In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful ISLAMIC VOICE, February 2016 1

32 Pages Rs. 25 Bengaluru English Monthly February 2016 Vol. 29-2 No. 350 Rabiul Aakhir/Jumadil Awwal 1437 H Only 33% Muslims Work Lowest Among All Socio-Religious Communities The key reason behind low low work participation industry and services as 'Other', Buddhists. The highest share of `Household Industry' category work participation rates in some of women. Women's a convention since British workers involved in agriculture which is mainly artisanal work participation is just 15% times. This makes up 41% of all is among Hindus, at 57%. The like carpentry, etc. communities seems to be the low for Muslims and Sikhs, workers. Only 13% of Jains are Jain community is predominantly Among tribal communities work participation of women. and even lower at 12% involved in agriculture, the lowest working in industry and classified under 'Other Religions', among Jains. Among for any community. While 41% services. Muslims too are largely over 80% of their members are New Delhi: Muslims have the Hindus, there are 27% working of Muslims and Christians work concentrated in these sectors as working in agriculture, indicating lowest share of working people - women, while it is 31% for in agriculture, this goes up to are Christians. Muslims are also their poor economic status.n about 33% - among all religious Christians and 33% for Buddhists. 47% among Sikhs and to 54% for notably more involved in the (Subodh Varma | TNN) communities in India. This is Several smaller faiths fall under lower than the nationwide average 'Other Religions'. These are mostly work participation rate of 40%. tribal communities from peninsular Eight Distinguished Scholars Win King Faisal Prize The figure for Jains and Sikhs India and the northeastern states. The King Faisal Prize for Science in Biology was shared by stands at 36% each. Buddhists, Their work participation rates are comprising mostly Dalits who markedly different from other Professor Vamsi Krishna Mootha from the US and Professor embraced Buddhism in the 20th communities. Nearly 48% of Stephen Philip Jackson from the UK. By Mohammed Rasooldeen has put forth strenuous effort, profound wisdom, deep vision Riyadh: Eight distinguished scholars from various and positive influence in dealing with contemporary parts of the world, won the prestigious King Faisal fiqh (jurisprudence) issues. Prize in different categories. Prof. Abdullah bin Yousif Al-Ghunaim, The event was held under the patronage president of the Kuwaiti Studies and of Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Makkah Research Center, was the winner of governor and chairman of the King the King Faisal International Prize for Faisal Foundation, who delivered the Islamic Studies. It was given to him in welcome address. The awards were in recognition of his seminal contributions century, have a high working members of this section work, five categories: Service to Islam, Arabic both as an author and critical editor population share at 43%. For more than any of the country's language and literature, Islamic studies, Saleh bin Humaid Wins of original manuscripts of Muslim Hindus, the figure is 41%. Drawn six major religious communities. medicine and science. King Faisal Prize for geographic legacy and his distinguished Service to Islam from the Census 2011 data, the Women's work participation is The King Faisal International Prize for venture to revive ancient Arabic terms statistics show a faith-based profile also highest in tribal communities, Service to Islam was awarded to Grand Mosque on shapes of the earth’s surface and adapt them to of India's 482 million strong at nearly 44%. imam and former Shoura Council Chairman, contemporary geography. work force. The figures have not The Census data also provides a Saleh bin Humaid. Humaid is a consultant at the The King Faisal International Prize for Arabic changed much from the 2001 picture of how many are engaged Saudi Royal Court, member of the Commission of Language and Literature was awarded to Prof. Census, indicating a stasis in the in what kind of work. For the Senior Scholars and president of the Jeddah-based Mohammed Al-Ghazawani Muftah from Morocco economic status of communities. country, 55% of workforce is in International Islamic Fiqh Academy. and Prof. Mohammed Abdul Muttalib Mustafa The key reason behind low agriculture, as cultivators or as from Egypt. work participation rates in some agricultural workers. The Census The prize was awarded in appreciation of his leading Professor Mohammed Muftah is Page 7 communities seems to be the classifies all occupations in role in the International Islamic Fiqh Academy. He ISLAMIC VOICE, SPECIAL REPORT February 2016 2 Corporate Social Responsibility villagers build a house, providing How it helps? Corporates need not online certificate course. The Corporate Social Responsibility is not solar lanterns to rural students in go to the field to carry out social fee is Rs. one lakh for the entire merely donation for a social cause un-electrified homes, installing work. CSR enables the Corporates 9-month course. The fee can or one-off affair. It is constant hand- solar panels in rural homes, etc.) and civil society organisations be paid in three instalments. to donate its profits. to operate with synergistic Corporates can sponsor the holding between the Corporate body cooperation. It is not merely candidates. For details log on to: and an NGO. How to do it? The companies donation for a social cause or www.iica.in. will have to start with an end in one-off affair. It is constant hand- mind and should have clarity holding between the Corporate Ms. Benazeer Baig, secretary of By A Staff Writer amount has to be channelised about the project, have trust in body and an NGO. At every level, the Raza Education and Social through registered NGOs for its functionaries, should be well the expertise of professionals Welfare Society introduced the Bengaluru: The Raza Educational purposes like poverty alleviation, aware of the credibility and track is involved. The Project Report Excellent School which educates and Social Welfare Society improving the quality of life, record of the voluntary work and charts the trajectory. It documents children rescued from child labour held an orientation programme better healthcare or beneficial the organisation, should prepare a the conditions prior to taking up sites and workshops and said they for NGOs on Corporate Social programmes like improvement had instead started providing Responsibility (CSR) in the of the environment or any other skill development programme City on January 8. Nearly 150 recognised effort to take the for the mothers of these children. representatives of various civil society towards better standards The Society is being helped by society organisations participated. of life. several corporates such as Tech Director General and CEO of Mahindra, etc. the Indian Institute of Corporate What does it mean? Corporate Mr. Syed Mohammad Beary, Affairs (IICA) introduced the Social Responsibility is a form Chairman, Bearys Group narrated CSR to the audience. of corporate self-regulation his ascent from a humble origin integrated into a business model in a coastal village of Karnataka We reproduce below the to further social good, beyond the into a successful realtor, builder proceedings for the benefit of the interests of the firm and that which Mr. Bhaskar Chatterjee of IICA addressing the CRS Orientation programme and developer who channelizes Islamic Voice readers: is required by the law. A company by Raza Education and Social Welfare Society. the profits from his enterprise can choose an NGO (or voluntary detailed project, should monitor the project and post-operations to a group of 32 educational What is CSR? As per the new organisation that is imparting the project at each stage through and builds up visual record. The institutions which include an Indian Companies Act 2013, a literacy, providing education to a professional and evaluate the professionals decide as to where engineering college. Maqbool company that has a net worth of adult illiterates, imparting skills to result at the end. each rupee would go, at what time Ahmed Siraj, journalist and Rs. 500 crore, an annual turnover household women, rejuvenating and for what, and how it would advisor of the Society conducted of up to Rs. 1,000 crore and annual village ponds and lakes, planting CSR Potential in India: There are bring about change. the programme. An open session profit of Rs. 5 crore, should spend trees, coaching underprivileged eleven lakh companies in India. followed after the orientation two per cent of the “Average Net students for competitive exams, Of these, 30,000 come under the Any courses in this regard? The programme. Representatives Profits of the block of previous organising village artisans, CSR i.e., annual turnover of Rs. Indian Institute for Corporate of nearly a hundred NGOs three years on CSR activities. The restoring old monuments, helping 1,000. Affairs (IICA) runs a 9-month participated in the programme. n peace & harmony ISLAMIC VOICE, February 2016 3 Hajo, in Assam, Shows the Right Way Forward Sarma, head priest of Hayagriva the procession to send a message we still believe in that harmony The procession rally in Hajo was a Madhava Temple, exchanged across the globe about communal and humanity. We should shun heartwarming case of harmony and peace flags and started the procession. harmony and brotherhood. Though violence and follow God’s between Hindus and Muslims. teaching on peace,” said Painuruddin Ahmed after the procession. It is said The occasion of Magh Bihu Powa Mecca, a Muslim sacred that Powa Mecca was is cause for celebration across site, and Hayagriva Madhava constructed from the soil Assam. For the people of the Temple, a holy place for both brought from the city of state, it is also an opportunity to Hindus and Buddhists. Recently, Mecca. Standing atop the express their endeavour of living people took part in a procession Garurachal Hill, it has the in peace and harmony with all rally from Powa Mecca to the tomb of Pir Giasuddin communities. The procession Hayagriva Madhava Temple. “It has been a special occasion for the world today has witnessed an Auliya, who was the pioneer of rally in Hajo was a heartwarming Painuruddin Ahmed, Khadim of all of us. We the people of Hajo increase of intolerance among Islam in this part of the world. It case in point. Hajo is the home of Powa Mecca, and Siva Prasad gleefully and proudly take part in each other in the name of religion, Page 23 UPDATE ISLAMIC VOICE, February 2016 4 Badriya Juma Masjid “Zero Energy” Green Mosque Opens in Kodi Kundapur: Badriya Juma Masjid around it offer a naturally in Kodi, Kundapur, Udupi district, cooled environment. Solar the world’s first “ZERO Energy” heat reflecting terrace eco friendly Green Mosque was floor laid with white china inaugurated last fortnight. The mosaics and fitted with turbo mosque pioneered by the Bearys vents not only keeps the Group who are passionate about prayer space cool, but also sustainable developments is an reduces warming of local

evolution in Islamic architecture Pic credit mangalorean.com Page 6 integrating epitomized sustainable technologies. An important feature of this green marvel is that its entire energy requirement is met through hybrid renewable energy, both wind and solar.

Holistic place of worship “It is our little contribution in India’s march towards Sustainable Development, and we hope that the mosque will become a holistic place of worship where people from all over the world will come and pray and find true solace,” says Syed Mohamed Beary of Bearys Group. Cooling of the building has been achieved by using elements of nature. The building orientation minimizes solar heat gain. The L shaped building plan and elevated nature of prayer hall, green vegetation and water tanks ISLAMIC VOICE, February 2016 5 “Muslims Should Correct Woman Afghan Ambassador to Switzerland Kabul: Former Minister of including peace and Islam’s Image”: Hassan Rouhani Public Health of Afghanistan, stability, economic Dr. Suraya Dalil presented her development and re- Tehran: Iranian told a conference credentials as the Ambassador construction, specifi- President Hassan on Islamic and permanent representa- cally since 2001. Dr. Rouhani has said unity in Tehran. tive of Afghanistan, to Swiss Dalil promised to take that Muslims must Rouhani said Confederation President. She all necessary steps in improve the image of Islamic principles also thanked the government of further developing their religion, which opposed violence Swiss for continued support to bilateral ties between has been tarnished and asserted that Afghanistan in different sectors the two nations. n by the violence of the extremism of extremist groups such groups such as the as the IS. “It is our greatest duty so-called Islamic State stemmed Mossessian Architecture, Adeline Rispal Win Bid today to correct the image of Islam from “narrow-mindedness and in world public opinion,” Rouhani lack of moderation”. n to Build Museum in Makkah Makkah: Mossessian Archi- through exhibits and panoramic More Saudi Women than Men tecture, the London-based ar- films installed on either side of chitecture practice, together the ramp, ultimately arriving at with Studio Adeline Rispal, the a ‘garden of delight’ at the top Receive Scholarship Paris based exhibition architec- of the building. Here there are a Female students outnumber their 12.9 percent between 1431 and ture practice, have won an invited series of climactically regulated male counterparts in the pursuit of 1435 AH. n competition to design a museum geometric gardens where small higher studies in the of the Islamic faith in Makkah. and larger groups of visitors can Saudi government's The Makkah Museum will be gather in even the hottest months. foreign scholarship located 7 kms from the Grand Appreciating the need to appeal to program. According Mosque and will offer a unique Muslims from all over the world, to statistics released interpretation and reflection of the scheme proposes using stones recently by the faith to the millions of Muslims sourced from all of the countries Saudi Ministry of who visit Makkah from around the where Islam is practised in the Education, Saudi world and who, up until this point, construction of the building’s ex- female students have had no cultural institution of terior wall, and Hijaz rock from constituted 62.3 this kind to enhance their visit the local mountains of Makkah percent of the to the holiest of Muslim cities. for the interior. The inside of the house the exhibition displays, foreign scholarship As visitors journey through rock is used to create alcoves and which tell the story of the life of program, exceeding the museum, they learn about plinths that visitors encounter the Prophet (Pbuh) and enrich male students by the life of the Prophet (pbuh) as they mount the ramp. These understanding about Islam.n ISLAMIC VOICE, February 2016 6 Imam Opens Mosque Doors to Stray Cats Egypt Unveils Rare Whale Fossil Museum Istanbul: An imam of an Istanbul Cairo: Egypt unveiled Middle and Climate Change Museum long skeleton of a legged form mosque in Turkey is opening the East’s first museum dedicated to was covered by a 2 billion euros of whale that testifies to how doors of its mosque to cats roaming fossils that showcases an early ($2.17 billion) grant from Italy, modern-day whales evolved from on the streets. Imam Mustafa Efe form of whales, land mammals. who began welcoming the furry now extinct and “When you build something animal into the mosque last year known as the somewhere so beautiful and calls the cats “guests” of the “walking whale”, unique, it has to blend in with mosque. His tale Associated Press its surrounding … or it would of kindness has reported. be a crime against nature”, the spread across Egypt took museum’s architect Gabriel the sphere. significant security Mikhail said, pointing to the Imam Mustafa measures in the surrounding sand dunes. The posted a video on new museum, Valley of Whales museum is also which is located home to prehistoric tools used by in the desert at early humans and various whale the Valley of Whales, about 170 according to Italian Ambassador fossils exhibited in glass boxes kilometers (105 miles) southwest Maurizio Massari. corroborating the evolutionary of the capital, Cairo. Its centerpiece is an intact, 37- transition of the early whales The construction of the Fossils million-year-old and 20-meter- from land to water creatures. n

Prayer for Unity in Baku Facebook, which showed a mother mosque that she decided to raise cat who felt so comfortable at the her young ones in the mosque. n Baku: (Azerbaijan): A “Prayer and denominations in the South they claim to belong to, gathered for Unity” was held in Heydar Caucasus country, as well as together at one time, in one place, Page 4 Mosque in the capital city of worldwide. “On this prayer call, made prayers to God. In different Green Mosque ... Baku as part of the ongoing countries, religion is becoming micro climate. Natural cooling The builders say they have utilised ‘Year of Multiculturalism’ a tool for creating political of the building is accentuated by local resources based on the in Azerbaijan. One of the confrontations. "Representatives the wind scoop on the 70 feet 'reduce-reuse-recycle-regenerate' most influential religious of radical movements...are multifunctional Minaret, from principle, and have water fixtures to leaders of the Republic, the provoking wars in which tens where the Azan, the call for prayer conserve water. The entire building plenipotentiary representative of thousands of people are is given, which forces down draft is said to use only 6 kw power. The of the Office of Caucasus suffering,” said Hasan Ali. He of cool breeze into the prayer construction of this eco-friendly Muslims, Shahin Hasanli, added that “Azerbaijan is famous hall and also supports the tower mosque took three years and nearly expressed confidence that for its tradition of tolerance. But structure of wind turbine mounted 2,000 persons can offer prayers at a the event could make a at the same time, in Azerbaijan the atop it. Non-conducting glass time at the mosque. “No trees have great contribution to the attitude towards people of other reinforced concrete jaalis with over been felled for the construction of strengthening of a tolerant the Prayer for Unity, for the first religions and cultures has been 50% openings, maximize natural the mosque. In fact, a coconut tree environment between the time in the world, all Muslims, higher than tolerance. It has been ventilation and supplement the and two mango trees run within its followers of different religions no matter which branch of Islam at the level of brotherhood.” n design effort to reduce heat gain. construction,” said Mr. Beary. n follow-up ISLAMIC VOICE, February 2016 7 Page 1 in moving into clinical practice a plant) as a model to identify the findings into tangible therapeutic King Faisal Prizes .... novel method of analyzing DNA, link between pivotal molecular products to treat cancer. recognized for his distinguished of Arabic culture and insight of referred to as next generation factors involved in mitochondrial In his opening address, Prince methodical and theoretical contemporary literary and stylistic sequencing. This has greatly dysfunction and major human Khaled said the winners will be endeavors in Arabic language concepts. improved the way of identifying diseases, such as diabetes and presented with the awards in the and literature. He has employed modern concepts in analyzing and A novel method of analyzing describing Arabic poetic texts, DNA perceiving them within the context Professor Han Grrit Brunner and of human culture. Professor Joris Andre Veltman Professor Mohammed Abdul from the Netherlands shared the Muttalib is recognized for his King Faisal Prize for Medicine important accomplishments for clinical application of next genes that cause disease in patients other metabolic disorders. His next two months. in applied analysis of Arabic generation genetics. and families suspected of having contribution provides a framework Prince Khaled said that merit poetry; he has competently and Professors Brunner and Veltman an inherited disorder. They have for novel diagnostic and therapeutic and excellence are the criteria for skillfully coined his analysis of were selected as winners in also initiated strong international applications. selection. King Faisal Foundation poetic texts with deep knowledge recognition of their prominent role collaboration in both research and was established in 1976 by the diagnostics. They have published Therapeutic products to treat eight sons of the late King Faisal. widely in outstanding scientific cancer Each of the five prize categories journals and have been recognized Professor Stephen Philip Jackson consists of a certificate, hand- by their peers as innovative is recognized for his outstanding written in Arabic calligraphy scientists. contribution to defining the link summarizing the laureate’s work, The King Faisal Prize for Science between the basic mechanism of a commemorative 24-carat, 200- in Biology was shared by Professor genomic DNA instability and its gram gold medal, uniquely cast Vamsi Krishna Mootha from the relationship to cancer. Specifically, for each prize, and a cash award US and Professor Stephen Philip he unraveled the salient components of SR750,000 ($200,000). The co- Jackson from the UK. of the pathway involved in DNA winners in any category share the Professor Mootha has used the repair. He is also credited with an monetary grant. n mitochondrion (the cellular power innovative approach to bring his (arabnews) advertisement ISLAMIC VOICE, February 2016 8 THE POSITIVE SIDE ISLAMIC VOICE, February 2016 9 A Good Samaritan from Assam Moin Cannot Walk, But He Raham Ali never got the opportunity to go to school. So he decided to donate Swims like a Champion! half a bigha of his land to set up the first English medium school in his area. By Vandita Kapoor champion swimmer who has made Abdul Gani, in an article published Ali having only 3 bighas of land. locality, always felt bad about the both Karnataka and India proud. in TwoCircles.net, writes about “Even though I never had situation back home. I realised Moin Junaidi is a teenager from He has already won medals at the Raham Ali, a farmer in a village the chance to be in school, I that only quality education can Belgaum, Karnataka. Unlike National Paralympics Swimming in Dhubri district, desperately want the solve the problem of social most other boys his age, Moin Competition held in Kolkata, and Assam, whose act of kids of my locality backwardness,” said Ashiq cannot walk. What he can generosity and kindness to have good quality Zaman, a deputy commissioner do, however, is swim, like has left the entire village education. So, I donated with the Indian Revenue Service, a champion. Moin has brittle appreciating him for his my land”. Ali said. currently based in Mumbai. bone disease, or osteogenesis efforts. Ali, who is in Ali has two sons; with So Zaman along with some of his imperfecta, which means his 50s, never got the the elder one having like-minded friends started the that his bones are extremely opportunity to go to completed his class 12 initiative to set up the first English brittle and highly prone to school, but what pained and now helps his father medium school and discussed the fracture. For Moin, even him more was that a in the field. His second issue with the villagers. And the a slight bump can cause a generation later, the son could not continue kind of response they got from the fracture. He can neither stand area still did not have a his studies beyond villagers, especially from Raham upright nor hold anything in good quality school. So, class 8 due to poverty. Ali, is immensely encouraging. his hands. Others might let Ali decided to donate With 59.36 percent They are also planning for hostel the smallest of setbacks get in half a bigha of his land rate literacy, Dhubri facilities to cater to the need of the way of pursuing their goals, but his brand-new goal is to win the to set up the first English medium district is placed at the lowest the poor students who are from Moin has not even slowed down. gold medal for India in the next school in his area. This, despite in the state. “I, being from that riverine areas. n Despite having over 200 fractures Paralympic Games, in 2016. all over his body, Moin is a ​(Source:www.thebetterindia.com) West Bengal Public Service Exams neglected. The Government led by Chief Minister Ms. Banerjee Muslim Family Shelters 600 Cows 30 Muslims among 144 Successful in one of her first moves issued notification to include 30 more for Communal Harmony Kolkata: Muslim representation Smt. Mamata Banerjee. He said Muslim castes in the state list of in Government service in West even among the police officers Other Backward Classes (OBC). “Hindus revere the cow and there is no harm if Muslims Bengal received a slight boost selection, five Muslims have With this addition, the number of respect their sentiments,” Phule Khan with 30 Muslims figuring among come out successful among the 30 Muslim castes in OBC went up the 144 successful candidates selected. It may be recalled that to 83. Now 87% of the Muslim A Muslim family in Rajasthan is of brotherhood among Hindus and last month. According to Mr. Muslim representation had dipped population in West Bengal is doing its bit to maintain communal Muslims. No nation can survive Sultan Ahmed, Chairman of the to merely 2% around the end of covered under the OBC category. harmony, dedicating its life to the if there is a trust deficit between West Bengal Minorities Financial the 35 years of Marxist Party rule Now the total number of enlisted service of cows, reports Zakir two communities. Hindus revere Development Corporation, in 2011 from 8% during the last OBCs comprising different Hussain in an article published in the cow and there is no harm if inclusion of more Muslims under Congress Government in 1977 led communities in the state has Muslims respect their sentiments,” the Other Backward Caste (OBC) by Siddharth Shankar Ray. The reached 143. Elsewhere, in a Phule said. The family has category has enabled more Muslim Justice Sachar Committee Report reply to the RTI activist Sabir welcomed the Rajasthan Cow candidates to come out successful in (released in 2006) too had said Ahmed, the Kolkata police has Protection Act, which bans cow the competitive exams held for the that plight of Muslims in West stated that there were only 2,585 slaughter in the state. “The bulls Government jobs recently. He said Bengal was worse than plight of Muslims among the total of are sold only to local farmers at the results also serve as an index Muslims in BJP-ruled Gujarat. It 27,388 which makes the Muslim heavily discounted prices with a of increased awareness among may be recalled that on June 29, share at 9.43%. Similarly, the The Hindustan Times. Phule Khan written undertaking that the cattle Muslims regarding education 2012, West Bengal Public Service share of Muslims in the Kolkata and his family, who hail from Ledi would not be sold to butchers and and participation in competitive Commission had published names Municipal Corporation (KMC) village in Ladnu tehsil, shelter would be returned once they grow exams for official positions. of 651 persons recommended to be was mere 4.79% i.e., 1,301 among around 600 cows. The practice, old,” Phule’s brother Habib Khan Ahmed said this is the first time appointed in different departments 27,125 total employees. It was a which started with 20 cows in said. The Khan family runs the after independence that so many in Government of West Bengal. marginal rise from 4.47% in 2007 1995 by Phule’s brother Aasu shelter with their own resources Muslims have figured among the Only 23 Muslims were on that when West Bengal had a Left Khan, has two aims — providing and with the help of donations successful candidates in the State. list making a representation of Front Government. The statistics shelter and fodder to abandoned from fellow villagers. “Every He also attributed it to inclusion only 3.5% of the total. The State pertain to March 31, 2015. The cows and saving crops from being month, about Rs 1 lakh is spent of the sections of the community Government declaration that KMC employed 34,731 persons destroyed by stray cattle during on fodder and the upkeep of the under OBCs by the Trinamool Muslims will get 10% reservation in 2007, of which Muslims were harvesting seasons. “We are shelter,” said Phule. Congress leader and Chief Minister within the OBC category had been 1,555. n working towards building a spirit (Source:www.hindustantimes.com) GLOBE TALK ISLAMIC VOICE, February 2016 10 Peace Pilgrim: Clouds over Minority Her Enduring Legacy and Message Character of the AMU By Belinda F. Espiritu our part in the life pattern by doing all of the good things we feel motivated towards. The fourth is The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is once again in the news for The message left behind by an American woman simplification of life and bringing it to the level of the wrong reasons. Attorney General Mr. Mukul Rohatgi through an named Peace Pilgrim (1908– 1981), who had the needs. affidavit in the Supreme Court has said that the University isnota extraordinary calling of making a pilgrimage for What is needed to achieve peace in the world? minority institution. Coming as it does from the Attorney General, the peace by walking thousands of miles in all the fifty Peace comes at a price. Peace Pilgrim’s message affidavit reflects the changed stance of the Union Government. Though it states of America, the ten states of Canada, and on the price for peace is very simple yet profound: is not unusual to expect this from the current dispensation at the Centre, some parts of Mexico, remains as needed today, “The price of peace is to abandon hate and allow sagacity demands that the community totally eschews any agitational in these chaotic, suffering-filled times, marked by love to reign supreme in our hearts – love for all approach to assert its right to run and administer the University. war, conflict, and terrorism, as before. Her simple fellow human beings over the world.” It may be recalled that the minority character of the AMU had been ended message was: “Overcome evil with good, falsehood Peace identifies the lack of spirituality as the cause by a Central Government ordinance in 1967 following some unpleasant with truth, and hatred with love.” Peace Pilgrim for the world’s problems in the following words: incidents on the campus. The Minority character could be restored renounced her former identity and did not wish “We are so lacking in the spiritual side: whenever through an Act of Parliament in 1981 following a 16-year long struggle to be known other than as ‘Peace Pilgrim’. She we discover all the by the community. The Aligarh Muslim University Amendment Act had started her pilgrimage on foot for peace through technological advances, the restored the AMU Court which effectively oversees the administration of America on January 1, 1953 and was on her first thing we do is to turn the University. The Act’s clause 5(2)(C) had once again empowered the seventh pilgrimage in 1981 when she was killed in them into weapons and use community to run the University in order to cater to the educational and a head-on collision while on her way to a speaking them to kill people. This is cultural interests of the Muslims of India. Legal opinion suggests that engagement. because our spiritual well- the Act had over ruled the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Aziz Basha vs. Peace Pilgrim walked till she was offered shelter, being lags so far behind.” Government of India case wherein the Parliament and not the community fasted till she was given food, and prayed as she She adds that peace comes were recognized as the founder of the University. walked. Her complete faith in God’s presence when we abandon arrogance The current affidavit stems from the Centre’s (changed) stance with and protection and her complete renunciation and greed, replacing them regard to the Allahabad High Court judgment in 2005. The Allahabad of material wealth and personal status were with humility, repentance Court in a case filed by some students of the Medical College ofthe absolutely striking. She walked with boundless and giving. AMU challenging the University’s right to reserve 50% seats for Muslim energy, praying ceaselessly as she did so. She The way of love is the way students in a Central University, had refused to recognize the AMU as a wore a tunic with the inscription ‘Peace Pilgrim’ of peace, which means overcoming evil by good. University established by the minorities. It had also ruled that the AMU in front and ‘25,000 miles for Peace’ at the back. She explains: was created by an Act of Parliament, and not by the Muslims of India or Her only possessions in her pockets were a foldable Evil cannot be overcome by more evil. Evil can minority individuals. toothbrush, a comb, and papers with her message of only be overcome by good. It is the lesson of the The University has secured the services of highly competent lawyers peace for distribution. way of love. The contest in the world today is and one would expect that the Hon’ble Supreme Court would enable Hers was an extraordinary calling, as called for by between the old way of attempting to overcome the community to retain its hold over the University which has been the turbulent times during which she lived. By the evil with evil, which with modern weapons would rendering yeomen service in promoting modern education to the younger time she started her pilgrimage in 1953, people all lead to complete chaos, and the way of overcoming generation of Muslim in some of the most educationally backward states over the world had been traumatized by the two evil with good, which would lead to a glorious and of India. World Wars. It was also a time when the Korean mature life. But it would be pertinent to point out that the AMU has not measured up War was raging, the Vietnam war, and the Cold War The insights left behind by Peace Pilgrim are to the expectations of the community in promoting the educational and between America and Russia. inexhaustible treasures we can all draw from and cultural advancement as it was desired under 5(2)(C) of the Amendment Peace Pilgrim describes her preparation for her practice in our lives. We can all be peace pilgrims, Act. Had the University been proactive in improving the educational calling, which she said took 15 years, and invites although not necessarily walking on foot through standard of the feeder schools in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the 50% everyone to take up these steps for spiritual growth. different places, cities, and states. We can be peace reservation for Muslims in its medical and engineering colleges would The first preparation is about having a positive pilgrims by following the simple but profound and not have been necessitated. The situation has come to this pass merely approach towards life’s problems, by following the enduring message of the way of love as the way of because Muslim students fare poorly in the medical and engineering Golden Rule of doing unto others what you would peace. entrance test of the AMU and require the crutches of reservation to like them to do unto you, and by overcoming evil (This essay draws on the book Peace Pilgrim: maintain a majority in the two key faculties. The University would be with good. The second preparation consists of Her Life and Works. It is made available in a free well advised to take stock of the feeder institutions and initiate measures aligning our lives to God’s will and bringing our downloadable form at www.peacepilgrim.org) whereby it gets better and competent stuff to fill the professional colleges lives into harmony with the laws that govern the (Belinda F. Espiritu teaches at the University of the with the boys and girls from the community to which it is meant to universe. The third preparation consists of doing Philippines, Cebu). serve. LETTERS Bangladesh Needs Errors in Meanings of Words Reconciliation I would like to point out that proof reading should be Power” (children’s page) in the December 2015 done very well before the paper is sent for printing. issue of Islamic Voice. Peace is something that Bangladesh deserves and urgently needs. Extremist I noticed errors like the meaning of Snowfall and Rafi Bakkal, stances are ingrained into its national psyche. Ever since dictator Gen. Thunderstorm, in the column “Enhance Your Word [email protected] Hussain Mohammad Irshad was unseated, successive elections have put one of the two famous Begums on the prime ministerial seat. But such Very Inspiring and Positive Story is the fractious nature of the polity that none of the two had a peaceful reign. Opposition benches have remained vacant for most of the time. Many thanks for sending Islamic Voice issues of through the October 2015 issue of Islamic Voice, The otherwise healthy bipolar politics should have lent the nation much June and September 2015 which I received in I was very delighted to note that one person from stability. But the antipathy between the two poles has often degenerated October 2015. I think the delay was due to the Murshidabad has set up several schools for the into total chaos with streets turning into battleground and threatening to negligence of the postal department. The Islamic upliftment of the community. A similar story was rend the nation asunder. Voice issues before and during Ramadan are very also published in Telegraph of Kolkata recently Bangladesh has been in existence for around 45 years. It would have informative, as you publish many appeals from about a person who was unable to continue his been in the best interest of that impoverished country to promote various organizations and also give a detailed studies because of financial constrains, but yet understanding and consensus on national issues. Countries such as South account of their activities. It gives me lot of set up an English medium school at Tikyapar in Africa (under the leadership of Nelson Mandela) delivered peace and pleasure to read this. I have been reading Islamic Kolkata. Such inspiring stories give readers lots progress by pursuing the path of reconciliation. It is time the Bangladeshi Voice since 1987 and have not missed a single of joy and happiness. political parties see value in fostering national consensus and adopting issue. Unfortunately there is no agent in Kolkata Sultan Ahmed the path of peace and reconciliation. from whom I can buy this paper. While going Dr A.M.O Gani Road, Kolkata ISLAMIC VOICE, February 2016 MUSLIMS & EDUCATION 11 Kids in a Village Were Not Going to School. Till These Three Girls Did Something Incredible! This is the extraordinary story of three tailoring, we started teaching would go to our homes and cry. said just because we were girls we young girls and their never-say-die spirit, them simultaneously. Many But it was our parents’ support wouldn’t be able to do anything. parents opposed us and asked that kept us going. Without them We have proved everyone wrong,” which has changed the education scenario why we were schooling them we wouldn’t have achieved she says. in a small village near Varanasi in Uttar when they had been sent to learn anything,” says Tabassum. Today, the people who used to Pradesh. They faced apathy, taunts tailoring. We would tell them There was even a time when the mock them and taunt them are and humiliation in their battle against that even tailoring requires some villagers asked them to vacate the coming forward to support them ignorance and deep conservatism. Thanks measurements and calculations public space where they ran their as they see the positive change and basic education is necessary in the village. The girls have to their efforts, 90% of the children in for that,” Tabassum says. even managed to convert an old their village attend school today. Thanks to their never-say-die madrassa into an English school. spirit, the girls managed to “We can’t give the children to the school regularly. However, transform the village. When they degrees. So we just prepare them By Shreya Pareek the battle was only half won as first started the study centre in and give them good education far as they were concerned. The 2007, hardly two or three people and help them connect to good Tabassum, Tarranum and Rubina biggest challenge was to bring in in the village were educated. schools,” says Tabassum. are the three inspiring young girls those girls who had dropped out Now, say the girls proudly, 90% The trio have managed to who have changed the face of the of school altogether. of the children, including girls, go successfully work with over 250 little village of Sajoi near Varanasi “As these girls were a little older, to school. kids so far and continue to get for good. There was a time when no more admissions on a yearly child in the village took education basis. seriously, girls would drop out of Along with teaching, the girls are school to help their mothers with now finishing their graduation and daily chores, and the villagers just doing Information Technology plain refused to see the necessity training as they see huge scope in of education. this sector. “In our village, nobody studied. “We would just like to say to We, the three of us, were the only everyone that please let your ones who cleared school and went daughters and sons study. And on to do Inter. Children would not Photo credit The Better India Tabassum, Tarannum and Rubina do whatever you can for your even step out of the village. Our parents would not send them out. The ultimate triumph for the school. So they started conducting village as people there need you,” village had a basti, so most of They didn’t want them to step out girls came though when not just classes from their own homes. concludes Tabassum. the children would start working and thought going to school was the children, but their mothers “It used to hurt us when people (Source: thebetterindia.com) at an young age and ignore their a waste of time for them as they too began to show an interest education,” says Tabassum. could do other household work in education. There are several In a village like Sajoi, where during that time of the day,” she women in the village now who even earning a daily meal was a says. have graduated from using thumb challenge, education was never But the trio had a plan. They impressions to signing their own a priority for families. Especially were not ready to let go of their names. when it came to girls. dream of educating the girls in “But all this was not easy. We “But we managed to study. their village. They started a small faced so many challenges. The Thanks to our parents and their tailoring training centre at the villagers would abuse us and say encouragement. They were so school so that the families would that we were spoiling their girls. supportive,” she says. agree to let their daughters come The boys would comment on us These intrepid girls then decided for that. every time we stepped out of the to take matters in their own hands. “When the girls came to learn house. It was very humiliating. We They started going door to door to encourage students to go to school. They got in touch with the Human Welfare Association, an NGO in Varanasi, which trained these young girls to take on the challenge and provided them support. The girls found a small public place where they started a school for kids who had never stepped out of home or had dropped out of school due to personal problems. “It was very difficult initially. Students would just not show up. But we didn’t give up. We would go to their houses every day and ask them to come to our school. And finally, after six months of our continuous efforts, students started showing up without us having to drag them from their homes”, she recalls. In the first month they had 35 students. But after a year they managed to get over 170 students ISLAMIC VOICE, February 2016 12 Half of Muslim, Hindu Women, How Many Muslim Judges? A survey of Muslim representation among High Court Total no. Muslim Status Illiterate Sitting judges Judges Female Literacy Levels in Rural Belts Low for All Religions high court judges says there are only 26 Muslim Almost half of Hindu and Muslim are literate while only 48.71 judges among a total of Allahabad 74 04 1 Judge retired on Jan. 9 women are illiterate with rural per cent Muslims have writing 601 judges in 24 High Hyderabad 27 01 He retires this year areas faring the worst, the latest and reading abilities. Among Courts. Ideally, going Bombay 59 02 1 retires this year Census report has said. Across women, Hindus have 49.86 per by the Muslim share in Calcutta 42 02 1 retires this year India, 48.11 per cent (4.03 crore) cent literacy rate while that of population, i.e., 14.2 Delh 39 02 Nil of Muslim women and 44.03 per Muslims is 41.95 per cent. per cent, proportional Assam 16 Nil Nil cent (20.60 crore) of Hindu women The situation is worse in rural representation would J&K 10 03 1 retires this year cannot write or read even their areas where female literacy rate have meant 86 judges. Kerala 35 05 2 retire this year names. The male literacy rate is is low for all religions compared The news portal www. Madhya Pradesh 30 Nil Nil pegged at 69.75 per cent while the to urban areas. In rural areas, the muslimmirror.com has Madras 37 Nil Nil female literacy rate is way behind total literacy rate is 57.90 per presented the following Patna 28 02 1 retires this year at 55.97 per cent. The religion- cent – 65.77 per cent for men statistics of the Punjab & Haryana 50 Nil Nil wise data showed that Jains have and 49.61 per cent for women. representation in some Rajasthan 25 01 He retires this year the highest literacy rate at 86.42 Literacy rate of Muslim women of the high courts: Uttarakhand 06 Nil Nil per cent followed by Christians in rural areas are the worst, with 74.34 per cent, Buddhist 71.83 54.43 per cent of 5.06 crore per cent and Sikhs 67.50 per cent. having no capabilities of writing Efforts to Preserve ‘Arabi Malayalam’ Heritage In all cases, female literacy rate is or reading. Among Hindu women In an article published in the by the Muslims in Kerala for as planned, the centre will soon below that of male literacy. The in rural belt, 51.32 per cent of web-magazine twocircles.net, writing. In Arabi Malayalam, the have a fully digitised Mappila worst literacy rate among women 33.26 crore are illiterates. Urban Shafeeq Hudawi reports about grammar, syntax and vocabulary Heritage Library with all available is in Muslim community at 51.89 women are better placed when efforts to preserve the literary are in Malayalam while the script books in PDF format. The Grace per cent followed by Hindus it comes to literacy with 70.17 heritage of ‘Arabi Malayalam’ is Arabic. Unfortunately, the Educational Association, which 55.97 per cent. While 4.35 crore per cent of 18.16 crore among of the Mappilas or Moplahs, as language is now on the brink of promotes the chair, has concluded out of 8.39 crore Muslim women them in cities and towns have the the Muslims of this region are extinction as most of the books, the research necessary for the have the ability to read and write, capability to write and read. Both called. Over several centuries, written in Arabi Malayalam have project being developed for 26.19 crore out of 46.79 crore Hindu and Muslim community the Mapillas of Kerala produced either been lost or rewritten to Arabi Malayalam learners and Hindu women are literate. Jains have impressive figures in urban their distinct cultural traditions, Malayalam. Hudawi writes that researchers. “Already, 7,000 pages have the highest literacy rate areas. According to the Census including food, literature, songs the C.H. Mohammed Koya Chair from various texts and books of among women at 84.92 per cent report, 71.44 per cent of 13.52 and music. One of the most of Calicut University has started a Arabi Malayalam language have while the figure for Christians is crore Hindu women are literate, important traditions to emerge out mission to revive the language as been scanned and kept ready to be 71.96 per cent. In Uttar Pradesh, while that of Muslim women is of the cultural amalgamation was well as the books of classic Arabi uploaded,” said association general the most populous state in the 61.48 per cent of 3.33 crore. the Arabi Malayalam language. Malayalam. If things work out secretary Syed Abdul Asraf. n country, 59.21 per cent of Hindus (www.deccanherald.com) It was the main language used Urdu, Arabic, Persian Courses Bengaluru: Arabic Academy Bangalore has invited applications Umrah & Hajj for admission in the one-year Arabic Certificate Course, two-year Ahram Clothes and All Arabic Diploma course (Functional Arabic), one-year Diploma in Journey Requirements. Urdu Language course and one-year Certificate in Persian Language course for the year 2016-17. The Courses are run on behalf of National Council for Promotion in Urdu Language (NCPUL), functioning under the Ministry of Human Resources, Government of India, New Delhi. The Arabic courses impart capacity to converse in Arabic and Bangalore’s One-stop Fashion comprehend the holy Quran. Showrooms - Four in a row There is no age bar for the admission in these courses. The classes are held on each Saturday and Sunday between 2 pm and 4 pm in Cantonment Area at Madani Public School, Haines Road, (Behind AKS Convention MEN’S SHOP Centre) in Bangalore Cantonment area. There is no prescribed Exclusive Show Room for Grooms eligibility requirement. Banaras Silk Sarees, Suiting & Shirtings Contact: Muhammad Zameer Saqafi, Course Coordinator, Cell: Kahmiri Work Sarees Sherwani, Kurta Pyjama 93417-01352, 88929-07490, email: [email protected], Salwar Kameez, Prince Suit Progress of ‘Nai Manzil’ Ghagra Choli, Readymade Suits Lacha, Salwar Suit etc. Pathani Suits 3 Madrassas in J&K Opt for Skill Lucknow Jubba Kashmiri Shawls etc. Development Course Reasonable Rates Srinagar: Three madrassas in software development for the the state of Jammu and Kashmir State. The skill courses were introduced skill development introduced in Madrassa Imam programme under ‘Nai Manzil’ Saadi in Bandipore, Madrassa scheme of the Union Government Shah Hamadan in Pampore and on January 20. Minister for another madrassa in Srinagar. Minority Welfare Ms. Najma The students trained in skills Heptullah announced that the would receive a certificate from Union Government had selected the Central Skill Council on seven skills namely, cultivation completion of the three-month of saffron (Zaffran), food course during which they would processing, embroidery, tourism also receive a scholarship of Rs. management, computer and IT 4,000. n ISLAMIC VOICE, February 2016 ISSUES 13 Quill Foundation Documenting Harassment under ‘War on Terror’ Campaign By A Staff Writer Adivasis too (which in fact were copies of one accused is from 13 people Website Similarly, Adivasi activists the Koran).” These stratagems arrested in Madhya Pradesh, The Quill Foundation has Quill Foundation is an autonomous who protest against the forcible prolonged the case and sufferings and another one from the Hubli launched its own website www. institution engaged in research on expulsion from their habitats of the innocent persons jailed on conspiracy case, along with quillfoundation.com where access to rights and social justice in forests, ghats and hills too trumped charges. It is notable three of those who were wrongly reports of the false cases has for members of communities are targeted under a similar that the arrests were made a few arrested for the Hubli court blast, been gathered for the world to like the Dalits, tribals, Muslims, campaign and arrested under months before the Assembly while the rest were new. None know the harassment that goes women, sexual minorities and other false charges. It may be noted elections were due in Karnataka of panchas as well as witnesses in the name of ‘war on terror’ in underprivileged communities. The supported the prosecution’s India, the largest democracy. Foundation was set up in 2015 by case. The prosecution was Syed Zafar Mahmood, President a group of leading legal luminaries unable to prove that any of the of the Zakat Foundation of India and human rights activists within recovered items –elements to in Rashtriya Sahara dt. Jan. 21, the country. make a bomb – or hard disks with has invited the attention of the The Foundation looks into the incriminating material actually civil society towards harassment cases of arrest, torture of people belonged to the accused. The trial of Muslim youth even while under terror charges—mainly was completed in a record time Dharma Sena is training 15,000 Muslims and Adivasis—and their of 1.5 years – because of the youth in wielding swords and progress and conclusion into insistence of Justice Balakrishna firearms in Western Uttar Pradesh sentences or acquittals. It has who conducted the trial on a day (refer The Times of India report taken cue from various cases in to day basis – and all 11 accused by Sandeep Rai and Uday Singh which innocent individuals were that Adivasis have been the major in May 2008, thereby creating were acquitted in 2011. Rana, titled “15,000 ‘Dharma arrested on fabricated charges target of harassment and torture a sensation and enabling the Sena’ in Uttar Pradesh readies by the security agencies, charge by police in several states when officialdoms to polarize the Uniform Strategies for war with Islamic State” in the sheets were filed on the basis of they raise their voice against voters. (It may be noted that BJP These cases of sensational newspaper’s edition dt. January confessions extracted under torture entry of mining companies and emerged the largest party in the arrests and later acquittals make 20, 2016). The smokescreen of and finally their acquittal due to MNCs for exploitation of natural May 2008 Assembly election, it plain that a uniform mindset the IS being raised in UP while inability to prove the charges in resources. thus Karnataka became the first is working behind the scene the State faces Assembly election the Courts by the prosecution. Sharib Ali while unveiling the is in order to polarize the voters Justice P. B. Sawant and Justice details of the 2006 Mumbai on communal lines. This is being Suresh Hosbet are its patrons. Train bombing cases writes that done even while the Rector of the Justice Kolse Patil, former IAS the same phone call data was The Quill Foundation is documenting the course of Darul Uloom Deoband, the most officer Harsh Mandar, former used to accuse the five alleged trial of innocent Muslim youth from across the country respected seminary of Islamic IPS officer Dharapuri, leading criminals, but the data was who are ultimately found innocent and acquitted by theology in the subcontinent has advocates Mahmood Pracha, conspicuous by absence in the the courts. invited the media to enter and Shuhaib, Ashok Agrawal, Yusuf charge sheet as it would have examine its interiors anytime. Hatim Muchhala, N. D. Pancholi, looked like fabricated. Ali filed state to come under the sway of to put the Muslim youth and It is rather unfortunate that all Balan, Journalist Saba Naqvi, Prof. the story on the Quill Foundation a communal party).(See details the community in the dock for this goes on in the vicinity of Ram Puniyani, Filmmaker K. P. website on September 15, 2015. on: http://www.quillfoundation. instigating violence and terror the capital of the country while Shashi, Professors Apoorvanand, The accused refused to accept com/articledetail.php?) (which ultimately prove to be innocent Muslim youth are Arvind Tiwari, Dr. Abdul Subhan, the confessions (which were non-existent). The impunity being arrested from the length and spiritual leader and social signed under the threat of police Belgaum Case enjoyed by the officials who and breadth of the country on activist Swami Agnivesh are on torture) in the court. The court Likewise, the so-called Belgaum stage-manage these arrests spurious and dubious charges. It the advisory board. Ms. Manisha acquitted them for prosecution’s conspiracy case was built up (with media hype) also comes is time to ask if the civil society Sethi, journalist Ajit Sahi and failure to present the witnesses. against 11 persons, in which out clearly. in India is really awake. n Monica Sakhrani are on the The pressure cooker bomb case editorial panel of the Foundation. too was vacated as there were contradictions between the ATS Social Audit and Crime Branch reports. The Foundation has taken up the social audit and scrutiny of all Hubli Case the cases of arrests under all such In Hubli case, seven Muslim draconian laws since 1993 across youth from the Karnataka the country. It examines as to how Institute of Medical Sciences the various laws are used to harass (KIMS), Hubli were arrested certain weaker sections of the on the complaint of the Akhil society, how media reports these Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad cases, and how the administration (ABVP) who witnessed these uses them to create social and students inviting some Hindu communal polarization among students for iftar during the people. It also documents the breaking of the fast in Ramazan. details of the course of court cases They remained in jail for seven viz, the narratives built up by the years merely because the security agencies, the witnesses lawyers from the prosecution that they presented, if they were would absent themselves and secret informers of the agencies, the judges were frequently the veracity of the confessions transferred. One of those in police custody, refusal of detained, Sadiq Sameer had to bail, hearing dates and their approach Supreme Court for postponement, rate of acquittals, bail in this case and was granted and period and nature of sentences. the same in 2011. Eighteen It also goes into the impact of the Muslim students were charged torture and sentence. with having 'jehadi' literature People ISLAMIC VOICE, February 2016 14 Abidali Neemuchwala is the and international journals. new CEO of Wipro, India’s third Senior journalist Naheed Navaid Hamid is New Mushawarat Chief largest software exporter. The 48- Ataulla of The Times of India and New Delhi: Mr. Navaid Hamid has been elected Mohd. Wali Rahmani, Syed Jalaluddin Umri, year old Neemuchwala replaces T. agricultural scientist Ghanikhan as the President of the All India Muslim Majlis Badruddin Ajmal, MP, Mohd. Asrarul Haque K Kurien who has been promoted are among the 20 prominent –e-Mushawarat (AIMMM) for a 2-year term Qasmi, Dr. Syed Farooq, Mr. Masoom Moradabadi, vice chairman of the Wipro group. citizens who were presented the ending on 31 December Mrs. Uzma Naheed, Khawaja Mohammed Shahid, Abidali was so far Chief Operating Lifetime Achievement Award 2017. Out of 147 votes Sirajuddin Qureshi, Mohammad Salim Qasmi, Officer (COO) of the company for by Karnataka Chief Minister polled, Hamid polled Shaikh Manzoor Ahmad, Hafiz Rashhid Ahmad the last nine months. He quit Tata Siddramaiah. Naheed Athaulla is scored 52 votes against Chaudhury. Consultancy Services last year the chief of bureau of the Times of Mr. Manzoor Ahmed In a pressnote, polling officer Abdur Rashid Agwan after serving the company for 23 India. Ghanikhan has developed IPS (Retd.) and Mr. said the Working Committee would appoint other years. several new varieties of paddy and Mohammad Adeeb who office bearers. other crops. Dr. C N Manjunath, respectively received 47 Majlis Mushawarat President Navaid Hamid has Javeed Ahmed, 1984 IPS officer, Director of the Jayadeva Institute and 45 votes. Three votes appointed former MP, Syed was appointed the Director of Technology, Bengaluru is also were declared invalid. Navaid Hamid Shahabuddin as the advisor General of Police in Uttar Pradesh among the awardees. Navaid Hamid is a well known social worker and to the President and Akif on January by activist who will take charge as the 7th president of Ahmed as the Executive the Samajwadi Salma Beg, the woman in hijab, the 50 years old apex body of Indian Muslims. Secretary of the orgnisation. P a r t y has been working as a “gate According to the AIMMM Constitution, the He has inducted Prof. Government. woman” for the last three years president and the newly elected executive Humayun Murad from 55-year old on the level crossing near the committee will jointly appoint other office bearers Aligarh; Abdul Aziz from Ahmed was Malhaur railway station on the shortly. Kolkata, Supreme Court Syed Shahabuddin serving as DG Lucknow-Varanasi section of the The following 20 members were elected as advocate Ejaz Maqbool; of the Railways Northern Railway. The 22-year members of the Markazi Majlis-e-Amla (Central Dr. Aziz Ahmed Qasimi of the Jamiatul Ulema in Lucknow. an MA in History, he old Salma, daughter of a ‘Gate Working Committee) of AIMMM for the term Hind, and Yusuf Habeeb as special invitees for the also served as joint director of the man’, replaced her father who 2016-2017. They comprise: Dr. Zafrul Islam executive of the Majlis, says a press release from Central Bureau of Investigation was sick for some time and was Khan; Mufti Ataur Rahman Qasmi, Ahmed Rashid Mr. Mujtaba Farooque, the secretary general of the during his deputation to the not able to work. Salma received Shervani, Prof. Akhtarul Wasey, Asghar Ali Imam Majlis from Delhi. They will hold the office from Central Government. He is the the training at the Railways prior Mehdi Salfi, Syed Shahabuddin, Mujtaba Farooq, January 2016 till December 2017. second Muslim DGP to serve in to being posted at Malhaur. She the three and half year rule of the puts in 12-hour work from 8 am marks by getting a total 2,400 11 votes respectively. “I’m a very and Assistant General Secretary, Akhilesh Prasad Government. In to 8 pm and takes care of the marks. He dedicated the honour to touched,” Arib said, immediately All India Musim Personal law the year 2000 he was promoted to entire family. She finds the job his country, Pakistan and all those following the acceptance of the Board, died in Hyderabad on the rank of a DIG while in 2005 he challenging as it requires high who embraced martyrdom in the presidency of the House. It will January 14. Qureshi was elected was appointed as an IG. degree of alertness. She would reign of militancy in Swat area. be a President of the House for the President of the Majlis Tamir like to take up a course in teacher’s The name of the Waleed with his everyone, who will work with e Millath, in 1993 after the Jamia Faculty Elected Editor: training and would like to become marks had been displayed on the great conviction and I will act demise of its former President Dr. (Mrs.) Sarwat Ali, Associate a teacher, if possible in future. website by the exam organisers. where necessary,” she added. Arib Sulaiman Sikandar. He was a Professor in the Institute of Moroccan-Dutch Woman praised her fellow candidates for leading activist in Babri Masjid Advanced Studies in Education Samiya Khan, 9-year old student elected Speaker of Holland supporting her during all the Action Committee demanding its (IASE), Jamia Millia Islamia of 4th standard in Singapore Parliament previous rounds. Arib, 55 has restoration and reconstruction. An been a member of Parliament Auditor under the Government, (JMI) has been elected as an was adjudged winner of the Taroudant: Moroccan-Dutch since 1998. With her remarkable he resigned his post and joined Associate Editor in the Journal Hindi Prerna Puraskar in 8-12 Khadija Arib political career, Arib has become the public service on persuasion of Technologies in Education for year category. Samiya is of of the Labour the first Muslim to achieve such from Maulana Khaleelullah Volume 11, Issue 4 in recognition Indian origin and is daughter of Party (PvdA) privileged politic position in the Hussaini, the founder President of her contribution to the Muhammad Shariq Khan and was elected on Netherlands. of the Majlis Tamir e Millath. refereeing process for the Journal. Sheeba Khan. Students from January 13 as the He was an expert in Islamic law. The selected has been made by North Indian states study Hindi as new chairwoman Obituary: Abdur Raheem He leaves behind his widow, the International Advisory Board a second language in state schools (Speaker) of Qureshi five sons and six daughters. He and the Managing Editor of the in Singapore. the House of Hyderabad: Mr. Abdur Raheem was laid to rest in the Nizam Journal. She has also published Representatives. She will preside Waleed Khan, a student from Qureshi, President, All India Shahi graveyard in Afzalganj in several papers in various national over the House for 15 month till Swat region of Pakistan has Majlis Tamir e Millath, Hyderabad Hyderabad. n broken the 150 year-old record March 2017 when next elections by securing 2,400 marks in the are due in Holland. Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) After four rounds of voting, she held in California State of the came out as the winner with 83 United States. A resident of Swat of the 134 valid votes, beating area, Waleed Khan participated Madeleine van Toorenburg of the in SAT – a mandatory exam for Christian Democratic Appeal and getting admission in college in Martin Bosma of the Party for the US - and scored cent per cent Freedom, who obtained 32 and People ISLAMIC VOICE, February 2016 15 Jackie Yi-Ru Ying and Omar Indian-Origin Muslim Cleric gets Honorary Doctorate MwannesYaghi Win Mustafa Prize London: An Indian-origin Muslim cleric has been Raza was quoted as saying. "For this reason, I awarded an honorary doctorate by University reflect on this award fondly and I hope itwill Iran has announced the recipients (a) Life Science and Medical of Leicester in Britain in recognition of his further inspire the young Muslims of Leicester," he of the inaugural Mustafa Prize. In Sciences; (b) The Information commendable work for the local community. added. In Leicester, Raza has established a tradition the field of Nano-biotechnology and Communication Science and Muhammad Shahid Raza, head Imam at the of inter-faith dialogue by welcoming to the centre sciences, it is awarded to Jackie Yi- Technologies; (c) Nano Science Leicester Central Mosque, received the many groups and individuals from Ru Ying from Singapore and to Omar and Nanotechnologies; and (d) honorary degree from the University different faith communities. Raza MwannesYaghi from Jordan for Top Scientific Achievement in chancellor Lord Grocott at a ceremony also helped form the Federation of other fields. The laureates in at De Montfort Hall before a global Mosques in the city and is currently the each section will be awarded audience of graduating students and executive secretary and registrar of The US$500,000 and will be adorned their families,www.leicestermercury. Muslim Law (Sharia) Council UK. He with a special medal and certificate. co.uk reported. was awarded an Order of the British Jackie Yi-Ru Ying was born in Raza was born in Bihar and studied Empire (OBE) in the 2008 New Year's Taipei in 1966. She first moved in Moradabad, Agra and Meerut Honours list for services to the Muslim to Singapore with her family in before moving to Britain. He became community in Leicester. "Raza has been 1973 and then to New York at the head Imam at the Islamic Centre in a hugely influential figure in our city age of 15. She obtained her PhD Leicester in 1978. Raza has spent his life working and county as a leading Muslim cleric and teacher in Chemical Engineering from the with Muslim community groups and on intra-faith over a period of 40 years. In terms of Interfaith Princeton University in 1991. She relations, both nationally and internationally. "I dialogue over that period, again his influence has served as a professor of Chemical have always strived to instill in my students a desire been profound," Stephen Foster, coordinating Engineering at the Massachusetts to achieve academically, and integrate themselves chaplain to the university, was quoted as saying. Institute of Technology (MIT), as valuable members and contributors to society,” (Source: www.twocircles.net) before returning to Singapore in 2003. She is currently the Executive Director of the Meet for Muslim Startups Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, Singapore, and Pune: The Indian Muslim Entrepreneurs Network Those desirous of participation can register at an Adjunct Professor of Chemical (IMEN) will hold its first conference on February https://www.townscript.com/e/imen. Phone: +91- Engineering at MIT. Ying’s 7 at Sun N Sand Hotel between 8-30 am and 5 pm. 955-286-3469 / +91-989-082-6344 / +91-989- n research is interdisciplinary in According to Tauseef Malik, the conference aims at 022-7354 nature, with a theme in the synthesis fostering the entrepreneurial spirit among of advanced nanostructured the Indian Muslims in order to contribute materials for catalytic and to the national economy. Malik who is the Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. biomaterial applications. Omar initiator of the Muslim Spelling Bee in the The Mustafa Prize established MwannesYaghi was born in 1965 United States under the TMA Worldwide, told by Iran is to recognize leading in Jordan and moved to USA at the Islamic Voice from Pune, the theme of the researchers and scientists of the age of 15. Now, he is a Professor of conference is ‘Be an Entrepreneur, Be a Value Organization of Islamic Cooperation Chemistry and Biochemistry at the Creator’. There will be panel discussions on (OIC) member states, as well as University of California, Berkeley, ‘Networking for business enhancement’, Muslim researchers from around USA. The prize committee stated ‘Role of Women in Business and community, the world. Presented biennially that ‘Omar Yaghi has made and ‘Startups and Innovation’. The IMEN is a by the Iranian government, the seminal contributions in the field joint initiative by Anees Kutty, Tauseef Malik Mustafa Prize aims to encourage of metal organic frameworks and A Ghaffar Khan. Anees Kutty had been education and research by playing (MOFs). MOFs possess a wide training youth for National Defence Academy a pioneering role in developing array of potential applications (NDA) and concentrating on removing maths- regional relations between science including materials for gas phobia. His efforts have resulted in 350 youth and technology institutions working storage, gas/vapour separation, being successful in joining the NDA. Ghaffar in the OIC member countries. The catalysis, luminescence, and drug Khan is the founder of Uniquee Foundation fields covered by the Prize are: delivery. n and works with a leading research agency. ISLAMIC VOICE, February 2016 BOOK REVIEW 16 Tracing Roots of Global Environmental Devastation

created. “Living our vocation to conscious in our consumption Laudato Si’—On Care for Our Common Home be protectors of God’s handiwork choices, we as individuals can is essential to a life of virtue,” make other changes, reflected in By: Pope Francis Pope Francis explains. what Pope Francis calls “little Published by: Claretian Publications, Bangalore daily actions”, so as to make less Living with Little demands on the environment. He Year: 2015 While Pope Francis stresses the suggests, for instance, avoiding the Pages: 183 need for changes in terms of use of plastic, separating refuse, laws and policies at the level of cooking only what can reasonably governments in order to respond be consumed, using public Reviewed by Roshan Shah Replacing God With Our Own to the ecological crisis, the crisis, transport, car-pooling, switching Ego he tells us, cannot be adequately off unnecessary lights, and so Ecological devastation is today a Pope Francis provides a succinct met without each one of us doing on. “We must not think that these truly global issue, one that affects analysis of the roots of the what we as individuals need to efforts are not going to change the every living being on this planet, global ecological crisis, locating leads to environmental disaster in this regard. Environmental world,” he says. “They benefit our common home. Uncontrolled its roots in a worldview that because each thing produced and degradation challenges us to society, often unbeknown to us, for pillage of the earth’s treasures is regards the purpose of life in consumed is a depletion of the examine our own lifestyles, he they call forth a goodness which, provoking havoc, Pope Francis, purely materialistic terms. This earth’s treasures. Obsession with says. He writes that there is a albeit unseen, inevitably tends to head of the Catholic Church, is reflected in economic systems a lifestyle based on consumerism “great need for a sense of social spread.” Further, he tells us, “such reminds us in this ‘encyclical that are driven by the desire can only lead to violence and responsibility on the part of actions can restore our sense of letter’ (letter sent out by the Pope consumers”, reminding us, in the self-esteem; they can enable us to concerning Catholic doctrine), words of Pope Benedict XVI, that live more fully and to feel that life recently published as a book, as he “purchasing is always a moral— on earth is worthwhile.” urges us to transform our lifestyles Environmental degradation challenges us to examine and not simply economic—act”. This book provides both a brilliant in a more ecologically-caring our own lifestyles, he says. He writes that there is a He highlights a spirituality that analysis of the roots of the global direction. “great need for a sense of social responsibility on “proposes a growth marked by environmental devastation that

the part of consumers”, reminding us, in the words moderation and the capacity we are today faced with and a Irresponsible Lifestyles of Pope Benedict XVI, that “purchasing is always a to be happy with little.” Even brilliant response to it. Addressed Laudato Si’ mi’ Signore (which living with little, he reminds us, to all people, and not just to translates as ‘Praise be to you, my moral, and not simply an economic act”. one can “live on a lot” when we Catholics alone, in a spirit of Lord’) is, Pope Francis writes, a for economic gain with little mutual destruction, Pope Francis cultivate other pleasures and find dialogue, it is a truly universal ‘canticle’ or song by the celebrated or no concern for the social stresses. “In the end, a world of satisfaction in serving others, message about a truly universal Christian saint Francis of Assisi and ecological implications of exacerbated consumption is at developing our gifts, communing issue from someone who has (1182-1226) that “reminds us that production and consumption the same time a world which with nature and being in prayer. come to be seen the world over as our common home is like a sister choices. In this regard, Pope mistreats life in all its forms,” he Besides being more ecologically- a truly remarkable person. n with whom we share our life and Francis tells us that when we says, calling on us to recognize a beautiful mother who opens her forget that this world is not ours, that endless consumption and arms to receive us.” This ‘sister’— but, instead, belongs to God, we accumulation of material things the earth—Pope Francis writes, play havoc with it. And that lies will not give us the happiness that “now cries out to us because of behind the contemporary global we seek. the harm we have inflicted on ecological devastation. “Once we her by our irresponsible use and lose our humility, and become We Are Not the Owners of the Earth The challenge that the earth is A worldview that has no room for God, being purely faced with requires nothing less than a change in our worldview materialistic, is thus a sure recipe for mindless and understanding of the purpose hedonism that leads to environmental disaster of life on earth, which, in turn, because each thing produced and consumed is a must be reflected in changes in depletion of the earth’s treasures. Obsession with production and consumption a lifestyle based on consumerism can only lead to practices. As Pope Francis very violence and mutual destruction. rightly indicates, the issue is, at root, a spiritual one. We need to abuse of the goods with which enthralled with the possibility of remind ourselves that we are not God has endowed her. We have limitless mastery over everything, the owners of this earth; that the come to see ourselves as her lords we inevitably end up harming earth belongs to God; that human and masters, entitled to plunder society and the environment,” beings have been appointed, not her at will. The violence present he says. It is not easy to promote to do what they please with God’s in our hearts wounded by sin, is this kind of humility, he explains, earth and the things and beings also reflected in symptoms of “when we exclude God from our that it contains, but to administer sickness evident in the soil, in lives”, or when we replace God them as God wishes us to; that the water, in the air, and in all with our own ego. He quotes his there are beings other than man forms of life.” This is why, he predecessor Pope Benedict XVI who share this common home and says, “the earth herself, burdened as saying that creation is harmed whose needs and rights have to be and laid waste, is among the most when humans begin to think respected; and that human beings, abandoned and maltreated of our that “we ourselves have the final other life forms as well as nature poor”. “We have forgotten”, he world”, consider everything as are all deeply interconnected and tells us, “that we ourselves are “simply our property” and “use it that, therefore, human beings dust of the earth” and that “our for ourselves alone”. need to care for other created very bodies are made up of her A worldview that has no things, sentient as well as others. elements, we breathe her air and room for God, being purely Being aware of all of this is a we receive life and refreshment materialistic, is thus a sure recipe must for an adequate response to from her waters.” for mindless hedonism that the ecological mess that we have ISLAMIC VOICE, February 2016 BOOK REVIEW 17 Being Productive, Happy and Socially Useful Muslims

Sheima Sumer’s book is a ray of light well. While turning to God in and hope. Sumer reminds us that our all situations is the ideal way to How To Be A Happy Muslim Insha Allah understanding of faith should be a source of handle life, one additional thing I achieving felicity and joy, paving the way for learnt from this book is that your By Sheima Salam Sumer happy individuals and happy societies, and a journey to become happy will go Published by: FB Publishing back and forth. You will feel like happy humanity at large. you have improved or progressed, 647 Camino De Los Mares San Clemente CA 92673 Reviewed by Nigar Ataulla that this book will indicate how and then you will feel like you meaningful understandings of have regressed or gone backward. Price: Not mentioned This is very normal. Going back How To Be a Happy Muslim Islamic teachings can help people and forth is part of the journey to Insha’Allah is a book by trained feel positive and joyous and becoming the best “you” possible. short and comprehensive guide, living in an unhappy atmosphere counselor Sheima Salam Sumer become more productive, happy Acceptance of the ups and downs presented in an easy to read of violence, hatred, pain and which intends to guide you in and socially- useful persons. in life while maintaining faith and personal way. It is designed suffering and find themselves achieving inner peace and joy and trust in God is a sure way to provide encouragement to confused and clueless about the by combining Islamic teachings Negative Judgment About towards joy. And the more joyful Muslims who wish to improve road ahead. In this dark hour, with mental and physical health Others you are, the more joy you are able their outlook and approach to Sumer’s book is a ray of light concepts. This book will empower I believe that spiritual counseling is of utmost importance. to spread around you, helping to life on positive lines. People and hope. Sumer reminds us that you to feel content and in control caught up in demanding jobs, our understanding of faith should of your emotions, no matter what consumerism and other trappings be a source of achieving felicity is happening in your life, and to of contemporary society will and joy, paving the way for happy be able to cope with and solve any Going back and forth is part of the journey to benefit from the author’s advice. individuals and happy societies, problems that you face. It seeks to becoming the best “you” possible. Acceptance of the and a happy humanity at large. help you to think and feel positive Muslims Living in an Unhappy She has succeeded in creating across situations and to be in a ups and downs in life while maintaining faith and trust in God is a sure way towards joy. Atmosphere a step-by step guide that shows constant state of gratitude to God. That religious faith and practice how the practical application Sumer earned her Master’s degree kindle the same in others, too. should help us become peaceful of timeless and sacred Islamic in Counselor Education from the Sometimes, when people tell This book has reached far and and happy, among other teachings, properly understood, University of South Carolina me their stories of life, they wide and has won considerable things, and that happiness is an coupled with modern health ideas in 2007. She has worked as a make negative judgments about acclaim. It draws on the Quran important aspect of our spiritual and techniques of counseling can professional counselor in a variety others and blame them for their and Sunnah, resources from (in additional to our emotional form ingredients of how to be a of settings. She published her first conditions. I have been often psychology, health and nutrition, and physical) health is presented happy Muslim. book in 2012, titled: “The Basic wanted to tell them: “Turn to and personal stories to provide wonderfully in this book from This book is a valuable reminder Values of Islam: Alphabetically God, He alone can solve our readers with clear, practical tools an Islamic perspective. Sumer that happiness is important and Listed with Islamic References”. issues and problems”. But one to make positive improvements is candid in her use of personal worth striving for, and that it is Her second book, “How To Be needs to understand that people in their attitude and behaviour stories to highlight how she has attainable, regardless of outside a Happy Muslim Insha Allah”, come with the baggage of their so as to become more happy applied these principles in her circumstances, as long as one is reflects her journey on how to past and their worries about the and contented. God wants us to own life. willing to put forth conscious and feel good and happy within while present and the future and they need to be, first of all, understood be happy, it reminds us. It is a While the world is witnessing consistent efforts. “How to Be a being true to Islam. She hopes unprecedented scientific Happy Muslim” is worth reading advancement and material and again and again. “Celebrate Differences, Don't Eliminate Them”: technological growth, many For more insight into the book Muslim societies are engulfed you can email at howtobeahappy- Tabish Khair in flames of war, terrorism, [email protected] and check "The New Xenophobia" dwells on how people constantly destruction, senseless killings and out the website: www.howtobea- sectarian strife. Many Muslims are happymuslim.com) n create "the stranger" to gain more power over them. By Mohd Asim Khan a matter of power, a relationship Ikhlas Welfare Society Releases of power," Khair observed in an The moment we try to erase interview with IANS. discrimination due to his skin “Aayeena-e-Madaris” differences instead of accepting Hailing from Gaya in Bihar, colour or a Muslim sounding Srinagar: The Ikhlas them, it creates problems. This Khair, an alumnus of Magadh name? Welfare Society based is because human beings are University, worked as a reporter "Well, I did face some in Tral, Pulwama programmed to differ and no two with The Times of India in Delhi discrimination, but it is not district in Kashmir persons can be the same, said before leaving for Copenhagen, something major or worth released the book, noted Denmark-based Indian Denmark. After a couple of mentioning. Why I am largely “Aayeena-e-Madaris” writer Tabish Khair, whose latest years in "immigrant jobs" (hotel insulated is perhaps because I on 31st December book, "The New Xenophobia", cleaner, house painter, census come from the so-called privileged 2015 at Tagore Hall has just been released. taker and the like, he enrolled background in the way that I am Srinagar. Dr.Gh. Qadir Allaqaband, An associate professor in the for a doctorate in Copenhagen educated and my circle largely ex-Principal Govt Medical encyclopedia of Darul Ulooms English department at Denmark's University, and completed his consists of educated and well- College, Srinagar was the chief of Jammu and Kashmir. Under University of Aarhus, Khair thesis in 2000. It was published informed people," said Khair. guest. The programme was also the intellectual guidance of has penned several books in the as "Babu Fictions" by Oxford Khair's honours and prizes attended by Sheikhul Hadees Islamic scholar Maulana Kaleem fiction and non-fiction categories, University Press in 2001. include the All India Poetry Prize and Grand Mufti of Darul Uloom Siddique, Dr Nisar travelled including "Babu Fictions: As a first generation migrant, (awarded by the Poetry Society Raheemiyah Bandipora, Maulana 22,000 kms throughout Jammu Khair said he is concerned that Alienation in Indian English and the British Council) and an Nazeer Qasmi, Prof. Mohammad & Kashmir from 2011 to 2015 Novels", "The Bus Stopped" and his children may also face the honorary fellowship (for creative Ashraf Wani, Dean, Academics, to compile this book. For "Filming: A Love Story". "otherness" if these issues are writing) of Hong Kong's Baptist University of Kashmir and Z.G more details, contact Dr Nisar "The New Xenophobia" dwells not addressed. "Part of the reason University. Muhammad, writer and columnist, Ahmad Bhat Trali, chairman and on how people constantly create I came up with this study is that His novels have been shortlisted Greater Kashmir. Compiled by Dr. founder, Ikhlas Welfare Society, "the stranger" to gain more power being an immigrant myself in for nine prestigious prizes in five Nisar Ahmad Bhat Trali, chairman Tral, District Pulwama, Pin over them. "The construction Denmark, I am concerned about countries, including the Man Ikhlas Welfare Society, the book is 192123, Kashmir (J&K). Mobile and reception of the stranger of my children's future," he said. Asian Literary. in two volumes comprising 1520 :9419079242. E-mail: drnisar@ xenophobia, old or new, is always Did he himself face any (Extracted from twocircles.net) pages, and is a comprehensive ikhlaswelfare.com ISLAMIC VOICE, February 2016 18 In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful Quran: A Healing and Blessing to True

We bestow of the Qur'an from on high Believers what serves as a healing and a blessing that is bestowed on believers. to true believers, while it only adds to the ruin of the evildoers. Yet when We Cure for Social Ailments bestow Our blessings on man, he turns There is also in the Qur'an a cure for social ailments that weaken the his back and draws arrogantly aside, structure of society and destroy and when he is afflicted by evil he gives its peace and security. Under the himself up to despair. Say, "Everyone social system established by the Qur'an, society enjoys perfect them. On the other hand, when acts according to his own disposition. justice in peace and security. This losers. In the life to come, they people are afflicted by difficulty Your Lord is fully aware as to who has is again a further aspect of grace suffer for their arrogant disbelief and hardship, they are easily lost chosen the best path:" bestowed through the Qur'an. and tyranny, and thus they lose in despair unless they trust in God and hope to receive His grace. It (Surah Al-Israa: 82-84) However, the Qur'an only adds again. Hence the Qur'an adds to to the ruin of the evildoers. [Al- their ruin. is when one truly relies on God Israa':82]. They make no use When man is left to his own devices, that one feels that hardship will of the cure it provides or the without the cure and blessing of give way to what is better. This blessings it brings about. They the Qur'an, and without consistent makes it clear that faith ensures There is certainly a cure and a it a sound approach that ensures look with dismay at the believers restraint of his whims and desires, God's grace in situations of ease blessing for those whose hearts are good and useful results. The same as they feel proud to be among the he moves between two extremes: and difficulty alike. full of faith. Such hearts brighten principle applies to the human followers of the Qur'an. when he enjoys good fortune, he The verses then states that up and become ready to receive body, ensuring that its resources In their stubborn arrogance, the is arrogant and ungrateful, and everyone acts according to the what the Qur'an imparts of grace, are utilized for what is useful and evildoers persist with their corrupt when he experiences hardship he path they follow. The final verdict reassurance, and security. There is given to despair. on methods and actions is left to is in the Qur'an a healing power Yet when We bestow Our God alone: that cures obsession, anxiety, and blessings on man, he turns his Say: Everyone acts according to hesitation. It establishes a bond When people are afflicted by difficulty and hardship, back and draws arrogantly aside, his own disposition. Your Lord is between believers' hearts and God. they are easily lost in despair unless they trust in God and when he is afflicted by evil he fully aware as to who has chosen This bond imparts inner peace and hope to receive His grace. It is when one truly gives himself up to despair. [Al- the best path [Al-Israa': 84]. to believers as they experience relies on God that one feels that hardship will give Israa':83]. In this statement we have an a feeling of security in God's way to what is better. implicit warning as to the results protection. They are happy and Easily Lost in Despair of approaches and deeds. Hence, satisfied with what they receive Blessings and good fortune lead to everyone needs to heed the from God and contented with their fruitful. Thus it ensures a healthy and unjust methods. Yet in this life, arrogance unless one remembers warnings and strive to follow the lot in life. body. In this again we see that the they are defeated by the followers where they come from and give path of divine guidance which is Anxiety, hesitation, and obsession Qur'an is a means of God's grace of the Qur'an, which makes them thanks to God who bestowed available to all. n are all terrible to experience. As the Qur'an dispels all these, it is The 2016 United Nations World The 2016 UN WIHW is Coming! indeed a blessing for true believers. Interfaith Harmony Week is In the Qur'an, we have a cure from coming and you can be one week of February, every year, will 1. Submit supporting materials (20 Sa'ed Bino Road, Dabuq, greed, envy, and evil thoughts. All of the winners of the annual be observed as a World Interfaith by 6 March 2016 PO BOX 950361 these cause sickness of the heart prizes and awards that are worth Harmony Week. 2. Notification of awards will Amman 11195, JORDAN, 00 and mind, leading to debility and over $50,000. A prize will be The. King Abdullah II ibn Al- be given in March 2016 962 6 5341168 utter ruin. As the Qur'an cures given to each of the three best Hussein Prizes for the World 3. Prize-giving Ceremony will www.rissc.jooutreach@rissc. these, it is a tool of grace bestowed events or texts organized during Interfaith be held in April 2016 jo) by God on those who truly believe the UN WIHW (first week of will be awarded to those events in Him. The Qur'an also provides February) which best promote or texts that are judged to a cure from deviant thoughts and the goals of the WIHW (World have been most successful in feelings. It protects the mind from Interfaith Harmony Week). promoting interfaith harmony, going far astray, while allowing The World Interfaith Harmony and impacting religious it complete freedom within its Week was first proposed at understanding. To be considered fruitful pursuits. It stops the mind the United Nations General for the prize, entries must register from wasting its energy over what Assembly on September 23, their event on the sitewww. is devoid of use. It lays down for 2010 by H.M. King Abdullah worldinterfaithharmonyweek. II of Jordan. Just under a month com and submit the ffollowing after Dear Readers later, on October 20, 2010, it the event: Register online at www. was unanimously adopted by worldinterfaithharmonyweek. We wish to inform the UN and henceforth the first com you that Islamic Voice takes no responsibility for the validity of the commercial or matrimonial advertisements which are published in the paper. The information and content in the advertisements has to be verified by the readers themselves if they are using the products and the services. - Editor Follow-up ISLAMIC VOICE, February 2016 19 Keeping Belief During Tough Times It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may him, and it is contrary to seeking is looking at the divine decree in Allah (Alone) let believers put the help of Allah. and bearing it in mind, for if it their trust. (Qur’an, 3:160) Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet The one who strives for that was decreed for him, it would A strong faith can keep you (Pbuh) said: “The strong believer is better which will benefit him and seeks never have missed him and no focused on the fact that Allah and more beloved to Allah than the weak the help of Allah is the opposite one could have prevented him alone ultimately controls all of the one who feels helpless, so from attaining it. Hence he said: destinies and has power over all believer, although both are good. Strive to this is telling him, before what “If anything befalls you, do not things. Remembering that fact do that which will benefit you and seek the has been decreed happens, of say ‘If only I had done (such and alone at the moment of affliction that which is one of the greatest such), the such and such would can help you in conquering help of Allah, and do not feel helpless. If means of attaining it, which is have happened,’ rather say: the pain and provide you hope anything befalls you, do not say ‘If only I and the energy to keep moving had done (such and such), the such and such forward. would have happened,’ rather say: ‘Allah Believe in the Divine Decree has decreed and what He wills He does,’ for When facing difficulties, our weak faith can sometimes drive ‘if only’ opens the door to the work of the us to question the fairness of it satan.” (Muslim, 2664). all. In this context, we should remind ourselves that believing in Al-Qadr (Allah’s divine will In hardships and calamities, it is have been closed, as true believers and decree) is one of the pillars natural to get swept away by the we should never let feelings A strong faith can keep you focused on the fact that of Islamic faith. As the Prophet affliction of the moment. During of helplessness succumb us. Allah alone ultimately controls all destinies and has said, it means belief in Allah, such trials of faith, unless we are Consider the following Hadith of power over all things. Remembering that fact alone at His Angels, His revealed holy careful, Satan can inject fear and the Prophet (peace be upon him) Books (Qur’an, Bible, Torah, plant doubts in our hearts and and ibn Al-Qayyim’s commentary the moment of affliction can help you in conquering Zabur), His Messengers, Day minds. on that Hadith: the pain and provide you hope and the energy to keep of Judgment and to believe in Al- Our beliefs in such vulnerable It was narrated from Abu moving forward. Qadar (the divine decree) both states may become overpowered Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased good and bad. by feelings of the moment resulting with him) that the Prophet (peace striving for it whilst seeking the ‘Allah has decreed and what He As part of that belief, we should, in the dwindling of our faith. Some and blessings of Allah be upon help of the One in Whose hand is wills He does,’” and he taught therefore, recognize that Allah of us start questioning the fairness him) said: “The strong believer is control of all things, from Whom him that which will benefit him does what He wills for reasons and wisdom underlying such divine better and more beloved to Allah they come and to Whom they will in either case, whether he gets that are only known to Him. decisions, while others get mired than the weak believer, although return. what he wanted or not. Any attempt to comprehend the in a blame game. All in all, we may both are good. Strive to do that If he does not attain what was wisdom of it all using our limited find ourselves lost, helpless, and which will benefit you and seek not decreed for him, then he Revive your faith faculties, or to understand how stalled finding it difficult to gather the help of Allah, and do not feel may feel either of two things: As mentioned in the Hadith our current situation fits in His ourselves and move forward. helpless. If anything befalls you, Helplessness, which opens the above, a strong faith can help overall plan can only lead us to For such situations specifically and do not say ‘If only I had done door to the work of the Satan, us to hold our heads high. When erroneous conclusions resulting others in general, Islam teaches us (such and such), the such and such so his sense of helplessness faith seems to be dwindling, we in increased frustrations. to stay in control by hanging on to would have happened,’ rather say: leads him to say “if only,” but should get back to Quran and We, as Muslims, should accept the Mercy and Grace of Allah. We ‘Allah has decreed and what He there is nothing good in saying remind ourselves that only Allah Allah’s Decree both as it pray that Allah keeps us safe from wills He does,’ for ‘if only’ opens “if only” in this case, rather that can let us out of our ordeal and manifests itself around us and in the challenges and trials of life, but the door to the work of the satan.” opens the door to blame, panic, problems. You must, therefore, our lives. It should be a relief to as Muslims we should know and (Muslim, 2664). discontentment, regret and grief, keep that faith and not let us that only Allah is the master understand Quran’s message and Ibn al-Qayyim said: This Hadith all of which are the work of the Satan instill thoughts that could of our destiny and we are only the prophet’s guidance for handling includes several important Satan. weaken your faith. Allah says in going to be tested about whether tough moments in life. principles of faith, including the The Prophet (Pbuh) forbade us the Quran: If Allah helps you, we reacted to what befalls as following: “Do not feel helpless”: to open the door to satan’s works none can overcome you; and if true believers by being patient Do Not Feel Helpless Feeling helpless is contrary to in this manner, and told us to He forsakes you, who is there in adversity and grateful in Even when all doors appear to striving for that which will benefit adopt the second option, which after Him that can help you? And prosperity. n INTER-FAITH HARMONY Interior Experience of God which cites a ninth century Sufi sustaining ongoing inter-religious own religious traditions," Prof Dialogue among religions is not only possible Muslim poet Ali al-Khawas while dialogue. Prof. Irfan shared with Irfan noted. emphasizing the presence of God the audience a photo of Pope John Drawing on his teaching and important, but also an essential part of in this world. Ali al-Khawas Paul II kissing the holy Qur’an. experience at his university, faith formation in the Global village" was at stressed an intimate connection "It is a great statement without the professor affirmed that we the heart of Prof. Irfan’s presentation. (or closeness) between ‘every words"' he noted. He further flourish when we work together. creature of the world and the added: “The action of kissing the Isolation is a fertile field for interior experience of God’. holy of book of another religion prejudices, while engagement By Midhun J F Kochukallan SJ Marquette University, Wisconsin, Pope Francis cited him directly: does not diminish his holiness. with one another will bring people USA. "Dialogue among religions “The initiate will capture what is Instead, it increases his credibility together. Prof Irfan mentioned The Delhi-based Islamic Studies is not only possible and important, being said when the wind blows, as a religious head and a holy a few organisations with whom Association, a group of Catholics but also an essential part of faith the trees sway, water flows, flies person.” he works for interfaith learning engaged in the study of Islam and formation in the Global village" buzz, doors creak, birds sing, or Both Pope Francis quoting a and cooperation. He emphasized dialogue with Muslims, recently was at the heart of Prof. Irfan’s in the sound of strings or flutes, Muslim saint and Pope John Paul that these initiatives help address organised a lecture on “Christian presentation. the sighs of the sick, the groans II kissing the Qur'an are solid bigotry. Muslim Relations in the US— Prof. Irfan began his lecture of the afflicted.” sources of inspiration that can (Midhun J F Kochukallan is Some Recent Developments” by quoting a recent essay that referred We need to make Pope Francis’ build and sustain dialogue. "We a Jesuit student at Vidyajyoti Prof. Irfan A. Omar, Associate to Pope Francis' encyclical words a strong foundation for need to recognize that such life College of Theology, a leading Professor of Theology at Laudato Si (“Be Praised”), building up of platforms for giving sources are there in our Catholic centre based in Delhi) ISLAMIC VOICE, February 2016 Living islam 20 Materialism and Spirituality Spirituality, or rabbaniyat is the elevation of man to a plane where the they would quickly forget about to that which one experiences what one learns from deprivation. mind is focused on the higher, non- material pleasures which are while travelling in a luxurious Tears of pain hold greater lessons material realities of a godly existence. transient, whereas the spiritual automobile. than laughter. kind may be savoured eternally. A materially-minded person finds The greatest source of pleasure is in The taste of good food is enjoyable, pleasure only in something which the remembrance of God. It is this By Maulana Wahiduddin they convey, lives in a more but it is only when the experience he or she actually experiences. The reality which finds expression in Khan rarefied sphere. For him there is of eating results in an outpouring spiritual person will thank God the following verse of the Quran: little attraction in the world of of thanksgiving to God that we even at the sight of another person’s Spirituality, or rabbaniyat is superficiality, being object. Rather, he Only in the remembrance of the elevation of man to a plane engrossed as he is in transforms his friend’s God are hearts comforted. where the mind is focused on the the higher realities of a material pleasure into (Quran: 13: 28) higher, non-material realities of supremely spiritual life. spiritual pleasure for Comfort here implies peace of a godly existence. Its opposite is A truly non-material himself. A materially- mind that stems only from God, materialism, a course followed all person’s soul exists minded person only and not merely temporary solace. too often in this world. at a profound level of sees the creation, Man is an idealist by nature. To put it another way, he who spirituality. This is the while a spiritually- Anything short of ideals only focuses on mere appearances is unadulterated truth. inclined person sees attracts fitful attention. Existing material-minded. And the one Those who live for the splendor of the only at the materialistic level is who rises above it is spiritual. He worldly pleasures Creator through the like descending into animalism. obeys the injunction of the Quran: believe that gratification creation. It is obvious Materialism is, in other words, a Be devoted servants of God. cannot be had except through the attain complete pleasure. that the spiritual riches accruing form of shallowness. A real man (Quran: 3: 79). enjoyment of material goods. But A car ride can be exhilarating, from the discovery of the Creator is one who discovers the secret of To understand what constitutes this kind of thinking is the result but the pleasure that comes from cannot be gained through objects spirituality. materialism, imagine yourself of sheer ignorance. Having only a deep perception of reality—on he created. If in materialism there is pleasure looking at a palatial house or an experienced worldly pleasures, sensing the indescribably unique Furthermore, in the spiritual of laughter, in spirituality there attractive car and being overcome these people come to believe power of God as manifested in world, there is no great difference is greater and lasting pleasure. by the desire to possess it. A that every kind of enjoyment cars, aero planes and all the other between comfort and deprivation. If materialism is to live a life of person who is unmoved by these depends on it alone. If they were modern amenities created for What one gains from material limitations, spirituality is to live objects and the notions of luxury to experience spiritual pleasure man’s comfort—is far superior experiences is of lesser value than in boundless freedom. n

opinion Does the Qur'an Deny the Truth of Other Religions? The acceptance of Islam must be an act power and privilege to religious to as "muslim," and not only the peoples" and exemption from of free will. Conversion by any kind of authorities and the proliferation followers of these religions, but military service in exchange for a coercion was universally condemned by of legal prescriptions leading also the circling stars and all of small tax (jizya). to an oppressive and complex nature are described as "muslim" We can still read today a copy Islamic scholars. religious law. Consider, for (note the lower case "m")! of a letter written by Prophet instance, this: Say: "Have you Greater freedom under Islamic Muhammad (Pbuh) to the By Kabir Helminski as a whitewash of history, as well ever considered all the means rule Monastery of Saint Catherine as an unrealistic and problematic of sustenance which God has True Islam cannot be spread by in the Sinai Desert of Egypt, A kind Rabbi, interested in undertaking. What I hope to bestowed upon you from on high force or coercion. While it is granting protection and privilege building bridges between Islam show, however, is the beneficence - and which you thereupon divide true that during the early period to this monastic community even and Judaism, recently wrote to and justice coherently expressed into 'things forbidden' (haram) of its expansion its adherents while monasticism was not a part me and suggested that I would in the Qur'an, and to make the and 'things lawful' (halal)?" Say: established an empire and of Islamic practice. be destroying my credibility by case that these Qur'anic values "Has God given you permission civilization that stretched from "trying to whitewash Islam." I can contribute to social justice - or do you, perchance, attribute Spain, North Africa, the Middle Status of "protected peoples" thanked him for taking the time to and harmony among human your own guesswork to God?" East, and all the way to India, The acceptance of Islam must be write and for offering his opinion. communities. But what will they think - they Islamic Law also granted self- an act of free will. Conversion I get where he's coming from, and who attribute their own lying determination to Christians, by any kind of coercion was it will be helpful as I go forward Islamic Ecumenicism inventions to God -on the Day Jews, and other religions. The universally condemned by to keep his critique in mind. I Of all the distortions and of Resurrection? Behold, God is establishment of Islamic rule Islamic scholars. Obviously, a have no intention of ignoring the misconceptions about Islam, one indeed limitless in His bounty was not synonymous with the coerced conversion would have abuses and crimes done in the of the most important to dispel is unto human beings - but most imposition of the Islamic religion little value to the converted and name of Islam, but neither is it my the idea that Islam claims to be of them are ungrateful. (Quran: on the people within its domain. no value in the eyes of God. intention to concentrate on those the one true religion and rejects 10:59) Many Christian sects, for instance, (www.huffingtonpost.com/kabir- distortions. the truth of other religions. The Islamophobes and narrow- received greater freedom under helminski) My purpose here is to make the Qur'an bears witness to a history minded Muslims may both Islamic rule than they had known (Kabir Helminski is co-founder case that intrinsic Qur'anic values of prophetic revelations that quote a verse that says "The under Byzantine Christian rule. and co-director of the Threshold are not some barbaric medieval have come to humanity, bringing only religion in the sight of God These non-Muslim communities Society, an educator and retreat system of dogma and rigid essentially the same truth: the is Islam" (Qur'an 3:19). What received the status of "protected leader, based in California) rules, but that these values are beneficence of God. What the is overlooked, however, is that fundamentally harmonious with Qur'an does claim is this: it the word Islam here applies to the best of Western Civilization. confirms what still remains of the a relationship with the Divine, Some may disagree that the truth of other religions and offers "submission" or "consent," Qur'an could ever be the basis a critique of how the original not a religion as is commonly for such humane and uplifting message of these Prophets has, to understood. At the time this values, but I feel it is important some extent, been distorted and verse was revealed the practice for people to hear what the Qur'an corrupted by human beings. and beliefs of the community has to say about the fundamental The two most significant ways of Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) issues. If someone were to be so that the original "Message" is were very rudimentary -- a ambitious as to write a series on distorted, according to many simple Abrahamic monotheism. the "Highest Values of Western examples in the Qur'an, is Furthermore, Jews and Christians Civilization," one could also see it through the granting of special of former times were also referred Miscellany ISLAMIC VOICE, February 2016 21 Building Relations with Honesty and Trust Muslims Advance Consensus for Mercy, forgiveness, justice and ihsan are Citizenship for All: core values of Islam and they should be The Marrakesh Declaration brought into the dialogue. By Edwin Rodrigues SJ In early January, the New Delhi-based Interfaith Coalition In January 2016, at the invitation of Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, 250 of the world's for Peace (ICP) organized a lecture by Prof. Ataullah eminent Islamic leaders convened in Marrakesh, Morocco, to discuss the rights of religious Siddiqui of the Markfield Institute of Higher Education, Leicestershire, United Kingdom, on the topic “Christian- minorities and the obligation to protect them in Muslim-majority states. The conference Muslim Relations: Challenges and Prospects”. In his was organized by the Moroccan Ministry of Religious Endowments and Islamic Affairs and hour-long lecture, Prof. Siddiqui stressed that Christian- the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies based in Abu Dhabi. Shaykh Abdullah Muslim dialogue is not only possible, but also essential. He bin Bayyah, the President of the Forum for Promoting Peace and Co-Moderator of Religions touched upon various issues, problems and possibilities in for Peace (RfP), offered the keynote address that set the framework for deliberation among establishing and maintaining such dialogue. He provided the Islamic leaders. Fifty senior leaders from the world's diverse religious traditions other a historical overview of Christian-Muslim relations in the than Islam were invited as observers of the Islamic deliberations. West. When Muslim migrants arrived in Europe after the World War II, many different Churches arranged for the Executive Summary of the Marrakesh Declaration on the crises afflicting humanity underscores the inevitable education and places for worship for their newly-arrived Rights of Religious Minorities in Predominantly Muslim and urgent need for cooperation among all religious neighbors. The Churches mediated between the civil Majority Communities 25th-27th January 2016: groups, we authorities and Muslims in their neighborhoods to help AFFIRM HEREBY that such cooperation must be them. Prof. Siddiqui also said that issues that emerged from WHEREAS, conditions in various parts of the Muslim based on a "Common Word," requiring that such West Asia and local issues between Christians and Muslims World have deteriorated dangerously due to the use cooperation must go beyond mutual tolerance and in shared neighborhoods often impacted negatively on of violence and armed struggle as a tool for settling respect, to providing full protection for the rights and relations between Christians and Muslims in the West. conflicts and imposing one's point of view; liberties to all religious groups in a civilized manner Prof. Siddiqui pointed out that at times, well intended WHEREAS, this situation has also weakened the authority that eschews coercion, bias, and arrogance. approaches for building relations between Christians and of legitimate governments and enabled criminal groups to BASED ON ALL OF THE ABOVE, we hereby: Muslims did not yield expected results. He stressed that issue edicts attributed to Islam, Call upon Muslim scholars and honesty and trust are two essential features of dialogue. He but which, in fact, alarmingly intellectuals around the world to added that we need to bring our core values to the arena distort its fundamental develop a jurisprudence of the of dialogue. He noted that mercy, forgiveness, justice and principles and goals in ways concept of "citizenship" which is ihsan are core values of Islam and that they should be that have seriously harmed the brought into the dialogue. inclusive of diverse groups. Such ​(Fr Edwin Rodrigues, a Jesuit priest, is a lecturer of Sacred population as a whole; jurisprudence shall be rooted in Scriptures at Vidyajyoti College of Theology, Delhi).​ WHEREAS, this year marks Islamic tradition and principles and ​(extracted from www.shantisalaamshanti.blogspot.com) the 1,400th anniversary of mindful of global changes. the Charter of Medina, a Urge Muslim educational Words of Wisdom constitutional contract between institutions and authorities to the Prophet Muhammad, God's conduct a courageous review of peace and blessings be upon educational curricula that addresses Living Peace him, and the people of Medina, Shaykh Abdullah bin Bayyah, President, Forum for honestly and effectively any Promoting Peace and Co-Moderator, Religions for We need to turn our hearts in prayer, and which guaranteed the religious material that instigates aggression Peace, addressing the gathering receive God’s gift of peace that we can then liberty of all, regardless of and extremism, leads to war and share with all of humanity and creation itself. faith; chaos, and results in the destruction of our shared WHEREAS, hundreds of Muslim scholars and intellectuals societies; By John Dear from over 120 countries, along with representatives Call upon politicians and decision makers to take the “Perhaps more than anything, our world needs peace. of Islamic and international organizations, as well as political and legal steps necessary to establish a We all need it, within our own broken hearts and broken leaders from diverse religious groups and nationalities, constitutional contractual relationship among its families…On all sides we are surrounded by violence… gathered in Marrakesh on this date to reaffirm the citizens, and to support all formulations and initiatives In such a world, my friends and I cling to a vision of non- principles of the Charter of Medina at a major that aim to fortify relations and understanding among violence. In the spirit of interfaith prayer, we proclaim the conference; the various religious groups in the Muslim World; possibility of a new world without war or violence, what WHEREAS,this conference was held under the auspices Call upon the educated, artistic, and creative members of Martin Luther King, Jr., called ‘the beloved community,’ of His Majesty, King Mohammed VI of Morocco, and our societies, as well as organizations of civil society, or what Jesus called ‘the reign of God at hand.’ organized jointly by the Ministry of Endowment and to establish a broad movement for the just treatment But as the great pioneers knew, we must seek peace Islamic Affairs in the Kingdom of Morocco and the of religious minorites in Muslim countries and to raise at every level of life, beginning with ourselves. Their Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies based awareness as to their rights, and to work together to example summons us to turn to God, allowing God to in the United Arab Emirates; ensure the success of these efforts. disarm our own hearts so that we can become instruments AND NOTING the gravity of this situation afflicting Call upon the various religious groups bound by the of God’s disarming love in the world. They have called us Muslims as well as peoples of other faiths throughout the same national fabric to address their mutual state of to become the peace we seek. world, and after thorough deliberation and discussion, selective amnesia that blocks memories of centuries If we simply live in the spirit of peace, we contribute to the convened Muslim scholars and intellectuals: of joint and shared living on the same land; we call the peace of the entire world. This is an ancient spiritual DECLARE HEREBY our firm commitment to the upon them to rebuild the past by reviving this tradition truth. If we want to participate in this transformation, we principles articulated in the Charter of Medina, whose of conviviality, and restoring our shared trust that has have to begin right now, this very moment, to root out the provisions contained a number of the principles of been eroded by extremists using acts of terror and violence within us, to forgive those who have hurt us, to constitutional contractual citizenship, such as freedom let go of bitterness and resentment, to reconcile with one aggression; another, and open a way for the spirit of God to move of movement, property ownership, mutual solidarity Call upon representatives of the various religions, sects freely among us. We need to…turn our hearts in prayer, and defense, as well as principles of justice and equality and denominations to confront all forms of religious and receive God’s gift of peace that we can then share with before the law; and that, bigotry, villification, and denegration of what people all of humanity and creation itself.” The objectives of the Charter of Medina provide a suitable hold sacred, as well as all speech that promote hatred (Extracted from “Living Peace: A Spirituality of framework for national constitutions in countries with and bigotry; Contemplation and Action”, by John Dear, a Jesuit Muslim majorities, and the United Nations Charter and AND FINALLY, AFFIRM that it is unconscionable to priest, who was for many years executive director of the related documents, such as the Universal Declaration employ religion for the purpose of aggressing upon the Fellowship of Reconciliation, one of the largest and oldest of Human Rights, are in harmony with the Charter of rights of religious minorities in Muslim countries. interfaith peace organisations in the USA. He is the author Medina, including consideration for public order. Marrakesh of several books). NOTING FURTHER that deep reflection upon the various January 27th, 2016 ISLAMIC VOICE, February 2016 SOUL TALK 22 Look into the Heart of a Sufi

The most important from all bondage The Sufis do not crave for any h. and the Eternal. He listens to his attributes that have and honest with the recognition or special treatment The Sufis want to be nothing. It is inner self and acts accordingly. contributed to the wide Almighty is being for them. The idea of an intimate their ideal to lose all their identity For him, the present moment is acceptance of the Sufis is a Sufi. Hakim Jami, communion of the self with the i.e. the complete sacrifice of the the moment to achieve his target. their love for the humanity, a great scholar Eternal Reality is central to being self, the ego. Abdul Samad, a He does not wait for a better or an and Naqshbandi a Sufi. disciple of Shaikh Abu Sa’id auspicious tomorrow. purity of mind and Sufi, has said: ‘Do Sufism is spiritual activation and ibn Abul-Khayr, narrated that he The most important attributes perfection in their conduct. not be proud of evolution through participation, once regretfully mentioned to that have contributed to their your intellect and practice and one’s own experience. his Shaikh that as he had been wide acceptance are their love By R.K Gupta learning, for in the Sufi way, your The spirituality of Sufis reflects travelling, he could not attend his for the humanity, purity of mind intellect hampers your progress, in their every day action. It is not sermons and be benefited by the and perfection in their conduct. Look into the heart of a Sufi, and learning is stupidity.’ But this something external reserved for lessons. Shaikh Sa’id told him Sufis distinguish spirituality from has to be understood in the right some special occasion, but a part not to regret even if he missed religion. If you want to see the Reality. perspective; the real learning for The Sufis are people with an You would find there nothing, the seeker is from the book of the open heart. They do not have any heart of the Sufi. prejudices i.e. their mind is not But the true reflection of the Sufism is a matter of conduct. The Sufis do not crave for any recognition or preoccupied with any bias towards Almighty. It concerns with one’s conduct special treatment for them. The idea of an intimate any one. They have no complex; and is a matter of practice. About communion of the self with the Eternal Reality is neither are they overawed by the Sufism evokes considerable being a Sufi, Hazrat Abul Hasan central to being a Sufi. presence of kings, nor do they interest amongst people mainly Kharqani, a great Sufi Master boast in the company of poor. because of the mysticism of the Naqshbandi Order, said and parcel of their being. Sufis the sermons for years, because They take things as they come. associated with it and also that the Sufi is not the one who make a conscious effort to evolve he always said only one thing: They do not condemn anyone, because not much is known about wears patched clothes or carries as a perfect man. ‘Sacrifice your ego, and nothing even a known sinner, for they the secrets of their knowledge. In the prayer rug, nor the one The Sufi is one, who has emptied more.’ consider that to hurt someone’s regard to the origin of the word who keeps certain customs and himself of everything, who has The Sufi lives only in the present. feelings is the biggest sin. n ‘Sufi’, there are different views appearances, but the Sufi is one to left everything behind, except He does not think of yesterday or (Excerpts from RK Gupta’s essay, amongst scholars. whom everyone’s focus is drawn, what he really is. He has removed of tomorrow. The Sufi is linked to ‘The Sufis’, the full form of which Sufism is indefinable; it is a way of although he is hiding himself. all the dust and the rusting from the present moment and he lives is available on www.sufisaints. life. Tasawwuf (Sufism) is neither He also said that the Sufi is one the mirror of his heart, which in the Eternal Now. The present net. The author may be reached at a religion nor a philosophy; nor is who in the daylight does not need now shines with His Glory and moment is the nexus between him [email protected]) it a ritual or mere learning. If it the Sun and in the night does not reflects His Presence. The Sufi is was ritual, one could learn it by need the Moon. The essence of one, who has Submitted himself “I have treated many hundreds of patients. Among those in the practice. If it was mere learning, Sufism is absolute non-existence to the will of God, who lives in second half of life - that is to say, over 35 - there has not been one one could acquire it by studying. that needs no existence besides Union with the God and who has whose problem in the last resort was not that of finding a religious To be a true human being, free the Almighty’s Existence. devoted himself to find the Trut outlook on life. It is safe to say that every one of them fell ill because he had lost that which the living religions of every age have given their followers, and none of them has really been healed who did not Man's Selfishness regain his religious outlook.” By Hazrat Inayat Khan (Carl Gustav Jung, Modern Man in Search of a Soul) Man's selfishness shows itself in wanting to get the better of his fellow man. If we developed humanity we should do differently. We should be satisfied with a slice of bread if there were another in need, but as it is, it happens that even when we are fed ourselves, we do not wish anyone else to share the food. The human Absence of Spiritual Vitality heart can only be really satisfied by knowing that the other person is happy. True pleasure lies in the sharing “Isn’t it interesting to consider that perhaps your troubles, which of joy with another. From the day that we realize this we begin to act as human beings. you think is a deep seated physical malady, may be traced instead to ******* an absence of spiritual vitality in your life? I do not say that such is A person who, alone, has seen something beautiful, who has heard something harmonious, who has tasted the case because I am not a physician, nor do I make any pretense of something delicious, who has smelt something fragrant, may have enjoyed it, but not completely. The being one. I am simply saying that it is the judgment of some of the complete joy is in sharing one's joy with others. For the selfish one who enjoys himself and does not care most discriminating minds in the field of psychology, medicine and for others, whether he enjoys things of the earth or things of heaven, his enjoyment is not complete. religion that a spiritual lack is the basic cause of much illness.’ Happiness in Life (Norman Vincent Peale, The New Art of Living) Happiness is not dependency, it is a decision. Happiness is what you are, not lady cried. She had everything because of you. Happiness is not what you have… a smiling face with smiling eyes. that money could buy, but she a destination, it's a journey. had lost the things which money Happiness is not tomorrow, it is A beautiful, expensively-dressed son my leg and, for the first time in cannot buy. now. Happiness is not dependency, lady felt that her whole life was was killed by a car. I had nobody. I months, I smiled. The beauty of life does not it is a decision. Happiness is what empty, it had no meaning. So, she had nothing left. I couldn't sleep, “Then I stopped to think, if depend on how happy you are; you are, not what you have…a went to visit a counselor to seek out I couldn't eat, I never smiled at helping a little kitten could but on how happy others can be smiling face with smiling eyes. n happiness. The counselor called anyone, I even thought of taking make me smile, may be doing over the old lady who cleaned the my own life. something for people could office floors. He then said to the “Then, one evening a little kitten make me happy. So, the next rich lady, “I'm going followed me day I baked some biscuits and to ask Mary here home from work. took them to a neighbor who to tell you how she Somehow I felt was sick in bed.“Every day, I found happiness. All sorry for that tried to do something nice for I want you to do is kitten. It was someone. It made me so happy listen to her.”​ cold outside, so to see them happy! Today, I don't The old lady put I decided to let know of anybody who sleeps down her broom and the kitten in. I got and eats better than I do. I've sat on a chair and told her story: some milk, and the kitten licked found happiness, by giving it to "Well, my husband died of malaria the plate clean. others.” and three months later my only Then it purred and rubbed against When she heard this, the rich Open page ISLAMIC VOICE, February 2016 23 Divine Connection All living creatures and nature need our low-wattage bulb illuminates existence and the inherent spiritual responsibility to the extent that dimly. link with the Creator. For Allah they regard it as a core of faith. compassion. This message needs to be It consists of transparent or says “...And We are nearer to him With realisation, a person not part of our school curriculum. translucent glass containing a wire than his jugular vein” (50:16). only understands his/her origin, filament that emits light when While narrating the story of but performs astounding feats connected. If the bulb’s glass is Prophet Adam, the Quran by unfolding his physical and By Amin Valliani “Everywhere.” Allah says in the dusty, it affects the brightness says that Allah made him His spiritual capabilities. Quran: “.And He is with you, while a clean bulb’s glass would vicegerent (khalifa) on earth. This He develops a sense of compassion In a tiny drop of water are found wherever you may be.” (57:4). have more brightness. The means mankind is the custodian towards other creatures. He makes all the secrets of the ocean. A small socket through which the bulb of God’s other creations, charged himself/herself accountable in bit of rice gives us the taste of the Testimony to God’s Greatness is connected, if loosened, also with a responsibility to supervise case of any mishaps. Besides, whole cauldron, and a few grains Nature and all living creatures affects power supply to the blub. and protect earthly resources. This he develops sympathy, empathy indicate the quality of a large sack need our compassion. inclu¬des minerals, plants and and a soft corner towards society of wheat. We are with God. He reveals and shares his time, knowledge Similarly, human beings — Himself to discerning eyes and and other material resources to created from a single soul — thoughtful minds. Numerous signs uplift society. He puts values are the vicegerents of Allah on around us indicate His presence, There is rampant pollution and environmental into practice and raises his voice earth, equipped with the highest such as the birth of a newborn, the degradation all around us, while endangered whenever the values are violated. potentialities. All divine attributes evolution of the human foetus, animals are caught, smuggled or killed. Islam strictly Presently, we are confronted are realisable at the human level. the automatic working of internal condemns the hunting of defenceless creatures. with numerous challenges. For For example, the Prophet (Pbuh) organs like the heart, the ability example, there is rampant pollution reportedly said: “Adorn yourself to repair internal and external and environmental degradation with the attributes of Allah.” But injuries etc. All these functions Need to Be Pure Inside animals and other environmental all around us, while endangered many of us are oblivious of this bear testimony to His greatness. This example can aptly be related factors which support life. animals are caught, smuggled or fact. Our connection with the Divine to individual human beings Thus, every human has a three- killed. Islam strictly condemns the A teacher once asked his students can be compared to an electric whose body is made of flesh, but fold responsibility: ie keeping hunting of defenceless creatures. which of them had seen God. light bulb connected with the main is spiritually connected to Allah. a close connection with God In fact, Islam enjoins us to be Everybody was taken aback at powerhouse. The bulb illuminates If one realises the strength of spiritually, with society and with kind towards all life forms on the the question; the whole class our homes every night because it this divine connection, one can the world’s physical environment. planet. was silent looking at each other, is connected through concealed illuminate the path for others. A He is called upon to strengthen We have been made the ‘crown and no response came forth. At and unconcealed wires to the person needs to be pure inside out all these links by fulfilling the of creation’; our role and last, a student raised his hand to electric pole and then on to the so that he or she can strengthen responsibilities towards God, his responsibilities as humans answer the question. He said, “I main powerhouse. If the bulb has the divine connection. fellow beings and to take care of encompass the safety and security have seen God.” Upon this, the 100-watt capacity, it illuminates All religions persuade humanity his material world for which he of the entire world and its beauty. teacher asked, where? He said, with more brightness while the to realise the divine origin of its has been made trustee. All living creatures and nature need our compassion. This Do You Know? Three Fold Responsibility message needs to be part of our Throughout history, mystics and school curriculum, and the media ‹‹The first Hijrah millennium Varahamitra gave 365.24 days Ujjain. Even today Ujjain’s intellectuals have emphasised should remind us of it. n i.e., 1000 AH ran from Oct. 9 to a complete orbit of the earth location is used to fix the anchor the realisation of this three-fold (source: www.newageislam.com) 1591 to Sept. 27, 1592 during around the sun. This was the point of the Indian clock. emperor Akbar’s era. Taking truest measure of the year ‹‹San calendar of Bengalis is advantage of the turn of the which was closer enough of

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‹‹It really helped me discover a new 'I' in me. The "Discover Yourself" workshop was ‹‹Life is totally changed. I found myself. I stopped judging. I held in Jamshedpur and in Chennai in found peace after forgiving the one who hurt me. January 2016. ‹‹Released my tension and stress, my blood pleasure was normal today. Some of the participants share their ‹‹It was extra-ordinarily good, an eye opener for humanity. The experiences after the Workshop. Workshop should be done for the whole humanity. ‹‹After the workshop I became conscious as to not only think about ATEEQ: Alhamdulillah, this faults and my negative qualities 'I, ME and MYSELF,' but focus on others. I am able to control my workshop was a reminder of what within me. I would end up anger. is said in the Quran and Sunnah. everywhere by blaming others and ‹‹This workshop has changed my thinking process and my perception, Islamic values and my Mr Khan is a very energetic, by being impatient. My brother present life style. dynamic man who conducted brought me to this workshop ‹‹This workshop helped me a lot in changing my mind, my thinking, my personality and my the workshop in a dynamic way and I feel very lucky and I am heart. I feel like a new person, with lots of positivity. I really discovered myself. showing us simple living, high thankful to Allah for giving me ‹‹Before this workshop my life was boring. I faced problems in interacting with people. Now I thinking, loving others and giving this wonderful opportunity of can face people with an open heart. back something to society. attending the workshop. My ‹‹My thoughts, deeds, actions and perceptions changed after attending this workshop. family members perhaps found ‹‹The Workshop changed me, now I am seeing every human being as equal, as Allah's IMRAN : From this workshop I change in my behaviour and have realized that who is a human creation. found me soft spoken since the ‹‹This is an amazing and useful workshop, it changed me, everyone should attend this being? When we are responding, last three days. who is responding… Insan or workshop. beast or animal? Body and mind AMMARAH: a life changing ‹‹I was able to control my anger and ego. should be controlled by internal journey. I always thought that ‹‹Worth attending, a holistic education, and it’s the first time I attended a programme from faculty (heart). Logic and reason I have to change myself, but Allah's perspective. cannot help us to connect with lacking the tools and techniques, ‹‹The workshop shut my mind for a few minutes, totally blank, a blessing for me. Almighty Allah. I have realized through this workshop now ‹‹I clearly understood the difference between 'I' and 'Myself'. that my evil nafs is my enemy. I Alhamdulillah, I am able to cope ‹‹This workshop was very unique in nature with realistic 'Islamic ideals and values' embedded have got the power to distinguish up my own disabilities and I will with the path and teachings for being a good human being. between Truth and Falsehood change myself for the sake of (Huqq & Batil). Allah. I was in darkness to understand overcome my problems and most rather am very thankful to each the spirit of Islam. My feeling and ROQIAYA: Jazakallah khair for AHMED SAROOR: Practical important, I could not diagnose and everyone who would help experience about this workshop giving me positivity. I never knew demonstration was heart touching my problems. After attending this me in discovering myself. This workshop was an 'Eye Opener' Jamshedpur Jamshedpur Jamshedpur for us all. SHOEB: Before the workshop, I believed in right and wrong and I felt I am superior. Now, I look at everybody as a human being. I lived in a world of assumptions, opinions and judgments, but now I am not. It helped me over come my anger and know who I am? is to kill the inner evils, give workshop, I felt the difference Chennai SUMMAYA: Before the up the satanic path and live the in life. My behavior towards workshop, I was having constant submission path of Allah and the others changed and I discovered chatter in my mind, worries, Prophet. My family members were myself. Now I am responsible, doubts and past experiences. also benefitted and influenced accountable and grateful, this is Now, I feel my mind is clear and very much and are committed to who I am. silent. My response to my spouse follow the path of submission. FAZILAT: Earlier I failed to has remarkably changed, I just The workshop was excellent, the discover myself. It was very wanted to get angry at my spouse, time period was less and it should painful to accept that there exist but took a minute and decided to be for five days. negative qualities within me. If just take what he is saying and not SHAFQAT: It was a life changing anybody ever reflected my bad interpret it. After attending the who I am. I was confused between and marvelous. I felt it very much experience. I was depressed. I qualities I would become very workshop for 10 hours, I still had the two worlds, inner and the useful for getting the true path could not accept the way life was. arrogant and hate that person. But energy after going home. external. But now I am clear that of Islam. Before the workshop, I did not have the confidence to now, I am ready to accept, Workshop Schedule in Page No. 23 if my inner world ( Batin) is good then automatically my response to the external world ( zahir) will be good. I cannot change anone, but I have to change my point of view. I got the keys, to see from 'LA' back ground, see and treat everyone as human beings, submit, not deny and be in the present and leave the past and future.

ZEBA: Earlier it was a big challenge for me to accept my FROM HERE & THERE ISLAMIC VOICE, February 2016 26 Together For Egypt Working for Peace in Central Africa Cairo: Recently, over 200 Muslim the participants were welcomed by For some years now, a deadly that has displaced about 20% of Dieudonne Nzapalainga, head imams and Christian priests the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr conflict has been raging in the CAR’s population. Braving of the Catholic Church in the gathered in Cairo to celebrate at Ahmed Al-Tayyeb. The meeting the Central African Republic immense challenges, they are country, insist that it isn’t about the conclusion of the three-year focused on how religious leaders (CAR). The conflict in what travelling around this violence- religion as such but, rather, about Together for Egypt programme can combat violence done in the is one of the world’s poorest torn country, seeking to bring politics. And one proof of that, which brought together priests name of religion and extremist countries is often described as about peace and reconciliation they say, is their own friendship. and imams to work side by side in ideologies. being between Muslims and Their friendship began when At the end of their Christians. A large number of the imam the sought refuge at dialogue, the Christian Muslims have been killed in the archbishop’s residence after and Muslim leaders the CAR, and thousands more receiving death threats from the issued a communiqué, forced to flee the country anti-Muslim militia. Later his signed, among others, by armed militiamen who by the Anglican house, like the houses of many Archbishop of Egypt, say they want revenge for other Muslims, was burned and the Bishops of Bradford atrocities committed against looted. Soon, the archbishop and Southampton, the Christians by mainly Muslim and the imam became constant Secretary for-Inter rebels who briefly seized power between their peoples. The companions, travelling to Religious Affairs to in 2013. Two religious leaders two men, Imam Oumar Kobine Western capitals together to humanitarian and social work. The the Archbishop of Canterbury, the from the country, an archbishop Layama, senior-most Muslim draw attention to a conflict they celebration was the culmination of Chair of Al-Azhar’s Committee and an imam, are working cleric in Bangui, the capital believe has been largely ignored Together for Egypt, and the progress for Interfaith Dialogue, the Vice together to end the bloodshed of the CAR, and Archbishop by the outside world. n and success of the project was very President of Al-Azhar University, clear. The priests and imams sat and the Secretary-General of British Comedian, Wife Give $1m for Syrian Refugees easily with each other, listening Al-Azhar’s Islamic Research British comedian Sacha Baron International Rescue Committee countries, according to the United carefully to the speeches as one. Academy. The communiqué Cohen and his wife are donating (IRC) to help refugees in Syria and Nations. Justin Forsyth, chief Meanwhile, also in Cairo, another exhorted Anglican Christians to $1 million to help Syrian refugees. neighboring countries, particularly executive of “Save the Children”, group of Christian and Muslim understand Islam and Muslims They are giving $500,000 to women and children, with health said the money would "save many religious leaders recently met, to to understand the Christian faith, “Save the Children” to pay for care, shelter and sanitation. More thousands of lives and protect some discuss intercommunity relations and for both to work together in measles vaccinations for children than four million refugees have of the most vulnerable children". and the scourge of violence in solving problems and conflicts in northern Syria. They are also fled conflict in Syria for the (Source: http://www. the name of religion. They were between Muslims and Christians donating the same amount to the relative safety of the neighbouring worldbulletin.net) part of the 12th annual Christian- in different parts of the world. The Muslim dialogue meeting between signatories to the communiqué the Anglican Communion and the concurred that terrorism is an Fellow Diner Pays Bill for Muslim Family Al-Azhar, Cairo, The meeting in aggressive ideology that must be Eslam S Mohamed, resident Beautiful Family.” Touched by Cairo took place at Al-Azhar, and combated with sound teaching. n of Augusta, Georgia, went the gesture, he took to Facebook for a Christmas Eve dinner to share his appreciation. “I can’t In First Prayer Video, Pope Francis with his family to a local express how this act touched our restaurant, Olive Garden hearts. Among all the bad things Stresses Interfaith Unity and received a surprise happening to Muslims and the Pope Francis’ first-ever video his message, released in early he may never forget. In hate speech that the presidential message on his monthly prayer January. The video goes on a December 25, 2015, candidate had made lately, there intentions was released recently, to feature representatives of Facebook post, Mohamed is still light in the dark, there is highlighting the importance of Buddhism, Christianity, Islam said when he asked for the dinner received the bill with a message still hope within the frustration,” interreligious dialogue and the and Judaism, who proclaim their bill for the family of 12, he on it “Paid. Merry Christmas. he said. (indianexpress.com) beliefs different faith traditions respective beliefs in God, Jesus hold in common, such as the Christ, Allah and the Buddha. An Muslim Hero Who Saved Jews in Paris figure of God and love. “Many initiative of the Jesuit-run global L a s s a n a Bathily was an shoppers from after the violence, Bathily think differently, feel differently, prayer network Apostleship of undocumented migrant from Mali terrorist Amedy was granted French seeking God or meeting God in Prayer, the video was filmed in until he became a hero by saving Coulibaly. The citizenship by the president different ways. In this crowd, collaboration with the Vatican shoppers' lives during the terrorist narrative of a Muslim himself, something he in this range of religions, there Television Center and marks the attack on a Jewish supermarket in saving Jews from a says had been a dream is only one certainty that we first time the Pope’s monthly Paris a year ago. terrorist made him a since his childhood, in a have for all: we are all children prayer intentions have been Bathily, a shelf-stacker in the positive symbol of small village on the Mali- n of God,” Pope Francis said in featured on video. supermarket, helped save France's diversity. Several days Senegal border. n Muslim Woman in the U.S Takes a Stand against Fear Mona Haydar recently set up a "Talk to a Muslim" stand in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with the aim of generating discourse about the Muslim community in her home town. Offering those passing by the stand in front of a local library a free cup of coffee and doughnut, she answered their conversation. (http://en.qantara. questions and engaged them in de/content/) ISLAMIC VOICE, National Affairs February 2016 27 State of the National Family Health Infant Mortality Down, More Opt for Smaller Families But Private Hospitals Resort to more number of female sterilisation Tamil Nadu showed a decline. Private Hospitals surgeries at 57.4% while male The survey also showed better Caesarean deliveries in private C-Sections sterilisation was opted by merely nutrition levels among children, hospitals were two times more 0.2% of those surveyed. Only though in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh than those in government facilities The Union Government has significantly ranging from 1.2 in 0.8% used pills and 1.7% used and Meghalaya more than 40 per across India. (See data in some released the results of the 4th Sikkim to 3.4 in Bihar. All first condoms for spacing children. cent children were stunted. states) National Family Health Survey phase states/UTs except Bihar, (According to the World Health (NFHS) results. The survey was Madhya Pradesh and Meghalaya Immunisation Expands Stunting Less Organisation guidelines, only 10- conducted 2014-15 and the results had either achieved or maintained Full immunisation coverage The data shows that 37% of 15 per cent of the births require were released in the third week of replacement level of fertility. among children in the 12-23 children under the age of five surgical intervention in India. January. Tubectomy or female sterilization month age group though varied in 15 states are stunted. There But gynaecologists say there are The survey was conducted in is a decline of 5% during the several complications in some Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Goa, last decade. Bihar and Madhya pregnancies due to which doctors Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh are doing the worst with prefer caesarean section to normal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Sikkim, 48 and 42% children being stunted vaginal deliveries.) Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttarakhand, West Bengal and Share of C-Sections in Private and Govt Hospitals Union Territories of Andaman and States Public Hospitals Private Hospitals Nicobar Islands and Puducherry. Tripura 36.4% 87.1% Bihar 5% 37.1% Here are the highlights: West Bengal 28.1% 74.7% Andhra Pradesh 31% 71% Infant Mortality Down Telengana 42.2% 74.8% Infant mortality rate (IMR) of less than 51 deaths per 1,000 live respectively. The proportion of births, with Andaman recording underweight children has reduced NFHS History the lowest of 10 deaths and equally slowly, from 39% to 34% The first round of NFHS surveying Madhya Pradesh recording 51. remains the first choice in India widely among these states. with Bihar and Madhya Pradesh took place in 1992-93, the second The current national IMR is 37. for small family norms. Very few While six out of 10 children are the worst off state. round in 1998-99 and the third The survey also showed a reduction males opt for sterilization. The received full immunisation in 12 round in 2005-06. The last round in maternal mortality rates, female sterilisation percentage in states/UTs, in Goa, West Bengal, Delivery at Health Institutions of NFHS data was first released credited to a slew of measures Andhra Pradesh stands at 68.3% Sikkim, and Puducherry, more Institutional deliveries are up, to academicians, in a conference aimed at improving the care given while male sterilisation (i.e. than four-fifth of the children with more than nine in ten recent at the All India Institute of to pregnant women and the extra vasectomy) is barely 0.6% while have been fully immunised. births taking place in health care Medical Sciences (AIIMS) so attention paid to the nutrition the usage of pills and condoms While Meghalaya, Haryana, facilities in Andaman and Nicobar that they could analyse it before requirements of adolescent girls. remains extremely low at 0.2%. and West Bengal registered an Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, disseminating it to the public. n This is when 62.9% women and increase in the use of modern Karnataka, Puducherry, Sikkim, (Note: For complete NFHS results Fertility Rate Down 79.4% men are literate in the family planning methods, states Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. type NFHS4 results on Google. The fertility rates too reduced state. Karnataka recorded a high such as Goa, Karnataka and C-Section Deliveries More in com) Our Fundamental Duties as Citizens of the Country Most of us are aware of at least has a section on ‘Fundamental our share in upholding their rights. some of our fundamental rights, Duties’, which mentions our Rights and duties are thus the two but how many of us know that fundamental duties as citizens of sides of the same coin. For every there’s also something as our the country. Duty-consciousness right, there is a corresponding fundamental duties as citizens helps us move from ‘me’ to duty. Rights flow only from duties of the country? Scores of ‘we’, promoting social unity well performed. What is a duty organizations are engaged in and harmony. Consciousness for someone is another person’s seeking to protect fundamental of our duties (in addition to our right. If everyone performs his/her rights, but how many are there rights) is vital for the harmonious duty, everybody’s rights would be that work to promote awareness functioning of a society. Duties automatically protected. about our fundamental duties as and rights go together. If we fulfill (source: shantisalaamshalom. citizens? The Indian Constitution our duties to others, we are doing blogspot.com) FROM HERE & THERE Church-Sponsored Refugees Arrive in Canada’s Port Colborne Fares, Bilal, Jana and Hiba arrived at their new home in Port Colborne on New Year's Day, almost three years after fleeing the war in Syria.

By André Forget car belonging to Canon Robert (Anglican Journal) Hurkmans, rector of St James and St Brendan, the Anglican church On New Year’s Day, a family of that had sponsored them, Bilal and refugees from Syria began the last Hiba watched as their children, leg of a journey that had lasted eight-year-old Jana and four- almost three years and brought year-old Fares, gazed with delight them thousands of kilometres from at the fat snowflakes falling from home. As they walked towards the Page 31 global affairs ISLAMIC VOICE, February 2016 28 A Digitally Connected World

The advent of the Digital Technology and all the other tools to the population in developing going digital, and a greater has transformed the world beyond collect, store, analyze, and countries had access in 2014, share of government jobs in imagination during the last 20 years. share information digitally— against 80% in high-income developing countries is ICT- Mobile telephony and Internet have have spread quickly. More countries. China has the intensive than in the private households in developing largest number of internet sector. networked the world into a global countries own a mobile users, followed by By 2014, all 193 member states of community. phone than have access to the United the United Nations (UN) had electricity or clean water, and States, national websites. The impact is tremendous. ‹‹Among the poorest 20% of even toilet facilities. with 101 enabled citizens to Information, services, households, nearly 7 out of ‹‹Nearly 60 percent of the create personal online communication, education, 10 have a mobile phone. world’s people are still accounts, 73 to file finance sectors have been the major The poorest households are offline. income taxes, and beneficiary. Be it the rail, taxi, more likely to have access to ‹‹Nearly 70% of the bottom 60 to register a air, bus or any kind of transport mobile phones than to toilets fifth of the population in business. services, the bookings have gone For the most online. Travel and Tourism have common core received a massive boost. Money government moves faster as banking services administrative have easy access. Money transfer systems, 190 rates are falling constantly. It is member states had a definite gain for businesses. automated financial But labour is adversely affected management, 179 used such as manufacturing is getting systems for customs processing, concentrated in select pockets due and 159 for tax management. to the possibility of aggregation. And 148 of them had some Education that does not require form of digital identification, the conventional pedagogy, is and 20 had multipurpose digital also moving online. Consultation identification platforms. services are also acquiring net version. Realty is a real gainer or clean water. developing countries own a India, Japan, and Brazil A typical day in the life of the with real estate businesses having ‹‹Nearly six billion people do mobile phone. filling out the top five. internet: a global clientele. The facts below not have high-speed internet, ‹‹The number of internet users ‹‹On average, 8 in 10 186 million Instagram photos present an overview of the impact making them unable to fully has more than tripled in a individuals in the developing 152 million Skype calls of the Internet in human life and participate in the digital decade—from one billion world own a mobile phone, 36 million Amazon purchases development: economy. in 2005 to an estimated 3.2 and the number is steadily 803 million Tweets ‹‹·While people around the billion at the end of 2015. rising. 9.8 billion Youtube videos Penetration of Digital world make more than four ‹‹The lowest mobile penetration watched Technology billion Google searches every is in Sub-Saharan Africa Quick Spread of Internet 4.2 billion Google searches ‹‹More than 40% of the world’s day, four billion people still (i.e., 73%), against 98% in The internet and related 207 billion e-mails sent population has access to lack access to the internet. high-income countries. But technologies reached developing The unfinished task of the internet, with new users ‹‹Digital technologies—the internet adoption lags behind countries much faster than previous connecting everyone to the coming online every day. internet, mobile phones, considerably: only 31% of technological innovations. internet—one of the targets in the ‹‹It took 160 years for steamship recently approved Sustainable advertorial to reach Indonesia after their Development Goals (SDGs)— invention. can be achieved through Golden Prices by Rishabh and Riddhi Siddhi ‹‹Kenya got electricity after 60 a judicious mix of market Experience state - of - the - art gold rates at their showroom in Nagarathpet. years of its development. competition, public-private ‹‹But for Vietnam to introduce partnerships, and effective Rishabh Gold, one of the leading such as long haar ranging from The showroom also boasts a computers, it took only 15 regulation of the internet and voices in the gold jewellery approximately 35 grams to 200 range of gold jewellery testing years. telecom sector. industry, is set to put gold back grams ,necklace from 12 grams equipment to verify the assay ‹‹Mobile phones and the New media platforms can increase into the heart of Bangalore to 100 grams, bangles from eight of the gold and to facilitate the internet took only a few citizen participation. And digital by introducing factory outlet grams to 80 grams and chada purchase of jewellery, back years. enablers—digital finance, digital rates in showrooms from clients. It is ‹‹How do digital technologies identification, social media, and at Nagrathpet Street, all in the name of promote development? open data—spread To maximize Bangalore. Rishabh giving customers ‹‹By reducing information costs, the digital dividends requires and Riddhi Siddhi unparalleled digital technologies greatly better understanding of how provide fine quality confidence in lower the cost of economic technology interacts with other (gold and silver) in the quality of the and social transactions for factors that are important for a variety of forms jewellery they firms, individuals, and the development—what the Report as well, apart from purchase. public sector. They promote calls “analog complements.” exquisite 92.5 silver Rishabhs and innovation when transaction Digital technologies can make jewels. South India is Riddhi Siddhi will costs fall to essentially zero. routine, transaction-intensive considered by many as make you happy They boost efficiency as tasks dramatically cheaper, the global epicentre for with reliable existing activities and services faster, and more convenient. gold jewellery at the purchases in this become cheaper, quicker, or (Sources: World Development professional level, but in spite (laccha,mangalsutra) from 12 competitive market with 100 more convenient. And they Indicators (World Bank, various of this, physical 916 hallmarked grams to 80 grams and many more % VAT bills and buy back increase inclusion as people years); exclusive gold jewellery is often miscellaneous jewellery pieces. assurance. get access to services that WDR 2016 team; http://www not readily accessible to every In addition, consumers can also Telephone – 08040943002. No. 918 previously were out of reach. .internetlivestats.com/one- day consumers for reliable rates. pick up coins and an exclusive Nagarathpet main road, Bangalore . second/ (as compiled on April 4, To address this, the new collection collection of jewellery and gifts [email protected], Connected governments 2015). will offer a variety of products made with high purity gold. [email protected] Governments are increasingly Data at http://bit.do/WDR2016) Advertisement ISLAMIC VOICE, February 2016 29 CHILDREN'S CORNER ISLAMIC VOICE, February 2016 30 Enhance Your Terms Related with Public Discussions (عوامی معامالت پر اظہارِ خیال کے رسمی ذرائع) Word Power In modern times, people come together to discuss various issues and problems in a variety of ways. Here are a few of them:

Value of Time Tick Tock Tick Tock Tick Tock Ever sat in front of a clock and watched the seconds go by? It's never ending, it's persistent, it never stops. It might seem like a mundane activity, yet in those ticks, your life is being spent, and you're losing time! ‹‹To realize the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who failed a grade. ‹‹To realize the value of ONE just avoided an accident.. MONTH, ask a mother who ‹‹To realize the value of ONE gave birth to a pre-mature MILLISECOND, ask the baby. person who won a silver ‹‹To realize the value of ONE medal in the Olympics. WEEK, ask the editor of a It's very true. Time is valued weekly newspaper. differently by different people. And ‹‹To realize the value of ONE it's a true blessing for someone to MINUTE, ask a person who understand and internalize that missed the train. time is the substance of life in ‹‹To realize the value of ONE which man exists and does either SECOND, ask a person who good or bad. n advertorial ISLAMIC VOICE, February 2016 31 The Modern Classroom Yasin Sharief and Mahaboobulla Khan for several students, changed Bringing his vast experience 17, but also compassionate care from Travelstall have not just been their career paths,” says 27 in the travel field for years, takers and guardians to the kids travel planners for students, but also year old Yasin Sharief, who Mahaboobulla added his sage’s on their travels. A tour of the USA compassionate care takers and guardians to started Travelstall in 2008 as a wisdom to Yasin’s energetic with the Kennedy Space Centre subsidiary of the company to sell dynamism. They became partners (KSC) has been a big hit with the the kids on their travels. international destinations. He at Travelstall and together have school kids who signed on to the travelled and worked through his been handling the “Modern Modern Classroom program. experience before sending a By A Staff Writer college days before he got into Classroom” concept. The Modern Guided by Yasin’s father Salim traveler for It. Travelstall started the family Classroom puts Shariff who provided the right In 2007, when B2B online airline ‘The Modern Classroom’ a set business. together travel contacts to him in the initial ticket booking sounded alien itineraries abroad stages of setting up Travelstall, the to travel agents in India, for Indian schools business partnership of Yasin and Travelstall with the help of to help students Mahaboobulla can be a guiding technology designed an online learn from hands example to many youngsters in platform which enabled them on experiences. the community about how to to issue tickets across their Beginning with work professionally and give the counters. Travelstall started the Presidency best to the customers! as a subsidiary of Labbaik School, followed (For more insight Tours & Travels Intl, an IATA by the Delhi www.facebook.com/travelstall accredited company since Public School and Email: [email protected] 1997. Its sister concern J.S. Cambridge Public Website: www.travelstall.com Tours & Travels is Bangalore’s Mahaboobulla Khan and Yasin Sharief School, Yasin and (Yasin Sharieff, 9886753632). leading travel company for Haj of educational tours for young Meeting the soft spoken Mahaboobulla have not just Travelstall ,9/1 Cunningham Road & Umrah services. Travelstall student travelers to expand their Mahaboobulla Khan, 42, in 2012, been travel planners for over 400 Commerce House Building Flat # has brought experience and horizons by traveling the world. was indeed a boon for Yasin. students in the age group of 11 to G 1-A, Bangalore -560052) expertise to all packages wanted “Since travel makes a person more by their customers, ensuring that knowledgeable, understanding they know everything about the and accommodating, it has Page 27 Church-Sponsored Refugees ... the sky. A week later, seated in and his family would ultimately their freshly painted apartment, escape to safety in Canada. Bilal and Hiba served tea while Donna Kalailieff, who has been Jana and Fares chased each other co-ordinating the St James and around the spacious living room St Brendan refugee sponsorship overlooking their quiet residential group since September, said street. they had originally planned on In 2013, the Syrian civil war had sponsoring only one family – that already been raging for two years, of Bilal’s brother. But after Abdul- and Bilal and Hiba, Muslims from Raman explained to Kalailieff over the city of Hama were in constant the phone that he would not feel fear for their lives. Hama was right leaving Bilal and Hiba and controlled by Bashar al-Assad’s their children behind, she spoke to government troops, but was Hurkmans about the possibility of frequently under attack from rebel sponsoring both families. The idea forces. Bilal had a job running a to sponsor a refugee family arose convenience store, but worried that in spring, after Hurkmans learned “someone would come into their that the diocese had decided to home and take them” or that an celebrate its 140th anniversary by explosion would kill members of sponsoring 50 refugees. He had his family. They decided to flee to been preaching a series of sermons nearby Lebanon, and after taking on the biblical responsibility for a long, roundabout journey by car those who have wealth to also to avoid the chaotic and dangerous be “rich in good deeds,” and the main highway, they arrived in message of sacrificial giving and the port city of Tripoli. But while the call to raise money for refugee Lebanon gave them shelter from sponsorship struck a chord in the the immediate dangers of the war, congregation. In the meantime, it meant starting a new life. Bilal Bilal and Hiba are busy settling was lucky enough to find work as into their new life in Canada. a chef, but it meant pulling 13- Speaking through the interpreter, hour days for pay that amounted Bilal and Hiba said their dreams to only about $400 a month. for their new life in Canada are Bilal and Hiba often struggled simple. “I want my children to to make ends meet, and paying have bright futures, and I feel that rent meant they were not always they have that opportunity now,” able to afford food, medication said Hiba. “Just to be healthy, just for the children when they fell ill, to be happy and safe and not to be was usually beyond their means. afraid.” Fortunately, they were not entirely (Source: http://www. alone. Bilal’s brother, Abdul- anglicannews.org/ Raman, had also fled to Tripoli news/2016/01/church- with his wife and five children, sponsored-refugees-arrive-in- and it was through him that Bilal canadas-port-colborne.aspx)