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

Maulana As a Reformist Maulana was a man of practical wisdom. He emphasized on a pragmatic approach to live in a society made up of various faiths and ethnicities. The policy he followed can be described in these words: “It’s Ok to Disagree but Not Ok to Disrespect”. He was most outspoken advocate of Religious Tolerance Who believed that unless we have religious tolerance we cannot have a peaceful society. Like Swami Vivekanand his slogan was follow one and respect all religions. To you your religion and to me mine.” A renowned writer, speaker and recipient of numerous humanitarian awards in India and abroad, he has been strong champion of spiritual reform and nonviolence in Islam. There is absolutely no place for violence in Islam. Islam is a religion which is tolerant, pacifist, peace loving and confrontation avoiding. As a social reformer Maulana’s focus was on re-engineering the mind of the people. Man as an individual needs to be addressed because he is basic unit of the society. If his mind is addressed properly then we can expect a positive and constructive development in the society. This can be done only through a long and laborious struggle. This struggle consists of many levels, but most important is education and development of mind. His Struggle for Peace Building in Kashmir He used every available opportunity for peace building particularly in conflict zones like Palestine and Kashmir. Kashmir always occupied his foremost attention and special place in his heart. He has been to Kashmir many times and