better understanding of the other person’s viewpoint, prepare what we wish to say and encourage in the speaker a greater receptivity to what we wish to say when finally it is our turn to hold forth. When

listened carefully is an advantage. We get to know in advance what misapprehensions we have to sweep aside, what illusions we have to dispel and what emotional barriers we have to break down. If we speak without

subject discussed from different angles by different speakers. It is only after mature reflection upon what was said that we should venture to air our views. And even then, they should be aired with full consideration

latter phase of Islam’s history. With the automatic accord in Muslim society of a place of honour and importance to the heroes of the battlefield, annalists’ subsequent compilations of Islamic history have

of wars and conquests. These early chronicles having set the example, subsequent writings on Islamic history have followed the same pattern of emphasis on militarism. The Prophet’s biographies were

fruition only by a long historical process, and the Islamic revolution was no exception to this rule. The process of human liberation, initiated by Islam, continued over a long period to make advances through

have you enslaved people while their mothers had given birth to them in freedom?” (Al-Abqariat Al-Islamia). This voice was echoed eleven hundred years later by the well-known French reformer Rousseau (d

spite of differences, is an important teaching of Islam and a sign of excellent character. Avoidance of friction is one of the important principles of Islam. That is, avoiding confrontation in the face of

Arabs (London 1970), p. 166. 25. The Cambridge History of Islam (London), Vol. 2-B, p. 888-89. 26. Montgomery Watt, The Majesty that was Islam, New York 1974, p. 226. 27. Ibid, p. 232. 28. Ibid, p. 226

unaware of the fact that in this world, you can only get what is possible according to the law of nature. They do not know that they simply cannot get what, in line with the law of nature, is simply not possible

blunder of failing to distinguish between what is possible and what is not. They constantly hanker after acquiring things that they simply cannot acquire, come what may. If they realized this blunder that

going to get, you are bound to fail. On the other hand, if you plan your life within the boundaries of what is possible, you are much more likely to succeed. Not by Miracles Success is the result of

for his brother what he likes for himself.’ (AI Bukhari and Muslim). This Hadith demonstrates unequivocally what the attitude of a Muslim should be towards other human beings, i.e. what he aspires for himself

himself should be what he aspires for others as well. No one is fond of insolent conduct. Everyone appreciates being addressed politely. This very fact should serve as a main guideline. One should never

if a man is denied what is rightfully his, he will resent it immensely. Why should we not bear this in mind, and always remember to give others their due? We should not deny anyone what is his by right.

embodiment of a spiritual personality. —Maulana Wahiduddin Khan THE LIFE AFTER DEATH THE Prophet of Islam likened death to sleep and life to the state of wakefulness after sleep. When he awakened in the morning

purpose and for this, one needs to adopt the concept of high thinking and simple living. The Prophet of Islam used to lead a very simple life and laid great stress on believers doing likewise. Once he said, “O

become apparent for all to see. It is this realization that is the true aim of the Islamic life. All the actions of Islam are just a means towards conscious discovery of God; they are ways of establishing