0:00:08.845,0:00:12.195 [Hassan Ilyas] In the Name of Allah, the[br]Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate. 0:00:12.195,0:00:14.495 Assalamu alaikum I am Mohammad [br]Hassan Ilyas and right now 0:00:14.495,0:00:16.975 we are in Dallas at the Ghamdi Centre of [br]Islamic Learning. 0:00:16.975,0:00:20.735 ISNA which is the oldest organization[br]of Muslims in America. 0:00:21.060,0:00:24.331 ISNA is having its annual convocation but[br]physical participation 0:00:24.331,0:00:26.391 was hampered due to Covid-19. 0:00:26.391,0:00:29.701 The organizers requested that we should [br]record 0:00:29.701,0:00:32.311 some conversations with Ghamidi Sahab. 0:00:32.311,0:00:34.891 for the participants of this convocation [br]and 0:00:34.891,0:00:39.701 that these conversations are related[br]to the socio-religious challenges 0:00:39.701,0:00:42.111 facing Muslims within the United States. 0:00:42.821,0:00:45.701 Today we are here for this purpose,[br]and we are having with us 0:00:45.701,0:00:47.961 Mr. Javed Ahmad Ghamdi Sahab [br]Asalamu alaikum. 0:00:47.961,0:00:49.121 [Javed Ahmad Ghamidi] [br]Walikum Asalam 0:00:49.121,0:00:50.961 [Ilyas] Ghamidi Sahab, thank you [br]very much for your time. 0:00:50.961,0:00:54.971 At this time you are being heard by people[br]associated with ISNA all over the world 0:00:54.971,0:00:57.301 and especially the Muslim community in [br]America. 0:00:57.301,0:01:01.301 I would like to ask you first,[br]that 57 years ago today, 0:01:01.301,0:01:03.951 the foundation of this organization was[br]laid 0:01:03.951,0:01:05.965 as "The Islamic Society of North America”, 0:01:05.965,0:01:09.445 which is a group of Muslims who settled [br]in Western countries 0:01:09.445,0:01:13.125 and then became part of the community [br]and through the systematic efforts 0:01:13.125,0:01:16.365 of their organization, they tried to [br]advance their mission and vision 0:01:16.365,0:01:19.525 by way of helping the people to develop [br]social capital and education. 0:01:19.525,0:01:22.595 How do you see this whole idea and[br]please help us with 0:01:22.595,0:01:24.195 your personal opinion about ISNA? 0:01:24.195,0:01:27.463 [Ghamidi] This is an extraordinary [br]achievement, and 0:01:27.463,0:01:29.413 it should be greatly appreciated. 0:01:29.413,0:01:34.933 Wherever we go, the needs of human society[br]come to the fore. 0:01:35.680,0:01:39.680 When we move to a foreign place or a [br]foreign society 0:01:39.680,0:01:46.280 or a place where our culture, tradition, [br]civilization is not being followed, 0:01:46.656,0:01:48.694 we will face difficulties there. 0:01:48.694,0:01:54.737 These problems can be social, cultural [br]and sometimes psychological. 0:01:55.373,0:02:01.413 The best way out of all these problems[br]for a Muslim or any other nation, 0:02:01.413,0:02:04.673 is to organize its own community. 0:02:05.190,0:02:09.190 People who are associated with it, who[br]belong to the same tradition, 0:02:09.554,0:02:14.704 who come from the same background, not [br]only do they understand their issues, 0:02:15.090,0:02:19.370 but also have a special background which[br]aids them in resolving them. 0:02:19.370,0:02:23.273 With all these things in mind, creating [br]such organizations and 0:02:23.273,0:02:28.743 creating a bond between them, even if it [br]is more than one, it does not matter. 0:02:28.743,0:02:34.133 However, the ideal situation is that [br]wherever Muslims go, 0:02:34.133,0:02:39.473 only one organization should come into[br]existence because such organizations 0:02:39.473,0:02:41.930 have no ideological aspect. 0:02:41.930,0:02:45.148 The reason for establishing these [br]organizations is to check, 0:02:45.148,0:02:48.251 if Muslims have any specific needs[br]as a community. 0:02:48.251,0:02:51.753 Such organizations are formed keeping in[br]view the aforementioned objectives. 0:02:51.753,0:02:57.153 So in my opinion it is difficult to create[br]unity in the organizations that are 0:02:57.153,0:03:01.710 formed on the basis of ideology or in [br]which there are ideological discussions 0:03:01.710,0:03:04.223 and perhaps there is no need for it[br]as well. 0:03:04.223,0:03:05.183 [Ilyas] okay 0:03:05.183,0:03:09.183 [Ghamidi] Their goal is that they address[br]your mind and in this respect, 0:03:09.183,0:03:13.183 for example, there are different [br]groups, sects among Muslims, 0:03:13.183,0:03:18.392 there is a difference in thinking, which [br]leads to formation of an organisation, 0:03:18.392,0:03:20.734 as well as institutions. 0:03:20.734,0:03:26.623 but as a community, Muslim too face [br]some challenges. 0:03:27.227,0:03:31.227 For instance to help Muslims in managing[br]their mosques, guiding them in matters 0:03:31.227,0:03:36.300 of fasting and prayers, and meeting their[br]needs in regard to Hajj and ‘Umrah, 0:03:36.419,0:03:38.721 or in the case of funeral arrangements, 0:03:38.721,0:03:42.721 if all these needs are put in front of [br]them and their general education 0:03:42.721,0:03:46.721 is made the goal, that is, something on [br]which there is no disagreement. 0:03:46.721,0:03:51.978 As we usually say, elementary education is[br]broad-based. 0:03:51.978,0:03:56.716 If an organization is formed, I think it [br]is of paramount importance. 0:03:57.381,0:04:01.381 You may be aware, we in India[br]once had reputed scholars 0:04:01.381,0:04:07.211 who put forward the view that now that[br]Muslims' political system has collapsed 0:04:07.660,0:04:12.600 so, there should be a collective system[br]for Muslims of the subcontinent. 0:04:13.570,0:04:15.807 This dream could not be[br]achieved, 0:04:15.807,0:04:19.807 but when the Muslims have come out of [br]one place and they have started residing 0:04:19.807,0:04:23.207 in different countries, I think that [br]such organizations 0:04:23.207,0:04:29.397 must exist and in my opinion they [br]should try to transcend themselves 0:04:29.397,0:04:31.807 from differences of opinion as regards[br]ideologies, 0:04:31.807,0:04:35.537 whether there are intellectual [br]differences, juristic differences or 0:04:35.537,0:04:38.174 differences of any kind. 0:04:38.174,0:04:43.154 The topics that should be discussed here [br]are those that the whole community needs, 0:04:43.154,0:04:46.204 what the Muslim society as a whole[br]needs. 0:04:46.619,0:04:51.669 What their cultural traditions need, what [br]they need regarding agreed-upon festivals. 0:04:51.669,0:04:54.889 Keeping all these things in view that [br]are agreed upon, 0:04:54.889,0:04:58.919 establishing such a system is a necessity [br]to me as air and water are needed. 0:04:58.919,0:05:00.549 [Ilyas] So we will continue this topic. 0:05:00.549,0:05:03.819 I will state that most of your listeners [br]are Muslims 0:05:03.819,0:05:05.519 in the United States at this time. 0:05:05.519,0:05:09.919 I will also ask you a few questions [br]which we have received from them 0:05:09.919,0:05:13.179 so that you can put forward your point of [br]view about those who immigrated 0:05:13.179,0:05:15.862 to the United States in large [br]number during 1960 -1970’s. 0:05:15.862,0:05:19.962 They brought their religious and cultural[br]tradition here, but for the new generation 0:05:19.962,0:05:25.292 we see that their is a crisis about [br]religious tendencies, cultural aspects, 0:05:25.292,0:05:27.962 social backgrounds, clothing, [br]everything. 0:05:28.203,0:05:34.173 Please, tell me that how parents should[br]persuade their children in these issues, 0:05:34.173,0:05:37.263 so that they should stick to the [br]same ideas and principles. 0:05:37.525,0:05:41.775 I'll offer an example: we know in western[br]countries the dress code is different 0:05:41.775,0:05:45.933 and our Muslim cultural backgrounds have[br]different dress codes. 0:05:45.933,0:05:49.623 So how will the Muslim parents who[br]have settled here, convince their children 0:05:49.623,0:05:54.923 wear simple and decent clothes as[br]was the traditions back home? 0:05:54.923,0:05:58.923 [Ghamidi] The first thing is that wherever[br]the parents come from, 0:05:58.923,0:06:02.923 they have brought their tradition[br]with them, their way of life, 0:06:02.923,0:06:05.793 their way of conversing and [br]how they live. 0:06:05.793,0:06:07.883 The child observes this same [br]manner. 0:06:07.883,0:06:13.392 In the first stage, I always say that how[br]the parents want their children to become 0:06:13.865,0:06:19.675 they should become an example of the same[br]in their home and their society, 0:06:19.675,0:06:23.675 because children will see their parents [br]and when they will see them, 0:06:23.675,0:06:26.975 after that the first thing they do when [br]they see them, 0:06:26.975,0:06:30.305 and what they may not feel the need [br]to do in their home countries, 0:06:30.305,0:06:33.135 is to create awareness of their own [br]cultural traditions. 0:06:33.135,0:06:37.545 One thing is for sure, whether you [br]were born in Morocco, or 0:06:37.545,0:06:41.455 in the subcontinent or somewhere in[br]the Arab world, and 0:06:41.455,0:06:45.135 you have lived in the traditions that [br]were there and we automatically tend 0:06:45.135,0:06:48.994 to adopt these traditions and there is[br]not much hesitation about accepting 0:06:48.994,0:06:52.322 the things that are going on [br]in a society or its surrounding. 0:06:52.322,0:06:54.963 But every time you go to another [br]society, 0:06:54.963,0:07:01.359 whatever you choose or insist on, requires[br]a reasoning and an argument behind it, 0:07:01.890,0:07:05.890 so everyone should know when he is [br]going to another country, 0:07:06.075,0:07:09.595 that if he has a religious tradition, [br]what is the reason behind it? 0:07:09.783,0:07:13.564 If he’s following certain cultural mores,[br]what is the history behind it? 0:07:13.564,0:07:18.774 The way one dresses, engages with people,[br]and interacts with others it should be 0:07:18.774,0:07:21.094 known as to what are the [br]foundations of that? 0:07:21.094,0:07:25.094 The first thing is that the parents [br]themselves should create 0:07:25.094,0:07:26.254 awareness about it. 0:07:26.254,0:07:29.264 In other words, they should educate[br]themselves. 0:07:29.264,0:07:31.596 They should arrange for their education[br]in these matters. 0:07:31.596,0:07:35.596 In our case, I have submitted to you that [br]these things are usually adopted 0:07:35.596,0:07:39.596 by observing the society, hearing from the[br]parents, which is not 0:07:39.596,0:07:44.366 a conscious decision, so it should [br]be turned into a conscious activity. 0:07:44.785,0:07:49.645 Once upon a time, some of our scholars[br]used the term that a Muslim needs to be 0:07:49.645,0:07:54.505 not just Muslim but a conscious Muslim, [br]that is, if he renews his faith, 0:07:54.691,0:07:57.431 then the renewal of faith has not been [br]said here in 0:07:57.431,0:07:58.991 any jurisprudential sense. 0:07:58.991,0:08:02.241 Rather, it is being said in the sense[br]that you have to know yourself, 0:08:02.241,0:08:04.765 you have to develop self-knowledge [br]and self-identity. 0:08:04.765,0:08:06.725 If you are a Muslim, [br]why you are a Muslim? 0:08:06.725,0:08:09.816 If you have a cultural background, then [br]what is the state of it? 0:08:09.816,0:08:12.681 What arguments do you have for accepting[br]those cultural conditions? 0:08:12.681,0:08:15.811 You should have knowledge [br]pertaining to these things. 0:08:16.074,0:08:20.074 Obviously, not all people have the same [br]aptitude for knowledge, 0:08:20.074,0:08:23.934 so they should try to understand as [br]much as they can. 0:08:23.934,0:08:27.251 They should try to educate their children [br]about the same and 0:08:27.251,0:08:30.221 they should rationally present these [br]things to their children. 0:08:30.221,0:08:34.181 To suggest that they'll convince them[br]through force, won't be possible today 0:08:34.181,0:08:36.580 Perhaps those times have passed. 0:08:36.580,0:08:41.510 These things are no longer possible [br]in our own countries or even globally. 0:08:41.588,0:08:46.468 We have entered a world in which each [br]and every culture 0:08:46.468,0:08:52.308 is becoming part of a global civilization[br]in spite of their differing identities. 0:08:52.308,0:08:57.825 And when such a [br]situation arises, then you have to explain 0:08:57.825,0:09:01.033 why you have adopted all those[br]things that you have. 0:09:01.033,0:09:04.895 In this scenario, you can no longer [br]rely on parental authority. 0:09:04.895,0:09:09.017 Then you should try to find out what [br]background you are from. 0:09:09.447,0:09:14.257 You may be from a Persian background [br]or you may be from an Arab background, 0:09:14.257,0:09:16.623 you may be from the subcontinent. 0:09:16.623,0:09:21.603 Wherever you are from, your Islamic [br]language, you might wonder how a language 0:09:21.603,0:09:23.993 can be divided into Islamic and [br]non-Islamic? 0:09:23.993,0:09:25.073 Of course it is... 0:09:25.073,0:09:26.423 How is it so? 0:09:26.423,0:09:32.943 Just as we urge people in our own [br]countries to learn the English language. 0:09:32.943,0:09:34.823 What is the reason behind that? 0:09:34.823,0:09:38.207 The reason is that it has become the [br]language of modern sciences. 0:09:38.207,0:09:41.697 There are other languages of modern [br]knowledge too but we are referring 0:09:41.697,0:09:45.697 to that language through which many new [br]sciences are now reaching us 0:09:45.697,0:09:49.697 and if we want access those sciences, [br]then we too must master that language. 0:09:49.697,0:09:56.657 In the same way, our religion [br]came to Arabia, that is, 0:09:56.657,0:09:59.401 I mean the form of Islam that we[br]have received through 0:09:59.401,0:10:02.467 Muhammad, the Messenger of God (pbuh) 0:10:02.467,0:10:06.467 It is the religion of all the Prophets, [br]and it has always been Islam. 0:10:06.467,0:10:10.467 But when it was renewed by the [br]Prophet (pbuh) and then it was 0:10:10.467,0:10:14.427 given to the world and the Quran [br]was revealed in Arabic, 0:10:14.427,0:10:17.326 the Prophet (pbuh) himself addressed us [br]in this language. 0:10:17.326,0:10:21.716 Hence, all our sciences began in this [br]language. Then came the second period 0:10:21.716,0:10:25.095 of Persian language and then after that [br]Urdu language got this status. 0:10:25.095,0:10:28.245 It is also a case with some other [br]languages that they have their 0:10:28.245,0:10:32.245 own religious background but if you [br]look carefully whatever knowledge 0:10:32.245,0:10:36.715 has come about with respect to religion[br]those great people have 0:10:36.715,0:10:40.525 written in these languages only and it has[br]come into existence through them. 0:10:40.525,0:10:44.650 So, at least, one of these languages must[br]necessarily be taught to children. 0:10:44.650,0:10:50.300 It is also important because you want to [br]explain your religion, because 0:10:50.300,0:10:52.920 you also want to transmit your culture, 0:10:52.920,0:10:56.920 and you want to keep them connected to [br]your traditions. 0:10:56.920,0:11:02.240 It is also important because a person’s [br]memory is shaped by his past 0:11:02.240,0:11:05.830 and you don’t want to see them alienated [br]from the past. 0:11:05.830,0:11:09.500 These things have their respective [br]background and 0:11:09.500,0:11:12.370 they embody themselves in[br]the fabric of language. 0:11:12.761,0:11:16.761 In other words, language is not just [br]a means of communication. 0:11:16.761,0:11:20.631 It is a big mistake of people to think[br]that there are such-and-such facts 0:11:20.631,0:11:24.101 and If you translate them into such-and[br]such language, the issue will be resolved 0:11:24.101,0:11:28.554 It doesn't end there. It means that when [br]an advanced level of knowledge is created, 0:11:28.554,0:11:32.944 it is expressed via the pens and mouths of[br]highly intellectual people. 0:11:33.136,0:11:37.136 And unless and until people are in [br]a position to benefit from them directly, 0:11:37.501,0:11:41.051 after reaching a certain level of [br]knowledge, 0:11:41.051,0:11:43.591 an individual is not influenced by their [br]thought. 0:11:43.591,0:11:45.701 Parents will play a role in teaching their [br]children, 0:11:45.701,0:11:47.021 will learn from their surroundings. 0:11:47.021,0:11:51.811 People will learn from their teachers. [br]Then once those big questions arise, 0:11:51.811,0:11:56.657 then it is important that they are aware [br]of the intellectual heritage of Muslims. 0:11:57.170,0:12:02.900 and get to know its great people so that[br]they can benefit from the intelligentsia. 0:12:03.520,0:12:08.037 It is the intelligentsia that keeps you[br]connected to its culture, 0:12:08.037,0:12:12.030 religious traditions and to its [br]ideology, if it has one. 0:12:12.030,0:12:14.848 I always give my [br]own example that when 0:12:14.848,0:12:20.590 I was trained by my parents, I understood [br]some things and observed other things. 0:12:20.590,0:12:24.943 Right from the beginning I got acquainted [br]with Abul Kalam Azad, 0:12:24.943,0:12:28.742 Iqbal, Syed Abul A’al Sahab Maududi and [br]Shibli Nomani. 0:12:28.742,0:12:31.283 These were the elders with [br]whom I got acquainted, 0:12:31.283,0:12:36.899 whose writings came to light and [br]I had access to their writings. 0:12:36.899,0:12:43.313 As a result, there was no need for me [br]to fall back on may parents for my doubts. 0:12:43.919,0:12:47.919 We must also realize this need and [br]provide educational opportunities 0:12:47.919,0:12:50.109 to our children accordingly. 0:12:50.392,0:12:52.536 [Ilyas] Totally, I would like to conclude[br]with last two questions. 0:12:52.536,0:12:56.536 The children nowadays studying in[br]High schools, Universities and Colleges; 0:12:56.536,0:13:00.536 they have a common question to which[br]parents have no answer which 0:13:00.536,0:13:04.246 is that if they are choosing a partner [br]for marriage, 0:13:04.246,0:13:07.446 they argue that there are non-Muslims [br]just as there are Muslims, 0:13:07.446,0:13:11.446 in that they have good morals, they are [br]also doing good deeds, 0:13:11.446,0:13:15.446 they are also doing charity work, so what [br]is the reason that a Muslim boy 0:13:15.446,0:13:18.836 or girl at the time of getting married,[br]should choose a muslim partner 0:13:18.836,0:13:22.728 as religion has made it obligatory for [br]them to choose only from the Muslims. 0:13:22.728,0:13:26.728 Is their any rational explanation to it [br]which the parents can present? 0:13:26.893,0:13:30.893 [Ghamidi] You said that they have [br]good morals and good education. 0:13:31.077,0:13:33.047 Why do they need these things? 0:13:33.358,0:13:40.360 Because these are some values on [br]which you are not ready to compromise. 0:13:40.360,0:13:48.040 Which means that a functional home would[br]be possible only with good values. 0:13:48.323,0:13:52.323 It means that morality is an issue [br]for you. 0:13:52.323,0:13:56.323 You value it. You want to look for it. 0:13:56.323,0:13:58.713 You call it a necessity of life. 0:13:58.713,0:14:02.033 Same is the case with religion.[br]If religion is your concern, 0:14:02.033,0:14:06.833 if you think that the decision is to be[br]based on religion and this decision 0:14:06.833,0:14:11.113 is to be made on the Day of Judgment and [br]my children have to adhere 0:14:11.113,0:14:15.113 to a religion and my society has to [br]be molded by a religion 0:14:15.113,0:14:18.496 then that means that religion is [br]an issue for you. 0:14:18.496,0:14:22.496 If religion matters to you, then it [br]should matter to you 0:14:22.496,0:14:26.335 in marriage as well. [br]It is a very simple rational point. 0:14:26.335,0:14:28.215 And should be looked at like that. 0:14:28.215,0:14:30.701 There are those things that I consider [br]important, 0:14:30.701,0:14:35.887 those that I consider to be a cause for [br]concern, 0:14:35.887,0:14:37.901 are the sort of things that I analyse. 0:14:37.901,0:14:40.711 I will analyse the values of the other [br]person whom I have to marry 0:14:40.711,0:14:42.551 I have to marry.[br]I want to build a home. 0:14:42.551,0:14:44.081 It’s a lifelong decision. 0:14:44.081,0:14:45.381 I will have children. 0:14:45.381,0:14:46.806 They have to learn. 0:14:46.806,0:14:51.726 So the real issue is that religion is no [br]longer relevant for children. 0:14:52.040,0:14:55.059 Religion is no longer a part of [br]their intellect, 0:14:55.059,0:14:58.481 their thoughts and their life. 0:14:58.481,0:15:02.481 They see that the parents want to force [br]them to adhere to their religion 0:15:02.481,0:15:07.251 and this again raises the question in [br]front of them as to why religion 0:15:07.251,0:15:11.031 should become an obstacle in the way [br]of what they like and who they love. 0:15:11.825,0:15:16.945 This question will continue to come up [br]until we present religion to our children 0:15:16.945,0:15:22.325 in such a way that it does becomes [br]constitutive in a moral way 0:15:22.325,0:15:24.920 of their intellectual and cultural being. 0:15:24.920,0:15:27.729 When that happens, they will stop [br]posing such questions. 0:15:27.729,0:15:31.189 [Hassan] Please will you also shed light [br]on whether Muslims 0:15:31.189,0:15:35.919 should be involved in the local or [br]national politics of the United States, 0:15:35.919,0:15:41.249 It is often suggested that there are a few[br]major parties that have their own 0:15:41.249,0:15:46.639 manifestos and there are things in those [br]manifestos that are also against Islam, 0:15:46.639,0:15:49.631 so if a person becomes a part of these [br]parties and 0:15:49.631,0:15:51.261 becomes active in local politics, 0:15:51.261,0:15:54.291 then is that an issue from a [br]religious point of view? 0:15:54.385,0:15:56.582 [Ghamidi] Of course, that should be the [br]case. 0:15:56.582,0:15:59.865 I ask you to consider the countries you [br]come to as your own once 0:15:59.865,0:16:01.915 you have acquired their citizenship. 0:16:01.915,0:16:05.711 You should feel a sense of belonging [br]and loyalty to that land. 0:16:05.711,0:16:09.385 You should think about the development [br]of that country and 0:16:09.385,0:16:11.765 when you have all these things in mind, 0:16:11.765,0:16:16.195 then if you have a political acumen in [br]you, then you will definitely 0:16:16.195,0:16:19.875 participate in politics. In our culture, [br]most people are still associated 0:16:19.875,0:16:22.415 with the politics of their former [br]countries and mentally 0:16:22.415,0:16:24.485 they are still living in the countries[br]of their birth. 0:16:24.485,0:16:28.385 They should be fully integrated to the [br]land they have chosen for themselves. 0:16:28.385,0:16:32.225 They must understand the politics and [br]conditions of the land they belong to and 0:16:32.225,0:16:34.085 should participate in political parties. 0:16:34.085,0:16:39.535 In democratic countries, it is accepted [br]that you can live with different opinions. 0:16:40.127,0:16:44.127 Explain your differences of opinion and [br]if you are huge in number, 0:16:44.127,0:16:48.127 then you will start affecting those [br]manifestos as well. 0:16:48.380,0:16:50.870 It will also affect its cultural outcome. 0:16:50.870,0:16:56.000 If you will remain unrelated, then you [br]will only suffer the consequences. 0:16:56.000,0:16:57.910 You will have no share in it. 0:16:57.910,0:17:01.530 That’s why in my opinion if people are [br]having a political acumen, 0:17:01.530,0:17:02.970 they must participate. 0:17:03.193,0:17:05.713 [Hassan] Alright. Finally, I would like [br]a message from you 0:17:05.713,0:17:07.168 and we will end with the same [br]message. 0:17:07.168,0:17:10.004 We are well aware that our religion[br]has covered everything 0:17:10.004,0:17:12.444 related to a human being and his or[br]her ethical life. 0:17:12.444,0:17:15.164 Do you think that Muslims should learn [br]something from 0:17:15.164,0:17:18.393 the western culture and society after [br]they have become a part of it 0:17:18.393,0:17:21.975 and if that is the case, then what are [br]those things that they should learn? 0:17:21.975,0:17:25.643 [Ghamidi] They have come because there[br]is some attraction for them here, 0:17:25.643,0:17:30.303 that is, how these societies have [br]made their journey, 0:17:30.303,0:17:33.892 how they have gone through different[br]stages, how they have moved on from 0:17:33.892,0:17:35.092 their past errors. 0:17:35.092,0:17:38.552 What happened to them [br]when the Renaissance took place 0:17:38.552,0:17:44.492 and what consequences did they face [br]when there was revival of the sciences? 0:17:44.492,0:17:51.203 What affects has modern science, its [br]inventions and 0:17:51.203,0:17:54.303 discoveries had on their minds? 0:17:54.663,0:17:58.635 We should study the consequences those [br]discoveries have had on our societies. 0:17:58.635,0:18:00.283 There is a lot to learn. 0:18:00.993,0:18:04.443 The fact is that it’s not just about the [br]inventions. 0:18:04.443,0:18:09.593 It is not only airplane, the Internet, [br]radio and television that 0:18:09.593,0:18:11.913 have had serious consequences. 0:18:11.913,0:18:17.423 Extraordinary work has been carried out [br]in the social sciences or sociology. 0:18:17.423,0:18:20.191 Similarly, how should the organization of [br]the society be? 0:18:20.191,0:18:24.379 How should the political system be [br]established from the bottom to the top? 0:18:24.379,0:18:27.743 The institutes that are constituted for[br]running a political system like 0:18:27.743,0:18:31.973 legislature, executive and judiciary and [br]what will be their mutual roles. 0:18:31.973,0:18:34.675 There is a lot to learn from these things. 0:18:34.675,0:18:37.322 A believer should always be [br]willing to learn. 0:18:37.322,0:18:41.022 Knowledge cannot be divided into [br]West or East. 0:18:41.351,0:18:45.351 The correct rule is that the Al hikmatu[br]zaalatul moomin. 0:18:45.571,0:18:50.997 The job of a believer is to understand [br]everything in the light of his religion, 0:18:50.997,0:18:55.084 to understand it in terms of his cultural[br]values, 0:18:55.084,0:18:59.919 and take whatever is right in it as his[br]own inheritance. 0:18:59.919,0:19:05.594 And if there is something wrong, be[br]it even in our own culture or society, 0:19:05.594,0:19:09.031 it is our moral duty[br]to point out those shortcomings. 0:19:09.031,0:19:12.153 Same should be the case here [br]in these societies, 0:19:12.153,0:19:14.803 We will be of service here in a similar [br]manner. 0:19:14.803,0:19:18.153 It can be the case that those things that [br]are wrong according to us, 0:19:18.153,0:19:24.739 even if we understand the right and stand [br]with it and explain the mistake, 0:19:24.739,0:19:29.059 then this society and its future [br]generations will also be grateful to us. 0:19:29.059,0:19:31.089 [Hassan] We are out of time, Ghamidi[br]sb. 0:19:31.089,0:19:34.218 We included Ghamidi sahab [br]remotely in the annual convocation 0:19:34.218,0:19:37.198 of Islamic Society of North America ISNA, 0:19:37.198,0:19:40.138 and his thoughts reached [br]all the participants. 0:19:40.138,0:19:44.118 We are thankful on behalf of the [br]organization as well 0:19:44.118,0:19:46.108 for allowing us to express our[br]views. 0:19:46.108,0:19:48.003 Insha’Allah, if we ever get a [br]chance, 0:19:48.003,0:19:49.978 we will listen directly to [br]Ghamidi Saab in this convocation. 0:19:49.978,0:19:51.558 Thank you very much [br]for your time. 0:19:51.558,0:19:52.988 [Ghamidi] Thank you very much.