INTERVIEW WITH MAULANA WAHIDUDDIN KHAN

What is your approach to reading? I am interested in knowledge. I read any book that is written in an academic manner. How do you preserve the knowledge gained from your studies? To preserve the knowledge gained from my studies, I practise the formula ‘preserve knowledge through writing it down’. No matter how good one’s memory is, it can never replace a book. Do you mark important sentences or paragraphs in books during your reading? If it is my personal book, I do mark important points during my study. What type of books do you read during your travels? During travels, I mostly read light materials such as newspapers or magazines. Do you engage in leisure reading or reading for passing the time? If so, to what extent? Leisure reading or reading to pass the time is acceptable for someone who cannot engage in serious study. What are your favourite topics? List them in order of preference. My favourite topics are all Islamic topics and all topics opposing Islam. Who are your favourite authors? Explain why you like them. No modern Muslim author is my favourite, as I believe none of them have adopted the modern scientific approach. Which author has influenced you the most? My natural sensibility has influenced me the most. The greatest book for me is the book of nature. Who are your favourite fiction writers and poets? Why do you prefer them over others? I do not have any favourite fiction writer or poet. Do you buy books to read, or do you borrow them from others and libraries? I buy books as much as I can, I borrow them from others or libraries as well.