Asif Shah
Leaving the differences aside, there is no chance that anyone can deny the works of Maulana Wahid-Ud-Din Khan. He was such a realized personality that a student like me is persuaded to know more about him. His contribution in every aspect of life is totally remarkable. In the world of rhetoric, he was a practical man.
However, his words have deep insight; still he was silent to let his silence speak. Maulana Rumi says that silence should speak for yourself. Moreover, he was of the opinion that one mouth and two tongues mean that we should listen more while speaking less.
In the world of communal passions, he stressed upon the fact that all religions preach the same but in different ways. All the basic things are common, even though there are many differences. My friend and I are always ready to discuss about him and learn a lot. Belonging to those families, where we are chance Muslims, we are thankful to Khan for his efforts to make us conscious Muslims. So, in this regard, let us try to know what Khan taught us in all these years.
First is God-conscious life. Khan taught us that God is alive. So, it means that we must never try to think that we are free to do anything. He advises us to remain conscious of your duties towards Allah and other fellow beings. The balance of life is encompassed in the maxim that tries to fulfil your duties towards Allah and His creatures because without it, the grand edifice of humanity will come tumbling down. Hence, he taught us to remain God-conscious.
Second is international thinking. He taught us to think internationally. On the Earth live about 8 billion people. They are created by the same God, who created Muslims. When the Creator is the same, what is the point of dividing humanity into sects? This line of thinking broadens our horizon and persuades us to pursue international thinking so that we become accommodative and listen to different opinions and make this world a happy place to live.
Third is distinguishing between learning and education. Khan believed that academic education is as important as learning at or in other places in the world like mosques, temples, churches, playgrounds, picnic spots, graveyards, etc. Khan used to say that learning should be the main motive of life. At every step of life, a man should be ready to learn something new. To put it in another way, everyday should be all about learning new and sowing something for the coming future. I am reminded of Mahesh Bhatt, the great filmmaker, when he said that when I began to pursue my life’s journey, the first encounter of my life taught me that what I had brought Innovative for the sake of society. The person, who interviewed him, asked what new idea or ideas he had brought with him. Could you do anything for the sake of society? In this way, Khan was somehow similar to Bhatt. This lesson teaches us that everyday should be a new field for us to sow something beneficial.
Fourth and last is dissent. Khan was an epitome of accepting dissent. He welcomed everyone to say what they wanted to say. He accepted both praise and criticism. However, in case of praise, he advised us that whosoever praises me, is my enemy. Anyone who is my critic is my real well-wisher. My mission is peace, i.e., Islam. In this way, he taught us to be the acceptor of dissent. In the present age, when dissent has become a crime, I think he was the only person who welcomed it. So, we have learnt to digest criticism, without having any inclination towards praise.
In short, Khan’s presence will be felt everywhere. Before wrapping up this piece of writing, I remember his last words before his death. He said that what would be your reaction when you would listen that Khan was no more. Well, he advised us to say that if Khan dies, God is still alive. When God is alive, it means my books about God will remind you of my presence. So, don’t grieve over my death. My life is an open book. What you have to do is to find ways of reading me. May Allah give him Jannat!
The writers are from Hajibagh, Zainakote.
