SHOWKATH BHAI IS ALAS NO MORE

Karumbattur Showkath Ali bhai, yes the same person for whom interest of the community was dearer, is alas no more. He breathed his last on Wednesday, 27th August 2008 after a brief illness in a Chennai hospital. His body was taken to Ambur and buried there after Namaz-e-Janaza on the same day. Inna Lillahi Wa inna ilaihi rajioon...May God rest his soul in peace.

Showkath bhai was friendly with everyone. His mission was to go to the rescue of the poor and needy students by giving them scholarship from the oneman "association" he had founded. Every year at the time of admissions in educational institutions he used to approach some people and make them help the students. It can be said without any hesitation that he was instrumental in making more and more people realise the importance of higher education. The student strength of Mazharul Uloom College in Ambur increased by his efforts. He used to meet even helpless intelligent students who could not continue their education after Plus Two because of financial crunch and persuade them to seek higher education by extending financial support to them. He was in the educational service of the poor for about two decades.

He studied in Mazharul Uloom High School showing great interst in studies as well as sports. He was a good tennikoit and badminton player and had won on district levels. He looked and behaved like a common man without any inhibition, stiffneckedness, ego, arrogance, anger or any such vice. He was a big and successful raw skins dealer before entering social service. He could realise the sufferings of the people easily and help them. He was soft spoken and always behaved gently. Helpless and poor students used to go to him for scholarship and he obliged them willingly with a good advice and a beautiful smile on his face.

He was an active member of the Executive Committee of The Ambur Muslim Educational Society extending all support and assistance to it.

We will miss him for long and his qualities of head and heart can never be erased from our memory. Let us pray for his "maghfirath".

"GEMS" OF PROPHET MOHAMMED (SAL-AM)
BY V.M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN
1. HEART: Prophet Mohammed (Sal-am) said, ‘Listen carefully, there is a lump of flesh in the body. If it is set right and made good, the entire body becomes good and healthy, but if it becomes diseased, the entire body becomes diseased. Remember well: it is the Heart.’ (Muslim, Bukhari: Nu’man ibn Bashir)


2. LIVING IN GOD’S PRESENCE: Someone asked: ‘How can one purify and develop himself, O Messenger of God, pbuh? He replied: ‘He should always remember that God is with him wherever he is.’ (Tirmidhi: Abdullah ibn Busr)


3. SEEKING GOD’S LOVE: Hazrat Mohammed (Sal-am) said: ‘ Anyone who possesses three qualities finds thereby the sweetness of faith: that he loves God and His Messenger, pbuh, more than everything else; that when he loves a human being he loves him for God’s sake alone; and that he abhors returning to unbelief from which God has rescued him, as he abhors being thrown into fire.’ (Bukhari, Muslim: Anas)


4. FINDING GOD BY SERVING MANKIND: Prophet Mohammed (Sal-am) said: God will say, ‘Son of Adam, I fell ill but you did not visit Me.’ He will say, ‘O Lord, and how could I have visited You! You are the Lord of the worlds!’ He will say, ‘Did you not know that My so and so servant had fallen ill and you did not visit him? Did you not know that had you visited him you would have found Me with him?’

‘Son of Adam, I asked you for food but you did not feed Me’. He will say, ‘O Lord, how could I have fed You! You are the Lord of the worlds!’ He will say, ‘My so and so servant asked you for food and you did not feed him? Did you not know that had you fed him you would surely have found that with Me?’

‘Son of Adam, I asked you to give Me to drink but you did not give Me.’ He will say, ‘O Lord, how could I have given you to drink! You are the Lord of the worlds!’ He will say, ‘My so and so servant asked you to give him to drink and you did not give him. Had you given him to drink you would surely have found that with Me’. (Muslim: Abu Hurayrah)



5. OUTWARD RELIGIOSITY AND OSTENTATION: The Messenger of God, pbuh, said: Many a one fast, but gain nothing from their fasting except hunger and thirst, and many a one pray all night, but gain nothing from their night prayers except sleeplessness.’ (Darimi: Abu Hurayrah)

6. HYPOCRISY: The Messenger of God, pbuh, said: ‘Three characteristics are the signs of a hypocrite, even if he fast, performs the Prayer and claims that he is a Muslim: when he speaks, he lies, when he makes a promise, he breaks it; and when he is trusted, he betrays his trust.’ (Bukhari, Muslim: Abu Hurayrah)

7. MERCY TO GOD’S FAMILY : The Messenger of God, pbuh, said: ‘All
creatures are God’s family; and God loves them most who treat His family well and kindly.’(Baihaqi: Anas)

8. The Messenger of God, pbuh, said: ‘Only those who are merciful will be shown
Mercy by the Most Merciful. Show mercy to those who are on earth, He who is in heaven will show mercy to you.’ (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi; Abdullah ibn ‘Amr)

9. THIS TOO IS CHARITY : The Messenger of God, pbuh, said: If a Muslim
plants a tree or sows a crop, then whatever bird eats of it, or a human being, or an animal, it counts as charity for him. He also said: ‘Whatever is stolen from it, that too counts as charity.’ (Bukhari, Muslim: Anas, Jabir)

10. GOLDEN RULES FOR HUMAN RELATIONS: The Prophet (Sal-am) said: ‘No one among you attains true faith, until he likes for his brother what he likes for himself.’ (Bukhari, Muslim: Anas)

11. CARING FOR THE FAMILY: The Messenger of God, pbuh, said: Anyone who desires his earnings to grow and his life to be prolonged should treat his relatives well.’ (Bukhari, Muslim: Anas)

12. Hazrat Mohammed (Sal-am) said: ‘One who breaks the ties of relations with his relatives shall not enter Paradise.’ (Bukhari, Muslim: Jubayr)

13. The Messenger of God, pbuh, said: ‘A person who merely reciprocates when doing good, is not really the one who maintains ties with his relatives, but the one who does good and maintains relations even if others do not do good, is a good relative.’ (Bukhari: Abdullah ibn ‘Amr)

14. CARING FOR CHILDREN: The Messenger of God, pbuh, said: ‘No father can give a better gift to his children than providing them with a good education.’ (Baihaqi: Ayub ibn Musa)

15. CARING FOR WOMEN: Prophet Mohammed (Sal-am) said: ‘The most perfect in faith among the believers are those who possess the best morals, and the best among you are those who are kindest to their wives.’ (Tirmidhi: Abu Hurayrah)
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MAULANA ABDUL KARIM PAREKH SAHIB

"MAUTUL AALIMI MAUTUL AALAMI" : MAULANA PAREKH SAHIB ALAS IS NO MORE

By V.M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN

Maulana Abdul Karim Parekh sahib, aged 79 years is alas no more. He breathed his last in the morning, Tuesday, 11 September 2007 at his residence in Nagpur. Inna Lillahi wa inna Ilayhi rajioon.....May his soul rest in peace.

Maulana Parekh sahib was a well-known and respected Muslim leader in the country. He has authored more than 20 books including his most popular 'Tarjuman-e-Quran' (translation of the holy Quran in Urdu, Hindi and Marathi) and 'Lughatul Quran' (dictionary of the holy Quran). He was closely associated with different educational institutions including the Aligarh Muslim University. He was a Padma Bhushan Award winner.The Indian government conferred Padma Bhushan on him in recognition of his catholic writings and lifelong endeavours for communal harmony in 2001.He has given hundreds of discourses on many important subjects concering the community and country.

In a recent interview he had said "India is great in many ways but its greatest uniqueness lies in the fact that is is a confluence of almost all the world's religions and for that reason a potential model for universal brotherhood". He was a great religious and national leader who advised people to make India stronger by unity and wanted young Ulema to understand the nuances of the present age for better presentation of Islamic thoughts. He also wanted unity among all schools of Islamic thoughts. He was rightly called a pacifist. He was a well-travelled person.

Although he had lost his eye-sight and was living on a pacemaker since one or two years, he was following the happenings of the community and country with interest. He was active till his last.

Maulana Parekh sahib's passing away is a great loss to the community and country. May Allah be pleased with him. Let us pray for his "maghfirat"
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AL-AMEEN

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE BENEFICENT, THE MERCIFUL
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------AL-AMEEN : A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 2006

A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR PRIVATE
CIRCULATION
DECEMBER 2006 E-MAIL : vmk_2007@sify.com
EDITOR : V.M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN
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IN THIS ISSUE :

1) A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF IQBAL AND HIS POETRY
2) IFT DISTRIBUTES 100 HOMES TO TSUNAMI VICTIMS
3) KUDOS TO SADIA FOR HER EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE IN B. SC. PHYSICS
4) THE COMMUNITY MUST LEARN …..BY MAULANA KALBE SADIQ, VICE
PRESIDENT, ALL INDIA MUSLIM PERSONAL LAW BOARD
5) ZACKERIA HAZRATH – A TEACHER WITH A DIFFERENCE
6) READERS COMMENT
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A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF IQBAL AND HIS POETRY

V.M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN

Dr. Allama Mohammed Iqbal was a famous Urdu and Persian poet and philosopher, yes the same poet who wrote the famous national song “Saray jahan say achcha Hindustan hamaara, Ham bubulayn hain uski yah gulsitan hamaara” ( Our India is the best country in the world. We are its nightingales and it is our orchard) He was born in Sialkot on November 9, 1877. He was the most intellectual thinker and poet the Muslim world has produced in India. His poems like “Shikwa” (Conplaint) and “Jawab-e-shikwa” (Reply to the complaint) continue to inspire not only Urdu speaking people but intellectuals belonging to all communities and nations. His poems have been translated into most of the world languages.

He was younger of the two sons of his father Shaikh Nur Mohammed and mother Iman Bibi. They were very pious, God-fearing and honest couple.

Iqbal had his primary education in the madrasa of Maulvi Syed Mir Hasan. After sometime on the advice of the Maulvi sahib he was admitted to Scottish Mission School at Sialkot. Even before he passed his final examination, he was married to Karim Bibi, daughter of a physician, Khan Bahadur Dr. Ata Mohammed Khan.They had two daughters and a son. One of the girls passed away soon after birth and the other at the age of nineteen after prolonged illness. The son was Aftab Iqbal who became a corporate lawyer later. He started writing poetry in his Intermediate days in the upgraded Scottish Mission College.

At the age of 19 years Iqbal joined Government College, Lahore in 1895 and studied Arabic, English literature and philosophy under the guidance of Sir Thomas Arnold who had shifted there from M.A.O. College, Aligarh after completing his book “The preaching of Islam” in which he has discussed in detail about Islam’s peaceful spread. Iqbal was very much impressed by his warmth and understanding of Islamic culture and civilization. He passed B.A. with distinction and got scholarship and gold medals for his excellent performance and getting highest marks in Arabic and English.

Iqbal, according to many writers, was a simple and happy person with an alert mind. It is said that during his school days once he came late to his class. Asked by the teacher he replied simply “Sir, Iqbal (meaning glory) comes late.”

Iqbal started his poetry in the tradition of Dagh Dehlvi, the language purist. Then he was attracted to the social perspective of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Hali. Actually he wanted to reform the society through his poetry. He was also a patriotic poet. He was a great exponent of modernism and social revolution in the Islamic world. His passion for modernisation and development was very strong. He was also a humanist. He moved his audience to tears while reciting his poems in the big gatherings of Anjuman-e-Himayat-e- Islam. He had a soft corner for the suffering lot.

Iqbal had married Mukhtar Begum and Sardar begum also who had given him a son (Javid) and a daughter (Munira).

In 1927 Iqbal delivered six lectures on “The Reconstruction of Islamic thought” in Madras, Hyderabad and Aligarh which are thought provoking even today. He was a genius in every sense of the word.

Iqbal was exceptionally a natural and rational Islamic poet the like of whom is yet to be seen. He started writing Urdu poetry during his college days in Lahore as said earlier. He attended a “Mushaira” (poetical symposium) in Lahore’s Hakiman Bazar for the first time at the age of 22 years and recited his poetry. When he recited the couplet

Moti samajh kay shaanay kareemi nay chun liyay
Qathray jo thay meray arq-e- infiaal kay

Divine forgiveness gathered them as pearls,
The drops of my repentance and remorse,

he was very much appreciated and a noted poet Mirza Arshad Gorgani who was present there applauded him whole-heartedly and wished him all the best.

He was also an excellent philosopher and profound thinker. The community was dearer to him. He gave equal importance to the Islamic concepts of both “Huqooqullah” and “Huqooqul Ibad”The following poem is a shining example.

Qaum goya jism hai afraad hain aezayay qaum,
Manzil-e sunath kay rah pa hain thasto payay qaum

Mahfil nazm-e hukoomath chahra zaybayay qaum
Shair rangeen nawa hai theetha-e beena-e qaum

Mubtala-e-dard koi azu ho rothi hai aankh
Kis qadar hamdard saaray jism ki hothi hai ankh

Community is an organism and individuals are parts of its body
Those engaged in industry are its hands and legs

Those engaged in administration are it s face
Poet of myriad sweet melodies is the eye of the nation

The eye weeps for the suffering of any and every part of the body,
How sympathetic it is to the entire organism

The community should act as the eye and consider the suffering of any section of the people as its own and find remedies for it is the message Iqbal wants to stress to the people. It reflects the divine ordain that the humanity should be valued, respected and helped in the best possible manner and one should not be self-centred.

It is very unfortunate that in the present highly materialistic world there is very little room for camaraderie and nobody seems to care for anybody. There is an urgent need for us to grasp the Islamic lesson Iqbal expresses in his poetry. We have seen Ulema (religious scholars) quoting him extensively. His poems are power packed and full of meanings.

Somebody has rightly said that a unique contribution of Iqbal to the contemporary Islamic thought is his bracketing modern science with 'God-consciousness' which he considers more precious than mere belief in God. He equates the scientist's observation of nature with seeking a kind of intimacy with God.

Rajmohan Gandhi says that Iqbal had started becoming popular by 1905 when he left for Europe because of his poems like “Nala-e-Yatim” (The orphan’s cry), Abr-e-Gauhar Bar (Blessed Showers) dedicated to Prophet Mohammed (Sal-am), Parinde ki fariyad (The bird’s lament) in which he has portrayed a caged bird’s longing for freedom –about India’s survitude. He strengthened the Hindu-Muslim unity by his Tarana and other poems.

Iqbal studied philosophy at Cambridge and law at London’s Lincoln Inn. He also received a doctorate for his research thesis on Persian metaphysics from Munich University. It reveals that sufism was an alien and unhealthy growth and it had no place in original Islam. He loved Persian language and wrote poetry in it with preference but disliked Persians like Sufi poet Hafiz of Iran. He adopted rationalism to reform the humanity in general and Muslim in particular) which was engrossed in many superstitious beliefs.

Authors like Rajmohan Gandhi and Mujeeb have said that the West’s strength was admirable to Iqbal but not its merciless competition between man and man and nation and nation as is the case even now. He wanted a solution for all ills of the society and finally found Islam as the best remedy for all our problems.

Dr. Mohammed Hasan says that “Iqbal’s poetry has a world perspective. He was primarily concerned with nothing less than human predicament. Searching for the hidden laws of human development, Iqbal propounded his philosophy of Ego ( Khudi ) with certain social checks and balances ( Bekhudi ). It is in this context that his contribution to world poetic thought remains invaluable.” He was a poet of the East and a manifestation of self-reconstruction and reformation and a poet of the East

As a philosopher Iqbal reveals the mystery of life as follows:

Gul is shakh say toot-thay bhi rehay, isi shakh say phoot-thay bhi rehay,
Samajthay hain naadaan isay baysibath, ubharta hai mit mit kay naqshay hayaat

Flowers fall off from this very branch
and yet from the same they sprout again,
Unwise take it as transient
But the image of life emerges again after falling off

Iqbal was proud that he was an Indian and rightly considered that it was a torch-bearer to world civilisation. He believed in the uniting force of Islam. Actually he wanted everyone particularly Muslims to understand the Indian plural society through his many poems. He did not participate in the Khilafat Movement.

He passed away at Lahore on 21 April 1938 and buried adjacent to the “Badshahi Masjid” built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.



ISLAMIC FOUNDATION TRUST DISTRIBUTES 100 HOMES TO TSUNAMI VICTIMS

T. AZEEZ LUTHFULLAH,
ISLAMIC FOUNDATION TRUST
The dawn of a new colony in the shores of Bay of BengalLet us make Samarasam Nagar a model village!Nagore : 09 November 2006.

It is celebration time for the hapless tsunami victims of the chilladi village near Nagore. For those who lost everything when Killer Tsunami struck them two years back, it is dream come true. Yes. Today they have become happy owners of brand new homes.By the grace of God and with the active co-operation of the Tamil Nadu Government and its agencies along with the help of Muslim Aid a UK based charity organization Islamic Foundation Trust (IFT), Chennai has achieved the gigantic feat of conceiving, constructing and distributing 100 homes to the tsunami victims.
The Event :

The keys of the newly constructed houses were distributed to the victims in a simple function arranged here at the auditorium of the G.S. Pillay college of Engineering at Thethi village. Mr. Ebrahimsa Muhammad, Advisor to Muslim Aid gave away the keys to the beneficiaries. First came Akber Ali and then Tajuddin followed by Kaliappan and others.The Chief Guest : Dr. Abdul Huq Ansari, President of the Human Welfare Trust, New Delhi inaugurated the function organized to commemorate the distribution of 100 homes to the tsunami victims. In his inaugural address he highlighted the stress and importance given to the social service in Islamic teachings. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) has clearly stated the "the best among you is the one who is kind to every human being". We should strive to serve the entire humanity, he opined.Dr. Abdul Huq Ansari represents several organizations of India. He is an erudite scholar and professor from Rabindranath Tagore's Vishwa Bharathi University. He has done his Masters from Havard University of USA.
Guest of honour :

Mr Ibrahimsa Muhammad Advisor Muslim Aid was the guest of honour at the function arranged to commemorate the distribution of houses to the tsunami victims. He handed over the keys of the houses to Mr Gopal DRO and representative of the district collector and a high ranking official as a symbolic gesture. In his address Mr Ibrahimsa Muhammad appreciated the work done by IFT and expressed hope that IFT would continue building homes and hopes to the destitutes and neglected segments of the society. Mr Ibrahimsa introduced the mission and activities of Muslim Aid briefly.
The Houses :

Mr. H. Abdur Raqeeb Chairman, Islamic Foundation Trust in his presidential address appealed to the people to make the new colony a model village. He also highlighted
the significant features of the houses. The cluster of 100 houses spread over six acres of land has been constructed at the cost of Rs. Two and half crores. The land has been provided by the Government of Tamil Nadu and major chunk of funding has been done by Muslim Aid, UK., Mr. Abdur Raqeeb said.Each and every house has been constructed in 400 sq. feet area in a 1300 sq. feet plot. It comprises of a drawing room, a hall, a bed room, kitchen and bathroom with stair case to the terrace. A spacious veranda and sit out is an added attraction, elaborated, Mr. Abdur Raqeeb.The cluster of houses presents a glorious spectacle with the line up of similar looking, beautifully crafted and neatly painted glittering houses dotting the lines. The newly formed colony has been named aptly Samarasam Nagar. Samarasam means peace and harmony, he said.The message :

We could easily build houses with bricks, sand and stone. But homes could be built only through love alone. So I appeal the people to make the new colony a model village in which there will be harmony, peace, love and brotherhood to the core. We dream and aspire that the inhabitants of this new colony would give paramount importance to education and attain and maintain 100% literacy. We dream and aspire that the inhabitants of this new colony in the shores of Bay of Bengal would observe and practice all the good things, noble virtues and gentle qualities. We dream and aspire that the inhabitants of this new colony would abhor and detest all the evil things like drinking alcohol and drugs etc. We pray Almighty that they become self-sufficient and lead a noble life, Mr. Abdur Raqeeb stressed.The role models The highlight of the presidential speech is the passionate introduction ot two selfless souls as true role models to those in the field of social service to the august gathering. They were Mr Ibrahimsa Muhammad of Muslim Aid and Mr Younus Bhai of Parangipettai. Both were present at the dais. Mr Raqeeb extolled the virtues of Ibrahimsa and Younus Bhai. Mr Ibrahimsa symbolises simplicity and social service, he said.The other guests :

Mr. Gopal RDO who participated in the function as a representative of Mr. Tenkasi S. Jawahar, the district Collector, felicitated the beneficiaries and assured the inhabitants of the new colony that the road-laying work would be carried in war footing. Mr. V. Marimuthu. M.L.A graced the occasion with his flowery speech. Mr. Muhammad Younus, Chairman, Parangipettai Panchayat, Mr. Karunanidhi, Principal, G.S. Pillay Engineering College, Mr. M. Muhammad Khalifa Sahib Kadiri, Managing Trustee, Nagore Dargah, Mr. M.G.K. Nizamudeen , President, Nagore Muslim Jamaat, Ms. Annie George, CEO NCRC, Mr. Sundramurthy, Panchayat President, Thethi village, Mr. Amjad Saleem, Director, Muslim Aid, Sri Lanka and Dr K.V.S. Habeeb Muhammad, vice chairman spoke at the occasion. Mr. Shabbeer Ahmed, General Secretary, Islamic Foundation Trust proposed a vote of thanks.
The Organisations :
Muslim Aid a UK based charity organization has been rendering social service in more than 60 countries spread over the four continents. Muslim Aid has been recognized as an exemplary service organization and has been assigned a mamoothe world Bank project of constructing hundreds and hundreds of home to the victims of tsunami in Indonesia.ISLAMIC FOUNDATION TRUST (IFT),Chennai swung into action on that fateful day of Dec 26th 2004 when Tsunami struck the coastal line of Tamilnadu and immediately started its Relief activities forming four hubs at Chennai, Cuddalore, Nagore and Kanyakumari.. IFT's volunteers spread out to different places and worked day and night to provide immediate relief to the affected. They distributed Relief Kits containing essential items including stoves, tarpaulins, bedsheets, provision items etc. The women volunteers joined their male colleagues in counselling the affected at the relief camps.ISLAMIC FOUNDATION TRUST (IFT) also constructed One Hundred (100) Temporary Shelters with necessary facilities for the victims at a land offered by the government near the collectorate in Nagore besides providing books, school bags etc to the affected students.It also provided 16 boats to the people affected at Jameelabad in Pazhaverkadu near Ponneri, a place nearly 30 kms away from Chennai.

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MAKING HISTORY

KUDOS TO H. SADIYA KAUSER FOR HER EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE IN B.SC. PHYSICS

V.M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN, AMBUR

We are extremely happy that H. Sadiya Kauser, daughter of Mr. H. Abdul Rasheed, Noorullahpet, Ambur has passed her B.Sc. (Physics) examination of the University of Madras held in April 2006 by obtaining FIRST RANK and securing FIRST CLASS WITH DISTINCTION.

In the 149th Annual Convocation 2006 held at the University Centenary Auditorium on 14th November 2006, presided over by His Excellency the Governor of Tamil Nadu Mr. Surjit Singh Barnala, Chancellor, University of Madras and Convocation Address delivered by Mr. P. Chidambaram, the Honourable Minister for Finance, Government of India, New Delhi, H. SADIYA KAUSER has been awarded 3 (three) Gold Medals in recognition of her extra-ordinarily excellent performance in the B. Sc. degree examination held by the Madras University in the Faculty of Science during April 2006 as a candidate from Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed Women’s College, Chennai – 600 018.

It is reliably learnt that during the past 150 years of the University of Madras she is the first Muslim girl to receive FIRST RANK and 3 GOLD MEDALS with distinction in the state of Tamil Nadu in B.Sc. Physics.

We take this opportunity to congratulate SADIA KAUSER for her record-breaking performance in the B.Sc. Physics examination and wish her all the best in life. She has brought laurels not only to herself but to her parents, community and the school and college where she studied. She is now doing her postgraduate M. Sc. Physics degree course in Women’s Christian College, Chennai. We are proud of her and her parents who are educating her well.

We also congratulate her parents for giving a right guidance to her, T. Abdul Wahid Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Ambur (where she studied and passed her Plus Two examination with flying colours) for providing good education and learning atmosphere and Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed Women’s College, Chennai (where she did her B.Sc. Physics degree course and brought name and fame) for its excellent coaching and encouragement.

The services rendered by Mr. T. Abdul Wahid sahib, founder of T. Abdul Wahid Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Ambur and Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed sahib, founder of the SIET Women’s College (now called Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed College) are immortal and ever green. The community must be thankful to them.

The people of Ambur know that another brilliant girl student of TAW Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Ambur P. FAYIZA TASKEEN, daughter of Mr. P. Oosman Basha got GOLD MEDAL from Raja Rajeswari College of Engineering, Chennai for securing FIRST RANK in her B.E. examination in 2005. She was honoured in a function in the TAW school. The Ambur Muslim Educational Society also honoured her for her meritorious performance during its historic Centenary Celebrations in September 2006 which was inaugurated by His Excellency The President of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

The undeniable fact is that within a short span of 21 years T. Abdul Wahid Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Ambur studied boys and girls have done well in medical, engineering, science and other degree courses. It is a big achievement for it. We are thankful to its Management, Principals and teaching staff for their educational service. We are sure that it will go on expanding its educational activity and serve the community in its educational and economical advancement.



THE COMMUNITY MUST LEARN TO TAKE CARE OF ITS PROBLEMS

Maulana Kalbe Sadiq , a well-known Shia scholar, has never shied away from courting controversy. His open advocacy of gender equality, literacy/property rights and family planning have won him much admiration among Muslim masses, especially the youth. The Maulana, who is also vice-president of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), spoke to Manjari Mishra
Your approach to Eid led to much confusion this year. Let me make it very clear, the Qur'an nowhere makes moon-sighting mandatory for fixing the Eid day. Deciding the issue by spotting the moon in the sky is a man-made tradition based on total misconception of the maulvis. I speak this with full responsibility. Muslims, as a community, lag behind others in human development indices. What do you think are the reasons? The failure to develop an academic culture and scientific temperament, I think, has been the bane of the Muslim community. Somehow these two issues have been consistently overlooked. We will remain where we are till the time people learn to give importance to these two issues. Who do you blame for the Muslims' socio-economic backwardness? I totally blame the community and its leaders. It is neither rational nor just to point an accusing finger at the government every time. The government is not expected to do everything. The community must learn to take care of its problems. Unfortunately there is a paucity of true leaders among Muslims. What are your views on dowry and the practice of triple talaq? Do you know that banks in Iran don't give loans to the bride's family? Only the groom's father or the groom himself can apply for a marriage loan. Islam has no place for dowry as the groom is expected to bear all marriage expenses from meher to maintenance. However, the real changes in marriage laws or celebrations will become effective the day the ulema set an example by following right traditions during family weddings. Fortunately, Shia community does not recognise triple talaq. It needs to be discouraged. Women have always been denied their rightful place in the name of Islam by orthodox maulvis. Is there a way out? No other religion is as gender friendly as Islam. It is the first religion that accorded equal pro-perty rights to women. According to Qur'an, if you offer namaz in a house where a female claimant has been denied her share, your prayers will not be answered. Similarly, Qur'an nowhere asks women to wear a veil. The stress is on modesty, not form. The law banning domestic violence, I would say, could bring about a major change to the plight of women. Though personally I think the punishment should have been more stringent. I have repeatedly maintained that until a woman gets due respect, a society can't improve or prosper.

(The Times of India, 7th November 2006)
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ZACKERIA HAZRATH : A TEACHER WITH A DIFFERENCE

V.M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN

We were fortunate to have many good and dedicated teachers in the Mazharul Uloom High School, Ambur where we studied more than four decades ago. That period is still green in our memory. We cannot forget our teachers who taught us with all care and attention. Every teacher had his own special characteristics, which impressed and inspired us and even now we cannot but remember and respect them very much.

Prophet Mohammed (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) gave importance to education and teachers. Once he came across two circles of people. The first circle was supplicating to Allah and the other was listening to a discourse by a teacher. The Prophet said “ The first circle is begging God who may or may not give them what they want but the second circle is getting education from a teacher. I have been sent as teacher.” He joined the second circle. This shows that the Prophet gave preference to teachers and education. There are many examples of him giving priority to teachers.

In this write-up I would like to share my impressions about the late Janab V. Mohammed Zackeria sahib, a dedicated and well-known teacher who served in the Mazharul Uloom High School for more than 40 years and left his indelible shining marks. He was affectionately called “Zackeria Hazrath”. He was actually a teacher with a difference. To him teaching was a mission. He taught his pupils with all seriousness, care and attention. He was very scientific in his words and deeds. He endeavoured his best to make every boy a “gem” in discipline and education. He never tolerated laziness and wanted his pupils to be alert and hard working.

Zackeria Hazrath was not only a teacher, but also a reformer par excellence. He was well versed in Urdu, English, Tamil and Hindi languages. He was good in Arabic and Persian also. Interest of the community was dearer to him. He was a serious person, an authoritative one. He “ruled” us and wanted every one of us to study well and benefit from the school without wasting any time.

He had modern thinking and always opposed superstitious beliefs and revealed in his own inimitable Urdu language how soothsayers, sorcerers, astrologers etc. hoodwinked innocent people for the sake of money. He advised us not to believe them and understand things properly using our intellect and wisdom. He was dead opposed to blind following in any matter.

Zackeria Hazrath’s literary taste was immense. He never failed to correct even the spoken language of his pupils whether it was Urdu, English or Tamil. His pupils as well as their parents were careful while talking to him. He disliked the colloquial and wanted everyone to speak chaste Urdu in its sweet and beautiful form. He used to say “Urdu ka khoon mat karo.Miyan” ( Don’t kill the Urdu language.)

The following “rubayee” penned by him shows his noble thoughts. We have to understand it in the proper perspective and respect the plural society in which we live.

“Ya rub hai teri her jagah hasthi,
Paatha hai thujko daaraa-e-beenaayi,
Masjid mayn Muslim Mandir mayn Hindu,
Karthay kalesa mayn wird hain Easaayee”

O God, your existence is everywhere,
Knowledgeable persons are able to find you,
Muslims in the mosque, Hindus in the temple
And Christians in the church pray to you.

One day Hazrath wrote this “rubayee” on the Black Board in the class room and said that “after all everyone is worshipping the same God”. People like me still remember it because of the beautiful thought expressed therein. It is a powerful thought and this thought is necessary for all Indians where different religious people live happily. We cannot forget this great teacher under any situation. He is no more now. But everything he taught us so happily and so seriously, sometimes even with anger, is in our memory in tact. It is impossible for us to forget him and his wonderful and revolutionary teachings. May Allah rest his soul in peace.

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READERS COMMENT

Dear VMK,

Jazakallahu khairan for the mail.
I read the article “Why are the Jews so powerful and Muslims so powerless?” It contains some good points and also motivates towards educational uplift. However, the conclusion is over-simplistic. Education certainly helps to attain power but is not the only or even the major component for power. The example of Zionist Jews is also misleading.

They are powerful not because they are most educated but because 'means' doesn't matter for them for gaining power. They have attained power and influence in the US and other western countries not because of education but using their cunning mind and every unfair means as has been amply demonstrated by the Harvard-Chicago study.
George Bush is the most powerful man of the world today. Is he the most educated of all world leaders? Few will agree as most know how he gained this power. Muslim's decline today is not simply because of their poor education but because of the loss of their identifying values.
H. ABDUR RAQEEB, CHENNAI


Dear Khaleel bhai, I have received 'Al - Ameen' - regular issue and Special Issues relating to November 2006. Kudos for the excellent articles allowing the luxury of interesting reading and honing our knowledge. Your editorial on the importance of education especially for the Muslim community is simply superb and inimitable.

The article on the Jewish supremacy all over the world is an eye opener. Indeed it has cleared all the grudges we have been harbouring against the Jewish community. In the holy Quran, Almighty Allah avers that the community which does not raise itself shall not be bolstered by Him.

It is ignorance and perversion that the Muslim community simply expects some miracle to happen without actually putting forth any efforts to ameliorate its own position through education, knowledge building and technological advancements.

I sincerely pray to Allah to bestow on you courage, conviction and determination to continue your noble mission of waking up our community from its deep slumber and in different complacency. Aameen....
Regards, FAROOQ AHMED H.E, AMBUR

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Dear Khaleelur Rahman Bhai.

Please find forwarding few detail about Islam which I hope will be useful to you.

Islam is the fastest growing religion and the second largest religion in the world
Muslims in Asia (1996)
1,022,692,000 (30%)
Muslims in Africa (1996)
426,282,000 (59%)
Total Number of Muslims on the Earth (1996)
1,482,596,925
Total Number of People on the Earth (1996)
5,771,939,007
Percentage of Muslims (1996)
26%
Islam annual growth rate (1994-1995) from U.N.
6.40%
Christianity growth rate (1994-1995) from U.N.
1.46%
Total Number of Muslims on the Earth (1998)
1,678,442,000
Expected Number of Muslims on the Earth (2000)
1,902,095,000

This table below shows the growth of Islam:

North America (1989-1998)
25%
Africa
2.15%
Asia
12.57%
Europe
142.35%
Latin America
-4.73%
Australia
257.01%
Among every four humans in the world, one of them is Muslim. Muslims have increased by over 235 percent in the last fifty years up to nearly 1.6 billion. By comparison, Christians have increased by only 47 percent, Hinduism, 117 percent, and Buddhism by 63 percent. Islam is the second largest religious group in France, Great Britain and USA (Muslims in USA are 10 millions and Jews are 6 millions).
The number of the total population has been taken from The CIA World's Facts Book.
K. MOHAMED NASARULLAH, CHENNAI
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Janab V.M.K - Assalamu Alaikum.

I read the newsletter “Al-Ameen” . It is very thought-provoking. I wish that every Muslim should read it. I agree with your editorial on the importance of simple marriages and high thinking. I wish that you continue to spread the useful messages through “Al-Ameen”. I am forwarding your newsletter as far as I can.

Regards,

NAGAL IMTIAZ AHMED, CHENNAI

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Dear Khaleelur Rahman,

Assalamu Alaikum

I thank you for your e-mailed “Al-Ameen” newsletter. Please keep posting it to me.

DR. AHMED ALI, CHENNAI

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GOVERNMENT SHOULD FORMULATE A POLICY FOR MUSLIMS

The only protection for the poor among Muslims is a national guarantee in the form of reservation. The misfortune of Muslims is they do not get the right support at the right time from the right people. There is no leader to guide or help them to get better education and improve their literacy rate. Even today, the only reformer who comes to our mind is Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, founder of the Aligarh Muslim University. There is an urgent need for the government to formulate a policy that provides equal opportunity to Muslims in every field of activity.

V.M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN in The Hindu dated November 9, 2006.

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IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE BENEFICENT, THE MERCIFUL
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------AL-AMEEN : A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 2006 E-MAIL: vmk1234@yahoo.com
EDITOR : V.M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN

IN THIS ISSUE :

1) A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF IQBAL AND HIS POETRY
2) IFT DISTRIBUTES 100 HOMES TO TSUNAMI VICTIMS
3) KUDOS TO SADIA FOR HER EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE IN B. SC. PHYSICS
4) THE COMMUNITY MUST LEARN …..BY MAULANA KALBE SADIQ, VICE
PRESIDENT, ALL INDIA MUSLIM PERSONAL LAW BOARD
5) ZACKERIA HAZRATH – A TEACHER WITH A DIFFERENCE
6) READERS COMMENT

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A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF IQBAL AND HIS POETRY

V.M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN

Dr. Allama Mohammed Iqbal was a famous Urdu and Persian poet and philosopher, yes the same poet who wrote the famous national song “Saray jahan say achcha Hindustan hamaara, Ham bubulayn hain uski yah gulsitan hamaara” ( Our India is the best country in the world. We are its nightingales and it is our orchard) He was born in Sialkot on November 9, 1877. He was the most intellectual thinker and poet the Muslim world has produced in India. His poems like “Shikwa” (Conplaint) and “Jawab-e-shikwa” (Reply to the complaint) continue to inspire not only Urdu speaking people but intellectuals belonging to all communities and nations. His poems have been translated into most of the world languages.

He was younger of the two sons of his father Shaikh Nur Mohammed and mother Iman Bibi. They were very pious, God-fearing and honest couple.

Iqbal had his primary education in the madrasa of Maulvi Syed Mir Hasan. After sometime on the advice of the Maulvi sahib he was admitted to Scottish Mission School at Sialkot. Even before he passed his final examination, he was married to Karim Bibi, daughter of a physician, Khan Bahadur Dr. Ata Mohammed Khan.They had two daughters and a son. One of the girls passed away soon after birth and the other at the age of nineteen after prolonged illness. The son was Aftab Iqbal who became a corporate lawyer later. He started writing poetry in his Intermediate days in the upgraded Scottish Mission College.

At the age of 19 years Iqbal joined Government College, Lahore in 1895 and studied Arabic, English literature and philosophy under the guidance of Sir Thomas Arnold who had shifted there from M.A.O. College, Aligarh after completing his book “The preaching of Islam” in which he has discussed in detail about Islam’s peaceful spread. Iqbal was very much impressed by his warmth and understanding of Islamic culture and civilization. He passed B.A. with distinction and got scholarship and gold medals for his excellent performance and getting highest marks in Arabic and English.

Iqbal, according to many writers, was a simple and happy person with an alert mind. It is said that during his school days once he came late to his class. Asked by the teacher he replied simply “Sir, Iqbal (meaning glory) comes late.”

Iqbal started his poetry in the tradition of Dagh Dehlvi, the language purist. Then he was attracted to the social perspective of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Hali. Actually he wanted to reform the society through his poetry. He was also a patriotic poet. He was a great exponent of modernism and social revolution in the Islamic world. His passion for modernisation and development was very strong. He was also a humanist. He moved his audience to tears while reciting his poems in the big gatherings of Anjuman-e-Himayat-e- Islam. He had a soft corner for the suffering lot.

Iqbal had married Mukhtar Begum and Sardar begum also who had given him a son (Javid) and a daughter (Munira).

In 1927 Iqbal delivered six lectures on “The Reconstruction of Islamic thought” in Madras, Hyderabad and Aligarh which are thought provoking even today. He was a genius in every sense of the word.

Iqbal was exceptionally a natural and rational Islamic poet the like of whom is yet to be seen. He started writing Urdu poetry during his college days in Lahore as said earlier. He attended a “Mushaira” (poetical symposium) in Lahore’s Hakiman Bazar for the first time at the age of 22 years and recited his poetry. When he recited the couplet

Moti samajh kay shaanay kareemi nay chun liyay
Qathray jo thay meray arq-e- infiaal kay

Divine forgiveness gathered them as pearls,
The drops of my repentance and remorse,

he was very much appreciated and a noted poet Mirza Arshad Gorgani who was present there applauded him whole-heartedly and wished him all the best.

He was also an excellent philosopher and profound thinker. The community was dearer to him. He gave equal importance to the Islamic concepts of both “Huqooqullah” and “Huqooqul Ibad”The following poem is a shining example.

Qaum goya jism hai afraad hain aezayay qaum,
Manzil-e sunath kay rah pa hain thasto payay qaum

Mahfil nazm-e hukoomath chahra zaybayay qaum
Shair rangeen nawa hai theetha-e beena-e qaum

Mubtala-e-dard koi azu ho rothi hai aankh
Kis qadar hamdard saaray jism ki hothi hai ankh

Community is an organism and individuals are parts of its body
Those engaged in industry are its hands and legs

Those engaged in administration are it s face
Poet of myriad sweet melodies is the eye of the nation

The eye weeps for the suffering of any and every part of the body,
How sympathetic it is to the entire organism

The community should act as the eye and consider the suffering of any section of the people as its own and find remedies for it is the message Iqbal wants to stress to the people. It reflects the divine ordain that the humanity should be valued, respected and helped in the best possible manner and one should not be self-centred.

It is very unfortunate that in the present highly materialistic world there is very little room for camaraderie and nobody seems to care for anybody. There is an urgent need for us to grasp the Islamic lesson Iqbal expresses in his poetry. We have seen Ulema (religious scholars) quoting him extensively. His poems are power packed and full of meanings.

Somebody has rightly said that a unique contribution of Iqbal to the contemporary Islamic thought is his bracketing modern science with 'God-consciousness' which he considers more precious than mere belief in God. He equates the scientist's observation of nature with seeking a kind of intimacy with God.

Rajmohan Gandhi says that Iqbal had started becoming popular by 1905 when he left for Europe because of his poems like “Nala-e-Yatim” (The orphan’s cry), Abr-e-Gauhar Bar (Blessed Showers) dedicated to Prophet Mohammed (Sal-am), Parinde ki fariyad (The bird’s lament) in which he has portrayed a caged bird’s longing for freedom –about India’s survitude. He strengthened the Hindu-Muslim unity by his Tarana and other poems.

Iqbal studied philosophy at Cambridge and law at London’s Lincoln Inn. He also received a doctorate for his research thesis on Persian metaphysics from Munich University. It reveals that sufism was an alien and unhealthy growth and it had no place in original Islam. He loved Persian language and wrote poetry in it with preference but disliked Persians like Sufi poet Hafiz of Iran. He adopted rationalism to reform the humanity in general and Muslim in particular) which was engrossed in many superstitious beliefs.

Authors like Rajmohan Gandhi and Mujeeb have said that the West’s strength was admirable to Iqbal but not its merciless competition between man and man and nation and nation as is the case even now. He wanted a solution for all ills of the society and finally found Islam as the best remedy for all our problems.

Dr. Mohammed Hasan says that “Iqbal’s poetry has a world perspective. He was primarily concerned with nothing less than human predicament. Searching for the hidden laws of human development, Iqbal propounded his philosophy of Ego ( Khudi ) with certain social checks and balances ( Bekhudi ). It is in this context that his contribution to world poetic thought remains invaluable.” He was a poet of the East and a manifestation of self-reconstruction and reformation and a poet of the East

As a philosopher Iqbal reveals the mystery of life as follows:

Gul is shakh say toot-thay bhi rehay, isi shakh say phoot-thay bhi rehay,
Samajthay hain naadaan isay baysibath, ubharta hai mit mit kay naqshay hayaat

Flowers fall off from this very branch
and yet from the same they sprout again,
Unwise take it as transient
But the image of life emerges again after falling off

Iqbal was proud that he was an Indian and rightly considered that it was a torch-bearer to world civilisation. He believed in the uniting force of Islam. Actually he wanted everyone particularly Muslims to understand the Indian plural society through his many poems. He did not participate in the Khilafat Movement.

He passed away at Lahore on 21 April 1938 and buried adjacent to the “Badshahi Masjid” built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.

ISLAMIC FOUNDATION TRUST DISTRIBUTES 100 HOMES TO TSUNAMI VICTIMS

T. AZEEZ LUTHFULLAH,
ISLAMIC FOUNDATION TRUST
The dawn of a new colony in the shores of Bay of BengalLet us make Samarasam Nagar a model village!Nagore : 09 November 2006.

It is celebration time for the hapless tsunami victims of the chilladi village near Nagore. For those who lost everything when Killer Tsunami struck them two years back, it is dream come true. Yes. Today they have become happy owners of brand new homes.By the grace of God and with the active co-operation of the Tamil Nadu Government and its agencies along with the help of Muslim Aid a UK based charity organization Islamic Foundation Trust (IFT), Chennai has achieved the gigantic feat of conceiving, constructing and distributing 100 homes to the tsunami victims.
The Event :

The keys of the newly constructed houses were distributed to the victims in a simple function arranged here at the auditorium of the G.S. Pillay college of Engineering at Thethi village. Mr. Ebrahimsa Muhammad, Advisor to Muslim Aid gave away the keys to the beneficiaries. First came Akber Ali and then Tajuddin followed by Kaliappan and others.The Chief Guest : Dr. Abdul Huq Ansari, President of the Human Welfare Trust, New Delhi inaugurated the function organized to commemorate the distribution of 100 homes to the tsunami victims. In his inaugural address he highlighted the stress and importance given to the social service in Islamic teachings. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) has clearly stated the "the best among you is the one who is kind to every human being". We should strive to serve the entire humanity, he opined.Dr. Abdul Huq Ansari represents several organizations of India. He is an erudite scholar and professor from Rabindranath Tagore's Vishwa Bharathi University. He has done his Masters from Havard University of USA.
Guest of honour :

Mr Ibrahimsa Muhammad Advisor Muslim Aid was the guest of honour at the function arranged to commemorate the distribution of houses to the tsunami victims. He handed over the keys of the houses to Mr Gopal DRO and representative of the district collector and a high ranking official as a symbolic gesture. In his address Mr Ibrahimsa Muhammad appreciated the work done by IFT and expressed hope that IFT would continue building homes and hopes to the destitutes and neglected segments of the society. Mr Ibrahimsa introduced the mission and activities of Muslim Aid briefly.
The Houses :

Mr. H. Abdur Raqeeb Chairman, Islamic Foundation Trust in his presidential address appealed to the people to make the new colony a model village. He also highlighted
the significant features of the houses. The cluster of 100 houses spread over six acres of land has been constructed at the cost of Rs. Two and half crores. The land has been provided by the Government of Tamil Nadu and major chunk of funding has been done by Muslim Aid, UK., Mr. Abdur Raqeeb said.Each and every house has been constructed in 400 sq. feet area in a 1300 sq. feet plot. It comprises of a drawing room, a hall, a bed room, kitchen and bathroom with stair case to the terrace. A spacious veranda and sit out is an added attraction, elaborated, Mr. Abdur Raqeeb.The cluster of houses presents a glorious spectacle with the line up of similar looking, beautifully crafted and neatly painted glittering houses dotting the lines. The newly formed colony has been named aptly Samarasam Nagar. Samarasam means peace and harmony, he said.The message :

We could easily build houses with bricks, sand and stone. But homes could be built only through love alone. So I appeal the people to make the new colony a model village in which there will be harmony, peace, love and brotherhood to the core. We dream and aspire that the inhabitants of this new colony would give paramount importance to education and attain and maintain 100% literacy. We dream and aspire that the inhabitants of this new colony in the shores of Bay of Bengal would observe and practice all the good things, noble virtues and gentle qualities. We dream and aspire that the inhabitants of this new colony would abhor and detest all the evil things like drinking alcohol and drugs etc. We pray Almighty that they become self-sufficient and lead a noble life, Mr. Abdur Raqeeb stressed.The role models The highlight of the presidential speech is the passionate introduction ot two selfless souls as true role models to those in the field of social service to the august gathering. They were Mr Ibrahimsa Muhammad of Muslim Aid and Mr Younus Bhai of Parangipettai. Both were present at the dais. Mr Raqeeb extolled the virtues of Ibrahimsa and Younus Bhai. Mr Ibrahimsa symbolises simplicity and social service, he said.The other guests :

Mr. Gopal RDO who participated in the function as a representative of Mr. Tenkasi S. Jawahar, the district Collector, felicitated the beneficiaries and assured the inhabitants of the new colony that the road-laying work would be carried in war footing. Mr. V. Marimuthu. M.L.A graced the occasion with his flowery speech. Mr. Muhammad Younus, Chairman, Parangipettai Panchayat, Mr. Karunanidhi, Principal, G.S. Pillay Engineering College, Mr. M. Muhammad Khalifa Sahib Kadiri, Managing Trustee, Nagore Dargah, Mr. M.G.K. Nizamudeen , President, Nagore Muslim Jamaat, Ms. Annie George, CEO NCRC, Mr. Sundramurthy, Panchayat President, Thethi village, Mr. Amjad Saleem, Director, Muslim Aid, Sri Lanka and Dr K.V.S. Habeeb Muhammad, vice chairman spoke at the occasion. Mr. Shabbeer Ahmed, General Secretary, Islamic Foundation Trust proposed a vote of thanks.
The Organisations :
Muslim Aid a UK based charity organization has been rendering social service in more than 60 countries spread over the four continents. Muslim Aid has been recognized as an exemplary service organization and has been assigned a mamoothe world Bank project of constructing hundreds and hundreds of home to the victims of tsunami in Indonesia.ISLAMIC FOUNDATION TRUST (IFT),Chennai swung into action on that fateful day of Dec 26th 2004 when Tsunami struck the coastal line of Tamilnadu and immediately started its Relief activities forming four hubs at Chennai, Cuddalore, Nagore and Kanyakumari.. IFT's volunteers spread out to different places and worked day and night to provide immediate relief to the affected. They distributed Relief Kits containing essential items including stoves, tarpaulins, bedsheets, provision items etc. The women volunteers joined their male colleagues in counselling the affected at the relief camps.ISLAMIC FOUNDATION TRUST (IFT) also constructed One Hundred (100) Temporary Shelters with necessary facilities for the victims at a land offered by the government near the collectorate in Nagore besides providing books, school bags etc to the affected students.It also provided 16 boats to the people affected at Jameelabad in Pazhaverkadu near Ponneri, a place nearly 30 kms away from Chennai.

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MAKING HISTORY

KUDOS TO H. SADIYA KAUSER FOR HER EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE IN B.SC. PHYSICS

V.M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN, AMBUR

We are extremely happy that H. Sadiya Kauser, daughter of Mr. H. Abdul Rasheed, Noorullahpet, Ambur has passed her B.Sc. (Physics) examination of the University of Madras held in April 2006 by obtaining FIRST RANK and securing FIRST CLASS WITH DISTINCTION.

In the 149th Annual Convocation 2006 held at the University Centenary Auditorium on 14th November 2006, presided over by His Excellency the Governor of Tamil Nadu Mr. Surjit Singh Barnala, Chancellor, University of Madras and Convocation Address delivered by Mr. P. Chidambaram, the Honourable Minister for Finance, Government of India, New Delhi, H. SADIYA KAUSER has been awarded 3 (three) Gold Medals in recognition of her extra-ordinarily excellent performance in the B. Sc. degree examination held by the Madras University in the Faculty of Science during April 2006 as a candidate from Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed Women’s College, Chennai – 600 018.

It is reliably learnt that during the past 150 years of the University of Madras she is the first Muslim girl to receive FIRST RANK and 3 GOLD MEDALS with distinction in the state of Tamil Nadu in B.Sc. Physics.

We take this opportunity to congratulate SADIA KAUSER for her record-breaking performance in the B.Sc. Physics examination and wish her all the best in life. She has brought laurels not only to herself but to her parents, community and the school and college where she studied. She is now doing her postgraduate M. Sc. Physics degree course in Women’s Christian College, Chennai. We are proud of her and her parents who are educating her well.

We also congratulate her parents for giving a right guidance to her, T. Abdul Wahid Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Ambur (where she studied and passed her Plus Two examination with flying colours) for providing good education and learning atmosphere and Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed Women’s College, Chennai (where she did her B.Sc. Physics degree course and brought name and fame) for its excellent coaching and encouragement.

The services rendered by Mr. T. Abdul Wahid sahib, founder of T. Abdul Wahid Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Ambur and Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed sahib, founder of the SIET Women’s College (now called Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed College) are immortal and ever green. The community must be thankful to them.

The people of Ambur know that another brilliant girl student of TAW Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Ambur P. FAYIZA TASKEEN, daughter of Mr. P. Oosman Basha got GOLD MEDAL from Raja Rajeswari College of Engineering, Chennai for securing FIRST RANK in her B.E. examination in 2005. She was honoured in a function in the TAW school. The Ambur Muslim Educational Society also honoured her for her meritorious performance during its historic Centenary Celebrations in September 2006 which was inaugurated by His Excellency The President of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

The undeniable fact is that within a short span of 21 years T. Abdul Wahid Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Ambur studied boys and girls have done well in medical, engineering, science and other degree courses. It is a big achievement for it. We are thankful to its Management, Principals and teaching staff for their educational service. We are sure that it will go on expanding its educational activity and serve the community in its educational and economical advancement.

THE COMMUNITY MUST LEARN TO TAKE CARE OF ITS PROBLEMS

Maulana Kalbe Sadiq , a well-known Shia scholar, has never shied away from courting controversy. His open advocacy of gender equality, literacy/property rights and family planning have won him much admiration among Muslim masses, especially the youth. The Maulana, who is also vice-president of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), spoke to Manjari Mishra
Your approach to Eid led to much confusion this year. Let me make it very clear, the Qur'an nowhere makes moon-sighting mandatory for fixing the Eid day. Deciding the issue by spotting the moon in the sky is a man-made tradition based on total misconception of the maulvis. I speak this with full responsibility. Muslims, as a community, lag behind others in human development indices. What do you think are the reasons? The failure to develop an academic culture and scientific temperament, I think, has been the bane of the Muslim community. Somehow these two issues have been consistently overlooked. We will remain where we are till the time people learn to give importance to these two issues. Who do you blame for the Muslims' socio-economic backwardness? I totally blame the community and its leaders. It is neither rational nor just to point an accusing finger at the government every time. The government is not expected to do everything. The community must learn to take care of its problems. Unfortunately there is a paucity of true leaders among Muslims. What are your views on dowry and the practice of triple talaq? Do you know that banks in Iran don't give loans to the bride's family? Only the groom's father or the groom himself can apply for a marriage loan. Islam has no place for dowry as the groom is expected to bear all marriage expenses from meher to maintenance. However, the real changes in marriage laws or celebrations will become effective the day the ulema set an example by following right traditions during family weddings. Fortunately, Shia community does not recognise triple talaq. It needs to be discouraged. Women have always been denied their rightful place in the name of Islam by orthodox maulvis. Is there a way out? No other religion is as gender friendly as Islam. It is the first religion that accorded equal pro-perty rights to women. According to Qur'an, if you offer namaz in a house where a female claimant has been denied her share, your prayers will not be answered. Similarly, Qur'an nowhere asks women to wear a veil. The stress is on modesty, not form. The law banning domestic violence, I would say, could bring about a major change to the plight of women. Though personally I think the punishment should have been more stringent. I have repeatedly maintained that until a woman gets due respect, a society can't improve or prosper.

(The Times of India, 7th November 2006)
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ZACKERIA HAZRATH : A TEACHER WITH A DIFFERENCE

V.M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN

We were fortunate to have many good and dedicated teachers in the Mazharul Uloom High School, Ambur where we studied more than four decades ago. That period is still green in our memory. We cannot forget our teachers who taught us with all care and attention. Every teacher had his own special characteristics, which impressed and inspired us and even now we cannot but remember and respect them very much.

Prophet Mohammed (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) gave importance to education and teachers. Once he came across two circles of people. The first circle was supplicating to Allah and the other was listening to a discourse by a teacher. The Prophet said “ The first circle is begging God who may or may not give them what they want but the second circle is getting education from a teacher. I have been sent as teacher.” He joined the second circle. This shows that the Prophet gave preference to teachers and education. There are many examples of him giving priority to teachers.

In this write-up I would like to share my impressions about the late Janab V. Mohammed Zackeria sahib, a dedicated and well-known teacher who served in the Mazharul Uloom High School for more than 40 years and left his indelible shining marks. He was affectionately called “Zackeria Hazrath”. He was actually a teacher with a difference. To him teaching was a mission. He taught his pupils with all seriousness, care and attention. He was very scientific in his words and deeds. He endeavoured his best to make every boy a “gem” in discipline and education. He never tolerated laziness and wanted his pupils to be alert and hard working.

Zackeria Hazrath was not only a teacher, but also a reformer par excellence. He was well versed in Urdu, English, Tamil and Hindi languages. He was good in Arabic and Persian also. Interest of the community was dearer to him. He was a serious person, an authoritative one. He “ruled” us and wanted every one of us to study well and benefit from the school without wasting any time.

He had modern thinking and always opposed superstitious beliefs and revealed in his own inimitable Urdu language how soothsayers, sorcerers, astrologers etc. hoodwinked innocent people for the sake of money. He advised us not to believe them and understand things properly using our intellect and wisdom. He was dead opposed to blind following in any matter.

Zackeria Hazrath’s literary taste was immense. He never failed to correct even the spoken language of his pupils whether it was Urdu, English or Tamil. His pupils as well as their parents were careful while talking to him. He disliked the colloquial and wanted everyone to speak chaste Urdu in its sweet and beautiful form. He used to say “Urdu ka khoon mat karo.Miyan” ( Don’t kill the Urdu language.)

The following “rubayee” penned by him shows his noble thoughts. We have to understand it in the proper perspective and respect the plural society in which we live.

“Ya rub hai teri her jagah hasthi,
Paatha hai thujko daaraa-e-beenaayi,
Masjid mayn Muslim Mandir mayn Hindu,
Karthay kalesa mayn wird hain Easaayee”

O God, your existence is everywhere,
Knowledgeable persons are able to find you,
Muslims in the mosque, Hindus in the temple
And Christians in the church pray to you.

One day Hazrath wrote this “rubayee” on the Black Board in the class room and said that “after all everyone is worshipping the same God”. People like me still remember it because of the beautiful thought expressed therein. It is a powerful thought and this thought is necessary for all Indians where different religious people live happily. We cannot forget this great teacher under any situation. He is no more now. But everything he taught us so happily and so seriously, sometimes even with anger, is in our memory in tact. It is impossible for us to forget him and his wonderful and revolutionary teachings. May Allah rest his soul in peace.
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READERS COMMENT

Dear VMK,

Jazakallahu khairan for the mail.
I read the article “Why are the Jews so powerful and Muslims so powerless?” It contains some good points and also motivates towards educational uplift. However, the conclusion is over-simplistic. Education certainly helps to attain power but is not the only or even the major component for power. The example of Zionist Jews is also misleading.

They are powerful not because they are most educated but because 'means' doesn't matter for them for gaining power. They have attained power and influence in the US and other western countries not because of education but using their cunning mind and every unfair means as has been amply demonstrated by the Harvard-Chicago study.
George Bush is the most powerful man of the world today. Is he the most educated of all world leaders? Few will agree as most know how he gained this power. Muslim's decline today is not simply because of their poor education but because of the loss of their identifying values.
H. ABDUR RAQEEB, CHENNAI

Dear Khaleel bhai, I have received 'Al - Ameen' - regular issue and Special Issues relating to November 2006. Kudos for the excellent articles allowing the luxury of interesting reading and honing our knowledge. Your editorial on the importance of education especially for the Muslim community is simply superb and inimitable.

The article on the Jewish supremacy all over the world is an eye opener. Indeed it has cleared all the grudges we have been harbouring against the Jewish community. In the holy Quran, Almighty Allah avers that the community which does not raise itself shall not be bolstered by Him.

It is ignorance and perversion that the Muslim community simply expects some miracle to happen without actually putting forth any efforts to ameliorate its own position through education, knowledge building and technological advancements.

I sincerely pray to Allah to bestow on you courage, conviction and determination to continue your noble mission of waking up our community from its deep slumber and in different complacency. Aameen....
Regards, FAROOQ AHMED H.E, AMBUR

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Dear Khaleelur Rahman Bhai.

Please find forwarding few detail about Islam which I hope will be useful to you.

Islam is the fastest growing religion and the second largest religion in the world
Muslims in Asia (1996)
1,022,692,000 (30%)
Muslims in Africa (1996)
426,282,000 (59%)
Total Number of Muslims on the Earth (1996)
1,482,596,925
Total Number of People on the Earth (1996)
5,771,939,007
Percentage of Muslims (1996)
26%
Islam annual growth rate (1994-1995) from U.N.
6.40%
Christianity growth rate (1994-1995) from U.N.
1.46%
Total Number of Muslims on the Earth (1998)
1,678,442,000
Expected Number of Muslims on the Earth (2000)
1,902,095,000

This table below shows the growth of Islam:

North America (1989-1998)
25%
Africa
2.15%
Asia
12.57%
Europe
142.35%
Latin America
-4.73%
Australia
257.01%
Among every four humans in the world, one of them is Muslim. Muslims have increased by over 235 percent in the last fifty years up to nearly 1.6 billion. By comparison, Christians have increased by only 47 percent, Hinduism, 117 percent, and Buddhism by 63 percent. Islam is the second largest religious group in France, Great Britain and USA (Muslims in USA are 10 millions and Jews are 6 millions).
The number of the total population has been taken from The CIA World's Facts Book.
K. MOHAMED NASARULLAH, CHENNAI

Janab V.M.K - Assalamu Alaikum.

I read the newsletter “Al-Ameen” . It is very thought-provoking. I wish that every Muslim should read it. I agree with your editorial on the importance of simple marriages and high thinking. I wish that you continue to spread the useful messages through “Al-Ameen”. I am forwarding your newsletter as far as I can.
Regards,
NAGAL IMTIAZ AHMED, CHENNAI
Dear Khaleelur Rahman,
Assalamu Alaikum
I thank you for your e-mailed “Al-Ameen” newsletter. Please keep posting it to me.
DR. AHMED ALI, CHENNAI

GOVERNMENT SHOULD FORMULATE A POLICY FOR MUSLIMS
The only protection for the poor among Muslims is a national guarantee in the form of reservation. The misfortune of Muslims is they do not get the right support at the right time from the right people. There is no leader to guide or help them to get better education and improve their literacy rate. Even today, the only reformer who comes to our mind is Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, founder of the Aligarh Muslim University. There is an urgent need for the government to formulate a policy that provides equal opportunity to Muslims in every field of activity.
V.M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN in The Hindu dated November 9, 2006.
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IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE BENEFICENT, THE MERCIFUL
AL-AMEEN : A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER - NOVEMBER (SECOND ISSUE) 2006
EDITOR : V.M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN
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HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA DR. A.P.J. ABDUL KALAM INAUGURATED “AMBUR MUSLIM EDUCATIONAL SOCIETY” CENTENARY CELEBRATION (HELD ON SEPTEMBER 4, 5 AND 6, 2006) EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE RELATED THIRD SPECIAL ISSUE ON EDUCATION AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.
IN THIS ISSUE:
1. EDITORIAL : EDUCATION IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN …..
2. MUSLIM EDUCATION UNDER LIBERALISED ECONOMY
BY MAQBOOL AHMED SIRAJ
3. ISLAMIC RESURGENCE

4. WHY ARE JEWS SO POWERFUL AND MUSLIMS SO POWERLESS?

5. READERS COMMENT
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EDUCATION IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN OSTENTATIOUS MARRIAGE

We sell lands, houses or any other property or approach the rich who may or may not be relatives to conduct marriages of our children ostentatiously in an un-islamic way. It is a hard fact known to everyone. Many families are ruined in doing so. It can easily be prevented if just 10 Ulema and 10 Umara come forward on a single platform in every village, town and city to reform the society by creating an example for themselves. Let our brethren ponder over it and do the needful to save the community from further deterioration or collapse. It is what the Islamic principles pronounce, which everyone says, are important to him.

Another important thing to be kept in mind is that there is no need to copy the rich. Politicians spend many crores of Rupees which we have seen and are seeing. It is the case with film stars. Is there any meaning in imitating them? Let us be careful and cautious.

There is no need to think that our status will be higher in conducting posh marriages. We should act understanding to our limitations. All should not try to follow the rich in conducting posh marriages.

It has been mentioned in a recent issue of a magazine that there is no need for the Muslim women to be financially empowered. We would like to know from enlightened people what should Muslim female doctors do, whether there should be nurses or not, female teachers should receive their salary or not etc. It is not known where we are heading.

Will it be all right if we keep 50% of our population (female) idle producing more and more children without giving female children better education and empowering them? Let our leaders including Ulema throw light on this question and show the way in the present highly materialistic world.

But we cannot forget that it is the people who serve the community are remembered and adored in every religion, every faith and unfaith. Who can forget Mother Theresa? The world salutes her and feels small before her.

In our own North Arcot district it is the likes of Nawab C. Abdul Hakeem sahib who still dominate the social and educational arena of the Muslim community because of their extra-ordinary philanthropic dispositions. On all India level it is still that bold giant revolutionary reformer Sir Syed Ahmed Khan who comes to our mind in the field of education and reformation.

In the present age it is the President of India His Excellency Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam of whom we should be proud as Indians and as Muslims the like of whom the community has not produced during the past perhaps 500 years. Every Indian, whatever may be his faith, must learn religion and patriotism from him.

One wonders why the enthusiasm parents show to the marriages is not shown to the education. Although, thank God, there is some improvement in our educational thinking, we have to go a long way to reach the level of other communities. The leaders who manage educational institutions should take necessary steps to awaken the community from its slumber and work for its better educational performance. A community-guidance is a must. It is also the duty of the religious scholars to make the community realise the importance of modern education for both boys and girls. The Imams of mosques can select important subjects like education for their Friday sermons instead of routinely dealing on irrelevant topics.

Mr. H. Abdur Raqeeb sahib handed over an article (titled “Why are Jews so powerful and Muslims so powerless?”) to me written by somebody whose name is not mentioned there. We are publishing the same in this issue for a serious reading and preservation.

We have received a good suggestion from another of our well-wishers Mr. N. Shafeeque Ahmed sahib for making our monthly newsletter “Al-Ameen” available to a wide circle of people. He praises the work the writers have put in their articles (November 2006 issue of “Al-Ameen”)

At present we are sending our newsletter “AL-AMEEN ”to about 250 people. Insha-Allah we will increase this list. We request our readers to forward “Al-Ameen” to as many friends and relatives as possible if they find it interesting, useful and worth doing so.

Yet another well wisher Mr. K. Mohamed Nasarullah sahib appreciates our efforts.

Mr. T. Rafeeq Ahmed sahib appreciates our publishing AMES Centenary Celebration report in the last two issues of Al-Ameen and wishes us all the best.

We thank all of them for sharing their views with us. We are for open discussion of any and every issue concerning the community without any inhibition. Let us be honest in our approach.

We are happy to inform you again that Mr. T. Rafeeq Ahmed sahib’s ambition for establishing a women’s college in Ambur will come true Insha-Allah as soon as possible as he is very particular about it and working on it seriously. We hope that the community, particularly philanthropists and industrialists of Ambur, will definitely extend their best co-operation to him.
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MUSLIM EDUCATION UNDER LIBERALISED ECONOMY

Maqbool Ahmed Siraj, Executive Editor, Islamic voice, Bangalore presented this paper in the Educational Conference of the AMES Centenary Celebration
on 4th September 2006

The past 16 years have been momentous for the Indian Economy. India has emerged as a vibrant economy during the period. Despite coalition governments at the Centre and disparate groups ruling in the States, economy grew by 8.1 per cent last year and we are aspiring for the 10 per cent growth in years ahead. Country’s foreign exchange coffers are overflowing with nearly RS. 160 billion. Foreign direct investments has been steady, though much poor in comparison to China. Stock markets have consistently been upswing despite some setbacks due to scandals. Exports have risen phenomenally. Agriculture, which used to be the main contributor to the economy has been relegated to the third position. Service sector has taken the prime position with as much as 52 per cent share in the growth. Some sectors like Information Technology, Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, automobile, construction etc are doing exceptionally well in terms of growth. Nearly two crore of Indians either settled or working abroad are feeling encouraged to keep the funds in India or invest in stocks or land.

Mood in India is upbeat. For the first time after Independence, the Indians feel like having arrived on the world scene. India has risen in the estimation of the world nations. Though education and health are a major concern for the majority of the citizens, Indian colleges and hospitals are now rated as one of the best in the world. India is able to export its educational and medical expertise in substantial measure to several nations. In fact, majority of technically trained Indians who work abroad, are employed in the sectors of education, health and engineering. Almost three lakh engineers are being produced annually within the country. Salaries in some sectors have risen to such heights that some NRIs find it much remunerative to return and work in the native soil.

Economy has received sustained support from the political dispensation. All parties that have ruled have followed the same line. Stability of the political institutions and conventions have been a source of strength. Goldman Sachs study says that economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China are likely to surpass the American economy by 2050 together clubbed as BRIC.

Rosy scenario is painted in some sectors like IT, BT, pharmaceuticals, construction, aviation, housing, consumer durables etc. Indian middle class with disposable income is today estimated to consist of 30 crore people. These are positive highlights of the economy.

There are some negative factors too. Infrastructure in India is very poor. Judicial set up is hopeless and legal delays mar the efficiency of the system. Poor educational attainments and health status of nearly 80 per cent people does not inspire hope. Housing scenario is grim. Due to this our urban areas are a picture of chaos. Left parties which have a solid support base in some states and a few regional parties do not support the liberalization policies dictated by the IMF and the World Bank. Income disparities are rising and this has led to social and economic iniquity. It has given impetus to ideologies like naxalism. Even crime rate is likely to go up due to this factor. Arrival of Western cultural mores is likely to impact on family structure and social ethos. HIV/Aids is one fallout of the situation.

I have given a bird’s eye view of the economic situation. What has caused all this? Primarily, India was heralded into the liberalization era due to the pathetic situation during 1990-91 when the forex reserves had touched the bottom. The IMF and the World Bank began to dictate Structural Adjustment Programme. A few factors that have shaped the success of the liberalized economy in India are the following:

1-Liberal transfer of technology and arrival of Internet.
2-Presence of vast English-knowing and using class
3-Telecom revolution which was initiated during the Rajiv Gandhi period.
4-Automation in industry.
5-Presence of a vast pool of engineering talent.
6-Enhanced importance of English

Today knowledge knows no barriers, neither geographical nor national. People of even enemy nations are free to contact each other without the interference of their governments. Knowledge flows over the physical borders. Knowledge and human resources have become more important than material resources. Those who have knowledge can control the resources. Due to Information Technology, the workers need not move. The work can move. That’s how hundreds of thousands of Indian engineers can do the back office work of banks and insurance companies of the United States without leaving the shores of India. IT has enabled millions of people to learn, work and be taught and even diagnosed for ailments at their homes. Video courts, video clinics and e-tuitions are eliminating the barriers of distances. Multimedia has made the transfer of written text, voice, photographs, colour, messages, etc possible. Work is on to even transfer smell and touch in the near future. Those who jump onto the bandwagon of knowledge would control the world in future. In fact they are already doing so. IT is also changing the pattern of economy. It is consolidating various skills and concentrating the centres of production. It is reducing the use of hands and assigning the task to machines. Look at ATMs, ECS, credit cards, e-commerce, platform ticket vending machines et al. Movie reels now need not be hand delivered. They are digitally delivered. Flights are booked online. So you need not go to a travel agent. Even boarding cards could be printed at home and you can rush for the security check before flights. It is also eliminating wait and delays. Devotees at the Tirupati Devasthanam need not wait in the queue for darshan. They can buy coupons with time indicated on it. Railway reservations are available for anywhere in India just with a click of the mouse. Much of these have become part of our daily lives during the last 15 years. It is making the delivery schedules surer. It is facilitating the movement of capital through electronic banking, ATMs, credit cards, speedy money transfers et al. It is widening the access of knowledge. It is where we need to think about our priorities in education.

Let me present a few facets of how this new economy has affected Muslims:

· The silk industry of Muslims in Karnataka is in shambles. Chinese silk has invaded Indian market. It is cheaper by Rs. 150 a kilogram. Muslims who ran silk reeling units in Ramanagram, Sidlghatta, Channapatna, Kolar etc have to now work as masons in construction sites.
(Ref. M. A. Siraj, Deccan Herald, Bangalore, Nov. 30, 2004)


· Muslim male tailors in cities and towns are generally without work as people prefer buying branded quality garments in fashion stores. They come quite cheap, have excellent stitch, perfect fit.
· Muslim hoarding painters are now without work. Digital printing has rendered them useless. Digital printing produces neat designs in splendid colours and can advertise better. This kind of printing is all digitized and computerized.
· Muslim auto garage owners of traditional type are out of work. They can only repair or service old Ambasadors, Fiats and Heralds. Nearly 50 brands of cars have entered the Indian market. These companies provide their own service centres and employ trained and skilled automobile mechanics who are diploma holders.

I am sure many such changes must have occurred in Tamil Nadu and in the leather industry too. This ingress of new technology has affected all communities and all sectors of economy as science and technology do not discriminate. I know as to how newspaper offices have been affected. Now they do not have proof readers. Sub editors do both subbing and the proofing. Photographers need not go to a laboratory. They directly download their visuals onto computer screens and the photo editor selects and forwards the selected picture to the relevant page-makers. Journalists directly type their script from news happening sites and send them by e-mail to the news editor. But I have only presented a few facets of how it is affecting a community like Muslim in order to say how we need to change too.

Failure to recognize these new elements of scientific and technological changes would render us backward and uncompetitive. It will be uneconomical for us to work with traditional mode and tools. You may be knowing better than me as to how a finished leather merchant or a leather goods manufacturer can benefit by opening his website where consumers in Chicago or Brussels can shop for his choicest goods by visiting the website and looking at every footwear on the website alone and even buy items by paying through credit cards.

It was only modern education that enabled the Muslim leather merchants of North Arcot to proceed from half-tanned skins to finished leather and to leather goods and shoes. They kept pace with policies of the Commerce Ministry and owe their position to mechanization, automation and new financial practices their fathers inducted. I also remember the controversy about E.I. versus Finished leather export raging during early 80s. But those controversies are no longer talked about. Had they not modernized, perhaps the bigger houses would have entered the sector and captured whatever has remained with North Arcot Muslims.

(Ref. M. A. Siraj, Muslim Artisans, Craftsmen and Traders, Issues in Entrepreneurship, Edited by Dr. Abdul Waheed, Director, CEPECAMI, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh Muslim University, published by Icon Publications, New Delhi article titled “Rich dividends through Modernisation” )

But at the same time I must point out certain other sectors that are deficient in modernization.

As a staff reporter in Indian Express in Chennai in early 80s I had written a piece about the outmoded bullock carts of Vaniyambadi which were the only mode of in-city transport for all. There were 500 of them, and perhaps all of them were Muslims. I had pleaded for phasing them out as they were inconvenient for pregnant ladies, old people and school-going girls. I advocated introduction of auto-rickshaws through a cooperative and training of the offspring of the bullock cart pliers as automen and even setting up repair garages, petrol bunks and spares shops through the same cooperative. People in Vaniyambadi accused me of attacking their culture. 25 years later the scene has changed. Bullock carts are out. Their owners and their families may be starving or would be unskilled workers. Autos have come into the town. They do not have any special arrangement for purdah- observing ladies. They are not plied by the men of our community.

This happens with any community which does not want to change. Technology has its own pace. It enters out life subtly, swiftly, smoothly. It challenges the traditions and changes our lifestyles, our ways to earn livelihood and learn and behave. If these changes are not regulated, they even begin to impact on our culture, religion and faith. Others who catch up with technology, they steal a lead and grow powerful. Thus weak are suppressed culturally, economically and politically.

In view of these changes, it would be imperative for Muslims to make certain changes in their educational curriculum.

· It is better that we arrive at a clear understanding for medium of instructions. Urdu could be a language, but it would be less than wise to have it as the medium of instructions in a state (like Tamil Nadu) where only one-fourth of Muslims speak that language. It is true that the Constitution does grant you a right to be taught through your mother tongue. But it is a bigger reality that a minority has to learn a language of the majority in order to learn about the mainstream happenings and fit into the life and development of the region.

· English must be given a prime of place in Muslim educational institutions. It should not only be compulsory, but the Muslim students should be taught to develop high communicative skills in it. Unesco projections say that in the future world, one would have to use one of the following languages to communicate internationally and carry out trade and commerce: English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, French and Hindi. Looking at this I find Muslims totally deficient in communication due to improper stress over languages. Muslim schools only enable students to understand English. They should employ special teachers to impart communicative English. High proficiency should be achieved in reading, writing and speaking this language.


· Precision is emerging as the hallmark of all professions. Professionals are selected on the basis of public school background. With computers entering every field of activity, it is necessary that precision becomes integral to our education. Look for example: an e-mail message bounces if there is difference of a dot, a dash or a hyphen. An ATM machine does not work if codes are not properly fed. A courier might land in Austria instead of Aurstalia if the clerk is poorly trained in Geography or spellings. A call could be misdirected if telecom codes are not observed or a letter could go haywire if postal zone code is not carefully filled. It could affect our business in myriad ways. Legal hassles will be inevitable if letters are not drafted properly. Unfortunately, education in Muslim schools is callous and careless in all these aspects.

· Curriculum changes are becoming necessary every two and three years. Even if universities do not affect them, good colleges add portions that could be useful. Computer courses offered in Universities do not have many takers as they take long time to affect changes. Syllabus committees take years to select and meet and bring out books. New Softwares come in a deluge and change the complexion of the computing every two months. Therefore the students keen to excel go to Aptech and NIIT in order to keep pace with new courses brought by these private institutes. They import software in quick time. No wonder these institutes have become popular world over.


· Muslim education system places emphasis on rituals, not values. Rituals bind an individual to God but values constitute the bonds of society. Namaz, fasting, Hajj ensure fulfilling commitment to God. But values such as honesty, integrity, truthfulness, punctuality, efficiency, promptness, hardwork etc are necessary for survival of a society and interpersonal relations. There should be stressed on all these through anecdotes, parables, fables of the Prophets, sahaba (may Allah be pleased with them) and great men of our religion and nation. It appears Muslim businesses do not progress due to this deficient aspect.

· Considerable talent among Muslims is going towards medicine and engineering while sectors like law, journalism, fine arts, economics, agriculture and its allied disciplines, competitive exam for Govt. jobs are not receiving attention. This lopsided development of the community needs to be corrected. Career counseling and planning is the need of the hour.


· Tamil Nadu Muslims have perhaps raised disproportionately large number of colleges. The stress on quality school education is deficient. This has led to under-utilization of their own colleges by the community. Secondly, the Self-Financed professional education is expensive. They require social infrastructure like scholarship endowments, hostels (there are no free hostels for girls in Chennai), special coaching institutes, book banks etc. Haj Committee is Chennai an annexe to its existing facility. It is good. But Haj involves only two months of utility. Why not think of students’ and working women’s hostels and even hospitals.

· Muslim girls’ education too needs to take cognizance of a few factors of the changed circumstances. Families have become nuclear (man, wife and kids). Smaller families are the norm. Arrival of mixers, washing machines, heaters, instant mixes and ovens have made the housewife’s task easier. She has lot of disposable hours and incomes too. Girls therefore need to be trained with useful skills for their hours of inaction. A recent study says arrival of every household appliance adds eight pound of weight to the housewives’ physique. Girls’ education should provide hands-on training in banking transactions, insurance, saving schemes, stock trading, basic health issues, fitness and immunisation, nutrition, dealing with post and railway affairs (reservation, registry, MO, bookings), etc. Our women know next to nothing about these affairs. Perhaps services of educated Muslim girls could be directed towards improving child care in Muslim orphanages, setting up vocational centres for destitute Muslim girls, rehabilitation centres for disabled people, setting up hostels for working Muslim women etc. There are virtually no avenues for productive utilization of the talents and energies of educated Muslim women in Tamil Nadu even though Muslim women colleges are mushrooming everywhere.

· Localised research should get priority in our colleges. By Allah’s grace, Tamil Nadu has 19 degree colleges, 11 engineering colleges, 20 polytechnics being run by the Muslim community. But no significant surveys, studies, research on local and Muslim issues are forthcoming from these institutions. Several social and economic issues beg for detailed studies. A study on income, investment, saving and consumption pattern of Muslim families in leather business would have been in order. Traditional Muslim businesses, their modernization process, etc need to be studied. No study has been done on how Muslim students cope with high cost of professional education. Why people from North Arcot are marrying girls in Kerala? How Muslim charities are utilized? How relevant is the curriculum of madrassas to the present day needs? How relevant is the content of Friday sermons to the present day? Welfare measures for the beedi workers in North Arcot District? What is the impact of Gulf earners in Tamil Nadu? Could be a few issues for research. A few years ago when some political activists raised the issue of water and environment pollution in Palar basin, Muslim leather industry found itself totally at the sea. Why not take up the issue and suggest ways to improve the environment? Why not take up water harvesting on the Yellagiri and Javadi Hills in order to recharge the land aquifers for perennial supply of water? Why not replicate Anna Hazare’e Ahmednagar model here. Perhaps Muslim colleges need to take many such issues to make themselves relevant to the needs of the people they are supposed to serve. Perhaps a consortium of Muslim colleges could come up with an Institute for Regional Studies in Tamil Nadu. The community is currently intellectually sterile.

These are a few recommendations for upgrading the Muslim education in Tamil Nadu in order to fulfil the urges of economic liberalization. In the past the Tamil Nadu Muslims have set very bright precedents due to their activism. It is expected that they will rise to the occasion and bring about reform that are the need of the hour.


ISLAMIC RESURGENCE – THE TIDE CANNOT BE STOPPED !

In spite of the fact that Muslim Ummah is passing through a critical period in the present day world, there is a clear trend that Islam has become important and is playing a very important role in shaping the future of humanity. The anti-Islam propaganda has, in a way, helped people in seeking more knowledge about Islam. From the East to the West in every city and country, in every newspaper and TV programme Islam is the big question. More and more people are seeking solace in the shade of this Divine religion of peace, prosperity and salvation.

Unfortunately, by and large, the West’s attitude towards Islam is negative. It appears that it has found, after the downfall of Communism, a new opponent to fight with. Islamophobia is ever increasing: controversies are being created, deliberate provocations are being made, insults on Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are being hurled and Muslims are being presented as the greatest danger to world peace and future of civilization.

Another aspect of this precarious situation is the imposition of obedient kings, obliging presidents and subservient rulers on the Muslim countries by the West. They are suppressing both democracy and Islamic yearning of their people to please their Western mentors. The West swears by human rights and democracy but promotes dictators and tyrants like Saddam Hussein to serve its interests. Take the case of Saddam: when he was no longer needed, the story of weapons of mass destruction was invented and Iraq was destroyed beyond recognition. So much so that up to now, according to recent revelations of British magazine Lancet, not less than 655,000 civilians have lost their lives there. This massacre of the innocents would put even Hitler and Stalin to shame.

Ever increasing attacks on Islam and Muslims have led some people to frustration while some are leaning towards extremist thinking. But Islam’s chequered history gives no room for frustration or any extremist reaction. The Ummah has successfully weathered many storms both physical and ideological.

The year 1099 witnessed the capture of Jerusalem and massacre of Muslims, and Jews as well in the hands of Crusaders. But within hundred years, Salahuddin re-conquered Jerusalem and restored its dignity and re-established peace. Greater was the scale of widespread destruction wrought by Mongol hordes in the fist half of 13th century throughout Muslim world, which culminated in the destruction of Baghdad in 1258. It did not take long for the Ummah to regain its lost glory and the Mongols who so badly devastated Muslim lands were themselves conquered by the lofty principles of Islam. So would the Ummah withstand the present onslaughts, rediscover its ideological strength and spring back to a new vitality.

Portents indicate that Islam, in spite of all negative propaganda is catching the imagination of large sections of humanity.

Our agenda should be rejuvenation of Ummah and reconstruction of humanity on the basis of divine guidance contained in the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah of His Last Prophet. We reject the theory of clash of civilizations and endorse the confluence of civilizations, spirit of cooperation and unity of mankind. We are friends of all and enemies of none. We support good wherever it may be and reject evil with whomsoever it may be. Let us at the end of this holy month of Ramadhan resolve to work for this holy cause. No allegation of Islamofascism would weaken our resolve and no amount of intimidation would shake the Ummah. Firm faith and utmost struggle is the key to achieving this goal for the Ummah and the entire humanity. So Allah, help us.

(Courtesy: Radiance, Editorial)

WHY ARE JEWS SO POWERFUL AND MUSLIMS SO POWERLESS?

There are only 14 million Jews in the world; seven million in America, five million in Asia, two million in Europe and 100,000 in Africa. For every single Jew in the world there are 100 Muslims. Yet, Jews are more than a hundred times more powerful than all the Muslims put together. Ever wondered why?

Jesus of Nazareth was Jewish. Albert Einstein, the most influential scientist of all time and TIME magazine’s Person of the Century, Sigmund Freud –id, ego, superego – the father of psychoanalysis was a Jew. So were Karl Max, Paul Samuelson and Milton Friedman.

Here are the few other Jews whose intellectual output has enriched the whole humanity: Benjamin Rubin gave humanity the vaccinating needle. Jonas Salk developed the first polio vaccine. Alert Sabin developed the improved live polio vaccine. Gertrude Elion gave us a leukaemia-fighting drug. Baruch Blumberg developed the vaccination for Hepatitis B. Paul Ehrlich discovered a treatment for syphilis (a sexually transmitted disease). Elie Metchnikoff won a Nobel Prize in infectious diseases.

Bernard Katz won a Nobel Prize in neuro-muscular transmission. Andrew Schally won a Nobel in endocrinology (disorders of the endocrine system; diabetes, hyper-thyroidism). Aaron Beck founded cognitive therapy (psychotherapy to treat mental disorders, depression and phobias). Gregory Pincus developed the first oral contraceptive pill. George Wald won a Nobel for furthering our understanding of the human eye. Stanley Cohen won a Nobel in embryology (study of embryos and their development). Willem Kolff came up with the kidney dialysis machine.

Over the past 105 years, 14 million Jews have won 15 dozen Nobel Prizes while only three Nobel Prizes have been won by 1.4 billion Muslims (other than Peace Prizes)

Why are Jews so powerful?

Stanley Mezor invented the first micro-processing chip. Leo Szilard developed the first nuclear chain reactor. Peter Schultz: optical fibre cable, Charles Adler: traffic lights, Benno Strauss: stainless steel, Isador Kisee: sound movies, Emile Berliner: telephone microphone and Charles Ginsburg: videotape recorder.

Famous financiers in the business world who belong to Jewish faith include Ralph Lauren (Polo), Levis Strauss (Levi’s Jeans), Howard Schultz (Starbuck’s), Sergey Brin (Google), Michael Dell (Dell Computers), Larry Ellison (Oracle), Donna Karan (DKNY), Irv Robbins (Baskins & Robbins) and Bill Rosenberg (Dunkin Donuts), Richard Levin, President of Yale University, is a Jew. So are Henry Kissinger (American Secretary of State), Alan Greenspan (fed Chairman under Reagan, Bush, Clinton and Bush), Joseph Liebermn, Madeleine Albright (American Secretary of State), Casper Weinberger (American Secretary of Defence), Maxim Litvinov (USSR foreign Minister), David Marshal (Singapore’s first chief minister), Issac Isaacs (governor general of Australia), Benjamin Disraeli ( British statesman and author), Yevgeny Primakov (Russian PM), Barry Goldwater, Jorge Sampaio ( President of Portugal), John Deutsch (CIA director),
Herb Gray (Canadian Deputy PM), Pierre Mendes (French PM), Michael Howard (British Home Secretary), Bruno Kreisky (Chancellor of Austria) and Robert Rubin (American Secretary of Treasury)

In the media, famous Jews include Wolf Blitzer (CNN), Barbara Walters (ABC News), Eugene Meyer (Washington Post), Henry Grunwald (editor-in-chief Time), Katherine Graham (publisher of The Washington Post), Joseph Lelyyeld (Executive editor, The New York Times) and Max Frankel (New York Times).

Can you name the most beneficent philanthropist in the history of the world? The name is George Soros, a Jew, who has so far donated a colossal $4 billion most of which has gone as aid to scientists and universities around the world. Second to George Soros is Walter Annenberg, another Jew, who has built a hundred libraries by donating an estimated $2 billion.

At the Olympics, Mark Spitz set a record of sorts by winning seven gold medals. Lenny Krayzelburg is a three-time Olympic gold medalist. Spitz, Kryzelburg and Boris Beeker are all Jewish.

Did you know that Harrison Ford, George Burns, Tony Curtis, Charles Bronson, Sandra Bullock, Billy Crystal, Woody Allen, Paul Newman, Peter Sellers, Dustin Hoffman, Michael Douglas, Ben Kingsley, Kirk Douglas, Goldie Hawn, Cary Grant, William Shatner, Jerry Lewis and Peter Falk are all Jewish? As a matter of fact, Hollywood itself was founded by a Jew. Among directors and producers, Steven Spielberg, Mel Brooks, Oliver Stone, Aaron Spelling (Beverly Hills 90210), Neil Simon (The Odd Couple), Andrew Vaina (Rambo 1/2/3), Michael Man (Starsky and Hutsch), Milos Forman (One flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest), Douglas Fairbanks (The theif of Baghdad) and Ivan Reitman (Ghostbusters) are all Jewish.

To be certain, Washington is the capital that matters and in Washington the lobby that matters is The American Israel Public Affairs Committee or IPAC. Washington knows that if PM Ehud Olmert were to discover that the earth is flat, AIPAC will make the 109th Congress pass a resolution congratulating Olmert on his discovery. William James Sidis, with an IQ of 250-300, is the brightest human who ever existed Guess what faith did he belong to?

Question: So, why are Jews so powerful?

Answer: Education

There are an estimated 1,476,233,470 Muslims on the face of the planet: one billion in Asia, 400 million in Africa, 44 million in Europe and 6 million in the Americas. Every fifth human being is a Muslim; for every single Hindu there are two Muslims, for every Buddhist there are two Muslims and for every Jew there are one hundred Muslims. Ever wondered why Muslims are so powerless?

Here is why. There are 57 member-countries of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) nd all of them put together have around 500 universities; one university for every three million Muslims. The United States has 5,758 universities and India has 8407. In 2004, Shanghai Jiao Tong University compiled an “Academic Ranking of World Universities” and intriguinly, not one university from Muslim-majority states was in the top-500.

As per date collected by the UNDP, literary in the Christian world stands at nearly 90 per cent and 15 Christian-majority states have a literacy rate of 100 per cent. A Muslim-majority state, as a sharp contrast, has an average literacy rate of around 40 per cent and there is no Muslim-majority state with a literacy rate of 100 per cent. Some 98 per cent of the literate in the Christian world had completed primary school while less than 50 per cent of the literate in the Muslim world did the same. Around 40 per cent of the literate in the Christian world attended university while no more than two per cent of the literate in the Muslim world did the same.

Muslim-majority countries have 230 scientists per one million Muslims. The US has 4,000 scientists per million and Japan has 5,000 per million. In the entire Arab world, the total number of full –time researchers is 35,000 and there are only 50 technicians per one million Arabs (in the Christian world there are up to 1,000 technicians per one million). Furthermore the Muslim world spends 0.2 per cent of its GDP on research and development while the Christian world spends around five per cent of its GDP.

Conclusion: The Muslim world lacks the capacity to produce knowledge.

Daily newspapers per 1,000 people and number of book titles per million are two indicators of whether knowledge is being diffused in a society. In Pakistan there are 23 daily newspapers per 1,000 Pakistanis while the same ration in Singapore is 360. In the UK, the number of book titles per million stands at 2,000 while the same in Egypt is 20.

Conclusion: The Muslim world is failing to diffuse knowledge.

Exports of high technology products as a percentage of total exports are an important indicator of knowledge application. Pakistan’s exports of high technology products as a percentage of total exports stand at one per cent. The same for Saudi Arabia is 0.3 per cent; Kuwait, Morocco and Algeria are all at 0.3 per cent while Singapore is at 8 per cent.

Conclusion: The Muslim world is failing to apply knowledge.

Why are Muslims powerless? Because we aren’t producing knowledge.
Why are Muslims powerless? Because we aren’t diffusing knowledge.
Why are Muslims powerless? Because we aren’t applying knowledge.
And the future belongs to knowledge-based societies.

Interestingly the combined annual GDP of 57 OIC countries is under $2 trillion. America, just by herself, produces foods and services worth $12 trillion; China $8 trillion, Japan $3.8 trillion; Japan $3.8 trillion and Germany $2.4 trillion (purchasing lower parity basis)

Oil rich Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait and Qatar collectively produce goods and services (mostly oil) worth $500 billion; Spain alone produces goods and services worth over $1 trillion, Catholic Poland $489 billion and Buddhist Thailand $545 billion (Muslim GDP as a percentage of world GDP is fast declining)

So, why are Muslims so powerless?

Answer: Lack of education.
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READERS COMMENT

Dear VMK,

This has reference to the excellent article "Minority rights -- and wrongs" by Mr. V.R. Krishna Iyer published in The Hindu dated 14th October 2006. He has explained well the definition of minority institutions and their duties. He is right in saying that an educational institution should not be considered a minority one merely because its founder belongs to a certain sect or faith if it does not work for the uplift of the minority communities.

Mr. Iyer is also right in demanding that minority teachers should be paid reasonable salaries and bribes should not be collected for their appointment. He understands their issues more than anybody else and demands solution for them. We thank him for the interest he always shows to the minorities.

Mr. P.K. Shabbir Ahmed, an educationist and social activist has mentioned as follows in his recent article:

“Education has become so costly that the poor cannot afford it. Only two percent of the Muslim community in Tamil Nadu can possibly join professional colleges and reputed matriculation schools. It is a misfortune that even in many Muslim schools and colleges there is no provision to help the poorer students.

Now the Muslim community has opened a couple of B.Ed. colleges but the big question is how many of such Muslim youth - willing to work as teachers - can afford the high fees demanded by the Managements.

We should never forget that the teaching profession appeals only to the poorer or lower middle classes among Muslims”.

It is very unfortunate that even the minority institutions are not protecting the interest of the minorities who are passing through a difficult period now. Let the people at the helm of affairs look into these problems and do the needful.

N. Shameel Ahmed,
Vaniyambadi

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