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

to dispel the notion that Islam is a violent religion. In his writings, Khan elaborated on pluralism, inter-faith dialogue and peace. His most popular book is arguably God Arises, which establishes the existence of God by using modern scientific findings. It has been included in the curricula of universities in six Arab countries. Khan also established the Islamic Centre in Delhi in 1976. Khan founded the Centre of Peace and Spirituality in January 2001, which aims to promote “a culture of peace through mind-based spirituality”. After the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992, Khan also went on a 15-day shanti yatra through Maharashtra with Acharya Muni Sushil Kumar and Swami Chidanand, and addressed groups, calling for peace at 35 different places on the way from Mumbai to Nagpur. Khan was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2000 and the Government of India had announced that he would be awarded the Padma Vibhushan in January earlier this year. Former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was a fan and avid reader of his work. “I have read many of his books and I see him as an embodiment of real spiritual engagement, the spiritual sign. He has looked at many scriptures… the great works of great prophets, great human beings and he has synthesised them in his books. I have great respect for him,” he said in an interview uploaded as part of a short video biography of the Maulana, on CPS International’s YouTube page.