FROM MAULANA'S DESK

Mulling over this experience, I felt that 9/11 was a thesis while the RIS was its antithesis (to use the phrase of Hegel and Marx). It follows a law of nature which in the Quran is called the law of repelling (2: 251). This means that whenever a negative situation develops in human history, a combination of factors inherent in nature instigates a new process conducive to a positive turn of events, culminating in a new and better age. One example in the history of Islam is the Tartar attack on the Abbasid empire in the 13th century, which had a devastating effect upon the Muslim world. This was apparently a negative event but it ultimately had a positive outcome. Peaceful dawah work was instigated amongst the Muslims inspired by Shaykh Jamaluddin of Iran. The results of these developments have been described by Prof. Philip K. Hitti in these words: 'The religion of Muslims has conquered where their arms had failed.' This positive process has started on a large scale. Muslims are thinking along the lines of Dawah and are spreading the message of the Quran far and wide. I am certain that this trend will go on increasing to the point where we will see the dawn of a new future. A large number of programmes were organised in Toronto. In the course of every speech I made, I talked of peace, giving due acknowledgement to the global contribution of the West. I explained that western civilization was proIslam and that the concept of Islamophobia was totally baseless. Every speech was followed by a question and answer session. This was a new experience for me. Many questions were raised and these were positive. Indeed the audience was moved to tears. They liked my speeches so much that they gave me a standing ovation. This phenomenon reflects a sign of change among the Muslims. Just before I was to leave Canada, I was requested to give a concluding message to the audience. Very briefly I said: 'Assalaamu-u-Alaikum wa Rahmatullah. Today I am leaving for India. I would like to give you two short pieces of advice. Firstly, make God your greatest concern. Secondly, behave in a friendly manner towards all human beings. May God bless you. May God help you to realise this noble cause.' Judging by the great appreciation shown by the audience, my words had obviously made a strong impact. o Maulana Wahiduddin Khan editor@thespiritofislam.org Whenever a negative situation develops in human history, a combination of factors inherent in nature instigates a new process conducive to a positive turn of events, culminating in a new and better age.