FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF’S DESK
Prof Farida Khanam is an author, editor, translator, public speaker and former professor of Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. Among her books are ‘A Simple Guide to Sufism’ and ‘A Study of World’s Major Religions’. She has translated into English many books authored by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan. Currently the chairperson of CPS International, she is a regular contributor of articles to various publications. Dr Khanam has edited Maulana’s English translation of the Quran and has also translated his Urdu commentary on the Quran into English. She can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CARRYING ON THE LEGACY AND MISSION OF MAULANA
On the night of April 21, my father, mentor, and spiritual guide Maulana Wahiduddin Khan passed away. It has been the most difficult time of my life to be without him. I know I have to accept death, a part of the creation plan of God, gracefully. It will take time for me to get used to his physical absence. In spirit, he is not just with me, but with all the CPS missionaries.
What a visionary he was! Before his death he had recorded a message to guide our response in the situation after his loss. He lived in constant remembrance of death. He said: “If tomorrow you receive the news, Maulana is no more, what should be your reaction? You should immediately exclaim, Maulana is no more, but God is still alive!”
In the same video, Maulana goes on to advise his disciples thus: This is what Abu Bakr, a Companion of the Prophet of Islam, said at the time of the death of the Prophet. You must remind yourself that God alone is the eternal being. You should not react in any other way. If you do say this, then God Himself will become your companion. You will not be sad about being separated from anyone. After I am gone, you have to devote your lives to God’s mission. This was the spirit of the Companions of the Prophet. You must follow the example of the Companions. You must say as they said: God is always with us and He is the Ever-living.
This message of Maulana gives me an immense sense of responsibility to take forward this mission along with the strong team he has built over a long period. He has nurtured this orchard with utmost love and care. It is our responsibility to take care of it. May God grant him forgiveness and give him the highest rewards!
This issue of Spirit of Islam is the 101th Issue. It comes to you now packed with new features. The addition of these features was necessitated after surveying the needs of the readers and the present situation of the pandemic. Maulana’s passing away also made us change some previous features. From the 100th issue onwards, SOI was converted into a bimonthly and it included many new columns such as Letters and Opinions and Children’s Corner. From this issue onwards, we have replaced From the Spiritual Tree with Journey towards God-realization. Other new columns include Maulana’s Personal Experiences and From the Archives. Realization and discovery of God was a topic most dear to Maulana. We will publish his writings on this subject from the rich storehouse of his literature spanning over 50 years. CPS Missionaries all over the world are disseminating the peaceful message of Islam. These activities will be featured in SOI.
It is our responsibility to take forward this mission along with the strong team Maulana has built over a long period. He has nurtured this orchard with utmost love and care.
With prayers for all the readers for their well-being, we present to you this issue which we earnestly hope will inspire, motivate, enlighten and enrich you all in your contributions to global peace and spirituality.
Prof. Farida Khanam
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