FROM MAULANA’S DESK

Ego or Conscience If you challenge someone's ego, your success is doubtful but when you challenge someone's conscience, then your success is guaranteed. If Muslims, not only in America, but also in every country of the world, qualify on merit they will be surely successful in achieving what they set out for. However, if they want to achieve something through favour, they will not be able attain anything in this world. Muslims must not become emotional in this matter, rather they should be realistic. They must accept reality. No other strategy will work in this regard. This method is not only an American formula, but has been laid down by God. It has been mentioned in the Quran in these words: “He sends down water from the sky that fills riverbeds to overflowing, each according to its measure. The torrent carries along swelling foam, akin to what rises from smelted ore from which man makes ornaments and tools. God thus depicts truth and falsehood. The scum is cast away, but whatever is of use to man remains behind. God thus speaks in parables.” (13: 17) According to the above verse of the Quran, Muslims must prove themselves a ‘giver’ community. If they become a ‘taker’ community, they will not have a respectful place anywhere in the world, in America or any other country. o Maulana Wahiduddin Khan editor@thespiritofislam.org