Whatever the concomitant factors were, this is an oft-repeated tale in the history of Muslim sovereignty—the rebellion against central authority, followed by a temporary autonomy, which comes to a disastrous end, due to the folly and short-sightedness of the local rule. The birth and death of Hyderabad are both tragic aspects of this turbulence in the Muslim history.

Hyderabad now has about 70-lakh population, 41% of which is Muslim. But more than 80% of that number reside in the old city, with only a handful in the new city. The pattern is similar in most of the cities in India. It is symptomatic of Muslims having been outdistanced by others, whereas in former times, theirs had been the most advanced community. It is also significant that all communal riots to date have taken place in the old city, and never in Secunderabad or the new city. This can be explained in terms of the high level of literacy in the newer areas, as opposed to the general illiteracy of the masses in the older areas.

Experience has shown us that education acts as a buffer against communal riots. Therefore, well-wishers who genuinely wish to put a stop to riots should work towards educating the community.

One of old Hyderabad’s more acute problems is the narrowness of the roads and the increase in traffic. Sometimes the streets are so jammed with vehicles that you almost feel you could reach your destination faster on foot. There is a standing joke that if you offer a pedestrian a lift, he will refuse, because he’s in too much of a hurry to travel by car.

There are several places of historical interest in Hyderabad, which are a great attraction for tourists. The most prominent of these is the Salar Jung Museum, where a wonderful assortment of 40,000 beautiful and exotic items are on display. Built by the former Prime Minister of Hyderabad, it is believed to be the only one of its kind in the East. Seeing great artistry I felt that perhaps God had endowed man with this creative genius so that he would be eternally reminded of his Maker’s superior creativity.

When Hyderabad State was in its heyday, one of the great luminaries was Nawab Imad-ul-Mulk Maulvi Syed Hussain Bilgrami. Highly educated, he was fluent in English, French, Persian and Arabic, besides his mother tongue, Urdu. He served in various capacities and later became the Head of the Education Department. In the course of his 30 years of service, various honours and titles were bestowed upon him. In 1910, he began working on an English translation of the Quran, but it was left unfinished.

As far as the ultimate lot in life, there is but a single destination – the grave. Death is the one certain goal in life, but it
is the one of which everyone has the least awareness.

Another regular reader of AI-Risala was Mr Mahadevan Reddy of Himayat Nagar, a retired government officer who is fluent in Urdu. He told me that he had read the first volume of the translation and

JOURNEY TOWARDS GOD-REALIZATION 

THERE are two ways of living in this world. One is a self-oriented life, the other a God-oriented one. An individual then will either worship himself or he will worship God. His attention will be focused either upon his being or upon God. His aim in life will either be to please himself or please God. There is no third way of living in this world. Therefore, our choice is to live either for ourselves or God.

The concept of living a self-oriented life versus a God-oriented one is deeply rooted in Islamic teachings. The Quran says, ‘But you prefer the worldly life, while the Hereafter is better and more enduring.’ (87: 16- 17) This distinction can be found in both the Quran and Hadith, which offer guidance on how Muslims should approach their existence and purpose in this world.

In a self-oriented life, everything is centred upon one’s being. You could call it a selfish life in which self-interest, personal ambition, greed, and lust are the dominating motive forces. One who lives such a life puts all he has into furthering his interests.

In a God-oriented life, everything centres upon God. One who lives such a life discovers God in all His greatness. He lives in awe of God, so much that everything else seems tiny in comparison. His thoughts centre on God, his hopes are in God; it is God that he fears. To him, God is everything, and he is nothing at all.

This second type of individual lives for God alone. He is realistic, for the path he conforms to is the universal way of nature. There is only one true destiny for man in this world, and that destiny is God. Nothing less can satisfy the needs of man. Living a God-oriented life involves recognizing that one’s ultimate purpose is to worship and please God, and that true contentment and fulfillment can only be found in a sincere and devoted relationship with Him.

THE concept of ensuring safety for others through one’s actions and words, as well as being nonviolent and considerate in society, is deeply embedded in the teachings of Islam. It emphasizes the moral and ethical responsibilities that every Muslim has towards their fellow human beings.

Islam places great importance on the principle of ensuring the safety and well-being of others through one’s actions and words. This includes refraining from causing harm, whether physical or emotional, to others. Islam teaches that believers should be a source of peace and security in society.

While refraining from causing harm is a fundamental aspect of being a responsible member of society, the highest standard of humanity in Islam is to actively support and benefit others. This includes acts of charity, kindness, and compassion towards one’s fellow human beings, regardless of their faith or background.

The Quran says, “And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], ‘We feed you only for the countenance of God. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.’”  (76: 8-9)

True humanity, according to Islamic teachings, involves being sensitive to the impact of one’s actions on others. This quality of empathy is exemplified in the way Muslims are encouraged to treat others with kindness, patience, and understanding. If a person unintentionally harms someone, Islam emphasizes the importance of feeling remorse and taking responsibility for one’s actions.

Islam encourages Muslims to not only avoid causing harm but also actively contribute to the well-being of society by supporting and benefiting others. This ethos of empathy, accountability, and a commitment to ensuring the safety of others reflects the essence of true humanity as taught in Islamic principles.

PROPHET Muhammad said, “In the later times, a generation will arise characterized by youthfulness but lacking in wisdom. They will outwardly express virtuous words and engage with the Quran, yet their faith will remain superficial. They will forsake their religious beliefs as an arrow missing its mark.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Within this Hadith lies a pivotal message that unveils itself subtly. Only by recognizing this message can the Hadith’s true essence be comprehended. The core notion here is that forthcoming circumstances will permit individuals to attain elevated positions despite their dearth of knowledge and experience.

It highlights a generation characterized by youthfulness but lacking wisdom. These individuals may outwardly appear devout and engaged with religious practices, such as reciting the Quran, but their faith remains superficial. This can be seen as a warning against the danger of performative religiosity, where outward appearances do not reflect the depth of one’s faith.

The contemporary era stands as the fulfillment of this prophetic Hadith. An observation of the present age illuminates the intended implications of the impending circumstances. This encompasses the influence of media, the theatrical stage, the prevalence of freedom and democracy, the abundance of wealth, the dynamics of protest-driven politics, the substantial Muslim population, and much more. The current scenario unmistakably demonstrates how these new factors have paved the way for individuals to ascend to prominence, even in the absence of aptitude, enabling them to occupy influential roles within society.

The influence of media and communication has created a platform where individuals can gain recognition and popularity rapidly. Social media, in particular, allows people to project themselves and their ideas to a wide audience, often without a deep understanding of the subjects they discuss. This trend is facilitated by outward appearances, the ability to garner public endorsement through eloquent rhetoric, and the capability to instill confidence in others through persuasive speeches, even at the expense of neglecting reverence for God and the afterlife.

The pursuit of worldly success and fame can sometimes lead individuals to neglect their spiritual and religious responsibilities. This can result in a focus on immediate gratification and a disregard for the consequences in the Hereafter. All of this has been fostered by the opportunities ushered in by the industrial age.

The pursuit of worldly success and fame can sometimes lead individuals to neglect their spiritual and religious responsibilities. This can result in a focus on immediate gratification and a disregard for the consequences in the Hereafter.

BOTH the material world and humanity share a common thread: the adherence to the laws of nature. They have the same Creator Who has established the rules governing both domains.

However, a crucial distinction must be made. While the material world strictly adheres to its own set of laws, humanity possesses free will. Unlike other creatures, humans have the capacity to make choices, deciding their actions and refraining from undesirable ones. This fundamental difference implies that humans must discover their own code of conduct.

Yet, when humans embark on the journey to discern their path, they frequently encounter a significant obstacle: their inherent limitations. These limitations become a formidable hurdle in the pursuit of moral and ethical guidance.

It is precisely these human limitations that give rise to the concept of “divine inspiration” in shaping their lives. When humans, in their quest for guidance, find themselves unable to derive it solely from within, an alternative source emerges: one bestowed upon them by their Creator. What is naturally ingrained in other creatures becomes externally provided to humans. This external source is commonly referred to as a Prophet. Human limitations in knowledge necessitate external guidance, and the very need for the Prophet’s guidance underscores its inevitability as an external source of direction.

In order to lead a successful life, it is essential for humanity to master the art of Life Management. This art involves two critical components. First, individuals must gain an understanding of themselves, acknowledging their identity and capabilities. Second, they must cultivate an awareness of the world around them. With this knowledge, individuals can plan their lives realistically and make necessary improvements as circumstances evolve.

The ultimate criterion by which to assess the quality of one’s life plan lies in its outcome. A plan that yields negative results is deemed flawed, while one that yields positive outcomes is considered sound. Evaluating actions based on an ideal standard is not the wisest approach. True wisdom resides in assessing actions in light of their results, thereby determining their efficacy and appropriateness.

THE relationship between husband and wife is a delicate matter, because they are not related by blood. Therefore, the only way to make this relationship successful is to use reason, rather than allow emotions to take precedence. In a blood relationship, there is an emotional bonding. But even then, one has to make a conscious effort. The force of nature, existing in blood relationships, does not exist between husband and wife, which is why it is difficult to manage this relationship successfully without rational management. In short, a blood relationship establishes itself by the force of nature, while a non- blood relationship is established through conscious effort and rational management.

The important thing to know is the starting point of the rational management of this relationship.

Being Grateful

The coming together of man and woman in marriage is the most unique event in the universe. All the things created in the universe are created in pairs. But the compatibility that exists between a man and a woman cannot be found in any other created thing. When a man and a woman come together as life partners, it is evident that they have been made for one another through a conscious plan. Once life partners realize this, they will be overwhelmed with gratitude at having found each other. They will consider it a blessing. This happiness in each other will endure; they will feel as if they have found something priceless. This will make them grateful for each other’s companionship.

IN the vast garden of life, a man finds himself before a flourishing rose tree, captivated by the allure of its beautiful flower. Eager to pluck this delicate blossom, he extends his hand hastily, but in his haste, he might inadvertently injure himself. Subsequently, if he proceeds to lament the thorns of the rose or engages in conflict with the gardener, his efforts are in vain. This predicament is not of the gardener’s making; rather, it is an immutable law of nature. The man’s mistake lies in his impatience, for no one can triumph by opposing the natural order. This scenario is not unique to the rose plant; it is emblematic of the entire world.

Just as a rose bush bears both fragrant flowers and sharp thorns, the world presents both opportunities and challenges. Those who become ensnared by life’s challenges are akin to the unwary individual who becomes entangled in the thorns of the rose bush. Conversely, those who discern and seize opportunities amidst adversity are akin to the astute scientist who navigates past the thorns to delicately pluck the flower.

This coexistence of adversity and opportunity in the world is not a mere coincidence; it is an integral part of the divine plan. God fashioned the world as a testing ground for humanity. Therefore, the world is meticulously designed to encompass both thorns and flowers, problems, and prospects. This intricate balance is a profound test for human beings, and it is incumbent upon them to rise above negative emotions and nurture positive attitudes.

God’s intention is to observe how individuals exhibit positivity even in the face of adversity, and how they sustain their enthusiasm in the midst of challenging circumstances. It is the Creator’s desire to witness the resilience of human spirit, the power of unwavering faith, and the ability to maintain a positive outlook, even when the world presents its thorns.

Life’s challenges and opportunities are intricately woven into the fabric of existence, as part of a divine plan. Navigating this world requires not only the wisdom to recognize opportunities amidst adversity but also the strength to maintain a positive attitude and unwavering enthusiasm.

WITHIN the Quran, a profound psychological truth is encapsulated in the verse: “But man has been unmindful of his soul.” (75: 14) This verse signifies that humans possess a profound self-awareness, irrespective of the multitude of excuses they may offer. It alludes to a psychological reality termed the conscience, an inner faculty for distinguishing right from wrong. This psychological reality acts as an inner compass for every individual.

While humans share outward similarities with other animals, what truly distinguishes them is the presence of conscience. According to divine design, humans have been endowed with complete autonomy to think, speak, and act as they choose. However, humans are born with an innate awareness that they must differentiate between good and evil. The conscience serves as their moral guide, emphasizing the importance of striving to become self-made individuals who assume responsibility for their growth.

Humans represent a unique fusion of contradictions within the Creator’s grand scheme. This gift from the Creator is intended to enable humans to embark on a journey of self-discovery. It is expected that humans acknowledge their errors and commit to perpetual self-improvement.

God’s guidance in His Scripture and the signs in the universe unquestionably aid humans. It is incumbent upon humans to utilize these resources to merit Paradise through their actions. For humans, God has designated Paradise as their destiny. Paradise stands as humanity’s habitat, where all desires are fulfilled, leading to complete fulfillment in every sense. This Paradise, undoubtedly, is the Creator’s most magnificent gift to humankind.

The Creator’s exceptional benevolence towards humans lies in declaring that they merit Paradise through righteous actions. Although the Creator remains the ultimate Giver, it is a distinct favour that humans can, through their actions, make themselves deserving of Paradise. They must strive to reside there eternally, liberated from fear and sorrow.

THE saying “born with a silver spoon” suggests that privileged birth can lead to contentment, thereby killing motivation. Conversely, those born poor often develop discontent, thereby sparking motivation. It can be said that such a person is born with an incentive spoon. Super-achievers are self-made, not products of inheritance. Parenting should focus on building self-confidence, as favouring can hinder it. It is not external favour that makes one a super-achiever, but one’s own struggle.

Many from humble backgrounds have become super-achievers through hard work. One shining example of this principle is Dr Nidhi Maganlal Patel. She is a practising dentist in Bengaluru. She pursued graduation and post-graduation in dental surgery and passed all her exams with flying colours. She ranked first in Gujarat University (MDS 2017).

Her life has been full of challenges. In her own words:

IN today’s world, conflicts have become all too common, leading to a surge in acts of violence and bloodshed. This alarming trend has profound implications for societies across the globe.

The Hadith narrations, or sayings of the Prophet Muhammad provide valuable insights into this issue. One Hadith from Sahih Muslim states, “The last Hour will not come unless there is much bloodshed,” and clarifies that this “bloodshed” refers to violence. This prophetic statement suggests that violence will escalate to an unprecedented level in the future.

Moreover, another Hadith from Sahih Muslim prophesies a time when murderers will no longer understand their motivations, and victims will be clueless about why they have been targeted. This implies a state of chaos where violence becomes so rampant that it defies logical explanation.

According to another Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad issues a stern warning about the consequences of Muslims fighting each other with deadly weapons. He states that both the aggressor and the victim will face punishment in the afterlife. (Sunan Nasai). This Hadith underscores the gravity of violence within a community and its dire spiritual consequences.

Now, let’s delve into the root cause of these fanatical acts of violence. When love for their own group or organization escalates into an intense enmity towards others, a dangerous mindset takes hold and they engage in perpetual conspiracies against them.

This self-made belief system fosters intense hatred and a propensity for violence against others. The idea that they must protect their own at all costs often leads to radicalization, making individuals more susceptible to carrying out acts of violence. About such acts Prophet has said: Whoever hurts a believer, God will hurt him and whomever God decides to hurt he will not find anyone to protect him from God. (Sunan Abi Dawood)

The escalation of violence is a pressing concern that transcends geographical boundaries. To combat this dangerous trend, it is essential to promote understanding and acceptance of differences and staying united in spite of them. Every peace loving citizen should join hands to work for this.

WITHIN the depths of every individual lies a hidden devil, a reservoir of hatred that lurks within us all. This hate bomb remains dormant under ordinary circumstances, but when triggered, it can explode with overwhelming intensity. This aspect of human nature knows no gender boundaries, as all of humanity is susceptible to this powerful force.

In a society comprising 10,000 individuals, each person becomes akin to a moving combustible, susceptible to ignition at the slightest provocation. Nevertheless, personal interests compel people to restrain their violent tendencies and adopt pacifistic approaches, making leadership a formidable challenge.

We often talk of peace in the context of war. But this is a very narrow and restricted notion of peace. Peace is deeply linked with the entirety of human life. Peace is a complete ideology in itself. Peace is the only religion for both—man and the universe. It is the master-key that opens the doors to every success. Peace creates a favourable atmosphere for success in every endeavour. Without peace, no positive action—small or big—is possible.

This article appeared in the November 15, 2023, edition of  The Speaking Tree, Times of India.