FROM MAULANA’S DESK
Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, born in 1925, in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, is an Islamic spiritual scholar who is well-versed in both classical Islamic learning and modern disciplines. The mission of his life has been the establishment of worldwide peace. He has received the Padma Bhushan, the Demiurgus Peace International Award and Sayyidina Imam Al Hassan Peace award for promoting peace in Muslim societies. He has been called ’Islam’s spiritual ambassador to the world’ and is recognized as one of its most influential Muslims . His books have been translated into sixteen languages and are part of university curricula in six countries. He is the founder of the Centre for Peace and Spirituality based in New Delhi.
TAKING SETBACKS AS CHALLENGES
MUSLIMS profess to be beset by myriad of problems, the foremost among them has been their inability to be realistic in their approach. This issue demanded an immediate remedy. The remedy is still eluding Muslims.
When it comes to the state of Muslims in India, it has been my firm opinion that India is thriving with opportunities for Muslims to progress. There is no dearth of possibilities for Muslims to live as an honourable, prosperous and advanced community. Yet, their state of mind has unnecessarily created all manner of problems for them. It is nothing more or less than their own lack of realism. If Muslims could just become realistic in their approach, nothing could stand in the way of their betterment.
Whatever the grimness of the events, this verse of the Quran offers great hope: “You may hate a thing although it is good for you.” (2: 216) This verse unambiguously states that even in the seemingly very disturbing situation, a great fortune lies hidden.
What is this great fortune? It is the necessity it creates for adopting a very realistic approach. The greatest secret of success in the world is the ability to think and act realistically. Human nature itself inclines man to realism. The so-called Muslim leaders, however, have misled Muslims by their emotionalism and superficiality. Now, the outcome of their almost two centuries of struggles has made their incompetence as clear as daylight. Nevertheless, now Muslims have started to realize that they need to free themselves from the unhealthy influence of their misguided leaders. They must chart a course of action in accordance with nature, the Quran, and the example set by the Prophet.
The Prophet of Islam was the most realistic person in history. That is why his success was the greatest ever achieved by anyone. The present situation has brought Muslims to a point where they will of themselves become realistic. And this new turn to their lives is certainly the greatest guarantee of success and progress.
The whole system of the earth and the heavens is based on reality. Man too can succeed in this world simply by conceding to this reality. It would be a matter of great contentment if Muslims could now discover this secret, which is the sure ladder to success.
‘Many a small group, by God’s command has prevailed against a large group. God is indeed with the steadfast.’ (2: 249) This verse of the Quran shows that if a minority group is facing challenges at the hands of a powerful majority, there is nothing in this for them to feel depressed or frustrated about. This should be looked upon as one of the God-given opportunities for the weaker group. This challenge provides impetus to the minority to re-plan, work even harder and achieve its goals.
The greatest secret of success in the world is the ability to think and act realistically
How can such a reversal of the present order take place? The secret, according to this verse, lies in patience. Those who are faced with challenges require more alertness and need to make more efforts just to survive. The patience and endurance which they learn in the process are what enable such a group to dominate and conquer their fears and come out with flying colours.
Patience for a human being or a human group is just like the heat applied to water. When water is heated up to hundred degrees centigrade, it starts boiling. The molecules change state and they scatter outward in the form of vapour. In this way, heat converts water into gas. Water taking the form of gas becomes so powerful that it can move mighty machines.
In a similar way, when a group is continually faced with adverse circumstances, when its very identity is challenged, it reaches the point of explosion. Its latent capabilities are so aroused that it rises from the state of “water” and turns into “vapour”.
History shows that whenever a group has faced persecution, its potential has been awakened. It has emerged in the form of an unconquerable force. Arnold Toynbee, a historian, has termed this process as Challenge-Response Mechanism. It is patience coupled with wise strategy that converts this ordinary group into an extraordinary group.
Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
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