QUICK-WITTEDNESS

Maulana Saeed Ahmad Khan Sultanpuri served as an organizer of the Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind. He was affectionately known as “Dada.” He passed away on 20 January 1989 in his hometown of Sultanpur. At the time of his passing, he was approximately 70 years old.

He was known for his remarkable presence of mind. On one occasion, he was sitting in a gathering at Masjid Abdun Nabi—the headquarters of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind in New Delhi—when a tall, well-dressed man approached him and said sharply: “Your office staff are extremely rude. They do not show any respect to people like us.”

What followed was a memorable exchange:

•     Maulana Saeed Ahmad: “And who are you, sir?”

•     Visitor: “You don’t know me? I’m from Punjab.”

•     Maulana Saeed Ahmad: “Exactly—I asked because I don’t know you.”

•     Visitor: “I am a prophet of this era…”

•     Maulana Saeed Ahmad: “If you’re a prophet, then I am your God. And I order you to leave this place immediately.”

This was a brilliant and timely response. While reasoned argument and calm logic are often the best approach, there are moments when sharp wit proves far more effective—and this was one such moment.

This ability is commonly called quick-wittedness or spontaneous presence of mind. It is a refined human trait. However, it can be used in two very different ways. One is to confront falsehood with sharp clarity—as seen in the incident above. The other is to mock others for amusement, which is undesirable.

The first use is commendable. The second, undoubtedly, is not.