February 22, 2013, 3:27 am
By Syed Ali Mujtaba
Last month I traveled from Paras-Nath, the Jain pilgrimage center in the Jharkhand state to Gaya, Bihar. I traveled in the cattle class compartment of a local passenger train to have the feel of real India.
The Indian states of Bihar and Jharkhand are on the eastern Railway route and the state of Jharkhand that is carved out of Bihar in the year 2000 has hilly terrain and tribal population. The lush green trees cover the rocks making it a perfect setting of a forest.
I have traveled on such train journey before and it used to be a beautiful sight with leaves brushing the windows and one can pluck some flowers or fruit on the way. Alas it’s no more, one can see the plight of the forest with its fallen trees from a distance.
A rampant felling of the trees is going on in this part of the world. Some mafia men operating in these jungles with the help of local tribals are cutting the trees in a large scale.
I was caught up in the train, which stopped midway in between the forest and rocks and saw huge amount of logs, (must be more than 100 ton of log) stuffed into the train. All the passengers suffocated inside the compartment as the guys stacked the logs everywhere in the compartment. They were ferrying this goods from there to Gaya town, the seat of Buddhism in India.
Apart from wood there were many gunny bags of charcoal that was also loaded into the train. These charcoals were meant for the incense sticks (Agarbati) industry thriving in Gaya. The charcoal is produced burning the trees in the jungle, that’s first felled and then left to be dried and to be burnt to produce charcoal.
The activity is taking place in most of the passenger trains on Kodarma to Gaya line within a distance of about 50 kilometers. The train crosses the local stations like Gujhandi, Dilwa, Gurpa, Paharpur and Tankuppa where are logs loaded. Then most of the logs are off loaded between Bandhua and Manpur stations that fall in the outskirts of Gaya town.
The scene on the train is glaring. One is applaud why it’s not reported in the local media and why no action is taken to stop such kind of environmental degradation that’s going on with impunity.There seems to be a very systematic operation going on in this part of the country. It is done with the connivance of local officials, forest department, and train officials.The passengers traveling in such train are poor illiterate folks, who are just mute spectators. Even though they may not be happy about the way things are happening, they simply don’t know what to do.
My inquisitiveness arose to know more about such blatant theft of forest resources happening in broad daylight in such secluded train route.
I started inquiring about this and was told by a loader Deepak who was stacking the logs in the compartment that they pay 30,000 rupees to the train driver and other staff members for ferrying the logs to Gaya.
I saw a huge number of tribal people waiting near the railway tracks with their collection of logs to be loaded in the train. The train stopped exactly where such folks were standing. Some of the loaders were waiting along with the tribals, others traveled in the train. The loaders quickly got into the act once the train stopped. Logs were stacked between two compartments, on the passage and on the door and some near the window. Some even took the wood up on the roof, but that’s dangerous as its hilly terrain, told Deepak.
The tribals were paid according to the weight of the wood they could collect and bring to the railway track. It appears that in certain cases an entire family was involved in this activity. After the loading was over, the tribals collected their wages and disappear into the forest. They are supposed to come next day with another bunch of logs.
After the loading operation gets over the train starts moving on its journey to Gaya. When the town starts approaching the train slows down at certain specified places and logs are unloaded. There trucks are waiting and logs are again loaded and transport via road to the city.It appears there are ‘big fishes,’ which are funding this and buy the logs to use it for different purposes. Since the quality of the wood is very good it can be used for making furniture, said Deepak who was very candid in his description.
Its residues are used for burning purposes and replaces cooking coal. Some woods are even burnt to make charcoal that is used for making incense sticks.
With ‘Bodh Gaya’ (Vatican of the Buddhists) at arms distance, incense sticks are in great demand as Buddhist uses them for religious purposes. This is a lucrative business that’s thriving at the expense of the forest wood, explained Deepak my fellow passenger, sitting on the log of woods.
This is a true ground report that needs to be highlighted in the national media. It calls for immediate action to stop such wanton destruction of the forest resources. A constant vigil and follow-up is required so that such acts do not get repeated over a period of time.
[Syed Ali Mujtabais a Journalist based in Chennai. He can be contacted at syedalimujtaba@yahoo.com]
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February 22, 2013, 3:30 am
IMO News Service
Blossom Media Pvt. Ltd. a Mumbai based Publication house, has roped in veteran thespian of Bollywood, Kadar Khan as brand ambassador for their English monthly magazine “Muallim” which is on Muslim lifestyle.
Muallim is India’s First Lifestyle magazine and the first Muslim publication to have brand ambassador of Kadar Khan’s stature.
On the occasion of the photo shoot, while answering the questions, Kadar Khan said, “ I have read many magazines, but when my well wisher, Parvez Farid of Ummeed foundation, introduced Muallim to me, I was impressed by the magazine’s presentation and quality.”
“The content of Muallim is light in nature and is appealing. It covers topics which are important from an Muslim lifestyle point of view. It is a good reading material for the whole family.”
He further said that it is nice to get associated with young talents in media field coming up with innovative and niche product.
Talking about why Kadar Khan as the brand ambassador, Managing Director and Editor in chief of Muallim, Ubaidur Rahman Khan said, “Muallim is India’s first Muslim lifestyle magazine and Kadar Sahab is the first actor who has shown a strong inclination towards research on Islamic topics and literatures, his recent work in the field of Islamic literature is applaud able, hence he is the perfect face for our magazine.”
Director – Marketing & PR, Ziaulla Firdos Nomani said’ “The Readership profile of Muallim magazine is urban and progressive Muslims and Khan sahab personality suits our readership profile class, hence it is appropriate to have him with us.”
Blossom media the publisher of Muallim is India’s only research, advisory and media firm on emerging consumer market.
Muallim magazine was launched in May 2012 and since its inception has caught the craze of the Muslims who are well verse with the English language. The Magazine enjoys loyal readership base and steadily rising circulation. The magazine has strong readership presence in Mumbai, its suburbs, Pune, Nagpur, Nasik, Ahmedabad, Saudi and UAE.
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February 22, 2013, 3:39 am
By Amjad M. Hussaini
The recent hanging of Afzal Guru has stirred up a debate involving the intelligentsia, intellectuals, judiciary, governments, police, media, and the common man. Most observe national interest in hanging of Afzal Guru, some mention self interest, several express justice delivered, while certain feel ashamed. Issues like freedom of expression, right to life, collective conscience, religious prejudice, vote bank politics, national security, nationalist feeling, human rights, etc. are being discussed in different quarters. Somewhere there is celebration, somewhere or other is anger and frustration, many oppose capital punishment, some want the State to be soft, few support being hard, various relate it to victory against terrorism, some interpret it as a murder of democracy, while others state it as a political compulsion. Some see Maqbool Bhat in Afzal Guru, while some compare him with the legendary Shaheed Bhagat Singh, many see him as a terrorist / terrorist sympathizer, and a few consider him innocent. Some schools of thought view a bizarre contrast in ways adopted for treating people on the two sides of Jawahar Tunnel, connecting Kashmir valley with the rest of India. Both these people incidentally form the citizenry of the same Nation!
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Too many questions, too many thoughts, too many view points -- which an ordinary man like me cannot analyse, but one feeling that a small young boy of 12 years age should have been given an opportunity to have a last meeting with his dying father, and that was in my opinion the Human Right of a son who was never going to see his father alive again! Could a 12 year old boy be a threat to the World’s largest democracy, that he was denied this opportunity??
[The views expressed are those of common people.Amjad M. Husainican be reached at amjadhusaini@yahoo.com]
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February 22, 2013, 3:44 am
By Pervez Bari
New Delhi: Maulana (Dr.) Saeed-ur-Rahman Al-Azmi Al-Nadvi, was conferred upon with fifth IOS, (Institute of Objective Studies), Lifetime Achievement Award at an impressive function on Friday evening here at the Constitution Club. Dr. Al-Azmi is editor of al-Ba’as Islami, Principal of Nadwatul Ulema, Lucknow and Chancellor of Integral University, Lucknow.
The felicitation function was presided over by Justice (retd.) AM Ahmadi, former Chief Justice of India, while Maulana Syed Mohammad Nizamuddin, general secretary All India Muslim Personal Law Board, was chief guest on the occasion.
Maulana Saeed Al-Azmi Al-Nadvi received Rs. One lakh, a memento and a citation in his honour. The “Spasnama” (citation) was read out by SM Shafiq in an eloquent manner while Maulana Khalid Nadvi presented the citation to Maulana Saeed Al-Azmi Al-Nadvi.
Replying to the citation Maulana Saeed Al-Azmi Al-Nadvi was a total picture of humility and modesty. At the start of his address he was so much overwhelmed with emotion that his voice chocked and for few moments was unable to speak anything. In a trembling voice he uttered: “IOS Ne Aik Zarre Ko Aftab Banane Ki Koshish Ki Hai Jiska Main Bilkul Mustahaq Nahin Tha”.While paying rich tributes to world renowned Islamic scholar late Abul Hasan Ali Hasani Nadvi affectionately known as “Ali Miyan”, who was his mentor, philosopher guide and teacher, Dr. Saeed-ur-Rahman said that whatever he is today is because of him (Ali Miyan) who always encouraged him in his pursuits of knowledge. “I am so much indebted to Ali Miyan that without him I would have acquired no knowledge or prominence whatsoever”, he remarked.
Justice Ahmadi in his presidential remarks while congratulating Maulana Saeed-ur-Rahman for being bestowed with IOS Lifetime Achievement Award said that he was awestruck by the humility and modesty of the Maulana which strengthens my belief that such qualities are instilled in erudite men only.
He said that Muslims should have integral approach and stressed the need to unite which will make the community a force to reckon with.
Earlier, Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, general secretary Islamic Fiqh Academy (India), read out a paper encompassing the contributions of Maulana Saeed Al-Azmi Al-Nadvi and presented a cheque of Rs. One lakh to him on the behalf of IOS as a token of gratitude. While Maulana Syed Mohammad Nizamuddin presented an impressive memento to Dr. Saeed.A 20-minute documentary film on the 78-year-old Maulana Dr. Azmi’s life and achievements was screened during the award-giving function.
IOS chairman Dr. Manzoor Alam along with Mr. Abdul Majeed Mohammed S. AlOmari, Director, Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Da’wah & Guidance, Riyadh, KSA graced the dais. Several noted Muslim clerics and luminaries from India and the Arab world also participated in the function amongst host of others.
At the outset Hafiz Nazeer-ul-Hasan recited verses from the Holy Quran while Prof. Mohsin Usmani Nadvi delivered the welcome address. Prof. Afzal Wani proposed a vote of thanks and Adv. Mushtaq Ahmad of the Supreme Court conducted the proceedings with aplomb.
It may be mentioned ere that Maulana (Dr.) Seed-ur-Rahman Al-Azmi Al-Nadvi was born on May 14, 1934 at Mau, Azamgarh. After getting initial education at Mau, he came to Nadwatul Ulema in 1952 for higher studies. He went to Iraq in 1958 for studies and Jamia Azhar, Cairo, on a specific educational and research mission in 1978. He has more than a dozen books in Arabic and Urdu to his credit.
Meanwhile, the decision to felicitate Maulana (Dr.) Saeed-ur-Rahman with fifth IOS Lifetime Achievement Award was taken by the Governing Council of the IOS at its 26th Annual Meeting held on December 8 last in New Delhi.
[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]
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February 22, 2013, 3:47 am
By Abdul Hafiz Lakhani
Ahmedabad: Though Gujarat High court yesterday held that pre-matric scholarship for minorities must be given by the Modi government. with the backdrop of this verdict situation for Muslims is really alarming as Educationally, Muslims are the most deprived community in Gujarat. A mere 26% Muslims reach matriculation and a large dropout takes place at about 5th standard. A disturbing trend was noticed in case of education at the level of graduation.
Muslims, who had about the same level of education in the past, are found to have been left behind compared even with the SCs/STs. Despite 75% net enrolment, about similar levels compared to other groups, Muslims are deprived at the level of matriculation and higher levels.
The research team, which was headed by Tripathi, a professor at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, highlighted the fact that the four government primary schools in Juhapura area of Ahmedabad and govt. schools are able to enroll only 10 per cent of the children in the locality in the first standard, while there are only four classrooms for every 818 students.
“There is a serious problem of lack of space. The schools are not able to accommodate all the students. Though around 6,000 children are born in Juhapura annually, there are not enough schools to accommodate them in the secondary and higher-secondary levels.
“Inquiries with the Central Government reveal that the Gujarat Government demands 100 per cent funding against the present norm of 75 : 25 Centre-State sharing. The officials in the Ministry of Minority Affairs point out that the Gujarat Government expressed its inability to implement the scheme until 100 per cent grant (against the current Central contribution of 75 per cent) was provided by the Centre.
On the other hand it is the high caste Hindus who have benefited most in the recent years from the public provisioning of higher education, the SCs/STs are catching up and the Muslims are left behind.
The disparity in access to higher education is increasing over time. This clearly is an evidence of discrimination in provisioning of higher education access, infrastructure and related services.To overcome the Muslim deficit in different levels of education, the central government has launched a nationwide scholarship scheme with effect from April 1, 2008.
All states have responded favourably, with the only exception of Gujarat which has not implemented even the pre-matric scholarship for minorities. There are 55,000 scholarships allocated to Gujarat of which 53,000 are to be given to deserving Muslims, but Gujarat has not cared to implement this programme.
A senior state bureaucrat admitted that the Gujarat Government believes that the scholarship creates discrimination among non-minority groups, hence it cannot be allowed.
[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]
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February 22, 2013, 3:54 am
By Mohd. Mudassir Alam
“All big things and big ventures had a small beginning. A small madarsa started with only five students by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan turned into the prestigious Aligarh Muslim University. Human Chain and its members should take lessons from such historic facts and move ahead with their small steps to achieve the exceptional,” said Padamshree Prof Akhtarul Wasey while addressing the gathering during the inauguration of Human Chain head office. A Delhi based non-government registered society, Human Chain owned its office at 161/B, D block in Abul Fazal Enclave area of Okhla in New Delhi. The office premises has been voluntarily given by its owner Rahmat Ahsan, a businessman from Kishanganj, Bihar and owner of general store at AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Science), New Delhi.
Padamshree Wasey was chief guest at the inaugural ceremony organised by the Human Chain this Sunday. A professor by profession, Padamshree Wasey is director of Zakir Hussain Institute of Islamic Studies in Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. Prof. Wasey was highly elated over the work of Human Chain society in short span of time since its inception in June 25, 2012. Referring to the activities of Human Chain, Padamshree Wasey said, “the community and nation badly need many voluntary groups of professionals to resolve the plethora of issues lying before all. Despite job association in various private firms and government offices, the members of the society are managing time to do social work focused towards major areas namely education and health. This really deserves plaudits from me as well as others.”
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Mohd Fareed Burney, an AMU alumni and senior advocate Delhi Court was also present as special guest during the inauguration ceremony. Advocate Burney who himself is associated with the society praised the works of its members and ensured his all possible help for the projects run by the society. In fact, he said that I have never witnessed such enthusiastic youth who care of society despite their busy schedules.
Mohammad Aslam, president Human Chain, in his talk shared the modus operandi of the society and contribution of its dedicated members. “We are focused and optimistic to bring change in the society in due course of time. We ensure the people of Kishanganj, Katihar, Araria, Purnia and Supaul that certainly this society would meet your expectations. Dr. Khalid Mubashshir, general secretary Human chain, Minnat Rahmani, secretary Human Chain, Dr. Mujahid Akhtar, treasurer of the society along with Tarique Sufyan, Salam Anwar and Naseem Haider had delivered thought-provoking speeches by referring to achievements and future plan of the society.
It should be noted that Human Chain is a non-registered society formed by the working professionals from Seemanchal region of Bihar, which comprised of seven districts namely Kishanganj, Katihar, Purnia, Araria, Saharsa, Supaul and Madhepura. This is one of the most backward areas of the country and legging behind in development in comparison to other parts of the country. With the aim to bring change in the region of Seemanchal, this society was formed in June 2012 under the Societies registration ACT XXI, 1860, Govt of Delhi.
In less than eight month time since its establishment this society had organized many education focused seminars, conferences and workshops. Prominent among them are Youth Resource Development Programme (YRDP), Seemanchal Education Conclave (SEC) and National Conference on Sachar Committee recommendations at India Islamic Cultural Centre on December 25, which was attended by K Rahman Khan, union Minister for Minority Affairs. Human Chain has been a front-runner group to push ahead the matter of proposed AMU (Aligarh Muslim University) campus in Kishanganj. This society has worked as a bridging link among the AMU administration (Vice Chancellor), Govt of Bihar and the concerned ministries at the centre.
[Mohd. Mudassir Alamcan be conacted at mdmudassiralam@gmail.com]
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February 22, 2013, 4:02 am
Centre for Dialogue in Vienna by Saudi King Abdullah Lauded
By Pervez Bari
New Delhi: At the conclusion of the two-day International Conference on “India and the Muslim World in the 21st Century” which was held here in New Delhi recently has resolved that resolution of conflicts in religions and cultures through dialogue is the only instrument for the restoration and continuation of world peace.
The international conference appreciated all efforts in this direction including the establishment of the Centre for Dialogue in Vienna by Saudi Arabia’s H.M. King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. At the end of the international conference a 12-point resolution was adopted by voice vote with raising of hands by the audience present in the valedictory function held at the Constitution Club here.
The New-Delhi based Institute of Objective Studies, (IOS), which organized the conference in cooperation with the Government of Saudi Arabia, may constitute a committee to work on finding ways and means to foster meaningful cooperation and linkages of India with the Muslim world, the resolution stated.
The resolution said that the Government of India may be urged to do the needful in providing essential conditions for proper and genuine development and security to Muslims. The Sachar Committee recommendations must be implemented in letter and spirit as Muslims are an integral part of India as a nation and civilization.
The other important points of the resolutions which were adopted are: (i) The Minister of Water Resources of India has suggested to work for cooperation in areas of water resources between India and Muslim countries. The opportunity should be worked out at all possible levels; (ii) The cultural and sports sectors should be tried to create synergy for further cooperation among India and other Muslim countries. Besides, the dialogue process as a methodology may be taken up by governments and NGOs in the whole region; (iii) Co-operation in the field of education and research should be worked out in view of present needs and capabilities of India and the Muslim world; (iv) The Conference shed important light on the need of financial matters in accordance with Islamic values to be practicing by Muslims (and non-Muslims) in India; (v) India and Muslim world must work for creating peace and prosperity and (vi) It is urgent to try to make Islamic banking possible in India.
The global conference discussed various issues, including Islam’s role and relevance in India, economic and financial relations, Islamic banking and finance, scope for educational cooperation, international and diplomatic relations. The need for Saudi Arabia to invest in India’s education, healthcare, low-cost housing, public transport social and infrastructure sectors was also another area of focus at the conference.
Apart from all over India the conference was attended by more than a dozen foreign delegates, especially from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, USA, Malaysia, Indonesia etc.
Apart from the inaugural and valedictory functions the conference had five business sessions on “Islam in India: Historical Context and Cultural Heritage”; “Economic and Financial Relations”; “Islamic Banking and Finance: Global Trends and India”; “Prospects for Educational Cooperation”; “Foreign Policy and Diplomatic Issues” & “India and Saudi Arabia: World Peace through Dialogue”.
Meanwhile, Abdul Rahman Ghannam M. AlGhannam, Undersecretary, Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Da’wah and Guidance, Riyadh (KSA), who was guest of honour at the inaugural function of the International Conference applauded the role of India in fostering excellent relations with Arab world in general and specially with Saudi Arabs. This comes in the backdrop of India’s legacy in Arabic language and literature.
He recalled that the first ever doctorate holder in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had links with India as the person who was awarded Ph.D. degree had received education in India. There are wide ranging relations between the two countries through the ages in domains of culture, politics and peaceful co-existence in society. He applauded the ongoing contacts between the two in the fields of educational exchange programme, industry and technology. Large number of Indian students receiving education in Saudi universities is a factor to reckon with, he added.
Abdul Rahman Ghannam emphasized on the dialogue and harmony among individuals of human race besides the significance to fight all hues and colours of communalism, extremism and terrorism in South Asia in particular and whole world at large. The Palestinian issue comes first among global issues of peace and harmony in Saudi initiatives, he remarked.
He expressed his happiness to be part of the grand mission of IOS that aims at fostering good relations between India and the Arab-Islamic world since the modern man needs peace and tranquillity more than anything else.
RBI’s positive approach towards Islamic banking
Meanwhile, Union Minority Affairs Minister K. Rahman Khan chairing a business session on "Islamic Banking and Finance: Global Trends and India" & "Economic and Financial Relations" revealed that the Reserve Bank of India has taken a positive approach to the suggestion of an alternative banking system for Muslims, subject to certain laws being amended first.Khan informed that he had written a letter to the RBI Governor, invoking Art. 25 of the Constitution of India, saying that it was the duty of the State to facilitate every citizen to practice and follow his/her religion. He had stated in the letter that Muslims have not been given any option except interest-based banking which amounted to obstruction in practice of their religion as Islam forbids "Ribah" (interest). As such at present, about 60-70 per cent of the 200 million Muslims in India are excluded from the conventional banking system because of lack of Shariah-compliant financial instruments, he added.
The RBI Governor wrote back to him accepting his view, but pointed out to the need for certain amendments to the laws concerned, he stated.
Continuing Khan said, in India the biggest issue was who should regulate the proposed alternative system, as it needed a strong monitoring mechanism. It could be a new law or amendments to the existing law, but he was hopeful of an outcome soon, he opined.
Khan said Islamic banking had been adopted by 75 countries, including the UK, and added that India could no longer afford to stay away from the $1.5-trillion Islamic financial market, which could even help address the country’s huge fiscal deficit.
He, however, lamented that no concrete efforts have been made by the Muslim community in this regard. He said by just raising a demand would not help at all. He advised setting up an expert committee to draw up a framework of an alternative banking system, along with a strong legal system to back it.
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Union Water Resources Minister Harish Chandra Singh Rawat, who was a guest speaker, said: “We should do our part to find the reasons why the Muslim community is lagging behind. The government has taken steps to address the situation but more needs to be done”. Drawing attention to Muslim youths languishing in Indian jails without trial, he stated: “We feel for those innocent youths. The law of the land cannot have different yardsticks.”
Dr. Manzoor Alam calls for Muslim world to invest in India
IOS chairman Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam in his presidential speech said that India as a country cannot grow if Muslims and other marginalised populations are left behind. He said the benefits of education, health, employment and enterprise were yet to reach around 100 million Muslims, who should also be seen as part of India’s growth story.
Dr. Alam said in India of the 21st century, let us share the socio-political changes underway. The Constitution of India guarantees freedom of life, education, and liberty to practice and profess religions. It guarantees justice and equality for all. For Indian Muslims, the challenge is to optimize on the opportunities being provided by the Government of India.
“Our learned Justice A. M. Ahmadi has often said that the Constitution of India has all the Islamic values enshrined in it,” he remarked.
Dr. Alam called upon the developed countries of the Muslim world to invest in India’s education, healthcare, low-cost housing, public transport and social infrastructure, he said: “This long term investment will make them stakeholders in India’s success. It will also add a new dimension to the legacy of our common Islamic civilization”.
Prof. Aftab Kamal Pasha, Director, Gulf Studies Programme, Centre for West Asian & African Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, speaking on the occasion said some pessimism is growing in the Muslim world following West’s war on terror. However, there need not be any pessimism about India and the Muslim World as there have been since pre-Islamic era trade & commerce along with cultural links between the two. About 70 per cent of the energy requirement of India is coming from the Muslim world, he added.
Common Vision
Meanwhile, in the business session entitled “India and Saudi Arabia: World Peace through Dialogue” Prof. (Dr.) M.M. Verma, president, Interfaith Foundation, India, in his paper said that both India and Saudi Arabia believe in world peace, harmony and brotherhood. They share a common vision of a united and interdependent world. Both the countries believe in peaceful coexistence and resolution of the various conflicts through mutual dialogue.
Prof. (Dr.) Verma stated that both the countries believe in creating an orderly society, removing poverty, promoting brotherhood, cooperation and compassion, which are the foundations of a healthy civil society. Both the countries are aware of the fact that dialogue is one of the necessities of life and a means for coexistence. The challenges faced are due to the fact that some Muslims and some people of other faiths have taken to extremism and militancy at the expense of the culture of dialogue. Both the countries feel that there is an urgent need to study the cause of terrorism and violence. They feel that there is a need for a genuine dialogue aimed at exploring commonalities among world’s major religions for the sake of cooperation and joint action, which can help solve our contemporary problems.
Saudi Arabia’s Special Concerns
He said Saudi Arabia emphasizes on the importance of dialogue in Islam, and the revealed messages for the good of mankind, human dignity and universal ethical values. All messages of all Prophets say that the religion of God is one. Secondly, dialogue is a true Quranic method and the prophetic practice to deal with the people of other faiths, according to the principle of tolerance in Islam. It says dialogue should be conducted on the basis of the Quranic verse 109:6, “To you your religion and to me mine.” Do not differentiate between the Messengers of God (4:152). God had sent Muhammad as a Mercy to all creatures (22:107).
Prof. (Dr.) Verma concluded saying: “We should not try to divide the world into several worlds, more especially on religious grounds. We should work for reuniting the world for integrated humanity. Let the states keep in mind the national and international interests, common to them all. Religious considerations are bound to unleash fissiparous tendencies. ……Let’s join hands for creation of one wholesome world of cooperation and interdependence”.
Meanwhile, at the outset of the inaugural function of the conference Maulana Abdullah Tarique recited verses from the Holy Quran. Prof. Z.M. Khan, Secretary General, IOS, delivered welcome address. Mr. Agha Sultan, Consulting Engineer - Educationist & Former Member, Syndicate & Academic Council, Bangalore University, VTU & AICTE (SWRC), conducted the programme with aplomb while Prof. Afzal Wani, Professor of Law, GGS IP University, Delhi, proposed a vote of thanks.
[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]
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February 22, 2013, 4:08 am
By Syed Ali Mujtaba
Its Cyberabad blast and not Hyderabad, as some of our so called national media is going gung-ho describing the twin blasts that rocked Andhra Pradesh on Thursday evening, February 21, 2013. Cyberabad is in Raga Reddy district and adjoining Hyderabad.
The ignorance of our national media is profound in this case. If similar blast had have happened in Gurgoan or Noida, can the same media have called it a Delhi blast?
Leave that and come to second point, the perpetrators of the crime is already been found by the media that’s asking the investigative agencies not to waste time as they have gone through the motion of ‘Eureka’ and have discovered about the culprit of the crime.
Many TV channels are blaming the blaming the blast on Afzal Guru and believe me it could be true. One wise friend of mine went on to say that Guru had taken the remote device with him and has detonated it from wherever he is now.
Another one added some spice to it, saying, some of our security agency guys are planning to visit Guru, but not sure which route to take to reach him Obviously they may not take the gallows route, as it’s only meant for the angles, and they are no angles. But whatever way they go, their goal is to get the remote from the dreaded terrorist and avoid further damage.
Another wise from the same pack of cards, has spun another story saying, our Home Minister has sought help of the top hero of South, whose latest movie has created a buzz on the same subjected and requested him to do all his heroics to get the remote from the departed terrorist.
Whatever one may say, the development surrounding the twin blast in Cyberabad is happening at a frantic pace. Each mouth has a story to tell. It’s left to the individual to believe it scoff off.
I remember reading a write up on Hyderabad’s Mecca Masjid blast some time back. It blamed HUJI of Bangladesh for triggering the blast through the remote devise from that country. The reportage about it gave a convincing description how terror attack could be executed from such a far of places.
At that time I was wondering about the veracity of such report and how it was allowed to be published. I guess the masses had accepted it what was told to them about the culprits and that’s the end to it. After many years the facts have changed about that blast and now that story looks to be a bundle of lies meant soothing the nerves.
So if we go by the logic of HUJI from Bangladesh being the perpetrators of the crime, then the Cyberabad blasts can well be blamed on Afzal Guru to sooth the same nerves.
If HUJI story could be peddled by the media very convincingly at that time, why can’t Afzal’s boggy drummed up this time?
So Kai Po Che – Its Afzal ! Are you joking, no I am serious! Well every one has the right to kite fly ideas and that’s what I am doing right now.
[Syed Ali Mujtabais a Journalist based in Chennai. He can be contacted at syedalimujtaba@yhoo.com]
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February 22, 2013, 4:19 am
By Abdul Hafiz Lakhani
Ahmedabad: It looks that Gujarat CM Narendra Modi has hired some Muslims bigwigs to project his so-called development card. The latest to fall in line seems to be senior journalist, noted writer and former editor of The Asian Age MJ Akbar, who has chosen to ignore Modi's utterly communal facade and decided to echo Modi's parroted stance calling upon Muslims to free themselves from the “politics of fear” and brace “politics of development and politics of education.”
He was speaking as the guest of honour at the 5th annual convention of Muslim Writers Academy at the world renowned Peer Mohammed Shah Library in Ahmedabad on last Sunday, the 17th of February 2013.
Muslims, Akbar said, had seen enough of “politics of fear.” According to the noted journalist, time had now come for the community to think and self introspect. The time had come to change attitude and mindset. “Changing attitude and mindset is not easy but when the time demands a change, a change should be ushered in for power flows not from a sword but power flows from education.”
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| M.J. Akbar |
Muslims should also start a process of regaining their self-confidence and leave behind the “politics of begging.” Akbar reminded the assembly that the Muslim community was full of talent and skills and just wanted an opportunity to show case their skills and talent. Secondly Muslims of India should also consider themselves as fortunate as India was a democratic country and all communities were empowered.
Though MJ. Akbar did not use the word of NaMO But it was widely understood that he spoke to spread the message of BJP. perhaps Mr. Akbar does not knoe the ground reality of Gujarat Muslims as thousands of Muslim students were deprived from Scholardhip under Modi rule. As of this day, Modi has done every thing possible to deprive Muslim boys and girls of the non matric scholarship. The Central contribution of 9.5 crores is already with the State Government.
The state contribution is barely Rs. 4 crore. Modi who has spent thousands of crores on the likes of Tatas and Adanis, as well on his innumerable extavaganzas like Vibrant Gujarat, Sadbhavna, Vivekananda yatras etc, iis reluctant to spend this minor amount, bacause it benefits Muslims. The continued degradation and brekdown ofthe economy of Muslims in Gujarat for a decade is not visible to MJ Akbar. The fact that the huge Muslim majority locality of Juhapura in Ahmedabad gets almost no civic facilities from the city of Ahmedabad.
This sorry situation of unemployment in Gujarat did not allow the state to advance into a prosperous state free from poverty.
Gujarat has a high 31.8 percent population living below poverty line, says a Planning Commission report. This is higher than several major states such as Jammu & Kashmir (13.2 percent), Kerala (19.7 per cent), Punjab (20.9 percent), Himachal Pradesh (22.9 percent), Haryana (24.1 percent), Tamil Nadu (28.9 percent) and Andhra Pradesh (29.9 percent). Gujarat has a high 31.8 percent population living below poverty line, says a Planning Commission report.
This is higher than several major states such as Jammu & Kashmir (13.2 percent), Kerala (19.7 percent), Punjab (20.9 percent), Himachal Pradesh (22.9 percent), Haryana (24.1 percent), Tamil Nadu (28.9 percent) and Andhra Pradesh (29.9 percent). The report was submitted to the Commission by a group of experts, headed by Suresh D Tendulkar late last year.
Ranked eighth among major states, the only consolation for Gujarat is, Maharashtra, its neighbour and one of the main economic competitors, has a much higher incidence of poverty, 38.1 percent.
Poverty line for Gujarat monthly expenditure of Rs 501.58 per person in rural and Rs 659.18 in urban areas is based on National Sample Survey (NSS) norms fixed in 2005-06, which includes 'nutritional, educational and health outcomes', to quote from the report.
[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]
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February 22, 2013, 4:31 am
[Indian Muslim Observer in association with India’s only Muslim Lifestyle magazine 'Muallim' brings a series on achievers of the Muslim community. Under this series, Representative of Muallim magazine interviewd the Gem of the community and us at Indianmuslimobserver.com, present it to our readers through our platform.]
Achievers - InnovatorNoor MohammedFounder – Halaltradezone.com
His quest for Halal products and services, for a Halal lifestyle led him to study the opportunities of establishing a portal for making Halal living easy and he is the first from India to come up with a comprehensive B2B and B2C portal which empowers entrepreneurs and businesses locally and globally to connect with each other and to sell Halal certified products to consumers on a single platform in a very easy way and it also provides useful updates and information on Halal stuffs in various verticals.
Meet Noor Mohammed, Bangalore based 25 years old Innovator, who is passionate to make HalalTradeZone.com the most referred platform in the world regarding Halal.
Gives us a brief profile of yours?
I was born and brought up in Bangalore, I am 25 years old and I have a bachelor’s degree in Business Management with specialization in International Business. Currently I am the Founder & CEO of HalalTradeZone.com and Partner & Director at Zunairah Commerce LLP.
How did HalalTradeZone.com come into existence, what is the purpose behind it?
Back in 2009 I was thinking about starting a venture which would be unique and which would serve a purpose in the society.
We all are aware about the importance Islam has enjoined on us in terms of Halal be it eating, wearing or earning. Thus Halal forms the base of a sound lifestyle, and it is for the betterment of this life and the everlasting life to come.
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| Noor Mohammed |
So I contemplated and researched about the venture in which this need of the Muslim Ummah could be fulfilled. Alhamdulillah, in the blessed month of Ramadhan I got this idea to create a portal for Businesses and Consumers keeping Halal aspect in mind. Thus HalalTradeZone.com came into existence in September 2009. Through our portal businesses can connect with each other and reach out to Muslim consumers locally and globally.
The 3 main purposes behind HalalTradeZone.com are:
1. To empower and connect genuine Entrepreneurs and verified Halal (Legal) Businesses with each other locally and globally.
2. To educate business community about Islamic morals & business ethics and the importance of Halal earnings.
3. To make Halal certified products and services easily available to consumers by making it possible to small, medium and large retailers to sell Halal certified products on a single platform in their respective countries.
Have you faced any challenges or failures in your life, if yes how did you overcome them?
As human beings we all face challenges and failures in life. Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall. Even I have faced few challenges and failures in my life and I am highly thankful to Allah (swt) for everything as it made me who I am today.
I would like to share the challenges I faced while working on HalalTradeZone.com. When I got this idea I did not know how to build a web application though I had some basic knowledge of HTML but that was not sufficient to build the dynamic portal, which I had in my mind.
So I approached a startup to get it developed but the result was not inspiring. Amicably we came out of the agreement. Then I started learning the technology and was simultaneously building the portal and with the help of God I found another startup with well experienced developers to work on this project and Alhamdulillah the beta version of HalalTradeZone.com has been successfully developed, and we will launch the beta version in March 2013 by the will of the Allah.
I hope that this project will fulfill the need in the society and be the best in its sector, Insha’Allah.The lesson here is to stay focused on what you want to achieve even if things seem to get complicated and be willing to learn new things that will help you achieve your goals. If you are sincere and hardworking then Allah (swt) will surely help you.
What are your future plans?
According to the plan I want to launch HalalTradeZone.com in at least 14 countries through local partnerships and take it to its full potential and make it the best and most comprehensive business portal in the world, Insha’Allah.
Who is your role model?
Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s) is my role model. The teaching of our Prophet (s.a.s) on business ethics is such that if incorporated completely success is bound to happen Insha Allah.And I also appreciate Richard Branson, Sheikh Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, Ratan Tata and Guy Kawasaki for their business tips and achievements in the business world.
What Success means to you?
Success is subjective, depends and varies from person to person. For me success is to see HalalTradeZone.com as a well reputed and the best B2B and B2C portal in the world and create opportunities for people to work and earn a dignified living.
What keeps you going, your motivational factor?
My vision and goals I want to achieve in my life keeps me going.
How do you plan to give back to the society?
Through HalalTradeZone.com we want to build bridges between communities and nations through trade so that we can understand each other better and provide top class service to a section of the society, create jobs for the other section and finally help the homeless, widows and orphans with1/3rd of our profits via our own and other registered foundations in an organized, transparent and well documented way so that we can make the world a better place, Insha Allah.
Some tips to our readers and aspiring entrepreneurs?
Do what you love and love what you do. Look for the unfulfilled need in the society and create something which will fulfill the need in the best possible way. Have good and optimistic people around you and stay away from pessimists.
Keep yourself updated with the latest developments in the area of your business, work hard and have strong faith in the help of the Almighty.
What are the adjectives that describes you the best?
Compassionate, Focused, Observant and Shy.
(Courtesy: Muallim Magazine)
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February 26, 2013, 8:25 pm
By Nikki Seay
After Monday’s shocking announcement that Pope Benedict XVI would step down at the end of February, feelings of surprise quickly turned to speculation as the world began to wonder who would be his successor. While many names have been suggested, Cardinal Peter Turkson seems to be a front-runner.
Cardinal Turkson, 64, was born in Wassaw Nsuta in western Ghana to a Methodist mother and Catholic father. As a child, he entered the seminary and later moved to New York to study at St. Anthony-on-Hudson Seminary in Rensselaer. Cardinal Turkson was ordained as a priest in 1975.
As a Roman Catholic Cardinal from Ghana, Cardinal Turkson is currently president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and among the leading candidates to assume the title of pontiff. While rumors swirl as the Vatican looks outside of Europe to replace Pope Benedict XVI, the question also remains as to how the first black Pope, particularly Cardinal Turkson, may affect the Catholic church as a whole.
Within Africa, members of the Catholic religion and clergy are rapidly growing. There are around 176 million Catholics in Africa according to a study conducted by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life in December 2011. While the numbers within the Catholic Church continue to rise in Africa, the number of Catholics in Europe has decreased in the last several years.
Although appointing the first black Pope would certainly be a milestone for the religion, Cardinal Turkson is not without controversy. The Cardinal caused an uproar at the Vatican last October by screening a YouTube video that makes some shocking predictions about the massive growth of Islam in Europe. The seven-minute video, titled "Muslim Demographics," was the talk of an international gathering of bishops after Cardinal Turkson screened it during a free discussion period. Among the claims made in it: "In just 39 years France will be an Islamic republic."
Days after the viewing of “Muslim Demographics,” a Vatican spokesperson made an attempt to put distance between Cardinal Turkson and the holy see.
"This video does not express the view of the synod or the Vatican. Turkson has said he is sorry if the video was wrongly interpreted since he did not intend it to be anti-Muslim, merely a comment on the nihilism in western society," said Father Federico Lombardi.
While the Vatican took a politically correct stance, Vatican radio called the video "fear mongering" and added, "Why one of the curial cardinals chose to show this piece of anti-Islamic propaganda is quite unclear." Cardinal Turkson has gone on record over the years, stating that a theological dialogue with Muslims is impossible.
In the midst of this controversy, Cardinal Turkson remained firm to his intentions. “The point was to highlight the demographic situation as a result of the anti-life tendency and culture in the Western world,” he stated publically. “For me to attack Islam would be to attack my own family,” said the cardinal, a native of Ghana. “My paternal uncle was a Muslim and he took care of me when I was a boy, and when he grew old I took care of him until he died.”
(Courtesy: Opposing Views)
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February 26, 2013, 8:32 pm
By R. L Francis
Pope Benedict XVI, head of Catholic Church will bid adieu and who will take his place has become a matter of debate in the Catholic Church. His sudden resignation has surprised the whole Catholic world. His resignation has come at a time when Catholic Church is mired in various inbound problems within the Church system. Pope has constantly displayed his concern over slackening, moral depravation and indiscipline in the Church. The faith in Catholic system is constantly waning and this why he had announced this year as a ‘Year of Faith’.
Pope Benedict, when assumed this post eight-years-ago on April 19, 2005 had raised hope about changing laws and regulations particularly on the issue of sexual harassment of children that involved litigation and Church had to furnish big compensation. Worst part was that his detractors accused him of colluding with such elements to suppress these cases.
However, he kept moving with his obsession towards piousness. He opposed use of contraceptives and artificial pregnancy. He also opposed abortion. A Catholic newspaper ‘The Universe’ editor Kevin Raferty termed him as an obdurate person for whom modern traditions had no place in his life. He did not give any concession on these issues.
Many European countries such as Ireland, Poland and Spain started criticizing him on adopting opaque policies on sexual abuse of children within the Church. Pope even constituted a committee to inquire these allegations which angered Irish government and Irish parliament considered it as an intrusion in internal affairs. Disgruntled Vatican called its representative from Ireland. Vatican is an autonomous state so it has representatives in most of the countries in the world including India.
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Common Catholic people are stunned to see lifestyle of priests. Even pope dresses like a king. This year civil society in Italy has demanded to impose tax on the church income and property. This will ease burden of tax from the common people. One-fifth of total property in Italy is directly under the control of Church and it pays no tax at all because of a Holy Sea Accord signed in 1930. Main opposition party and newspapers have demanded to impose tax on Church property. Church has huge income from real estate. In Rome alone it earns 2.55 crore Euros in a year. National Union of Municipalities in Italy has told that if tax is imposed on church property, government can easily earn 50-70 crore Euros annually.
Whoever follows Pope Benedict XVI will have huge challenges. He was beacon of light for millions of Catholics around the world. But, Vatican riddled with own problems had no solution to offer. In India, Dalit Christians are leading frustrating life within the Church system. But, no pope has acknowledged this fact. Many people consider Church is riddled with old customs and traditions and it has gone two centuries backwards.
We hope new Pope will have will power and faith who will have power to change Catholic system from top to bottom. The beginning in this direction has already started in Europe.
[R. L Francisis President, Poor Christian Liberation Movement (PCLM). He can be contacted on his Mobile # 9810108046 or at pclmfrancis@gmail.com]
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February 26, 2013, 8:40 pm
Key is to assist moderates in finding and disseminating their own messaging
By Julie Bird
The same Internet that Islamic extremists use to whip up fury against the West can be used by more moderate forces to counter that extremism, according to a new Rand Corp. report.The report notes that American Muslims already use the web and social media to provide an opposing voice to and undercut extremists.
In its most direct form, American Muslim group's counter-radicalization uses scripture to "delegitimize the radical narrative." They also counter extremist messaging through Twitter and videos posted on YouTube.
Less directly, a number of American Muslim groups operate virtual mosques espousing more moderate, mainstream views of faith for Muslims in America. These groups expand their online presence through sites such as Facebook, the report notes.
More can be done to help counter-messaging efforts, the RAND analysts say. But there are barriers, including negative perceptions of U.S. counterterrorism policies; limited leadership voices and funding for countering violent extremism; being viewed as "sell-outs" to those sympathetic to jihadi causes; First Amendment restrictions on government funding of counter-extremism messaging. The restriction, though, also "frees Muslim groups of the taint of government funding and prevents the government from having to 'choose sides' in intra-Muslim discourse and debate," the report notes.
The State Department and Google Ideas, termed by Rand as a "think-do tank," have independently recommend desecuritizing efforts to counter violent extremism, addressing sources of mistrust among Muslims, educating social-media influencers and ways to counter extremism, improve the reach of social media, getting private-sector groups to fund and engage with counter-extremism groups, and finding ways to increase government funding."The U.S. government and private funders must play the role of facilitator rather than orchestrator," Rand cautions.
"The challenge comes in appreciating that … authenticity and criticism only serve to empower what is hoped to be a core message of peace and tolerance," the authors concluded. "Ultimately, the U.S. government and private sponsors must allow credible Muslim voices to reach their own conclusions and find their own message."
(Courtesy: Fierce Homeland Security)
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February 26, 2013, 8:45 pm
By Christopher Reeve
She takes her clients to another world — one in which, as if traveling to outer space, visitors must wear special suits and carry equipment in order to breathe. Humans weren’t built to maneuver in this landscape without assistance.
As a divemaster, Suezett al-Fallal, 27, is responsible for the safety of the tourists she leads to submersion, so must remain hyper-vigilant of their well-being. But when she goes on dives, the glimpses of marine life, the sensation of buoyancy and the quiet of the Red Sea lead her to imagine that she is the only one around.
“I feel a bit alone,” she says.
Fallal, originally from Cairo’s Nasr City district, moved to Dahab last April to realize a dream. “I wanted to be a divemaster at 18,” she says from a café overlooking the Red Sea and a not-too-distant Saudi Arabia. “It was my first target as a job.”
While plenty of Egyptian men and foreigners of both sexes work in Dahab’s numerous dive shops, taking the town’s visitors to its famed dive sites, Fallal represents something new to the scene. She is Dahab’s first resident Egyptian, or even Arab, veiled woman divemaster.
Hamdy Anan, co-owner of Shams Dive Center — one of the five dive centers where Fallal works — oversaw her three-month training to become a licensed divemaster.
Anan, 33 and originally from the Delta city of Mahalla, has seen Dahab slowly develop into the international diving hub it is today. Reflecting on the 17 years he has lived here, he says, “For [this] long period of time ... [there was] no Egyptian female diver.”
Fallal is initially hesitant to be interviewed by Egypt Independent, saying she does not believe that being Dahab’s first Egyptian woman divemaster is worthy of a profile.
“I’m not Baumgartner, who jumped out of outer space,” she says, referring to the Austrian man who recently broke the sound barrier on a 39-km skydive to earth.
“Wallahi (I swear to God), I’m doing this for people who might read it,” she says, justifying her decision. “Maybe a girl will read it and [decide to] do something that she really likes, and someone who thinks negatively about Muslims will read it and change his mind.”
She admits she faced several obstacles in pursuing her ambition. “It’s hard for Egyptian women to travel and live on their own,” she explains. “If you move to a place like Dahab, where there are no [Egyptian] women, people will judge you.”
Her tone exudes a confidence in that tricky business of defying conventions. There is also the factor of physical strength and stamina necessary for diving. “It’s heavy-duty stuff,” Fallal says.She talks about having to carry not just her own nine-and-a-half-kilogram air tank, but also that of a customer who was unable to carry her own. Fallal is no stranger to rigorous activity. She was a personal trainer at several gyms in Cairo before moving to Dahab. She was also an assistant coach of parachuting at a club organized by the Egyptian military.
But personal training and parachuting are only part of her story. Fallal also has a degree in cinematography, and has worked as a stylist and camera assistant in the film industry. She left that field due to her personal convictions.
Fallal says the film industry does not use its potential to affect society in a positive way. “In Egypt, not a lot of people read,” she says. “They watch movies.” She ultimately left because she felt it “use[s] women to degrade women. ... It’s against my religion and against my principles.”
Fallal became a devout Muslim four years ago. She keeps her hair, arms and legs covered, even as she braves the Sinai desert heat on her bicycle, with an overstuffed bag strapped to her back. When underwater, she dons a wetsuit that allows for the same level of coverage.
“I’m a feminist,” Fallal says, adding that she finds inspiration from the women of Islamic history.Some of her European clientele have questions about Arab women and Islam. Fallal takes advantage of these moments to explain her culture. “If people ask about deen (religion) or hijab (veil), I answer,” she says, “and I think I am doing something good for my religion — not on a big scale, but I’m making a difference.”
Fallal still has many more goals she hopes to achieve, including becoming a dive instructor and opening her own dive center, becoming an underwater photographer and even learning to sew so she can design and make her own clothes.
For now, she is still settling into Dahab and its diving culture. Fallal says she has found support and acceptance over time. As for her relationship with the other divers in town, she says, “I’m like their little sister.”
And when preparing for her next dive, like Baumgartner, she must gear up before entering an atmosphere for which humans were not made. “I love it,” she says. “It’s addictive.”
(Courtesy: Egypt Independent)
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February 26, 2013, 8:51 pm
By Alsir Sidahmed
As all eyes are set on the political turmoil that is turning into street battles between various political opposing groups in a number of countries in the Middle East, a new danger is lurking in the Muslim world that needs to dealt with in a sustained methodological way.
Simply put the Muslim world is facing what a study called “unnoticed” phenomenon of fertility decline. The study Fertility Decline in the Muslim World by US political economist Nicholas Eberstadt was recently published by the American Enterprise Institute.
The study could not project the overall Muslim population pointing clearly to the difficulty of coming up with concrete figures because some countries refuse highlighting the religious affiliations of the people or simply because of bureaucratic or organizational obstacles. However, the author relied on the World Christian Database which came up with an estimate of 1.42 billion Muslims worldwide for the year 2005; by that reckoning, Muslims would account for about 22 percent of total world population.
Another estimate prepared by a team of researchers for the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, placed the total global Muslim population in 2009, a few years later, at roughly 1.57 billion, which would have been approximately 23 percent of the estimated population at the time.
Trying to make sense of the figures and handling them from another angle and consulting with the UNDP tabulation, the study pointed out that all the 48 Muslim-majority countries and territories witnessed a fertility decline over the past three decades. More specifically it estimated that there was a drop of 2.6 percent per woman between 1975/1980-2005/10, which is more than double the world average that stood at (-1.3) or even the average of the less developed countries that stood at (-2.2).
Final figures may not add up, but the study provides a framework that needs to be taken seriously: Politically, economically and socially. Part of the explanation of the turmoil that has been engulfing the region is the demographic dimension, where more youth are looking for better education, job opportunities and higher aspirations for better life that has been fueled by the communication revolution.
Moreover, with the growing and expanding urbanization, it seems natural to expect delays in marriage arrangements to a later age, which affects the number of births.
The issue raises many question marks starting first with the need to come up with credible census that can provide an authoritative base with information that could be used to plan ahead. That is basically the responsibility of various governments at national level. The sum of such activities provides the needed information to tackle this and other issues at the macro level of the Islamic world as such. It is pity that hardly any Islamic country has a tradition of having regular census that furnishes government, researchers and interested bodies with their need for information.
However, though no concrete or credible information is available now, it is better to take seriously the conclusions reached at by the study.
The fertility decline is not a new phenomenon. Many Western countries specially in Europe are suffering from it to the extent that some considered changing their emigration regulations to allow for new migrants to come and settle and help in closing up the gap of reducing population volume as a result of the declining fertility. Such a move is intended to help redress the growing imbalance between those who became pensioners and want to enjoy from their contribution to the social security system over the years and those still in the productive age and should be contributing to the social security system. But it will be a major problem if less and less people are getting into the system, paying their taxes at the time when more have stopped making new contributions and aiming to enjoy from their previous contributions.
Such long-term issues need to be handled now, though it will be difficult in current turmoil to look into distant future, but since the future actually starts today, there is no option but to embark on it quickly and vigorously.
[Alsir Sidahmedcan be contacted at asidahmed@hotmail.com]
(Courtesy: Arab News)
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February 26, 2013, 8:56 pm
There is a severe shortage of full-time imams to meet the religious needs of American Muslims
Texas: A severe shortage of imams is increasingly disturbing the Muslim community in the United States, who are already affected by absence of religious leaders who can easily connect to the younger generations of US-born Muslims.
"I've had the opportunity to travel to maybe 150 mosques across the country. And the vast majority of them, actually, did not have a full-time imam," Nouman Ali Khan, who heads Bayyinah, an Arabic-language institute in Dallas that educates future imams, told US National Public Radio (NPR).
"The ones that did are very happy to have them and the ones that didn't are constantly asking me when I go for a seminar, 'Hey, so you know anybody?'"
As the number of Muslims in the United States grows, the number of mosques has also jumped 74 percent over the past decade.
However, there is a severe shortage of full-time imams to meet the religious needs of growing worshippers.
Another problem is that there is a shortage of young American imams who can easily connect to the younger generations of US-born Muslims.
A recent survey by the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) showed that only 44 percent of American imams are salaried and full-time. The rest are volunteer religious leaders.Four out of five imams in the United States were born and educated outside the country, mostly in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and India.
Raised in a different culture from their parents, third-generation American Muslims feel alienated from mosques and from religious culture altogether.
Therefore, mosques in the US not only need trained imams, but also need religious figures who possess good English skills and a thorough understanding of American culture.
"You may have a scholarly religious figure that can speak to the older congregation, but he's not able to connect as well with the youth," Ali Khan said.
"And in a lot of the interviews, it's even sort of a primary concern how well can you connect with the young in our community."
American Imams
The Mid-Cities Mosque in Colleyville, Texas, was one of lucky Muslim worship facilities that managed to hire a full-time American imam.
"I was a sponsored skater at the age of 10 ... and after breaking my arm, my grandmother told me I [had] to put it off," Yahya Jaekoma, a cherubic, 23-year-old of Thai and Afghan descent, who was born in San Diego, said.
"So she sent me to a madrassa, which is an institute to study the Quran, at the age of 14."At the age of 18, Jaekoma had memorized the entire Qur’an and dedicated his life to religious study.
His time as a hip-hop skateboarder gives him a unique voice for young American Muslims in his mosque.
"I tell them my life story," he says.
"I tell them where I came from. I tell them what I've done."
US-born Muslim worshippers at the mosque say that American imams are better to understand their thoughts.
"By having someone that was born here, it's easier to relate to them, and it's easier for them to understand our view on what we're dealing with and, like, the difficulties we have with our faith in, like, such a modern environment," said Sijil Patel, a 16-year-old Pakistani-American who is thoroughly modern with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, crazy-colored sneakers, and a headscarf.
Some of those things include dating, drugs and alcohol.
"We've been strictly taught in Islam that vulgar language is not allowed," Patel says.
"I try my best to, like, not engage in that type of thing, and I've told my friends, too."
(Courtesy: OnIslam.net)
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February 26, 2013, 9:04 pm
By Tariq A. Al-Maeena
At a time when the Sri Lankan government should have seized the bull by the horns and ensured ethnic harmony, the opposite is seen as unfolding with very little interference from the government.
Today, there are verified charges against that form of complacency by a government not willing to act against a rising terrorist force in the form of an extremist Sinhalese Buddhist group that calls itself the Bodu Bala Sena, or the Buddhist strength force. It has in recent times focused its target of racial hatred against the peaceful Muslim minority of the island.
A Sri Lankan Muslim had this to say: “We have been inhabitants of the land for centuries. We have assimilated with the culture and consider ourselves Sri Lankans. Unfortunately, we do not get cooperation in return. Many of us are denied job opportunities in the government because of our religion. There are many educated Muslim Sri Lankans, yet they are not preferred for good posts. There is discrimination in all walks of life against us, but we manage, hoping for the day things will change.”
She continued, “When the war against the Tamils was over, we thought that now the country would mend itself and become strong. Instead, it seems that the victory has given some of these extremist Buddhist groups more courage to carry out further carnage against all minorities including the Muslims and Christians of the island.
“The government seems to be going along with these militant groups as they have not carried out their steps for reconciliation. We are not supported for quality state education, nor does it seem lately that our safety is something which concerns the government. Our places of worship have been attacked, our people assaulted, and the terrorism continues unabated.
“There are a number of militant groups operating openly in Sri Lanka and spreading their message of rabid racism and intolerance. The government can put a stop to all of this if they want. Not only the government but also the country’s security forces have got into the act and are cooperating with these thugs.”
She goes on, “As you know, Muslim camps remain open and around 130,000 Muslim refugees from the north of the island continue to languish in refugee camps in appalling conditions three and a half years after the war. The irony is that this is happening three years after the 30-year ethnic war ended. What lessons have we learnt from the past carnage? Absolutely nothing!”
Events took a more sinister turn recently when thousands of supporters of the militant group Bodu Bala Sena joined in a rally calling for the boycott of halal foods. The rally that took place in Colombo drew thousands who heard the calls of ethnic divisiveness and nationalist speeches by the group’s monks. These exhortations come at a time of mounting religious tension in the country. In recent times, there have been many recorded attacks on both mosques and churches, and Muslim-owned businesses and the clergy have not been spared either.
A three-member BBC team who were covering the rally was “seriously threatened with violence by some members of a mob of more than 20 young men who told us not to drive off.” According to the team leader Charles Haviland of BBC News, “Some police arrived and looked on as my Sri Lankan colleagues were verbally abused in filthy language, described as ‘traitors’ and accused of having ‘foreign parents’ and working for a ‘foreign conspirator who was ‘against Sri Lanka’”.
“Some of them warned us that if we returned to the location - the mainly Buddhist suburb of Maharagama - it would ‘be the end’ of us. The police held back the more aggressive youths but appeared to comply with the mob by barricading our vehicle, calling us ‘suspicious’ and ordering us not to leave until they got the go-ahead from their superior. That was worrying.”
A news agency reported that the leaders explicitly called for a boycott of halal meat and demanded shops clear their stocks by April or else. This message was loudly cheered by the attendees at the rally sporting T-shirts denouncing the Muslim halal method of slaughtering animals prior to eating.
Mujeebur Rahuman of the opposition United National Party worries that at “any moment, the ethnic riot will start between Sinhalese and Muslims. They are now working freely. Nobody is talking about this organization and the government is not trying to stop their activities.”
It is becoming increasingly obvious that the government of President Mahinda Rajapakse is again giving tacit support to communal provocations against Sri Lanka’s minorities to deflect attention from the country’s deepening economic and social crisis. But that is a dangerous strategy, one guaranteed to backfire.
Meanwhile, GCC countries with their economic muscle and the OIC should begin to sit up and take notice of the events happening on the island. A message should be sent to the Sri Lankan government that the widening of racial and ethnic hatred against the Muslim minority or any other will not be tolerated. Failure to heed that message should bring economic and political sanctions into consideration.
We wish the island well, but not under the present circumstances.
[The author can be reached at talmaeena@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter @talmaeena.]
(Courtesy: Saudi Gazette)
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February 26, 2013, 9:07 pm
IMO News Service
Emirates India Fraternity Forum (EIFF) conducted a massive campaign among the expatriates in the U.A.E under the theme “BE LOYAL TO UAE, MAKE USE OF AMNESTY” from the 1st of January till 10th of January 2013.The volunteers of EIFF managed to meet more than 20,000 people during this period and distributed pamphlets in areas like Bur Dubai, Deira, Karama, Al Quoz, Jebel Ali, Satwa, Sonapur, Musaffah, Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain.
Special attention was given to visit labor camps, restaurants, groceries, bus stations, masjids, churches etc. and educated the illegal immigrants to utilize the benefits offered by the Government of UAE.
During this campaign of 10 days, EIFF had deployed volunteers to meet the public and was involved in activities such as Door to Door visits, distribution of pamphlets in 6 languages (English, Hindi, Urdu, Malayalam, Kannada and Tamil), conveying directions to service centers and immigration offices and to provide legal consultation.
The team handled more than 100 cases which had people from various countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Arab expats as well. There were more than 1,000 inquires received by the team and they managed to guide most of them and in some cases also took them personally to the designated areas.
There were also public programs held in this regard and Advocate Mr. Umer Farooq explained the legal aspects of Amnesty. All the authorities appreciated this noble gesture of EIFF and supported whole-heartedly during this campaign.
The entire team of EIFF would like to take this opportunity to thank the rulers of United Arab Emirates for being very kind towards the illegal expat community and providing them a chance to legalize their stay in the country.
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February 26, 2013, 9:13 pm
IMO News Service
The Hyderabad chapter of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) is all set to reach out to the youth working in the IT and ITeS industry in order to ‘dispel preconceived notions of Islam’ by setting up a call centre which will answer queries pertaining to the faith.
The initiative called The Islamic Information Centre (TIIC) will operate from the bustling and uptown neighbourhood of Banjara Hills and will have a staff of at least 10 people.
According to JIH central advisory committee member Syed Sadatullah Hussaini, the city will be the first among other metros in the country to have suchasetupwhereamodernapproach of disseminating informationonIslamhasbeenadopted. “After conducting a study of the common questions asked by the educated people in metros, four important issues came up on which people seek clarity – Islam and terrorism, rights of women, the purdah system and education. We needed a modern approach with modern technology to reach out to people and clear the doubt as a growing number of people want to know more about Islam,” he noted.
The call operators which the JIH has employed are graduates and post-graduates who have also been trained in comparative religion and are fluent in English, Hindi and Telugu. Tariq Muneer, secretary of TIIC said,
“We are open to all kinds of questions. Scholars, students, professionals etc can call the toll free number round the clock. The call centres will be operational in Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Bangalore soon.”
A library is also being set up at TIIC which will cater to requirements of research scholars in addition to a consultancy for Islamic banking. TIIC is expected to be operational from March 15, said Muneer.
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February 26, 2013, 9:18 pm
By Lalmani Verma
Lucknow: For the first time, a Muslim woman has become the head of a wing other than the women's wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party in UP.
Among the new office-bearers, whose names were announced on Saturday, Rumana Siddiqui, a housewife, is president of the minority wing of the party.
Except the women's wing, which is always headed by a woman, the BJP has never had a woman heading any of its four other wings which include the Kisan morcha, SC/ST morcha, youth morcha and minority morcha. Besides, the party has 31 cells and none of them was ever headed by a woman.
Rumana has replaced Shahafat Hussain, who was appointed president of the minority wing by former state president Surya Pratap Shahi.
Party sources said the idea behind Rumana's appointment was to reach out to Muslim families through their female members. Wife of a businessman in Lucknow, Rumana is associated with the BJP since 2004 and was secretary of the minority wing about five years back. She is also a member of the national executive of the party's minority wing.
Rumana admits that associating Muslims with the party has always been a challenge for the BJP. "But being a woman, I can approach the women in the kitchens of Muslim families where men cannot go. I will convince Muslim women and other family members that BJP is their well-wisher and they should support the party in the next Lok Sabha election," Rumana said.
A graduate in political science from Delhi University, Rumana will soon form her team and prepare a list of activities that the minority wing will perform to attract Muslims to the party."I am still receiving good wishes from party leaders and workers. I have held positions in the past also but this is the first time I am receiving such a huge response," she said.
State BJP president Laxmikant Bajpai said, "The new team has been constituted in order to approach all sections and communities. This is the first time a Muslim woman will head a party wing and that is a positive move."
Former MLC Seema Rizvi, who died in 2009, was the last prominent Muslim woman in the party in UP. She was associated with the party's minority wing, but did not hold any post.Under the party constitution, BJP nominates women on at least 33 per cent positions in the organisation. Bajpai said there are 41 women in the new 105-member state team. "Such a large number of women has been given positions in the party in order to approach every family in rural as well as urban areas," he said.
(Courtesy: The Indian Express)
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