FROM MAULANA'S DESK

He said: “Our Prophet is a complete example. You being a Muslim, why have you adopted the example of secular people?” I pacified the man by saying that Islam does not believe in fanaticism or 'weand-they' concept. There is a good saying of the Prophet in this regard: “Al-hikma zallah al-momin aina wajadaha fahuwa ahaqqu biha” (Wisdom is the lost property of a believer; wherever he finds it, he should take it as his own–Al-Tirmidhi). This Muslim man was unaware of this Hadith. He heard this Hadith, and after thinking for a while said: “Today you have helped me increase my knowledge.” This is a good example of discussion. Differences in life are a blessing. If there is no difference of opinion, there will not be any discussion and life will become robotic. It is not good to eliminate differences of opinion amongst ourselves. In such a society the saying ‘If everyone thinks alike no one thinks very much’ will prove to be true. Sometimes you believe that “I know”, while it may be that you don’t know. There is every possibility that your thinking is based on inadequate information. Whilst living in your own intellectual cell, you may wrongly believe that you are living in reality. It is better to come out of your cell rather than living in it forever. Do not be angered by a different opinion from another person. Instead of taking it negatively, make it a point of discussion. If your discussion is a scientific, rational one, it will certainly lead to a useful learning experience. Caliph Umar was the second Caliph in Islamic history. About him it is said: “Kana yataallama min kulli ahad” (He was able to learn from everyone). How was he able to learn from everyone? This was through positive discussion. If you present your point with sincerity, and are also ready to accept reality—as it emerges after discussion— then your discussion is a blessing. To think that you are right, is okay. The only thing which is not okay, is for you to think that you are always right and others are always wrong. This kind of thinking makes you a fanatic and inculcates in you an unrealistic approach. You will be bound to live in bias, and living in bias is like living in an intellectual prison. This kind of living is harmful not for others, but for your own self. Be aware of your unawareness — this is the greatest key to intellectual development. Maulana Wahiduddin Khan editor@thespiritofislam.org