Category Archives: Community Involvement / Social Issues

Jamal Ahmed ‘Jamal’: A 98-Year-Old Poet Who Met Gandhi, Donated Land and Advocates for Unity

Marui Village (Nawada District), BIHAR / Kolkata, WEST BENGAL :

A young Jamal who met Gandhi in 1947 later shaped Kolkata’s hospitality scene and contributed to renowned chains like Arsalan and Mezban.

A scholar of Sanskrit, he is a well-known figure in the city’s literary circles. However, despite his generous donation of 15 katthas of land for a government hospital, the Bihar government has yet to honor the donors, leaving his legacy unacknowledged.

  Primary Health Centre in Marui, Nawada and Jamal Ahmed ‘Jamal’

Kolkata:

In the heart of Kolkata’s vibrant Prafulla Sarkar Street, Jamal Ahmed, the 98-year-old hotelier and poet, sits in the backroom of Aliah Hotel, his voice resonating with the same intensity as the lively street outside.

Jamal Ahmed, a nonagenarian, is known in the city as a poet and a concerned citizen. But the 98-year-old is also a philanthropist. He has donated 15 Katthas of land in his native village in Bihar for a government hospital, which last year became operational.

A Philanthropic Legacy: Land Donation for a Government Hospital in Bihar

“The land (in Marui village, Nawada district) was the costliest in the adjoining areas. But my father, who decided to donate it to the government to build a hospital there, did not hesitate,” informed Firdaus Jamal, son of Jamal Ahmed.

The market rate for land in Marui village is at least Rs 20 lakhs per kattha. In Bihar’s Nawada district, one kattha of land is equivalent to 3 decimals.

“I had told my mother that one day there will be a hospital in your name. So I had to do it,” Jamal Ahmed told eNewsroom. The family proposed the name of the hospital as QZJ Government Hospital, incorporating the names of Jamal and his parents. There is a board at the hospital where Jamal Ahmed Jamal’s name as the donor is mentioned. However, the Bihar government has yet to adopt the name suggested by the donors’ family.

The 20-bed primary hospital is now operational.

Poet Jamal Ahmed ‘Jamal’ | eNewsroom

When donating, I did not make any demands, such as asking for government jobs for my family members or insisting that a doctor from my family should practice here,” he said.

“I demand that either the Bihar Chief Minister (Nitish Kumar) or the Health Minister inaugurate the hospital,” the donor added.

Jamal Ahmed, a multifaceted personality, knows five languages and completed his Master’s in Sanskrit from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and his Bachelor’s in Science (BSc) from Patna University. He frequently uses Sanskrit shlokas in his poetry. Much of his poetry focuses on communal harmony in the country.

A major event in his life was meeting the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on August 13, 1947 in Kolkata.

A Life of Literature and Peace: Jamal Ahmed’s Encounter with Mahatma Gandhi

“I was just 18 years old, but Gandhiji was desperately seeking peace for the country. When I heard that Gandhiji was in Kolkata and my uncle, Kareem Sahab, was going to meet him, I joined my uncle and reached Beleghata,” recalled the nonagenarian, quickly adding that he has no picture with Gandhiji.

“In my brief interaction, I requested Gandhiji for peace in the country and to stop the riots. Gandhiji replied that he came to Kolkata for this very purpose and would be traveling to other parts of the country for the same reason.”

The well-known hotelier has great command over recipes and dishes. “I have helped several hotel outlets in Kolkata and abroad set up their centers. Some of them are now big names, like Arsalan and Mezban.”

Jamal Ahmed’s sons run several hotels in Kolkata, including the famous Arafat Hotel on Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road, which is managed by Firdaus Jamal.

Aliah Hotel on Prafulla Sarkar Street—where Jamal Ahmed feels he gains the wings to fly.

Preserving Harmony Through Poetry: The ‘Tatkal’ Poet’s Message for Unity

But in Kolkata’s literary circles, ‘Jamal’ is known for his ‘Tatkal’ poetry. A ‘Tatkal’ poet is one who can deliver a poem instantly, depending on the situation.

“I was very young when I met Gandhiji, and still, I recited a poem for him:

Andhi Tawaf Karti Hai, Gandhi Ki, Aye Jamal.
Ye To Bhanwar Se Laye Hain Kashti Nikal Ke

(The storm circles around Gandhi, O Jamal. He is the one who has brought the boat out of the whirlpool.)”

The poet ‘Jamal’, an Acharya in Sanskrit often uses the couplet to promote communal harmony.

Yem niza pro weti ganna laguchetshaam udarnaam chatrinantu, washudhew kutumbakam.

A rough translation of this Sanskrit couplet is:

“This is ours, that is yours—those who think this way have small hearts. But for the great ones, the entire world is one.”

He also mentioned that the shloka is written at the entrance of the old Parliament building’s gate. Eleven members of Parliament, including Maulana Azad, had agreed to imprint it there.

source: http://www.enewsroom.in / eNews Room India / Home> Art & Culture> Bengal / by Shahnawaz Akhtar / February 19th, 2025

Sahabzada Shaukat Ali Khan is Now No More

Tonk, RAJASHTAN :

Tonk, Rajasthan :

Shaukat Ali Khan, who received the “International Hero in Literature Award” from Cambridge University and was awarded the President’s Award, is now no more. He breathed his last on Saturday night during treatment in Jaipur. He was 87.

Born on 11 July 1936 in the family of Sahabzada Idris Ali Khan of Tonk, Shaukat Ali Khan is a distinguished personality of the Amiriya family. He was the first Director of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Arabic-Persian Research Institute (APRI).

Sahabzada Shaukat Ali Khan participated in the International Sufism Seminar organized by India in Afghanistan.

In view of this, the then President Giani Zail Singh himself considered him worthy of being honored with the National Award.

Shaukat Ali Khan also received an award in a seminar organized by UNESCO.

Apart from being a writer, historian, translator, and poet, he possessed many salient features rarely found in the world of literature.

Shaukat Ali Khan with APRI team

The APRI, which has its own identity in the country and the world, is also the result of the hard work and dedication of Shaukat Ali Khan.

Shaukat Ali Khan with President of India Giani Zail Singh at APRI, Tonk

In 1986, then President Giani Zail Singh visited the APRI. At that time, he wrote, “I am happy that such a director and such an organization exists in Rajasthan, due to which Rajasthan is known in the Arabic-Persian world. This happens very rarely. The idea is that someone should establish a path for the simultaneous progress and development of both the languages. I am extremely proud that a single person has created a platform for the progress of the Arabic and Persian languages and made it popular in the world. For this, its director Shaukat Saheb should definitely get the National Award, which he deserves.”

The life of Shaukat Ali had many forms and colors. With his efforts, he not only converted a nursery into an institute but also brought glory to Tonk. The APRI is proof of his pioneering efforts and wisdom. As long as the APRI continues to exist, the name of Shaukat Ali Khan will be there.

Shaukat Ali Khan was initially appointed Nigran of Nawab Mohammad Ali Khan’s library. He collected about 50,000 Makhtutats and wrote about 60 books in different languages – two books in Arabic, 10 in Persian and about 45 in English.

He had been carrying out research and writing work for about 40 years. He was a scholar of Arabic, Persian, English, Hindi and Urdu languages. He has also served as a member of many national and international government organizations.

Shaukat Saheb, who presented papers at national and international conferences and seminars, also edited and translated 6000 manuscripts, and published about 300 articles in more than 100 journals in English and Urdu. There is a long list of honors received by him at the national and international levels as well as at the state level. After retirement, he was living his life as a Sufi saint.

People across the country, including Mujeeb Azad, Director of Tonk Arabic Persian Research Institute; Sahibzada Mohammad Ahmed Bhayyu Bhai, Chairman of Royal Family Tonk; Retired Research Officer Anwarunnisa Nadira, State General Secretary of Human Relief Society, Tehreek-e-Urdu Rajasthan Advocate Akhtar Khan Akela, Cricket Coach Imtiaz Ali Neelu, have expressed grief over his demise, calling it an irreparable loss for the Arabic-Persian Research Institute, Tonk residents, and the Tonk Royal Family.

Condolence Letter by Sachin Pilot, MLA of Tonk

Sachin Pilot, MLA of Tonk has also sent a condolence message.

Chaudhary Akbar Qasmi, national convenor of Sanjhi Virasat Manch, has written that Sahabzada Shaukat Ali Khan was a descendant of Tonk Nawab and was one of the great intellectuals of Rajasthan. No one can deny his important role in establishing a big library (Arabic Persian Research Institute) in Tonk City and in raising it from the ground to great heights. As long as he was able to walk, he stood before writers and research scholars as a bright lamp of hope.

He was indeed a man of knowledge and grace.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus> Markers of Excellence> Obituary / by Raheem Khan / December 12th, 2023

NDLS stampede tragedy: Porter Hashim revived a ‘dead’ child

NEW DELHI :

Porter Mohammad Hashim

New Delhi :

Mohammad Hashim, a porter at the New Delhi Railway Station railway station and an eyewitness to the horrific tragedy of stampede in which 18 persons died, tuned into a savior of a four-year old child.

He gets emotional as he recounts how a 4-year-old girl was resuscitated.

“…We were working like any other day when we suddenly heard screams. All of us, all porters, rushed there. We saw children on the floor, women & men running helter-skelter.

“People were screaming. We pulled up a lot of children and brought them out. A few people had died and some others had fallen unconscious. We brought them to the ambulance.

“I rescued out 8-10 children…A woman was crying that her 4-year-old daughter died. I rescued the child and brought her out. Two minutes later, the child started breathing again, and she broke down.

“Her mother burst into tears of joy…We can call ourselves either brave or fools that we too jumped in, risking our lives…We saved several lives…”

He said he and other porters had never seen such scenes in their lives.

“Entire staff, GRP, RPF and porters were working on it…The crowd was for several trains. It happens every day, not just yesterday. But only God knows what happened…But porters helped a lot, there are 1478 porters here…”

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / posted by Aasha Khosa / February 19th, 2025

Spectrum of styles on canvas of cultures marks Akbar Saheb’s art

Bengaluru / Mumbai / Dubai, U.A.E :

A painting combats drugs.Horses displaying power in colour.

Renowned artist Akbar Saheb has been immersed in the field of art for over 50 years. He has been living and working in Dubai since 1996, and has been honoured with the Golden Visa for his many artistic achievements and exceptional creative contributions to the UAE, his adoptive country, and India, his home country.

His vast collection of artworks, inclusive now of over hundreds of paintings, spans various mediums, including those created in oil, acrylic, watercolour, and more recently, sculptures. His exhibitions extend to both global and local audiences. Among others, he has had a notable solo exhibition done in a new style he calls “Depthism” at Jehangir Art Gallery Mumbai (2023).

Later, he hosted another art event in Delhi. The theme was tolerance and Akbar Saheb says that “many people, including foreigners, were mesmerised by the artworks and their creative ideation.”

In 2024, he had a solo exhibition at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club in Dubai. “It was a huge highlight of my creative career,” says Akbar Saheb. His artistic prowess has transcended borders, earning him recognition from the Indian government also. He has been invited to participate in governmental initiatives, such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat (Conversations of the Mind) book.

He was the only artist selected to illustrate the volume; it won him recognition in the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House) and with the public also, during the official launch of the volume. In 2022, he showcased his artwork in 6 solo exhibitions held across India, supported by the Indian Prime Minister’s Office. The shows were held in Ahmedabad, Baroda, Surat, Rajkot, Delhi and Varanasi; they were attended by many VIPs. Akbar created a collection of 55 paintings which served as platforms that presented India’s progress and the transformative impact of Mann Ki Baat initiatives.

Akbar Saheb in a contemplative mood.

The seeds of Akbar’s artistic journey were sown at the tender age of seven. Despite the absence of significant family support, he diligently pursued his passion for art. He began by crafting shop signboards and assisting college students with biology drawings, to finance his sketching material. Years later, his creative flair propelled him to leading advertising agencies, where he specialised in illustration with airbrush techniques. His dedication to art ultimately took him from India’s Bangalore and Mumbai, where he worked in major companies, to Dubai.

His paintings, especially those of horses, feature a bold use of colour and a fearless instinct to show movement. The firm brushstrokes are the vectors of the energy, vitality and dynamism of the animals. The pictures bring memories of the work of Indian artist M. F. Husain, whose horses too portrayed majesty and power.

Akbar Saheb is not merely an artist; he is a compassionate soul with a deep commitment to humanity, particularly towards children with disabilities. Through specialised painting classes and international collaborations, he empowers the children to express their artistry. “I strive to inspire children to embrace art, fill their minds with colours, and explore the world through creativity,” he says.

He has launched painting classes and charitable projects for disabled children, providing them a space for artistic expression and has also auctioned paintings for donations and charity. In an interview, Akbar shared his experience working with the children. “Engaging with these children and witnessing their resilience and creativity is truly humbling,” he said. “They inspire me and remind me of the beauty and strength within each person. Through such efforts, I hope to inspire others too to support and uplift special children, as they live their life and pursue art. Together, we can create a more inclusive and caring society.”

A composition by Akbar Saheb..

Alongside art sessions, the activities he initiates are aimed at raising resources for the development of children with special needs. His aim is to provide them with the necessary assets, materials and educational opportunities to nurture and develop their artistic talent. Investing in their growth, he believes, can create a future where every child, regardless of his or her ability, can thrive and contribute to the community.

Akbar’s extensive portfolio showcases an eclectic array of creative concepts, themes and styles – he has exhibited his works worldwide. “Recently,” he says, “I was invited to do live painting during the Gold Cup final at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club. Both the teams involved played well; it was an intense match and ended in a tie. But finally, the UAE Polo team broke through, winning the final. My painting was gifted to the winning team for their amazing performance and playing skills!”

A painting titled Black Money.

Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was the Patron of the event, for the sixth time, and also led the winning UAE team. Sheikha Maitha was the first woman from the UAE to represent the country in the Olympics, in 2008.

Akbar Saheb is known to numerous celebrities and prominent people; many of them own his paintings. He has produced multiple works depicting the UAE’s culture, and the growth of the country. The 18×7 foot, 50 year golden jubilee painting; paintings on Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; plus over 50 paintings on UAE culture, are among his prized creations. His works range from commissions given by well-known individuals, to paintings done for his own satisfaction. Themes include horses, polo, history and culture and human existence, among others.

source: http://www.gulftoday.ae / Gulf Today / Home> Culture / by Muhammad Yusuf, Features Editor / February 24th, 2025

Khaleel Bukhari is a man who transformed crises into opportunities: Kanthapuram

Melmuri (Malappuram), KERALA :

Kerala Muslim Jamat president Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar (right) releasing the autobiography of Madin Academy chairman Syed Ibrahim Khaleel Bukhari (middle) by giving a copy to Yemeni scholar Habib Umar bin Hafiz at Markaz, Karanthoor, on Monday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Sunni spiritual leader and Madin Academy chairman Syed Ibrahim Khaleel Bukhari has published his autobiography, The life so far.

Releasing the book, Kerala Muslim Jamat president Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar said on Monday that the life story of Mr. Bukhari embodied a significant lesson on how an individual could transform crises into opportunities and turn despair into hope.

According to Mr. Kanthapuram, the experiences Mr. Bukhari gained through his extensive travels and intense trials would ultimately benefit society at large.

Renowned Islamic scholar Habib Umar bin Hafiz from Yemen received the first copy of the book.

Mr. Kanthapuram said that the story of Mr. Bukhari’s growth from Kadalundi coastal village to a respected Muslim leader was, in many ways, a reflection of the history and development of the Sunni movement he led.

“His [Mr. Bukhari’s] growth has been distinct from other Muslim leaders of Kerala. There are many things that set him apart from the rest,” said Mr. Kanthapuram, attributing his swift rise to prominence within the community to his ability to innovate and implement projects that benefitted marginalised groups.

Umar Mahmood Hussain Samrai from Baghdad, Sheikh Rahmatullah Tirmidhi from Tashkent, Sheikh Bilal Halakh from California, Sheikh Rilwan Ibrahim from Russia, Habib Jindal bin Noufal from Indonesia, Markaz director C. Mohammed Faizy, Haj Committee chairman Husain Saqafi Chullikkode, and Markaz Knowledge City managing director Abdul Hakeem Azhari were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Kerala / by The Hindu Bureau, Malappuram / February 18th, 2025

The Cognate Editor Gets the Janasadbhawana Award, For Coverage of Ponzi Schemes in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

Shaik Zakeer Hussain receives the Janasadbhawana Civil Society Awards, 2018 in journalism.

Bengaluru: 

The Cognate’s founder and editor, Shaik Zakeer Hussain, has been awarded the Janasadbhawana Civil Society Awards, 2018 in the category of journalism for his coverage on fraudulent ‘Halal’ investment companies in Bengaluru.

The awards have been instituted by Bengaluru-based NGO Janasadbhawana, which has been working for the reformation and rehabilitation of undertrial prisoners in the city’s Central Jail in Parappana Agrahara. The awards are designed to promote and recognise notable work in the field of journalism, social activism, and administration. The award was presented to Zakeer by Faiz Akram Pasha, the founder trustee of Janasadbhawana on December 3.

“Zakeer has been recognised for his relentless coverage of fraudulent companies in Bengaluru, who have systematically targeted and looted the Muslim community in the name of religion,” said Faiz Akram Pasha, while presenting the award.

The other recipients of the Janasadbhawana Civil Society Awards, 2018 in the field of journalism were, Vikhar Ahmed Sayeed of the Frontline Magazine, Muneer Ahmed Jami of The Siasat Daily, Shahid Qazi of Zee Salaam, Mohammed Asharaf Ali Rashadi of the Daily Salar, Neyamathulla Hameedi of Rashtriya Sahara, and Ansar Azeez Nadwi of Seedhi Baat.

source: http://www.thecognate.com / The Cognate / Home> News / by The Cognate News Desk / December 03rd, 2018

Grand inauguration of ‘Beary Mela-2025’ in Dubai

KARNATAKA / Dubai, U.A.E :

Dubai: 

The ‘Beary Mela-2025’ was inaugurated in a grand ceremony at the Etisalat Academy Ground on Sunday.

Organised under the aegis of the UAE Bearys Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI), the event was inaugurated by S.M. Rasheed Haji, President of the Mangaluru Bearys Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI), who extended his best wishes.

Speaking as the chief guest, Zakariya Jokatte, CEO of Al Muzain in Saudi Arabia, stated that the Beary community is known for its peaceful and harmonious nature. He emphasised the importance of preserving the community’s culture and continuing initiatives that benefit the community.

During the event, he announced that the next Beary Mela would be organised in Saudi Arabia after the Eid celebrations in 2026.

Hidayath Addoor, President of the UAE chapter of BCCI, delivered the presidential address.

Other dignitaries present included Umar U.H., President of Beary Sahitya Academy, Golthmajalu Razak Haji, Badruddin, Imtiyaz, and Ronald Martis.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / February 09th, 2025

Indian Nawayath Forum elects new office bearers for 2025-2028 term

KARNATAKA :

Mangalore:

The Indian Nawayath Forum (INF) has appointed its new office bearers for the term 2025-2028, with Aftab Kola assuming the role of President. Hashim Mohtesham (Barni) and Fayyaz Mohtesham have been named as the first and second Vice Presidents, respectively.

Adil Nagarmat has been entrusted with the responsibilities of General Secretary, while Gufran Lanka will serve as Secretary. The forum’s financial management will be overseen by Treasurer Ummer Khalifa, and Faizan Lanka has been designated as the Internal Auditor.

The Indian Nawayath Forum, a prominent organization working for the upliftment and welfare of the society, plays a crucial role in social, educational, and cultural initiatives. With a strong commitment to community development, the newly appointed team aims to carry forward the organization’s objectives and address various issues concerning the Nawayath people.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / February 10th, 2025

New Book Offers Unique Insight into Verses of the Holy Quran

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA :

Review of Dr. Javed Jamil’s book “A Systematic Study of the Holy Qur’ān”

Dr. Javed Jamil has already earned wide acclaim for his innovative and holistic approach on the world affairs and for his concept of Applied Islamics, which implies examining the scientific theories, international ideologies and developments in the light of Islamic principles and presenting Islamic Paradigms/Models/Definitions/Concepts/Programmes in different areas of knowledge in Natural Sciences, Social Sciences as well as Health Sciences. His books like “Muslims Most Civilised, Yet Not Enough?”, “Muslim Vision of Secular India: Destination and Roadmap”, “Justice Imprisoned”, “Economics First or Health First?” have brought a new approach based on the facts and figures, which have not only highlighted the failure of the modern systems in creating a healthy and peaceful world but have also successfully countered the propaganda by Western and other forces against Islam. His latest book, “A Systematic Study of the Holy Qur’ān” may well become his most applauded work in coming times because of, (using the title of the Foreword by Former Vice Chancellor of University of Hyderabad, Padamshri Prof. E Hasnain,) its “Unique Insight into the Wondrous Verses of the Holy Qur’ān”. It will be worthwhile here to quote a passage from the Foreword:

“What attracted my attention at the very outset was the caption on the cover of the book. The book describes Qur’ān as “a humble endeavour to make a Systematic Study of the Holy Qur’an in terms of the Systems Almighty God created in the Universe, on the Earth, in Human Life, and the System He wants man to establish and adhere to with the aim of building a Healthy and Peaceful World and ensuring a Successful Life in the Hereafter”. This is a categorical confirmation of the fact that, in Qur’ān there are a very large number of verses, which describe the Creation and Functioning of the Universe as a whole and the Functioning of the Earth, including its flora and fauna. There is absolutely no doubt that, if human beings have to establish on earth the kind of harmonious functioning existing in the universe, they have no option but to follow God’s injunctions in full. The particles of the universe, the stars, the planets and all other celestial bodies follow the Laws of Nature created by God with unimaginable precision. If God gave us human beings certain flexibility, we should endeavour to work only within the boundaries prescribed by Qur’ān. Moreover. the system that God has directed through His Final Book and Final Prophet (SAW) needs to be established not only in the lives of the people, but in the world as a whole, including the legal, social, political and administrative levels.

By just viewing the list of contents of the book, one can have an idea of the holistic nature of the work. It has five major parts: Iman (Realization with Commitment), Philosophy, Constitution, Systems and History of Confrontation between the Right and Wrong. The chapter on Iman covers Qur’ānic view of God/Allah with His Creation and Governing of the universe , the role of Prophets, especially the Last Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the Books of God, Hereafter, Executive Angels and Predestination. Part 2 on Philosophy covers Philosophical issues related to Qur’ānic position of Monotheism, life, different religions, human nature, etc. Chapter 3 on Constitution covers Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties and Fundamental Prohibitions, Civil and Criminal Laws. Part 4 on Systems of Governance include Social, Political, Economic, Moral, Spiritual and Health Protective Systems and the Part 5 on History of Confrontation between the Right and Wrong compiles the stories of Prophets from Adam (AS) to Muhammad (SAW).

The book presents Islam as a Holistic System for Health, Security and Peace for mankind in this world as well as Hereafter, and effectively counters modern ideologies based on the supremacy of Economics. His arguments are highly convincing, as they are accompanied with facts and figures. He argues that while the modern constitutional systems are two-dimensional based on Fundamental Rights and Duties, while ignoring prohibitions altogether, Qur’ānic system of governance is Three-Dimensional with equal emphasis on Rights, Duties and Prohibitions. He lambastes the concept of Freedom of Choice, which is being used by the market forces to exploit the human susceptibilities at the huge cost of life and peace, resulting in tens of millions of deaths due to Alcohol, Sexual corruptions (including Homosexuality, Promiscuity and Prostitution), Gambling, Suicides, Pork, etc.

In each chapter, first a well thought and crafted article is presented followed by the compilation of the Qur’ānic verses related to that subject. The verses are followed by notes wherever necessary, providing huge information. In the first chapter on “The Supreme Being”, the components of the universe and their functioning in accordance with God’s designs are presented, and a full-blown picture of the physical State (Mulk) of universe created and governed by Head of State, Almighty God/Allah, through a unique system of the Laws of Nature (Umoor) has been developed. The arguments in Theoretical Physics about the universe being created without God have also been countered in a unique manner. The author has translated “Samaawaat” as “Cosmic Tiers” and has shown their positioning in terms of the structure of the universe. For example, Sky of the earth (atmosphere, clouds, protective roof) is the First Cosmic Tier, Solar System (Samaa-al dunyaa) the Second, Galaxy (Milky Way being ours) the Third, Cluster and Supercluster being the next in order and so on. Terms like Najam, Kawaakib, Shihab-at-Thaqib, Najm-ath-thaqib, Tariq, Samaa- dhaatil burooj, dhaatil-raj’a etc have been explained. The author notes that further researches will more specifically point out the exact positioning of these Samaawaat. When the terms Sajda, Tasbeeh, Hamd etc, are used in relation to the physical components of the universe, their existence being only physical, these terms also indicate their different physical movements like rotation on their own axis or around other objects in compliance of the Laws of Nature created and implemented by God, the Lord of the Universe. Human Sajdahs, Tasbehs and Hamd of course have physical, biological, mental, spiritual and social dimensions as well.

But the author clarifies that instead of studying Qur’ān in the light of Sciences, modern sciences and ideologies have to be studied in the light of Qur’ānic positions. Sciences can be in an evolving phase but Qur’ān is the Word of God, with absolute facts. It is another matter, due to our immense paucity of knowledge about the facts of the vast universe; more often than not we cannot fully understand their meaning.

In the chapter on different systems, he has presented alternative Islamic paradigms/models of Economic, Political, Social, Moral, Spiritual and Health protective systems of Islam, with critical review of the modern systems prevalent at the international level. He argues that the primary aim of Islamic Prohibitions and Permissions is to ensure highest standards of physical, mental, social, spiritual health and family peace and crimeless society, free of all forms of exploitation. Following these injunctions with total commitment to God, Last Prophet and Last Testament Quran will also ensure a Blissful life in Paradise after death.

The chapter on History becomes doubly interesting, as it also uses the excerpts from Torah, Evangel (Injil) and Psalms (Zabur) to explain in detail the lives and achievements of the Prophets/Ambassadors of God.

The book has used many terms, which are different from the traditional ones, but they add to the advanced understanding of the Holy Qur’an in exploring the functioning of the universe, life on earth and human existence. The basic argument according to the author which comes out from the study of Qur’an is that if the unimaginably vast universe is functioning with impeccable harmony for billions of years, it is because each and every particle and area of the universe is following with utmost precision the Laws of Nature, Biological and other laws created by God, and if the mankind has to have a peaceful and harmonious existence, they have no option but to follow the Laws sent through His Ambassadors by God, Qur’an being the Final Constitution for all times to come till the Doomsday.

The cover is attractive and the printing of the book is of good quality. Over-all, it is a must-read book for all Muslims, especially the students, scholars and analysts, and has the potential to revolutionise the future studies of Qur’an and Islam, with their application in every field of the human existence – individual and collective, internal and external. It will be worthwhile to conclude this review by quoting a few paragraphs from the book:

“The world today, despite its apparently advanced and sophisticated ways of living, is overpowered with chaos at every level. The current international system, which many proudly call New World Order, appears to be highly advanced in method but is a colossal failure in the results. At the individual level, notwithstanding huge advancement of healthcare system, physical, mental and spiritual illnesses are ever on the rise. At the family level, the disintegration of family is fast becoming the norm rather than an exception. At the social level, the ever rising crime rate, social and economic exploitation, commercialisation of all forms of dangerous substances and practices including sexual deviations, addictions and crimes, and various kinds of extremist movements working in the interests of certain forces have almost completely destroyed the peace of life. It is in the background of this asphyxiating disruption of harmony that Qur’ān needs to be understood and applied in all spheres of life.”

“True Version of Anthropic Principle says that (1) It is God Who created the universe ultimately leading to the creation of man; (2) God controlled the whole process of creation; (3) the creation of man was not an unintended coincidence but an intended act of God; (4) the purpose of man is not simply describing the beauty of the universe, but to attain the Realization that this harmonious universe has been created, and is being governed by God; and (5) man has to submit to the System of existence perfected through His Ambassadors and Testaments, and govern the Earth in accordance with the Divine commands.”

“In short, the message of Qur’ān, the Final Document of Peace, is unequivocal. Anything good, healthy and desirable in terms of health, peace and tranquillity, has to be promoted, and anything unhealthy and undesirable has to be discouraged. Both, short term and long terms benefits are allowed; but if short term benefits seriously endanger the long term benefits, long term benefits have to be preferred. All possible means within the ambit of Islam are to be availed for achieving the goal. The goal, however, cannot be achieved with perfection, unless there is unity of mankind; and mankind cannot unite unless it submits to One God, imitates One Prophet, follows One Book and faces One Direction. This is the real meaning of Wahdat (Unity), which is central to all the Islamic systems of affairs. Wahdat of God means, in effect, the Wahdat of mankind.” “Islam’s agenda, as shown by the Quran and Prophet (SAW), is to establish Natural and Just Word Order. The agenda of the present world is to establish and sustain New World Order. It has led to the development of a strange kind of world, which appears to be paradise from outside, but as one enters it, one finds nothing but hell. We are living in a world where, thanks to the designs of merchants, immorality reigns. The globe of New World Order is therefore rapidly developing into nothing but a fireball of chaos.It is in the backdrop of this universal disharmony that Islam, in its final form established by the Last Prophet (SAW), has to play its role. We have to challenge New World Order and establish Natural Just World Order, in accordance with the principles laid down by the Book of God and the life of the Prophet (SAW).”

Price: INR 850/- Outside India: US$ 38, for copies WhatsApp on: +918130340339, Email: doctorforu123#yahoo.com

source: http://www.milligazette.com / The Milli Gazette / Home> News> Books / by J Ali / March 24th, 2021

Book on Akhlaqur Rahman Kidwai released

NEW DELHI :

New Delhi:

Vice President Hamid Ansari released here on 21 November a book on the life and services of Akhlaqur Rahman Kidwai, the veteran Congress leader who honorably served the country in various capacities like Rajya Sabha MP, chairman of Union Public Service Commission and governor of the states of Bihar, Orissa, Haryana and Punjab.

The book “Me’mar-e Qaum” [Builder of a nation], is authored by Mufti Ataur Rahman Qasmi and published by Shah Waliullah Institute.

The book release was held at the India Islamic Cultural Centre. Vice President Hamid Ansari said that services of Kidwai cannot be forgotten by the people of the country. He said Kidwai enjoys serving people, an spirit rarely found in people these days. He helped many. One of his historic initiatives was to start Mewat Development Board.

While speaking during the function, AR Kidwai said his character has been shaped by Jamia Millia Islamia which he joined in 1924 as a student of class 2. He was fortunate to get the attention of an educationist like Dr Zakir Husain.

The function was chaired by the former Union minister and the present general secretary of Congress Party, Shakil Ahmad who said that the services of AR Kidwai are such that one yearns to emulate him. He said that a characteristic of Kidwai is that he never exhibits his work.

Ataur Rahman Qasmi, the author of the book, said that Kidwai added to the stature of any post he held. He never compromised on his principles. These days it is rare to find such servants of the people.

The function was attended by a sizeable number of Delhi elite which bore witness to the popularity of Kidwai who is now leading a private life after offering an example of how Muslims can selflessly serve the country with honesty and dignity.

source: http://www.milligazettec.com / The Milli Gazette / Home> News> Special Report / by The Milli Gazette / November 26th, 2013