River Cauvery being exploited to the brink

March 25, 2013, 10:02 pm

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By Syed Ali Mujtaba

The Cauvery river water issue, which is a bone of contention between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and also entangles Kerala and Puducherry, is now caught up in a new row. This time within Karnataka itself, where the river majestically flows and on which as many as 62 Mini Hydel Projects are commissioned by the state government, having adverse impact on the water supply, hydrology, ecology and environment.

According to media reports, “following the drastic fall in the water-level in the Shiva Balancing Reservoir (SBR), the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has asked Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd. (KPTCL) and Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd. (KPCL) to stop power generation from four mini-hydroelectric projects in the Cauvery basin, at least till May.”

The projects that were asked to stop generation include: Madhavamantri, Satyagala, Shiva Anecut and Shimsha mini-hydroelectric projects.

However, South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People SANDRP is dismayed about the latest move. Parineeta Dandekar of SANDRP inquires about the status of 58 other mini-hydroelectric projects on Cauvery River that are causing immense environmental damage.

The Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) has commissioned a whopping 62 mini hydel projects on the Cauvery, most of them downstream KrishnarajSagar Dam.

“Some of these projects are downstream from the Shiva Anicut from where water supply to Bangalore is routed. In addition to decrease in water availability, water stored by several mini hydel projects increases the evapo- transpiration rate of water, particularly in summer,” says Parineeta.

“These projects also hold back water, critically affecting water supply cycles to Bangalore and other towns and villages dependent on the river. Similar conditions had occurred in Mangalore, last year, where water levels in the Thumbe Dam fell to alarming levels due to mini hydel projects hoarding up water in the upstream” she adds.

“If at all the state government, Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) and others are concerned about impact of water supply due to mini hydel projects on Cauvery, they need to consider the impact of these projects on the water supply, ecology and livelihoods in the downstream areas. There is an urgent need to consider halting power generation of these projects during this summer when the Cauvery basin is facing dire water crisis” she argues.

Cauvery River is popularly known as Jeevanadhi in Karnataka which in Kannada, language means a river supporting life. Its origin is traditionally placed at Talakaveri, Kodagu in the Western Ghats in Karnataka.

The river flows south and east through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and across the southern Deccan plateau through the southeastern lowlands, emptying into the Bay of Bengal through two principal mouths.

The Cauvery basin is estimated to be 81,155 km with many tributaries. The river's basin covers 4 states and Union Territories - Karnataka (34,273 km), Tamil Nadu (43,856 km), Kerala (2,866 km) and Puducherry (160 km).

Rising in southwestern Karnataka, the river flows southeast some 800 km to enter the Bay of Bengal. After the river leaves the Kodagu hills and flows onto the Deccan plateau, it forms two islands, Srirangapatna and Shivanasamudra. Three kilometers away from Srirangapatna, the Cauvery is the basis for the Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary.

In east of Mysore is the island Shivanasamudra, on either side of which are the scenic Shivanasamudra Falls that descend about 320 ft (100 m). Asia's first hydroelectric plant was built in 1902 on the left falls and supplied power to the city of Bangalore.

Cauvery River is the source for an extensive irrigation system and for hydroelectric power. In its course through Karnataka, the channel is interrupted by twelve "anicuts" (dams) for the purpose of irrigation. In addition to providing many ancient and modern canals with water from the river for irrigation purposes, the Cauvery also serves as the main drinking water source for many towns and villages. The cities of Bangalore, Mandya and Mysore depend almost entirely on the Cauvery for their drinking water supply.

Mini Hydel Projects which are below the capacity of 25 MW do not need Environmental Clearance, Environment Impact Assessment or public hearing. More than 60 Mini Hydel projects are planned or commissioned on Cauvery River, one after the other, severely affects the hydrology as well as ecology of a river system and also people and their livelihoods in surrounding areas.

Many projects are right next to the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary and are causing impediment to movement of elephants, increasing man-animal conflicts. This has been highlighted by the Karnataka Elephant Task Force. Due to their cumulative impacts on ecology, High Court of Karnataka has halted construction of any such projects in Western Ghats, informs Parineeta of SANDRP.

SANDRP appeals for a cumulative impact assessment of mini hydel project commissioned along the River Cauvery that is urgently needed, keeping water supply, hydrology and ecology in view.

Cumulative impact assessment and Individual impact assessment of unprecedented number of mini hydel projects is also required urgently because of approaching summer and dire water situation in the state, says Parineeta.

Earlier such appeals to Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL), Karnataka Forest Department and Karnataka Wildlife Board had fallen on deaf ears, she says.

This time Parineeta hopes that the Karnataka government, BWSSB, KPCL, KREDL, KPTCL, Cauvery Neeravari Nigam and all others concerned will come together and conduct this assessment urgently and cancel the projects which are having unacceptable impacts on people, ecology, hydrology and water supply of Cauvery.

As Cauvery needs urgent attention, SANDRP along Nityata Foundation, Bangalore and River Research Centre, Kerala has made this appeal on the International Day of Action for Rivers.
Parineeta Dandekar of South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People (SANDRP) can be contacted at parineeta.dandekar@gmail.com.

[Syed Ali Mujtabais a Journalist based in Chennai. He can be contacted at syedalimujtaba@yahoo.com]

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Muslims must shun emotional issues, engage in dialogue: Maulana Mujaddidi

March 25, 2013, 10:13 pm

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National Conference on ‘Unpacking The 12th Five Year Plan’ held at Lucknow

By Pervez Bari

Lucknow: “Muslims should save their energy from sentimental and emotional issues, which often leads to violence, and concentrate more on socio-economic development and engage themselves in dialogue and negotiations with the policy makers which has great relevance & importance in today's atmosphere. No nation can boast of development if Muslim community, which is about 20 per cent of India’s population is allowed to lag behind.

The responsibilities of the Muslim community is to create more & more community-based NGOs as it has fewer number of NGO's working for the empowerment and social upliftment of the community. Most of the Muslim NGOs are un-organized and they either lack infrastructures, proper guidance and have negligible information about the welfare schemes. They lack in initiative for proper petitioning for allocation of welfare funds, constant monitoring & state affirmative actions.

The NGOs can play an effective role in acting as a bridge between the needy people and the Government for an effective utilization of the public funds. Their involvement would increase the accountability of the system. The NGOs can establish partnerships with the Government to share their models rather than create islands of excellence”.

The above views were expressed by noted Muslim cleric Maulana Mohammed Fazlurrahim Mujaddidi, chairman of SEE, (Strive for Eminence and Empowerment), while delivering the keynote address through Power Point presentation in the National Conference on the topic of “Unpacking The 12th Plan (Minorities Chapter)” here at Ganna Sanstha on Sunday last. The conference was organized under the aegis of SEE, which is a New Delhi-based organisation working for the educational uplift of Muslims.

11th Plan slogan ‘Inclusive Growth’ & 12th Plan’s slogan ‘More Inclusive Growth’

In his more than 50 minute address Maulana Mujaddidi spoke about Muslims, the largest minority group among the Minorities in the country, with special reference to education alone. He elaborated the actual position of Muslims with facts and figures along with graphs.

He pointed out that the 11th Plan slogan was “Inclusive Growth” and the 12th Plan’s slogan is “More Inclusive Growth” which means that the government has itself accepted its failure that the targets in the last Plan could not be achieved. The exclusion of Muslims from Education has resulted in low representation in Administration he emphasised.

He explained that the social exclusion keeps a social group outside power centers and resources. It takes the form of segregation from the social, political, economic, cultural, educational and religious domains of society.

The socially excluded people are denied the opportunities available to others to increase their income. They escape from poverty by their own efforts. So, even though the economy may grow. They often do participate in economic growth processes, but they do so on unequal terms. The powerlessness of excluded groups is exploited and at the same time their disadvantaged position is reinforced.

Dr. Maulana Saeed-ur-Rehman Azmi Nadvi, Principal of world renowned seminary Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow presided over the National Conference. Union External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid was the chief guest at the conference. While Union Minister for HRD Pallam Raju; Dr. (Mrs.) Syeda Hameed, Member of Planning Commission of India; Dr. (Mrs.) Rita Bahuguna Joshi, ex-president Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee, (UPCC); Rajesh Pati Tripathi, vice-president UPCC; Zahid Ali Khan, Editor of Siasat Daily, and Dr. Masood Ahmad (Rtd. IAS) were guests of honour on the occasion. Many important dignitaries, academicians, social activists, NGOs and delegates from all over India participated in the programme.

Ph.D. in 11th & 12th Plans

Continuing Maulana Mujaddidi recalled that on January 19 last in a function honouring Union External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid he had said in a lighter vein that while making rounds of the Planning Commission of India for the last four years and interacting with the Planning Commission members and officials and others when the process of preparation of 12th Five-Year-Plan (2012-2017) was on he had obtained Ph.D. in the 11th Plan and the Planning Commission.

In an emotionally charged manner the Maulana said: “Main Raaton Mein Tadapta Rahta Hoon Aur Kai Raaton Ki Meri Neend Udjati Hai Jab Main Apne Qaum Ki Ma’ashi Halaat Par Nazar Dalta Hoon. Alhumdulillah “11th Plan Mein Maine to Ph.D. Karliya Hai” Lekin Ab 12th Plan Mein Hindustan ka Har Musalmaan Ph.D. Karlega Insha’Allah. Isliye Humne Azm Kiya Hai Ke 2017 Tak Jab 12th Plan Poora Hoga Aise programmes Ka Tasalsul Jaari Rahega Taake Har Hindustani Musalmaan Ko Apne Huqooq Ka Ilm Hojai Kyunke Jab Apne Huqooq Ka Ilm Hi Nahin Hoga To Usko Hasil Kaise Karega”. (I become restless with sleepless nights when I ponder over plight of Muslims. As such I have resolved to organise a series of such programmes till 2017 when the 12th Plan ends to guide, educate and make aware the Muslim masses of their rightful claims enshrined in the 12th Plan document).

In a chocked voice he declared: “Programmes Ka Ek round Poora Karne Ke Baad Humne Doosre round Mein programmes Ka Lamba Khaka Banaya Hai. In programmes Ka Har Qeemat Par Sisila Jaari Rahega Chahe Iske Liye Mujhe Bheek Mangna Pade, Chahe Qarz Lena Pade Ya Chahe Apni personal property Bechna Pade Main In programmes Ko Jaari Rakhunga.” Thereafter, the auditorium resonated with a loud applause of “Wah Wah”.

Continuing Maulana Mujaddidi exhorted Muslims that after being armed with the knowledge of their rights to come forward and engage themselves with the powers that be which are entrusted with the job of implementing government programmes and policies as enshrined in the 12th Plan document. They can, thus, keep an eye on the delivery system and the social workers, community, political and religious leaders will be questioned by the beneficiaries about the implementation of the Government of India policies and programmes by the bureaucrats.

“Musalmaano Aau aur dialogue ke Zariye, Muzakarat Ke Zariye Apni Baat Rakho, Insha’Allah Tumhari Baat Zaroor Suni Jayegi,” he pleaded.

He said the community leaders can play an important role in society, especially in promoting greater interaction amongst themselves for the objective of promoting awareness of Welfare Schemes and its effective implementation. The NGOs must pool the resources and expertise for the welfare and development of the people. The NGOs must learn participation in a large-scale socio-economic development system. The NGOs must improve documentation and research and then their influence can move to a more strategic plan in the future, he added.

The Maulana profusely thanked Dr. (Mrs.) Sayeda Hameed, Member of Planning Commission of India, for her leading role in drafting the 11th and 12th Five Year Plans with reference to Minorities. He said that history will remember her for the 11th & 12th Plan, the architect for Chapters on (i) Minority Empowerment; (ii) Women & Child Care and (iii) Universal Health Care.

In education, Muslim women were ahead of Hindu women at time of partition

Maulana Mujaddidi quoting HRD Ministry’s NCMEI (National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions), December 2012 report said that in 1947, 8.5 per cent of Muslim women attended college, compared to just 2.4 per cent today. Thus, “Clearly, Muslim women were quite ahead of Hindu women at the time of partition.” However, now “Muslim women are the worst off, especially the rural ones”.

Pointing out discrimination against minorities he quoted the HRD Ministry’s NCMEI December 2012 report which said that one government scholarship offers on average Rs.120,000 each year to minority students pursuing a higher professional course, which is 90 per cent lower than the average allocation for scheduled castes, of Rs.963,507.

While, according to the 2010 All India Survey on Out of School Children, (OSC), has brought out that the percentage of out of school children was highest among Muslims (7.67 per cent). The rate of reduction in the proportion of OSC is also low among Muslims (from 9.97 per cent in 2005 to 7.67 per cent in 2009) as compared to other social groups (ST: 9.54 per cent to 5.60 per cent).

The solution of the pathetic position of Muslims, who are worse than the STs/SCs, is the proper implementation of the 12th Five Year Plan. In education at the all India level at present Muslims at the Graduation level is 3.6 per cent while in the 12th Plan the target is 25 per cent.

High percentage of Muslims lodged in jails

Maulana lamented that a high percentage of Muslims, far above their share in total percentage, are lodged in jails. This fact has been deleted from the final Sachar Committee report according to Indian Express news story. The link of the news is http://www.indianexpress.com/news/too-many-muslims-in-prison-sachar-edits-this-out/17275/0. The Muslims in jails in some of the states are as follows:- (i) In Maharashtra Muslims share in population is 10.6 per cent, in jail 32.4 per cent; (ii) In Gujarat Muslims 9.06 per cent, over 25 per cent of all jail inmates; (iii) In Assam Muslims 30.09 per cent, in jails 31 per cent; (iv) In Karnataka Muslims 17.5 per cent, in jails 12.23 per cent; (v) In Delhi Muslims 11.7 per cent of the population, in jails 29.1 per cent.

Dr. Maulana Saeed-ur-Rehman Azmi Nadvi, Principal of world renowned seminary Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow, in his presidential speech urged Muslims to demand only justice from the country while become men who give to others in all walks of life. He demanded that all innocent persons from any religion, caste or creed who are languishing in jails should be set free forthwith to provide justice to them.

Meanwhile, Dr. (Mrs.) Syeda Hameed, Member of Planning Commission of India, speaking on the occasion said that the chapter on minorities in the 12th Five-Year Plan was written with the greatest care, ensuring that it defined a roadmap to fill the developmental gaps for the community. A very important instrument of filling these gaps is the prime minister's 15-point programme, which requires that each of the 11 identified ministries reserve 15 per cent of their total allocations for minorities. Another instrument is the pre-matric and post-matric scholarship plan, which is to ensure that no child is denied an education for the lack of means. A third is the multi-sectoral development plan for 90 minority concentration districts to correct the development deficit.

PM acknowledged perception of alienation among Muslims

Dr. (Mrs.) Syeda said for the first time ever, the commission, led by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, has acknowledged the perception of alienation among Muslims, which needs to be addressed.”

She explained: “If we leave these well-thought out policies in the pages of the Plan, they will stay there for the next five years. They need to be explained, piece by piece, to the whole country. Muslims, and all Indians who believe in the importance of inclusive growth, have to understand these policies and put their strength behind them”. The Muslim community has to move away from the usual emotive subjects and concentrate its collective energies here. The tragedy of the Muslim community is that it often gets swayed by emotions, at the cost of reason, she moaned.
“It is time now for Muslims as a community to espouse development over emotion and stop reacting to provocations,” she stressed.

She cautioned that these emotive issues provide a ready stick for hardline groups and the media to use on Muslims. In our state of emotion, which is created and whipped up by the print, visual and social media, we Muslims do not see that we are playing into the hands of the very forces that are out to hurt us. The more we show our anger, the more the TV anchors bait us, the more we fall into the stereotype created about us, and so we are condemned to remain on the fringes of sane society.

Dr. (Mrs.) Syeda, a great-grandfather of noted Muslim cleric Maulana Altaf Husain Hali, who raised his voice for the girl child, women's education and the plight of widows in his writings 150 years ago, said she has studied the works of Maulana Hali, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Allama Iqbal and is greatly impressed by their personalities and the work they did for the uplift of Muslim Ummah.

Union External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said that the decline in the growth rate over the past two years, which was now at 5.5-5.75 per cent, was a matter of concern. “In the coming two years, as stated by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, we will try to take the growth rate up to 7 per cent,” he said, adding that touching 8 per cent was crucial for the country.

Khurshid favoured reservation for marginalised Muslims, who make up at least 9 per cent of the total 19 per cent Muslim population in the country. He said the UPA government was in favour of providing quota to backward Muslims like the Andhra Pradesh government but confusion was spread over this issue by some political parties and minorities quota in states, including UP.

Without naming anyone, Khurshid said instead of blindly following some leaders, if the Muslims forced them to raise their real issues of illiteracy, unemployment and injustice it would be more effective way of changing their situation. In an apparent bid to woo Muslims towards Congress, Khurshid said that it was up to the community to create its own platform or associate with those who heard and took care of them.

Union HRD Minister Pallam Raju spoke on the issue of education for minorities saying the progress on that front left a lot to be desired. “To reverse the dropout rate in Muslim-majority areas, we are giving special incentives and have also introduced midday meals in madarsas and maktabs. Attempts are on to increase concentration of teachers in Muslim areas and more teachers will be appointed in 90 Muslim-majority districts,” he said.

Maroof Khan, chairman Uttar Pradesh Minorities Commission, speaking on the occasion congratulated Maulana Mohammed Fazlurrahim Mujaddidi for getting the total allotment outlay for Minority Affairs hiked from Rs.7,283/- crores in the 11th Plan to Rs.17,323/- crores in the 12th Plan which is 137.85 per cent increase. Muslims keeping away from politics have harmed the cause of the community. They should send at least one of their wards into politics so that power centres remain within the reach of the community members, he added.

Akhtar Husain Akhtar, general secretary Momin Conference of Uttar Pradesh, threw light on National Conference’s aims & objects. Dr. (Mrs.) Rita Bahuguna Joshi and S. M. Hilal of Foundation of Civil Liberties also spoke on the occasion. Arshad Azmi, chairman of Minority Welfare Programme Monitoring Unit, (MWPMU), welcomed the guests at the start. Three books related to 12th Plan brought out by SEE were released on the occasion.

During the National Conference three resolutions were unanimously passed. They were on (i) 10+2 Schools in Minority Concentration Areas; (ii) Scheme for Promotion of Education in Minority Concentration Towns/Cities and (iii) Participation of NGOs.

At the outset Maulana Qari Riaz Nadwi, recited verses from the Holy Quran. Mohammad Iqbal Khan, Director, Crescent Academy, New Delhi, anchored the programme with aplomb.

Meanwhile, the conference was webcast live through the links http://www.cacademy.org & http://atysvideo.com/index.php?option=com_hwdvideoshare&task=viewvideo&Itemid=1&video_id=68. The Sahara TV channel also relayed it live.

[Pervez Bariis a senior Journalist based at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. He is associated with IndianMuslimObserver.com as Bureau Chief (Madhya Pradesh). He can be contacted at pervezbari@eth.net]

The decline of Indian Muslims

March 25, 2013, 10:20 pm

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By Irfan Husain

Satyajit Ray’s masterpiece Shatranj Ke Khilari, or The Chess Players, is a sublime and moving lament for the passing of the Muslim aristocracy in India. As the British plot their moves and close in on Awadh in 1856, the ruler of the state continues his regular chess games. This disconnect between events in the outside world and the reactions of Muslim leaders in the Subcontinent (and elsewhere, for that matter) has brought us to our present sorry pass.

In last month’s Karachi Literary Festival, one of the many books launched was Muslims in Indian Cities, a collection of eleven essays based on observation and analysis of the conditions of Muslims in different Indian cities. Subtitled Trajectories of Marginalisation, and edited by Laurent Gayer and Christophe Jaffrelot, the book provides many painful insights into just how far Muslims now lag behind the majority.

The introduction cites the dismal findings of the Sachar Committee, a body set up to examine the plight of Indian Muslims by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. For instance, only 8 per cent of urban Muslims are part of the formal sector as against 21pc of all Indian city dwellers. 31pc of Muslims live below the poverty line, close to the 35pc for Dalits and Adivasis. And Muslim income is falling: it was 77.5pc of average Hindu earning in 1987 compared to 75pc in 1999.

Traditionally, Muslims in India were urban, with rulers from the Sultanate period to the Mughals settling in cities that were expanded and beautified. Even when they began acquiring jagirs or large rural estates, the aristocrats were reluctant to move far from the seats of power. Their managers squeezed the tenants for taxes that allowed them to live in the style depicted in Shatranj Ke Khilari.

In his magisterial The Last Mughal, William Dalrymple documents the dismantling of the Indian Muslim aristocracy in the bloody aftermath of the revolution of 1857. Even though Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal, was a reluctant figurehead for the anti-British movement, the Muslim community as a whole was held responsible by a vengeful British Empire. Entire neighbourhoods in Delhi were levelled, and thousands of Muslim hanged, shot or blown from the mouths of canons. Many others, including Bahadur Shah, were exiled to die in penury.

Traumatised, Muslims turned inwards. As western education became a requirement for government jobs, few Muslims could compete. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan tried to change this mindset with his Aligarh University, but by and large, Muslims were unable to reconcile to their loss of power to the British. Psychologically, many traditional Muslims felt they would be formally acknowledging their defeat by accepting the ways of their conquerors. Hindus, on the other hand, had no such hang-ups and were soon manning many positions in the bureaucracy.

Influential Muslim clerics, including those at the Deoband seminary, blamed eclectic Mughal rule that embraced Hindu influences for their decline. Their powerful message was that Muslims could only regain power by returning to the original and pure faith of the early Islamic period. This is their message still. According to Dalrymple, the seeds of partition were sown in those violent post-1857 days.

Even though the Muslim elites became progressively westernised as the Raj became more entrenched, the vast majority still stuck to the old ways, sending boys to madressahs, and keeping girls at home. Hindus, on the other hand, profited from an expanding public school system. When partition came, a large section of the Muslim leadership and the professional class moved to the newly created state of Pakistan. The vast majority of Muslims left behind were poorly educated and demoralised. With their loyalties divided, the post-1947 generation of Indian Muslims were baffled by events, and clung to the ways they knew, forming ghettos against an India ruled by Hindus for the first time in centuries. Few Muslims could read and write Hindi, and were soon left far behind.

Tensions and wars between India and Pakistan did nothing to improve the lot of Indian Muslims who were suspected by the majority of secretly supporting Pakistan. Even though the present generation is largely indifferent to their neighbour, their religion still sets them apart. Indeed, watching the rising tide of violence here, several Muslim readers from India have expressed their relief that their families stayed put in 1947.

The results of the 2011 census have still not been released, and it is widely suspected that this delay is due to the fact that the Muslim population has grown at a faster rate than expected. According to The Economist, private studies indicate that Muslims now number 177 million, or 14.6 pc of the total population. It appears that while the fertility rate in India is falling, the rate among Muslims is falling more slowly.

Despite the tension and distrust caused by incidents like the Babri Masjid demolition, the Gujrat massacre and the Mumbai attacks by Pakistan-based militants, it would seem that Indian Muslims are now better integrated than at any time since Independence. The recent terrorist bomb blasts in Hyderabad did not lead to any significant anti-Muslim backlash despite suspicion that they were the work of a group calling itself the Indian Mujahideen.

Apart from the Kashmir struggle – which is more of a nationalist than a religious conflict – Muslims in India live in relative peace if not prosperity. Indeed, they are not subjected to the kind of sectarian and religious attacks that is making life so dangerous for the minorities in Pakistan. The recent horrific attack that saw the arson and looting of scores of Christian homes in Lahore is a reminder of how some majorities treat the minorities.

The Economist article asks: “… are Muslims better off? Wajahat Habibullah, who heads the National Commission for Minorities in Delh sees only faint reasons for cheer. Muslims in India outperform their neighbours in Pakistan on some social indicators, such as having lower fertility rates and infant mortality, and higher literacy and life expectancy.”

But sadly, comparisons with the national average for India present a far bleaker picture.

(Courtesy: Dawn)

Islam on good governance

March 27, 2013, 10:01 pm

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By Amin Valliani

No nation can dream of development without good governance. It is an essential prerequisite for all state and non-state organisations to abide by the principles of good governance in order to move forward and attain the goal of public welfare.

At the state level, it is considered important and connected with a nation’s overall development and its sustainability. People cannot make progress unless they follow the principles of good governance. Good governance is a culture that makes people act responsibly, thoughtfully and conscientiously.

They behave with restraint and avoid abuse of power. People in authority act within the parameters of the law and take upon themselves the country’s concerns and hardships. They remain impersonal in the discharge of their duties and imperturbable in front of critics. They respect popular will but never go beyond their tether.

Unfortunately, during the course of Muslim history we have hardly seen any worthwhile examples of good governance. The majority of Muslim lands remained under dynastic rule; most rulers were despots, self-serving and a law unto themselves.

Their princes used to fight for the throne and their infighting often led outsiders to invade. They were least concerned about the welfare of their subjects. Common people had very limited access to the corridors of power.

However, we have a shining example when the Holy Prophet (PBUH) became head of the state of Madina and exemplified good governance. He created a bond of brotherhood among the Muslim citizens, concluded agreements with non-Muslims and remained concerned about their welfare. He upheld the Islamic value system in which justice remains central. He declared that all humans are the offspring of Adam and that there is no difference between Arab and non-Arab (Ajam).

Islam is a religion which guides us in all aspects of human life. Our value system originates mainly from the Holy Quran and our progress is forever dependent on its application. We find a number of Quranic injunctions considered to contain the essentials of good governance.
First is the concept of amanah (trust). Allah says that to Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on earth.

Every human being is a trustee on earth. All his possessions, including health, wealth, livelihood, power and status belong to Allah. One who performs his or her duties honestly and diligently is upholding his amanah.

Allah enjoins believers to “…Betray not Allah and His Messenger, nor betray knowingly your amanah [things entrusted to you and all the duties which Allah has ordained for you]” (8:27). In the light of this concept, no one in authority is absolute; one has to remain answerable to his conscience.

Another important principle of good governance is that the ruler must be sincere and of impeccable character. He must consider himself not a ruler but a servant. Similarly, he should be mindful of his every act, that it should not harm his subjects. Those who transgress their limits are the most disgraceful, and the Quran refers to them as zalimoon.

Merit is also one of the important principles of good governance, whereby all appointments in state and non-state organisations are made on the basis of competence. Every human is born with certain inherent competencies and those who actualise their competencies with hard work, integrity and honesty get a premium.

Nature rewards them for being active and hardworking. The Quran says “And that man can have nothing but what he does” (53:39). In meritocratic societies people upgrade themselves professionally and grow economically due to their performance, competence and ability.
Islam encourages Muslims to acquire knowledge and occupy the best position in their societies. We read the life story of Hazrat Yousuf who was in captivity but was called to head the food ministry because of his high degree of competence and knowledge. He was thus able to prevent the impending famine.

Here knowledge became fundamental in governance. Many Western societies are ahead of us because of knowledge and it is the demand of the present time that our parliament and all lawmaking and law-enforcing bodies be occupied by knowledgeable people.

Similarly, the concept of taqwa is also closely linked to good governance. It is an all-inclusive concept which says that every believer should be mindful of Allah’s omnipresence and be aware of accountability. We live in the constant presence of Allah. No act goes unrecorded and no one escapes the accountability of his or her doings. If a public servant develops such a sense of Allah’s presence in his mind and heart, it would result in peace and well-being in society.

The absence of taqwa in any society often leads towards unethical practices. For example, our present-day society is in the grip of widespread corruption. This is the result of poor governance over the years.

When a politician submits a fake degree to stand in elections, when a police party kills a person in a fake encounter, when a businessman evades taxes, when a builder uses outdated material, when a teacher skimps on class work in order to sell his time privately and when a doctor recommends a drug to gain commission from a pharmaceutical firm then the concept of taqwa is grossly violated. The foundations of society are undermined and the nation’s future is ruined.

Many think they will escape judgement but the Quran says “And We have fastened every man’s deeds to his neck and on the Day of Resurrection We shall bring out for him a book which he will find wide open” (17:13).

[The writer is an educationist.He can be contacted at amin.valiani@itrebp.org]

(Courtesy: Dawn)

Social media a tool for self-evaluation

March 27, 2013, 10:08 pm

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Criticism expressed on blogs or tweets is the simplest form of self-expression; only the warped and mentally unbalanced will use Facebook and Twitter to bring instability to their countries

By Tariq A. Al Maeena

From Mauritania to Yemen, the Arab world has seen an increasing number of bloggers and tweeters expressing their views and interests freely on the internet, but there are growing concerns that governments are beginning to curb this freedom.

To begin with, let us try to understand who these bloggers are and what they seek. There have been many descriptions of those who successfully maintain blogs or pages on websites, albeit some not so patronising. The diverse nature and background of Arab bloggers make it impossible to define them in a few sentences, but for the most part, bloggers are individuals who post and maintain personal diaries on a website.

The subjects they tackle cover a wide spectrum of issues. Some blogs relate to photography while others relate to social events and happenings. Some are slightly more narcissist and devote themselves entirely to the individuality and spirit of the blog-owner. These are the personal blogs in which the blogger writes about his personal details, emotions, experiences, or his or her take on a host of topics, including the political arena.

Then there is the company or corporate blog that is often set up by major organisations to facilitate the flow of communication within the company. It may also be accessible to interested clients. External corporate blogs help communicate information to the public in terms of marketing and branding of products and services. Internal corporate blogs are created to share information and views within the organisation and are often restricted to employees within the company.

There is also the professional blog — a site where expertise on certain subjects or topics is discussed. The site is usually limited to hobbyists and those interested in specific industries or objects, and who visit to interact on their particular subject of interest.

Tweeters are those who post items they consider of interest on the Twitter web site. These posts are could be short sentences describing emotions, explanations or links to other stories. They are also be used to circulate information faster than the standard media organs. They can be authored by anyone who wants to add their two cents worth to whatever tickles their fancy.

The Arab awakening that has been witnessed across several countries in recent times has given rise to a number of bloggers and tweeters who have used this forum for expressing their concerns over social and political events taking place in their country. Many of them have come under fire from the authorities, with some being arrested and jailed for self-expression.

Some governments have taken to suppressing internet access to certain websites in the hope of smothering these growing voices. Others have resorted to monitoring and following the activities of targeted users, some of whom are being held on charges of civil disobedience or worse yet, terrorism against the state.

But are those charges valid? Is Twitter or Facebook or the internet responsible for the changes sweeping across these countries? Was it Twitter that brought down the government of Zine Al Abidine Bin Ali, the former Tunisian president who ruled the country for 24 years?

Was it the internet that led to the ouster of Hosni Mubarak, former president of Egypt, who ruled with a strong hand from 1981 to 2011? Was it Facebook that brought down Muammar Gaddafi, who ruled Libya from 1969 until his end in 2011, a period spanning 42 years.

And is it the internet or its many social media sites that have created the ongoing misery in Syria? The daily number of innocent lives being brought down is done so with bullets and not with words expressed on any social media outlet.

While information has become readily available and accessible, it would be imprudent to assume that such access has led to the upheavals in these countries.

It was the corrupt and morally decaying policies of the ruling government against their people that laid seed to the rejection and ultimately the ouster of the respective governments. It was policies of denying their citizens their basic needs and rights which led to the dictators’ downfall. When personal safety and security became compromised and rights were denied, the citizen had nothing more to lose.

Only the warped and mentally unbalanced seek to bring instability to their countries. People for the most part want a safe and secure country where their basic human rights are recognised and honoured. When governments respond to the needs of the people in the manner expected, no threat from any quarters would shake the resolution of the majority of citizens to group together and confront such attacks.

Governments must steer away from the concept that social media is a threat to good governance. Criticism expressed on blogs or tweets against some government policies should not be viewed as a subversive attempt to bring down the government. At its best, it is the simplest form of self-expression.

It could also serve as a positive tool for self-evaluation by government agencies.
While governments must monitor threats of terrorism that harm us all, such fears should not be widely used to blanket the right of free speech. Responsible freedom of expression is a fundamental right that must not be denied.

[Tariq A. Al Maeena is a Saudi socio-political commentator. He lives in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. You can follow him at www.twitter.com/@talmaeena]

(Courtesy: Gulf News)

Palestinians deserve justice, not apathy

March 27, 2013, 10:31 pm

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The Obama-Kerry team must remember that the occupation, the dispossession, and international law are the fundamental foundation of a two-state solution

By Adel Safty

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry speaks to U.S. Embassy staff in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday, March 6, 2013, before heading back to Washington after his first official visit overseas as secretary.

John Kerry, the former presidential candidate and the veteran chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, has just returned from his first trip to Europe and the Middle East as secretary of state.

At the press conference with British Foreign Secretary William Hague, Kerry gave the impression that the Middle East did not figure prominently in his discussion with Hague. In his opening statement Hague said: “Top of our agenda was the Middle East, including the importance we both attach to ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict…”

When Kerry spoke, he touched on trade, Syria, Iran and only at the end he spoke about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. And as if to make sure Israeli leaders understood the underlying message that “the president was coming [to Israel] in a listening, not a dictating, mode.” Kerry said “I want to consult and the president wants to listen.”

But consulting and listening does not mean they cannot propose ideas and explore alternatives. In fact both US President Barack Obama and Kerry are quite anxious to achieve a breakthrough agreement and, at least the president may have already developed a set of Obama’s perimeters, likely largely similar to the Clinton perimeters. There are numerous good reasons for this low profile in public, high profile in substance interpretation.

First, the paralysing effect that the Israel lobby exercises over publicly elected officers is removed. Obama no longer has to worry about losing the crucial support of the American Jewish community if he dares to be assertive In pursuit of a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He has been reelected with a comfortable majority. No longer worried about re-election, he has his gaze on his place in history.

Secondly, the new approach of low public profile has the merit of not threatening Israeli leaders who, in a confrontational environment, would be more reluctant to make any concessions lest they be accused of compromising Israel’s security.

During Obama’s first term, he learned this reality the hard way on at least two occasions. First when he publicly demanded that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu places a complete freeze on all colony-building activities in the Occupied Territories. This was not only an American demand, it was also an Israeli obligation contracted under the roadmap — the basic peace plan the Quartet (US, Russia, European Union and the United Nations) have endorsed and have trying unsuccessfully to move forward.

Netanyahu publicly and defiantly refused.

The second clash between Obama and Netanyahu occurred when Obama suggested that Israeli and Palestinian negotiators should use the 1967 lines as a point of departure. Netanyahu right there and then looked at his host and rejected the idea lecturing Obama at the White House: Mr. President these lines are not defensible. Publicly humiliated twice, Obama dropped his pursuit of peace in the Middle East and switched to election mode. His speech at the UN General Assembly in September 2010 was an unabashed defence of Israel.

Thirdly, Obama worked hard to correct the misperception that he is not a friend of Israel. Earlier last year he addressed the powerful Israel lobby known as the American-Israel Political Action Committee (Aipac) and delivered a staunchly pro-Israel speech. After going through a long list of pro-Israel actions undertake by his administration, he assured his audience: “When the chips are down, I have got Israel’s back.”

During the latest Israeli assault on the Palestinian people in Gaza, Obama seems to have gone beyond the call of duty in providing Israel with apparently unprecedented level of military, economic, and diplomatic support. This earned him unprecedented praise from the Israelis and especially from Netanyahu. More recently Denis Ross, the perpetual envoy to the Middle East of several administrations and arch Zionist himself, said that “what the president has done for Israel in the security area is without precedent”.

This seems to have rehabilitated Obama in the eyes of some of his Zionist critics. At any rate, it earned him political capital that he can bring to bear in his latest attempt at bringing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to a close.

As for Kerry, his credentials as a staunch supporter of Israel have been long established through his position as the veteran Chairman of the Foreign Relations committee and as a presidential candidate in 2004.

At the TV programme Meet the Press, Kerry was asked whether he supported Bush breaking with American policy when he said that Israel could keep some of the land occupied in the 1967 war and that the Palestinian refugees could not go back to their 1948 homes, Kerry said yes. (NBC News’ Meet the Press, April 18, 2004).

At the same programme, Kerry was asked whether he supported Israeli policy of assassinating Palestinian leaders (Israel had just assassinated Hamas leader Abdul Aziz Rantisi). Again Kerry supported Israel’s action and sought to justify it.

In other words, while American leaders are forever condemning Palestinian violence, they are forever justifying Israeli violence. And this in violation of international law and UN Security Council resolution 242 which reiterates the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territories by force.

And herein lies the principle reason for the litany of failures that characterise American peace mediation in the Middle East. It suffers from an irremediable contradiction: Claiming to be honest brokers when they are so inarguably and totally promoting the position and defending the interests of one of the parties.

If that remain the chief characteristic of the peace process, then there is no escaping the banalities and platitude of the suggestions and proposals put forward by the American mediators.

In a recent article in the New York Times Review Denis Ross reminded us why he holds the record of failed peace missions. His latest proposal for reviving the peace process contains such banalities as asking the Israelis to be ready to compensate settlers who agree to relocate to Israel. No mention of the occupation, no mention of the dispossession; no mention of international law. No wonder he came to be known as Israel’s lawyer in Washington.

The occupation, the dispossession, and international law are not ornamental accessory to the peace process; they are its fundamental foundation.

If Obama and Kerry, who are going to Israel later this month, fail to recognise that reality, they would be abandoning the peace process to an ignominious death from its own contradictions.

[Adel Safty is distinguished professor adjunct at the Siberian Academy of Public Administration, Russia. His new book, Might Over Right, is endorsed by Noam Chomsky.]

(Courtesy: Gulf News)

Disciple of Dr. Akhter Hameed Khan Murdered

March 29, 2013, 10:50 pm

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A Tribute to Parveen Rehman

By Nasim Yousaf

The death of Miss Parveen Rehman is a great loss for us all. She was carrying forward Dr. Akhter Hameed Khan’s mission to improve the lives of the underprivileged and neglected. It hurts me to hear that her life has been taken away by heartless people.

It was around 12pm on March 13, 2013, when I heard on a Pakistani television channel that Miss Parveen Rehman, Director of the Orangi Pilot Project (OPP) (founded by the legendary Dr. Akhter Hameed Khan) had been assassinated by unidentified gunmen. She was killed while returning home after briefing foreign visitors at the OPP (Samaa TV, March 13, 2012). Sadly, Pakistan is under the strong grip of a “rule of terror.”

Ms. Rehman was born in Bangladesh (previously East Pakistan) in 1957. She moved to Pakistan with her family at a young age. She obtained her degree in Architecture in 1981 from Dawood Engineering College, Karachi. Thereafter, in 1983, she joined the OPP. The Orangi Pilot Project is a pioneering institution in the areas of microfinance, rural and urban development, and education. It was established in Karachi in 1980 by Dr. Akhter Hameed Khan, who successfully built the organization into a replicable model that achieved worldwide acclaim and recognition. Over the years, Ms. Rehman worked closely with Dr. Khan and acquired a wealth of knowledge in housing, sanitation, health and microcredit, among other areas. During her career at OPP, she met a large number of visitors from around the world, including students, journalists, government officials, community developers, and members of non-governmental organizations. Following Dr. Khan’s death, Ms. Rehman successfully ran the operation of the OPP and upheld its strong reputation throughout the world. Based on her work at OPP, Ms. Rehman could have easily pursued much more lucrative opportunities. But it is a true testament to her character that she preferred to continue working with the OPP and the people of Orangi Town.

Ms. Rehman was a soft-spoken and humble woman, who dedicated her life to uplifting the poor. In a documentary on the OPP entitled “Orangi Pilot Project (OPP) - A role model for realizing your Social Responsibility” (available on YouTube), Ms. Rehman spoke of some of the guiding principles of the OPP, which also reflect the way she lived her life:

“See with respect what people are doing…observe with your own knowledge what they are doing…learn from what the people are doing with a lot of humility…teach with gentleness, do not be in a hurry.”

It is a tragedy for the entire Pakistani nation when a true humanitarian and public servant like Ms. Rehman can be murdered simply because of her work on behalf of the impoverished. Ms. Rehman’s services for OPP and the people of Orangi Town shall always be remembered. She was laid to rest on March 14, 2013 at Mohammad Shah graveyard in Karachi. She left behind her mother, two brothers and a sister.

May God rest her soul in eternal peace and provide her family the strength to bear this tragic loss.

[Nasim Yousafis a scholar and historian and author of many books and articles. His book “Dr. Akhtar Hameed Khan - Pioneer of Microcredit & Guru of Rural Development” has recently been published in the US. His current projects include a book on world famous personalities in microfinance and poverty alleviation. He can be contacted at infoahkhan@yahoo.com]

Is Pakistan a failed state?

March 29, 2013, 10:57 pm

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By Tariq A. Al-Maeena

As the country that was once referred to by Joe Biden during the 2008 US presidential campaign as a "dangerous" state, Pakistan has been fighting back against such undeserved allegations.

In the foreign media, the portrayal of Pakistan has been anything but pleasant. There is plenty to buttress the feeling that the country is indeed sinking into a deeper mess. Critics cite in particular the violence and other nefarious activities of extremist militant groups. They quote statistics that indicate that extremism and terrorist violence appear to be increasing overall, rather than declining.

Some critics charge that these extremist groups "are gaining more power and freedom to operate". They argue that in the face of the Zardari administration’s apparent unwillingness to clamp down hard on these militant groups, the extremists have become louder and bolder. They also contend that provincial governments have failed to crack down on these subversive groups, particularly in Punjab province, since the political parties are "dependent on the voting bloc of sectarian extremists", making it political suicide to consider such an attack against these fringe elements.

There are also allegations that the government has failed to address the demands of the people of Baluchistan who feel that not only have they been marginalized in Pakistan’s development process, but that they have also been victimized by continuous repression and economic denial. The fact that the provincial feudal lords are behind the misery of most of their people and have been freely operating in tyranny within their domain has spurred calls by the downtrodden people of the province for breaking away from Pakistan and forming a new country.

But one must understand that it was not all started by Pakistan. Back in 2001 when US President George W. Bush drew his infamous line in the sand with his "you’re either with us or against us", Pakistan was sucked into a spiraling vortex from which it is still suffering today. As the then Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf recalled, after the Sept 11 terrorist attacks on America, he was told by Richard Armitage, the US deputy secretary of state, to support Washington or his country would be “bombed back to the Stone Age”, a credible threat that prompted his "sleeping with the devil".

Mr. Musharraf stated in his autobiography In the Line of Fire, “I felt very frustrated by Armitage’s remarks. It goes against the grain of a soldier not to be able to tell anyone giving him an ultimatum to go forth and multiply, or words to that effect.” Following their uneasy partnership to facilitate Mr. Bush’s adventure into Afghanistan, Pakistan became the battleground for extremist groups such as the Afghani Taliban who not only ventured across the border to create mayhem, but also began successfully recruiting like-minded individuals from within Pakistan to their brand of ideology.

The country’s sovereignty took a hit when civilians began to be counted as innocent victims of bombs released by drones or NATO led aircraft.

Although NATO commanders at the time categorically and emphatically stated that they would not support US military intrusion into Pakistan, and would not take part in a proposed US strategy of conducting raids into Pakistan from Afghanistan against "suspected" Taliban and Al-Qaeda militants, the reality of events following that 2008 claim was otherwise.

Sectarian violence increased, undoubtedly fed by the extremism of ideology which rejected all faiths and beliefs, except for the warped and twisted version these militants were following. The economy and the country’s infrastructure took a heavy hit as resources were diverted to fight this growing menace. The province of Sindh became a battleground for various political groups who were not beneath resorting to violence to promote their ideals. The city of Karachi has often been featured in headlines or video clips because of bombings or sectarian fueled killings.

But the people of Pakistan are a resilient lot. Notwithstanding the great challenges facing them, they have demonstrated their survival skills in the political arena. Political parties or NGO groups have been formed by concerned Pakistanis in recent years to counter what ails Pakistan. One such group was a coalition made up of representatives from groups as varied as the Pakistani Defense of Human Rights, the Good Governance Forum, the Pakistani Christian Study Center and the Ex-Servicemen Society representing retired military servicemen.

Imran Khan, the popular ex-cricketer, is another individual who feels for his country. He began his foray into politics when he founded the Tehreek-e-Insaaf party back in 1998, and is currently running for political leadership to eliminate what he perceives as corruption of elected officials and the threat to national sovereignty by foreign aid. It is democracy in action in a country so quickly maligned as being lawless.

Nowhere else was democracy so aptly demonstrated than last Saturday when the government stepped down at the end of its five-year term, and set the stage for elections due to be held in the middle of May. Several parties are in the contest, jockeying for leadership. The elections could very well usher in moderates who are committed in word and deed to clamp down on extremist groups without regard for political consequences.

Pakistan must not be dismissed as a failed state. On the contrary, it is proving that it is alive and is on the road to getting better. We wish the people of Pakistan well on their journey.

[The author can be reached at talmaeena@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter @talmaeena.]

(Courtersy: Saudi Gazette)

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Pakistan: Sectarian Divides

March 29, 2013, 11:08 pm

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By Ram Puniyani

South Asia has been in the grip of sectarian violence since fairly long. During last three decades and more particularly during the last decade this violence has been intensifying in degree and spread. It was sad news to hear that the Christian Community of Joseph Colony, Badami Bagh Lahore was the victim of one such violence recently (March 2013). In this violence 178 houses of the low-income community, as well as shops and three churches were looted and burnt to ashes. The local Pastor was attacked and the father of Savan Masih, the youth falsely accused of blasphemy, was beaten up and subsequently arrested.

In Pakistan both non Muslims and some Muslim sects have been harassed on religious grounds. As such the major victims of such violence are the sects of Islam, Shias and Ahmadis. The Ahmadis has been declared as non Muslims through an act of Parliament. As such Shias, Barelvis, Sufis, Ahmadis, Christians, Sikhs and Hindus are the religious minorities who have facing the wrath of dominant communal forces in Pakistan. At the time of Partition, creation of Pakistan, the percentage of religious minorities was close to 23% and gradually it declined. The foundation of communal violence was very much there in the social thinking which regarded Pakistan as a Muslim state. Non Muslim minorities and some sets of Islam has been the victim of this violence. This violence picked up for the worse, during Zia ul Haq regime, when the Khakis and beard-cap came into a firm embrace, an alliance, which mutually boosted the power of both these groups.

In the decade of 1980s the other factor which contributed to the rise in divisive thinking was the setting up of Madrassas, richly funded by United States for its goal of control over oil resources, for countering the Soviet occupation in Afghanistan. With these Madrassas, the US-Saudi support strengthened the Salafi, Wahabi version of Islam and this not only targeted the non Muslims but also the Shias and Ahmadis, the former being a substantial in number.

This targeting of intra Islam minorities also had some external support in the region, the Sunni factions being promoted and funded by Saudis and Shias by Iran. The Christian and Hindus were easy enough targets for these forces. In later decades this violence at social level came to be supplemented by the terrorist violence from sections of Al Qaeda...

The large number of Christians there belongs to scavenger castes. Not only they are looked down upon, and most of the times the aim of violence is to dispose them of their lands. This is a very vulnerable social group. The blasphemy law has come in handy for attacking these communities. One recalls the case of Asea Bibi, who is in jail for her alleged remarks against Prophet Mohammad. She has been sentenced to death. Her appeal is pending in the Punjab High Court. When Salmaan Taseer, the former Governor of Punjab, spoke about reformation of the blasphemy laws of Pakistan, he was killed by a member of his own security guard.

Every sectarian force develops its own tools and pretexts for attacking the minorities. Asea had fetched some water from a well, and a Muslim crowd chided her for “polluting” the water since she was a “dirty (low caste) Christian”. The twist of arguments led to her death sentence. Similarly in Aug. 2012, Rimsah Masih, the young, mentally challenged 14 year old girl was arrested for burning the pages from the Koran.

And now this mob of Muslims, which was coming out from the Masjid, broke into and destroyed the belongings of several Christian homes, because, as alleged by the one Muslim man who had a argument with one Christian man, the Christian had blasphemed against Islam. Quick mob justice, punish the community for the alleged work of one!

The pretexts notwithstanding the pattern are similar. The Muslim communal groups have been on the rise since the Zia regime. The degree of intensity of their boldness can be gauzed from the fact that they openly take the credit for such violent acts. This to some extent shows their clout and acceptability in the system.

The trajectory of communal forces in three major countries of South Asia has been parallel but very distinctive. In India the Hindu communalism, vitiated the peace and the regular targets were the non Hindus, Christian and Muslims. In between Sikhs were also subjected to massive violence. The increase in anti Dalit violence during this period cannot be visibly linked up with the anti Muslim and Anti Christian violence. Still the study of history of this violence tells us that the intensification of anti minority violence in early 1980s began with violence against dalits in 1981 and 1986. In Bangla Desh and Pakistan the non Muslims are targeted and differing sects of Muslims are also subject to this violence. In Pakistan, it seems the minority sects of Muslim and Christian and Hindus seem to be sailing in the same boat.

It will be infesting to note that unlike the perceptions prevailing here that all Muslims are anti Hindus and supporting violence what came to be noticed in recent anti minority violence was that the condemnation of these attacks against religious minorities by the secular groups in Pakistan. The case in point is the recent anti Christian violence in Lahore, the people to condemn this have been the activists from Forum for Secular Pakistan, articulating the wish for a secular state in Pakistan and upholding the secular values in that country. To condemn this attack in Lahore the Jamia community in Delhi organized a candle vigil and Khudai Khidmatgars issued strong statements condemning the violence against Christians n Pakistan, Many other groups have also added to the voices against such an insane act of violence.

While condemning one type of violence, the criticism dished forward is ‘why you criticize only this communalism’? As such the comments and criticism of democratic elements are directed against the acts which take place irrespective of the religion of offenders and victims. The secular groups and commentators who raise their voices against violence are dubbed as being against being this or that religion, being one sided and what not? The real issue is to be against all sort of targeting of religious minorities and intra religion groups. We seem to be in a downward phase of history where the communal elements are getting more powerful through the dastardly violence against the vulnerable groups, more often poor of the community, but not necessarily so.

[Ram Puniyaniis based in Mumbai and is a strong advocate of human rights. He can be contacted at ram.puniyani@gmail.com]

India urged to adopt interest-free banking system

March 29, 2013, 11:16 pm

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By Muhsinah Abdul Gafoor

Jeddah: The Keralite community of Jeddah proudly released the book “Islamic Banking” written by KTM Kutty during a function at Red Sea Palace Hotel here recently. The book is first of its kind to be released in the Malayalam language. Prof. Muhammed Azmi Omar, director general of Islamic Research and Training Institute (IRTI) at the Islamic Development Bank, released the book by handing it to Alungal Muhammed, CMD of Abeer Medical Group. The program was organized by the Islamic Dawah Council in Jeddah.

Prof. Omar gave an informative presentation on the fundamental principles of Islamic banking and called upon the Indian government to make use of the system to boost its economy and exterminate poverty from the country. He talked about transparency in contracts of Islamic banking where everything is explicitly spelled out, and the presence of a third party to ensure Shariah compliancy of Islamic banks and its dealings.

He expounded the need to avoid using the word ‘Islamic’ while introducing interest-free banking systems in a country like India where anything relating to Islam is sensitive. He also gave an overview of the status of Islamic banking around the globe. Although India has the largest number of Muslims, it is difficult to establish an Islamic bank in the country because of the monetary policies of Reserve Bank of India that necessitate any company that lends money to name the interest rate of the institution. He concluded his presentation by reminding the audience that the current status of Islamic banks is in no way perfect because the process of perfecting the system is still an ongoing one.

The book was reviewed by A.M. Sajith of Malayalam News. He was of the opinion that the book was a must read for all Malayalees who wish to understand the fundamentals of Islamic banking. The book gives a very good introduction to the topic.

Muhammed of Al-Abeer gave a felicitation speech praising the effort of the author and encouraged the audience to take further steps in making interest-free banking a norm in our community. Sulaiman Faisi, a mentor of IDC, urged the participants to read the book at least three times so that they understand the concepts thoroughly. “Every Muslim should understand the concepts of the Islamic monetary system.

He also shared the beauty of the zakat system of Islam and explained how zakat would boost a country’s economy. He seconded the view of Prof. Umer saying that the word Islamic should be removed from Islamic banking to be welcomed in countries like India. “The Qur’an is meant for all human beings, so is the monetary system in Islam. So it is not confined to Muslims,” he added.

The author, Kutty shared his experiences in writing the book. The program was attended by representatives from different cultural organizations, the IDB and the media. Muneer welcomed the gathering while Nasser gave a vote of thanks.

(Courtesy: Arab News)

‘The money that I earn is being spent in this country’

March 29, 2013, 11:29 pm

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By Tariq A. Al-Maeena

Expatriates living in the Kingdom have every reason to feel uncertain nowadays. With new laws and directives being issued concerning the conditions of employment and residency for the guest worker, they can be excused for a bit of lightheadedness.

It is also understandable that the Kingdom, considering the turbulent events taking place regionally, is exercising greater efforts to address a rising issue of concern, and that is the unemployment of its nationals. Laws that seek to promote the employment of Saudis are quickly being passed to address this area of national concern.

But the application of such laws and directives is often misconstrued or misinterpreted by those charged with applying the rules. Take the story of A.N., an expatriate who relates his ordeal with one organ of our government while he seeks a humanitarian resolution.

He writes: “I’m a 37-year-old Pakistani national. I was in my mother’s lap when I landed in Saudi Arabia. According to my mother, I was only six months old at that time. My father was already working for a reputable local company. This basically means that I have been in the Kingdom for the last 37 years and my father has served the country for almost 40 years.

“Recently my father retired at the age of 62. And here starts our ordeal! I’m the eldest of his children and the only one in the Kingdom. According to our tradition, we all live in the same dwelling, which is an apartment large enough for my parents and my wife and three kids.

“What an honor it is for a son to be around his parents in their elderly age whereby he can serve them; and what a relief and pleasure for elderly parents to be surrounded by grandchildren and a caring daughter-in-law.

“When my father retired, I started the process of transferring him under my sponsorship. It should have been a straightforward and simple procedure, and a lot of my friends have done something similar. I went to the Passport Department with my father with a complete set of documents and to our shock, I was met with this response: ‘This is not allowed’!

“Recovering from our initial shock, I asked: ‘What do you mean by that –Not allowed….there must be a way?’ The officer simply shrugged and then we were asked to leave.

“So ever since then, I have been trying to figure out what to do and how to resolve this issue. Below are some points for the decision makers to consider after which I rest my case.

My parents are both 63 and moving toward their ‘final destination’. Believe me they know that and think about it all the time. The last thing they want is to worry about their ‘Iqama’.

We live in a large apartment and accordingly pay a handsome rent, meaning the money that I earn is being spent within the country.

Since I have two extra mouths to feed, it means more groceries, again meaning that the money that I earn is staying within the country.

They are both 63 years of age, and of course I shall be making sure that they have the best medical insurance coverage. Meaning once again that the money that I earn is staying within the country.

They will be traveling to Pakistan at least once a year to see their elderly brothers and sisters. I will be purchasing their airfare on the national airline. Meaning, the money that I earn is staying within the country.

They will be spending weeks and weeks in Makkah and Madinah. Meaning the money that I earn is staying within the country.

“I swear that not a single penny of the Saudi government has ever been ‘wasted’ on a non-Saudi like me. All the financial investments ever made on my behalf were by my parents, and much of it was on our education. They made sure that my brother, sister and I got the best within their means. In fact, they often did things beyond their means at great self-sacrifice just for our future and comfort.

“Finally, I often wonder whether my old folks are going insane. My younger brother Faisal was born in Jeddah (1978) and if memory serves me right he was actually named after the late King Faisal. Well, he is a US citizen now and pleading with his parents to join him in America. And guess what? They are reluctant; they don’t want to leave their home in the Kingdom. Stupid, isn’t it! Have a good day. — A confused person.”

Why does A.N. or many in a similar situation get treated in this manner? Is this our way of thanking those who have served in the development of this country? His parents will have absolutely no impact on our unemployment dilemma, and neither will they be draining the government of valuable resources.

So why then does the Passport Department dismiss this man’s application so callously? Have we lost touch with our sense of compassion and morality?

[The author can be reached at talmaeena@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter @talmaeena.]

(Courtesy: Saudi Gazette)

Syed Mohammad Rabey Hasani Nadwi unanimously re-elected AIMPLB president for 5th consequetive time

March 29, 2013, 11:39 pm

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By Pervez Bari

Ujjain: As speculated noted Muslim cleric of national and international repute Maulana Syed Mohammad Rabey Hasani Nadwi has been unanimously re-elected president of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, (AIMPLB), an apex body of Muslims, for the fifth time on Saturday in its 23rd annual conference which is being held here in Jamia Arabia Siraj-ul-Uloom at the outskirts of historical town Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh.

Maulana Rabey, Rector of the Nadwatul Ulema, a famous Islamic university in Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow, will head the AIMPLB, which was formed four decades ago to protect the “Shariah” or the Islamic laws. This will be his fourth consecutive term. He was first elected in April 2002 following the death of Qazi Mujahid-ul-Islam Qasmi in Hyderabad.

Maulana Rabey later picked his team for the fifth term wherein he nominated his old panel which included Maulana Syed Nizamuddin as general secretary of AIMPLB, Adv. Abdurrahim Qureshi as Asstt. general secretary, Maulana Syed Wali Rahmani as secretary and other office-bearers of the outgoing team. A 40-member executive body was unanimously elected wherein all the members who had completed their three year term were re-elected. A few new members of the executive committee were elected in place of those who had passed away in last three years. The highlight of the executive Committee election was that for the first time representation from Madhya Pradesh was given when Congress leader Arif Masood of Bhopal was elected.

Later, Maulana Rabey will nominate 10 members to the Executive Committee of AIMPLB to make it 50-member body. There was no contest for any post and also for the executive body.
Meanwhile, eight members which included Maulana Abul Qasim of Islamic seminary at Deoband, P. Rafeeq Ahmad of Chennai, Habeeb Bandvi (UP) etc. were elected unanimously among the 102 Asasi Arakeen (founder members) category in place of those who have left for their heavenly abode. Vacancies arise due to resignation or death of any founder member.
Six members were elected to the Meeqati (periodical member for 3 years) category. They are: Maulana Saeed-ur-Rahman Azmi Nadwi, Principal Nadwatul Ulema; Peerzadah Sheikh (Andhra Pradesh); Mateen Qadri (Hyderabad) Zaheer Qazi (Maharashtra); Hafiz Qari Mohammad Taqui (Ujjain, MP); Prof. Haleem Khan (Indore, MP).

It may be recalled here that Qazi Mujahidul Islam Qasmi’s death had created a void leading to speculation that there would be a contest for the board’s top post. But the then 201 member general council elected Maulana Rabey without contest on the second day of the 16th session of the board in Hyderabad. Maulana Rabey is the fourth president of the board, which represents Islamic scholars of all schools of thought and prominent Muslim leaders. The board has had only three presidents so far. Qari Muhammad Tayyab Qasmi was the first president. Islamic scholar Maulana Syed Abul Hasan Ali Nadvi succeeded him in the late 1980s and continued in the post till his death on December 31st, 1999. Thereafter, Qazi Mujahid-ul-Islam Qasmi was unanimously elected AIMPLB president till his death.

It may be mentioned here that Maulana Syed Mohammad Rabey Hasani Nadwi was born on October 1, 1929 at Takia Kalan, Raebareli in the family of Syed Rasheed Ahmad Hasani and Ummatul Azeez. Mohtarmah Ummatul Azeez was sister of Maulana Syed Abul Ahasan Ali Nadvi alias Ali Mian Nadvi. He completed his primary education from his family maktab at Raebareli, Passed Fazilat from Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulema, Lucknow in 1958. He spend year 1957 at Darul Uloom, Deoband for one year and the year 1950-51 in Hijaz in for education and Dawah.

Maulana Rabey is nephew of former President Hazrat Maulana Syed Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi @ Ali Mian (Rahamatullah Aley). He was appointed as assistant teacher at Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulema after completing studies in 1949. He remained at Hijaz (K.S.A.) I from 1950-1951 for further studies and research. In 1952 he was appointed Assistant Professor at Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulema, Lucknow. He was appointed the Head of Arabic Department at Nadwa in 1955. He was appointed the Dean, Faculty of Arabic of Nadwa in 1970. He was conferred award by Indian Council Uttar Pradesh for his contribution in the field of Arabic language. He was also conferred Presidential Award for his contribution in the field of Arabic language in the same year. In 1993 he was appointed Muhtamim (Vice Chancellor) of Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulema. In 1999 he was appointed Naib Nazim (Chancellor) of the Nadwa and in 2000, after death of Hazrat Maulana Syed Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi (Rahamatullah Aley); he was elected as Nazim (Rector) of Nadwa.

He has travelled to Japan, Morocco, Malaysia, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Uzbekistan, Turkey, South Africa and many other Arab, European and African countries. He has published 15 books in Arabic and 12 books in Urdu besides having many unpublished works. He is acclaimed for his scholarship.

Maulana Rabey is also Vice President of the Aalami Rabita Adab-e-Islami, Riyadh (K.S.A.); President, Majlis-e-Tehqiqat-o-Nashariyat Islam, Lucknow; President, Majlis-e-Sahafat-o-Nashariyat, Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulema, Lucknow; President, Deeni Taleemi Council, Uttar Pradesh; President, Dar-e-Arfat, Raebareli; Founder Member, Rabita Aalam-e-Islami, Makka Mukarrmah; Member, Darul Musannffin, Azamgarh; Trustee, Oxford Centre of Islamic Studies, Oxford University, UK; Patron, Payam-e-Insaniyat and Patron, Islamic Fiqh Academy (India).

[Pervez Bariis a senior Journalist based at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. He is associated with IndianMuslimObserver.com as Bureau Chief (Madhya Pradesh). He can be contacted at pervezbari@eth.net]

AIMPLB demands 25 lakh compensation to terrorist-tagged Muslim youths declared innocent by courts

March 29, 2013, 11:48 pm

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By Pervez Bari

Ujjain: The 23rd conference of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, (AIMPLB), has called upon the Government of India and the state governments to take initiatives for redressing the grievances of Indian Muslims of interference in their Islamic family laws known as Muslim personal laws or Shariah.

The personal laws of Muslims are the integral part of their religion and belief and any tampering with these laws is interference in the religion. It is clear violation of fundamental rights to profess, practice and propagate their religion which is guaranteed in Indian Constitution. It is our constitutional right to live in the country with full freedom of religion, the AIMPLB said.
The three-day AIMPLB conference concluded here in Jamia Arabia Siraj-ul-Uloom, the venue of the convention, on the outskirts of historic city Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday while adopting a seven point resolution by voice vote.

The AIMPLB has demanded a minimum compensation of Rs.25 lakh to be paid to Muslim youths tagged as terrorists, who after being incarcerated in jails in prime of their youth were allegedly tortured physically and mentally at the hands of security agencies, were honourably released by courts of law in the absence of any evidence found against them.

It also demanded that many other Muslim youths who are languishing in prisons in different states for many years without any charge-sheet filed against them and without any incriminating evidence against them must be released forthwith. In other such cases charge-sheet be filed without any further delay and the trials should be conducted in fast track courts.

Another resolution expressed concern that in Bharatiya Janata Party, (BJP), ruled Madhya Pradesh Hindutva agenda is being imposed in educational institution to influence the young minds of children of minorities namely Muslims and Christians who study there. As per the Hindu ideology and mythology school-going children are being espoused to perform Surya Namaskar, recite Bhojan Mantar before taking mid-day meals, sing Vandematram where mother earth has been glorified as god, and excerpts’ of Hindu religious book Bhagvad Geeta have been incorporated in school syllabi. All these acts in a secular country is against the spirit of Indian Constitution and the government of the day has no right to propagate any particular religion compulsorily or voluntarily. Moreover, Muslims are not idol worshipers but worship only one God called Allah and as such AIMPLB demanded a complete ban on such activities forthwith.

Briefing news persons at the conclusion of conference Adv. Abdur Rahim Qureshi, Assistant general secretary and spokesman of AIMPLB, said: “In our country we feel that the stability of present democratic and cultural polarity structure is at stake and it is imperative and duty of every citizen and every community and group living in India to inculcate the sentiments of truly upholding the principles of secular character of the state’s cultural plurality and duty towards country.”

“For this it is necessary that every group and community should feel that those things which are dearer to their lives are safe, preserved and protected. The first and foremost thing in this regard is religion. As far as Muslims are concerned they feel and there is reason for this feeling that there is interference from the state and its organs in the matter of religion”, he added.
Adv. Qureshi said the AIMPLB while appreciating the announcement of the Union Minister for minorities’ Affairs K. Rahman Khan that Waqf Bill 2010 would be introduced in the ongoing session of Parliament has demanded its early introduction for proper supervision, protection and preservation of the Waqf properties spread all over India. It also demanded introduction of a Bill for empowering the Waqf Boards to evict encroachments and those who have Waqf properties under their possession. The Board also demanded return of Waqf properties which are under illegal possession of Union and state governments or at lest legalising their possession by taking them on lease from the Waqf Boards.

He said AIMPLB was very critical of the Direct Taxes Code Bill as it is harmful to the places of worship and religious trust of all religious communities including Muslims. The Board has demanded the exemptions and concessions as provided in the present Income Tax Act should be incorporated in the Direct Tax Code Bill. The Board called upon Hindus, Sikhs, Christians and Parsees to stand up against the Direct Tax Code Bill and support and raise their voice along AIMPLB to amend it. The Direct Taxes Code is a bid by the government to impose tax on Masjids, temples, churches and gurdawaras, and charitable trusts or organizations which are working for any religious community. These religious places should be exempted for Income Tax and Wealth Tax, he added.

Meanwhile, “Ujjain Declaration” was released at the concluding session of the conference where among other things it said that in the present era the protection and safety of women against sexual assault has become a top priority for which only legal sword and enhancement of punishment against the perpetrators of these crimes are being demanded. However, no effort is being made neither to change the mind set of the menfolk by inculcating moral values in them nor the causes which causes these crimes is being looked into. One of the major cause is consumption of alcohol which propels to commit such crimes and as such there is no move to impose prohibition forthwith or slowly and gradually.

The “Ujjain Declaration” urged Muslims to be a practicing Muslim following the Shariah laws in letter and spirit to influence others by their characters and practical examples of exemplary behaviour even in adverse situations. Muslims should not get demoralised but stand united to face the challenges posed by the adversaries.

Later, in the evening after Maghrib prayers a mammoth public meeting was held here in Nanakheda Stadium which was overflowing with scull caps as Muslims from in and around Ujjain started thronging the venue from afternoon. They came in hordes in buses, jeeps, cars, tractors etc. and the whole area gave festive look. It was sea of humanity and according to one estimate more than 50,000 people including children converged on to the stadium to listen to Maulana Syed Mohammad Rabey Hasani Nadwi president of the AIMPLB, and other Ulema and intellectuals of the community to refresh their Emaan. Union Minister for Minorities' Affairs K. Rahman Khan specially flew in to Indore and drove to Ujjain about 50-60 kms away to address the public meeting. The stadium reverberated time and again with “Naray-e-Takbeer” in-between the emotional speeches of the speakers.

Addressing the milling crowd of Muslims Maulana Rabey said that India is a democratic and secular country. Its constitution guarantees right to religion and one has the right to practice one's religion. Few people are trying to alter democratic and secular nature of our country which is unacceptable. He termed intrusion in Shariat as unconstitutional and against the secular fabric of the country, he added.

Till the filing of this report others who addressed the massive gathering of Muslims included Union Minister K Rahman Khan, Maulana Arshad Madani of Deoband Islamic seminary, Rashee Farhangi (Lucknow), Maulana Anees-ur-Rahman Qasmi of Imarat Shariah (Patna), Maulana Salman Alhasni Nadwi of Nadwatul Ulama (Lucknow), Prof. Mateen Qadri, general secretary Tameer-e-Millat (Hyderabad), Arif Masood (Bhopal) etc.

[Pervez Bariis a senior Journalist based at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. He is associated with IndianMuslimObserver.com as Bureau Chief (Madhya Pradesh). He can be contacted at pervezbari@eth.net]

Church has betrayed with the faith of converted Christians, says PCLM President R. L. Francis

March 29, 2013, 11:54 pm

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IMO News Service

New Delhi: While observing Good Friday, the ‘Poor Christian Liberation Movement’ has demanded for compensation because of the betrayal with converted Christians. Christian leader R.L. Francis said that instead of development of converted Christians and equality under the church system, it is fighting for the tag of scheduled caste from the government whereas there is no place for casteism in Christianity.

"Even those nuns and priests are victim of discrimination and exploitation who talk about rights of converted Christians. Indian church has completely shunned Jesus Christ and is indulged to fulfill its imperialistic ambitions. The decision of second Vatican Council and Canon Law has not been implemented," alleged Mr. Francis.

According to R.L. Francis, Converted Christians are major part of total Christian population in the country and eighty percent of them come from dalit and tribal community. However, the number of Catholic Dalit Bishops is just four out of 168. Out of 13000 diocese priest, 14000 religious priest, 5000 Brothers and more than 100000 nuns, only handful of them are Dalits. They, too, are marginalized in church system.

Mr. Francis said that the church is indulging in accumulating huge property and misutilised the freedom given by Indian constitution. But, there is no system to monitor such things. However, in western countries there are laws that control such activities. There must be some regulation to check these things.

"The Church has largest land-holding after Government of India and many such properties are in posh colonies. They control 22 percent educational system and 30 percent of health system,and despite that poor Christians are dying and our church leaders are busy fighting for religious freedom and to get special status for their institutions," said Mr. Francis.

PCLM President R.L. Francis remarked that Dalit Christians have been left far behind than Hindu Dalits. The Hindu society had provided Hindu Dalits the opportunity to grow, whereas the Church has only remained busy in building its empire.

Poor Christian Liberation Movement has urged Pope Francis and Supreme Council of Vatican and World Council of Churches (WCC) to ensure that the fund which is being spent for evangelization should be spent on the welfare of Dalit Christians. The power to elect Bishops should rest with Christians. The power of churches should be transferred to Christians and fund obtained from church institutions should be spent on the welfare of Dalit Christians.

HWF and Society for Students Welfare jointly conduct 2-day workshop on "Research and Statistics in Social Science"

March 29, 2013, 11:58 pm

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IMO News Service

The Human Welfare Foundation and Society for Students Welfare jointly conducted a two-day workshop on "Research and Statistics in Social Science" with the objective of facilitating research scholars and promoting postgraduate in social science research.

The workshop was held at the sprawling campus of Markaz Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, New Delhi on 26th and 27th March 2013. Research scholars and aspirants from various universities attended the program.

The program started with inaugural words of Ejaz Ahmed Aslam , Editor, Radiance Views-weekly. "There is high increase in population during the last century all over the world. But, it is only through knowledge that human being can become the leader of the society and world. Research in social science is the basic requirement for any attempt to make any change in the society," said Mr. Aslam in his inaugural address.

Noufal PK, presided over the inaugural function. Resource person Sameer Babu , Jamia Millia Islamia, conducted class and software training. Mr. Luthufi, coordinated the program. Certificates were presented to the participants by Rafeek Ahamed, Treasurer of Human Welfare Foundation.in the valedictory session.

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Brig. Ali hails SSAF on completing a decade of fruitful service

March 30, 2013, 12:04 am

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By Pervez Bari

Bhopal: In India there are two Taj Mahals, one is there at Agra & the other being at Aligarh. The one at Agra was built by Moghul emperor Shahjahan in memory of his beloved wife and the one at Aligarh was built by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan to improve the educational backwardness of the Muslim community, while the former one is the symbol of past and latter one is the insignia of our future.

The above views were expressed by Prof. Saud Alam Qasmi, Dean Faculty of Theology, AMU & member All India Muslim Personal Law Board, (AIMPLB), while delivering the keynote address at a symposium on ‘Sir Syed’s View on Residential life of University’ cum Certificate Distribution Ceremony. The programme was organized by Sir Syed Awareness Forum, (SSAF), at Aligarh Muslim University, (AMU), Aligarh.

Continuing Prof. Qasmi said that the students should know that how they have to talk and behave. Their conduct should be adorable. He urged the members of the forum that the motto of their lives should be ‘Qurbani’ (sacrifice) and not the ‘Biryani’ (luxuries ). At the same time he requested the Pro-Vice Chancellor to take concrete steps in ensuring that the forum is allowed to conduct similar programs in various halls of residences, so that the students can be made aware about Sir Syed’s teachings.

Delivering the presidential address Prof. Zakia Siddiqui, former Principal, Women’s College, AMU, said that it is a matter of great satisfaction that the Forum under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Shakeel Samadni has organized such a wonderful program. She congratulated Dr. Samdani for organizing program on the life of Sir Syed for the first time in the history of Aligarh exhibition. She prayed to the Almighty for the success of Dr. Samdani’s noble endeavours and requested everybody to support him in carrying out the mission of Sir Syed. She also urged Dr. Samdani that the forum should distribute some booklets containing information on the life and works of Sir Syed, Sheikh Abdullah and Begum Nawab Sultan Jahan of Bhopal, the First Chancellor of AMU, to the Students when they take their admissions from the next session which was duly endorsed by Dr. Samdani.

Speaking at the function, Brig. (Rtd.) Syed Ahmad Ali, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, AMU, said that it is through values a man can built his character and can distinguish between good and bad . Since 1970’s & 80s the erosion of values started and it has continued till date. He said that the whole life of Sir Syed was an example of values. In his whole life time he nurtured and preserved the human values and his life is a living example of this.

Brig. Ali said that the charter of objectives on which the Forum is working are very important from the view of preserving the composite culture of our country. He said that the spirit of tolerance will strengthen the social fabric of India and Sir Syed was an ardent advocate of this philosophy.

Expressing his happiness about the activities of forum, Brig Ali said that he is happy to know that the forum is entering tenth year of its formation and throughout it has tried to create awareness about the vision and mission of Sir Syed. He asked the members of the forum to revive the age old traditions of A.M.U. by wearing Sherwani and learning the ‘Tarana’ by heart. He also expressed his happiness that AMU has got 9th rank among Indian higher educational institutes by the prestigious Times Magazine, UK and called upon the Aligarians to work hard and put AMU on first rank.

President of the Forum, Dr. Shakeel Samdani said that it has been 10 years, when the Forum was established and since then it is creating new milestones one after another. The credit of organizing a program on the life of Sir Syed for the very first time at Aligarh exhibition also goes to the forum. He said that Sir Syed always gave preference to “Tahzeeb” over “Taleem” (education), as without education a person can survive but without culture nothing will be left. Dr. Samdani said that the forum is fully committed to its charter of objectives and will leave no stone unturned in accomplishing them.

Dr. Samdani appreciated the efforts of the Pro-Vice Chancellor in ensuring transparency in the universities administrative matters. He added that the forum will always stand behind the University administration for the cause of University in particular and ‘Millat’ in general.

Prof. Asmat Beg, Director , Residential Coaching Academy, AMU said that we should try to promote our culture and should preserve it, as it through this only our uniqueness can be maintained. He also emphasized on adding ‘values’ to our culture.

Dr. Javed Akhtar, Director Finance, ACN Group of Institutions, said that he will bear all the expenses of the publication of the booklets proposed by Prof. Zakia, provided the Forum should take up this task. He also congratulated Dr. Shakeel Samdani for having organized such a successful program.

IP Singh ‘Josh’, Additional District Judge, Aligarh, Prof. Zakaria Siddiqui, former Dean, Faculty of Law, AMU, Prof. NAK Durrani, ex-Media Advisor, AMU & Chairman, Department. of Mass. Communication; Prof. Humayun Murad, ex-Proctor & Controller, AMU; Dr. Abdur Raheem K, Chairman, D/o Museology, AMU distributed the certificate to the participants.

Earlier, welcoming the guests, secretary of the Forum, Mansoor Ilah said that the seed sown by Dr. Shakeel Samdani way back in 2004 has now become a fruitful tree and he promises that he and his team will strive for nothing less than best for the accomplishment of the charter of objectives of the forum and assured the Pro-Vice Chancellor that the forum will always be supporting the University Administration for the cause of community.

Programme In-charge Dr. Jarrar Rizvi proposed a vote of thanks. Sara Samdani and Sumaiya recited hamd & naat respectively. The program was alternatively conducted by Fawaz Shaheen, Anam Rais, Zubeda, Nazish Fatima Gulnaz, and Sameera Khan.
Zulfeqar-uz-zaman Sherwani, Anwar Ali Advocate, Editor, Light of India, fortnightly (Hindi), Kr. Naseem Shahid, president, Regional Urdu Teachers Association, Nizamuddin, Founder Madrasa Muskan, poetess Rubina Khanam, Haider Ali Advocate, AMU Court member Hashim Chowdhary, Cabinet member Shoeb Ali, Suraj Singh, Affan Ahmad, Abdul Nasar Kazim, Anurag, Abdullah Khan, Ahmar, Arshad, Manjeet, Prateek, Samreen, Afreen, Yashfeen, Umair Siddiqui, Tariq, Subhan, Tariq Umar, Tanveer, Tayyab Ansari, Hiba Khan, Mohammad Sarfaraz, Indu, Qamr-e-Alam Advocate, Ateeq Ansari, Mustafa Muqeet, Subhan, Umama Zehra etc. played a significant role in organizing the program. Besides this mementos were presented to forum members Mahreen Shafi, Abdul Nasar Kazim, Afreen Khan, Arsahad Ali Khan for their valuable contributions towards the forum.

[Pervez Bariis a senior Journalist based at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. He is associated with IndianMuslimObserver.com as Bureau Chief (Madhya Pradesh). He can be contacted at pervezbari@eth.net]

SPECIAL REPORT: Despite making strides in education, Muslims refuse to forget or forgive unless justice meted out to riots victims

March 30, 2013, 12:10 am

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By Abdul Hafiz Lakhani

Ahmedabad: Muslims of Gujarat are perhaps the most 'talked about' lot in the sub continent. Reasons have been tragic. Most of the times it is about the 2002 that they witnessed survived or lost their near and dear ones.

But, there was another very precious thing that they found suddenly slipping out of their hands. Perhaps it was the pride and dignity with which they were living with.

Loss was irreparable but not impossible, while there were few hands and brains which worked for their destruction and deaths but many more many lakhs of times more were the kind hearts and soft and sensitive hands and pens which not only wrote and spoke for them in their own way not through NGOs alone but there were many who did their bit, irrespective of what religion they belonged to.

Perhaps that is what confirms again and again how much division is tried how much hatred one tries to develop between the two communities their ties are very strong.

Gujarat in the past 11 years after 2002 has moved forward, Muslims can’t forget and forgive unless and until they get complete justice. Whatever, after it many slow and steady changes are taking place in the land of Mahatma.

Muslims have shaken themselves, Muslim girls are studying by and large everywhere in Gujarat, they are coming out and they are ready to equip themselves to lace and learn new skills. In fact, this is the right time when NGOs of international repute and all those sincere efforts from everywhere must come to this land and pick up Muslim women from different strata of the society and decorate them with various useful skills and train them to get themselves educated and empowered and inspire thousands of others. So that the next generations living here are more aware of their rights and duties both and be part of the mainstream and can never be taken for a ride by their own community leaders with vested interest and others.
In a latest gesture, Muslim families from different corners of Gujarat have shown a surprising picture wherein Gujarat saw eight medals in different fields of education going to Muslim students- six girls and two boys. Surprisingly three of them are in Sanskrit.
It speaks a lot.

The 61st convocation of the Gujarat University in fact saw maximum number so far of Muslim students excelling in their streams and winning gold medals.Thus, this year 211 medals were given to 118 students for excelling in different areas. Out of the 118 students, 8 Muslims students were rewarded with 15 gold medals for scaling the summit in their respective streams. There is a substantial increase in the number as last year only 3 medals were given to Muslim students.New light is kindled with such encouraging results’ news coming from students belonging to humble family backgrounds with strong and committed ideas and dreams.

Muslims are fast realising in this enterprising land of Ila Bhatt that it is time to look around and get oneself equipped with education and empowerment.Sheikh Tayab Khan, 23-year-old, who completed BA, has won two gold medals and 5 scholarships in Sanskrit. Sheikh hails from a small village near Devgadh Baria. He says he was attracted towards the language since his school days.

At present, Khan is pursuing BEd from Godhra and lives in a small house at Savllivad.His father is a businessman and brother is a principal at primary school. He says that he is not averse to the language as it is a beautiful and wants to become teacher in the subject. He also practices yoga and is particularly fond of Dhanurasana, Hasta Padasana and others.Yasmin Banu daughter of Waheeda and Nisar Kothari is a 24-year-old girl, who completed BA in Sanskrit has got a gold medal. She studied at Adivasi Arts & Commerce College, located at Santrampur. She teaches at a primary school in the area and says that she wants to become a teacher and preach the language. She also wants to do MA in Sanskrit. She hails from a humble background and her father is a fruit seller. She says education only can free an individual from bondage and make life easy. Time is changing now and women form her community are coming forward.

Shagufta Khan, 21 is a daughter of a retired IAS officer. She bagged all the three medals in Economics, which is considered a tough subject by many. She was a student of St. Xaviers College, Ahmedabad.

Shagufta insists that the violence against women should not be tolerated but women must find themselves equal and education is the only and the best way to become empowered and equipped.Shireen Qureshi is a bio-sciences student who scored 70 percent aggregate marks in B.Sc (Botany) has decided to pursue MSC and then do research in botany. She says if woman of the house is educated it means the future generation has a safe future. And seeing the current times, education is the only way forwardShamima Patel Banu, 22-year-old, who got three gold medals in home science stream, could inspire many. She comes from humble background and her father, who works as a feeder in AMTS, is the one who encouraged her and said that she could continue studying till she wanted. Even her younger sister Hazara Banu is in third year of BA (English). "It is very rare that women from our society are encouraged to venture out and study. But, my father always stood by my side and encouraged me," she says. Now, she is preparing for IAS examination.

Defying stereotypes, a Muslim boy and girl have bagged all three medals instituted for the BA course in the ancient Indian language by the Gujarat University, reports ‘The Indian Express’.Two of the medals for Sanskrit were won by Taiyab Sheikh, a student of Y S Arts and Commerce College in Devgadh Baria in Panchmahals district. The third went to Yasminbanu Kothari of the Adiwasi Arts and Commerce College in Santrampur in the interior of the state's tribal belt.Sheikh got 75.5 per cent marks and Kothari 68.5 per cent.

The medals were awarded at the convocation Tuesday. Sheikh, 23, who is now studying for a B.Ed. degree in a Godhra college, said he was inspired to learn Sanskrit after hearing stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharat told by his teachers in primary school in his village of Tokarwa.He said he wants to be a post-graduate in Sanskrit and pursue teaching it as a career. Sheikh enrolled himself for a BA degree with Sanskrit as his main subject as he failed to get a teaching job in a primary school after doing a teachers training course.

His elder brother is a head master in a government primary school and there was no opposition in the family to him studying Sanskrit. "My parents, who are farmers and not educated, only wanted me to perform well," Sheikh said.Kothari said she developed a liking for Sanskrit when she was in class 12. The daughter of a fruit-seller who studied up to class 12, she too said she did not face any opposition to her choice of the language. "In fact, my father and his friend Rafiq Sheikh, a college teacher, encouraged me to study it," she said.

Yasmeeni teaches at a primary school in Santrampur and like Sheikh, she too wants to do an MA in Sanskrit and work as a teacher."A language does not belong to any community. Anyone can learn any language provided he or she has interest in it," said J R Machchi, Sheikh's Sanskrit teacher."Muslim boys and girls diversifying into other educational fields is a good sign," added J S Bandukwala, a retired Physics professor from M S University who runs Zidni Ilma Trust, which promotes professional and technical education among poor Muslim students.

[Abdul Hafiz Lakhaniis a senior Journalist based at Ahmedabad, Gujarat. He is associated with IndianMuslimObserver.com as Bureau Chief (Gujarat). He can be reached at lakhani63@yahoo.com or on his cell 09228746770]

Infinity Consultants promotes Islamic Finance Awareness at leading Business Schools in India

March 30, 2013, 12:15 am

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IMO News Service

Bangalore: Infinity Consultants is actively pursuing Islamic finance training and development in India through its exclusive partnership with Ethica Institute of Islamic Finance, a leading global provider of Islamic finance education.

Even though Islamic finance is one of fastest growing segments of global finance and the largest alternative financial system in the world today, the absence of a formal Islamic banking industry in India has led to limited awareness among Indians on the scope and opportunities available in the industry.

As part of its commitment to build Islamic finance awareness, Infinity recently launched a campus-talk initiative titled “Opportunities in Islamic Banking and Finance.” Saif Ahmed, Managing Partner at Infinity and a former Islamic banker and Wall Street investment banker, delivered talks at some of the leading business schools across the country.

Saif addressed hundreds of students in over 15 institutions across India and received tremendous feedback from the students as well as the faculty.

Drawing on his experience as a former Islamic banker, Saif stressed on the underlying ethical nature of Islamic financial products during his talks and offered many practical insights on how to prepare for a career in this industry.

Several institutions have expressed an intention to include an Islamic finance elective in their curriculum. To schedule a talk at any school or university, Infinity Consultants can be contacted through email at ethica@infinity-consult.com.

The talks delivered by Saif Ahmed at some of the leading business schools in India has been lauded and received great support.

Harsh Saxena, MBA Student at Symbiosis School of Banking Management, Pune, said, "The talk by Saif Ahmed was an eye-opener for all the students and showed us a brand new career path and an opportunity that we were not aware of."

Ramesh P. A., DGM, Corporate Relations, Indian Business School (IBS), Bangalore, remarked, "This is definitely an eye opener to the world of Islamic banking and the opportunities that exist in this field."

According to Managing Committee, Finnacle Investments Club, Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad, the excellent presentation given by Saif Ahmed gave everyone a good idea about the intricate differences between traditional and Islamic finance, and that this could not have been accomplished with such simplicity from any other source.

“In his lecture, Mr. Saif enlightened the audience by explaining the key attributes of financial instruments offered by Islamic financial institutions. He elaborated the differences between a Shari’a compliant product and conventional financial in a very lucid manner. The Department of Business Administration is extremely thankful to Mr. Saif for coming to the Department. We hope that we can organize a joint program with Infinity in the near future,” said Dr. Asif Akhtar, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Business Administration, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh.

P S Nayak, Sr. Corporate Relations Officer Alliance Business School, Bangalore, said, “It was a pleasure to have you with us at our campus for an interactive session with our MBA Students. The discussion was well-received and deeply appreciated by our students. We hope to have more such occasions and take our relationship to the next level of engagement.”

Faisal Nazir, MBA Student, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, said, “I was very fortunate to attend your lecture since it was very inspiring and motivating for me.”

Dr. Khalid Falahi, Assistant Professor, Crescent Business School (BS Abdur Rahman University), Chennai, said, “Mr. Saif’s presentation covered all the key areas and gave our students the direction and motivation needed to plan a career in Islamic banking. We look forward to involving Infinity Consultants in developing our Islamic Banking options going forward.”

Infinity Consultants (www.infinity-consult.com) is a Shari’a-compliant advisory firm based out of Bangalore, India focused on developing Islamic finance in India and on providing corporate finance and investment advisory to clients in India and the Middle East. Infinity is also pioneering several Islamic finance initiatives in India as part of its mission to introduce an ethical alternative to the conventional interest-based financial system and is also at the forefront of providing world class Islamic finance education and training in India through its partnership with Ethica Institute of Islamic Finance, Dubai.

Winner of “Best Islamic Finance Qualification” at the 2011 Global Islamic Finance Awards, Ethica Institute of Islamic Finance is chosen by more professionals and students for Islamic finance certification than any other organization in the world. With over 20,000 paying users in 44 countries, the Dubai-based institute is accredited by leading scholars and serves banks, universities, and professionals across over 100 organizations.

Contact Infinity and learn more about Ethica’s training programs in India, call +91-80-6547-3517 or e-mail at ethica@infinity-consult.com

Sex as Sadaqa (Charity) with the wife

March 31, 2013, 2:56 pm

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By Karim

"Women shall have rights similar to the rights upon them; according to what is equitable and just; and men have a degree of advantage over them." (Quran, 2:216)

They do indeed! This passage of the Holy Quran was revealed in connection with the rights of women following a divorce, but it also has a general sense. One basic right of every person taking on a contract never to have sex other than with their own legitimate partner is that each spouse should therefore provide sexual fulfillment (imta') to the other, as part of the bargain.

Now, every man knows what sexual things please him--but some men, particularly those who have not been married before and are therefore lacking experience, don't seem to know much about how to give the same pleasure to the woman; even worse, some men do know but they can't be bothered to make the effort. Yet this is vital if a marriage is to succeed and not just be a disappointing burden for the woman, and it is a vital part of one's Islamic duty.

It is not acceptable for a Muslim man just to satisfy himself while ignoring his wife's needs. Experts agree that the basic psychological need of a man is respect, while that of a woman is love. Neither respect nor love are things that can be forced--they have to be worked for, and earned. The Prophet (s) stated that in one's sexual intimacy with one's life partner there is sadaqa (worship through giving):

Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said: "In the sexual act of each of you there is a sadaqa." The Companions replied: "O Messenger of Allah! When one of us fulfils his sexual desire, will he be given a reward for that?" And he said, "Do you not think that were he to act upon it unlawfully, he would be sinning? Likewise, if he acts upon it lawfully he will be rewarded." (Muslim)

This hadith only makes sense if the sexual act is raised above the mere animal level.
What is the magic ingredient that turns sex into sadaqa, that makes it a matter of reward or punishment from Allah? It is by making one's sex life more than simple physical gratification; it is by thought for pleasing Allah by unselfish care for one's partner. A husband that cannot understand this will never be fully respected by his wife.

Neither spouse should ever act in a manner that would be injurious or harmful to their conjugal life. Nikah is the sacred tie between husband and wife, that sincere and devoted love without which they cannot attain happiness and peace of mind.

"Of His signs is this: that He created for you spouses that you might find rest in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy." (Quran, 30:21)

Now, every Muslim knows that a man has a right on his wife. However, because nikah is a contract never to seek sexual satisfaction outside the marriage bond, Islam commands not only the women but the men in this respect, and makes it clear that if a husband is not aware of the urges and needs of his wife, he will be committing a sin by depriving her of her rights.

According to all four orthodox jurists, it is incumbent upon the husband to keep his wife happy and pleased in this respect. Likewise, it is essential for the wife to satisfy the desire of the husband. Neither should reject the other, unless there is some lawful excuse.

Now, it is fairly easy for a woman to satisfy a man and make herself available to him, even if she is not really in the mood. It is far harder for a man to satisfy a woman if he is not in the mood, and this is where an important aspect of male responsibility needs to be brought to every Muslim man's attention, and stressed strongly.

The jurists believed that a woman's private parts needed "protecting" (tahsin). What they meant was that it was important for a Muslim husband to satisfy his wife's sexual needs so that she would not be tempted to commit zina out of despair or frustration.

A Muslim wife is not merely a lump of flesh without emotions or feelings, just there to satisfy a man's natural urges. On the contrary, her body contains a soul no less important in God's sight than her husband's. Her heart is very tender and delicate, and crude or rough manners would hurt her feelings and drive away love. The husband would be both foolish and immoral to act in any way unpalatable to her natural temperament, and a man selfishly seeking his own satisfaction without considering that of his wife is a selfish boor. In fact, according to a hadith:
"Three things are counted as inadequacies in a man. Firstly, meeting someone he would like to get to know, and taking leave of him before learning his name and his family. Secondly, rebuffing the generosity that another shows to him. And thirdly, going to his wife and having intercourse with her before talking to her and gaining her intimacy, satisfying his need from her before she has satisfied her need from him." (Daylami)

This is another of the things implied by the saying that one's wife is "a tilth unto you." (Quran, 2:223) The imagery is that of a farmer taking care of his fields.

According to Maulana Abul-Ala Mawdudi: "The farmer sows the seed in order to reap the harvest, but he does not sow it out of season or cultivate it in a manner which will injure or exhaust the soil. He is wise and considerate, and does not run riot." (Afzalur Rahman, Quranic Sciences, London 1981, p.285)

Likewise, in the case of husband and wife, the husband should not just: “Take hold of his wife and rub the seed and finish the business of procreation. The damage in this case could sometimes be irreparable, because a woman, unlike a farm, is very sensitive and has emotions, feelings, and strong passions which need full satisfaction and attention in a proper and appropriate manner.” (Afzalur Rahman, Quranic Sciences, London 1981, p. 286)

If this is not taken into consideration, and the wife is not properly prepared to start lovemaking, or is unsatisfied when it is finished, there could be many psychological and physiological complications leading to frigidity and other abnormalities. Indeed, many husbands eventually become disappointed with their wives, believing them to be frigid or unable to respond to their activities (unlike the sirens on the film or TV screen), and they wonder what is wrong with them. A possible explanation will follow in a moment.

Allah created male and female from a single soul in order that man might live with her in serenity (Quran, 7:189), and not in unhappiness, frustration and strife. If your marriage is frankly awful, then you must ask yourself how such a desperate and tragic scenario could be regarded by anyone as "half the Faith." 

According to a hadith: "Not one of you should fall upon his wife like an animal; but let there first be a messenger between you." "And what is that messenger?" they asked, and he replied: "Kisses and words." (Daylami)

These "kisses and words" do not just include foreplay once intimacy has commenced. To set the right mood, little signals should begin well in advance, so that the wife has a clue as to what is coming, and is pleasantly expectant, and also has adequate time to make herself clean, attractive and ready. As regards intimacy itself, all men know that they cannot achieve sexual fulfillment if they are not aroused. They should also realise that it is actually harmful and painful for the female organs to be used for sex without proper preparation. In simple biological terms, the woman's private parts need a kind of natural lubrication before the sexual act takes place. For this, Allah has created special glands, known to modern doctors as the Bartholin glands, which provide the necessary "oils."

It is still possible to read old-fashioned advice to husbands that a desirable wife should be "dry"--which is remarkable ignorance and makes one really grieve for the poor wives of such inconsiderate men. Just as no one would dream of trying to run an engine without the correct lubricating fluids, it is the same, through the creative will of Allah, with the parts of the female body designed for sexual intimacy. A husband should know how to stimulate the production of these "oils" in his wife, or at the very least allow her to use some artificial "oils." This lack of knowledge or consideration is where so many marital problems frequently arise.

As Imam al-Ghazali says: "Sex should begin with gentle words and kissing," and Imam al-Zabidi adds: "This should include not only the cheeks and lips; and then he should caress the breasts and nipples, and every part of her body." (Zabidi, Ithaf al-Sada al Muttaqin, V 372) Most men will not need telling this; but it should be remembered that failure to observe this Islamic practice is to neglect or deny the way Allah has created women.

Insulting a wife with bad marital manners

Firstly, a husband must overcome his shyness enough to actually look at his wife, and pay attention to her. If he cannot bring himself to follow this sunna, it is an insult to her, and extremely hurtful. Personal intimacy is a minefield of opportunities to hurt each other--glancing at the watch, a yawn at the wrong moment, appearing bored, and so on. A husband's duty is to convince his wife that he does love her--and this can only be done by word (constantly repeated word, I might add--such is the irritating nature of women!), and by looking and touching.

Many people believe that the expression in the eyes reveals much of the human soul. Certainly the lover's gaze is a most endearing and treasured thing. Many wives yearn for that gaze of love, even after they have been married for years. If you cannot bring yourself to look at her while paying attention to her, she can only interpret this as a sign that you do not really love her. And even though it may be irritating to you, and seem quite superfluous, most women are deeply moved when a man actually tells her that he loves her.

Sex is clean!

A modest upbringing is part of good character. The Prophet (s) himself said: "Modesty brings nothing but good." (Bukhari and Muslim) But another, also important, part of Islamic teaching says that all of Allah's creation is beautiful and pure, particularly when it is part of the body of human beings, who are designed as His deputies upon the earth. In some religions, people traditionally believed that the woman's private parts are in some way unclean, or dirty, or even evil.

[The writer is a new convert to Islam, from the Netherlands.]

This article is an excerpt from 'The Muslim Marriage Guide', By Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood (Amana Publications).

Remziya Suleyman -- The Mobilizer

March 31, 2013, 3:00 pm

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By Steve Haruch

After an internship at the state Capitol while she was a student at Tennessee State University, Remziya Suleyman never thought she’d be back.

“OK, this is nice,” she remembers thinking, “but it isn’t me.”

She also never thought she’d become a community organizer, much less an advocate and lobbyist at the legislature and across the state. (“Never in my wildest dreams,” she admits.) But then an unfunny thing happened: In 2011, two Tennessee lawmakers introduced a bill that essentially would have made it illegal to practice Islam in Tennessee. Whatever their intentions, they got more than they bargained for in response.

“My community needed a wake-up call to organize,” Suleyman says. “So I thank Sen. [Bill] Ketron and Rep. [Judd] Matheny for introducing the bill. As crazy as it may sound.”

In what Suleyman calls “one of the largest mobilizations in the U.S.,” more than 500 Muslims rallied at the Capitol, and eventually the bill was defeated. Realizing that such efforts are borne mostly out of ignorance, Suleyman helped found the American Center for Outreach, where she serves as director of policy and research, to advance understanding of Muslims and Islam.
“Yes, there’s still a lot of crazy bills,” she says, “but there’s nothing saying, ‘We’re going to outlaw you as a Muslim.’ ”

Photo Courtesy: Michael W. Bunch

And that, sadly enough, is progress. But Suleyman says she has seen a shift in attitudes. “I think the biggest surprise is seeing the businesses kind of support our issue,” she says, “realizing how this negativity about our state and attacks on Muslims have hurt our economy.”

Still, Nashville got a recent reminder of how far we still have to go when the Al-Farooq mosque in South Nashville was vandalized for the second time in three years. The surrounding community — across religious and cultural lines — was visibly supportive in the aftermath, but such incidents can be chilling.

“It’s not safe being a Muslim activist in Tennessee,” Suleyman says. “I’m already a walking target for anti-Muslim groups because of my hijab, and now my face is the face of Muslims in Tennessee. ... Hate mail is one thing, but there are people who would like to do more than just send you hate mail. And that’s a reality.”

Through it all, Suleyman says she draws strength from people around her. “Not just folks from the Muslim community,” she explains. “I’ve spoken to incredible people in Tennessee, and specifically Nashville people from the civil rights era, and women activists ... and their support and their guidance has been incredible. And one thing they tell me is, ‘You’re doing something right for people to hate you the way they are.’ That’s kind of reassuring.”

(Courtesy: Nashville Scene)