ME AND MAULANA: A PERSONAL RECOLLECTION OF WAHIDUDDIN KHAN - John M. Butt

life. For much of his life, his addressees failed to listen to him. They even opposed him. At many instances in the Quran, the same aspect of the rejection of prophets and sane advisors is repeated. This is the sad history of humankind. Whoever tried to awaken the world was either killed or ostracised. This is the state of affairs of the Muslims, more specifically of the Muslims of the sub-continent. Whoever calls for introspection and reform is branded as a foe. This psychology is described in the Quran thus: To Moses We gave the Book and sent a succession of messengers after him. We gave Jesus, son of Mary, clear signs and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. But, whenever a messenger came to you with something which you did not desire, you grew arrogant, calling some liars and slaying others. (2: 87) Maulana Wahiduddin Khan passed away recently. He strived all through his life to convince the Muslims that the attitude of confrontation was destructive and detrimental to their interest. He believed in rejuvenating the community through knowledge, intellectual development and sheer hard work. He said that there are inherent reasons that only the weak are targeted and persecuted. The majority of the community refused to heed and labelled him an enemy. Even to the extent that a price was put on his head by the militants of Kashmir. The sooner the Muslims realize their folly, the better, for it is not only about their fate in this world but more importantly the Hereafter.