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: ‘Allcreatures 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 shownMercy 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 Muslimplants 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)
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Leather Exports Decline --Financial Express dated Monday, 10 July 2000
LEATHER EXPORTS DECLINE 9.78%
VM KHALEELUR RAHMAN
Jul 9: The DGCI&S, Calcutta report shows that there is a decline of 9.78 per cent in the exports of finished leather in the last financial year. The exports, which were to the tune of $264.67 million in April/March 1998-99, came down to $238.79 million in April/March 1999-2000.
The discouragement of the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) for the development and export of finished leather under the wrong advice of its dominant members - manufacturers and exporters of leather products - is the main cause for the continuous fall of the leather and leather products exports, says a leading and experienced tanner and adds somewhat furiously that ``unless they are kept out of the CLE which is basically a Council for Leather Exports as its very name suggests, there cannot be any improvement because the development of the leather products industry depends on the development of the leather industry which supplies required finished leather to shoe, garment and goods manufacturers.
Some other tanners plead for the removal of 15 per cent export duty on the E. I. tanned skins to enable them to offer their goods at competitive prices and get orders from overseas buyers.
However, leather products manufacturers feel that a restrictive leather export policy, as at present, is necessary for the development of the value added leather products industry. But value addition is not in sight and even the exports of leather products are on the decline. The exports of leather footwear, footwear components, leather garments and leather goods which were to the tune of $1340.01 million during 1998-99 finnacial year came down by 5.70 per cent to $1263.63 million during the financial year April-March 1999-2000. Under this situation a really liberalised export policy in accordance with the norms of the WTO is a sine qua non for the betterment of the leather and leather products industry.
Market: There is good demand for goat upper and lining leathers at unchanged prices in reputed marks. Some quality conscious buyers in countries like Germnay place orders with those tanners who are supplying goods free from formaldehyde, Chrome-VI Azo and PCP contents. Goat garment suede is normal in movements at its prices at around $1.40 per sq.ft.
VM KHALEELUR RAHMAN
Jul 9: The DGCI&S, Calcutta report shows that there is a decline of 9.78 per cent in the exports of finished leather in the last financial year. The exports, which were to the tune of $264.67 million in April/March 1998-99, came down to $238.79 million in April/March 1999-2000.
The discouragement of the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) for the development and export of finished leather under the wrong advice of its dominant members - manufacturers and exporters of leather products - is the main cause for the continuous fall of the leather and leather products exports, says a leading and experienced tanner and adds somewhat furiously that ``unless they are kept out of the CLE which is basically a Council for Leather Exports as its very name suggests, there cannot be any improvement because the development of the leather products industry depends on the development of the leather industry which supplies required finished leather to shoe, garment and goods manufacturers.
Some other tanners plead for the removal of 15 per cent export duty on the E. I. tanned skins to enable them to offer their goods at competitive prices and get orders from overseas buyers.
However, leather products manufacturers feel that a restrictive leather export policy, as at present, is necessary for the development of the value added leather products industry. But value addition is not in sight and even the exports of leather products are on the decline. The exports of leather footwear, footwear components, leather garments and leather goods which were to the tune of $1340.01 million during 1998-99 finnacial year came down by 5.70 per cent to $1263.63 million during the financial year April-March 1999-2000. Under this situation a really liberalised export policy in accordance with the norms of the WTO is a sine qua non for the betterment of the leather and leather products industry.
Market: There is good demand for goat upper and lining leathers at unchanged prices in reputed marks. Some quality conscious buyers in countries like Germnay place orders with those tanners who are supplying goods free from formaldehyde, Chrome-VI Azo and PCP contents. Goat garment suede is normal in movements at its prices at around $1.40 per sq.ft.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Congratulations to Mr. Kavikko Abdul Rahman
It is heartening to know that a reputed Tamil poet Mr. Kavikko Abdur Rahman has been elected unanimously as Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Wakf Board which I think will be welcomed by all. It is perhaps for the first time that a literary figure who has a good Islamic knowledge and an urge for community services has become the head of the board. We extend our hearty congratulations to him. The hon'ble Chief Minister Mr. M. Karunanidhi who is responsible for this deserves our whole-hearted thanks.
Mr. Rahman's remarks that he would endeavour to work for the betterment of the Muslim community by establishing a university which will provide free education to all, besides inaugurating industrial training institutes and elementary schools are most welcome. One hopes that the board will be in the limelight doing good works for the educational and economic upliftment of the community. As assured by him, the chief khazi Mr. Salahuddin Ayub, a great Islamic scholar, should be suitably accommodated in the wakf board in a better position. This is the urgent need of the hour.
V.M. Khaleelur Rahman
Mr. Rahman's remarks that he would endeavour to work for the betterment of the Muslim community by establishing a university which will provide free education to all, besides inaugurating industrial training institutes and elementary schools are most welcome. One hopes that the board will be in the limelight doing good works for the educational and economic upliftment of the community. As assured by him, the chief khazi Mr. Salahuddin Ayub, a great Islamic scholar, should be suitably accommodated in the wakf board in a better position. This is the urgent need of the hour.
V.M. Khaleelur Rahman
Friday, June 12, 2009
Leather footwear sector gears up for quality conscious markets in US, UK ....Financial Express dated May 1, 2000
Leather footwear sector gears up for quality conscious markets in US, UK
VM KHALEELUR RAHMAN
Indian leather footwear industry has developed well and is slowly moving towards exporting shoes as per the specification of the quality conscious customers in advanced countries such as US, UK, Italy etc. According to DGCI&S Calcutta, footwear exports which were to the tune of $232.19 million during the period April-Dec 1998 has increased by 5.44 per cent to $244.81 million during the same period in 1999. This upward tendency is certain to continue in the months to come.
Every reputed shoe factory has sufficient orders for exports which is not the case in other sectors like leather garments which suffered a downfall of 20.75 per cent during the same April-December '99 period.
Market: Prices to E.I tanned goat skins remain almost unchanged with sales taking place at around Rs 31.00, Rs 28.00 and Rs 25.00 per sq.ft for garment suede, all suede and shoe suede respectively. Goat linings A/B/C are available at Rs 18/16/14 while Rejection and Langda are ruling at Rs 130.00 and Rs 105.00 per kg. respectively. Although good demand exists for wetblue cow hides higher selections at prices Rs. 57 to Rs 59 per sq. ft. for I/II, Rs. 47 to Rs 48 for III and Rs. 37 to Rs 38 for IV, lower selections are somewhat slow in movements. The manufacturers of shoes continue to buy mostly standard tannage hides free from hazardous chemicals like Azo, Pcp etc.
There is good demand for sheep nappa lot in the domestic market at around Rs 43.00 per sq. ft. for good quality and sheep Cabretta is sold upto $2.00 per sq. ft. CIF for export. There is also demand for goat lining leathers at varying prices depending on the quality and selection. As a whole market moves upwards particularly in raw materials and it has become difficult for tanners to operate. Many leading exporters are preparing to participate in the Bologna leather fair to be held from May 3 to 5, 2000.
(The author is a Chennai-based leather industry analyst) Courtesy: Financial Express
VM KHALEELUR RAHMAN
Indian leather footwear industry has developed well and is slowly moving towards exporting shoes as per the specification of the quality conscious customers in advanced countries such as US, UK, Italy etc. According to DGCI&S Calcutta, footwear exports which were to the tune of $232.19 million during the period April-Dec 1998 has increased by 5.44 per cent to $244.81 million during the same period in 1999. This upward tendency is certain to continue in the months to come.
Every reputed shoe factory has sufficient orders for exports which is not the case in other sectors like leather garments which suffered a downfall of 20.75 per cent during the same April-December '99 period.
Market: Prices to E.I tanned goat skins remain almost unchanged with sales taking place at around Rs 31.00, Rs 28.00 and Rs 25.00 per sq.ft for garment suede, all suede and shoe suede respectively. Goat linings A/B/C are available at Rs 18/16/14 while Rejection and Langda are ruling at Rs 130.00 and Rs 105.00 per kg. respectively. Although good demand exists for wetblue cow hides higher selections at prices Rs. 57 to Rs 59 per sq. ft. for I/II, Rs. 47 to Rs 48 for III and Rs. 37 to Rs 38 for IV, lower selections are somewhat slow in movements. The manufacturers of shoes continue to buy mostly standard tannage hides free from hazardous chemicals like Azo, Pcp etc.
There is good demand for sheep nappa lot in the domestic market at around Rs 43.00 per sq. ft. for good quality and sheep Cabretta is sold upto $2.00 per sq. ft. CIF for export. There is also demand for goat lining leathers at varying prices depending on the quality and selection. As a whole market moves upwards particularly in raw materials and it has become difficult for tanners to operate. Many leading exporters are preparing to participate in the Bologna leather fair to be held from May 3 to 5, 2000.
(The author is a Chennai-based leather industry analyst) Courtesy: Financial Express
Banned tanning usages may hit leather exports --Financial Express dated 28th August 2000
Banned tanning usages may hit leather exports
VM Khaleelur Rahman
CHENNAI, JUNE 27: A documentary film shown on TV in Switzerland recently depicting `miserable conditions' and the improper use of chemicals, banned in Europe, in a tannery in a village in Andhra Pradesh has `frightened and shocked'' the people there.
After seeing the programme, some stores arranged tests of several leather goods (clothing and shoes) and found in a part of them the forbidden chemicals. A lot of suppliers had to take back the goods from the show rooms. The Swiss government is also expected to arrange for suitable tests of the imported goods. They want only PCP, AZO and CHROME-VI free goods.
A leading shoe manufacturer whose name is well-known the world-over in leather and shoe circles has faxed an SOS to his suppliers in India saying that ``for being sure that we have clean uppers and shoes from India it is not enough that we have your certificate that the goods don't contain PCP and AZO dyestuffs. We are requesting for a test report to each consignment''.
Always buyers in Germany andSwitzerland have been ``allergic'' to the use of dyes like PCP and AZO because it is feared that they have cancer causing ingredients in them. But surprisingly enough there has been no such protest against them in other countries.
It was Germany which created this problem first some 10 years ago causing much hardship to exporters with huge orders, but somehow it was solved and tanners started using only those chemicals and dyes approved by their overseas customers. At that time some people even thought that it was only their ``ruse'' for selling their own chemicals and dyes to their Indian suppliers of leather and leather products.
There is also a warning in the above referred fax message as follows: ``If some shoes should be delivered to a customer of ours and he found out that the shoes are not PCP, AZO or CHROME-VI free, we have to take the goods back and have to destroy it. In such a case, we will debit all of the costs together with the consequences to you.''
This sudden development is causingworry to exporters of leather and leather products to Switzerland and Germany. Although they do not use any harmful items, getting a test report for every consignment is considered to be time- consuming, complicated and also expensive.
But they believe that their genuine explanation regarding this will be convincing and acceptable to their traditional and knowledgeable customers in these countries and they will be satisfied with the certificate they issue to this effect.
A show manufacturer suggests that the Council for Leather Exports should look into this TV programme episode and issue a clarification on it portraying the real picture of the tanning and leather products industry here so that the wrong impression created in the minds of the Swiss people are removed and they continue to buy our products confidently without any hesitation as hithertofore.
The continuing dull leather market worries tanners. The slow tendency is for all items - hides, goat and sheep skins. Inspite of best efforts, tannersfind it extremely difficult to sell their goods. The usual hubhub of the local leather market is conspicuous by its absence.
Some small business was done in tanned goal skins at around the following prices: Garment suede Rs 33, all suede Rs 30/50, shoe suede Rs 27, A lining Rs 19, A/B lining Rs 17, C lining Rs 15/-, D lining Rs. 12, Rejection T Rs 9, Skiver Rs 7-per SF. Local Rejection, langda and paper were sold at around Rs 110/85/130 per kg respectively. A tanner sold ``as it is'' lot at Rs 90 per piece. Raw goat skins are sold at around Rs 50 in Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai etc. whereas in places like Miraj, Modachur, Pollachi etc where the quality and pelt is always better the prices are at around Rs 75. Sheep nappa, particularly in good quality, sold at around lot Rs 38, E/F/SF/- and Rejection Rs 17 per SF but the business done was small. Goat garment suede leathers A/B/C fetched at around Rs 50 per SF. Only a few garment manufacturers of places like Chennai, Delhi and Bangalore showed limitedinterest because of reduced works in factories due to lack of big export orders.
The POLO garments which fetched about US $80 a year ago are now paid only about US $55 and manufacturers find it very difficult to operate at this ridiculously low price. As regards shoe industry, position is far better. Shoe manufacturers bought wetblue goat skins 3/4 of 1/9 grades at around Rs 38 per SF. They continue to evince interest for TC buff light 5/6 grades of size 8/14 at around Rs 25 and size 4/8 at around Rs 30. Some bought sheep cabretta at around Rs 70 and goat crust LDT 3/6 at around Rs 23 and 6/9 at around Rs 25.
(The author is an leather market analyst)
VM Khaleelur Rahman
CHENNAI, JUNE 27: A documentary film shown on TV in Switzerland recently depicting `miserable conditions' and the improper use of chemicals, banned in Europe, in a tannery in a village in Andhra Pradesh has `frightened and shocked'' the people there.
After seeing the programme, some stores arranged tests of several leather goods (clothing and shoes) and found in a part of them the forbidden chemicals. A lot of suppliers had to take back the goods from the show rooms. The Swiss government is also expected to arrange for suitable tests of the imported goods. They want only PCP, AZO and CHROME-VI free goods.
A leading shoe manufacturer whose name is well-known the world-over in leather and shoe circles has faxed an SOS to his suppliers in India saying that ``for being sure that we have clean uppers and shoes from India it is not enough that we have your certificate that the goods don't contain PCP and AZO dyestuffs. We are requesting for a test report to each consignment''.
Always buyers in Germany andSwitzerland have been ``allergic'' to the use of dyes like PCP and AZO because it is feared that they have cancer causing ingredients in them. But surprisingly enough there has been no such protest against them in other countries.
It was Germany which created this problem first some 10 years ago causing much hardship to exporters with huge orders, but somehow it was solved and tanners started using only those chemicals and dyes approved by their overseas customers. At that time some people even thought that it was only their ``ruse'' for selling their own chemicals and dyes to their Indian suppliers of leather and leather products.
There is also a warning in the above referred fax message as follows: ``If some shoes should be delivered to a customer of ours and he found out that the shoes are not PCP, AZO or CHROME-VI free, we have to take the goods back and have to destroy it. In such a case, we will debit all of the costs together with the consequences to you.''
This sudden development is causingworry to exporters of leather and leather products to Switzerland and Germany. Although they do not use any harmful items, getting a test report for every consignment is considered to be time- consuming, complicated and also expensive.
But they believe that their genuine explanation regarding this will be convincing and acceptable to their traditional and knowledgeable customers in these countries and they will be satisfied with the certificate they issue to this effect.
A show manufacturer suggests that the Council for Leather Exports should look into this TV programme episode and issue a clarification on it portraying the real picture of the tanning and leather products industry here so that the wrong impression created in the minds of the Swiss people are removed and they continue to buy our products confidently without any hesitation as hithertofore.
The continuing dull leather market worries tanners. The slow tendency is for all items - hides, goat and sheep skins. Inspite of best efforts, tannersfind it extremely difficult to sell their goods. The usual hubhub of the local leather market is conspicuous by its absence.
Some small business was done in tanned goal skins at around the following prices: Garment suede Rs 33, all suede Rs 30/50, shoe suede Rs 27, A lining Rs 19, A/B lining Rs 17, C lining Rs 15/-, D lining Rs. 12, Rejection T Rs 9, Skiver Rs 7-per SF. Local Rejection, langda and paper were sold at around Rs 110/85/130 per kg respectively. A tanner sold ``as it is'' lot at Rs 90 per piece. Raw goat skins are sold at around Rs 50 in Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai etc. whereas in places like Miraj, Modachur, Pollachi etc where the quality and pelt is always better the prices are at around Rs 75. Sheep nappa, particularly in good quality, sold at around lot Rs 38, E/F/SF/- and Rejection Rs 17 per SF but the business done was small. Goat garment suede leathers A/B/C fetched at around Rs 50 per SF. Only a few garment manufacturers of places like Chennai, Delhi and Bangalore showed limitedinterest because of reduced works in factories due to lack of big export orders.
The POLO garments which fetched about US $80 a year ago are now paid only about US $55 and manufacturers find it very difficult to operate at this ridiculously low price. As regards shoe industry, position is far better. Shoe manufacturers bought wetblue goat skins 3/4 of 1/9 grades at around Rs 38 per SF. They continue to evince interest for TC buff light 5/6 grades of size 8/14 at around Rs 25 and size 4/8 at around Rs 30. Some bought sheep cabretta at around Rs 70 and goat crust LDT 3/6 at around Rs 23 and 6/9 at around Rs 25.
(The author is an leather market analyst)
Current norms on leather identification holding up exports -- Financial Express dated 28.8.2000
Current norms on leather identification holding up exports
VM Khaleelur Rahman
VM Khaleelur Rahman
Chennai: There is very good overseas demand for leather, but the existing norms for identification of finished leathers are a hurdle in the way of increasing the exports of leather many-fold and earning more and more foreign exchange to the country. `Light colours' in both grain and suede selections cannot be exported under these norms though they are fully finished in every respect and meant for direct use in either shoe or garment factories in abroad. Many leading exporters add that this fact is well known to the CLRI and different leather associations, but nothing has been done so far to rectify this anomaly.
Fashion changes quite often in leather and leather exporters have no alternative to supply the goods in accordance with colour specifications of buyers. Their inability to produce and export `light colours' has deprived them of their overseas orders many a time, buyers preferring to cover their requirements from some other country. Foreign customers want to have business only with those tanners who can execute their contracts fully for all items without any excuse whatsoever.
Indian exporters cannot expect the customer to buy `dark colours' from here and `light colours' from some other country. Although this practical difficulty is known to everybody, a solution to this burning problem is yet to be found. Many exporters feel that the existing norms should be suitably amended to facilitate the exports of light colours without any further delay and harming the leather industry.
Both goat and cow lining are in demand at different prices depending as the quality and selection. While goat linings in good marks fetch at around $0.75/$0.65 for TR/TRR grades. Cow linings DEF/GII are sold at around $0.90/$0.80 per square feet CIF by sea. It is expected that market may pick up further as soon as holidays are over in the middle of September in Europe and America.
F/C sheep nappa and cabretta continue to be in good demand at almost unchange prices here and abroad. The EI tannned goat skins almost all items are sold. Goat Garment suede/All suede/Shoe suede/Heel grip are sold at around Rs 32/Rs 29/Rs 26/Rs 21 and A/B/C linings at around Rs 19/ Rs 17 /Rs 15 per square feet respectively. There is demand for `Rejection' and `Langda' at around Rs 160 and Rs 135 per kg. Good quality wetblue goat skins size 3/5 run is bought at around Rs 50 and otehr grades VII/VIII and IX/X at around Rs 38 and Rs 25 per square feet respectively. Wetblue wool sheep skins 5/6 size lot is sold at around Rs 200 and `Rejection' at around Rs 75 per piece.
Courtesy : Financial Express dated Monday, 28th August, 2000
Thursday, June 11, 2009
INJUSTICE TO CHIEF KHAZI MR. SALAHUDDIN MOHAMMED AYUB
The Prince of Arcot, Mr. Mohammed Abdul Ali is right in saying that a very great injustice has been done to the Chief Qazi Mr. Salahuddin Mohammed Ayub by the officials of the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board who fraudulently obtained his resignation from the membership of the said board.
We request the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu hon'ble Mr. M. Karunanidhi to enquire into this serious matter, consider the resignation as invalid and restore the membership of the board to Mr. Salahuddin Mohammed Ayub who is an Islamic scholar and his association with the board will be more helpful in carrying out the activities of the board in accordance with the Islamic laws. One wonders why an honest and straightforward person like the Chief Qazi has been targeted. The Muslim community is upset over this issue.
V.M. Khaleelur Rahman
in Deccan Chronicle dated 9th June 2009
We request the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu hon'ble Mr. M. Karunanidhi to enquire into this serious matter, consider the resignation as invalid and restore the membership of the board to Mr. Salahuddin Mohammed Ayub who is an Islamic scholar and his association with the board will be more helpful in carrying out the activities of the board in accordance with the Islamic laws. One wonders why an honest and straightforward person like the Chief Qazi has been targeted. The Muslim community is upset over this issue.
V.M. Khaleelur Rahman
in Deccan Chronicle dated 9th June 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
OUTCOME OF THE HONG KONG APLF
OUTCOME OF THE HONG KONG APLF
V. M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN
The Asia Pacific Leather Fair held from 28 March to 2 April 2009 was the 25th anniversary fair with more participants. It had the usual extravaganza and hectic activities such as get-togethers, seminars, buyer-seller meets etc. but dealings were generally lacklustre and far below expectations.
We are aware that a fair is an important meeting place where products are displayed for perusal and evaluation by potential customers. It may or may not lead to any contract on the spot but it definitely paves the way for future dealings. Nobody can go to a fair with high expectations of buying or selling – an industrialist explained to me thus when questioned about the fair.
The fair authority issued a press release which said that “the hide market crash is the ripple effect of the global economic crisis plummeting sales in the automobile and household furniture sectors, both big leather consumers, have caused a radical decline in demand for skins. A similar trend followed in other leather articles like apparel, small leather goods and footwear”.
The result was that “a chronic surplus of hides, triggering a host of other problems including the dwindling value of raw materials as well as financial and contractual changes” according to the said authority.
It is also learnt from reliable sources that more than 100 containers of hides and skins were in Hong Kong and other Far East ports unsold. Suppliers had tough time in trying to dispose off them. Raw and wetblue cow hides which were sold as hot cakes before the global meltdown are having restricted activity now at the reduction of about 20 to 25%.
FMM&T FAIR, INDIA EXPO CENTRE, GREATER NOIDA, MAY 8 TO 10, 2009
The APLF, in association with Indian Footwear Components Manufacturers Association (IFCOMA) is organising the first edition of Footwear Materials Manufacturing & Technology Fair (FMM&T Fair) at the Indian Trade Expo in Greater Noida from 8th to 10th May, 2009. The organisers are of the opinion that the new fair will create a platform for Indian as well as foreign manufacturers to keep abreast of the latest trends and a bridge between the footwear manufacturers and the component producers targeting this vast Indian footwear market according to Council for Leather Exports sources.
STEADY GROWTH OF INDIAN LEATHER INDUSTRY –FIGURES SPEAK
The leather and leather products industry occupies a prominent place in the Indian economy holding 8th rank in view of its steady growth, huge employment generation, invaluable foreign exchange earnings to the tune of US$3477.52 million in the year 2007/2008. If it had received the timely support from the government and made the prices competitive in comparison with those of Pakistan, Bangladesh and China, its position would have been still better. The leather industry is evergreen and growth oriented and the present slowdown is nothing to do with it – according to all sources. The export figure for the last financial year is not available now but leading industrialists say that it will be more than that of the previous year.
The following figures show that exports of leather and leather products had been increasing constantly from 2003/2004 to 2007/2008.
EXPORT PERFORMANCE FOR FIVE YEARS
India’s export of leather and leather products for five years - Value in Million US$
2003-2004
2004-2005
2005-2006
2006-2007
2007-2008
Finished leather
555.71
607.73
636.27
724.00
766.93
Footwear
767.73
910.77
1045.24
1236.91
1475.83
Leather Garments
301.08
329.44
333.30
309.91
343.99
Leather Goods
539.21
585.72
660.17
706.28
784.95
Saddlery and Harness
52.71
61.71
77.52
82.33
105.81
Total
2216.49
2495.37
2752.50
3059.43
3477.52
Source: DGCI&S
Quality consciousness, price control, reliability, safety etc. are some of the main features for customers being attracted to India. The industrial climate prevailing here is perhaps one of the best in the world. There are innumerable industrialists in India having uninterrupted business connections with their overseas customers for decades together.
The following table shows country-wise performance of major importing countries of Indian leather and leather products for five years (Value in million US$)
COUNTRY
2003-2004
2004-2005
2005-2006
2006-2007
2007-2008
Germany
329.82
350.79
363.24
410.08
488.72
Italy
285.02
258.23
317.04
413.35
479.04
UK
250.65
313.69
345.54
359.84
414.32
USA
251.58
290.42
318.36
317.59
306.69
Hong Kong
226.97
247.68
252.15
279.72
267.93
Spain
161.23
176.70
200.18
185.78
212.07
France
109.82
140.00
143.72
174.04
196.17
Netherlands
57.75
65.68
82.95
100.82
133.37
UAE
37.39
48.03
52.34
62.55
74.53
Portugal
34.07
38.38
42.20
49.92
56.06
Source: DGCI&S
However the present situation in Tamil Nadu and elsewhere in the country is that industrialists are operating cautiously as market is dull for leathers even at reduced prices whereas although there is demand for leather products particularly footwear, prices are comparatively lower which are considered highly unworkable. This is worrying the trade and industry.
NEW PLANNING
The present slowdown has made some industrialists to think of having some sort of collaboration with leading importers abroad for production and marketing of their products or marketing them in domestic and overseas markets with their own brands. (V.M. Khaleelur Rahman in Indian Leather, May 2009)
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V. M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN
The Asia Pacific Leather Fair held from 28 March to 2 April 2009 was the 25th anniversary fair with more participants. It had the usual extravaganza and hectic activities such as get-togethers, seminars, buyer-seller meets etc. but dealings were generally lacklustre and far below expectations.
We are aware that a fair is an important meeting place where products are displayed for perusal and evaluation by potential customers. It may or may not lead to any contract on the spot but it definitely paves the way for future dealings. Nobody can go to a fair with high expectations of buying or selling – an industrialist explained to me thus when questioned about the fair.
The fair authority issued a press release which said that “the hide market crash is the ripple effect of the global economic crisis plummeting sales in the automobile and household furniture sectors, both big leather consumers, have caused a radical decline in demand for skins. A similar trend followed in other leather articles like apparel, small leather goods and footwear”.
The result was that “a chronic surplus of hides, triggering a host of other problems including the dwindling value of raw materials as well as financial and contractual changes” according to the said authority.
It is also learnt from reliable sources that more than 100 containers of hides and skins were in Hong Kong and other Far East ports unsold. Suppliers had tough time in trying to dispose off them. Raw and wetblue cow hides which were sold as hot cakes before the global meltdown are having restricted activity now at the reduction of about 20 to 25%.
FMM&T FAIR, INDIA EXPO CENTRE, GREATER NOIDA, MAY 8 TO 10, 2009
The APLF, in association with Indian Footwear Components Manufacturers Association (IFCOMA) is organising the first edition of Footwear Materials Manufacturing & Technology Fair (FMM&T Fair) at the Indian Trade Expo in Greater Noida from 8th to 10th May, 2009. The organisers are of the opinion that the new fair will create a platform for Indian as well as foreign manufacturers to keep abreast of the latest trends and a bridge between the footwear manufacturers and the component producers targeting this vast Indian footwear market according to Council for Leather Exports sources.
STEADY GROWTH OF INDIAN LEATHER INDUSTRY –FIGURES SPEAK
The leather and leather products industry occupies a prominent place in the Indian economy holding 8th rank in view of its steady growth, huge employment generation, invaluable foreign exchange earnings to the tune of US$3477.52 million in the year 2007/2008. If it had received the timely support from the government and made the prices competitive in comparison with those of Pakistan, Bangladesh and China, its position would have been still better. The leather industry is evergreen and growth oriented and the present slowdown is nothing to do with it – according to all sources. The export figure for the last financial year is not available now but leading industrialists say that it will be more than that of the previous year.
The following figures show that exports of leather and leather products had been increasing constantly from 2003/2004 to 2007/2008.
EXPORT PERFORMANCE FOR FIVE YEARS
India’s export of leather and leather products for five years - Value in Million US$
2003-2004
2004-2005
2005-2006
2006-2007
2007-2008
Finished leather
555.71
607.73
636.27
724.00
766.93
Footwear
767.73
910.77
1045.24
1236.91
1475.83
Leather Garments
301.08
329.44
333.30
309.91
343.99
Leather Goods
539.21
585.72
660.17
706.28
784.95
Saddlery and Harness
52.71
61.71
77.52
82.33
105.81
Total
2216.49
2495.37
2752.50
3059.43
3477.52
Source: DGCI&S
Quality consciousness, price control, reliability, safety etc. are some of the main features for customers being attracted to India. The industrial climate prevailing here is perhaps one of the best in the world. There are innumerable industrialists in India having uninterrupted business connections with their overseas customers for decades together.
The following table shows country-wise performance of major importing countries of Indian leather and leather products for five years (Value in million US$)
COUNTRY
2003-2004
2004-2005
2005-2006
2006-2007
2007-2008
Germany
329.82
350.79
363.24
410.08
488.72
Italy
285.02
258.23
317.04
413.35
479.04
UK
250.65
313.69
345.54
359.84
414.32
USA
251.58
290.42
318.36
317.59
306.69
Hong Kong
226.97
247.68
252.15
279.72
267.93
Spain
161.23
176.70
200.18
185.78
212.07
France
109.82
140.00
143.72
174.04
196.17
Netherlands
57.75
65.68
82.95
100.82
133.37
UAE
37.39
48.03
52.34
62.55
74.53
Portugal
34.07
38.38
42.20
49.92
56.06
Source: DGCI&S
However the present situation in Tamil Nadu and elsewhere in the country is that industrialists are operating cautiously as market is dull for leathers even at reduced prices whereas although there is demand for leather products particularly footwear, prices are comparatively lower which are considered highly unworkable. This is worrying the trade and industry.
NEW PLANNING
The present slowdown has made some industrialists to think of having some sort of collaboration with leading importers abroad for production and marketing of their products or marketing them in domestic and overseas markets with their own brands. (V.M. Khaleelur Rahman in Indian Leather, May 2009)
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Sunday, May 31, 2009
UNITED WE STAND AND DIVIDED WE FALL
UNITED WE STAND AND DIVIDED WE FALL
The holy Quran says: O men ! Behold, we have created you all out of a male and a female and have made you into nations and tribes so that you might come to know one another. Verily, the noblest of you in the sight of God is the one who is most deeply conscious of Him. Behold, God is all knowing, all aware (Al-Quran. Al-hujurat 49:13)
The above verses are self-explanatory. It is necessary for us to following them instead of arguing or fighting with one another on small things. We are all one from the same one God. Our young religious scholars can do well in giving priority to the concept of one God and one community -ummah- in their sermons. There is also need for us to understand the other side of the story on every important matter. We cannot expect the people to toe our points of view always on every issue. It is ones right to judge issues in the light of the holy Quran and Ahadees.
Nobody can deny the importance of the four Imams ( Ayimma Araba'a) in the Islamic history and society as their contributions in codifying the Islamic laws are great. There are millions of people who following them and some other Imams. We cannot say that only a particular Imam was right and we do not think anybody feels or says so. Even these great Imams have rightly said that the holy Quran and Ahadees are most important and our attention should not be diverted from them.
The "guides" prepared by the great religious scholars are actually excellent ready-reckoners serving good purposes. Let us not under-estimate their services. We must be indebted to them. They were undoubtedly great scholars and the like of whom are not available now. They used their wisdom and solved the problems of the community during their periods as time demanded. If they are alive now, they would have found new solutions to the buring problems of the present highly materialistic world where human values are at the lowest ebb. It is unfortunate that we are fast becoming ritualistic and our good characters, manners, discipline etc. are on the wane. We are losing our good culture and civilization too and becoming rough in temperaments. Why is it that we are not following our fore-fathers who were kind hearted and soft-spoken. Let us ponder over these changes and find solutions for them.
We have seen students buying "guides" prepared by some experienced teachers and published by some companies and reading them instead of reading the prescribed text books in detail. We have also seen some students reading both the text books and guides. It is mostly the latter students who have more knowledge and score the best possible marks in their examinations. It cannot be said in the case of the former students. In the same way if one wants to study the holy Quran, the Ahadees and also the guides prepared by the Imams it is most welcome because it is what a Muslim should try to do. Only by reading different books written by different scholars we will be able to increase our knowledge. A voracious reader will be in better position to grasp the Islamic principles and laws in their proper perspective. We should not close the door for study of the most important divine book the holy Quran and Ahadees. Our leading ulema have been stressing these points. There cannot be two opinions about it. But some people in praising the Imams knowingly or unknowingly forget the importance we must attach to the holy Quran and Ahadees. Yet some other people do not take the trouble of understanding the services rendered by the Imams and express views which are un-Islamic in nature. Is it not a fact that there is a consensus among scholars that we can disagree with any Imam on any particular point of view by sheer scholarly thought?
The holy Quranic verse " hold tight to the rope of God and be not divided among yourselves" should always remain in our thinking. Every action we take should be for unity, prosperity and peace of the community.
It is hoped that our ulema will guide us to follow these values and remove the misunderstandings prevailing among us. We also request them to advise us about the importance of education, discipline, honesty, co-operation, truthfulness, simplicity, etc. and inspire us to follow them instead of keeping quiet and expecting everything from above. We blame Allah for our troubles without realising our blunders. Le them teach us the right path to free ourselves from any superstitious beliefs, face the challenges of the present time and come out successful in life. We should not forget our responsibilities.
Let us try to be an embodiment of love and affection to all no matter to which school of thought we belong. We must shun sectarian outlook. We must believe that everyone who is allowed to perform haj is a Muslim and nothing else. Let us remain united as our Prophet Mohammed (Sal-am) preached and practised.
The holy Quran says: O men ! Behold, we have created you all out of a male and a female and have made you into nations and tribes so that you might come to know one another. Verily, the noblest of you in the sight of God is the one who is most deeply conscious of Him. Behold, God is all knowing, all aware (Al-Quran. Al-hujurat 49:13)
The above verses are self-explanatory. It is necessary for us to following them instead of arguing or fighting with one another on small things. We are all one from the same one God. Our young religious scholars can do well in giving priority to the concept of one God and one community -ummah- in their sermons. There is also need for us to understand the other side of the story on every important matter. We cannot expect the people to toe our points of view always on every issue. It is ones right to judge issues in the light of the holy Quran and Ahadees.
Nobody can deny the importance of the four Imams ( Ayimma Araba'a) in the Islamic history and society as their contributions in codifying the Islamic laws are great. There are millions of people who following them and some other Imams. We cannot say that only a particular Imam was right and we do not think anybody feels or says so. Even these great Imams have rightly said that the holy Quran and Ahadees are most important and our attention should not be diverted from them.
The "guides" prepared by the great religious scholars are actually excellent ready-reckoners serving good purposes. Let us not under-estimate their services. We must be indebted to them. They were undoubtedly great scholars and the like of whom are not available now. They used their wisdom and solved the problems of the community during their periods as time demanded. If they are alive now, they would have found new solutions to the buring problems of the present highly materialistic world where human values are at the lowest ebb. It is unfortunate that we are fast becoming ritualistic and our good characters, manners, discipline etc. are on the wane. We are losing our good culture and civilization too and becoming rough in temperaments. Why is it that we are not following our fore-fathers who were kind hearted and soft-spoken. Let us ponder over these changes and find solutions for them.
We have seen students buying "guides" prepared by some experienced teachers and published by some companies and reading them instead of reading the prescribed text books in detail. We have also seen some students reading both the text books and guides. It is mostly the latter students who have more knowledge and score the best possible marks in their examinations. It cannot be said in the case of the former students. In the same way if one wants to study the holy Quran, the Ahadees and also the guides prepared by the Imams it is most welcome because it is what a Muslim should try to do. Only by reading different books written by different scholars we will be able to increase our knowledge. A voracious reader will be in better position to grasp the Islamic principles and laws in their proper perspective. We should not close the door for study of the most important divine book the holy Quran and Ahadees. Our leading ulema have been stressing these points. There cannot be two opinions about it. But some people in praising the Imams knowingly or unknowingly forget the importance we must attach to the holy Quran and Ahadees. Yet some other people do not take the trouble of understanding the services rendered by the Imams and express views which are un-Islamic in nature. Is it not a fact that there is a consensus among scholars that we can disagree with any Imam on any particular point of view by sheer scholarly thought?
The holy Quranic verse " hold tight to the rope of God and be not divided among yourselves" should always remain in our thinking. Every action we take should be for unity, prosperity and peace of the community.
It is hoped that our ulema will guide us to follow these values and remove the misunderstandings prevailing among us. We also request them to advise us about the importance of education, discipline, honesty, co-operation, truthfulness, simplicity, etc. and inspire us to follow them instead of keeping quiet and expecting everything from above. We blame Allah for our troubles without realising our blunders. Le them teach us the right path to free ourselves from any superstitious beliefs, face the challenges of the present time and come out successful in life. We should not forget our responsibilities.
Let us try to be an embodiment of love and affection to all no matter to which school of thought we belong. We must shun sectarian outlook. We must believe that everyone who is allowed to perform haj is a Muslim and nothing else. Let us remain united as our Prophet Mohammed (Sal-am) preached and practised.
Friday, May 29, 2009
KAVISH BADRI, URDU POET, IS NO MORE
KAVISH BADRI IS NO MORE
By V. M. Khaleelur Rahman
KAVISH BADRI, the renowned Urdu poet is no more. He passed away on Thursday, 28th May 2009 in his native place Ambur. May his soul rest in peace.
The Urdu adage “Ghar ka peer maskhara” meaning our own saint has no value is more applicable to Kavish Badri, the mercurial, self respecting and emotional Urdu poet who did not seem to have “double standards”. He was straight-forward in his approaches and called a spade a spade. He never minced words. In other words he appeared what he was which is a rare quality of head and heart prevalent only among a very few people to say cautiously. In the present materialistic world there is dual standard everywhere. He was in Ambur after his retirement from the Madras University library near the Marina Beach. He was a great admirer of everything good and a strong critic of everything bad. His arguments were issue based. He was doodh ka doodh paani ka paani.
Kavish Badri was not only an excellent poet but also a good singer. He used to keep the audience under his spell with the powers of his pen and tongue. Urdu lovers were very particular about his participation in mushairas. However we missed him in a grand all India mushaira in Ambur held sometime ago.
Kavish Badri had many awards and laurels to his credit and one of them is the prestigious HAZRAT AMEER KHUSRAO NATIONAL AWARD which was bestowed upon him in 2006. He rose to the limelight after he had written a long epic “Shradhanjali” on the demise of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1965 which received appreciation from both Urdu and Hindi scholars including Firaq Ghorakpuri. His another book “Kaviyam” was also popular receiving both bouquets and brickbats from the people and it was discussed even in the Tamil Nadu assembly. His other books were “Kulfayakoon” and “Qibla Numa”
Kavish Badri wrote a poem in praise of the late journalist A.A. Ravoof saheb and recited it in the mushaira held on 3rd October 1976 in his memory in Ambur I borrow the following verses from it to adore the poet.
Kitne insan zinda rahkar pathar se bhi badtar hain
Kitne murde gal sadkar bhi gauher se bahtar hain
Naam uska zinda hoga kaam jo sab ke aaya
Phir bhi tera gham taza phir bhi tera gham taza
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By V. M. Khaleelur Rahman
KAVISH BADRI, the renowned Urdu poet is no more. He passed away on Thursday, 28th May 2009 in his native place Ambur. May his soul rest in peace.
The Urdu adage “Ghar ka peer maskhara” meaning our own saint has no value is more applicable to Kavish Badri, the mercurial, self respecting and emotional Urdu poet who did not seem to have “double standards”. He was straight-forward in his approaches and called a spade a spade. He never minced words. In other words he appeared what he was which is a rare quality of head and heart prevalent only among a very few people to say cautiously. In the present materialistic world there is dual standard everywhere. He was in Ambur after his retirement from the Madras University library near the Marina Beach. He was a great admirer of everything good and a strong critic of everything bad. His arguments were issue based. He was doodh ka doodh paani ka paani.
Kavish Badri was not only an excellent poet but also a good singer. He used to keep the audience under his spell with the powers of his pen and tongue. Urdu lovers were very particular about his participation in mushairas. However we missed him in a grand all India mushaira in Ambur held sometime ago.
Kavish Badri had many awards and laurels to his credit and one of them is the prestigious HAZRAT AMEER KHUSRAO NATIONAL AWARD which was bestowed upon him in 2006. He rose to the limelight after he had written a long epic “Shradhanjali” on the demise of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1965 which received appreciation from both Urdu and Hindi scholars including Firaq Ghorakpuri. His another book “Kaviyam” was also popular receiving both bouquets and brickbats from the people and it was discussed even in the Tamil Nadu assembly. His other books were “Kulfayakoon” and “Qibla Numa”
Kavish Badri wrote a poem in praise of the late journalist A.A. Ravoof saheb and recited it in the mushaira held on 3rd October 1976 in his memory in Ambur I borrow the following verses from it to adore the poet.
Kitne insan zinda rahkar pathar se bhi badtar hain
Kitne murde gal sadkar bhi gauher se bahtar hain
Naam uska zinda hoga kaam jo sab ke aaya
Phir bhi tera gham taza phir bhi tera gham taza
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, May 16, 2009
INDIAN PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION RESULTS
ELECTION RESULTS
India is comparable only with India - a highly democratic and secular country - the like of which is none. The Congress has proved its mettle by releasing a secular manifesto and making the people realise that it stands for the unity and integrity of the country by not dividing the people on caste, linguistic or communal lines and projecting Dr. Manmohan Singh as its next Prime Ministerial candidate. All Congress leaders particularly Dr. Manmohan Singh, Mr. Pranab Mukherji, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi focussed the attention of the people on policies and programmes. The BJP behaved irresponsibly by dividing the people on communal lines and giving importance to persons like Mr. Narendra Modi and Mr. Varun Gandhi who were not in the good books of the people to say the least. The young Congress leaders like Mr. Rahul Gandhi exhibited their maturity and behaved in a dignified way making it clear that they can be the real representatives of the people.
The BJP should learn a lesson from the outcome of the present parliamentary elections. The people are mature enough now. They cannot be fooled by slogans and emotions on communal lines. People like Mr. Modi and Mr. Varun Gandhi are a liabililty to it - not an asset. If these leaders were not there in the election limelight, one feels that its position would have been better.
Let it be clear to all that in today's modern India everyone thinks that when it is the question of our country, he or she is an IndiaN first, Indian second, Indian third and nothing but an Indian. There is an urgent need for the parties like the BJP to understand this mindset of the people and work accordingly without hurting the feelings of any community. India is great and incredible. The well conducted parliamentary elections have proved it once again beyond any doubt.
On this happy occasion every Indian feels proud of his or her Indianness as the people have exercised their franchise in favour of democracy and secularism - the sheet anchor of the Constitution of India.
V.M. Khaleelur Rahman
India is comparable only with India - a highly democratic and secular country - the like of which is none. The Congress has proved its mettle by releasing a secular manifesto and making the people realise that it stands for the unity and integrity of the country by not dividing the people on caste, linguistic or communal lines and projecting Dr. Manmohan Singh as its next Prime Ministerial candidate. All Congress leaders particularly Dr. Manmohan Singh, Mr. Pranab Mukherji, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi focussed the attention of the people on policies and programmes. The BJP behaved irresponsibly by dividing the people on communal lines and giving importance to persons like Mr. Narendra Modi and Mr. Varun Gandhi who were not in the good books of the people to say the least. The young Congress leaders like Mr. Rahul Gandhi exhibited their maturity and behaved in a dignified way making it clear that they can be the real representatives of the people.
The BJP should learn a lesson from the outcome of the present parliamentary elections. The people are mature enough now. They cannot be fooled by slogans and emotions on communal lines. People like Mr. Modi and Mr. Varun Gandhi are a liabililty to it - not an asset. If these leaders were not there in the election limelight, one feels that its position would have been better.
Let it be clear to all that in today's modern India everyone thinks that when it is the question of our country, he or she is an IndiaN first, Indian second, Indian third and nothing but an Indian. There is an urgent need for the parties like the BJP to understand this mindset of the people and work accordingly without hurting the feelings of any community. India is great and incredible. The well conducted parliamentary elections have proved it once again beyond any doubt.
On this happy occasion every Indian feels proud of his or her Indianness as the people have exercised their franchise in favour of democracy and secularism - the sheet anchor of the Constitution of India.
V.M. Khaleelur Rahman
Friday, May 8, 2009
Whither the S/C judgment in the beard case?
WHITHER THE S/C JUDGMENT IN THE BEARD CASE?
V. M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN
The Supreme Court judgment, delivered by Mr. Justice Markandeya Katju in March 2009 dismissing the petition of Mohammed Salim, a student of a minority Christian institution, Nirmala Higher Secondary School in Madhya Pradesh in which he had sought quashing of the school regulation requiring students to be clean-shaven has created a controversy.
I always wonder why Muslim leaders including Ulema are so sensitive to issues like Shah Bano case, Aligarh Muslim University, Urdu, beard etc. without paying enough attention for the educational and economic development of the backward Muslim community. Even the sermons given during Friday prayers are bereft of any enlightenment or encouragement for the youngsters to study well, work hard and come up in life. They send a wrong signal to the people by asking them to prepare for the Aakhira and not to worry about the present world. This approach is contrary to the Islamic thought of making good of this as well as the world hereafter.
It is clear to anyone who reads carefully the proceedings of the case that the Judge did not make any derogatory remarks about “beard” and “burqa” as generally believed but castigated the approach of the student as “talibanisation” and nothing else. However he should have avoided using this unparliamentary word which has assumed a sort of notoriety now. A serious critic of this judgment can only find fault for this expression.
There is no reason why the Judge or for that matter anyone should be against anyone sporting a "beard" or insult a beard which has enjoyed a good place in all religions. A beard is not the exclusive domain of any particular community. We can see all sorts of people - Maulanas, sadhus, sants, priests, philosophers and scientists sporting a beard.
In ancient India, Greece, Rome, Egypt and many other countries the beard was allowed to grow long as it was considered a symbol of dignity and wisdom. Quite a large number of people mainly dignitaries belonging to all communities preferred beard, wanted to grow it long and paid much care and attention to it. In some of these countries including India the punishment for some crimes and sins was to have the beard of the offending persons removed in public. In other words they had a sacred regard for their beards.
In ancient Rome shaving was not known at all to the Romans during their early history. It is recorded in some historical works that according to Pliny, P. Ticinius was the first person to bring a barber to Rome at around 299 BC and Scipio Africanus was the first among the Romans to have shaved his beard. This is how the Romans started shaving their beards.
Christians also give importance to the beard because Jesus, Moses, Abraham and others had grown beards. However at various times in the history of the Catholics, Church has permitted and prohibited facial hair. Even Jews grow beards to show their observance of the Old Testament. Hindus also value the beard. However there is much stress for having the beard among the Sikhs. They consider it an integral part of their religious doctrine and a sign of the nobility and dignity of their manhood.
Islamic scholars have said that Prophet Mohammed (Sal-am) had a beard and shortened the moustaches and hence it is “sunnah”. But it is the Taliban ( in Afghanistan and in some places like Swat in Pakistan ) who have made a hell of it by forcing people to grow a beard and compelling barbers not to shave it. Allah does not see ones dress or shape. He sees ones character, actions and deeds based on his or her good intentions and purity of thoughts.
The position of beard being so similar in all religions, one need not have any doubt about the intentions of the Judge. Let us look into the proceedings of the case reported in the press.
The student’s counsel Mr. B.A. Khan argued before the bench that sporting a beard was an indispensable part of Islam. The Judge expressed his surprise on it simply because he being a Muslim did not have any beard. Anyone even a Maulana would have reacted in the same manner. The Judge actually gave importance to the views of the student by saying that if he was not interested in following the rules of the school, particularly on beard, he had the option of joining some other institution of his choice but could not ask a minority institution which has its own rights under Article 30 (1) of the Constitution to change its rules and regulations. Even his remarks on burqa were not against burqa. He only gave an example by saying that a girl student cannot say that she will wear only a burqa and not a uniform prescribed by a school. His observations were meant to emphasise that the constitutionally guaranteed rights of a minority institution should not be tampered with.
I feel that the Muslim community should have welcomed this judgment whole-heartedly for safeguarding the minority rights and congratulated the school for winning the case imposed on it. We should not forget that we are Muslims and constitutionally speaking ours is a minority community whether people like me like this categorization/nomenclature or not. The great freedom fighter and commentator of the holy Quran, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad never compromised on his idea of a single united Indian nation of all religious communities. All parties including the Congress accepted the vivisection of the country but not the Maulana.
If the Supreme Court had allowed the student to have a beard despite the norm of the institution for a clean shave, I don’t think he would have continued his studies there. Besides this the minority rights would have been at stake. I believe that the court has protected the rights of the minority institutions guaranteed under the Constitution of India by its judgment. We should be happy about it.
If the student was very particular about his beard, he would not have gone to this institution giving an undertaking that he would abide by its rules and regulations. History is replete with instances of great Islamists having sacrificed their good positions in different units to lead a life of their choice instead of asking them to provide something for them. A true Muslim will never be a burden to anybody. If he finds a place of his study or work not conducive for him, he will leave it. Salim should have selected the right school for him and if he had found the school rules unsuitable after getting admission there; he should have left it and got admission in some other school without going to the court. This can alone be termed as right Islamic spirit and nothing else. We depend on the holy Quran and the ahadees for inspiration and guidance.
At the same time I would like to add that in almost all Muslim minority institutions like in almost all Christian minority and other institutions in Chennai nothing is imposed on the students belonging to other religions. For example a head scarf is an indispensable part of the uniform in all Muslim schools but it is not made compulsory for non-Muslim girls. We have not seen any non-Muslim girl wearing a head scarf in any school here. In the same way in non-Muslim institutions belonging to Christian, Hindu or any other community in Tamil Nadu, there is nothing which can be branded as inimical to cultural or religious feelings of the Muslim community. In other words a good camaraderie exists among them here. We are proud of it. There are many Muslim educational institutions - primary schools, higher secondary schools, arts and science colleges, engineering colleges, etc. in places like Chennai, Vaniyambadi, Ambur, Melvisharam, Keelakarai, Trichy, Kayalpattinam, etc. where students belonging to all religious communities study understanding and respecting each other's sentiments.
When the controversy arose on the Supreme Court judgment, Mr. Moosa Raza, Chairman, South India Educational Trust, issued a statement immediately which reads as follows:
“I have known Justice Katju and I believe that he is a staunch secularist and is totally averse to all forms of radicalisms both Hindu and Muslim. I agree with his views that a minority educational institution can make any disciplinary rules to maintain its character. It can prescribe a uniform; prohibit the wearing of a particular dress etc. If anyone does not like such rules he is free to go elsewhere but he cannot ask for the rules to be changed."
Prof. Tahir Mahmood, an Islamic scholar, did the right thing in interviewing Mr. Justice Katju and coming out with a statement that the impression being given by some that the court rejected the Muslims’ right to sport a beard is wrong and that the real issue before the court was if a minority community had the right to administer an institution as per its rules or not and it has done justice to it by its judgment. However some Muslim leaders like Maulana Syed Ahmed Khizar Shah have criticized severely the judgment and professor saheb for his statement without giving their valid reasons and sound arguments for their protests. This attitude is sorrowful.
One feels that if the student had not joined the school or left the school without taking the beard issue to the court, it would have been better for him and our community. Our students should not be allowed to go astray. They should be taught how to live happily among different religious people in a plural country like ours where by the grace of Allah there are good opportunities waiting for them.
Let us uphold the secular credentials of our motherland which are rare in the world instead of wasting our time and energy indulging in meaningless and unproductive activities and bringing bad name to our community.
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V. M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN
The Supreme Court judgment, delivered by Mr. Justice Markandeya Katju in March 2009 dismissing the petition of Mohammed Salim, a student of a minority Christian institution, Nirmala Higher Secondary School in Madhya Pradesh in which he had sought quashing of the school regulation requiring students to be clean-shaven has created a controversy.
I always wonder why Muslim leaders including Ulema are so sensitive to issues like Shah Bano case, Aligarh Muslim University, Urdu, beard etc. without paying enough attention for the educational and economic development of the backward Muslim community. Even the sermons given during Friday prayers are bereft of any enlightenment or encouragement for the youngsters to study well, work hard and come up in life. They send a wrong signal to the people by asking them to prepare for the Aakhira and not to worry about the present world. This approach is contrary to the Islamic thought of making good of this as well as the world hereafter.
It is clear to anyone who reads carefully the proceedings of the case that the Judge did not make any derogatory remarks about “beard” and “burqa” as generally believed but castigated the approach of the student as “talibanisation” and nothing else. However he should have avoided using this unparliamentary word which has assumed a sort of notoriety now. A serious critic of this judgment can only find fault for this expression.
There is no reason why the Judge or for that matter anyone should be against anyone sporting a "beard" or insult a beard which has enjoyed a good place in all religions. A beard is not the exclusive domain of any particular community. We can see all sorts of people - Maulanas, sadhus, sants, priests, philosophers and scientists sporting a beard.
In ancient India, Greece, Rome, Egypt and many other countries the beard was allowed to grow long as it was considered a symbol of dignity and wisdom. Quite a large number of people mainly dignitaries belonging to all communities preferred beard, wanted to grow it long and paid much care and attention to it. In some of these countries including India the punishment for some crimes and sins was to have the beard of the offending persons removed in public. In other words they had a sacred regard for their beards.
In ancient Rome shaving was not known at all to the Romans during their early history. It is recorded in some historical works that according to Pliny, P. Ticinius was the first person to bring a barber to Rome at around 299 BC and Scipio Africanus was the first among the Romans to have shaved his beard. This is how the Romans started shaving their beards.
Christians also give importance to the beard because Jesus, Moses, Abraham and others had grown beards. However at various times in the history of the Catholics, Church has permitted and prohibited facial hair. Even Jews grow beards to show their observance of the Old Testament. Hindus also value the beard. However there is much stress for having the beard among the Sikhs. They consider it an integral part of their religious doctrine and a sign of the nobility and dignity of their manhood.
Islamic scholars have said that Prophet Mohammed (Sal-am) had a beard and shortened the moustaches and hence it is “sunnah”. But it is the Taliban ( in Afghanistan and in some places like Swat in Pakistan ) who have made a hell of it by forcing people to grow a beard and compelling barbers not to shave it. Allah does not see ones dress or shape. He sees ones character, actions and deeds based on his or her good intentions and purity of thoughts.
The position of beard being so similar in all religions, one need not have any doubt about the intentions of the Judge. Let us look into the proceedings of the case reported in the press.
The student’s counsel Mr. B.A. Khan argued before the bench that sporting a beard was an indispensable part of Islam. The Judge expressed his surprise on it simply because he being a Muslim did not have any beard. Anyone even a Maulana would have reacted in the same manner. The Judge actually gave importance to the views of the student by saying that if he was not interested in following the rules of the school, particularly on beard, he had the option of joining some other institution of his choice but could not ask a minority institution which has its own rights under Article 30 (1) of the Constitution to change its rules and regulations. Even his remarks on burqa were not against burqa. He only gave an example by saying that a girl student cannot say that she will wear only a burqa and not a uniform prescribed by a school. His observations were meant to emphasise that the constitutionally guaranteed rights of a minority institution should not be tampered with.
I feel that the Muslim community should have welcomed this judgment whole-heartedly for safeguarding the minority rights and congratulated the school for winning the case imposed on it. We should not forget that we are Muslims and constitutionally speaking ours is a minority community whether people like me like this categorization/nomenclature or not. The great freedom fighter and commentator of the holy Quran, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad never compromised on his idea of a single united Indian nation of all religious communities. All parties including the Congress accepted the vivisection of the country but not the Maulana.
If the Supreme Court had allowed the student to have a beard despite the norm of the institution for a clean shave, I don’t think he would have continued his studies there. Besides this the minority rights would have been at stake. I believe that the court has protected the rights of the minority institutions guaranteed under the Constitution of India by its judgment. We should be happy about it.
If the student was very particular about his beard, he would not have gone to this institution giving an undertaking that he would abide by its rules and regulations. History is replete with instances of great Islamists having sacrificed their good positions in different units to lead a life of their choice instead of asking them to provide something for them. A true Muslim will never be a burden to anybody. If he finds a place of his study or work not conducive for him, he will leave it. Salim should have selected the right school for him and if he had found the school rules unsuitable after getting admission there; he should have left it and got admission in some other school without going to the court. This can alone be termed as right Islamic spirit and nothing else. We depend on the holy Quran and the ahadees for inspiration and guidance.
At the same time I would like to add that in almost all Muslim minority institutions like in almost all Christian minority and other institutions in Chennai nothing is imposed on the students belonging to other religions. For example a head scarf is an indispensable part of the uniform in all Muslim schools but it is not made compulsory for non-Muslim girls. We have not seen any non-Muslim girl wearing a head scarf in any school here. In the same way in non-Muslim institutions belonging to Christian, Hindu or any other community in Tamil Nadu, there is nothing which can be branded as inimical to cultural or religious feelings of the Muslim community. In other words a good camaraderie exists among them here. We are proud of it. There are many Muslim educational institutions - primary schools, higher secondary schools, arts and science colleges, engineering colleges, etc. in places like Chennai, Vaniyambadi, Ambur, Melvisharam, Keelakarai, Trichy, Kayalpattinam, etc. where students belonging to all religious communities study understanding and respecting each other's sentiments.
When the controversy arose on the Supreme Court judgment, Mr. Moosa Raza, Chairman, South India Educational Trust, issued a statement immediately which reads as follows:
“I have known Justice Katju and I believe that he is a staunch secularist and is totally averse to all forms of radicalisms both Hindu and Muslim. I agree with his views that a minority educational institution can make any disciplinary rules to maintain its character. It can prescribe a uniform; prohibit the wearing of a particular dress etc. If anyone does not like such rules he is free to go elsewhere but he cannot ask for the rules to be changed."
Prof. Tahir Mahmood, an Islamic scholar, did the right thing in interviewing Mr. Justice Katju and coming out with a statement that the impression being given by some that the court rejected the Muslims’ right to sport a beard is wrong and that the real issue before the court was if a minority community had the right to administer an institution as per its rules or not and it has done justice to it by its judgment. However some Muslim leaders like Maulana Syed Ahmed Khizar Shah have criticized severely the judgment and professor saheb for his statement without giving their valid reasons and sound arguments for their protests. This attitude is sorrowful.
One feels that if the student had not joined the school or left the school without taking the beard issue to the court, it would have been better for him and our community. Our students should not be allowed to go astray. They should be taught how to live happily among different religious people in a plural country like ours where by the grace of Allah there are good opportunities waiting for them.
Let us uphold the secular credentials of our motherland which are rare in the world instead of wasting our time and energy indulging in meaningless and unproductive activities and bringing bad name to our community.
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"KUFU" - A DETESTABLE PRACTICE AGAINST NOBLE ISLAMIC VALUES
"KUFU" - A DETESTABLE PRACTICE AGAINST NOBLE ISLAMIC VALUES
V. M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN
Islam from day one has been proclaiming Tawheed -oneness of God and oneness of the humanity and alhamdulillah - all praise be to God - there has been no compromise on this fundamental principle considered by all as the lifeline of the Islamic faith.
“There is no difference between an Arab and a non-Arab” is the famous golden saying of Prophet Mohammed (Sal-am). But unfortunately the abhorable concept of "kufu" which looks like a caste system has entered the Muslim society somehow or other in some parts of the world. A section of the ulema is responsible for it. They believe and preach boldly without any shame and in total disregard to the Islamic values that we must follow some rules and principles in matrimonial affairs to maintain and strengthen the family system and save it from chaos and disintegration. Thus they have framed some rules based on ancestry, religiosity, financial background, occupation etc. which are against the very letter and spirit of the holy Quran and Ahaadees and a blot to the fair name of Islam according to almost all Islamic scholars, intellectuals and modern thinkers. They have not quoted the holy Quran or Ahadees for these rules of kufu. The Prophet (sal-am) has said that if any man of good faith and character seeks alliance; give your daughter in marriage to him. Even in many states in our country India inter-caste marriages are encouraged by giving awards to the couples of such marriages. It is here we see the Islamic light.
The proponents of the kufu concept say that equality is a since qua non between the couple for a good and cordial marital relationship as otherwise their life will be miserable and lead to marital breakdowns due to incompatibility. This does not seem to be the case at all. Anyhow let us see their opinions and comment briefly.
According to some Ulema of the past and present there should be the following criteria of Kufu.
1) Ancestral equality: There is a difference between a Quraish and a non-Quraish Arab and also an Arab and a non-Arab. Islam says that there is no difference between them.
2) Equality of religion and piety: The second criterion accepted in respect of Kufu is religiosity and hence both man and woman should be religious. A pious woman should not be married to an irreligious person. Of course on this point one should be careful.
3) Financial equality: The third criterion is financial equality. Both man and woman should be equal financially. A rich woman should not be married to a poor man. We have seen so many rich women living happily with their poor husbands and vice versa sharing their wealth.
4) Occupational equality: The fourth criterion is occupational equality. If a woman or her relatives are in some high occupational status in society, the occupation of the man wanting to marry her should be equally high. For example if a person is a merchant while some other is a labourer or sweeper, the two cannot be equal. No profession is low. The Prophet (sal-am) has kissed the hands of the labourers. If two adults being in such conditions want to marry, nobody can prevent them.
Some ulema are of the opinion that if a woman marries on her own accords a man of ghair kuf (a man lower in status than hers or her relatives), her wali (guardian) has the right to object to the marriage and get it annulled. But if the guardian has no objection, the Nikah will be valid. But if after Nikah the status of the husband goes down, the wife would be impressed upon to bear with him with the hope that his position will improve. After marriage, nobody can get the marriage annulled unilaterally without her consent and without any valid reasons.
They also say that the Syed families are suitable matches for one another as they share descent from the Quraishi tribe and that they can also marry high caste people like the Shaikhs and the likes. But other families not sharing their lineage are not match to them; no matter however strong may be in their profession, family background and status. This is actually an anti Islamic concept and therefore there is no takers for it.
Most of the views expressed above with regard to Kufu as we have seen make painful reading and are in total contravention of the Islamic laws. History is testimony to the fact that Islam has influenced people of different cultural and social backgrounds in different countries to mix in marital relations and be a shining example of the Islamic fraternity. There is no caste system in Islam.
The holy Quran and ahadees say that the differences we see among the people of the world are just for the sake of identification and the best among us are only those who are pious and God-fearing. We cannot underestimate or consider any section of the people lower or inferior. Prophet Mohammed (Sal-am) not only preached equality among the people, Arabs and non-Arabs, but also actually practised and implemented it in his innumerable actions and deeds. Everyone still remembers and gets inspired how Hazrat Bilal, a black slave, was liberated and elevated to the high position of the “Muazzin” in Makkah and how revolutionarily he arranged the marriage of his cousin, Hazrat Bibi Zainab – a Quraish lady – with Hazrat Zaid bin Harisa – Prophet Mohammed’s liberated slave and his “adopted” son.
Islam also made history when Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) and his companions migrated to Madina. How the Muslims in Madina came forward and sacrificed everything to help the migrated Muslims is something unprecedented and unheard of in the annals of the world history. The Muslims, spread the world-over, are to a great extent a beautiful community of multi-cultural heritage. The religion of Islam which has embraced the whole world under its catholic and universal codes of brotherhood cannot and does not give importance to any sectarian or caste consideration.
The meaning given for a Ghair kuf by some as “someone below one’s status in terms of caste, family or occupation” is misleading and Brahmanic in nature! Only those who have an Aryan attitude can think so and keep their daughters unmarried for years together expecting a suitable match from the Heavens!!
It is well known that many Arabs come and marry Indian girls in cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Poona etc. Was there any objection to it on the ground of Ghair kuf? Even the most objectionable marriages of the Arabs with Indian girls were not objected to by the Ulema just because they thought there is no difference between an Arab and a non-Arab Muslim.
There are many instances of the time of Prophet Mohammed (Sal-am) to prove that the concept of kufu as propagated by a section is nothing to do with Islam and in fact it is a hateful innovation detrimental to the human society and pristine pure Islamic values of equality and brotherhood.
When Prophet Mohammed (May peace be upon him) asked the respected tribe Banu Biyaza to give any of their women in marriage to Abu Hind (R), a slave and a barber, they wanted to know if they should marry their daughters to their slaves. At this time the verse was revealed “ O man! Behold, we have created you all out of a male and a female and have made you into nations and tribes so that you might come to know one another. Verily, the noblest of you in the sight of God is the one who is most deeply conscious of Him. Behold, God is all knowing, all aware (Al-Quran, Al-Hujurat 49:13) This verse has rejected the concepts of castes and biradaris. Our Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) praised Abu Hind ( R ) as a man of strong faith and character and preferred him for matrimonial alliance. There is no question of any religious importance being given to ancestral, financial or occupational status. The only criterion is religiosity and piety on which most religious scholars agree.
The castes, biradaris, etc. found among the Muslims are their own making and Islam is not responsible for it. Islam stands for oneness of God and mankind.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
V. M. KHALEELUR RAHMAN
Islam from day one has been proclaiming Tawheed -oneness of God and oneness of the humanity and alhamdulillah - all praise be to God - there has been no compromise on this fundamental principle considered by all as the lifeline of the Islamic faith.
“There is no difference between an Arab and a non-Arab” is the famous golden saying of Prophet Mohammed (Sal-am). But unfortunately the abhorable concept of "kufu" which looks like a caste system has entered the Muslim society somehow or other in some parts of the world. A section of the ulema is responsible for it. They believe and preach boldly without any shame and in total disregard to the Islamic values that we must follow some rules and principles in matrimonial affairs to maintain and strengthen the family system and save it from chaos and disintegration. Thus they have framed some rules based on ancestry, religiosity, financial background, occupation etc. which are against the very letter and spirit of the holy Quran and Ahaadees and a blot to the fair name of Islam according to almost all Islamic scholars, intellectuals and modern thinkers. They have not quoted the holy Quran or Ahadees for these rules of kufu. The Prophet (sal-am) has said that if any man of good faith and character seeks alliance; give your daughter in marriage to him. Even in many states in our country India inter-caste marriages are encouraged by giving awards to the couples of such marriages. It is here we see the Islamic light.
The proponents of the kufu concept say that equality is a since qua non between the couple for a good and cordial marital relationship as otherwise their life will be miserable and lead to marital breakdowns due to incompatibility. This does not seem to be the case at all. Anyhow let us see their opinions and comment briefly.
According to some Ulema of the past and present there should be the following criteria of Kufu.
1) Ancestral equality: There is a difference between a Quraish and a non-Quraish Arab and also an Arab and a non-Arab. Islam says that there is no difference between them.
2) Equality of religion and piety: The second criterion accepted in respect of Kufu is religiosity and hence both man and woman should be religious. A pious woman should not be married to an irreligious person. Of course on this point one should be careful.
3) Financial equality: The third criterion is financial equality. Both man and woman should be equal financially. A rich woman should not be married to a poor man. We have seen so many rich women living happily with their poor husbands and vice versa sharing their wealth.
4) Occupational equality: The fourth criterion is occupational equality. If a woman or her relatives are in some high occupational status in society, the occupation of the man wanting to marry her should be equally high. For example if a person is a merchant while some other is a labourer or sweeper, the two cannot be equal. No profession is low. The Prophet (sal-am) has kissed the hands of the labourers. If two adults being in such conditions want to marry, nobody can prevent them.
Some ulema are of the opinion that if a woman marries on her own accords a man of ghair kuf (a man lower in status than hers or her relatives), her wali (guardian) has the right to object to the marriage and get it annulled. But if the guardian has no objection, the Nikah will be valid. But if after Nikah the status of the husband goes down, the wife would be impressed upon to bear with him with the hope that his position will improve. After marriage, nobody can get the marriage annulled unilaterally without her consent and without any valid reasons.
They also say that the Syed families are suitable matches for one another as they share descent from the Quraishi tribe and that they can also marry high caste people like the Shaikhs and the likes. But other families not sharing their lineage are not match to them; no matter however strong may be in their profession, family background and status. This is actually an anti Islamic concept and therefore there is no takers for it.
Most of the views expressed above with regard to Kufu as we have seen make painful reading and are in total contravention of the Islamic laws. History is testimony to the fact that Islam has influenced people of different cultural and social backgrounds in different countries to mix in marital relations and be a shining example of the Islamic fraternity. There is no caste system in Islam.
The holy Quran and ahadees say that the differences we see among the people of the world are just for the sake of identification and the best among us are only those who are pious and God-fearing. We cannot underestimate or consider any section of the people lower or inferior. Prophet Mohammed (Sal-am) not only preached equality among the people, Arabs and non-Arabs, but also actually practised and implemented it in his innumerable actions and deeds. Everyone still remembers and gets inspired how Hazrat Bilal, a black slave, was liberated and elevated to the high position of the “Muazzin” in Makkah and how revolutionarily he arranged the marriage of his cousin, Hazrat Bibi Zainab – a Quraish lady – with Hazrat Zaid bin Harisa – Prophet Mohammed’s liberated slave and his “adopted” son.
Islam also made history when Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) and his companions migrated to Madina. How the Muslims in Madina came forward and sacrificed everything to help the migrated Muslims is something unprecedented and unheard of in the annals of the world history. The Muslims, spread the world-over, are to a great extent a beautiful community of multi-cultural heritage. The religion of Islam which has embraced the whole world under its catholic and universal codes of brotherhood cannot and does not give importance to any sectarian or caste consideration.
The meaning given for a Ghair kuf by some as “someone below one’s status in terms of caste, family or occupation” is misleading and Brahmanic in nature! Only those who have an Aryan attitude can think so and keep their daughters unmarried for years together expecting a suitable match from the Heavens!!
It is well known that many Arabs come and marry Indian girls in cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Poona etc. Was there any objection to it on the ground of Ghair kuf? Even the most objectionable marriages of the Arabs with Indian girls were not objected to by the Ulema just because they thought there is no difference between an Arab and a non-Arab Muslim.
There are many instances of the time of Prophet Mohammed (Sal-am) to prove that the concept of kufu as propagated by a section is nothing to do with Islam and in fact it is a hateful innovation detrimental to the human society and pristine pure Islamic values of equality and brotherhood.
When Prophet Mohammed (May peace be upon him) asked the respected tribe Banu Biyaza to give any of their women in marriage to Abu Hind (R), a slave and a barber, they wanted to know if they should marry their daughters to their slaves. At this time the verse was revealed “ O man! Behold, we have created you all out of a male and a female and have made you into nations and tribes so that you might come to know one another. Verily, the noblest of you in the sight of God is the one who is most deeply conscious of Him. Behold, God is all knowing, all aware (Al-Quran, Al-Hujurat 49:13) This verse has rejected the concepts of castes and biradaris. Our Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) praised Abu Hind ( R ) as a man of strong faith and character and preferred him for matrimonial alliance. There is no question of any religious importance being given to ancestral, financial or occupational status. The only criterion is religiosity and piety on which most religious scholars agree.
The castes, biradaris, etc. found among the Muslims are their own making and Islam is not responsible for it. Islam stands for oneness of God and mankind.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Whither Indian Leather Industry in the present confused world market?
WHITHER INDIAN LEATHER INDUSTRY IN THE PRESENT CONFUSED WORLD MARKET ?
V M KHALEELUR RAHMAN
The present crisis in the leather industry as we all know is due to international economic fears and factors, an impact of globalisation, rather than anything else unlike the slump at around 1998 when countries like Pakistan and China had outdone Indian exporters because of their competitive prices based on far higher exchange rates of the US dollar available to them. It was seen after a developing golden period of about 25 years. But the industry succeeded in overcoming it and made many strides in the overseas as trustworthy supplier of leather and leather products.
The impact of the present international crisis on the Indian leather industry is peculiar. Hectic activities witnessed in shoe, garment, leather goods and leather have come to a slow pace not only in India but the world-over. There are reports of serious repercussions such as bankruptcy even in the advanced countries like the U.S. As far as India is concerned, the market is slow as overseas orders are limited, choosy and at their prices resulting in financial crunch, job cuts etc. Consequently the prices of raw hides and skins have come down considerably depending on the quality, selection and area.
In wetblue cow hides – a well traded item - while higher grades are in good demand with a reduction of 10 to 15% in prices, lower grades are slow in movements despite as high as 20 to 25% reduction in prices as there are no much takers. In tanned and wetblue goat and sheep skins the downward price variations are about 15%. This has made the speculators jittery and stock holders lose heavily.
I interviewed some industrialists on the issue. They are of the opinion that the leather industry accustomed to ups and downs will overcome the crisis and march forward successfully as it has been built on sound footings during its golden period (1970 to 1995)
It was during this period – a quarter century – when the fate of the leather and leather products industry was changed. The industry progressed extremely well and made rapid technological advancement with modernisation and production of high quality leather and leather products such as shoes, garments, articles etc. creating a vast job opportunities for educated as well as uneducated alike. The labour demand was so much that even recruiting people came into existence in places like Ambur, Ranipet etc. It was possible for everyone to get a job. The industrial progress was so attractive that even doctors and engineers were lured to the leather industry. This historic development was possible with the excellent government policies, determination and perseverance of the industrialists and technological know-how of organizations like the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI)
Boom and bust are a natural phenomenon in any industry depending on demand, supply and other national and international factors. The world is a big market for the Indian industry and our economists say that the demand is and will continue be so much that our country can go on expanding with the resources at our disposal and with the support and progressive policy of the government.
SELF-RELIANT ECONOMY
India economy is mostly self-reliant. It is believed that the present unfavourable condition created as the result of the worldwide recession will be over soon as the leather and leather products industry is well placed in the international market as the reliable suppliers of quality and standard products.
The present Dr. Manmohan Singh government has taken many important decisions to stimulate the economy suffered under the impact of the U.S. and Western industrial doldrums. It is also strongly believed in the industrial circle that the new government to be formed at New Delhi as soon as the parliamentary elections are over will consider the recommendations made by the Council for Leather Exports for the betterment of the industry before announcing a new exim policy with all stimuli to make Indian industries viable and strong to face the present challenges in the world market.
As well analysed in the editorial (Indian Leather, March 2009) quoting Mr. Mario Pucci, International Relations Director, ASSOMAC, the impact of recession has been moderated by good demand for shoes and leather garments in a very cold European winter this year.
Though the market is slow, prices are low and unemployment problems, industrialists are struggling with determination to find remedies to reverse the situation by increasing the growth and exports. The U. S., European and other customers will continue to operate in India as hitherto as it is a favourable market for them for reliability and quality leather and leather products. (V.M. Khaleelur Rahman in Indian Leather, April 2009 issue)
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V M KHALEELUR RAHMAN
The present crisis in the leather industry as we all know is due to international economic fears and factors, an impact of globalisation, rather than anything else unlike the slump at around 1998 when countries like Pakistan and China had outdone Indian exporters because of their competitive prices based on far higher exchange rates of the US dollar available to them. It was seen after a developing golden period of about 25 years. But the industry succeeded in overcoming it and made many strides in the overseas as trustworthy supplier of leather and leather products.
The impact of the present international crisis on the Indian leather industry is peculiar. Hectic activities witnessed in shoe, garment, leather goods and leather have come to a slow pace not only in India but the world-over. There are reports of serious repercussions such as bankruptcy even in the advanced countries like the U.S. As far as India is concerned, the market is slow as overseas orders are limited, choosy and at their prices resulting in financial crunch, job cuts etc. Consequently the prices of raw hides and skins have come down considerably depending on the quality, selection and area.
In wetblue cow hides – a well traded item - while higher grades are in good demand with a reduction of 10 to 15% in prices, lower grades are slow in movements despite as high as 20 to 25% reduction in prices as there are no much takers. In tanned and wetblue goat and sheep skins the downward price variations are about 15%. This has made the speculators jittery and stock holders lose heavily.
I interviewed some industrialists on the issue. They are of the opinion that the leather industry accustomed to ups and downs will overcome the crisis and march forward successfully as it has been built on sound footings during its golden period (1970 to 1995)
It was during this period – a quarter century – when the fate of the leather and leather products industry was changed. The industry progressed extremely well and made rapid technological advancement with modernisation and production of high quality leather and leather products such as shoes, garments, articles etc. creating a vast job opportunities for educated as well as uneducated alike. The labour demand was so much that even recruiting people came into existence in places like Ambur, Ranipet etc. It was possible for everyone to get a job. The industrial progress was so attractive that even doctors and engineers were lured to the leather industry. This historic development was possible with the excellent government policies, determination and perseverance of the industrialists and technological know-how of organizations like the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI)
Boom and bust are a natural phenomenon in any industry depending on demand, supply and other national and international factors. The world is a big market for the Indian industry and our economists say that the demand is and will continue be so much that our country can go on expanding with the resources at our disposal and with the support and progressive policy of the government.
SELF-RELIANT ECONOMY
India economy is mostly self-reliant. It is believed that the present unfavourable condition created as the result of the worldwide recession will be over soon as the leather and leather products industry is well placed in the international market as the reliable suppliers of quality and standard products.
The present Dr. Manmohan Singh government has taken many important decisions to stimulate the economy suffered under the impact of the U.S. and Western industrial doldrums. It is also strongly believed in the industrial circle that the new government to be formed at New Delhi as soon as the parliamentary elections are over will consider the recommendations made by the Council for Leather Exports for the betterment of the industry before announcing a new exim policy with all stimuli to make Indian industries viable and strong to face the present challenges in the world market.
As well analysed in the editorial (Indian Leather, March 2009) quoting Mr. Mario Pucci, International Relations Director, ASSOMAC, the impact of recession has been moderated by good demand for shoes and leather garments in a very cold European winter this year.
Though the market is slow, prices are low and unemployment problems, industrialists are struggling with determination to find remedies to reverse the situation by increasing the growth and exports. The U. S., European and other customers will continue to operate in India as hitherto as it is a favourable market for them for reliability and quality leather and leather products. (V.M. Khaleelur Rahman in Indian Leather, April 2009 issue)
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Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Excellent gesture of Hon'ble Home Minister Mr. P. Chidambaram
Hon'ble Home Minister Mr. P. Chidambaram has shown great magnanimity in pardoning the journalist Mr. Jarnail Singh who threw a shoe in his direction without taking any action against him as he considered it as done under emotional stress. We must be proud of him for this excellent gesture.
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