Quite a number of articles in English, Hindi, Urdu and other languages about Islam and Muslims, particularly Indian Muslims, have of late been published in the periodicals and journals which evince interest in the problems currently by the Muslims of India, Islamic personal law, their culture and the role in the Indian society. A number of seminars and symposiums have also been held in certain major towns of the country in which the educated class has shown fairly keen interest. Some of the papers published or the speeches delivered on the subject exhibited a sympathetic approach to these problems while others took a hostile attitude, yet others were over-critical or even reproachful. Some of these were undoubtedly quite learned and thought-provoking but most of what was said or written in this connexion suffered, by and large, from lack of a true understanding of the point of view of the Muslims.

To the writer of these lines, however, this signifies a gratifying change in attitude which ought to be taken advantage of by every well-wisher of the country who wants to face the facts squarely. He therefore hails this welcome sign but, at the same time, is of the view that discussion of the subject should be more realistic, thoughtful and constructive. This undoubtedly depends on deep study of Islam and appreciation of its spirit and mind that it builds.

This article has been compiled from a few speeches which were delivered by me in the gatherings of the Muslims on different occasions and at various places. The purpose of these addresses was to impress on the Muslims the distinctive features of their faith and culture, to create self-confidence in them, and to exhort them to rise against all those currents which aim at levelling down the distinguishing marks and characteristic of their religion and cultural heritage – for Muslims would hardly remain followers of Islam after giving up these characteristics. However, since this brochure contains a lucid explanation of the fundamental postulates of Islam and its view of life and the world, it would be found instructive by all those who want to understand Islam and its approach to life, its way of thinking and the temperament and inclination of the Muslims with an open mind

Islam The Perfect Religion And A Way Of Life