Tiny-tots and teenager students alike of Al-Asr Academia, Bhopal won the hearts of the audience by their immaculate performances on the stage with highest levels of diligence and determination to pass on a kaleidoscopic spectacle to the audience.
The program displayed immense talent of the students showcasing perfect amalgam of academic excellence and Divine values as the spectators, mostly parents and handful of dignitaries, remained glued in their seats while warming the cockles of their heart.
The occasion was when the Al-Asr Academia celebrated its 6th Annual Function with great fervour and enthusiasm on 25th December, 2022 at the new Ravindra Bhawan Auditorium near Polytechnic Square here.
The Guests of Honour on the occasion included: Maulana Mohammad Abid Khan Mazahari, Ustad Hadith & Fiqh, Masjid Tarjum-e-wali; Maulana Mohammad Yousuf Siddiqui Nadwi, Ustad, Darul Uloom, Allama Abdul Hai Hasani, Bhopal; Janab Dr. Mohammad Shahid, Maqami Ameer, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Bhopal and Maulana Mohammad Umar (Libya), Assistant Professor, Govt. Unani Medical College, Bhopal.
The opening of the programme was initiated with welcoming of guests & parents by the ever enthusiastic nursery children who presented a beautiful Welcome Nasheed honouring the presence of the audience.
A series of exotic talents presented themselves with notable efforts depicting the school’s unflinching efforts to cater to the holistic development of a child’s personality. The unmatchable confidences with which the students faced the audience and performed brilliantly on stage have brought glory to the school.
The audience was taken by awe after witnessing the perfect combination of fluent English, Hindi, Arabic and Urdu speakers who ranged from Nursery to Class 9 students proving how meticulously their teachers work on their diction.
The students presented themselves by reminding from the latest world happening like FIFA World Cup 2022in Qatar to the he ever motivating sayings of the last prophet requiring mankind to follow righteous path and supplications to bring peace and prosperity in one’s life. Baby Aafiyah Ather Khan (Grade 9 Student) delivered a speech on the topic “The Status of Women in Islam” while Master Yusuf Mohammed Khan (Grade 6 Student) presented a song“Wavin’ Flag” which was originally sung by K’naan reflecting the African struggle for freedom. All these performances left an impeccable and everlasting impression on the audience.
Director of Al-Asr Academia Ather Khan spoke on the journey of the school from its inception to its extreme recognition as a distinguished school catering to educating children and preparing them to succeed in both the worlds. He announced the achievements of the students in various disciplines.
Eminent dignitaries congratulated Ather Khan on achieving this difficult task of carrying a perfect blend of education for both the worlds with and spoke accolades about the notable performances of the students in the function.
The event culminated with flashing display of Unity in the form of song “One Big Family” cheering the audience and invoking a sense of brotherhood and communal harmony.
source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Education / by Pervez Bari / January 11th, 2023
A parallel literary conference was held in Bengaluru on January 8, 2023, in response to the alleged exclusion of Muslim writers from the Kannada Sahitya Sammelana organised by the Kannada Sahitya Parishat, a non-profit organisation, funded by the Karnataka government.
Activists and writers in Karnataka expressed their disappointment at the lack of diversity at the Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, leading a group of them to organise a more inclusive event, the ‘Jana Sahitya Sammelana’. Banu Mushtaq and Dr. Mudnakudu Chinnaswamy were the chief guests at the Jana Sahitya Sammelana.
Dalit writer and Sahitya Akademi award winner Mudnakudu Chinnaswamy highlighted the threat of the imposition of Hindi on classical languages such as Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Odia. He also spoke about the attempts to erase Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy, and the exclusion of Muslims from every sphere of public life. “The exclusion of Muslim writers from the literary fest in Haveri was part of a wider agenda of pushing out Muslims from the mainstream,” he said.
Purushottama Bilimale, a prominent Kannada scholar, criticised Kannada writers and representative organisations for their lack of action in addressing the various crises facing the Kannada language and the state of Karnataka. Bilimale specifically mentioned the attacks on syncretic culture as a crisis that needs attention. He pointed out the lack of proper platforms for discussing these issues and expressed disappointment towards the Kannada Sahitya Sammelana for not addressing them. He suggests the organization of conventions like the Janasahitya Sammelana in various regions of the state of Karnataka to help address these issues.
The conference featured poetry, speeches, and panel discussions that focused on resistance and inclusion.
The Jana Sahitya Sammelana was put together by members of various organisations such as Samudaya, Democratic Youth Federation of India, AIDWA, Dalita Sangharsha Samiti, Ondede, Journalist Study Centre, and many others. Actors and activists like Prakash Raj and Dr. Akkai Padmashali were also present as guests and speakers at the conference. The conference was held at the Alumni Hall of the University of Visvesvaraya College of Engineering.
source: http://www.thecognate.com / The Cognate / Home> News / by The Cognate News Desk / January 12th, 2023
Playback singer Nakash Aziz, who has tracks like ‘Saree Ke Fall Sa’, ‘Jabra Fan’ and countless others to his credit, recently performed his biggest hits at the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 celebrations in Cuttack.
The singer joined forces with music director Pritam to do a joint gig and crooned songs like ‘Gaandi Baat’, ‘Dhating Naach’, ‘Mera wala dance’, ‘Saree Ke Fall Sa’, ‘Afgan Jalebi’, ‘Selfie Le Le Re’, ‘Jabra Fan’ and the recent ‘Current Laga’.
Talking about the event, Aziz said: “I am grateful for the chance to perform at the Hockey Men’s World Cup. As an artist, I feel strongly towards pushing young India into a diverse range of sports. The event was a crucial step towards the cause. It is also a joy to be performing with Pritam Da who is such a pioneer music composer and singer.”
He said, “In my solo act, I wanted to play for my fans every track they have loved of mine. I curated a list of tracks close to my heart. I express my gratitude to the Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik sir for supporting the Indian Hockey Team and hockey as a sport.”
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Entertainment / by awazthevoice.in / January 12th, 2023
The Haji Karkala Shaikh Shabu Sahib Memorial Trust organized a mass marriage event at the Shadi Mahal in Bolar on Sunday, with 11 couples entering wedlock in a simple ceremony.
The dua was performed by AL Haj Shaikuna Twaka Ahmed Musliyar, Khazi of Dakshina Kannada, and AL Haj Mufthi Mannan Saheb, Khateeb of Jamia Masjid, Kudroli.
AL Haj K S Mohammed Masood, president of Muslim Central Committee for Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, chaired the event. Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly U T Khader inaugurated the ceremony.
Chancellor of Yenepoya University Dr AL Haj Y Abdullah Kunhi and chairman of Naash Group of Companies in Dubai AL Haj K S Nisar Ahmed Karkala were the chief guests.
An introduction on the objectives of the Haji Karkala Shaikh Shabu Sahib Memorial Trust was made on the occasion by AL Haj K S Imthiyaz Ahmed Karkala.
Trust treasurer Mohammed Aseef Masood, Shadi Mahal chairperson Yousuf Khader, former legislator Moideen Bava, BCCI president S M Rashid Haji, C Mahmood Haji, Haneef Haji Bunder, Basha Saheb Kundapur, Corporator Samshuddin H B T, Lathif Kandak and former Corporator Aboobakar Kudroli were among those who attended the event on Sunday.
Maulana Zubair read the Kira-at, while Trust secretary Dr Mohammed Arif Masood welcomed the gathering.
Muslim Central Committee vice president Haji Ibrahim Kodijal was the master of ceremony.
Felicitation: AL Haj K S Mohammed Masood, AL Haj K S Nisar Ahmed Karkala and Dr Yenepoya Abdullah Kunhi were honoured on the occasion.
Whatever I have achieved as a member of society and the community is thanks to your prayers and blessings. I am happy that our Trust has organized this simple wedding event for 11 couples. I pray for your cooperation in future too. I also pray to Allah to bless me to serve the people.
– AL Haj K S Mohammed Masood, president of Muslim Central Committee
With the farsightedness of senior leader of the community, AL Haj K S Mohammed Masood, the wedding ceremony of 11 couples has been held. He has given an ideal message society with this. The new couples who entered wedlock today should take a decision to raise their children in a noble manner. Only education will help us overcome our problems. The children should be provided excellent education so that they become noble citizens.
– Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly U T Khader
It is laudable that the Trust, which is led by senior leader of the community AL Haj K S Mohammed Masood, has undertaken a noble step towards fulfilling the dream of Shaikh Shabu Sahib. May the new couples lead a happy life.
– Dr AL Haj Y Abdullah Kunhi, Chancellor of Yenepoya University
AL Haj K S Mohammed Masood and AL Haj K S Nisar Ahmed Karkala, who are my elder brothers, have been involved in social and community service for several years. Haji Mohammed Masood has also reached great heights in the political field. My other elder brother Haji Nisar Ahmed, who is a businessman, also has always worked for the welfare of the people. My father Haji Karkala Shaikh Shabu Sahib has been an inspiration for such work. My father, who was a revenue inspector under the British government, was a disciplined worker and also a philanthropist. My brothers have developed this quality of my father and are inspiring us too.
– AL Haj K S Imthiyaz Ahmed Karkala
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / January 15th, 2023
The celebrations will include a series of live performances.
The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat is evoking the memories of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, the last Nawab of the Kingdom of Awadh and the man behind introducing the Urdu culture and the rich Awadhi cuisine in Kolkata. The great grandson of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, Shahanshah Mirza in collaboration with The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat, has curated a series of soiree and Awadhi cuisine on January 8, 2023, to celebrate the 200th birth anniversary of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah.
This is the only occasion in the world where Shaam-e-Awadh is being organised in honour of Wajid Ali Shah’s 200th birth anniversary. The celebration will commence with a series of live performances where guests can immerse in the diverse Urdu culture. The evening is set to begin with a Kathak performance by Nandini Sinha, an eminent Lucknowi Gharana-style Kathak exponent. The Kathak performance will be followed by Mehfil-e-Tarannum, also known as Dastangoi, a soulful poetry performance directed by Askari Naqvi. Adding to the celebration, Atif Ali Khan, the great grandson of the doyen of Indian Classical music, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, singer of Kasur Gharana, will enchant the audiences with his nostalgic Ghazal and Hindustani classical performance.
To mark the birth anniversary celebration, Awadhi Begum Sheeba Iqbal and Chef Shafiqun along with the culinary team of The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat will showcase the ambrosial spread of Awadhi cuisine with dishes include non-vegetarian classics like ‘Kakori Kebab’ and ‘Mutton Nihari’, ‘Seekh kebabs’, ‘Ghutwan kabab’, ‘Yakhni Pulao’ and vegetarian classic such as ‘Ulte Pulte’, ‘Sagpaita with Ghee Chawal’ ‘Qiwami Seewai’, ‘Tali gobhi ka salaan’ to name a few. Through the skills of Chef Sheeba Iqbal and Chef Shafiqun, the food festival will offer delicacies of not just Awadhi cuisine but also of the remnants of the Awadhi food of the royals.
Commenting on the event, Subhash Sinha, General Manager of The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat said, “We are honoured to celebrate the 200th Birth Anniversary of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Awadh with his great grandson Shahanshah Mirza. It is a privilege to host a one-of-kind Shaam-e-Awadh evening with such great fervour and gusto. Guests will get to witness an evening filled with performances by eminent artists showcasing a varied rich culture from Lucknow through Kathak, Ghazal and Awadhi delicacies. It is a pleasure and an honour to host both Chef Sheeba Iqbal and Chef Shafiqun as we continue to exhibit and collaborate with culinary masters from across the country. Our aim at The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat has always been to provide guests with the opportunity to experience unique events and cuisines. We look forward to hosting more such soulful evenings in the City of Joy.”
Commenting on the event, Shahanshah Mirza, the great grandson of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah said, “I am very grateful to The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat, which is one of the finest five star hotels in this country, for organising this event. This is perhaps the only occasion in the world where Shaam-e-Awadh is being organised in honour of Wajid Ali Shah’s 200th birth anniversary. It will be an evening which will be memorable and an evening which people will remember for a very long time.”
source: http://www.bwhotelier.businessworld.in / BW Hotelier.com / Home / by BW Online Bureau / December 27th, 2022
The Rs 15-crore, 40,000 sqft modern facility that can accommodate 300 people was opened last week.
Yusuffali M A and Punalur Somarajan bring two wheelchair-bound inmates to the prayer hall of Gandhibhavan.
Kochi:
In September 2016, after laying the foundation stone of his proposed mall in Thiruvananthapuram, Lulu Group chairman and managing director Yusuffali M A visited Gandhibhavan, a destitute home for senior citizens and children in Pathanapuram, Kollam. The sight of elderly women left orphaned by their children troubled the UAE-based businessman, who runs 255 stores and shopping malls in the Gulf and other parts of the globe.
“He could not fathom how aged mothers could be abandoned in a destitute home by their children. And this troubled him no end,” a confidant said. The next few months and years saw Yusuffali visiting the inmates of Gandhibhavan at regular intervals and supporting them with their medical, food and other requirements. In the process, he supported the home with around Rs 7.5 crore for the medical, food, and clothing needs of the inmates.
Around the same time, Yusuffali also got personally involved in setting up a three-storey elderly home for the women of Gandhibhavan. The Rs 15-crore, 40,000 sqft modern facility that can accommodate 300 people was opened last week. Gandhibhavan, founded by Dr Punalur Somarajan, a public figure who lost his mother early in his life, will be run as earlier with Yusuffali as its mentor.
Gandhibhavan building
inauguration of the new building, constructed over three years, was also unique: it was carried out by three aged mothers of the care home, and no politician was invited. The ‘griha pravesh’ (housewarming) was completed when Yusuffali and Somarajan helped two inmates in wheelchairs into their respective rooms. The billionaire has also provided adjustable side-rail beds, furniture, two lifts, a laboratory, pharmacy, library, prayer rooms, dining hall, a doctor’s consulting room, and modern waste-management facility, among others, for the elderly home.
“The responsibility of taking care of aged parents rests with their children. Only 15 women of Gandhibhavan are unwed. The remaining women had grown-up children, who had abandoned them. I built the new facility so that their sunset years will be spent at a good place and in abundance,” Yussufali said at the opening of the new home.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Kerala / by Express News Service / January 12th, 2023
Aasif Sheikh has been honoured by the World Book Of Records for playing 300 different characters on Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai. The actor shared his picture with the certificate on social media.
Aasif Sheikh holding his certificate from World Book of Records.
Who doesn’t love Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hai’s Vibhuti Narayan Mishra? With his quirky ways of flirting with the neighbour’s wife to portraying different hilarious characters, Vibhuti is the show’s favourite. Did you know that Aasif Sheikh, who plays the role of Vibhuti, has also portrayed 300 different characters on the show? The actor has now been bestowed with a special certificate from the World Book of Records, London, for crossing 300 characters in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain.
Aasif Sheikh Honoured by World Book of Records
Aasif Sheikh has won a million hearts with his constant hard work and amazing comic timing. He has now received a special award for portraying various characters on Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hai. Aasif posted his picture with the certificate on his Instagram account and wrote, “Thank you guys for making it happen. Crossed 300 different characters in bhabhiji ghar par hai (sic).” In the picture, the actor looks elated holding his certificate while wearing a blue check shirt.
Saumya Tandon is ‘Super, Super Proud’ of Aasif Sheikh
Saumya Tandon, who earlier played the role of Anita bhabi on the show congratulated Aasif Sheikh and commented, “Huge Congratulations, no one else deserves this more than you. It’s all the years of hard work , labour of love and passion for your craft. Super proud (sic).”
About Aasif Sheikh
Aasif started his journey in 1984 with India’s first TV serial Hum Log. He then appeared in a number of TV shows and Bollywood films. The actor featured in popular shows such as Yug, Champion, Tanha, Muskaan, Gul Sanobar, Chandrakanta, Yes Boss, Dill Mill Gayye, CID and Chidiya Ghar to name a few.
source: http://www.indiatoday.in / India Today / Home> News> Television> Celebrity / by Grace Cyril, Mumbai / October 21st, 2021
The founder and rector of Darul Uloom Markaze Islami, Ankleshwar, Maulana Moosa Makrod was almost 80 years old. He was very active in performing his day-to-day duty at the time. In spite of old age, he seemed very fit and energetic. He never complained of any sickness. However, suddenly, a message was circulated on the WhatsApp on 31st July 2020 informing that he has been sick since two days and his health condition is deteriorating. Following the illness of a few days, he passed away on 5th August 2020 at 04:00 in the morning. The news of his death spread like jungle fire. For his dear and near ones as well as the graduates of Markaze Islami, this news was very shocking and heartbreaking. May Allah grant him Jannah!
Maulana Makrod was a humble, polite, sociable, good conduct, pious, simple and kind-hearted. There is a Hadith of our beloved prophet Muhammad (SAWS): “The believer is naively noble.” (Sunan Tirmidhi: 1964) It means that a believer is a simple and kind-hearted, therefore, he can be deceived due to his gentlemanly belief in other people. This Hadith was very much applicable to Sheikh Makrod in my opinion.
The Almighty Allah has bestowed him with the great love and affection for Islamic scholars and pious people. He loved them very much. He used to invite the scholars and pious people in Markaze Islami. Whenever any scholar visited any institution of the vicinity, he tried his level best to bring them in Markaz. His habit of presenting himself among those scholars was as a faithful student before a kind teacher. It doesn’t matter either they are aged or young. He would arrange the food to host such guests from his home.
Due to Maulana Makrod’s love for the scholars, Maulana Moinuddin Gondavi (May Allah grant him Jannah!), former Sheikhul Hadith of Madrasah Imdadia, Muradabad, UP, decided to stay at Markaze Islami for a long period of time, when he had to settle down in Gujarat for his treatment. Maulana Makrod took care of him as long as he stayed at Markaz, until he breathed his last and was buried in the campus of Markaz. Maulana Gondavi felt very much comfortable during his stay at Markaz. Maulana Makrod had special love for Maulana Gondavi. I remember there was a gathering of Nikaah for Maulana Makrod’s late son: Maulana Ismail Makrod (1974-2018) (May Allah grant him Jannah!) in the Masjid of Ravedra, a village in Bharuch district. Maulana Moinuddin addressed the gathering before Nikaah. He mentioned a certain story and the tears started rolling on his cheeks. Maulana Moosa Makrod stood at once, took out the handkerchief from his pocket and started wiping his tears.
Maulana Makrod was very punctual of Salah. Be it rain, summer or winter season, in spite of his old age, he used to perform Salaah in Markaz’s Masjid. Occasionally, he used to awake the students of Markaz for Fajr Salaah. Early in the morning, he used to reach the office on the time as well. He used to complete the day-to-day affairs on the time. He was accustomed to reach the office in the morning and remained until the morning session was over for the lunch. Then he left for the home to have lunch. At Zuhr Salaah time, again he was present in the Madrasah for Salaah. Following Salaah, he sat in the office again to settle the works. Whatever was the burden of the duty, but he never expressed the tiredness. Always he was happy and active to perform his duty.
When the afternoon session was over, he used to go to the Masjid following Adhan. He performed Asr Salaah in Markaz’s Masjid. Following Salaah, commonly, he used to sit with the final year students in the Masjid and had discussion with them. He used to guide and train those students.
Maulana Makrod and his son Maulana Ismail Makrod used to treat me like a member of their family. I will always remember their kindness. Whenever there was a programme in Markaz, they used to give me chance to let me prove my mettle. They encouraged me for whatever good work I did. Whenever there was a function in the campus of Markaz, frequently they give me chance to run it. Once I got chance to run the annual function which was presided by Sheikh Tariqat Maulana Qamruz Zaman Allahabadi (May Allah protect him!).
Whenever there was a programme in an institution, Maulana Makrod mostly used to send me to participate. After coming back from the programme, he used to call me in the office to know the programme’s details. In this way, I had chance to visit several institutions in Gujarat. Whenever any new book or a magazine came in the office, he used to give me to read and write the letter of thanks to the sender.
Following my arrival in Zambia with his suggestion, I was in touch with him continuously. He and his beloved son Maulana Ismail Makrod were very delighted after knowing the educational and social works in Zambia. Maulana Ismail Makrod insisted me several times to visit Ankleshwar. When I planned to visit India in November 2011, he asked me visit Ankleshwar. I had no any option, but to follow his suggestion. When I phoned Maulana Moosa Makrod, he also invited me to come to Ankleshwar. I reached Ankleshwar. My family and I stayed at their bungalow as they had arranged our stay there. We were welcomed and hosted by them with open arms. They insisted me to stay at least a week. They treated me as a family member. I stayed two-three days and came back, due to the lake of time.
The kindness, sympathy, humanity, morality and sincerity I found in him, are hardly found in this age. Anyway, now Maulana Makrod and his son Maulana Ismail Makrod have left for heavenly abode. I am sure that the thousands of the students who learned at Darul Uloom Markaze Islami will remember them. They will make Duaa for them, In Shaa Allah.
The Almighty Allah had decided the same time for Maulana Moosa Makrod so he passed away at the appointed time without late. The Almighty Allah says: “For every people there is an appointed time. So, when their appointed time will come, they cannot be late for a moment, nor will they get ahead.” (Aaraaf: 34) He spent a number of years serving at Markaze Islami. He founded this institution as a small Madrasa and latter it became like a fruit bearing tree. Thousands of students benefited from this institution and a lot are still benefiting. It is the duty of the graduates of Markaz to make Duaa for him!
Maulana Makrod’s Birth:
Maulana Makrod was born on 22nd November 1939 at his native place called: “Diva” in Bharuch district of Gujarat. His father’s name was Maulana Ismail Makrod, who was working in Durban city of South Africa. He passed away and was buried in Durban. May Allah grant him Jannah!
Educational Journey:
Maulana Makrod received his basic education at his hometown Diva. For the further education, he got admission in Jamia Husainia Rander, Surat in 1952. He completed his Fazilat course 1959 from Jamia. He learnt Sahihul Bukhari from Maulana Ahmad who was a student of Sheikhul Islam Mualana Husain Ahmad Madani. May Allah grant them Jannah!
Following graduation from Jamia, Maulana Makrod left for Darul Uloom, Deoband to benefit from the elder scholars of Darul Uloom. He remained almost two years in Deoband. He used to participate particularly in the lectures of Allahmah Ibrahim Baliawi, Allamah Fakhruddin Muradabadi, Qari Muhammad Tayyib (May Allah grant them Jannah!) etc. While being in Deoband, he used to take part in the special gathering of elder scholars of Darul Uloom to benefit from them.
Oath of Allegiance and Khilafah
The first and foremost, Maulana Makrod took the oath of allegiance to Maulana Maseehullah Khan of Jalalabad, UP. Following his death, Maulana Makrod again took the oath of allegiance to Maulana Moinuddin Gondavi (Ex-Sheikhul Hadeeth: Madrasah Imdadia, Muradabad, UP). After his death, Maulana Makrod joined Maulana Qamruz Zaman Allahabadi (Hafizahullah!). He was blessed with Khilafah from Maulana Allahabadi and Maulana Muneer (Hafizahullah!).
His Survivor:
Allah the Almighty has blessed Maulana Makrod with three sons and four daughters. His son Maulana Ismail Makrod, deputy rector of Darul Uloom Markaze Islami and director of MIERC, Ankleshwar passed away on 17th November 2018 in a car accident. He was very much hopeful about Maulana Ismail that he would shoulder the responsibility to take Markaz ahead. But Allah Ta’ala had decided something else. As long as Maulana Ismail was alive, he assisted him in most of the activities. Maulana Moosa Makrod was much grieved after his death. Whenever I talked to him after the death of Maulana Ismail Makrod, he used to talk about him.
Following the death of Maulana Ismail Makrod, he was survived by his wife, two sons and four daughters. One of his sons is Mr. Iqbal Moosa Makrod who was resident in Leister, UK. But after his younger brother’s death, he came back to his hometown and started serving in Darul Uloom Markaze Islami to assist his elderly father and he is still serving. May Allah accept his services and grant him the best reward!
Maulana Makrod’s another son is Mr. Zubair Moosa Makrod who is settled in New York, USA with his family. One of his daughters is Bilqis Yusuf Topia, a house wife and a resident of Gloucester, England with her family members. The second daughter is Nafisah Saeed Hejazi who is a resident in New York, USA with her family members. The third daughter is Hajirah Javed Jogiat who is resident in UK with her family members. His last born daughter is Khadiajah Saeed Patel. She is resident in New York, USA. May Allah keep them happy and well!
Maulana Moosa Makrod’s Services in Educational Field
Career and Practical Life
After coming back from Deoband, Maulana Makrod taught seven years in the Maktab of Diva. Then he established a Maktab namely: Maktab Noorul Islam in 1975, in Ankleshwar Musafir Khana. Then he established Darul Uloom Markaze Islami in Ankleshwar in 1984. Then he also established a school in Goya Bazar of Ankleshwar namely Markaz Islami School. Then he established Markaze Islami Education and Research Center in the campus of Darul Uloom Markaze Islami in 2003 to equip newly graduate Ulama from different Madaaris with English language and computer science.
Establishment of Darul Uloom Markaze Islami:
Maulana Moosa Makrod offered his services in several fields. I am trying to present his services in the field of education briefly. His great and memorable service is establishment of Darul Uloom Makraze Islami. He ran this institution beautifully from the first day it was founded as its rector until he breathed his last. Briefly, I am going to shed light that when, how and why this institution was established? Then the services of this institution will be also presented to let the readers know the background of establishment of this institution.
Darul Uloom Markaze Islami, Ankleshwar is a well-known institution in Gujarat. Maulana Moosa Makrod used to tell about the foundation of this Darul Uloom that he left his village’s Maktab and started a stationary shop in Ankleshwar. Then he was suggested by his teacher, Maulana Saeed Ahmad, Rector: Jamia Husainia, Rander to start a Maktab in Ankleshwar and teach the children basic of Islamiyyat along with running his shop. Following the suggestion, he started a Maktab: Noorul Islam in Ankleshwar Musafir Khana in 1975 and started teaching along with running his shop.
After few years, due to the growing number of the pupils, Musafir Khana was not enough to accommodate all the pupils. Then with suggestion of some his friends, he decided to arrange a piece of land and found an institution. With the help of Allah, he was successful in arranging the land for Madrasah nearby the GGCL (Gujarat Gas Company Limited) in Ankleshwar. In 1405=1984, the foundation stone was laid by two great personalities of the time, Maulana Ahmad Raza Ajmeri, (Ex-Sheikhul Hadith: Darul Uloom Ashrafiyyah, Rander, Surat) and Maulana Moinuddin Gondavi (Ex-Sheikhul Hadith: Madrasah Imdadia, Muradabad) and the institution was named: Darul Uloom Markaze Islami.
After the foundation, Sheikh Ahmad Raza Ajmeri took care of Markaz as its patron. Following his death, Maulana Moinuddin was made the patron. After his death, Sheikhe Tariqat Maulana Qamruzzaman Allahabadi was made the patron of Markaz. From the foundation day, the institution is progressing by leaps and bounds. May Allah arrange the better substitute for Markaz and may it continue progressing.
Markaze Islami provides the education from the basic classes of Urdu to the final year of Alimiyyah Course. With a bit changing in the known syllabus of Darse Nizami, the English language and the computer science have been included up to the 4th standard as this is the crying need of the time. Up to now, almost 500 students have completed their Aalimiyyah course form this institution and they are serving within and outside the country. May Allah accept their services!
The memorization of the holy Qura’an is called Hifz. If a person has memorized the whole Qura’an from cover to cover, he is called Hifzul Qura’an. There is a Hifz Department in Markaz as well. There are 11 Hifz classes running under 11 expert teachers of Hifz. There are about 260 pupils in Hifz Classes currently. Almost 536 pupils have completed Hifz course up to now from Markaz.
It is essential to recite the holy Qura’an with correct pronunciation of the Arabic alphabets caring the rules of Tajweed. If a person fails to recite the Holy Qrua’an with Tajweed, he is sinner. Maulana Moosa Makrod was very careful about it, so he established a department for Tajweed and Qira’at. The department has produced 120 students who completed Hafs, 94 students who completed Sab’ah and 42 students who completed Thalathah and 9 students who completed Ashrah Kabeer and received the certificates of Qaari. These students are serving within the country and abroad as the teachers, Imams etc.
Realizing the interest of the graduating students in Islamic Jurisprudence, “Department of Specialization in Islamic Jurisprudence” (Iftaa) was introduced in 2010. Following the admission in the department, the students get expertise and proficiency in Fiqh. Up to now, 29 students have completed the course and were granted the certificates of Mufti. The statistics mentioned here are according to the annual report of 1440 AH.
For the perfection of the writing and speaking skills of the enrolled students, there are three Anjumans (Students’ unions) working under the supervision of the teachers. Under those unions, weekly programmes are held regularly. Under “Anjuman Tarbiyatut Talbah”, the pupils practice to develop their oratory and writing skills in Urdu language. For practice to develop their Arabic speaking and writing skills, they participate in the weekly progrmme held under “Al-Nadi Al-Adabi”. Under “Anjuman Tahseen Al-Qura’an Al-Kareem” the pupils practice how to recite the holy Qura’an beautifully applying the rules of Tajweed, they get trained for Khutbah of Jumah and to lead Salah etc.
Maulana Moosa Makrod established this institution with few pupils and the teachers in 1984. The Almighty Allah accepted this institution and currently about 550 pupils are getting free education and they are trained for good moral and character. After graduation, they play a constructive role in guiding the public to follow the straight path as the responsible citizens. To educate and train the students, there are 44 teachers who are working day and night. There are also 15 other auxiliary staff providing additional duties as cook, launderer, cleaner etc. All these are happening with Allah assistance, the good arrangement by the rector and the generous public donations. May Allah accept their services and grant them abundant reward! May Allah protect this institution from all types of evils!
Establishment of Markaze Islami School:
None can deny the need of Islamic school in this current age; rather the thinkers, writers and scholars are writing and speaking on the need of the establishment of Islamic schools. They ask the Muslim community, the organizations and the trusts to found Islamic school if they have resources to bear the expenses. Al-Hamdulillah, Maulana Moosa Makrod realized this need of the community decades ago and established an Islamic school namely: Markaze Islami Gujarati School, under the management of Darul Uloom Markaze Islami in Goya Bazar of Ankleshwar. The pupils are receiving modern education in Islamic environment. The school is recognized up to the 10th standard from the Gujarat government. Almost 432 pupils are learning under 15 qualified teachers. Following completion of the school, the pupils go to the different colleges and universities for higher modern education, Al-Hamdulillah.
Establishment of Markaze Islami Education & Research Center (MIERC)
The significance and need of English language in the modern age to understand the newly invented things or for preaching the true messages of Islam are not hidden for any sensible person. That was the reason that Maulana Moosa Makrod sent his son Maulana Ismail Makrod Delhi to learn English language in Markazul Ma’arif Education & Research Center. When he came back after learning English language, he tried to expand the chain of Markazul Ma’arif and requested his father to found an institution like that to educate newly graduated Ulama.
Maulana Moosa Makrod also realized the fact that thousands of Ulama are graduating each year from different Madaaris. One Markazul Ma’arif is not enough to meet the need; but establishing more institutions like that is crying need of the hour so that more Ulama after equipping with English language, can address the need of the people and can preach Islamic messages simply as English is easily understood. So, he got ready to establish an English Department. But before establishing, he thought proper to seek the opinions of the scholars, then finally to go ahead following their opinions. The scholars responded in affirmative and acknowledged the need of the English language. Then Maulana Moosa Makrod finalized to materialize this programme under the campus of Darul Uloom Markaze Islami.
Foundation of the Center
After getting positive replies, he started planning to found a center for the said purpose. According to the plan, he founded the institution namely: Markaze Islamic Education and Research Center, in 2003, under the management of Darul Uloom Markaze Islami within its campus. It was first time in the history that a two-year Diploma in English Language & Literature course was introduced in the campus of a Madrasa. Maulana Ismail Makrod was given the charge as director to run it. After the entrance exams, the newly graduated Ulama from different Madaris, who had interest in preaching the true messages of Islam as well as learning English language, were selected as the students of the first batch. Then the center started functioning practically.
The Services of the Graduates of the Center
A good number of Ulama graduated from different Madaaris try to get admission in this department being keen to learn the English language. The department is equipping the Ulama with English language and literature as well as computer science for last 17 years. In this period, the number of the students who have graduated from this institution is 270. Most of those Ulama are busy in teaching. Dozens of those Ulama are serving in other countries like: England, America, Canada, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Australia etc. May Allah accept their services and make it continuous charity for the both Maulana Moosa and Maulana Ismail Makrod! May Allah grant them Jannatul Firdaus!
source: http://www.millattimes.com / Millat Times / Home> Opinion / by Khursheed Alam Dawood Qasmi / December 06th, 2022
This sleepy north Indian town is all set to become a major pilgrimage centre for Shia Muslims following the chance discovery of a tomb said to belong to Imam Sayyid Mash-had Ali, a son of Imam Ali Raza, the eighth descendant of Prophet Muhammad. Samana is located 28 kilometers from Patiala in the Indian state of Punjab.
Front gate to the graveyard,Rear side of the graveyard,The grave and the epitaph planted in the wall facing the grave. a. (http://www.imamjawad.net/htm/ara/ library/mosoa_imam_jawad/m2_ 3.htm#m4).
According to scholars of Muslim history, the discovery of the mazar is significant in that there is no mazar of any Imam in South Asia.
Scholars are of the view that Imam Sayyid Mash-had Ali was buried here about 1200 years ago and the town of Samana also takes its name from his mother. Facts related to this have been confirmed with old religious books, sources claimed. But we do not find “Mash-had” as one of the sons of Imam Ali Raza who, according to historical sources, had only two sons: Ali (the ninth Imam) and Moosa. According to some sources, he also had a third son called Yahya. (http://www.imamjawad.net/h
The Samana tomb was discovered by chance during the visit of Lahore High Court Judge, Shabbar Rizvi, about three months ago, when the stone at the shrine was cleared. Judge Rizvi, whose family emigrated from Samana at the time of Partition, told the local administration that a great saint lies buried at the place and he asked them to clear the place. Upon clearing it the inscription emerged.
Since its discovery, the mazar has been thronged by a host of important Shia dignitaries, including clerics from Lucknow and diplomats from the Iranian embassy in Delhi. They are now working on plans for its restoration and renovation.
A team comprising of Lucknow’s Maulana Kalbe Jawwad and two functionaries of the Iranian Embassy in Delhi accompanied by Dr Nasir Naqvi, a teacher of Punjabi University, visited the tomb. The Iran Cultural House in Delhi is planning to hold a seminar on this discovery in Chandigarh.
Maulana Kalbe Jawwad informed MG that while visiting Delhi recently he was told that there existed a tomb of a “saint” who is said to be a pedigree of the Eight or the Ninth Imam of the Shiites. During his visit to the place, he was told that Sayyids were living at the place but after Partition it was ruined as the Muslim inhabitants emigrated to Pakistan. Sikh Nihangs told him that they tried to build a Gurudwara on the spot but whenever they erected any structure it crumbled. Owing to superstition, they left the place untouched and asked the Punjab Waqf Board to grant them some other land and the same was granted to them at a distance of 200 meters from the site of the grave. Maulana Jawwad added that the tomb exists from the time of Emperor Akbar. He said that he would be leaving for Iran on 11 July to track the history of the tomb and if proved it would be the greatest religious site of Muslims in the Subcontinent as there is no proof that any descendant of the Prophet is buried in South Asia.
Maulana Jawwad also said that he is thinking of facilitating the transfer of about 5000 Shiite families to Samana in order to inhabit the place and take care of the tomb.
In Samana, Sant Kirpalji of Gurudwara Thada Saheb (situated at a distance of a kilometer from the tomb) told MG that the Sikh order called “Buddha Dal” took care of the tomb after Partition. Earlier the place was served by Thambi Baba who disappeared one day. Now a Brahmin called Mangat Ram takes care of the place and keeps it clean out of love. Sant Kirpalji also said that he has seen a book in Urdu about the history of Samana. According to him Persians of “Samanat” caste came here and inhabited the place centuries ago. They were cloth merchants.
According to Sant Kirpalji and others in the area, the important tomb belongs to “Chauda Peer” (Wide Saint) who is considered the most important saint in the area. The adjacent tomb, according to them, belongs to his brother or wife. A third tomb to the right belongs to his maternal uncle who is addressed by the villagers as “Imam Saheb” or “Bada Peer” (Big Saint). Around 80 kela land (about 320 bighas) is attached to the tomb but most of it has been usurped by the villagers. Only five kelas is left for the tomb which is used for agriculture and the income is utilised for the upkeep and repair of the tomb. Sant Kirpalji keeps a separate register for this purpose.
The tomb is located in a large compound which is about four kilometers outside Samana town. It has an impressive Mughal style gate but the structures inside are in need of urgent repair. A number of graves are found all over the place (see sketch where G denotes graves; 1 is for Chauda Peer’s grave, 2 for his brother or wife’s grave, and 3 for the grave of his maternal uncle). The Persian epitaph planted in the wall facing the grave seems to be recent and made by a novice (see above). It reads: “Tomb of Hazrat Imam Mash-had Ali son of Hazrat Ali Moosa Raza. Built by Ajruddin Khan Mughal son of Bakhsh Allah Khan in the month of Blessed Ramadan 967 Hijri corresponding to Year 4 of Emperor Akbar.”
The Chief Minister of Punjab, Captain Amrinder Singh, has ordered the concerned authorities to start working on the site immediately so that it could be declared a sacred place.
Additional reporting and photographs by Nadim Ahmad, Samana and Rizvi Syed Haider Abbas, Lucknow
source: http://www.milligazette.com / The Milli Gazette Online / Home / by Zafarul Islam Khan / June 16-30, 2005
Contrary to the popular notion that wars are fought by the armies alone, the whole nation including Bollywood personalities and leading artists get involved in the national efforts to fight the enemy.
The Chinese invasion in October 1962 was a shocking moment for India. Traditionally, India had supported China at every international forum for at least half a century. The invasion was the least expected from China and India was not at all prepared for it. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru urged the nation to stand united in that hour of emergency and in response Indians donated generously to the National Defence Fund.
The film industry did not lag. Film Industry’s war efforts were led by legendary filmmaker Mehboob, singer Mohammed Rafi and music composer Mohammed Zahur Khayyam Hashmi (Khayyam).
In less than a week they collaborated to produce two music videos, which were to be played in film theaters, on the radio, and on the roadsides to raise funds for the war.
One of those two songs, “Awaz do hum ek hain…”, by Jaan Nisar Akhtar is now a popular political slogan in India. On Nehru’s call to the nation, Jaan Nissar Akhtar wrote the song to which music was given by Khayyam and the voice by Mohammad Rafi. The song is an invocation to Indians to unite in the face of an invader became a national passion and remains so till today.
The song starts with:
ek hai apni zameen, ek hai apna gagan
ek hai apna jahaan, ek hai apna watan
apne sabhi sukh ek hai, apne sabhi gham ek hai
Aawaz do ham ek hai
(We have a common earth, we have a common sky
We have a common world, we have a common motherland
All our joys are common, all our sorrows are common
Say it aloud that we are one!)
The powerful lyrics were turned into a national rage by the soulful singing of Rafi. Jago watan khatre me hai, sara chaman khatre me hai (wake up our motherland is under threat, whole garden is under siege) and dushman se nafrat farz hau, ghar ki hifazat farz hai (hating your enemy is a duty, to guard your home is a duty), aroused patriotic emotions among millions of Indians. The song asks the youth to join the army and fight the aggressor.
The song was picturized on Rajendra Kumar, Sunil Dutt, Raj Kumar, and Kamal Jeet.
Another song produced along with this was written by Sahir Ludhianvi, “watan ki abroo khatre main hai…” (dignity of the nation is under threat). It was also produced by Mehboob and sung by Mohammed Rafi. The song specifically points to the Panchsheel pact and other friendly gestures made by India towards China. It says,
Wo jinko saadgi mein hamne
Aankhon par bithhaaya thha
Wo jinko bhai kehkar
Hamne seene se lagaaya thha
Wo jinki gardanon mein haar
Baahon ka pehnaaya thha
Ab unki gardanon ke waaste
Talwaar ho jaao
(The people we honoured because of our innocence
The people we embraced and called brothers
The people we received with love
Now, do become swords for their throats)
The song also points toward the internal threats at the time of war.
Khabar rakhna koi gaddaar
Saazish kar nahin paaye ae
Nazar rakhna koi zaalim
Tijori bhar nahin paaye ae
(Be vigilant that no traitor conspires against the nation
Be vigilant that nobody makes money out of our war efforts)
The song was picturized on Dilip Kumar, Rajendra Kumar, Raj Kumar, and Kamal Jeet in a video produced by Mehboob.
Lorries with speakers would roam around playing these songs and prompting people to donate generously. It is said that when one such procession reached the house of Shammi Kapoor his wife actor Geeta Bali started crying. She rushed inside her house and told Shammi that she needed to do something for the nation. Geeta took all her jewelry, even the pieces she wore, and gave it away for war.
Rafi felt that singing in the safety of Mumbai was a disgrace in the line of his national duty. He discussed with Dilip Kumar and urged PM Nehru to send them to the border. What would they do there? Rafi felt that his songs could boost the morale of Indian soldiers and the presence of Dilip Kumar would assure the troops that the whole nation is standing behind them.
It was a dangerous mission. It was unprecedented for the artists to perform at the war front. In the cold, Rafi and Dilip reached the war frontier. He sang songs, interacted with soldiers, and boosted their morale. Dilip Kumar later recalled, “needless to say he was the star attraction with the jawans and the young newly commissioned officers”.
After the war ended with a ceasefire the collected funds were used to recover the economy and modernizing the Army.
On 27 January 1963, Mehboob organized an event in Delhi where he invited.all the prominent film stars to perform in the presence of President S Radhakrishnan and PM Jawaharlal Nehru. The event is often remembered for the rendition of “Aey mere watan ke logo…” by Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammad Rafi sang two songs. One was written by Shakeel Badayuni and its music was composed by Naushad, “Apni azadi ko hum hargiz mita sakte nahi.” The song was later adapted into the film Leader and the other was “Kar chale hum fida….” written by Kaifi Azmi and composed by Madan Mohan, which was later adopted in Haqeeqat, a movie based on the India-China war.
The fact that Rafi went to the war frontier and stayed there for a few days to play what turned out to be a big morale booster for the troops remains an unprecedented manifestation of one’s sense of responsibility towards his country.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Culture / by Saquib Salim / December 24th, 2022
