. But he said, "You have got Whenever any visitor came, and he was not able to even talk, he was so weak. But he said, "You have got

18:38 something to tell me. You have got some some new news, something to tell me." So just always he was just avid he he was thinking all the time, whether he was reading or he was eating or he was something to tell me. You have got some some new news, something to tell me." So just always he was just avid he he was thinking all the time, whether he was reading or he was eating or he was

18:56 doing anything, he was thinking all the time. And he wanted that those values to inculcate in everyone who came in his contact, not only his family. doing anything, he was thinking all the time. And he wanted that those values to inculcate in everyone who came in his contact, not only his family.

19:11 He never discriminated between He never discriminated between

19:13 one and the other. So he wanted these values to be inculcated in everyone. He he is he said that, "You live the life of a scholar. one and the other. So he wanted these values to be inculcated in everyone. He he is he said that, "You live the life of a scholar.

19:27 Don't waste a single moment. You have been given only one life on Earth, and you will reap the fruits of whatever you have done." And he he emphasized on intellectual development Don't waste a single moment. You have been given only one life on Earth, and you will reap the fruits of whatever you have done." And he he emphasized on intellectual development

19:42 more than anything else. And for that intellectual development, he thought that freedom of expression is is is must more than anything else. And for that intellectual development, he thought that freedom of expression is is is must

19:54 . So I think that is the reason why, uh, he gave so much importance to learning, to education. And and he lived in a remote village. . So I think that is the reason why, uh, he gave so much importance to learning, to education. And and he lived in a remote village.

20:07 So that is quite quite So that is quite quite

20:11 not understandable how he developed that culture in that remote village of studying all the time. While he was even walking the road, he was studying something, some paper, some some book, something. not understandable how he developed that culture in that remote village of studying all the time. While he was even walking the road, he was studying something, some paper, some some book, something.

20:26 And his mother said that one day you will meet with them with some accident And his mother said that one day you will meet with them with some accident

20:32 if you are doing like this. But he could not live without without studies. So then he also was an embodiment of peace and spirituality. if you are doing like this. But he could not live without without studies. So then he also was an embodiment of peace and spirituality.

20:47 So that attracted us so much. And he gave So that attracted us so much. And he gave

20:53 full with full conviction full with full conviction

20:57 , he gave arguments for peace, and he had he developed his his writings were so powerful that he managed to transform people's minds and hearts. , he gave arguments for peace, and he had he developed his his writings were so powerful that he managed to transform people's minds and hearts.

21:14 And and everyone says that because we were we believed in in in in traditional knowledge of religion, we were observing forms of religion. And and everyone says that because we were we believed in in in in traditional knowledge of religion, we were observing forms of religion.

21:29 It is through his writings, through his contact, that we have discovered God It is through his writings, through his contact, that we have discovered God

21:35 . Through his contact, we have discovered God. And we we know the spirit of religion. So the spirit of religion was very, very different from the form that everyone was following. . Through his contact, we have discovered God. And we we know the spirit of religion. So the spirit of religion was very, very different from the form that everyone was following.

21:53 So in in you will in in in our organization, it is women who are very, very active. So in in you will in in in our organization, it is women who are very, very active.

22:04 So many women are working in different fields, online programs. So many women are working in different fields, online programs.

22:11 They are giving lectures. They are producing, editing his writings. So he wanted them he said that women are more spiritual are in in in nature, so they can work They are giving lectures. They are producing, editing his writings. So he wanted them he said that women are more spiritual are in in in nature, so they can work

22:28 much more. And because they were not given opportunity, so they wanted to work like Dr. much more. And because they were not given opportunity, so they wanted to work like Dr.

22:37 Nagma, who is a CPS member Nagma, who is a CPS member

22:41 . When she came, she told me that she went she wanted to do something. And whenever she went to any religious uh religious head or religious person, and she wanted to know that what how she can involve herself in in in religious work, . When she came, she told me that she went she wanted to do something. And whenever she went to any religious uh religious head or religious person, and she wanted to know that what how she can involve herself in in in religious work,

23:01 so no one encouraged her. So when she came to Maulana, Maulana said, "You you she when she heard him, he said, 'These your ideas must be spread, communicated to everyone.' He said that, 'You do this. so no one encouraged her. So when she came to Maulana, Maulana said, "You you she when she heard him, he said, 'These your ideas must be spread, communicated to everyone.' He said that, 'You do this.

23:20 Who who is who who is stopping you from doing this? Who who is who who is stopping you from doing this?

23:25 ' So she involved herself full time. And and he encouraged women more than anyone I have heard of in in in in not only in religious activities, in educational activities, in all kinds of work. ' So she involved herself full time. And and he encouraged women more than anyone I have heard of in in in in not only in religious activities, in educational activities, in all kinds of work.

23:46 And the very important is that he said that women are intellectual partners of men. And the very important is that he said that women are intellectual partners of men.

23:54 So he said that men should make them husbands should make their wives intellectual partners. And in this way, a very, very good relationship was developed between between the couple because of his emphasis on this point So he said that men should make them husbands should make their wives intellectual partners. And in this way, a very, very good relationship was developed between between the couple because of his emphasis on this point

24:16 . So I think it is his this very great contribution that he allowed women to work full time in religious activities. . So I think it is his this very great contribution that he allowed women to work full time in religious activities.

24:29 So is there any other is there any other So is there any other is there any other

24:34 question? Andy, thank you. Thank you. That really that was that was really enlightening. It gave a background, as you said, also about his life in the village. I mean, it is not it's not just a question of village. question? Andy, thank you. Thank you. That really that was that was really enlightening. It gave a background, as you said, also about his life in the village. I mean, it is not it's not just a question of village.

24:44 It's a question of how he is how his thoughts have evolved despite the cond It's a question of how he is how his thoughts have evolved despite the cond

24:48 ition. As I understand, he studied in a initially, he studied in a madrasa, as I'm not mistaken. And and you know, there is that impression people get, "Are you religious schools?" main to kisi bhi ho religious school mein you do not learn beyond your you know just religion. ition. As I understand, he studied in a initially, he studied in a madrasa, as I'm not mistaken. And and you know, there is that impression people get, "Are you religious schools?" मैं तो किसी भी हो religious स्कूल में यू डू नॉट लर्न बियॉन्ड योर यू नो जस्ट religion.

25:04 Obviously, it is much more than that Obviously, it is much more than that

25:06 . And he adapted and he got ways to get to get beyond that, to to use what was given to him in that in those religious schools, and to use that to increase his knowledge. . And he adapted and he got ways to get to get beyond that, to to use what was given to him in that in those religious schools, and to use that to increase his knowledge.

25:16 That is what I think the lesson which is to be also taken there. And I'm also pleased to to invite Swamiji Shri Hari Prasad, also a friend of a known friend of Maulana Sa That is what I think the lesson which is to be also taken there. And I'm also pleased to to invite Swamiji Shri Hari Prasad, also a friend of a known friend of Maulana Sa

25:30 ab. And he is the founder of the Shri Vishnu Foundation. And he would also like to say a few words in memory of Maulana Saab. ab. And he is the founder of the Shri Vishnu Foundation. And he would also like to say a few words in memory of Maulana Saab.

25:40 Swamiji? Swamiji?

25:44 narayana namaste to everyone. namaste. नारायणा नमस्ते टू एवरीवन। नमस्ते।

25:50 His His

25:54 great lost humanity, Maulana Saab's transition to the other world. great lost humanity, Maulana Saab's transition to the other world.

26:04 But But

26:09 we must also remember the great body of work which he has given us, his books, his talks. we must also remember the great body of work which he has given us, his books, his talks.

26:20 And even at a very advanced age, he was giving regular sermons through And even at a very advanced age, he was giving regular sermons through

26:27 the net. He was very open to the new technologies that have come. And he would give talks through YouTube, through various ways. the net. He was very open to the new technologies that have come. And he would give talks through YouTube, through various ways.

26:39 But I when I went to see him in But I when I went to see him in

26:45 2016, we are not very sure whether we would be able to meet him 2016, we are not very sure whether we would be able to meet him

26:51 . And Dr. Rajat was there, and he organized the meeting. And Maulana Saab was very quiet . And Dr. Rajat was there, and he organized the meeting. And Maulana Saab was very quiet

27:02 . We explained about how we have a peace conference every year and how this peace conference is very important, that bringing people together and understanding. . We explained about how we have a peace conference every year and how this peace conference is very important, that bringing people together and understanding.

27:15 And he listened to everything silently without I was wondering why is he so silent when we are talking. We had gone as a group of devotees from the ashram. And he listened to everything silently without I was wondering why is he so silent when we are talking. We had gone as a group of devotees from the ashram.

27:29 And finally, he said, "The work you are doing is exactly the same work that is done here. And finally, he said, "The work you are doing is exactly the same work that is done here.

27:39 And I am very happy to hear of all of it And I am very happy to hear of all of it

27:46 . And I hope that you will continue this work. I am not able to come to Chennai for your meeting because your peace conference because I am too old for that. . And I hope that you will continue this work. I am not able to come to Chennai for your meeting because your peace conference because I am too old for that.

28:01 But from here, I will send my prayers and blessings." So that was a very cheering thing. And we met Prof. But from here, I will send my prayers and blessings." So that was a very cheering thing. And we met Prof.

28:10 Farida. I do not know if she remembers me. And then we and he gave us a lot of his books, which is very, very interesting in that sense that we could see the detachment of his thought Farida. I do not know if she remembers me. And then we and he gave us a lot of his books, which is very, very interesting in that sense that we could see the detachment of his thought

28:25 . Normally, we do not see in a great scholar detachment. They have some sort of link to some favorite idea. . Normally, we do not see in a great scholar detachment. They have some sort of link to some favorite idea.

28:40 But he was able to look at everything as a whole. And he was able to analyze But he was able to look at everything as a whole. And he was able to analyze

28:48 the difficulties of the Muslim community like a witness, the Sakshi we say in Vedanta. the difficulties of the Muslim community like a witness, the Sakshi we say in Vedanta.

28:58 He was able to look at it like a Sakshi. And no unnecessary criticism, no unnecessary defense, just He was able to look at it like a Sakshi. And no unnecessary criticism, no unnecessary defense, just

29:09 a clinical dissection of what the problem is. That is something very rare in religious leaders, to be able to look at your own community, not to be defensive, not to be offensive. a clinical dissection of what the problem is. That is something very rare in religious leaders, to be able to look at your own community, not to be defensive, not to be offensive.

29:24 There are a lot of people who talk about their community and they There are a lot of people who talk about their community and they

29:28 unnecessarily attack it unnecessarily attack it

29:30 . He did not have that. He just what was the reality? That Satyam. He held on to that Satyam. And that Satyam will protect the CPS and will make it grow more and more. . He did not have that. He just what was the reality? That Satyam. He held on to that Satyam. And that Satyam will protect the CPS and will make it grow more and more.

29:46 And I am sure that he has gone to a very good place and that he will always have the blessings of God. And I am sure that he has gone to a very good place and that he will always have the blessings of God.

29:58 Thank you so much, Swamiji. That was that was very that was very kind. Thank you so much. That was really lovely words. Thank you so much, Swamiji. That was that was very that was very kind. Thank you so much. That was really lovely words.

30:09 David, if I can come to you. David, if I can come to you.

30:14 So your, of course, interfaith is, of course, the essence of what the Maulana Saab did So your, of course, interfaith is, of course, the essence of what the Maulana Saab did

30:21 . How would you describe would you recollect your first meeting with him and how and especially when he wrote the when he got the Quran translated into Hebrew and the book which came out? . How would you describe would you recollect your first meeting with him and how and especially when he wrote the when he got the Quran translated into Hebrew and the book which came out?

30:32 It is a fascinating document. Can you give us a little reminiscence about the first meeting with him and how did it go? It is a fascinating document. Can you give us a little reminiscence about the first meeting with him and how did it go?

30:40 So first of all, let me wish all our Muslim sisters and brothers a Ramadan Kareem. And my deep thanks to you, Arjun, and to Oves for this initiative and for including me in it. So first of all, let me wish all our Muslim sisters and brothers a Ramadan Kareem. And my deep thanks to you, Arjun, and to Oves for this initiative and for including me in it.

30:55 I am very privileged to be part of this tribute. And just allow me, first of all, to resonate with some of the wonderful things that have been said by all of you. I am very privileged to be part of this tribute. And just allow me, first of all, to resonate with some of the wonderful things that have been said by all of you.

31:05 And our the sages of the Talmud tell us that the world is preserved, that God preserves the world thanks to the saintly ones, the people of saintly disposition who live in this world, who are not always known publicly. And our the sages of the Talmud tell us that the world is preserved, that God preserves the world thanks to the saintly ones, the people of saintly disposition who live in this world, who are not always known publicly.

31:24 They observe that very often those who are more well-known in the world are those who are less deserving. And often the most deserving are not well-known. They observe that very often those who are more well-known in the world are those who are less deserving. And often the most deserving are not well-known.

31:34 And but they are the ones who preserve our world. And but they are the ones who preserve our world.

31:37 And there is no question in my mind that Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, of most blessed memory, was one of those saints, the greatest saints amongst the greatest saints of our time, by virtue of whom our world is preserved. And there is no question in my mind that Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, of most blessed memory, was one of those saints, the greatest saints amongst the greatest saints of our time, by virtue of whom our world is preserved.

31:55 And the fact that he is not with us physically does not in any way diminish from the sense of his spiritual presence with us, with the not only the structures that for learning that he built, his own family, which are a wonderful testament to that, but all the disciples and all those who were touched by his lives remain a wonderful testament And the fact that he is not with us physically does not in any way diminish from the sense of his spiritual presence with us, with the not only the structures that for learning that he built, his own family, which are a wonderful testament to that, but all the disciples and all those who were touched by his lives remain a wonderful testament

32:18 . As has been mentioned, he was such a an embodiment of modesty, of humility, of the greatest virtues of our religious traditions that we are called upon to embody. . As has been mentioned, he was such a an embodiment of modesty, of humility, of the greatest virtues of our religious traditions that we are called upon to embody.

32:32 And a for Judaism, which of course is a religion of learning and teaching, a scholar and one who embodies both not only the mind but the heart and the spirit together with it, is the most wonderful of all. And a for Judaism, which of course is a religion of learning and teaching, a scholar and one who embodies both not only the mind but the heart and the spirit together with it, is the most wonderful of all.

32:48 I love the image that Dr. Maria used of the tree. It is interesting that the first of the Book of Psalms, the first Psalm, and also in the other era of the Hebrew prophets, refer to the righteous, saintly person as a tree. I love the image that Dr. Maria used of the tree. It is interesting that the first of the Book of Psalms, the first Psalm, and also in the other era of the Hebrew prophets, refer to the righteous, saintly person as a tree.

33:04 And the idea of the tree is not only as the shade that is provided and maybe the fruit that is provided by the tree, but also the fact that a tree, to be a truly flourishing tree, must have very deep roots. And the idea of the tree is not only as the shade that is provided and maybe the fruit that is provided by the tree, but also the fact that a tree, to be a truly flourishing tree, must have very deep roots.

33:22 And yet, the tree that is really the greatest gift is the one with the plentiest branches. And this is a beautiful image of Maulana, because he was deeply rooted within his Muslim tradition. And yet, the tree that is really the greatest gift is the one with the plentiest branches. And this is a beautiful image of Maulana, because he was deeply rooted within his Muslim tradition.

33:37 But his branches expanded out universally to be able to embrace all traditions and all people in a true spirit of universalism. But his branches expanded out universally to be able to embrace all traditions and all people in a true spirit of universalism.

33:48 So you asked me, Oves, about our meetings. Actually, the first time I met Maulana was in the '80s, 1980s, thanks to the community of Sant'Egidio, which has gatherings that took their inspiration from the convening by John Paul II, Pope John Paul II in 1986 in Assisi, to bring the religions together. So you asked me, Oves, about our meetings. Actually, the first time I met Maulana was in the '80s, 1980s, thanks to the community of Sant'Egidio, which has gatherings that took their inspiration from the convening by John Paul II, Pope John Paul II in 1986 in Assisi, to bring the religions together.

34:09 And at that time, there were not many And at that time, there were not many

34:12 Muslim figures of stature who were involved in these interfaith gatherings. Nowadays, we almost take it for granted. Muslim figures of stature who were involved in these interfaith gatherings. Nowadays, we almost take it for granted.

34:22 But then in the '80s, it was pretty rare. And his true authentic universalism meant that he understood that this is where he should be. But then in the '80s, it was pretty rare. And his true authentic universalism meant that he understood that this is where he should be.

34:31 And he is his very presence was an inspiration. And his words were incisive and enriching. I remember on one meeting, we were actually in Madrid, in the Royal Palace, where the reception took place. And he is his very presence was an inspiration. And his words were incisive and enriching. I remember on one meeting, we were actually in Madrid, in the Royal Palace, where the reception took place.

34:48 And in his own simple way, he took some food, very, very little, and he sat down on the floor to e And in his own simple way, he took some food, very, very little, and he sat down on the floor to e

34:55 at it. And I remember having joining him there on the floor and being able to have a conversation. And it was such a gift, a wonderful gift. at it. And I remember having joining him there on the floor and being able to have a conversation. And it was such a gift, a wonderful gift.

35:04 As you say, I was able to enjoy some of the fruits of his intellectual endeavor and the books. And above all, the translation of the Quran, which adorns my library behind me. As you say, I was able to enjoy some of the fruits of his intellectual endeavor and the books. And above all, the translation of the Quran, which adorns my library behind me.

35:15 In fact, if you look directly, you are looking directly at where the book is on on my bookshelf, coincidentally or maybe providentially. But I particularly treasure the meeting, which thanks to Sant'Egidio took place in Jerusalem, long before any peace process was really under In fact, if you look directly, you are looking directly at where the book is on on my bookshelf, coincidentally or maybe providentially. But I particularly treasure the meeting, which thanks to Sant'Egidio took place in Jerusalem, long before any peace process was really under

35:34 way. This was in 1995. And we had a gathering, a Muslim-Christian-Jewish gathering, in other words, representing the local indigenous communities. way. This was in 1995. And we had a gathering, a Muslim-Christian-Jewish gathering, in other words, representing the local indigenous communities.

35:44 And it was attended by great personalities, Cardinal Etchegarai from the Vatican, one of the great cardinals of the time, also a man of big hearts. And Maulana was there. And it was attended by great personalities, Cardinal Etchegarai from the Vatican, one of the great cardinals of the time, also a man of big hearts. And Maulana was there.

35:54 And we planted together a tree, actually in the garden of the Armenian Patriarchate in the Old City of Jerusalem, an olive tree as a sign of peace. And we planted together a tree, actually in the garden of the Armenian Patriarchate in the Old City of Jerusalem, an olive tree as a sign of peace.

36:04 And then, of course, he was here in 2008 at the Paris Peace Centre, where he gave a very profound, impressive speech that was indeed very courageous, really far-reaching in terms of a vision for peace and reconciliation. And then, of course, he was here in 2008 at the Paris Peace Centre, where he gave a very profound, impressive speech that was indeed very courageous, really far-reaching in terms of a vision for peace and reconciliation.

36:20 Again, a wonderful quality of Maulana was that he did not think he was courageous. And he certainly did not expect to get any kind of accolades for Again, a wonderful quality of Maulana was that he did not think he was courageous. And he certainly did not expect to get any kind of accolades for

36:31 it. For him, he was just talking what seemed to him to beright, good sense, wise, and what our religions really teach us. it. For him, he was just talking what seemed to him to beright, good sense, wise, and what our religions really teach us.

36:41 And he advocated for what is possible, to be pragmatic. This was another very important point And he advocated for what is possible, to be pragmatic. This was another very important point

36:47 . Of course, the values were fundamental. But to be able to get on your high horses and claim that you have something exclusive and that you will therefore have to essentially be in some way rejecting of others, this was completely against what he understood to be the authentic spirit. . Of course, the values were fundamental. But to be able to get on your high horses and claim that you have something exclusive and that you will therefore have to essentially be in some way rejecting of others, this was completely against what he understood to be the authentic spirit.

37:06 He understood the authentic spirit of Islam and therefore of all true religion is to find the way forward, to find compromise, to find some form of opportunity, as he used it, to be able to reconcile and to promote He understood the authentic spirit of Islam and therefore of all true religion is to find the way forward, to find compromise, to find some form of opportunity, as he used it, to be able to reconcile and to promote

37:23 peace. He was really one of the great peacemakers. And all our religions tell us that there is none greater than that, because our religions tell us that the name of God, of Allah, is peace. peace. He was really one of the great peacemakers. And all our religions tell us that there is none greater than that, because our religions tell us that the name of God, of Allah, is peace.

37:34 And therefore, those that pursue peace are truly the godly ones on earth, who therefore sanctify God's name. And such he was And therefore, those that pursue peace are truly the godly ones on earth, who therefore sanctify God's name. And such he was

37:43 . And such is my privilege to have known him, even as limited as my knowledge was, and to be able to benefit from his wisdom and inspiration. . And such is my privilege to have known him, even as limited as my knowledge was, and to be able to benefit from his wisdom and inspiration.

37:52 And that memory I will always take with me. And his memory will always be for a blessing. Thank you. Thank And that memory I will always take with me. And his memory will always be for a blessing. Thank you. Thank

38:00 you, David. That was absolutely lovely. Happy memories. That is what continues after the body has gone. We will get back to you on this. you, David. That was absolutely lovely. Happy memories. That is what continues after the body has gone. We will get back to you on this.

38:11 Rajit, we are not forgetting you. Can you tell us just I am going to ask you more or less the same question, but obviously from how did you get into this? Rajit, we are not forgetting you. Can you tell us just I am going to ask you more or less the same question, but obviously from how did you get into this?

38:23 What drew you to the Maulana, which is not a very common job to pick up in the first place? What drew you to the Maulana, which is not a very common job to pick up in the first place?

38:32 Yes, Arjun, first of all, thank you for organizing this. And Namaskar, Swamiji. It is such a beautiful thing to see you here. Yes, Arjun, first of all, thank you for organizing this. And Namaskar, Swamiji. It is such a beautiful thing to see you here.

38:41 I remember that meeting, that lovely meeting that you had with Maulana Saab and the long chat that we had I remember that meeting, that lovely meeting that you had with Maulana Saab and the long chat that we had

38:47 . And of course, Rabbi Rosen, whom I had met many times in Jerusalem as well as in India. So it is really wonderful to see Rabbi Rosen. . And of course, Rabbi Rosen, whom I had met many times in Jerusalem as well as in India. So it is really wonderful to see Rabbi Rosen.

38:57 And Oves Saab, Assalamualaikum. So it is a very interesting question that you put, that how did I meet Maulana? Because to me, Arjun, it is like a God-granted blessing. And Oves Saab, Assalamualaikum. So it is a very interesting question that you put, that how did I meet Maulana? Because to me, Arjun, it is like a God-granted blessing.

39:12 To me, when I met Maulana, it was way back in 2001, about 21 years ago. And it was a chance meeting. To me, when I met Maulana, it was way back in 2001, about 21 years ago. And it was a chance meeting.

39:23 There was a common contact who introduced me to Maulana. And at that point of time, I was passing through, I would say, a spiritual bankruptcy phase. There was a common contact who introduced me to Maulana. And at that point of time, I was passing through, I would say, a spiritual bankruptcy phase.

39:35 I was into a lot of things. And there were a lot of existential questions that were there in my mind. I was into a lot of things. And there were a lot of existential questions that were there in my mind.

39:41 And then a common contact, Khalid Ansari, he said that there is one person, Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, who addresses the modern mind. And then a common contact, Khalid Ansari, he said that there is one person, Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, who addresses the modern mind.

39:50 Why don't you go and meet him? But I was extremely reluctant because he was a Muslim. And to be very honest, I come from a very strong Hindu background Why don't you go and meet him? But I was extremely reluctant because he was a Muslim. And to be very honest, I come from a very strong Hindu background

39:59 . And my entire life in my school, college days, in my MBA days, even when I started working, my first job with American Express, I did not make any single Muslim friend. . And my entire life in my school, college days, in my MBA days, even when I started working, my first job with American Express, I did not make any single Muslim friend.

40:12 So to me, that came as something not very pleasant. But then still, I thought that, OK, the urge to get spiritual answers was so str So to me, that came as something not very pleasant. But then still, I thought that, OK, the urge to get spiritual answers was so str

40:22 ong. Let me go and try out this one gentleman, Maulana Wahiduddin Khan. And so I went to his residence. ong. Let me go and try out this one gentleman, Maulana Wahiduddin Khan. And so I went to his residence.

40:31 And there was Farida Appa and Maulana. And we began to chat. And I realized that he is like an X-ray machine, Arjun. And there was Farida Appa and Maulana. And we began to chat. And I realized that he is like an X-ray machine, Arjun.

40:41 If you sit before him, he will chat with you for one minute. And that chat is exactly to size you up, what kind of mental level you are. If you sit before him, he will chat with you for one minute. And that chat is exactly to size you up, what kind of mental level you are.

40:52 And the reason is then he would come down to that level to explain things so that you can understand it better. That was his way. And the reason is then he would come down to that level to explain things so that you can understand it better. That was his way.

41:02 So he immediately sized me up. So he immediately sized me up.

41:05 He sized me up that I had great love for a creator. But I am thoroughly confused. And so he said that, Rajit, do you know that God has not given two hearts to a man? He sized me up that I had great love for a creator. But I am thoroughly confused. And so he said that, Rajit, do you know that God has not given two hearts to a man?

41:17 You cannot say that you love God, but you cannot love his creation. So he could sense that I had deep hat You cannot say that you love God, but you cannot love his creation. So he could sense that I had deep hat

41:25 red. And then sort of his spiritual surgical process began. And I realized that if you were to ask me that how would I define Maulana in simple terms, I would just say a well-wisher for entire humanity, red. And then sort of his spiritual surgical process began. And I realized that if you were to ask me that how would I define Maulana in simple terms, I would just say a well-wisher for entire humanity,

41:42 extremely duty conscious. He would tell every CPS member, don't come to me with rights. I don't understand this. What are your duties extremely duty conscious. He would tell every CPS member, don't come to me with rights. I don't understand this. What are your duties

41:52 ? So you have to, if you really are truly a servant of God, you should not bring the wordright consciousness. ? So you have to, if you really are truly a servant of God, you should not bring the wordright consciousness.

42:00 You should be duty consciousness. So extremely, extremely sensitive person in terms of every aspect of life. You should be duty consciousness. So extremely, extremely sensitive person in terms of every aspect of life.

42:09 He would use every incident to convey a message. And that message would always be Arjun to sort of connect you with your creator He would use every incident to convey a message. And that message would always be Arjun to sort of connect you with your creator

42:19 . There was one very interesting incident that happened, which I would like to share. We had gone to somebody's house. And Maulana, of course, would not hesitate to hammer a person as an elderly father or a mother to straighten up. . There was one very interesting incident that happened, which I would like to share. We had gone to somebody's house. And Maulana, of course, would not hesitate to hammer a person as an elderly father or a mother to straighten up.

42:37 So he had to go to a washroom. And so I accompanied him. So he had to go to a washroom. And so I accompanied him.

42:43 And it was lunchtime that we had visited that person's house. So instinctively, I just reached to the washroom. And it was lunchtime that we had visited that person's house. So instinctively, I just reached to the washroom.

42:51 And I switched on the light. And Maulana stopped there and then at that door. And he turned around. And he said, why did you do that? And I switched on the light. And Maulana stopped there and then at that door. And he turned around. And he said, why did you do that?

43:00 So I said, you have to get in. So he said that, don't you see there is enough light? Why do you want to waste the light So I said, you have to get in. So he said that, don't you see there is enough light? Why do you want to waste the light

43:08 ? Just because you can afford electricity does not give you theright to waste God's resources, whether it is food, water. ? Just because you can afford electricity does not give you theright to waste God's resources, whether it is food, water.

43:17 If you don't have the capacity to produce it, you have noright to waste it. And I sort of got a five-minute download, Arjun, from that day, about 12, 13 years back. If you don't have the capacity to produce it, you have noright to waste it. And I sort of got a five-minute download, Arjun, from that day, about 12, 13 years back.

43:30 Even when I leave my room or I leave my office cabin, I switch Even when I leave my room or I leave my office cabin, I switch

43:35 on the light. I tell my team, my colleagues, don't waste light. This is something that has been given by God Almighty. on the light. I tell my team, my colleagues, don't waste light. This is something that has been given by God Almighty.

43:43 You have noright. So Maulana was a simple person to the core. He would always emphasize that, what will you guys do? You have noright. So Maulana was a simple person to the core. He would always emphasize that, what will you guys do?

43:55 You are not on a simple living and high-thinking plane. You have a long life ahead. And he would sleep on the floor. There would be no AC in his room. You are not on a simple living and high-thinking plane. You have a long life ahead. And he would sleep on the floor. There would be no AC in his room.

44:05 He would say, I love God's air conditioner, which is that air that comes through the windows. So he would not, he would only weigh, only time he would switch on the fan, Arjun, when we would, Maria and all of us, Naghman, Avdeep, all of us, we would visit his room because he knows that we will not be able to sit. He would say, I love God's air conditioner, which is that air that comes through the windows. So he would not, he would only weigh, only time he would switch on the fan, Arjun, when we would, Maria and all of us, Naghman, Avdeep, all of us, we would visit his room because he knows that we will not be able to sit.

44:26 So that was our Maulana. And I remember in 2001, when I met him and then CPS was incepted, there were three people, and then 10, and then 1 So that was our Maulana. And I remember in 2001, when I met him and then CPS was incepted, there were three people, and then 10, and then 1

44:39 5. And he realized that youths can be addressed. They are objective. And they are analytical 5. And he realized that youths can be addressed. They are objective. And they are analytical

44:46 . Conditioned minds cannot be. And that is why he took on this task that I will create this Center for Peace and Spirituality, a platform where people from all faiths can come together, dialogue, learn, and then go together as one family. . Conditioned minds cannot be. And that is why he took on this task that I will create this Center for Peace and Spirituality, a platform where people from all faiths can come together, dialogue, learn, and then go together as one family.

45:02 So that was why CPS was incepted. And I asked him that, Maulana, how will this happen? So that was why CPS was incepted. And I asked him that, Maulana, how will this happen?

45:12 He said, remember, all great things have a modest beginning. And Arjun, not to forget, he was 75 years when he started CPS International. He said, remember, all great things have a modest beginning. And Arjun, not to forget, he was 75 years when he started CPS International.

45:23 And at 95, he died in '96. Till '95, before COVID began, he was doing all his routine work, lectures, talks, article writing, dictations, regular webinars. And at 95, he died in '96. Till '95, before COVID began, he was doing all his routine work, lectures, talks, article writing, dictations, regular webinars.

45:37 He displayed and demonstrated that don't use an excuse of an old age. He justified every organ that God Almighty gave him, his eyes, ears, his hands. He displayed and demonstrated that don't use an excuse of an old age. He justified every organ that God Almighty gave him, his eyes, ears, his hands.

45:49 And he said that if I can do it at 95 years, I can travel. I can give talks. I can work all through the day. Why can't you? And he said that if I can do it at 95 years, I can travel. I can give talks. I can work all through the day. Why can't you?

45:58 So he would rake up the potential. He would say that every person has unlimited potential. But he is unaware. I would simply, I remember, Arjun, when I met him, I would put questions to him which would actually be categorized in the blasphemy category. So he would rake up the potential. He would say that every person has unlimited potential. But he is unaware. I would simply, I remember, Arjun, when I met him, I would put questions to him which would actually be categorized in the blasphemy category.

46:16 If I were to put that question to any Muslim leader or a Muslim person, I would not be alive. But like what Maria said, a very important thing that Maulana believed in not getting provoked. If I were to put that question to any Muslim leader or a Muslim person, I would not be alive. But like what Maria said, a very important thing that Maulana believed in not getting provoked.

46:29 He realized that it is not my intention to say something against Islam or the Prophet. It was my unawareness He realized that it is not my intention to say something against Islam or the Prophet. It was my unawareness

46:38 . And it was that unawareness that he always tries to target. And for that, he says, be patient. Be compassionate to others. . And it was that unawareness that he always tries to target. And for that, he says, be patient. Be compassionate to others.

46:47 So much so that the Islam or the Prophet that I spoke against, that I went about studying the Quran several times. So much so that the Islam or the Prophet that I spoke against, that I went about studying the Quran several times.

46:56 And I did my PhD on Prophet Muhammad's transformation. And I realized that he was truly a mercy to mankind. And I did my PhD on Prophet Muhammad's transformation. And I realized that he was truly a mercy to mankind.

47:05 Muslims have to realize this, that what role Maulana has played is the role that they need to play. But for that, they need to be open to dialogue. Muslims have to realize this, that what role Maulana has played is the role that they need to play. But for that, they need to be open to dialogue.

47:15 They need to be open-minded. They need to be compassionate. The Prophet, as God said, was sent as a mercy to mankind. They need to be open-minded. They need to be compassionate. The Prophet, as God said, was sent as a mercy to mankind.

47:24 How can you not be merciful to others? The Prophet is a role model for us. So these are many things. How can you not be merciful to others? The Prophet is a role model for us. So these are many things.

47:32 I can go on and on. I can go on and on.

47:34 It is 21 years of association, Arjun. And Maulana taught us everything. He even told us, it is so strange, Arjun, Rabbi Rosen, that he even told us how we should respond to the news of his death. It is 21 years of association, Arjun. And Maulana taught us everything. He even told us, it is so strange, Arjun, Rabbi Rosen, that he even told us how we should respond to the news of his death.

47:52 He said that when you hear about me, don't cry. Be like what Abu Bakr was at the time of the Prophet's death. He said that when you hear about me, don't cry. Be like what Abu Bakr was at the time of the Prophet's death.

48:01 He He

48:02 He said that God is still alive. And he is never going to die. So always his aim, emphasis was marifat, realization, connecting every person to God Almighty. said that God is still alive. And he is never going to die. So always his aim, emphasis was marifat, realization, connecting every person to God Almighty.

48:15 And that is the key to having a peaceful, successful life. He was always positive. He was like a powerhouse. You could just sit there. And that is the key to having a peaceful, successful life. He was always positive. He was like a powerhouse. You could just sit there.

48:25 And you will not get tired. You can spend an entire And you will not get tired. You can spend an entire

48:27 day. Even if he doesn't speak, just a look at his face would sort of do away with your worries. So I would just say in the end that the CPS vision that he had is now such a big reality. day. Even if he doesn't speak, just a look at his face would sort of do away with your worries. So I would just say in the end that the CPS vision that he had is now such a big reality.

48:45 We are more organized. And the infrastructure is in place. And in the last three days, you won't believe it, I have not been able to keep pace with the mails of younger people wanting to join CPS. We are more organized. And the infrastructure is in place. And in the last three days, you won't believe it, I have not been able to keep pace with the mails of younger people wanting to join CPS.

48:59 We did a meeting yesterday. And it went fantastic. Everybody is very passionate and more enthusiastic now in taking Maulana's message of peace and spiritu We did a meeting yesterday. And it went fantastic. Everybody is very passionate and more enthusiastic now in taking Maulana's message of peace and spiritu

49:11 ality forward. And inshallah, we will take it to its culmination. All of us are now well geared and well ready for Gear 5. ality forward. And inshallah, we will take it to its culmination. All of us are now well geared and well ready for Gear 5.

49:22 So over to you, Arjun. Thank you. So over to you, Arjun. Thank you.

49:24 Thank you, Rajit. That was really, really the reminiscence was fantastic. And as you said, I think, as you said, I think his best legacy is people like you, like Maria, and others who are taking the story, the next generation, which is taking the story forward, taking the narrative forward. Thank you, Rajit. That was really, really the reminiscence was fantastic. And as you said, I think, as you said, I think his best legacy is people like you, like Maria, and others who are taking the story, the next generation, which is taking the story forward, taking the narrative forward.

49:43 And the more that his word is spread, and not just in India or the subcontinent, but around the world, the better it is. And the more that his word is spread, and not just in India or the subcontinent, but around the world, the better it is.

49:53 That is a sign of That is a sign of

49:54 success. It is not a question of money or political power. For somebody like him, that didn't matter at all. It was how much do people learn the truth and learn to think on their own. success. It is not a question of money or political power. For somebody like him, that didn't matter at all. It was how much do people learn the truth and learn to think on their own.

50:06 That is more important, not by doctrine, not by dogma, but independent thinking. Think on your own. Then decide what you want to do. And that is something which he used to tell me quite often. That is more important, not by doctrine, not by dogma, but independent thinking. Think on your own. Then decide what you want to do. And that is something which he used to tell me quite often.

50:16 He says, He says,

50:17 who's told you this? I said, well, I read it somewhere. He says, yeah, but you didn't know about this. I said, no. So he says, then find out yourself first. who's told you this? I said, well, I read it somewhere. He says, yeah, but you didn't know about this. I said, no. So he says, then find out yourself first.

50:26 Then decide whether it is true or not. So that was Then decide whether it is true or not. So that was

50:31 , and unfortunately, we are running out of time also because I know preparations for iftar have to be done. So I'm not going to take up too much time. , and unfortunately, we are running out of time also because I know preparations for iftar have to be done. So I'm not going to take up too much time.

50:40 But we will start off and just end this program by just bringing in last messages that you feel that best take the message of Maulana But we will start off and just end this program by just bringing in last messages that you feel that best take the message of Maulana

50:54 's self forward. And I'll start with Maria, 's self forward. And I'll start with Maria,

51:00 the best way to honor his memory. Thank you, Arjun. This was a very enlightening session, very nice listening to Rabbi Rosen. the best way to honor his memory. Thank you, Arjun. This was a very enlightening session, very nice listening to Rabbi Rosen.

51:09 And Rajit also spoke from the heart. I really had tears in my eyes listening to Dr. Rajit. And Rajit also spoke from the heart. I really had tears in my eyes listening to Dr. Rajit.

51:15 So the last memory that I think I have is that Maulana says that Islam is all about being God conscious and following God's commandments. So the last memory that I think I have is that Maulana says that Islam is all about being God conscious and following God's commandments.

51:24 And the fact that you're following God's commandments will be decided by your relations with human beings. If you have complaints, bitterness, and hatred with other human beings, that means you're not really following God. And the fact that you're following God's commandments will be decided by your relations with human beings. If you have complaints, bitterness, and hatred with other human beings, that means you're not really following God.

51:37 You're not being mindful of God. You're not being mindful of God.

51:39 So the test for your being God conscious is your behavior with other human beings. And that is the most powerful advice that I remember from Maulana. So the test for your being God conscious is your behavior with other human beings. And that is the most powerful advice that I remember from Maulana.

51:47 Thank you. Professor, sir, ma'am? Thank you. Professor, sir, ma'am?

51:55 What is the best legacy that you think that you can take forward from now onwards to honor his life best? What is the best legacy that you think that you can take forward from now onwards to honor his life best?

52:03 The best legacy that he was an embodiment of peace and spirituality. So we would like to convey, communicate his message of peace and spirituality to everyone and through interfaith dialogue. The best legacy that he was an embodiment of peace and spirituality. So we would like to convey, communicate his message of peace and spirituality to everyone and through interfaith dialogue.

52:23 He said that debate was un-Islamic through interfaith dialogue. And we have to learn from everyone, from all religious commun He said that debate was un-Islamic through interfaith dialogue. And we have to learn from everyone, from all religious commun

52:34 ities. So for him, learning was the most important. So whatever we have learned from him, we have to communicate it to others. ities. So for him, learning was the most important. So whatever we have learned from him, we have to communicate it to others.

52:47 This is his last message. As I told you, that even when he was very sick, he said, you go and study. This is his last message. As I told you, that even when he was very sick, he said, you go and study.

52:56 Don't waste your time. So he said that don't waste your time. You have got this life only once. So you never waste your time. Don't waste your time. So he said that don't waste your time. You have got this life only once. So you never waste your time.

53:05 And this is the message that I want to convey to everyone. And this is the message that I want to convey to everyone.

53:10 Thank you. Thank you, Faridaji. Swamiji? Thank you. Thank you, Faridaji. Swamiji?

53:20 Struck me very much in his books and the conversation we had today. And the messages also which we had. Struck me very much in his books and the conversation we had today. And the messages also which we had.

53:29 I'm sorry. We can't hear you, Swamiji. I'm sorry. We can't hear you, Swamiji.

53:33 What struck me very much What struck me very much

53:38 about the conversation we had with him, about the conversation we had with him,

53:45 in his books and in his communications also through his representative here in Chennai, was of a person without any pretenses, without any pretenses to being more than what he in his books and in his communications also through his representative here in Chennai, was of a person without any pretenses, without any pretenses to being more than what he

54:04 was. He was a teacher. He was a man of God. And he was happy being that. And he did not try to be a god to anybody. was. He was a teacher. He was a man of God. And he was happy being that. And he did not try to be a god to anybody.

54:15 And he was able to see the world as it is and be a friend of the whole world. So that is something which is very remarkable. And he was able to see the world as it is and be a friend of the whole world. So that is something which is very remarkable.

54:25 And I am very happy that his work is continuing. Th And I am very happy that his work is continuing. Th

54:33 ank you, Swamiji. David? Well, there are so many things we must take away from his life. ank you, Swamiji. David? Well, there are so many things we must take away from his life.

54:42 And for me, not least of all, is the lesson to try to be more modest and more humble, which to him came naturally. And for me, not least of all, is the lesson to try to be more modest and more humble, which to him came naturally.

54:52 Not to all of us does it come naturally. Some of us have to work a little bit harder on it. Not to all of us does it come naturally. Some of us have to work a little bit harder on it.

54:57 But we have, you know, within the Jewish tradition, we read the cycle of the Torah, the five books of Moses, in an annual cycle. But we have, you know, within the Jewish tradition, we read the cycle of the Torah, the five books of Moses, in an annual cycle.

55:06 And just this Shabbat, this Sabbath, we're reading the passage which tells us, and you shall love your neighbor as yourself. And just this Shabbat, this Sabbath, we're reading the passage which tells us, and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.

55:16 One of our greatest rabbinic commentators says, how can you really love your neighbor as yourself? Is that really possible One of our greatest rabbinic commentators says, how can you really love your neighbor as yourself? Is that really possible

55:26 ? And he says, you need to read it differently. The Hebrew needs to be read. You love your neighbor. He is as yourself. ? And he says, you need to read it differently. The Hebrew needs to be read. You love your neighbor. He is as yourself.

55:35 In other words, when we really understand how much we are connected with one another, how much we are part of one and the same, then we will treat each other in a different way and be able to recognize that In other words, when we really understand how much we are connected with one another, how much we are part of one and the same, then we will treat each other in a different way and be able to recognize that

55:50 . And as all the speakers have said, this was personified in the life of Maulana. May we always have that inspiration to follow his example. . And as all the speakers have said, this was personified in the life of Maulana. May we always have that inspiration to follow his example.

56:01 That is lovely. Thank you, David. Rajit, last words? That is lovely. Thank you, David. Rajit, last words?

56:06 Arjun, there is one verse that he emphasizes quite a bit to all of us and wherever he went, India and outside. Arjun, there is one verse that he emphasizes quite a bit to all of us and wherever he went, India and outside.

56:14 And its chapter 41, verse number 34, where God says that good and bad are not equal. Fell evil with what is good. And it's chapter 41, verse number 34, where God says that good and bad are not equal. Fell evil with what is good.

56:24 And you will find that your enemy has become your dearest friend. So Maulana always said that the equation is not between enemy and And you will find that your enemy has become your dearest friend. So Maulana always said that the equation is not between enemy and

56:33 friend. The equation is between a friend and a potential friend. A true tribute to Maulana Sahib would be to take entire humanity as one family and not as we and they, not as Jew, Christian, Muslim, Hindu. friend. The equation is between a friend and a potential friend. A true tribute to Maulana Sahib would be to take entire humanity as one family and not as we and they, not as Jew, Christian, Muslim, Hindu.

56:46 He never did that. So the only thing that is needed is to do away with hatred, negativity in ones heart, reach out to the whole world, to every member of the other community. He never did that. So the only thing that is needed is to do away with hatred, negativity in one's heart, reach out to the whole world, to every member of the other community.

56:59 Thats what he wanted. Thats what his dream was. That's what he wanted. That's what his dream was.

57:02 And that is what he would want us to do, no hatred, no negativity, and treat the entire world as one family. Yeah, absolutely. And that is what he would want us to do, no hatred, no negativity, and treat the entire world as one family. Yeah, absolutely.

57:12 I think this is a message which we hear from many religious scholars, et cetera. I think this is a message which we hear from many religious scholars, et cetera.

57:20 But the depth of what the Maulana meant and how he said it is what made the difference, that he truly believed But the depth of what the Maulana meant and how he said it is what made the difference, that he truly believed

57:30 in it. It wasnt just lip service. It was something that he truly believed in. And that came through whenever there was an interaction with him in it. It wasn't just lip service. It was something that he truly believed in. And that came through whenever there was an interaction with him

57:37 . And I think this session itself . And I think this session itself

57:42 is a great example of how he, in a way, what kind of a legacy he has brought in, where there are Hindus, Jews, Muslims who have come together to honor the man whom the majority of people have heard about, the legend, but didnt know about. is a great example of how he, in a way, what kind of a legacy he has brought in, where there are Hindus, Jews, Muslims who have come together to honor the man whom the majority of people have heard about, the legend, but didn't know about.

58:02 So it is something that at least people could see, what has he done? What is the legacy? That this is a result of his legacy that hes brought in. And I will leave this last word and wrap up to Ovais, who has also worked closely with the CPS. So it is something that at least people could see, what has he done? What is the legacy? That this is a result of his legacy that he's brought in. And I will leave this last word and wrap up to Ovais, who has also worked closely with the CPS.

58:18 And Ovais? Thank you, Arjun. And Ovais? Thank you, Arjun.

58:24 Maulana Sahib had believed that we are living in a world of multi-religious, multicultural, multi-ethnic societies. And in such a society, positive inter-religious dialogue is of the essence. Maulana Sahib had believed that we are living in a world of multi-religious, multicultural, multi-ethnic societies. And in such a society, positive inter-religious dialogue is of the essence.

58:37 It is of importance It is of importance

58:39 . And the aim of dialogue which he promoted was to seek peaceful solutions for controversial matters in spite of the differences. Maulana Sahib had promoted respect and honor by awarding it to everyone. . And the aim of dialogue which he promoted was to seek peaceful solutions for controversial matters in spite of the differences. Maulana Sahib had promoted respect and honor by awarding it to everyone.

58:54 And these differences became blessings. And only then the results will And these differences became blessings. And only then the results will

59:00 encumber it into dialogue and sharing of views, which will lead into intellectual development, which will be a boon for everybody in the society. encumber it into dialogue and sharing of views, which will lead into intellectual development, which will be a boon for everybody in the society.

59:11 I would like to share a small little story. I would like to share a small little story.

59:17 I never had the opportunity of ever getting to meet Maulana Sahib. But I have been very closely associated with his team members in Kolkata. I never had the opportunity of ever getting to meet Maulana Sahib. But I have been very closely associated with his team members in Kolkata.

59:26 So I would like to share a small little story that when the Tree of Synagogues shootings happened, when it happened in the US, So I would like to share a small little story that when the Tree of Synagogues shootings happened, when it happened in the US,

59:36 many of the CPS members, after hearing about this, they approached us. And we had planned together to organize a solidarity vigil in Kolkata at the synagogue, which Arjun had also attended. many of the CPS members, after hearing about this, they approached us. And we had planned together to organize a solidarity vigil in Kolkata at the synagogue, which Arjun had also attended.

59:49 And there were so many Muslims who came out in large numbers. And there were so many Muslims who came out in large numbers.

59:54 And I was overwhelmed to see the kind of work Maulana Sahib had done and the literature that he has spread. And I was overwhelmed to see the kind of work Maulana Sahib had done and the literature that he has spread.

1:00:03 And it was completely overwhelming to see the kind of peace-building initiatives that his team has been doing industriously in Kolkata and in different parts of the world. And it was completely overwhelming to see the kind of peace-building initiatives that his team has been doing industriously in Kolkata and in different parts of the world.

1:00:18 And whenever I have been feeling down or I have lost my faith in a few things, his literature, Maulana Sahib's literature, and his words have been a guidance for me. And whenever I have been feeling down or I have lost my faith in a few things, his literature, Maulana Sahib's literature, and his words have been a guidance for me.

1:00:32 And I have always looked up to him and respected him. And we hope that there are several people out there who are going to continue his legacy, who are going to emulate his work. And I have always looked up to him and respected him. And we hope that there are several people out there who are going to continue his legacy, who are going to emulate his work.

1:00:43 And CPS will, inshallah ta'ala, reach higher standards and do extremely good work. And we all are there to support them. And CPS will, inshallah ta'ala, reach higher standards and do extremely good work. And we all are there to support them.

1:00:51 And I'm sure that they will do extremely well in the coming years. And I would like to just close off with one quote from one of his books. And I'm sure that they will do extremely well in the coming years. And I would like to just close off with one quote from one of his books.

1:01:03 If you are well-mannered towards those views, towards those whose views are similar to yours, you may be set to exhibit a fairly good character. If you are well-mannered towards those views, towards those whose views are similar to yours, you may be set to exhibit a fairly good character.

1:01:14 But if you behave properly with those holding divergent views from you or who criticize you, then you deserve to be credited with having an excellent character. But if you behave properly with those holding divergent views from you or who criticize you, then you deserve to be credited with having an excellent character.

1:01:28 So these are the kind of words which Maulana Sahib has blessed us with. And as Maria's sister has said earlier, that he was a tree. And we have his knowledge with us. So these are the kind of words which Maulana Sahib has blessed us with. And as Maria's sister has said earlier, that he was a tree. And we have his knowledge with us.

1:01:37 We have his treasure trove We have his treasure trove

1:01:39 with us. And Professor Kharidah ma'am had also said that he was in the habit of reading. And he was a living embodiment of reading and writing. with us. And Professor Kharidah ma'am had also said that he was in the habit of reading. And he was a living embodiment of reading and writing.

1:01:48 And he followed the Quranic teachings, which says, "Read." So he lived it. And he showed it to us. And we need to follow it in letter and spirit. And he followed the Quranic teachings, which says, "Read." So he lived it. And he showed it to us. And we need to follow it in letter and spirit.

1:01:58 And I want to thank everybody who joined us today, all our participants, panelists, and attendees. And please continue to pray for Maulana Sahib. And may Allah bless him with jannatah firdaus. And I want to thank everybody who joined us today, all our participants, panelists, and attendees. And please continue to pray for Maulana Sahib. And may Allah bless him with jannatah firdaus.

1:02:08 Ameen. Ameen.

1:02:10 Thank you. Thank you, Ovais. And Ramdan Karim to all of you. And. Thank you, Rosen. Thank you, Swamiji. Thank you. Thank you, Ovais. And Ramdan Karim to all of you. And. Thank you, Rosen. Thank you, Swamiji.

1:02:18 Thank you, David. Thank you, Maria ma'am. Swamiji. Thank you, Faridah ma'am. Thank you, Rajit. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you, everyone. Thank you. Namaste. Thank you, David. Thank you, Maria ma'am. Swamiji. Thank you, Faridah ma'am. Thank you, Rajit. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you, everyone. Thank you. Namaste.

Remembrance Memorial Service Honouring Maulana Wahiduddin Khan - 25 April 2021