SRILA PRABHUPADA on ISLAM

Airavata Dasa

BHAKTIVEDANTA ACADEMY
 CONTENTS

Introduction 1

1. Islam is also Vaishnavism 3

2. Islam means submission 3
3. God sends His messengers 3
4. Parampara - Disciplic Succession 4
5. The Qur’an 5
6. The Qur’an is also shastra 6
7. The knowledge must be scientific 7
8. The Muslim religion based on conception of God 7
9. The Muslim religion is also bhakti-yoga 8
10. Guru - Spiritual Master 10
11. Hazrat Muhammad is shaktyavesha-avatara 11
12. Hazrat Muhammad is an acharya 11
13. Hazrat Muhammad is an authority 11
14. Hazrat Muhammad is a devotee of God 12
15. Hazrat Muhammad is a servant of God 12
16. Hazrat Muhammad is the perfect holy man 13
17. Hazrat Muhammad preached God Consciousness 13
18. Hazrat Muhammad teaches according to class of men 13
19. Hazrat Muhammad could hear God 14
20. The Muslims are also Vaishnavas 15
21. A planet where pious Muslims go 15
22. Animal slaughtering 17
23. God is a person 19
24. God is not formless 20
25. God can be seen 21
26. God is not material 22
27. Allah is a name of God 23
28. The ultimate goal is how to love God
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Spiritual power of Srila Prabhupada 29

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 INTRODUCTION

Religion is meant for peace not war

Again and again God has sent His messengers to this material
world to re-establish the religious principles. Different messengers
revealed different scriptures in different languages according to time,
place, circumstances and intellectual capacity of the people. In this way
the Vedas, Dhamma-pada, Avesta, Torah, Bible and Qur’an were made
available for the benefit of mankind, to bring him closer to God. Despite
the fact that these scriptures were presented in different languages and
through the different ages the knowledge and guidance is essentially the
same. That is:
1. God is one;
2. Everyone is a servant of God;
3. Everyone has a eternal relationships with God;
4. Primarily the duty of everyone is service to God;
5. Goal of human life is to develop love of God.
As far as the process of each scriptures is concerned some details
and rituals may differ but in essence it all the same. Every messenger of
God came to this mortal world to remind us that we should always
remember God, serve and love God. Therefore religious principles meant
for a peace and prosperity not to gain war. Vaishnavism, Hinduism,
Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam are all meant
for uniting people not for dividing them. “In the vase there is a variety of
flowers, and that variety helps us better appreciate the idea of flowers.
That is called unity in diversity,” said Srila Prabhupada. But because of
misunderstanding, misinterpretation and deviation from the revealed
scriptures, hundreds and hundreds of sects have already appeared even
within the same religious communities what to speak of other
communities. People quarrelling, fighting and killing each other under the
name of God. So much degradation. No peace and prosperity on this
earth. How can we gain the peace and prosperity that everyone is
searching for? In this dark age of quarrel and hypocrisy God has sent us
His most merciful servant, Srila Prabhupada, to re-establish true religious
principles and unite all the religions under non sectarian, non material but
transcendental flag of ‘Love of God’. Simply as a humble saint Srila
Prabhupada never criticised any religion or any bonafide representatives
of different religions. Some people say Srila Prabhupada was a genius,
some say a great religious teacher, some say a friend like no other, but

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Srila Prabhupada said: “I am simply a servant of a servant of a servant of
God.” By re-establishing the Absolute Truth as it was, “as it is”, and as it
always should be without adding or taking away anything, he began
International Movement which has already united people of all religions,
nations, ages, etc.. Thanks to his compassion and struggle souls of all
walks of life: scientists, business men, philosophers, labours, housewives
and students are all marching under the united nations transcendental flag
of ‘Love of God’.
In this work we attempt to present different statements of Srila
Prabhupada on Islam from his books, lectures and conversations. We
sincerely hope it will benefit people to develop a proper understanding of
inter-religious connections, “unity in diversity”.

1. Islam is also Vaishnavism

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Prabhupada: Anyone who... Islam is also Vaishnavism.
Dr. Patel: Mohammedanism is not Vaishnavism.
Prabhupada: No, no. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu talked with the Pathanas
(Muslims). He proved that "Your religion is Vaishnavism." (Morning
walk. Bombay, 17.02.74)

Prabhupada: Then Islam is Vaishnava dharma (religion) in a crude form

like the Christian. (Room conversation. Tehran, 14.03.75)

2. Islam means submission.

Yoga student: No. And in fact Muslims object to their religion being
called Mohammedanism because it implies that they worship
Muhammad, whereas in fact they feel that they go straight to God, to
Allah, which... and that Muhammad simply was a messenger.
Prabhupada: That's good.
Yoga student: And they regard... They call their religion Islam, which
means submission.
Prabhupada: That's very good.
Yoga student: The Muslim is he who submits. (Room conversation.
Tehran, 14.03.75)

Religion means to surrender to God. It doesn't matter what religion

you profess. It doesn't matter. But you must learn how to obey the
Supreme Lord. That is religion. Religion does not mean that you stamp
some stereotype religion, "I am Christian," "I am Hindu," "I am Muslim,"
"I am Buddhist," and then fight. That is not religion. That is fanaticism.
Religion means how one has become devoted to God. That is religion.
You claim to be religious, or you claim to be Hindu or Christian or
Buddhist. That's all right. But do you know what is God? Oh, everyone
silent. He does not know what is God. And what is his religion? If you do
not know what is God, a vague idea, that is not religion. You must know
what is God. Just like to become American citizen, it requires to know
something of the history of America. So if American citizen, if you ask
him "What you are?" "Now, I am American." "Who is your president?" "I
do not know." What is this nonsense, American? Would you like to hear
from him that "I do not know who is president?" Similarly, a human
being professing some certain type of religion, but you ask him, "What is
God?" Religion must be in relationship with God, any religion. But ask
him, "What is God?" No answer. But religion means, yato bhaktir
adhoksaje - by practising which one becomes a devotee of the Lord. That
is religion, first-class religion. (Lecture on Srimad Bhagavatam. 9.01.74)

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 Religion means obedience to God. Religion does not mean
anything else. You can manufacture so many formulas and theses. The
real meaning is obedience to God. That is religion. Simple definition. If a
man is obedient to God, it doesn't matter to which religion he belongs. He
may be a Christian, he may be Hindu, he may be Mussalman. It doesn't
matter. Religion means obedience to God. (Lecture on Srimad
Bhagavatam. 12.12.73)

3. God sends His messengers

When our constitutional position or dharma has deteriorated due to

the contaminations of matter, the Lord Himself comes as an incarnation
or sends some of His confidential servitors. Lord Jesus Christ called
himself the "son of God," and so is a representative of the Supreme.
Similarly, Muhammad identified himself as a servant of the Supreme
Lord.
Thus whenever there is a discrepancy in our constitutional position,
the Supreme Lord either comes Himself or sends His representative to
inform us of the real position of the living entity. (On the Way to Krishna,
Ch. 2)

The Hole Qur’an states,

"The Messenger believeth in what hath been revealed
to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one (of
them) believeth in Allah, His angels, His books and His
messengers. “We make no distinction (they say) between
any of His messengers." (2.285 )
Thus the Holy Qur’an accepts all previous revealed
scriptures and messengers.
The Holy Qur’an also states,
“We (Allah) have revealed it, a Lecture (Qur’an) in
Arabic, that ye (Muhammad) may understand.” (12.2)
Allah explained here that He revealed the Qur’an in
Arabic, so that the Holy Prophet Muhammad may
understand it. Thus, Allah time after time reveals His eternal
message to different prophets in the appropriate language.

4. Parampara - Disciplic Succession

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 If Muhammad is the servant of God and Lord Jesus Christ is the
son of God, then where is the break of the disciplic succession. After all
the disciplic succession is beginning from God, so how do you find that
there is no disciplic succession? If the original tree has branches, twigs
and leaves and they are in touch with the original tree, it is all right. The
test is whether the line is in touch with the Supreme - that is all.
Although Muhammad and Jesus Christ appeared in the Kali Yuga
their instruction is as it is because the persons to whom they had to speak
could not understand any more and they find it difficult to understand
even that much. (Letter to Vrindavana Chandra, 70.07.19)

Once, the Holy Prophet Muhammad said, "Speak to

people according to the level of their intellectual capacities.
For if you speak all things to all men, some cannot
understand you, and so fall into errors." (Abdullah al-
Mamun al-Suhrawardy. The sayings of Muhammad,
London, 1905, p. 31)
In this connection Abdullah Yusuf Ali writes:
“While the basic principles of Allah’s Law remain the
same, its form, expression and application have varied from
time to time, e. g., from Moses to Jesus, and from Jesus to
Muhammad.” (The Holy Qur-an. The Presidency of Islamic
Researchers, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah, 1410 H. p. 1939)

Nava-yauvana: In Islam they say that God cannot come to this earth.
Atreya Rishi: God would not come to this earth.
Prabhupada: God cannot speak? God cannot come. A very big man, he
can come, but He cannot speak?
Atreya Rishi: They agree. He can speak and He can send representatives.
Prabhupada: Because He has spoken to Muhammad, and Muhammad
has come, he is speaking the same thing. So recently... There is no need
of God's coming. If Muhammad is speaking on behalf of God, then that is
all right. There is no need of God's coming. This is parampara. (Morning
walk. Tehran, 12.08.76 )

5. The Qur’an

The revealed scripture of the Muslims is the Qur’an. (Chaitanya-

charitamrita. Madhya-lila, 18.190)

Just like in your country there is Bible or any other scripture. We

have got Vedas. The Muslims, they have got Qur’an. They can help also

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because that is also authority. But you will find that one scripture is
differing from the other scriptures, in some details. Of course, on the
average there is no difference. (Lecture. General, 1969)

The Muslims accept the Qur’an. What is the purpose for all these
books of knowledge? They are to train us to understand our position as
pure soul. Their purpose is to restrict bodily activities by certain rules and
regulations, and these rules and regulations are known as codes of
morality. (Beyond Birth and Death. Ch. 1)

According to the climate, according to the population, according to

the country, there are different books of knowledge. Just like in India the
book of knowledge is accepted as the Vedas, Vedic knowledge. In your
European, American countries the book of knowledge accepted as the Old
Testament, New Testament. Similarly, the book of knowledge amongst
the Muslims, (which) they have accepted as the Qur’an. Actually, they
are book of knowledge, undoubtedly. There is no doubt about it. But what
are these book of knowledge, religious scripture? Religious scripture
means they are meant for training you to that conception of life that you
are pure soul, nothing more. They restrict your bodily activities under
certain conditions. That is called morality. (Lecture on Bhagavad-gita,
25.03.66)

This message (of God) may be found also in the Bhagavad-gita and
other Vedic literatures, in the Bible or the Qur’an - in any bona fide
scripture - or it may be heard from a realised soul. (On the Way to
Krishna. Ch. 3)

According to the Vedic scripture, if one can support his position by

quoting from the Vedas, his argument is perfect. Similarly, when the
Muslims support their position with quotations from the Qur’an, their
arguments are also authorized. (Chaitanya-charitamrita. Adi-lila, 7.155p)

If you purchase Bhagavad-gita, you purchase Bible, you purchase

Qur’an, or... There are so many literatures. They are also authorised.
(Lecture on Bhagavad-gita, 1966)

So in the Qur’an there is God consciousness, in the Bible there is

God consciousness, in the Vedas there is God consciousness. (Lecture on
Chaitanya-charitamrita, 1971)

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 Vedas means the books of transcendental knowledge. Not only
Bhagavad-gita, even Bible or Qur’an, they are also. (Lecture. Initiation,
1968)

If you find that following some religious principles you are

developing your love of God, then it is perfect. It doesn't matter whether
it is Bible or Qur’an or Bhagavad-gita, it doesn't matter. (Lecture.
General, 18.10.68)

6. The Qur’an is also shastra

Krishna says. This is called theism, believing in the shastra

(scripture). Any shastra. It doesn't mean that simply... All shastras,
according to time, circumstances, people, there're different shastras. The
Bible is also shastra. Qur’an is also shastra as much as... They are
spoken according to the time, according to the circumstances. (Lecture on
Bhagavad-gita, 1975)

Prabhupada: No, no. If one wants to follow Qur’an, let him follow
strictly that. No halfway mixing.
Yoga student: Then preaching in Iran should be essentially to those
people who are fallen away from their traditional path.
Prabhupada: Yes. Everyone is fallen. They are simply amending and
concocting. That is not good. Why should they amend?
Yoga student: Muhammad presented himself as the last expression of the
divine revelation in the West. (Room conversation. Tehran, 14.03.75)

I know among the Muslims it is a system that a small children are

thought the Qur’an. That is a very good system. (Lecture on Bhagavad-
gita 4.16, 5.04.74)

I have seen in this Delhi near Juma Maschid (Mosque) the small
Muslim boys, they are reading the Qur’an. That is very good. From
childhood they should learn, learn about God. (Lecture on Srimad
Bhagavatam, 10.11.73)

7. The knowledge must be scientific

Prabhupada: If you want to study something, and suppose you are

sometimes from India, the same subject he’s going to study in foreign

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country, farther enlightenment, it is also not necessary that to study a
subject matter more and more, we have to remain in the same jurisdiction.
If I am actually anxious to know more and more, it doesn’t matter
whether I get the knowledge from Muslim or Hindu or Christian, it
doesn’t matter. Knowledge is knowledge. When a student goes from one
country to another to get farther enlightenment on a subject matter, he
does not think that “I’ll have to learn it from here, from my university.”
For knowledge, progress of knowledge, you can go to any university.
Because knowledge must be scientific. It is not restricted within the
jurisdiction of a particular university. So, sun we are seeing, everyone
getting heat and light but if anyone is interested (to) know how the heat is
coming, how the light is coming, what is the situation of the sun globe,
whether there are living entities or not. They’re also subject matter. So if
you can get enlightenment of the sun, we should not restrict ourselves
that we have to study with this jurisdiction of my university, or my
country, or my society. If the knowledge is there, we should be prepared
to go forward. (Room conversation. Tehran, 14.03.75)

8. The Muslim religion based on conception of God

Prabhupada: So Aryan culture was practically all over the world. Aryan
culture is based on God consciousness. So amongst the Aryans there is
some conception of religion, either Christian religion or Muslim religion,
Buddhist religion, Vedic religion, based on conception of God. So
according to time, country, the ways of understanding may be little
different, but the aim is God consciousness. That is Aryan civilisation. So
God is one; God cannot be two. So the features of God or angle of vision
of God may be different. (Room conversation. Tehran, 14.03.75)

9. The Muslim religion is also bhakti-yoga

Even the Muslim religion. That is also bhakti-yoga (devotional

service). Any religion where God is the target, that is applied in bhakti
(devotion). (Lecture on Bhagavad-gita, 1969)

Bhakti-yoga also exists among the Muslims, because God is the

target in the Muslim religion. (Path of Perfection)

There are many prayers in the Vedic scriptures and also in the
Bible and the Qur’an. Although the Christians and Muslims do not

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worship the Deity, they offer prayers to the Lord, and that is also bhakti.
(Teachings of Lord Chaitanya, Ch. 15)

The Christians and the Muslims, they offer vandanam (prayers).

Although they do not worship the Deity, but they offer prayers to the
Lord. That is also good. That is also bhakti. (Lecture on Srimad
Bhagavatam, 1974)

Muslims actually have singing kirtana (chanting) publicly. This I

have seen in India that they were holding kirtana with drum
accompaniment. (Letter to Satsvarupa, 70.06.04)

Prabhupada: They accept God. They are also our brother because they
accept God. They are not atheist. Atheists, they don’t accept God. “There
is no God”—that is atheist. But here they are theist. They accept God.
They want to please God. They go to the church, go to the mosque, offer
prayer. Prayer is also bhakti, devotional service. The Christian way or the
Muslim way, to offer prayer. The Muslim offer obeisances and offer
prayer. So that is also bhakti (devotion). The Christian also do that, so
that is also bhakti. And they accept God; we accept God. So there is no
difference. But the only point is who is that God. (Room conversation.
Tehran, 14.03.75)

To further strengthen the relationship between

Qur’anic teachings and Vedic teachings we will look into
the process of worshipping God or as it’s otherwise known
the processes of devotional service to Allah. So, according
to the Vedic scriptures there are nine limbs or aspects of
pure devotional service to the Lord:
1. Hearing the holy name, qualities and glories of the
Lord;
2. Chanting the holy name and glories of the Lord;
3. Remembering the Lord;
4. Serving the Lord;
5. Worshipping the Lord;
6. Praying to the Lord;
7. Obeying the orders of the Lord;
8. Maintaining friendship with the Lord;
9. Surrendering everything unto Him.
We will be surprised if we compare these Vedic
descriptions of the nine processes of the spiritual life with
the process given in the Qur’an. Because we will see that
both talk of the same things. So the Qur’an states:

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 1. Hearing
"When My servants question thee concerning Me,
then surely I am nigh. I answer the prayer of the suppliant
when he crieth unto Me. So let them hear My call and let
them trust in Me, in order that they may be led aright."
(2.186)
2. Chanting
"So chant the name of thy Tremendous Lord." (69.52)
"Call upon Allah (Almighty), or call upon Rahman
(Beneficent), by whatever name ye call upon Him (it is
well). For to Him belong the most beautiful names."
(17.110)
3. Remembering
"Who have believed and whose hearts have rest in
the remembrance of Allah. Verily in the remembrance of
Allah do hearts find rest!" (13.28)
"Therefore remember Me, I (Allah) will remember you.
Give thanks to Me and reject not Me." (2.152)
4. Serving
"Lo! Allah is my Lord and your Lord. So serve Him.
That is the right path." (19.36)
5. Worshipping
"O mankind! Worship your Lord, Who hath created
you and those before you so that ye may ward off (evil)."
(2.21)

6. Praying
"Seek help in patients and prayers. Truly, it is hard
save for the humble-minded." (2.45)
7. Obeying
"Obey Allah and the messenger, that ye may find
mercy." (3.132)
8. Maintaining friendship
"Whoso taketh Allah and His messenger, and those
who believe for friends, lo! The party of Allah, they are the
victorious." (5.56)
9. Surrendering
"Lo! Religion with Allah (is) the surrender (to His
will and guidance)." (3.19)
From the above quotations we can see that the process
of the devotional service to the Lord or bhakti-yoga
mentioned in the Vedas is also mentioned in the Koran.

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 10. Guru - Spiritual Master

Even in Muslim religion there is such sentiment, Muhammad and

his dynasty, Hussain, they are taken very respectfully. So considering all
points, the guru's (spiritual master) respect must be maintained. This is
the sum and substance of the instruction. (Lecture on Srimad
Bhagavatam, 1976)

Prabhupada: Even if we say "Muhammad," why not? Anyone who has

preached Krishna consciousness, maybe little differently according to
time, circumstances, but anyone who has tried to preach the God
consciousness, he is guru (spiritual master). That is Chaitanya
Mahaprabhu's version. Anyone who preaches about the Supreme Lord, he
is guru. Maybe in a different way, according to time, circumstances. Then
Muhammad also said Allah Akbar.
Dr. Patel: Only the difference is that Muslims is trying to worship
niranjana, nirakara (formless), and we...
Prabhupada: No, no, not nirakara. That is not...
Dr. Patel: Even Christianity considers His akara - "God has form."
Prabhupada: No, Muhammad also has got... Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
argued in Qur’an. He proved there is krishna-bhakti. He proved with the
Pathans. Yes. (Morning walk. Bombay, 30.09.75)

11. Hazrat Muhammad is shaktyavesha-avatara

Prabhupada: Buddha is shaktyavesha-avatara. We accept Lord Jesus

Christ also as shaktyavesha-avatara; Muhammad, shaktyavesha-avatara.
Shaktyavesha-avatara means a living entity especially empowered and he
preaches the philosophy on behalf (of God). That is called shaktyavesha-
avatara. (Room conversation. Geneva, 4.06.74)

Srila Prabhupada again states the following in a morning walk:

“Christ is also empowered incarnation. Shaktyavesha avatara.
Muhammad is also. Anyone who is preaching about God is empowered
incarnation.” (London, 11.03.75)

And again on a Lecture on Srimad Bhagavatam in 1970:

“Yes. Because he said it, it must be correct. Muhammad also,
shaktyavesha-avatara. Shaktyavesha-avatara means a living entity is
especially empowered to preach the glories of the Lord. Lord Buddha is

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also shaktyavesha-avatara. They are not ordinary human being. They are
especially empowered personalities.”

We accept, according to this avesha, avesha-avatara incarnation,

authorised incarnation, we accept, my Guru Maharaja accepted Lord
Jesus Christ and Hazrat Muhammad, this avesha incarnation, almost the
same power. (Lecture on Chaitanya-charitamrita, 1966)

12. Hazrat Muhammad is an acharya

The Muslims, they follow acharya (one who leads by example),

Muhammad. That is good. (Room conversation. Melbourne, 20.05.75)

Similarly, the Muslims, if they follow the ideal life of Muhammad,

Hazrat Muhammad, so they get the result. (Lecture on Bhagavad-gita,
1966)

13. Hazrat Muhammad is authority

Prabhupada: We accept Muhammad's authority. That's a fact. He's

authority. (Room conversation. Tehran, 14.03.75)

Prabhupada: So why they are disobeying the order of Muhammad?

Yoga student: Yes. They follow. It’s essentially the same practice as
the...
Prabhupada: No, you cannot amend on the words of Muhammad if you
are a true Musalman. (Room conversation. Tehran, 14.03.75)

14. Hazrat Muhammad is a devotee of God

And even Muhammad, he's also a devotee. It is not that because we

are devotee and they are not devotee. Don't think like that. Anyone who is
preaching the glories of God, he is a devotee. (Lecture. General, 1968)

Prabhupada: Jesus Christ and Hazrat Muhammad, two powerful

devotees of the Lord, have done tremendous service on the behalf of the
Lord on the surface of the globe. (Room conversation. Vrindavan,
2.11.77)

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 Which is again stated in Srimad Bhagavatam (2.4.18p):
Jesus Christ and Muhammad, two powerful devotees of the Lord,
have done tremendous service on behalf of the Lord on the surface of the
globe.

15. Hazrat Muhammad is a servant of God

Muhammad, the inaugurator of Islam religion, I accept him as an

empowered servant of God because he preached God consciousness in
those parts of the world and induced them to accept the authority of God.
He is accepted as the servant of God and we have all respect for him.
(Letter to Sir, 76.04.02)

Lord Jesus Christ appeared as the son of Godhead, Muhammad

introduced himself as the servant of Godhead, and Lord Chaitanya
presented Himself as the devotee of Godhead. But whatever may be their
identity, all such messiahs were of the same opinion about one thing.
They preached unanimously that there is no peace and prosperity in this
mortal world. (Message of Godhead. Ch. 1)

Muslim, servant of God, to render service to the Lord. Oh, we are

twenty-four hours engaged in the service of the Lord. (Lecture on
Bhagavad-gita. 1968)
16. Hazrat Muhammad is the perfect holy man

Prabhupada: That you have to find out, but here it is already there. Why
should you go to some trouble to find out another holy man? The holy
man never says, Muhammad never said that "You chant my name." We
have to test whether he is a holy man or not. Here is the perfect holy man.
He never said that "You chant my name." He said "Chant Allah's name."
That is a holy man. That is the test of a holy man. He does not become
God, he serves God. That is a holy man. (Room conversation. Tehran,
14.03.75)

17. Hazrat Muhammad preached God Consciousness

And Muhammad, Hazrat Muhammad, he also preached God

consciousness. (Lecture. Initiation, 1968)

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 Muhammad also, he preached God consciousness. (Lecture.
General, 1971)

18. Hazrat Muhammad teaches according to class of

men

Prabhupada: Muhammad also said, "From this day, there is no sex with
your mother." So just see what class of men. So according to class of
men, there should be teaching. (Room conversation. Geneva, 4.06.74)

Just like in the Qur’an it is said by Muhammad that "From this day
you have no sex intercourse with your mother." Just find out the
condition of the society. So we have to take account of the time,
circumstances, society, and then preaching. So to society like that it is not
possible to understand the high philosophical things as it is stated in the
Bhagavad-gita. (Lecture. General, 1968)

The Holy Qur’an states,

“Prohibited to you (for marriage) are: your mothers,
daughters, sisters.” (4.23)

19. Hazrat Muhammad could hear God

Prithu-putra: In the story of Qur’an they say Muhammad once asked to

see God, and God's answer was, "You're not able to see Me."
Prabhupada: That's all right. At least he could hear Him. So that is
possible. Not that necessarily one has to see Him, but he can hear Him.
Now, you have said that Muhammad heard Him, so God can speak. So
you can hear. So where is the objection?
Prithu-putra: No objection.
Prabhupada: If somebody can hear Him, somebody can see Him also.
You cannot deny because they're all senses. To hear God means with my
senses we appreciate Him. Similarly, eyes are also one of the senses.
Now if somebody sees Him, where is the objection? If somebody can
hear Him, where is the objection if somebody can see Him? Reasonably,
there is no objection. In this way... So God is omnipotent. If some of His
prophet devotees wants to hear Him, he can do that, if wants to see Him,
he can do that. (Room conversation. Bhuvaneshwar, 30.01.77)

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 Muadh-bin-Jabal said: "The Prophet on one occasion,
hindered our saying the morning prayers till we were near
seeing the sun, then he hastened out of his house, and the
Tacbir was called aloud, then the Prophet said prayers in
haste, and when he had repeated the Salam, he said, "Sit in
your places, and I will inform you the cause of my being so
late this morning. I got up early, and performed the Wadu,
and said prayers, agreeably to the wishes of Allah, and I felt
drowsy in my prayers, after which I awoke, and all of a
sudden I saw my Creator in a most lovely form, and he said,
"O! Muhammad!" I said, "What do you command?" He said,
"What do the angels argue about?" I said, "I do not know."
Then I saw my God put the palm of his hand between my
two shoulders till I felt my breast cold; then everything in
the world appeared clear before me, and I knew the whole.
Again He asked about disputations of the angels. I replied,
"They dispute about deeds which cover sin." (Mishcat-ul-
Masabih. Calcutta, 1809, p. 155)

20. The Muslims are also Vaishnavas

Srila Prabhupada explains in the Teachings of Queen Kunti, Ch. 18:

“Christians and Muslims are also Vaishnavas, devotees, because they
offer prayers to the Lord. "O God," they say, "give us our daily bread."
Those who offer this prayer may not know very much and may be at a
lower stage, but this is a beginning, because they have approached God.
Going to a church or mosque is also pious. Therefore those who begin in
this way will one day become pure Vaishnavas.

And again on a Lecture on Srimad Bhagavatam in 1974 Srila

Prabhupada said: “Therefore I say that the Christians, they're also
Vaishnavas; the Muslims, they're also Vaishnavas, lower stage, because
they're offering prayer - yad-vandanam. They offer prayer: "Oh God, give
us our daily bread." They do not know very much, but the beginning is
there. Beginning is there because they have approached (God). That
going to the church or going to the mosque, that is also pious activities.
One day they'll come out pure Vaishnava, one day. But that beginning is
good.”

17
 Chaitanya Mahaprabhu proved devotional service from the Qur’an.
Yes. So, it requires a devotee who can explain from any godly literature
about God. (Morning walk. Geneva, 6.06.74)

21. A planet where pious Muslims go

Hari-sauri: I think you mentioned last year when we were in Mayapura

that you dreamt once about a planet where pious Muslims go. You were
telling Tamala Krishna and myself.
Prabhupada: Yes. Yes. From Bhagavata there is. (Room conversation.
Bhuvaneshwar, 30.01.77)

The Holy Qur’an gives the following description of a

planet where pious Muslims go:
“Gardens as hospitable homes (32.19) to dwell in
beautiful mansions in eternal gardens (9.72), lofty mansions
one above another have been built (39.20). Among gardens
under which river always flow (3.15) are abundance of fruit
from which you shall eat (43.73). Fruits of every kind will
be near easy to reach (55.54), like dates, pomegranates
(55.68) you shall eat with honour and dignity (37.42) in
shades cool and everdeepening (4.57) reclining on carpets
whose inner linings is of rich brocade (55.54). You will sit
on couches encrusted with gold and precious stones (56.15).
Amid gardens and fountains of clear flowing water in peace
and security (15.45) rivers of milk of which the taste never
changes, rivers of wine a joy to those who drink, rivers of
honey pure and clear are flowing (47.15). Among them are
talh trees with flowers piled one above another (56.29), lote
trees that have no thorns (56.28). Cushions set in rows
(88.15). With no excessive heat or cold (76.13). Will be
brothers joyfully facing each other on raised couches, beside
them companions of equal age (38.92). With no sense of
fatigue and never will be asked to leave (15.48). Free from
headiness suffering and intoxication (37.47) they will be
adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls (22.23) and they
will wear green garments of fine silk and heavy brocade
reclining on raised thrones (18.31). The righteous will
receive entertainment from Allah because from Allah comes
bliss (3.198). Served by youths of perpetual freshness

18
 (56.17), round will be passed to them dishes and goblets of
gold (43.71) to drink from clear-flowing fountains (37.45)
crystal white of taste delicious to those who drink it (37.46).
Reclining on green cushions and rich carpets of beauty
(55.76) beside them will be chaste women, restraining their
glances with big eyes of wonder and beauty (37.48).
Brothers would question one another; one will say: “I had an
intimate companion on earth who used to say, do you really
believe when we die and become dust and bones, shall we
indeed receive rewards and punishment?” He said: “Would
you like to look down?” He looked down and saw his friend
in the midst of the hell fire (37.50-55). So being wherein
delights endure (9.21) among them fair maidens good and
beautiful (55.20) whom no man or jinn (the evil spirit) has
ever touched (55.74). We made them virgin pure, full of love
for their mates of equal age (56.36-37).”
Once Hazrat Muhammad said: “Those who strictly
follow my instructions will be with me in the behisht
(highest heaven).” Thus we can understand that pious
Muslims will attain the heavenly planet where Hazrat
Muhammad is now residing and after the complete
annihilation of this material universe he will take them to the
spiritual world.

22. Animal slaughtering

Just like in Islam also, they have got some principle for animal
slaughtering. You know, those who have read Qur’an, the Muslim
religion allows animal slaughtering once in a year. It is called kurban.
And they can slaughter animals in the mosque. Similarly, in the Vedic
religion also, the animals are allowed to be slaughtered in some sacrifice.
But no religion, either Islam or Hindu, allow animal slaughter in the
slaughterhouse. There are some particular rules and regulations. (Lecture
on Bhagavad-gita 4.6-8, 20.07.66)

Prabhupada: In Buddhism there is no animal killing. Although they are

now killing animals, but originally Buddha religion means non-violence.
Lord Christ also said, "Thou shalt not kill." And Krishna says, ahimsa
(non-violence). So in no religion unnecessary killing of animals is
allowed. Even in Islam, they are also have kurban. Kurban means they
can kill animals once in a year in the Mosque. So everywhere animal
killing is restricted. (Room conversation. Germany, 19.06.74)

19
Tamala Krishna: Srila Prabhupada? One time you were explaining that
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, when He was speaking with the Kazi, He
convinced him about that the Qur’an does not actually advocate meat-
eating.
Prabhupada: Yes. That's a fact. Because the Muslims, they also cannot
eat meat unless it is sacrificed in the mosque. There is no
recommendation that you purchase from the market and the animal be
slaughtered in the slaughterhouse. (Morning walk. Mayapur, 22.01.76)

Prabhupada: So Chand Kazi also replied that "Cow killing is also not
generally recommended in the Qur’an. Actually, beef-eating or flesh-
eating is not in the higher stage. But those who are inclined to take flesh,
for them it is recommended that instead of killing many small animals,
one big animal should be killed. So actually in Mecca, Medina, they kill
camel. That is also in the mosque." So the substance of his speech was
that flesh-eating ultimately is not recommended. (Conversation. San-
Francisco, 5.04.67)

In the Qur'an not a single verse allows the killing of

cows and bulls. But a very clear instruction is given about
what is intended as human food:
"And We (Allah) said: O Adam! Dwell thou and thy
wife in the garden, and eat ye freely of the fruits thereof
where ye will." (2.35)
"And give glad tidings (O Muhammad) unto those
who believe and do good works, that theirs are gardens
underneath which rivers flow; as often as they are regaled
with food of the fruit thereof." (2.25)
"Allah is He who created the heavens and the earth,
and causeth water to descend from the sky, thereby
producing fruits as food for you." (14.32)
From these three ayats of the Qur'an it is obvious that
when Allah created Adam and Eve, He gave them the fruits
for food. And when the pious go to paradise they will have
fruits as their food. Then, when Allah created the earth He
"produced fruits as food for" mankind. Also, from the very
life of the Prophet of Islam, we can see that His daily food
was bread, milk and palm-dates. Hazrat Muhammad often
mentioned that Islam is to treat every living entity as equal
to oneself. One of the first statements Hazrat Muhammad
made on regaining Mecca was: “No one shall mistreat
another. No one shall kill any animal, not even the cutting of
a tree shall be allowed in Mecca.”

20
 For those who are really attached to eating meat,
Allah allowed the sacrifice of animals such as sheeps, goats
and camels. Such less important animals could be sacrificed
at the proper place, by proper persons and in the proper way.
Then the body of the animal should be divided into seven
parts and distributed to the poor people and remnants could
be eaten for the self. Only then it can be classed as halal or
“lawful”, otherwise it is haram, or “unlawful”. So less
important animals could be sacrificed and eaten in the
authorised way. The result of following this procedure is that
lusty desires for flesh eating will diminish and a person will
then start eating only pure foodstuffs like fruits, grain and
vegetables which are actually intended for human beings by
Allah. Allah allowed sacrificial meat but not the opening of
slaughterhouses where thousands of innocent animals are
killed just to satisfy the tongue. It is very sinful and brings a
degradation to the whole human society.

23. God is a person

Prabhupada: No, concept is there as you told me: "That God has made
human being after His own image." Then we can get the idea that God is
a person like a human being, He has got two hands, two legs, one head,
because after His image we have been... Now, if we study ourselves and
increase that quality... Just like I am. I can eat. I can eat a certain amount
of foodstuff, but God can also eat, but He can eat the whole universe. So
eating is there. But the difference of eating is there also. I can create one
airplane, but God has created very, very big airplanes like these planets,
and they are floating in the sky without any power crisis. That is God's
creation. Here we are floating the airplane or running the car with the
power, petrol, given by God. You cannot manufacture petrol. Just like in
your country there is enough stock of petrol. But you have not created it.
So who has created? Your creative power is to drill and get the stock. So
much creative power you have got. But you cannot create petrol. Then the
Americans would not have come here to beg petrol. That is the
difference. You can create something by the ingredients given by God.
You can create this table. Because wood is given by God, the instrument
is given by God, and the intelligence is given by God, the hand is given
by God, so in this way you can create the table. Then whose property will
it be, your property or God's property? Whose property? If I give you
wood, instrument, your salary, and you create something, then ultimately

21
the thing is created, to whom should it belong? To you or to me? (Room
conversation. Tehran, 14.03.75)

Allah, as revealed in the Qur’an, is not an abstract

being but a being who has haiyat (life), ilm (knowledge),
qudrat (power), iradah (will) and who is able to kalam
(speak), basar (see) and samaa (hear). He has life which is
eternal, knowledge which embraces everything, power
which is insuperable, will which determines everything and
He is able to speak with the entire universe, to see and hear
everything with no effort. These attributes clearly indicate
that Allah is not a person in the ordinary material sense, but
is the Supreme Transcendental Person beyond our
imagination and the perception of our mundane limited
senses.
It is recorded in tradition from Bukhari and Muslim,
that once the Prophet of Islam said, "Allah-Taala (God Most
High) created Adam in His own sura (form, image)." (Mir
Valiuddin. Love of God. Delhi, 1968, p. 74)

24. God is not formless

Yoga student: The Sufis find love in these figures... For example, the
Sufi ibn Araby, through of the face of a beautiful woman.
Prabhupada: Through the face of beautiful woman?
Yoga student: Yes.
Prabhupada: So there the materialists also find.
Yoga student: That is the material aspect, absolutely.
Prabhupada: Therefore in the Islam religion the form is rejected because
it will come to that. As soon as they think of form, they think of this
material form, beautiful face of woman. That is degradation. Therefore
we are strict not to conceive material form. That is Vedic conception.
Apani-padah javano grahita: "He has no legs and no hands." This means
denying the form. And next the Vedas say, javano grahita: "He can
accept whatever you offer to Him." That means God has no material
form, but He has form; otherwise how can He accept? How can He
understand my love? So therefore in the original Islamism the form is not
accepted. So that is Vedic description, form and formless. Formless
means no material form, and form means spiritual form, simultaneous.
Just like I and you. I am within the body, but I am not this body. This
form is not I. But where has the form of the body come into existence? (It

22
exists) because I have got form. The sweater has got a hand because I
have got a hand. The sweater is the covering. If I haven't got a form, then
how can the sweater have a hand, the pants has got legs? So the pants
practically is not the leg. The real leg is within the pants. Similarly, this is
not my form; this is like the pants, the legs of the pants or the hands of
the coat. The real form is within. That is not the material form. If I could
see the real form and you could see, then there would be no controversy
about the spirit. But they cannot see. Therefore they say "formless." If it
is formless, then how has the outer form come out? How can it be? The
tailor makes the coat because the man has got a form. As the coat has got
hands, so it is concluded that the man for whom the coat is made, he has
got form. How you can say without form? The difficulty is that we can
see the form of the coat, but we cannot see the form of the man. That is
my defect with these eyes, not that God is formless. God is not formless.
Yoga student: God is seen in the form of the saints.
Prabhupada: That is another. That is secondary. But God has got form.
That is the conclusion. But we cannot see with our present eyes. Just like
I see you. What do I see you as? Your body. You see me - my body. And
when the body is there and the soul is not there, then it is a lump of
matter. You can kick it out and nobody will protest. If you smash a dead
body with your legs and boots, nobody will say: “Why you are doing
this?” But so long as the soul is there, if somebody is smashed like that,
immediately there will be a protest from all sides, “Why you are doing
this?” So the people have no knowledge about the real form. Therefore
they say formless. (Room conversation. Tehran, 14.03.75)

Nobody can deny the fact that Allah has spiritual

Eyes, Ears, Mouth, Face and Hands because these bodily
limbs of Allah are explicitly mentioned in the Holy Koran.
More than this, the Holy Koran mentions the Sublime Image
of Allah, His Realm and His Throne, on which He sits. If
Allah has spiritual Eyes, Ears, Mouth, Face and Hands, how
can we deny that He has a spiritual Form? First of all, how
can His limbs exist separately and, secondly, if Allah is the
source of everything and if all things belong to Him, how it
is possible that He does not have a Form? If He has all
things, that means He has a Form also. Otherwise He would
not be complete - something would be missing. Of course,
He does not have a form which consists of material elements
and deteriorates, like the body we presently have. He has a
spiritual Form which consists of pure spirit. His Form is not
ordinary, but Supreme, Eternal, Blissful, Transcendental and
beyond our imagination and description.

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 25. God can be seen

Prabhupada: Now, suppose Muhammad has heard God. He is prophet.

So whatever he is speaking about his experience, you are accepting.
Similarly, if somebody has seen Him, if he says that "God is like this,"
why you should not accept? In this way talk. God can be seen as God can
be heard. You cannot say that God cannot be seen. Why?
Prithu-putra: No, what they say is that He Himself doesn't come down
here. He can be seen, but He doesn't come down. That is their point.
Prabhupada: He doesn't come down. He's already there. He does not
come down. Just like the sun. The sun does not come down before me,
but you can see him. In this way give them enlightenment. Sun doesn't
require to come down, but sun is so bright and so prominent that you can
see. Similarly, God doesn't require to come down. He's already present.
Simply we have to make our eyes to see Him. When one is competent
enough by developing his love for God, he can see always. God is visible
everywhere. He's everywhere. So there is no difficulty to see. But simply
one has to possess such purified eyes to see Him. Otherwise He can be
seen anywhere. He can be seen within the atom even. That is God. He is
present everywhere, but we must have the purified eyes to see, we must
have the purified ears to hear Him. Otherwise God is everywhere. (Room
conversation. Bhuvaneshwar, 30.01.77)
Prabhupada: No. When there is talk, then you can talk reasonably, that
"If God can be heard, God can be seen also, God can be touched also, to
a different prophet." (Room conversation. Bhuvaneshwar, 30.01.77)

The Holy Qur’an states,

"Some faces that day, will beam (in brightness and
beauty),
Looking toward their Lord." (75.22-23)
The meaning of this ayats is that when righteous
people will come to Allah, they will be able to see their Lord
and their faces will beam bright and be full of beauty at the
bliss of seeing their Lord. Thus Allah is not an abstract
power or energy but a living One who has the supreme form.
For righteous people will be able to see Him on the Day of
Judgement.
The author of Jowhara (p.107-112) says: "It is
possible to see Allah in this world as well as in the next. In
this world it has been granted to Muhammad only. In the

24
 future world however all believers will see Him; some say
only His eyes, others say His whole face, others say every
part of His body.” (Klein F. A. The religion of Islam. Delhi,
1987, p. 55)

26. God is not material

Prabhupada: That is another thing. That is in Islam. That means God is

not material. That is the idea. Because here the idea is when I make
something image or picture, that is material. So there is a prohibition of
accepting God as material. But if you go to a higher stage, then you'll
understand that if God is everything then there is no material. That is
Vaishnava philosophy. If God is everything, then where is material? He is
spiritual. Material means when you cannot understand God. That is
material. Everything is sky. When it is covered by cloud we call it cloudy.
Similarly, cloud has no existence. It comes only to cover sometimes, but
the sky is eternal. Similarly, God is eternal. When you are covered by
some maya (illusion), you cannot see, you cannot understand God, that is
material. So any philosophy which does not help the understanding of
God, that is material. That is material. Otherwise, there is no material.
Where is material if God is everything? You see? (Room conversation.
Columbus, 12.05.69)

Prabhupada: All spirit. All the sky. Everywhere is sky, but when it's
covered it is called cloud. Similarly when God is covered by some
nonsense ideas, then it is material. Otherwise, there is no material.
Therefore those who are too much absorbed in materialistic ways, there is
a restriction. So don't attempt. Because he will be to think that God's
name is just like my son's name my daughter's name. Therefore that
restriction. (Room conversation. Columbus, 12.05.69)

27. Allah is a name of God

If you like, you can chant Jehovah or you can chant Allah, but we
request you that you chant God's name. (Lecture. General, 1968)
So I pleaded to the Muslim audience that "You can chant the name
of Allah also. Not necessarily that you have to chant the Krishna name,
but any name indicating the Supreme Lord can be chanted." (Lecture.
General, 1975)

25
Prabhupada: That's all right. Then our request is that you chant the name
of God. So if Allah is the name of God, you chant Allah, don't chant
Krishna. We say that. (Room conversation. Tehran, 14.03.75)

Prabhupada: Just like Allah. If this name indicates to God, then it is this
Allah word as good as God. There is no difference. The Allah, the
conception of Allah means the Great, is it not? So God is Great. So by
chanting Allah, I am meaning God, the Supreme Person, so it is as good.
And actually in Mosque, they chant Allah-u-Akbar, like that, so far I’ve
heard. So that prayer, if it is not God’s name, then what is the use of this
prayer? That is God’s name. Similarly, the Hindus may chant Hare
Krishna, they’re indicating to the same personality. It may be different
language; therefore, it is as good as God because God is absolute. But
this name is authorised because Muhammad said that you chant, "Allah."
So it is authorised, because he is God's representative. Therefore my
request is, or our request is that you chant the name of Allah. We don't
say that you chant Krishna. You chant the Holy name of God. If Allah is
approved name of God, you chant it. That is our request. We don't force
you that you chant the name of Krishna. No, we don't say that. If
somebody says Jehovah is the name of God, that's all right, you chant
Jehovah. Allah is the name of God, that's all right, you do it. We simply
request that you chant the holy name of God. That's all. If you have got it,
we don't force you that you chant the name of Krishna. That is not our
way. We accept: if Allah is God's name, it is as good as the name
Krishna. We are not so sophisticated that you have to chant this Krishna’s
name. No, we say: Harer nama. That is the shastra, harer nama. The
name of the Lord. So there are many thousands of names, that’s a fact. So
you actually chant the name of God. Pick of the millions of God’s name,
whatever you like, you pick and chant. That is our propagation.
In this age of quarrel and disagreement, God realisation is very
difficult; therefore, you chant the Holy name of God, then you’ll
gradually realise Him. This is our program. So we don’t force you that
you chant this name Krishna. No, shastra (scripture) says, harer nama -
chant the holy name of God. That is our program.
Lady: Before you ask with something else. I ask, how could you meet the
Supreme being by chanting...
Prabhupada: By chanting, yes.
Lady: ...by chanting of worldly name, tuned on prayer...
Prabhupada: That is not worldly name. Why do you mistake that? God’s
name is not worldly.
Lady: Because if you, if you really know the tuning of God...
Prabhupada: Do you think Allah is worldly name?
Lady: We recognize that it is before Krishna...

26
Prabhupada: That’s all right, you recognize it. Allah is not worldly
name. It is given by the authority Muhammad so you have to chant it,
who knows God.
Lady: But he didn’t really mean Allah is the name of God.
Prabhupada: If... Why do you say he didn’t mean?
Lady: Because...
Prabhupada: That is you say. Muhammad did not say that “What I say, I
did not mean it.”
Lady: No, the name of God. He didn’t mean Allah.
Prabhupada: You say. Who cares for your word? Muhammad said this
is the name of God. We have to accept, that’s all.
Lady: So why...
Prabhupada: You cannot say he didn’t mean. You are not a private
secretary of Muhammad. (laughter)
Lady: So then how do they say that the name of God rests in God.
Prabhupada: No, these things are not accepted.
Lady: Was before God.
Prabhupada: Don’t talk childish.
Lady: Was God.
Prabhupada: Muhammad said. That is authority. That we accept. We
accept Muhammad as the representative of God. Whatever he says, we
accept, that’s all. What you meant, that is his business. But he is
authority, he said that “This is the name of God. You chant, you pray.”
Allah or God. That’s all. That is authority. (Room conversation. Tehran,
14.03.75)

28. The ultimate goal is how to love God

The test of any scripture is how one is developing love of God. If

you find that following some religious principles you are developing your
love of God, then it is perfect. It doesn't matter whether it is Bible or
Qur’an or Bhagavad-gita, it doesn't matter. We have to see what is the
fruit. If the fruit is that people are developing love of Godhead, then it is
perfect. Don't try to understand whether "this is good, this is good, this is
bad." No. Try to understand by the result. If you see the fruit, then it is
first class. So it doesn't matter whether it is Bible or Gita, if you can
develop love of Godhead by reading Bible, it is first class. And if you
can develop love of Godhead by Bhagavad-gita, it is first class. And if
you do not, then either it is Bible or the Qur’an or Bhagavad-gita, it has
no effect for you. (Lecture. General, 18.10.68)

27
Prabhupada: Then God is the greatest, and we are finite, limited. We are
not greatest. And our business is to serve Him. What is that?
Yoga student: Our business is to serve Him. Precisely as was said last
night, our business is to satisfy Him.
Prabhupada: That’s it.
Yoga student: There is a tradition, and there’s a body of forty traditions,
which are called the sacred traditions, one of which says that these are the
words of God as enunciated through Muhammad, one of them saying that
“The more you strive towards Me, the more you love Me, the closer I
come to you.”
Prabhupada: Oh, that’s it. Then the ultimate goal is how to love God.
Yoga student: Yes.
Prabhupada: That is very good. That is our philosophy. This is the
highest goal of life, how one has developed his love for God. And
Bhagavatam says, “That is first-class religion which trains the followers
how to love God and serve Him.” That is first-class religion. (Room
conversation. Tehran, 14.03.75)

Spiritual power of Srila Prabhupada

His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the

greatest bhakti-yogi, Vaishnava, a pure devotee of Lord Krishna, got
order from his spiritual master, Bhaktisidhanta Saraswati Thakura, to
spread Krishna consciousness in the English speaking world. After
translating and publishing the first canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam into
English, he went to America in 1965. He started his preaching activity by
distributing the Srimad Bhagavatam and chanting the Hare Krishna
maha-mantra. He started chanting Hare Krishna in Tompkins Square
Park, New York City. The transcendental sound vibration of Hare
Krishna maha-mantra captured the hearts of the Americans. Many people
joined him and they started chanting and dancing in ecstasy. After a while
Srila Prabhupada registered the International Society for Krishna
Consciousness. It was the beginning of the spreading of Krishna
Consciousness in the Western world. After establishing Bhagavata
Dharma in America Srila Prabhupada began travelling and spreading
Krishna Consciousness in every corner of our planet. In 1971 Srila
Prabhupada went to Moscow, Russia. He met there a Russian indologist,
Prof. Kotovski, and discussed with him the real meaning of Vedic

28
literature. But the Communist government did not allow him to conduct
public lectures. They were afraid of the pure devotee of Lord Krishna.
Despite this one Russian boy became his first initiated disciple in Russia.
This boy associated with Srila Prabhupada for only two days. But because
it was sadhu-sanga, association with pure a devotee of the Lord, the heart
of Russian boy was cleansed. He was purified and became Lord
Krishna’s devotee. Srila Prabhupada instructed him to chant Hare
Krishna, follow the principles of bhakti-yoga and spread Krishna
Consciousness to Russians. Thus, by the causeless mercy of a Vaishnava,
the timeless message of Lord Krishna began to spread in countries of
former USSR.
In 1975 Srila Prabhupada went to Tehran, Iran, to preach to
Muslims. He explained to Muslims the meaning of bhakti, devotional
service to the Lord. Srila Prabhupada very expertly showed that there was
no difference between the message given in the Bhagavad-gita and the
Qur’an. He told his Muslim audience that it did not matter which name of
God they chanted. He said, “If you like, you can chant Allah, but we
request you that you chant God’s name. This name is authorized because
Hazrat Muhammad said that you chant “Allah”. So it is authorized,
because he is God’s representative. Therefore, our request is that you
chant the name of Allah. You chant the Holy name of God. If Allah is a
approved name of God, you chant it. We don’t force you to chant the
name of Krishna. No, we don’t say that. If somebody says Jehovah is the
name of God, that’s all right, you chant Jehovah. Allah is the name of
God, that’s all right, you do it. We simply request that you chant the holy
name of God. That’s all. We don’t force anyone to chant the name
Krishna. That is not our way. We accept: if Allah is God’s name, it is as
good as the name “Krishna”. We are not so sophisticated that you have to
chant this Krishna’s name.” In this way Srila Prabhupada explained to
Muslims the yuga-dharma, religious process meant for this age of Kali,
age of quarrel, hypocrisy and degradation. Yuga-dharma for our age is
sankirtana-yajna, congregational chanting of the holy names of God.
Many Muslims, inspired and purified by Srila Prabhupada’s words
became his initiated disciples, devotees of Lord Krishna.
After that Srila Prabhupada went in Nairobi, Africa. He preached
the universal message of Lord Krishna to black as well as the white
population of Africa. Srila Prabhupada explained that it does not matter
whether you are black or white. Soul is spiritual, eternal and different
from the material body. Despite this bodily covering, we are all servant of
the Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna. Many Africans, being enlightened by
Srila Prabhupada’s words, became his followers.
In 1976 Bhagavad-gita As It Is with Srila Prabhupada’s
explanations was translated into Chinese for the first time. Disciples of

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Srila Prabhupada started broadcasting teaching of Lord Krishna to
Chinese people. This was possible by the causeless mercy of their
spiritual master. Very soon a temple was established in Hong Kong, and
Chinese people, who form 1/3 of the population of our planet got the
opportunity to relieve themselves from the pains of material existence and
go back home, back to Godhead.
Once, in Vrindavana one mystic yogi came to see Srila
Prabhupada. He tried to demonstrate his mystic power by showing
miracles. Then he asked Srila Prabhupada, “Can you show any miracle?”
Srila Prabhupada pointed to his disciples and replied, “That is my
miracle.” Actually, Srila Prabhupada converted mlechhas and yavanas,
low class people, into devotees of Lord Krishna. Who can do it? Unless a
being is empowered by God nobody can do it. That is mystic power of a
Vaishnava, a pure devotee of the Supreme Lord. He does not need any
exercise, or meditation for receiving mystic power. Lord Krishna gave to
His devotee all necessary mystic power and siddhas. A pure devotee has
no need to make a separate endeavour for attaining mystic powers. By
dint of his devotional service he get everything. The Supreme Lord says
in the Bhagavad-gita (6.46-47), “A yogi is greater than the ascetic, greater
than the empiricist and greater than the fruitive worker. Therefore, O
Arjuna, in all circumstances, be a yogi. And of all yogis, he who always
abides in Me with great faith, worshipping Me in transcendental loving
service, is most intimately united with Me in yoga and is the highest of
all.”
Today, disciples and followers of Srila Prabhupada are continuing
very successfully to spread the mission, which he started. I was a student
of National Economy at the Moscow Institute when I first met the
devotees in Moscow. They invited me to their flat and introduced Srila
Prabhupada’s books and pictures. They told me about ISKCON’s
preaching activity and the bhakti-yoga process. I was familiar with Vedic
literature as I already practiced Hatha-Yoga, but Srila Prabhupada’s
books impressed me very much. The devotees also entertained me with
prasadam (food offered to Lord Krishna) and introduced me to the altar
of the Lord. Then they started chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra.
The transcendental sound vibrations of Hare Krishna captured my heart. I
started regular chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra from the very
next day. At this time I was staying in a student hostel. A big 22 story
building with about 4,000 inhabitants. I started preaching Krishna
Consciousness in our hostel and institute. In our hostel we had a big hall.
I invited students and teachers there to preach to them about Vedic
philosophy, to teach them to chant Hare Krishna and to distribute
prasadam. Many people enthusiastically accepted Krishna Consciousness
and began to practice the bhakti-yoga process. After a while Srila

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Prabhupada’s books appeared in the Russian for the first time. We started
printing and distributing them underground. It was Communist days and
any religious activity, especially preaching was forbidden - what to speak
of printing religious books. Underground book printing was punishable
by 10 years imprisonment. When a community of devotees grew up and
spread in Moscow, Leningrad, Riga and other cities of former USSR,
KGB (Russian secret police) took action. They started persecution of
ISKCON devotees. Many devotees including myself were imprisoned.
After a while the KGB exiled me to my native place in Baku, Azarbaijan.
There I became a teacher at the National Economy Institute. It was a nice
opportunity for preaching and establishing Krishna Consciousness in this
Muslim part of former USSR. I began preaching to my students and
colleagues. Many of them accepted Krishna Consciousness. I started
translating Srila Prabhupada’s books into Azarbaijan language, printing
them underground and distributing them. Soon the KGB noticed my
preaching activities. They requested me to stop preaching and warned me
that I will be imprisoned. That inspired me even more. I continued with
more enthusiasm. When we were about to form the community and to
register a society, the KGB imprisoned me again and then forced me to
go to military service. For military service they sent me somewhere in the
mountains, trying to isolate me from the society. But I continued my
preaching activity. I introduced Krishna Consciousness to the officers and
soldiers. Several times I was imprisoned and kept in isolation in the
soldiers prison. But some senior officers became favorable to Krishna
Consciousness and finally I got opportunity to establish an ashram in the
barrack. I presented the teaching of the Bhagavad-gita, chanted Hare
Krishna and distributed prasadam. Many soldiers and some officers
accepted Krishna Consciousness despite many impediments of military
service. When the term of my military service was over I returned to
Baku, Azarbaijan and started translating Bhagavad-gita in Azarbaijan
language. But distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books was very difficult.
First of all, because Azarbaijan is a Muslim country and, secondly,
because people are not so inclined to read and were not at all familiar
with Vedic literatures. In order to increase book distribution and to give
people the proper understanding of the purport of the Vedic literature, I
wrote a book The Bhagavad-gita and the Qur’an. After we distributed
about 10,000 copies of The Bhagavad-gita and the Qur’an people became
more and more inclined to buy Srila Prabhupada’s books. Some people
even said, “The Bhagavad-gita is the ancient Qur’an.” In this way we
increased the book distribution. Finally, after a long struggle we
registered ISKCON and opened a temple in Baku. Azarbaijan was the
first Muslim country where ISKCON was officially registered. During
this time I started to contemplate preaching in Turkey. I reprinted one of

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Srila Prabhupada’s books in Turkish and started to distribute them among
Turkish tourists. After establishing ISKCON in Azarbaijan I headed for
Turkey and started preaching Krishna Consciousness in Istanbul.
Preaching to Muslims is not an easy task, but by Krishna’s mercy
everything is possible. Generally, people in Turkey are very suspicious
and the government forbids religious preaching. After two years of
difficulties, struggle and constant endeavor we were successful in
opening a temple. For the first time the Bhagavad-gita As It Is with Srila
Prabhupada’s explanations was published in the Turkish language. For
the future, we plan to distribute Krishna Consciousness in Jordan, Iraq
and Egypt. We hope that by the blessings of Srila Prabhupada, a pure
representative of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Krishna
Consciousness will be spread to all the Muslim countries in the world.

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