The All India Muslim Personal Law Board and the Federation of Maharashtra Muslims have jointly released a QR code to help Muslims respond to the Maharashtra government’s online questionnaire on the Uniform Civil Code.
The Maharashtra government has formed a committee to examine the possible implementation of the UCC in the state, following similar moves by other states. The committee has launched an online portal and invited public responses to 37 questions. Of these, 31 require objective answers in the form of yes, no, or no comment. The remaining six require short written responses.
Recognising that many people lack familiarity with the portal and the appropriate answers, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, in consultation with its legal team and in coordination with the Federation of Maharashtra Muslims, decided to release a QR code to assist respondents. The QR code opens with a short explanatory video that walks users through the process step by step. It provides the recommended answers to all 37 questions, including ready-to-copy text for the written responses, along with instructions on how to paste them into the government portal. The QR code also includes a direct link to the government portal for easy access.
At present, the Board has released the QR code for individual responses. Guidance for organisational responses will follow shortly.
A meeting of Board and Federation representatives was held at the Mumbai Aman Committee on the evening of October 29 to formally launch the QR code. Participants expressed satisfaction with the initiative and appealed to the public to participate in large numbers, share the QR code widely, and display it at mosques and other prominent locations.
Participants specifically urged Islamic scholars and imams to use their Friday sermons to raise awareness about the UCC, explain its implications, and encourage congregations to submit their responses using the QR code.
Addressing those who question the usefulness of such efforts, speakers at the meeting noted that even when results are not immediately visible, formal opposition becomes part of the historical record. They expressed the view that future governments would take note of this documented opposition and work to correct laws imposed under pressure.
Among those present at the meeting were Maulana Mahmood Ahmad Khan Daryabadi, Mufti Saeedur Rahman Farooqui, Hafiz Iqbal Chunawala, Farid Sheikh, Maulana Zaheer Abbas Rizvi, Dr Azeemuddin, Abdul Haseeb Bhatkar, and Shakir Sheikh.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / October 29th, 2026
Misconceptions often thrive where understanding is limited. Muslim women, Islamic family values and the rights accorded to women under Islam have long been subjects of public debate, with social media frequently amplifying stereotypes and misinformation. An upcoming exhibition in Hyderabad seeks to challenge these perceptions through facts, historical accounts and Islamic teachings.
The gallery aims to encourage informed dialogue by addressing common misconceptions about Muslim women’s status, rights and role in society, drawing on historical evidence and references from the Qur’an and Hadith.
A special gallery titled ‘Women in Islam’ will be one of the key attractions at Beyond the Divide: Countering Hate Expo. Building Harmony, a three-day public exhibition is being organised by Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Greater Hyderabad, at the Nampally Exhibition Grounds from October 30 to November 1.
Separating Myths from Facts
One of the central themes of the gallery is women’s economic independence and property rights. Challenging the widespread perception that women have no property rights under Islam, the exhibition highlights their right to own and manage property, inherit wealth and retain control over their personal assets. It also explains that mehr (dower), given to a woman as part of marriage, belongs exclusively to her.
The question of consent in marriage is another major focus. The gallery seeks to dispel the notion that a woman’s opinion carries little weight in matrimonial decisions, highlighting Islamic teachings that require the bride’s consent for marriage.
Education and the pursuit of knowledge form another important theme. Contrary to the perception that Islam discourages women’s education, the exhibition highlights the contributions of women scholars throughout Islamic history. Hazrat Aisha Siddiqah, the wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, was a renowned authority on Hadith and Islamic jurisprudence who taught and guided generations of scholars.
The gallery will also explore women’s participation in public life, challenging the stereotype that Muslim women have traditionally been confined to their homes. From business and education to healthcare and social service, women have played active roles in Muslim societies since the early days of Islam. Hazrat Khadija, the Prophet’s wife, is among the prominent historical examples of a woman who independently conducted business.
Family Values, Rights and Responsibilities
The exhibition will also examine the Islamic understanding of family life, placing mutual respect, compassion and responsibility at the centre of marital relationships. In the Islamic perspective, the relationship between husband and wife is not merely a question of individual rights but one built on affection, mercy and shared responsibilities. While the husband is entrusted with financial maintenance of the family, women’s contributions to household management, emotional well-being and the upbringing of children are also acknowledged.
Complex and frequently debated subjects, including divorce and polygyny (a man having more than one wife), will also be addressed. The gallery aims to explain the conditions governing these practices under Islamic law, including the requirement of justice and fair treatment in polygynous marriages and the Qur’anic directive to marry only one if justice cannot be maintained.
Muslim Women Who Helped Shape India
Moving beyond religious principles, the gallery will highlight the contributions of Muslim women to India’s freedom struggle, education, social reform and contemporary public life. Abadi Bano Begum, popularly known as Amma Jaan, will feature among the women remembered for mobilising support for the freedom movement.
The exhibition will also showcase the contributions of Nawab Sultan Jahan Begum, former ruler of Bhopal and the first Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University, and Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, the pioneering educationist who established a school for girls in Bengal.
Among contemporary achievers, the gallery will highlight K.V. Rabiya, a Padma Shri awardee recognised for her work in literacy and social service; Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar, an IAS officer; Dr Mariam Afifa Ansari, a neurosurgeon; Dr Mazizia Bhanu, a gold medallist at the Powerlifting World Cup; and Syeda Salwa Fatima, a commercial pilot.
Their journeys, the organisers hope, will demonstrate the diverse ways in which Muslim women have contributed to the country’s social, educational and professional progress.
From Prejudice to Understanding
Built around the message that the distance between communities can be bridged through dialogue, Beyond the Divide Expo seeks to promote mutual understanding and challenge prejudice. The exhibition underscores the idea that appearances alone cannot define a person’s identity, abilities or aspirations, and that meaningful engagement begins with a willingness to understand others beyond stereotypes.
The three-day event at the Nampally Exhibition Grounds from October 30 to November 1 invites people from different backgrounds to explore the exhibits, engage with diverse perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of Islam, women’s rights and the Islamic family system.
By placing historical contributions, religious teachings and contemporary achievements side by side, the ‘Women in Islam’ gallery seeks to replace assumptions with informed understanding and encourage a more inclusive public conversation.
[The writer is JIH Hyderabad City Media In-charge]
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Features> Focus / by Vaseemunnissa / October 29th, 2026
Shahnaz Illyas, an IPS officer posted as Superintendent of Police, Kallakurichi, Tamil Nadu, has shown how a bold officer can break caste and social barriers to empower those pushed to the margins.
The incident in V. Alambalam village in Villupuram District was when a group of locals blocked Dalits from entering the village temple during a festival. However, they were let in after SP Shahnaz broke the locks and stood guard to ensure they could pray safely.
Shahnaz first tried to reason with the locals opposing Dalits’ entry into the Varadaraja Perumal temple in V. Alambalam village in Villupuram District during a local festival.
However, since they were adamant and did not see anything wrong in blatant caste discrimination, Shahnaz Illyas personally led a team to break open the locks. They remained there till the discriminated-against people finished praying.
Tension brewed when local Dalit families announced they wanted to offer prayers during a temple festival. In protest, some locals locked the temple gates to keep them out.
Instead of waiting for slow official meetings, SP Shahnaz took direct action. She went to the spot, ordered the illegal locks to be broken, and stood guard, ensuring Dalit residents could walk inside and worship safely.
“The temple is a public place open to everyone. No one can be barred from entering, and everyone has an equal right to pray here”, she announced to the group of locals trying to block the entry of Dalits to the temple.
Shahnaz Ilyas
She then stood guard with over 100 police personnel to ensure the families could worship peacefully without fear of retaliation.
Photos and videos of her enforcing the law have gone viral on social media. Shahnaz Illyas is a 2021-batch IPS officer who cleared the UPSC exam on her very first attempt with a rank of 217. Before joining the police force, she worked as an IT engineer for five years.
She famously prepared for her civil services exams while managing her pregnancy and later caring for her newborn baby. Before her posting in Kallakurichi, she worked in the Chennai Cyber Crime division, where she fought against online fraud and fake loan apps.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home / by Aasha Khosa, ATV / October 14th, 2026
Five years after the death of Prof Fatima Begum Parveen in 2021, the Urdu literary world in Hyderabad continues to feel the weight of her absence. A tribute by senior journalist JS Ifthekhar, published in Siasat, captures the depth of that loss with the authority of one who witnessed her in action across numerous literary gatherings over the years.
Prof Parveen was no ordinary academic. Associated with the Department of Urdu at Osmania University, she was simultaneously a teacher, critic, poet, researcher and translator. Her literary output extended to 23 books covering classical, Deccani and modern Urdu literature. Her works included Deccani Adab Ka Mutaliya, Zaviya-e-Nigah and Nanhi Nazmein, her Urdu translation of Prof N Gopi’s celebrated Telugu poetry collection. Her critical studies of Ghavasi, the poet laureate of the Qutb Shahi kingdom, and progressive poet Akhtar Ansari occupy a significant place in Urdu scholarship.
What set her apart, Ifthekhar notes, was not scholarship alone. Her oratory was rooted in years of study and teaching. She spoke on classical poets, Deccani literature and the evolution of Urdu poetry with a command that drew audiences at literary events across the country. Her delivery moved effortlessly from scholarly analysis to personal anecdote, from literary criticism to emotional resonance, without once resorting to academic jargon.
She earned the affectionate title Bulbul-e-Deccan for precisely this rare combination of scholarship, warmth and oratorical force. Dr Taqi Abedi, the Hyderabad-born Canadian physician, poet and Urdu scholar, described her death as an irreparable loss, saying the vacuum she left is hard to fill.
Her academic journey itself held an unlikely beginning. She first studied science, completing a BSc and gaining admission to an MSc programme in Warangal. After her family relocated to Hyderabad, she enrolled for an MA in Urdu at Osmania University in 1975, becoming the only science graduate among 49 students in her class to do so. Encouraged by Prof Mughni Tabassum, then head of the Urdu department, she went on to secure two gold medals.
At the time of her death, Prof Parveen was compiling the poetic works of Mir Osman Ali Khan, the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, a project that now remains unfinished.
She passed away a few days before Teachers’ Day, following complications from a Covid infection. The Bulbul-e-Deccan has fallen silent, but her books, her students and the memory of her voice endure.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Markers of Excellence> Opinion>Urdu / by Radiance News Bureau / September 06th, 2026
Nestled in the densely populated area of Zadibal, Srinagar, stands the centuries old Khanqah-e-Mir Shams-ud-din Araki, dedicated to the renowned theologian, who visited Kashmir first as an ambassador and, later as a preacher at the dawn of 16th century.
At a walking distance from the main Zadibal Imambara, the Khanqah is located over an elevated level looking at a horizontal line with the shrine of Sufi saint, Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom on Hari Parbat Fort to its east.
The premises comprise Khanqah, reconstructed over two decades back after several reconstructions in the past and, a mausoleum of Mir Shams-ud-Din Araki, his family members, descendents and followers around.
The new concrete structure of Khanqah, constructed more than two decades ago on modern lines, is opened for devotees on important occasions like Muharram days, according to the local caretakers. It is believed that the Khanqah, since it was established five centuries ago, had been damaged in 11 different fire incidents.
Entrance to Khanqah-e-Zadibal
The mausoleum structure is being developed by the Department of Tourism of J&K Government, for renovation, beautification and to create better facilities for the pilgrims as well as tourists, though at a low pace.
Devotees, mostly from the Shia community, continue to pour in on a daily basis offering special prayers and seeking blessings at the mausoleum. Much work on the preservation of monumental artifacts, believed to have been the tombstones on different graves or memorial plaques on which verses in Arabic are carved, are lying in disarray.
The Khanqah is looked after by the Anjuman-e-Sharie Shia, J&K
Mausoleum of Mir Shams-ud-din Araki
“Hazrat Mir Muhammad Shams al-Din ‘Iraqi (RA) was one of the most distinguished spiritual personalities of the 15th century, who occupied an eminent position in the fields of religious learning (ʿilm), spiritual knowledge (maʿrifah), and Sufi discipline (irfan)”, Justice (rtd) Hakim Imtiyaz Hussain, a former Judge of the J&K High Court and author told Awaz-The-Voice. “Through his intellectual depth, spiritual excellence, and missionary zeal, he left a lasting imprint upon the religious and cultural history of Kashmir”, he adds.
“He was born in 833 AH (1429 CE) in Kund village in the outskirts of Solqan in Iran as Muhammad, while his honorific name, Mir Shams-al-din (The Sun of Religion) was conferred upon him by his spiritual master, Hazrat Shah Qasim Faiz Bakhsh (RA), and later know as Mir Shams al Din Íraqi”, writes Justice (rtd.) Hakim Imtiyaz Hussain.
The spiritual leader is popularly known as Mir Shams-ud-Din Araki, after the name of the area of his birth place, Arak in Iran. “After the death of Hazrat Nur Bakh in 869 AH, he (Araki) resumed his pursuit of spiritual perfection and formally became one of the foremost disciples of the Nurbakhshiya order.
Sculpted old stones at the premises of Khanqah-e-Zadibal
Mir Shams-ud-din Araki is widely regarded as the founder of the Nurbakhshiyya order, a branch of the Kubrawiya Sufi tradition, in Kashmir. During his stay in the Valley, he established the famous Khanqah-i-Nurbakhshiyya at Zadibal, Srinagar, which became one of the largest and most influential Sufi centres in Kashmir. “A widespread perception exists that Mir Shams al-Din ‘Iraqi was the founder of Shi’ism in Kashmir. Historical evidence, however, show that long before his arrival, a number of Shi’i scholars, missionaries, and religious personalities had already reached Kashmir and had introduced the teachings of Imamia sect”, comments Justice (rtd) Hakim Imtiyaz Hussain.
The visit of Mir Shams-ud-Din Araki is regarded as the arrival of third Sufi saint in Kashmir after Syed Sharf-ud-Din, commonly known as Bulbul Shah in the first quarter of 14th century and Mir Syed Ali Hamadani or Shah-e-Hamadan in later half of the 14th century.
Araki first visited Kashmir in 888 AH (1483 CE), according to Hakim Imtiyaz, adding that the visit was undertaken at the instructions of his spiritual master Shah Qasim Faiz Bakhsh in search of medicinal herbs and rare pharmaceutical plants required for the treatment of Sultan Husayn Khurasan under Shah Qasim’s medical care. On his arrival, Mir Araki found that the Valley was already an important centre of the Kubrawiyya Sufi tradition established by the followers of Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani.
Since he himself belonged to the same broader spiritual lineage, he developed close relations with the leading Sufi scholars and spiritual guides of Kashmir. During this period, he devoted himself to the training of disciples, spiritual instruction, and the organisation of Sufi institutions. After residing in Kashmir for approximately eight years, he returned to his spiritual master in Khurasan.
After some time he returned to the valley and launched the propagation of religion. He spiritually trained a large number of people and helped them attain higher stages of spiritual perfection.
He guided those engaged in reciting the Awrad-i Fathiyyah (of Shah-e-Hamadan) in the Khanqahs and continued to train the dervishes. He also undertook significant work for the revival of Islam in Kashmir and remained devoted to the cause of upholding the true faith and proclaiming the Word of Truth. He acquainted countless people with the fundamentals of religion and the principles of the Shari‘ah. Among his other achievements was the construction of mosques and Khanqahs at various places in Kashmir.
Inscriptions describing the life and works of Shams-ud-din Araki mounted inside the mausoleum
Since he himself belonged to the same broader spiritual lineage, he developed close relations with the leading Sufi scholars and spiritual guides of Kashmir. During this period, he devoted himself to the training of disciples, spiritual instruction, and the organisation of Sufi institutions. After residing in Kashmir for approximately eight years, he returned to his spiritual master in Khurasan.
After some time he returned to the valley and launched the propagation of religion. He spiritually trained a large number of people and helped them attain higher stages of spiritual perfection.
He guided those engaged in reciting the Awrad-i Fathiyyah (of Shah-e-Hamadan) in the Khanqahs and continued to train the dervishes. He also undertook significant work for the revival of Islam in Kashmir and remained devoted to the cause of upholding the true faith and proclaiming the Word of Truth. He acquainted countless people with the fundamentals of religion and the principles of the Shari‘ah. Among his other achievements was the construction of mosques and Khanqahs at various places in Kashmir.
The year of the death of Mir Shams-ud-Din Araki is generally given as 932 AH (1525 CE), according to Justice (rtd) Hakim Imtiyaz Hussain. The spiritual leader was buried at his own Khanqah in Zadibal, Srinagar, he adds. “At a later stage, however, when the foreign invader Mirza Haidar Dughlat fomented unrest, rebellion, and sectarian disturbances in the Kashmir Valley, particularly in the city of Srinagar, a tradition arose that his mortal remains were transferred from Zadibal to Chadoora, and buried there. A shrine was subsequently constructed at that site”, Hakim Imitiyaz Hussain adds.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Ehsan Fazili, Srinagar / October 24th, 2026
Dubai Bearys 24/7, an organisation dedicated to the welfare of non-resident Indians (NRIs) in the UAE, has announced a significant initiative aimed at providing financial security to the families of expatriates from Karnataka’s Muslim community.
The announcement was made during ‘Changayipad’, a get-together organised for leaders, representatives, and social workers of various Beary community organisations in the UAE, held at a resort in Umm Al Quwain on Sunday.
Speaking on the occasion, Hidayath Addoor of Dubai Bearys 24/7 stated that an ambitious scheme has been formulated to safeguard the future of thousands of expats who work tirelessly in the UAE to support their families back home.
“Under the leadership of our executive committee, a trust will be established in Mangaluru. Through this trust, we will provide financial assistance to the families of expatriate Kannadiga Muslims residing in the UAE in the event of an earning member’s demise. We are working to officially launch this scheme within the next three months,” Hidayath said.
Mustaq Kadri added that the scheme would serve as a massive pillar of support for the community. Details regarding membership procedures and the complete operational framework of the scheme will be announced shortly, he noted.
A beacon of hope
Dubai Bearys 24/7 has consistently acted as a lifeline for those facing crises, accidents, medical emergencies, and financial difficulties in the UAE. Over the past year alone, the organisation has played a crucial role in repatriating the mortal remains of over 60 NRIs to India, offering much-needed support to grieving families.
Delivering the inaugural address, Ashraf Shah Mantur lauded the youth of the Beary community for their exemplary humanitarian work through Dubai Bearys 24/7, calling it a model of social responsibility. Sheikh Muzaffar commended the team for their constant cooperation and service at the Indian Consulate in Dubai.
Detailing the organisation’s activities, Samad Birali emphasized that Dubai Bearys 24/7 rushes to the aid of anyone in distress on purely humanitarian grounds, fostering a spirit of coexistence and mutual support.
The event featured informative sessions on various topics. Sahir Mulki provided details about an app, while Nawaz Golthamajal, Irshad Bajpe, and Latheef Thingalady spoke on employment opportunities. Mohammed Shohaib shared insights on real estate, Shamshuddin Piligodu spoke about the ‘Beary Run’, and Irshad Surathkal and Latheef Mukka provided information on health insurance.
Prominent figures including Qasim Ahmed, Farooq Dedko, Prof Soofi Anwar Kodijal, Hamza Denjipady, Habib Addoor, Hamzad Udyavara, Abdul Salam Derlakatte, Rauf Haji, Latheef Haji Mother India, and Farooq Moorje shared their thoughts on the initiative.
The programme commenced with a Qiraat recitation by Mohammed Ashiq, followed by a Dua by Latheef Thingalady. Mohammed Saleem Moodbidri welcomed the gathering. Azhar Handelu expertly compered the event, and Nawaz Kotekar proposed the vote of thanks. Mohammed Ikram Mulur and Ismail Baharunnoor assisted in coordinating the programme.
Earlier in the day, various recreational sports and group competitions, including tug-of-war and a balloon race, were organised, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and unity among the attendees. The sports events were coordinated by Nawaz Kotekar, Rafiq Mulki, Akbar, Nawaz Bajar, Asif Kannangar, Saleem Soofikhan, Shafi Kaup, Nazeer Vamanjoor, Maqbool, Yusuf Sheikh, Ahmed Bava Uppinangady, Tanveer Bengre, Siraj Chikkamagaluru, Moosa Pervai, and others.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Top Stories / by Daijiworld Media Network – Dubai / October 23rd, 2026
Trade and entrepreneurship remain central to Islamic economic thought, says the expert, urging wider discussion on alternative financial models
New Delhi :
Islamic finance expert Abdul Raqeeb has called for greater focus on trade, entrepreneurship, organised zakat and ethical financial systems to improve the economic condition of Muslim communities, saying that wealth creation must come before wealth distribution.
“Until wealth is created, how can it be distributed? There is blessing in trade, and the pursuit of lawful livelihood is itself an act of worship,” Abdul Raqeeb said in a recent podcast Deen Aur Duniya with host Saqib Salim.
Abdul Raqueeb, General Secretary of the Indian Centre for Islamic Finance (ICIF), spoke in detail about Islamic economics, modern financial systems and the economic direction of Muslim societies.
He argued that many economic difficulties faced by Muslim communities are not only financial but also intellectual. According to him, while religious practices receive considerable attention, economic activity and business often do not receive the same level of importance despite their place in Islamic teachings.
According to Abdul Raqeeb, this imbalance has contributed to economic weakness in many Muslim societies.
“A society cannot progress only through consumption and distribution. Production and wealth creation are equally important,” he said.
He added that many Muslims have gradually moved away from entrepreneurial activity, resulting in reduced participation in trade and industry.
Responding to questions about Islam’s approach to commerce, Abdul Raqeeb said trade has always occupied an honoured position in Islamic civilisation. He pointed out that Prophet Muhammad was himself a successful trader and that the business activities of Hazrat Khadijah remain an important example in Islamic history.
“Islam did not discourage trade. It provided moral principles such as honesty, trustworthiness and fairness, making commerce a respected and ethical profession,” he said.
He also emphasised that business involves risk and that risk-taking is an essential element of economic growth and innovation.
Referring to a well-known narration often quoted in discussions on trade, he said that a significant portion of livelihood is connected with commerce and business activity.
Abdul Raqeeb highlighted the economic model established in Madinah during the time of the Prophet. He noted that alongside the establishment of the mosque, an independent and transparent marketplace was also created.
According to him, the market operated on principles of fairness, free competition and ethical conduct.
“There was oversight to prevent fraud and exploitation, but there was no monopolistic control. It was a market based on transparency and trust,” he said.
A substantial part of his remarks focused on Islamic banking and financial systems. When asked how Muslims can access financial services while avoiding interest-based transactions, Abdul Raqeeb explained that Islamic finance operates through profit-and-loss sharing mechanisms rather than conventional interest.
He said that Islamic financial institutions are functioning in approximately 75 countries in different forms.
Models such as Musharakah, Mudarabah and Murabaha provide alternatives that are structured around partnership, investment and trade rather than interest-based lending.
“Many people think Islamic finance is only a religious concept, but it is also a practical economic model that is operating successfully in different parts of the world,” he said.
Discussing the Indian context, Abdul Raqeeb observed that although full-scale Islamic banking is not available in the country, alternative arrangements do exist. He referred to cooperative societies and certain non-banking financial institutions that operate with limited or non-interest-based structures.
According to him, these examples demonstrate that alternative financial models can function within existing economic frameworks.
Abdul Raqeeb cited Kerala as an example of how economic cooperation can contribute to social harmony. He said Hindu and Muslim communities in the state often participate in business activities together, creating strong economic interdependence.
According to him, such cooperation helps reduce tensions because prosperity becomes linked to mutual interests.
He also noted that a considerable amount of savings within the Muslim community remains locked in assets such as gold and land rather than being channelled into productive investment.
The discussion also touched upon legal and policy debates surrounding Islamic finance in India. Abdul Raqeeb said that proposals relating to alternative financial systems have faced legal scrutiny in the past.
However, he argued that any financial model that contributes to economic development and social welfare deserves serious consideration rather than outright rejection.
One of the most significant parts of his remarks focused on zakat. Abdul Raqeeb described zakat not merely as a religious obligation but as an economic institution designed to circulate wealth within society.
He expressed concern that zakat today is largely distributed at an individual level, limiting its wider economic impact.
“The issue is not the amount of zakat available. The issue is how it is organised and utilised,” he said.
According to him, much of the zakat collected is used for immediate relief and short-term needs, which certainly helps recipients but often fails to create lasting economic change.
He suggested that organised committees at local mosques could manage zakat funds more effectively and direct resources towards education, skill development and support for small businesses.
“If zakat is managed institutionally and invested in human development and entrepreneurship, it can play a major role in reducing poverty,” he said.
Drawing on his own experience, Abdul Raqeeb said that business success should not be measured only by profits. He explained that every commercial activity carries both opportunities and risks.
“People often see the gains but ignore the losses. Real success comes through patience, balance and long-term thinking,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Abdul Raqeeb stressed that Islam encourages a balance between spiritual and material well-being. He said hard work, ethical conduct, lawful earnings and social responsibility are all part of the Islamic way of life.
“Religion and worldly affairs are not in conflict. They complement one another when guided by moral principles,” he said.
Abdul Raqeeb maintained that Islamic economics, trade, zakat and ethical finance are interconnected elements of a broader economic vision. He argued that if these principles are implemented collectively and effectively, they can contribute not only to economic growth but also to greater social justice, poverty reduction and community development.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Big Story> Economy> India / by Team Clarion India / June 01st, 2026
The fort complex hosts a Hanuman temple and a mosque associated with Tipu Sultan while Bekal Beach adds to the area’s appeal, reports Sandeep Balakrishnan.
The historic Bekal Fort in Keralam’s Kasaragod district which will host a heritage museum to display over 2000 artefacts. (ETV Bharat)
Kasaragod:
A heritage museum is proposed inside the historic Bekal Fort in Keralam’s Kasaragod district to display more than 2,000 artefacts recovered during archaeological excavations, giving visitors an opportunity to explore the area’s history through ancient coins, weapons, ornaments, pottery and other objects.
The museum is planned in a heritage bungalow within the fort premises, currently under the possession of the Bekal Resort Development Corporation (BRDC). The building belongs to the Keralam State Department of Archaeology, and steps have been initiated to reclaim it. The museum project is expected to move forward once the property is handed over to the department.
An inscription at the building indicates that it dates back to 1909 (ETV Bharat)
An inscription at the building indicates that it dates back to 1909. Since Bekal Fort is a protected historical monument, new construction is restricted, making the adaptive reuse of the existing heritage structure central to the proposal.
Bekal Fort underwent extensive archaeological investigations by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), including excavations during 2000-01. These unearthed evidence of different phases of occupation, including remains identified as palace structures, a durbar hall, a temple site and a mint believed to have operated during the reign of Tipu Sultan or under the Mysuru rulers.
Artefacts Reflect Successive Ruling Dynasties
More than 2,000 artefacts were recovered during the excavations. The collection includes coins, metal objects, terracotta seals, pottery fragments, bangles, gold ornaments and other objects that offer insights into the region’s political, economic and cultural history.
Among the significant discoveries were around 300 coins and coin dies associated with the Tipu Sultan era. The copper coins varied in size and carried inscriptions in Persian script. Archaeologists also recovered silver coins, copper blanks used in minting, and terracotta and copper casting moulds, supporting the interpretation that a mint operated within the fort complex.
The museum is planned in a heritage bungalow within the fort premises, currently under the possession of the Bekal Resort Development Corporation (ETV Bharat)
The excavations also revealed residential structures, including a traditional four-courtyard house, a kitchen with hearths and a granite grinding stone. The positioning of a house between two wells led archaeologists to suggest that it may have belonged to the mint’s supervisor, while nearby dwellings could have housed workers.
The recovered objects represent different periods associated with the Ikkeri rulers and the Mysore royal dynasty, including the period of Tipu Sultan. Artefacts linked to the Ikkeri dynasty were found on the eastern side of the fort, while those associated with the Tipu Sultan period were reported from the western side.
The artefacts are currently in ASI custody in Thrissur. Their proposed display at Bekal Fort would bring the archaeological findings closer to the site where they were discovered.
A Landmark Of Coastal History
Spread across a headland overlooking the Arabian Sea, Bekal Fort is one of the most prominent historical monuments in Keralam. Historians commonly associate its construction with Shivappa Nayaka of the Ikkeri dynasty during the 17th century, although the wider history of the region also includes the Kadambas, Kolathiri rulers, the Mysore kingdom and British colonial rule.
The heritage museum will come up within the fort premises, under the possession of the BRDC. (ETV Bharat)
The approximately keyhole-shaped fort is built largely of laterite blocks, with imposing outer walls and strategically positioned openings designed to help guards monitor approaching forces from the sea and surrounding areas. Its surviving features include observation towers designed for cannons, step-wells and underground passages.
The fort complex also contains a Hanuman temple and a mosque associated with Tipu Sultan. Bekal Beach, situated nearby, adds to the area’s appeal as a tourist destination.
The proposed museum would offer a permanent setting for the artefacts and provide visitors with a deeper understanding of Bekal Fort’s archaeological significance and the successive powers that shaped the history of the area.
source: http://www.etvbharat.com / ETV Bharat / Home> National> Offbeat / by Sandeep Balakrishanan, ETV Bharat English News / October 16th, 2026
A book titled “Zimmedar Kaun? Taqseem-e-Hind Ka Muqaddama Insaaf Ki Adalat Mein” (Who is Responsible? The Case of the Partition of India in the Court of Justice) was released by well-known Islamic scholar Hazrat Maulana Khalil-ur-Rahman Sajjad Nomani, at the Jasola Hotel here on Friday.
Authored by researcher Muhammad Sujood-ul-Aziz Al-Qasmi, the publication offers an unbiased, objective examination of the 1947 Partition of India. Utilizing primary documentary evidence, historical facts, and key correspondence, the author frames Partition as a courtroom trial to deliver a fair analysis of the respective roles played by the British Raj, the All-India Muslim League, and the Indian National Congress.
Key speakers—including veteran journalist Dr. Zafarul-Islam Khan and senior journalist Masoom Moradabadi—lauded the author’s painstaking research and the book’s scholarly depth. Attended by prominent local religious figures, distinguished women, and numerous students, the gathering widely praised the volume as a landmark contribution to historical and socio-political literature.
Eminent senior Urdu journalist, columnist, and editor of “Jadeed Khabar”, Mr. Masoom Moradabadi, brought a sharp journalistic and analytical lens to the podium. Opening his address, he reflected on the purpose behind literary works, noting that while Urdu media frequently publishes book reviews, truly purposeful and substantive contributions remain rare. The supreme merit of Al-Qasmi’s work lies in its rigorous research methodology. Eschewing oral hearsay and unverified folklore, the author navigated authentic Urdu, English, and historical archival sources with academic discipline, producing an investigative masterpiece that warrants the highest commendation.
Transitioning to the broader context of Partition historiography, Moradabadi challenged the conventional narrative that places Muslims exclusively in the dock. He drew attention to significant analytical works published across the border, such as Syed Hasan Riaz’s monumental 1,400-page volume ‘Pakistan Naguzeer Tha’ and Chaudhry Khaliquzzaman’s ‘Shahrah-e-Pakistan’, alongside notable Indian contributions like Kamleshwar’s ‘Kitne Pakistan’. Addressing the core question of why this retrospective debate matters nearly eighty years post-independence, he underscored that the Partition remains one of history’s worst human catastrophes, claiming nearly a million innocent lives.
While political theorists often argue that a unified nation would have spared Indian Muslims their current socio-political vulnerability, historical realities demand deeper contemplation. Pakistan, founded upon religious nationalism as a “Mamlekat-e-Khudadad,” fractured along linguistic lines in 1971 with the emergence of Bangladesh. Highlighting the irony inherent in majoritarian political demands, Moradabadi shared his frequent counsel to proponents of a mono-cultural state: “If you wish to reshape India, as a “Hindu Rashtra” look first at the complex realities and fragmentation haunting Pakistan’s history!”—a challenge that invariably leaves proponents silent.
Detailing the grim socio-economic realities of migrant communities (Muhajirs) in urban centers like Islamabad and Karachi, he emphasized that the sacrifices underpinning Pakistan’s creation were heavily compromised by feudal hegemony and elite governance. The systemic marginalization faced by minority and migrant populations across borders serves as a poignant reminder of the failures of majoritarian statecraft. In India, the continuous weaponization of Partition to demand questioning of community loyalty constitutes a malicious scheme by fringe extremist elements. Moradabadi concluded with an earnest recommendation: to bridge cultural divides and counter misinformation effectively, this stellar research work must be translated into Hindi and edited by linguistic experts to reach a broader national readership where the book trade thrives.
Eminent Islamic scholar and founder-editor of The Milli Gazette, Dr. Zafarul-Islam Khan delivered a keynote address characterized by intellectual rigor and fearless candor. Opening his remarks, Dr. Khan congratulated the author for steering clear of emotional rhetoric and adopting a balanced, scholarly methodology that refreshes historical debate.
Focusing on community communication failures, Dr. Khan observed that Indian Muslims have historically failed to articulate their grievances and historical narrative effectively to the global and national mainstream. Whatever documentation existed remained confined to Urdu—a language that itself became a victim of Partition’s linguistic reorganization. Had unity been preserved, Urdu would likely have stood alongside Hindi as a national co-official language. While English persists as an administrative bridge for non-Hindi speaking southern and eastern states, Northern India’s “Cow Belt” has overwhelmingly adopted Hindi as its vernacular baseline. Despite these shifts, Dr. Khan stressed the urgent moral imperative to protect and propagate Urdu, noting that after Arabic, the richest theological and literary heritage of Islamic scholarship resides within Urdu texts, surpassing even Persian in certain analytical compilations.
Reflecting on constitutional history, Dr. Khan recounted the tragic marginalization of Urdu during Constituent Assembly voting, where a initial majority favouring Urdu was overturned due to political compromises. He recalled that Begum Ezaz Rasul’s casting vote in the Constituent Assembly made Hindi the national language but she failed to extract the concession to make Urdu the second official language. He recalled Sardar Patel’s historic assurances regarding minority integration and political reservations and protections that minority leadership voluntarily relinquished in good faith within a secular framework, only to face systemic erosion decades later. Contrasting this trajectory with international models, he cited the Jewish community’s systematic efforts to memorialize historical persecution through literature, cinema, and rigorous legal protections across Western Europe. While external political actions continue to reshape global sympathies, minority communities in pluralistic societies must master modern bridge languages—specifically English —to project their contributions and historical truths accurately.
Challenging simplistic attributions of blame for the Partition, Dr. Khan offered a nuanced structural analysis. The tragedy cannot be reduced to a single culprit; colonial conspiracies played a decisive role. British imperial strategy abhorred the prospect of leaving behind a monolithic superpower comprising India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh—an economic titan commanding a huge chunk of global GDP. Colonial historiography, spearheaded by chroniclers like Elliot and Dawson post-1857, systematically injected communal poison into historical texts. In reality, the Mughal rulers and Muslim dynastic governance integrated disparate principalities into a cohesive economic and administrative grid stretching from Kabul to south India. Concluding his address, Dr. Khan endorsed the book as a monumental, objective contribution that paves the way for intellectual clarity. He suggested that the book should be translated at least into Hindi.
In his visionary presidential address, renowned Islamic scholar Hazrat Maulana Khalil-ur-Rahman Sajjad Nomani elevated the discourse from political critique to civilizational psychology and spiritual resilience. Analyzing the dynamics of societal rise and fall, Maulana Nomani emphasized that navigating severe socio-political adversity requires a balanced, composed psychological state. Despair, panic, and emotional reactivity cloud intellectual clarity and paralyze collective progress. Just as individuals experience biological cycles of health and illness, nations traverse historical epochs of ascendancy and decline governed by universal divine laws.
Addressing the contemporary hopelessness gripping the Muslim community, the Maulana asserted that the current cycle of decline is neither permanent nor absolute. Prophetic traditions explicitly outline periods of trial for the Ummah, but they equally promise a grand renaissance—a ‘Nishat-e-Saaniya’—wherein past prestige and moral leadership will be restored through divine providence. Achieving this revival, however, demands systematic intellectual, moral, and emotional training. During times of intense crisis, leadership must extinguish fear, kindle hope, and foster critical self-accountability.
Maulana Nomani cautioned against internal inferiority complexes fuelled by historical ignorance and unverified propaganda. The persistent self-doubt among the younger generation—questioning whether elders erred in pursuing Partition—stems from a superficial reading of history. A rigorous historical inquiry must examine the complex web of British divide-and-rule tactics, broken political pacts, and compelling existential pressures that forced communities into corners. He praised young scholar Muhammad Sujood-ul-Aziz Al-Qasmi for stepping forward with methodological rigor to counter emotionally charged, rhetorical narratives with archival documentation.
Presenting an extensive and deeply reflective introduction to his work, author Maulana Muhammad Sujood-ul-Aziz Al-Qasmi addressed the audience with an impassioned discourse on the imperatives of historical truth and collective memory. Nearly eighty years have passed since the partition of the country, yet the socio-political climate shows no signs of healing or progressive evolution. Muslims—who shed the most blood and offered unprecedented sacrifices for the liberation of their beloved motherland—find themselves regrettably thrust into the dock of public scrutiny today. An insidious indictment is consistently levied against them, branding them as the primary culprits and sole architects of the Partition of India. The rhetoric has reached such a distressing juncture that the community’s collective fate is brazenly framed around coercive premises: ‘Since a separate nation was carved out in the name of Islam, those who remained here must accept life as second-class citizens’, and ‘If Pakistan could be founded in the name of Islam, why shouldn’t a Hindu Rashtra be established in the name of Hindus?’
Reflecting on the psychological burden this narrative places on the community, the author noted that without access to true historical facts, even conscientious citizens are often left uncomfortable when confronted with such probing queries from fellow countrymen. For years, he harboured a profound internal conflict, mindful of the immense sacrifices rendered by Muslims during the freedom struggle—especially the tragic saga of the First War of Independence in 1857. During that dark period, freedom fighters were crushed in oil mills across the landscape from Chandni Chowk in Delhi to Lahore, and the bodies of martyrs hung from trees as grim reminders of colonial brutality. Even after enduring such devastation, following a principled and collective consensus, a vast majority of Muslims chose to remain in their homeland. Yet, when a portion of undivided India was partitioned in the name of religion, public discourse persistently questioned the moral validity of demanding equal citizenship and rights in the residual nation.
Though fundamentally flawed and unreasonable, this relentless propaganda deeply unsettled empathetic and thoughtful minds for decades. The author expressed profound gratitude to his mentor, Hazrat Maulana Khalil-ur-Rahman Sajjad Nomani, whose comprehensive lecture on the subject nearly a decade ago provided a vital paradigm shift in thought and critical analysis. Extensive reading followed, gradually dissolving the lingering, undeserved sense of collective guilt. In today’s climate—where hate-mongering elements are hyperactive and Muslim communities face constant taunts—an average citizen committed to national welfare easily falls prey to mental distress and a defensive posture. This environment pressures even the well-educated to entertain regressive notions. Consequently, uncovering hidden archival truths preserved in British libraries and independent historical records became an absolute necessity.
Unpacking the methodological challenges of historical inquiry, Al-Qasmi observed that writing history requires rigorous engagement with the works of preceding scholars. The primary challenge lies in navigating the conflicting ideological biases of historical actors and commentators to extract objective truth. Maintaining strict neutrality on a monumental tragedy like the Partition of India is exceptionally difficult, yet vital for scholarly integrity. History is not merely a chronicle of past events; it serves a higher purpose. Rather than recounting the entire chronology of independence, this study isolates a singular, crucial inquiry: Were Muslims truly the culprits of Partition, or were external and multi-party forces responsible?
Examining the multi-layered political landscape, the author noted that existing literature tends to mirror partisan narratives—British justifications, Congress frameworks, or Muslim League stances. Comprehensive works offering an inclusive Muslim perspective remain scarce, often prioritizing leadership actions while overlooking the tireless efforts of organizations like Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind to preserve a united country through workable constitutional formulas. The book endeavours to synthesize a holistic perspective, moving beyond mutual recrimination. With British archival documents now declassified, facts stand in crystal-clear clarity: the Muslims of India were not self-fragmented; rather, they were systematically partitioned under a calculated imperial strategy. Ultimately, the division weakened all parties, fracturing the largest global Muslim community since the Ottoman era. Finding answers to these foundational questions forms the bedrock of this timely research study.
source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home / by Zillur Rahman Haider / October 23rd, 2026
Dariyapur Jaka Village (Bulandshahr District), , UTTAR PRADESH :
New Delhi :
The final results for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025 have been declared, with a total of 958 candidates clearing the prestigious exam this year. Nabiya Parvez from Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, has achieved a remarkable feat by securing All India Rank (AIR) 29.
Her outstanding achievement has brought an atmosphere of celebration not only to her family but to the entire district. Hailing from an ordinary family in Dariyapur Jaka village of Bulandshahr, Nabiya’s success proves that with clear goals and consistent hard work, no dream is out of reach.
Nabiya pursued her Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) at Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi. She had set her sights on the civil services during her college years. She was a student at Jamia Millia Islamia’s Residential Coaching Academy (RCA), which played a crucial role in her preparation. Her continuous effort and proper guidance helped her secure a spot in the top 30 in the highly competitive examination.
Meanwhile, Anuj Agnihotri secured the first position with AIR 1 in the UPSC CSE 2025 results. The other candidates making it to the top 10 list include Rajeshwari Suve M, Aakansh Dhul, Raghav Jhunjhunwala, Ishan Bhatnagar, Jinnia Arora, A R Raja Mohideen, Pakshal Secretary, Aastha Jain, and Ujjwal Priyank.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Top Stories / by Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi / October 20th, 2026
