Editorial

We are glad to present you with the first issue in English of Al-Risala, published by the Islamic Centre, Delhi. The Islamic Centre was established in 1970 under the auspices of the well-known Islamic thinker and writer, Maulana Wahiduddin Khan. Since then it has devoted itself to constructive efforts at calling people to true faith in God. Its monthly magazine has been coming out in Urdu since October 1976. The Al-Risala we are now launching is the English edition of that parent publication.

Islamic revival is basically revival of Islamic thought. In every age, there is a predominant pattern of thought according to which people’s intellectual framework is formed, and according to which communities and nations organize their lives. In ancient times, polytheistic thought was predominant. Then, in the 7th century, the Islamic revolution changed the course of human history. Monotheism came to dominate world thought.

This situation continued for approximately one thousand years. Then things began to change, until another revolution occurred in the modern age. The emergence of new learning in recent centuries has completely changed the human mind. In every branch of learning, new standards have been established. In this way, over the last few centuries, human thought has undergone a radical alteration, and is now based on heresy or, at least, secularism; that is, in all matters human intellect is paramount and life is organized on unrevealed foundations.

Under such conditions, Islamic revival means once again ushering in a new age for man. Just as our predecessors ended polytheism’s intellectual dominance and established monotheism in its place, so the task which lies before us is to put an end to thoughts of a heterodox and secular nature and re-establish the dominance of God-oriented thought in its place.

The Islamic Centre seeks to bring about an intellectual revolution of this nature. Without doubt, this is a very difficult task. In fact, there is no task more difficult. But we are taking up this task trusting in God rather than in ourselves. And, as the Prophet Jesus said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew, 19:26)