Spirit of Islam, Sep-Oct 2024

FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF’S DESK Prof Farida Khanam is an author, editor, translator, public speaker and former professor of Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. Among her books are ‘A Simple Guide to Islam’ and ‘A Study of World’s Major Religions’. She has translated into English many books authored by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan. Currently the chairperson of CPS International, she is a regular contributor of articles to various publications. Prof Khanam has edited Maulana’s English translation of the Quran and has also translated his Urdu commentary on the Quran into English. She can be reached at spiritofislamperiodical@gmail.com THE EARTH IS MOVING TOWARD ITS END In the renowned Indian English daily, The Times of India (June 17, 2023), New Delhi edition, the headline on the Times Global page was: HEATWAVES, wildfires hit globe; Asia, Europe, US sizzle at 40°C+, meaning that heatwaves and wildfires have gripped the world. The news under this headline invites serious reflection. According to the report, temperatures of 40°C were recorded in Asia, Europe, and the United States. On Sunday, intense heat engulfed three continents—Asia, Europe, and America. The increasing incidents of wildfires and extreme temperatures are pointing to the grave danger that global warming is escalating day by day. Meteorologists have issued severe heat forecasts for the future. China has issued several alerts regarding temperatures, warning that in the desert regions of Xinjiang, temperatures may range from 40 to 45°C, and in the southern Guangxi region, it may reach 39°C. The U.S. National Weather Service has reported that intense heat and heatwaves could peak from California to Texas. Death Valley in California is one of the hottest places on Earth. Meteorologists estimate that temperatures there could exceed 54°C. Wildfires in several forests in Southern California are being dealt with. In Canada, wildfires have burned over 10 million hectares of land this year. In Italy, it is estimated that temperatures will reach 43°C or higher,