Anjuman Taraqqi E Urdu, an NGO promoting the Urdu language in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, organised a debate competition on 20th October at the Badria College campus as part of the Badria Centenary celebrations (1924–2024). The competition featured the Badria Centenary Urdu Debate Trophy.
The event, divided into morning and evening sessions, saw a debate competition in the morning followed by a trophy award ceremony.
Chief Guest P.C. Hashir, Managing Director of Peecy Group of Companies and Correspondent of Badria Institution, alongside Keynote Speaker Abid Ulla Athahar Shimogavi, a retired principal and president of the State Organization, Secretary of Urdu Taraqqi Hind and H. M. Afroz Assadi, Managing Director of Northern Insurance LLC, Dubai, who sponsored the event, were present at the event Mumtaz Hussain, an NRI entrepreneur from Qatar, chaired the proceedings.
Both sessions commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran. In his address, P.C. Hashir highlighted the role of debates and educational activities in fostering intellectual growth among students, suggesting that such competitions could help shape future lawmakers.
Keynote Speaker Abid Ulla Athahar stressed the importance of primary education in one’s mother tongue, citing the example of countries like Japan, Germany, and France, which educate children in their native languages. He noted that studying in the mother tongue allows for better comprehension compared to learning in foreign languages like English.
Mumtaz Hussain, an alumnus of Badria Institution, shared the brief history of the institution, founded in 1924 by Marhoom C. Mehmud as AL MADRASATHUL BADRIA, initially offering religious education to local children in Bunder and Kudroli. The relationship between Badria and the Urdu language is profound; it was the first school to offer Urdu studies in the undivided Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts since 1947. After C. Mehmud’s passing, various presidents led the organization, with Marhoom Thumbe Ahmed Hajee serving the longest from 1975 to 2020. Hussain recounted that, in the past, students were required to speak Urdu within the institution or face punishment for using other languages.
The junior-level debate competition saw participation from seven higher primary schools in Dakshina Kannada.
Mohammed Ghouse from Higher Primary School Kandatpalli won first place, with Rifa and Fathima Suzana from Government Urdu Higher Primary School, Kawalkatte (Bantwal Taluk), securing second and third places, respectively.
At the senior level, five high schools from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts participated. Abdul Baari and Abdur Rahman from Thouheed English Medium High School, Gangolli, Udupi district, took first and second places, while Khadeejatul Farzana from Sayyed Madani Urdu High School, Ullal Taluk, D.K., came third.
The junior-level Badria Centenary Championship Trophy was awarded to Government Urdu Higher Primary School, Kawalkatte (Bantwal Taluk), and the senior trophy went to Thouheed English Medium High School, Gangolli, Udupi district. Twenty other participants received consolation certificates.
Five 10th standard students, Mohammed Meraj Khan, Fouzia Banu, Moulana Mohammed Uzaim, Sabiya Naaz, and Aysha Ruha were also felicitated for excelling in Urdu in the Karnataka State Board Examinations (2023–24).
The event began with a welcome address by Mohammed Hanif Master, Secretary of Anjuman. A.S. Madani, President of the organisation, outlined its objectives and future plans for promoting the Urdu language. Engineer Khaleel, Assistant Secretary, provided logistical support, and Rahmathulla, an active member of the Anjuman, gave the vote of thanks. The event was hosted by Badria alumnus and international emcee, Sahill Zahir.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / October 21st, 2024
The Annual General Meeting of the NRI Brothers Mukka Committee was recently convened at the ‘Mask 7’ hall in Jubail.
Over 100 participants from Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Qatar attended the event, which focused on reviewing the Committee’s achievements and planning future initiatives.
During the meeting, Committee President KM Hasan, along with Muzaffar and Shameem Moidin, introduced a new program, the Family Relief Fund (FRF) project. Mohammad Zainuddin provided an overview of the Committee’s establishment and its accomplishments to date.
The occasion also witnessed the launch of Shameem Moidin’s book, Hajj Experience 2024.
Senior members KM Iddinabba, Iqbal Hasan, and Abdul Ghafoor were honoured for their contributions to the Committee.
A quiz competition, led by Shameem Moidin, added an interactive element to the event.
New office-bearers were selected during the meeting. Sadiq Moidin assumed the role of President, while Mushtaq Ahmad and Mohammad Shaik were named Vice Presidents. Mohammad Safwan took over as the new General Secretary, with Mohammad Zainuddin and Rizwan Shafi as Joint Secretaries. KM Hasan was appointed as Treasurer.
The meeting commenced with a recitation of Quran by Muhammad Ashraf and concluded with the recitation of three salaths.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / October 07th, 2024
Yasir Ahmad Khan Pathan has been selected as the Congress candidate for the Shiggaon Assembly constituency by the party leadership, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Thursday.
Yasir will file the nomination in Shiggaon on Friday after taking out a procession. Party bigwigs are expected to join the event. It is prestigious for Minister for Housing and Haveri District In-charge Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan to ensure the victory of the candidate.
The constituency has a large number of Muslim community votes and if Lingayat votes are divided and Dalit and backward classes votes go to the Congress party, the victory is certain.
However, the competition is tough as BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai has been camping and touring every corner of the constituency for two months and preparing ground for his son. Unlike other constituencies, the Muslim community is not hostile towards Basavaraj Bommai as he managed good relations with them.
Yasir Ahmad Khan was defeated by Basavaraj Bommai in the 2023 assembly election from the Shiggaon constituency. He secured 64,038 votes and lost the election by 35,978 votes. In 2018, the Congress had fielded Syed Azampeer Khadri, who also lost against Basavaraj Bommai.
The Congress had delayed the announcement of the candidate as too many aspirants came forward to contest. The district in charge Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan has demanded a ticket for a Muslim candidate. However, the local leaders had contended that fielding a Muslim candidate would result in the BJP’s victory and the ticket must be given to a Hindu leader.
The demands were also raised for fielding Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni’s daughter from the constituency to stop the polarisation of Lingayat and Hindu votes.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar earlier stated “We are looking at what will benefit us politically.”
Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara had said the screening committee is collecting all information. “The final decision is made on the winnability and it is the criterion. Based on the party workers’ opinion, a candidate would be selected,” he said.
Bharat Bommai, son of former Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai, filed his nomination as a BJP candidate from the Shiggaon Assembly constituency in Karnataka on Thursday morning.
“I submitted my nomination at an auspicious time following my mother’s guidance. I will submit another set of nominations on Friday,” said Bharat Bommai while talking to media persons after filing his nomination in Shiggaon town.
Bharat said that people have always blessed his father and requested that people bless him as well just like they have done with his father.
“I will work for the welfare of the poor, youth, and women. If victorious, I would share details of various initiatives to be implemented in the coming days,” said Bharat.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Karnataka / by IANS / October 24th, 2024
‘Between Nation and Community’ cites primary and secondary sources and oral testimonies to understand what India thinks of the two universities.
Bab-e-Sayyad, the entrance to Aligarh Muslim University. | Hhkhan / CC BY-SA 3.0
By sheer serendipity, I happened to begin reading Laurence Gautier’s Between Nation and ‘Community’immediately after TCA Raghavan’s Circles of Freedom, which locates the life and career of the barrister-politician Asaf Ali in the national freedom struggle and probes the challenges of being a moderate Muslim or a nationalist Muslim within the Indian National Congress. Coming close on the heels of Raghavan’s book, I was struck by the opening line of Gautier’s Introduction: “Can a Muslim university be an Indian university?” Clearly, the doubts and apprehensions, the mistrust and suspicion that afflict Indian Muslims similarly afflict Muslim institutions, including universities that Gautier is at pains to clarify at the very outset were “established by Muslim individuals or organisations, primarily – though not exclusively – for Muslim students.”
Between Nation and ‘Community’: Muslim Universities and Indian Politics after Partition, Laurence Gautier, Cambridge University Press.
Having worked briefly at both Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) – a few short months at Aligarh and a few years at Jamia – I can say that there is a Muslimness, an unmistakably Muslim character to both: the time table changes during the month of Ramzan, a long break for the Juma namaz, the presence of several mosques on campus, the opening of academic/formal events with recitations from the Holy Quran, and increasingly the presence of ever more hijab-clad women (this was pointed out by mother who studied at AMU in the 1950s and noted that there were very few women in hijab let alone the full burqa in her time). The question, however, is: Does any of this diminish or detract or take away from the Indianness of these universities or, for that matter, from those who study or work here? That would lead us to the larger question: What is Indianness?
We come back to the question posed by Gautier in her very first line when she goes on to cite Gyanendra Pandey, who has compared Hindu nationalists and nationalist Muslims. Hindus are seen as nationalists by default whereas Muslims are often put to an agni pariksha to prove their nationalist credentials. As Gautier puts it: “Indian Muslims are taken to be primarily Muslims, whatever their political stance might be. Unlike Hindus, their commitment to the nation cannot be taken for granted; it has to be proven, for their Muslimness casts doubt on their Indianness.”
Incidents like Batla House in the Jamia neighbourhood or the anti-CAA protests at both JMI and AMU bolster the argument that these universities are nurseries of disaffected anti-nationalists and prompting a politician to famously declare: “Desh ke gaddaron ko…Goli maaro saalon ko.”
Aligarh Muslim University and Jamia Millia Islamia
While there is much to read and reflect on in this richly detailed book that brings together, seamlessly, many primary and secondary sources and oral testimonies, a few things need to be flagged. One is the obvious differences between AMU and JMI, by now both Central Universities though the two have entirely different histories. The reasons and the circumstances behind their establishment and their distinct “historical character” have cast a long shadow on their growth and development. AMU was set up to provide secular, western education to the Muslim qaum in a campus modelled on the colleges at Oxford and Cambridge, and to “develop a strong bond with the colonial authorities in order to preserve their access to power”.
JMI on the other hand clearly had different ideas right from its inception: “Hers was a voice of rebellion, one that highlighted the dissonances within the supposedly unified Muslim community.” A splinter group of ardent nationalists, led by Maulana Mohamed Ali, broke away from the MAO College to set up a new kind of educational institution devoted to the service of the nation. In the heady days of the Khilafat Movement and the high noon of Hindu-Muslim unity, Gandhi pledged instant support to this new venture, famously declaring to go begging bowl in hand, if need be, to support this nationalistic enterprise.
It’s interesting to note the different treatments meted out to the two universities immediately after independence, and their vastly different public perception. While AMU was given Central University status in 1951, one among three central universities, Jamia – that had once been famously called the “lusty of the freedom movement” – struggled financially. It seems as though it quite suited the Congress government of the day and Nehru in particular – who had close personal ties with several of Jamia’s teachers and was a frequent visitor – to view the Jamia as a quaint space where visitors such as the Shah of Iran would be shepherded to view its projects and schemes.
Even the cover photograph on Gautier’s book written with immense empathy though it is, perhaps unintentionally, reinforces this quaintness with gamine-faced boys dressed like grown-ups in shervani and Gandhi caps against a building designed by the German architect Karl Heinz. There are other photographs in the Jamia archives showing several eminent people earnestly poring over rough-and-ready hand-made charts and diagrams. Overall, the picture that emerges is that it suited everyone to have this quaint, charming, idealistic venture in one’s backyard as long as it showed no great ambitions to grow into anything bigger or grander.
The Jamia too, I suspect, chose to live in a shell of its own making, hiding its light under a bushel, making a virtue of frugality and simplicity and service. It seemed content to allow the world to view it as a curiosity, a whimsical other-worldly place, a retreat from the mainstream; for some, it was even a recalcitrant child bent upon being odd and different from others, especially its older sibling, the AMU. For far too long, the serious students and the professional scholars stayed away from the Jamia choosing to go to AMU instead.
The differences
The Jamia biradari – a word constantly used by Prof Mushirul Hasan, the most faithful chronicler of Jamia’s history – was a close-knit community. Being small, much smaller than the sprawling AMU campus, Jamia fostered from its earliest days a sense of fellowship among its students and teachers. We get a sense of that in the oral testimonies and memoirs of its teachers and students frequently referred to by Gautier: the annual Jamia Mela, the idea of selfless service (be-laus khidmat) reinforced by teachers often voluntarily taking cuts in their salaries, the emphasis on community service and shram daan, the sense of community living, the devotion of not just staff but their families to the “idea” of Jamia, all of which was fostered by the compactness of the campus. Also, Jamia was more democratic in its functioning than AMU, again possibly due to its size. In this, it drew inspiration from early Islamic society. There are instances of school functions starting punctually on the dot when the chief guest, Vice Chancellor Dr Zakir Hussain, happened to be running late.
Then there was the presence of female students from its earliest days – in classes, in reading rooms, even on stage – with the earliest students being daughters and sisters of Jamia teachers and workers. However, as Gautier points out, this was “primarily out of practical considerations, not out of ideological principles” and Mujeeb, a long-serving Vice Chancellor, recognised it as a valuable project only in hindsight. Whatever the reason, Jamia offered new opportunities for women in its feeder schools, Balak Mata centres, teacher training courses, and adult literacy classes.
The presence of women on campus seen as a threat in AMU with Islamist groups gaining ascendancy, was much less so in JMI in the 1970s and 80s when debates on “proper” and “improper” mingling of the sexes began to gain ground between the “conservatives” and “progressives” and questions about the presence of women, especially in cultural programmes, began to be raised. While present in JMI, too, these voices were muted and not as strident as in AMU.
Then, there is the rather obvious difference of location and how that has impacted the development of the two universities: Jamia’s location in Delhi compared to AMU’s approx 180 km away. While in the early years, AMU was far more cosmopolitan than the mosquito-infested neck of the woods beside the Yamuna that was home to Jamia, from the 1980s a perceptible change became visible. The establishment of a working women’s hostel in 1982 by AJ Kidwai was possible in Jamia primarily due to its location, followed by the MCRC. We see that change accentuated in recent years in the changing profile of both staff and students with Jamiabeing more open to change and AMU becoming more closed, more insular, more inward-looking.
source: http://www.scroll.in / Scroll.in / Home> Book Review / by Rakshanda Jalil / September 29th, 2024
The long history of social change at Khanqah Rahmani. Where freedom fighters and future leaders meet. Rahmani30 has sent 513 students to different IITs and 838 students to the National Institutes of Technology (NITs)
Munger:
When you reach Khanqah Rahmani during the last asra (phase) of Ramadan, you will find hundreds of people doing itikaf – a ritual, in which faithful reside inside the mosque from the night of the 21st Ramzan till the sighting of the Eid Moon. They pray and fast and reside there only. Mohammed Salauddin, is a regular for itikaf for three decades.
The 64-year-old man remained associated with Khanqah for the last 32 years.
And the obvious question arises, what does he get by giving so many years of his life in the Khanqah?
“Everything,” the tall man gives a single-word answer. And adds, “I am an angutha chap (an illiterate person). For employment, I got a driving license in 1982, and since then I started working for the Rahmani Saheb family. And did other jobs as well but remained attached to the Khanqah.
“Later Salauddin got married and became the father of two sons. Both of his children studied in Jamia Rahmani.
“I became hafiz from Jamia and then did an initial study of Alimiat from here. And went to Deoband for the completion of Alimiat. And took a graduation degree from Munger, MA from CCU Meerat, BEd from Haryana, Mass communication from Jamia Millia Islamia. I cleared state and centre level teacher’s eligibility tests. Then sat in the examination of Bihar Public Service Commission’s TRE2 and became a teacher in February this year,” informs Mohammed Najmuddin, Salauddin’s son. Najmuddin is also pursuing a PhD from Munger University.
Najmuddin is not alone. Along with him, Mohammed Mudassar Usmani (MA, MEd), Akbar (MA, BEd) and Mohammed Hassan (BA, BEd) all are huffaz of Khanqah Rahmani who cleared the BPSC TRE 1 and 2 and have become teachers in 2023 and 2024.
Najmuddin’s elder brother Shahabuddin also a hafiz from Jamia is now an officer in the National Council For Promotion Of Urdu Language, has done a BA from Jamia Millia Islamia, MA from Maulana Azad Hyderabad, qualified NET and done an MPhil from Delhi University before joining NCPUL, Delhi.
“All these were possible for a person like me because of Khanqah Rahmani and its educational centres,” claimed Salauddin, the father.
APJ Kalam and Mohammed Wali Rahmani in Khanqah Rahmani in 2003 | Arranged
The history of Khanqah Rahmani
It was established in 1901 by Maulana Mohammed Ali Mungeri. Since then the Khanqah not only remained as a center for societal reform and purification of souls but also helped freedom fighters during the freedom struggle. Freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawahar Lal Nehru, Abul Kalam Azad and Dr Rajendra Prasad among others stayed at this centre. Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi also visited the Khanqah.
After Ali Mungeri, Maulana Syed Shah Lutfullah Rahmani, his nephew ran the centre. And thereafter Minnatullah Rahmani and then his son Mohammed Wali Rahmani and now his son Ahmad Wali Faisal Rahmani is taking care of it. His brother Fahad Rahmani is the CEO of Rahmani Programmes of Excellence under which Rahmani30 functions.
Khanqah was also been instrumental in establishing the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, which safeguards Muslims in protecting their personal laws and identities.
Who is Ahmad Wali Faisal Rahmani, the present head?
The chief of Imarat-e-sharia and the secretary of All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Ahmad Wali Faisal Rahmani, is also head of the Khanqah. He has studied Information Technology from the University of California and worked as a teacher there. His professional career also includes working for Adobe and British Petroleum. However, Faisal Rahmani got his early education in Khanqah Rahmani as he got his elementary education in Arabic, Quran, Deeniyat and Mathematics in the Khanqah. He started looking after the activities of the Khanqah after the demise of his father Mohammed Wali Rahmani.
Whenever he gets time from the activities of Imarat Shariah and AIMPLB, he spends time in the Khanqah. He does not let anyone chide even a screaming child. There are a large number of women who come to listen to him. He prefers to eat along with the students and members as well as the faculty of the centre.
Students of Rahmani BEd College | Arranged
Jamia students hold the Quran on one hand and tablets on other
Jamia Rahmani, which came into existence in 1927 is one of the several centres run by the Rahmani Foundation , a charity body of Khanqah Rahmani. Jamia’s students not just memorize the Qur’an, but also understand it by learning Arabic.
Here, every student also learns science, English and Mathematics as well and gets tablets for their study. They have smart classes too.
But this is just the beginning for the students. The Khanqah has Rahmani30, to prepare for JEE Advanced (IIT), JEE Mains. It has branches in several cities across India. There is also a centre for Medical (NEET) entrance and for the preparations for Chartered Accountant and Company Secretary entrances. It has a BEd College, which has a large number of female students. Jamia Rahmani has added several new courses after 2011.
“When Ahmad Wali Faisal Rahmani became head here, the first thing he did was, start a one-year Diploma in Mass Communication in journalism course in Jamia. Later started two years of Master in Islamic Jurisprudence Study and last year, a two-year course, Diploma in English Language in Professional Skills also began,” said Fazle Rahma Rahmani, head of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication.
The Khanqah also provides residential facilities to the families of its faculties as well as the cooks. It provides meals to almost 1200 people three times a day. Most of the beneficiaries are the Jamia students and people associated with the Khanqah.
Then there is the Rahmani School of Excellence (where students can get enrolled in a Nursery and study up to standard twelve). In the School Management Committee, Muslims as well as non-Muslims teachers are present, it has females too. And it has a diverse background of students.
“While Jamia Rahmani and Rahmani30’s study is completely free, BEd, school education and other studies have some fee structure. But where there are fees, Khanqah authorities give scholarships to needy students and have a liberal approach to such cases where parents approach the centre. Money never became a hurdle in getting an education from the educational centres related to Khanqah,” points out Fazle Rahma.
Since the inception of Rahmani30, 513 students have been admitted to different IITs in the country. While 838 students reached JEE Advanced to get admission to the National Institute of Technologies (NIT) during the same period.
“Several students of School of Excellence have become IITians so far,” claims Fazle Rahma.
Whereas, many students of different centers of Rahmani30 also take part in the Olympiad, every year.
The Jamia Rahmani’s Taleemgah building was inaugurated by Former President of India APJ Abdul Kalam. Kalam, who wanted to be known as a Professor rather than a former President, in 2003 itself, says a lot about Khanqan’s educational work.
From the stage of Khanqah, the scientist claimed that he was also a student of the Madrasa Board.
However, neither before the visit of the President of India nor after it, did Khanqah Rahmani’s educational works got the attention that it should have got the mainstream media.
source: http://www.enewsroom.in / eNewsRoom India / Home> Education / by Shahnawaz Akhtar / April 09th, 2024
Thirty two students from humble background clear NEET 2023 with the help of Urooj, celebrate medical dreams.
Kolkata :
Three years ago, amidst the fast-paced hustle of Blinkit, grocery deliveries zipped past Mohammed Iqbal. But on Sunday, in a Kolkata school auditorium, a stethoscope draped around his neck marked a stark contrast to his past – a future doctor stood ready to embark on a new journey.
“In 2021, I was an auditor for Blinkit. I have to visit Blinkit stores and check their qualities,” Iqbal, now a student of Bachelor in Dental Studies (BDS) at Burdwan, reminisced. “My father ran a small clothing shop. Juggling studies and supporting my family, NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) coaching seemed like a distant dream. That’s when I found Urooj.”
Urooj Institute, recognizing Ahmed’s financial constraints and demanding work schedule, extended a helping hand. Dr Minhjuddin Khurram, the institute’s anchor man, vividly recalled their first meeting,
“He came in wearing a Blinkit t-shirt. We understood his situation – he couldn’t afford coaching while working in a job where he has to be mobile most of the time. So, we helped him secure a librarian job, allowing him to study for NEET while earning an income.”
Teacher Amrendra Kumar (face not visible) and Dr Minhajuddin Khurram hug each other during the felicitation | eNewsroom
This act of support and understanding proved crucial. With renewed focus and dedication, Ahmed aced the exam on his second attempt. Now, he sets his sights even higher, aiming for an MBBS seat next time.
Similar struggles resonated in the story of Sarfaraz, a former freelance video editor. “My father, a primary school teacher who started working late in life, couldn’t afford luxuries,” Raiyan, now a BDS student, shared. “To support myself, I did video editing. Urooj’s guidance proved invaluable, helping me score 569 marks in NEET 2023.” Like Ahmed, Raiyan plans to retake the exam to improve his rank and qualify for an MBBS seat.
Ashraf, whose father owns a paan shop, and Shenaz, daughter of a bus driver who fell short of an MBBS seat by just one mark in 2022, were among the 32 Urooj students celebrated by renowned practicing doctors in Kolkata.
The evening buzzed with stories of resilience and triumph, each one a testament to the transformative power of opportunity.
Urooj’s students with the felicitating doctors | eNewsroom
Urooj also recognized its partners, including Headmaster Mohammed Alamgir of MD High School. His words resonated throughout the hall, “The government invests heavily in each doctor’s education – crores of rupees, funded by taxpayer money. So, if you studied at a government medical college, remember your responsibility to serve the public. Don’t think your success solely relies on you and your parents’ hard work. Society plays a vital role through taxes.”
Several doctors echoed Alamgir’s sentiment, urging the newcomers to pay it forward by helping others pursue their medical dreams, just like Urooj helped them.
On the occasion, Urooj also honoured three of its teachers- Md Irshad, Amrendra Kumar and Nadim Haider.
Abdullah Amir of Helping Hand Trust told the medical students about the butterfly effect and that every small work matters.
Dr Jawera Mehreen reminded the students, “In Palestine, doctors are true heroes. Remember, you have to serve the humanity wherever you will be.”
These 32 young individuals, embarking on their journeys as future doctors, represent not just personal triumphs but testaments to the power of collective support and dedication. As they step into the white coats, a shared commitment to serve humanity unites them, a promise whispered in the echoes of their past struggles and fueled by the unwavering support they received.
Last year, 22 students of Urooj, most of them from humble background had cleared NEET 2022.
The names of the students have been changed on their requests.
source: http://www.enewsroom.in / eNewsRoom India / Home> Education / by Shahnawaz Akhtar / February 12th, 2024
While debate on Jama Masjid’s decision to disallow women from visiting the premises for non-praying activities rages on, it is time to look at some of Capital’s mosques built by women.
All photos: Mohd Shehwaaz Khan
Women may have been restricted from entering Jama Masjid for non-prayer activities due to a recent decision by the committee of the Mughal-era mosque that was seemingly miffed by those making social media videos, but there is no denying the contribution of women in many mosques across the country.
Even in the Capital, some of the old iconic mosques have been built – rather commissioned to be built — by women. Patriot takes you through some of these iconic monuments.
Mubarak Begum Masjid (Randi Ki Masjid)
Lying among tall buildings, shops of machine parts as well as clusters of electric wires running from one pole to another, the double-storeyed Mubarak Begum Masjid – also known as Randi ki Masjid (courtesan’s mosque) – serves as a reminder to a more peaceful and simpler time. The honking of vehicles and the shouting of vendors and labourers on the street that faces the mosque and runs from Hauz Qazi to Lal Kuan comprise the hustle-bustle of old Delhi. The mosque, however, reminds one of a different era.
The upper floor consists of a prayer chamber and the ground floor has toilets. The central one of the three red-and-white striped domes, which collapsed in 2020, is covered by black canvas.
Even in the Capital, some of the old iconic mosques have been built – rather commissioned to be built — by women. Patriot takes you through some of these iconic monuments.
Mubarak Begum Masjid (Randi Ki Masjid)
Lying among tall buildings, shops of machine parts as well as clusters of electric wires running from one pole to another, the double-storeyed Mubarak Begum Masjid – also known as Randi ki Masjid (courtesan’s mosque) – serves as a reminder to a more peaceful and simpler time. The honking of vehicles and the shouting of vendors and labourers on the street that faces the mosque and runs from Hauz Qazi to Lal Kuan comprise the hustle-bustle of old Delhi. The mosque, however, reminds one of a different era.
The upper floor consists of a prayer chamber and the ground floor has toilets. The central one of the three red-and-white striped domes, which collapsed in 2020, is covered by black canvas.
COURTESAN’S LEGACY: Masjid Mubarak Begum is famously known as Randi Ki Masjid
“A lot of people come here for the first time and say that they feel as if they have been here for years,” says the Imam of the mosque after the prayer, smiling in admiration. The imam has been looking after the mosque for the last 17 years.
The mosque was constructed in 1823 by Bibi Mahru Tun Mubarak-ul-Nisa Begum (Mubarak Begum), a nautch girl from Pune, who came from a Brahmin family and converted to Islam after she married General David Ochterlony, who was the British Resident in Delhi during the time of Emperor Akbar Shah II.
Ochterlony was a ‘white mughal’ who was known for his lavish lifestyle, his love for hookahs and mistresses. Mubarak Begum was one of the 13 wives of the British official. After the death of Ochterlony in 1825, Mubarak Begum married a Mughal nobleman who fought in the 1857 mutiny against the British.
According to Scottish scholar William Dalrymple, the Begum’s house was famous for Mughal culture where the Mughal prince Mirza Farhatullah Baig organised the last Urdu mushaira before the Mughal empire was overthrown by the British.
Due to the early profession of the Begum, the mosque is famously known as Randi Ki Masjid. The randis or courtesans, during the Mughal period, were highest in the order of women entertainers, who were skilled not only in dance, but also singing, conversation and poetry. It is said that young nawabs were sent to learn the art of conversation with randis. They were called city’s divas who were visited by the rich and powerful – who often shared with them the secret of the city and society.
Asked about how the mosque is perceived by the visitors and people in the area, the caretaker says: “The courtesans at that time were not as we understand them today. They were respectable and influential women. Many tourists come here and ask if the mosque was built by a prostitute. All of this is best left in history books. All I know is that whoever built, must have built it with good intention and halal (legitimate) money.”
People in the area were embarrassed by the infamous name of the mosque. When one asked them where Randi Ki Masjid was located, they chuckled and laughed, before hastily pointing at the Mubarak Begum Masjid.
During the Mughal era, so many Mughal princesses built mosques. In Bengal, mosques had side corridors with lattice walls for women.
– Ziya Us Salam, journalist and author of Women in Masjid
Sunehri Masjid
A couple of kilometres away from Mubarak Begum Masjid, stands a mosque built in 1747 by khwajasara (eunuch) Jawed Khan and emperor Ahmad Shah Bahadur’s mother Qudsiya Begum. It is located in a corner, just opposite the busy Nishad Raj Marg and Red Fort parking. This mosque is often confused with the Sunehri Masjid of Chandni Chowk, which was built a few decades earlier – in early 1720s – by a Mughal noble, Raushan-ud-Daulah, during the reign of Mughal emperor Mohammad Shah Rangila.
However, the one at the Red Fort is often called the Parking Waali Sunehri Masjid.
Qudsiya Begum, whose real name was Udham Bai, was introduced to the Mughal court as a nautch girl. In the court, she met Muhammad Shah Rangila who became fond of her and eventually married her. With time, she became influential in the court: even appointing the mansabdars (high rank holder such as civil or military officers) who would enforce the rule of the Emperor.
After the death of her husband, she served as a regent to her son Ahmad Shah Bahadur from 1748 to 1754. Known for her generosity and influence, Qudsia provided the Begums and the late emperor’s children with pensions using both her personal money and government finances.
GOLDEN TIMES: Sunehri Masjid was built by Qudsiya Begum for Jawed Khan khwajasara (eunuch)
It is believed that Qudsia had an affair with Jawed Khan khwajasara, who was also the Darogha (police chief) under Mohammad Shah Rangila and a eunuch-superintendent of the zenana (women) quarters. This proximity between the two led to the construction of the Sunehri Masjid. It was built by the efforts of Jawed Khan and commissioned by Qudsiya Begum, as written on its epitaph:
‘sayi-e-nawab-bahadur sahib-e-lutf-o-karam
saakht tameer-e-haseen jawed aali dastgaah’
(By efforts of Nawab Bahadur, the bestower of rewards and grants,
Jawed of high reach and commands, was constructed this beautiful structure)
As expected, those who came for prayers were unaware of the history of the mosque despite an inscription outside the mosque. The grave of Qudsiya Begum lies in the backyard of the mosque.
Khairul Manazil Masjid
Situated just opposite to Purana Quila (Old Fort), the Khairul Manazil Masjid is often confused by the visitors to be a part of the Quila. Many tourists enter the mosque thinking they are visiting the monument and are surprised when the caretaker of the mosque asks them to remove their shoes as they move into the prayer chamber.
The confusion stands valid as the mosque is in complete ruins, just like the monument opposite to it. The hauz (ablution tank) is not functional and there is no electricity in the premises. The prayer chamber serves as a permanent abode for pigeons and the inscription on the walls is hard to make sense of.
There were many mosques built by women in regular spaces in the past. The bigger ones, such as Fatehpuri Masjid and Khairul Manazil mosque, stand as a testament to this.
– Rana Safvi, author and historian
The three walls with small rooms – which were once part of the madrasah – also lie in dilapidated state. It is currently protected and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.
“We just offer prayers three times a day here, that is Asr (afternoon), Zuhr (midday) and Maghrib (sunset) – along with the Friday prayers. It is because the mosque is a heritage sight,” says the caretaker of the masjid.
Khairul Manazil, which literally translates to ‘best of houses’, has a numerical value that corresponds to the year of the construction of the building, 969 hijri as per Islamic calendar or 1561–1562 AD.
IN RUINS: Prayers at Khairul Manazil mosque are offered three times a day
It was commissioned by Maham Anga, the wet-nurse of the Mughal emperor Akbar, and is believed to be the first mosque in Delhi commissioned by a woman. Anga served as the de facto regent and the young emperor’s political advisor. The inscription on the central arch of the mosque reads that Shihabuddin Ahmad Khan assisted in its erection.
The ASI attempted to ban Islamic prayers in the mosque in 1992 but without success.
Zeenat-ul-Masajid
Zeenat-ul-Masajid was built by Zeenat-un-Nisa, the second daughter of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, in 1700 AD. The mosque is famously known as Ghata Masjid, which may perhaps be derived from its proximity to a bank (ghat) of the river Yamuna back then or the tall minarets that touch the clouds (ghata).
While a mosque can be a place of prayer for men, it isn’t quite so for women. It is a place of dignity, safety, protection, and aid. A woman’s mosque, that which focuses on preserving all these things, is the solution to most of our problems.
– Huda Ahsan, architect and independent researcher
The locals in the area dearly call the mosque Ghata Masjid and are unaware of its real name.
The part of Daryaganj, where the mosque is located, is also known by the name of Ghata because of the presence of the mosque.
The caretaker of the masjid says that the mosque is rarely visited by tourists and only attended by the men who come to pray. The Jama Masjid at opposite Urdu Bazaar, constructed by Zeenat-un-Nisa’s famed and adored grandfather, Shah Jahan, is thought to have served as an inspiration for the mosque.
OLD TREASURE: Zeenat-ul-Masajid, famously known as Ghata Masjid, is inspired by Jama Masjid in old Delhi
Like in many mosques in the Capital, the hauz (or ablution tank) is not functional but the mosque remains in good condition despite some signs of decay. The mosque is constructed on a plinth. It has three marble domes and seven arched entrances opening to the prayer chamber. Two towering minarets flank the mosque’s front and support an octagonal pavilion made of white marble. In the quaint campus of the mosque, there is no one present except the caretakers.
During the first war of independence, when the Mughal emperor in Delhi joined the uprising against the British in 1857, the mosque experienced some dark times. After the Mughals and the British sepoys lost the war, the mosque was first used by the British as a barrack and later converted into a bakery.
The grave of Zeenat-un-Nisa was also destroyed. However, on the southern corner of the mosque, a tomb for the princesses has been rebuilt as a memorial. The mosque is surrounded by plants of a variety of flowers, especially roses.
Fatehpuri Masjid
Of all the mosques Patriot visited, only Fatehpuri Masjid had visitors flocking in numbers. The hauz of the mosque is full with tap water – which in the past was fed with water directly from Yamuna – and tourists often sit by its side. The mosque is the second largest in Delhi after Jama Masjid and it was built in 1650 by Fatehpuri Begum, one of emperor Shah Jahan’s wives who was from Fatehpur Sikri.
“The number of visitors to this mosque are just a tad lesser in number than Jama Masjid,” said one of the caretakers of the mosque.
Surprisingly, one found as many women in the mosque as men.
VISITING HISTORY: Women visitors at the Fatehpuri mosque
The mosque has a fluted dome made of red sandstone with a kalash (inverted lotus) on top.
The mosque has a conventional design with seven-arched entrances in the prayer hall and is surrounded by minarets. One of the minarets is under construction.
The Shahi Imam of the mosque attends visitors who come to tell him their dukh-takleef (complaints) and seek his blessings as well as medicines.
The room of the Imam is occupied mainly by women who had come to pay him a courtesy call and seek his blessings and prayers. Interestingly, the women sitting with the Imam were unaware that the mosque was built by a woman.
GRAND WELCOME: One of the three main gates of Fatehpuri Masjid that opens to Lal Quan
The mosque has three main gates, one of which opens to Chandni Chowk and the other two to Lal Kuan and Old Delhi Railway Station.
source: http://www.thepatriot.in / Patriot / Home / by Mohd Shehwaaz Khan / Delhi NCR / December 08th, 2022
In a tribute to Late Ahmed AK, the Founder Chairman of Ehsaan Masjid and a key figure behind HIF India, a Condolence Program was held on Thursday, 17th October 2024, at the HIF Auditorium (Masjid-ul-Ehsaan) in Vaslane, Mangalore. The event, which began after Isha prayers, saw a gathering of distinguished community members, businessmen, professionals, and leaders who came together to honour the contributions of Ahmed AK to the community.
The speakers at the event, including prominent figures like Nasir Luckystar, Yusuf KLP (Chairman of Tube Care and Amber Group Dubai), and Dr. Roshan (Director of City Hospital), expressed their deep admiration for the values that Ahmed AK embodied throughout his life. They lauded his discipline, commitment to punctuality, and his humility in always remaining behind the scenes, never seeking the spotlight. Other respected figures like Dr. Mohammed Ismail H, Dr. ZK Misri, Corporators Navin, Lateef, and Rauf, as well as Jaidev Kudva, Associate Director of Cognizant, and Anup Nair, Global Human Resources Manager in Abu Dhabi, were also present and echoed similar sentiments.
In their addresses, they praised his ethical approach to business, describing him as a true and just businessman who was always ready to extend a helping hand to those in need, without any discrimination based on religion or background. His selfless service to the community was a key theme throughout the evening, as speakers shared personal anecdotes and reflections on how he had positively impacted countless lives.
The event was presided over by HIF President, Adil Parvez, while Rizwan Pandeshwar served as the host. A beautiful Qirath recitation by Bilal Raif set the tone for the evening. The event was also attended by several other well-known individuals, including Saud Mohtisham, Arshad Mohtisham, Hassanair Pandeshwar, Mohiddin Usman, Latif Kandak, and Mohammed Kunhi from Shanti Prakashan, among others.
Speakers reflected on his role in establishing Ehsaan Masjid, which stands as a symbol of his commitment to unity and service. His ability to provide support without seeking recognition was a recurring theme, as was his dedication to promoting peace and harmony within the community.
The event concluded with a sense of gratitude for Ahmed AK’s life and work, with attendees expressing their determination to carry forward his mission of helping others and building an inclusive and compassionate community.
Association of Muslims Professionals (AMP) will be conducting their 5th Annual National Talent Search Exam (AMP-NTS 2024), for School & College students on Saturday, 7th December 2024.
The National Talent Search Exam is organized with the intention of increasing and rewarding the students’ general awareness and competitive spirit and identifying the best and brightest students to support and nurture for the forthcoming national competitive exams.
The specially designed poster of AMP-NTS 2024 was launched at a grand function in the auditorium, Arcade Business College auditorium in Patna on October 19, where more than 200 influential people like social and community leaders, professionals, policy makers, retired bureaucrats, and others were present.
Farooq Siddiqui, Head of AMP National Coordination Team, welcomed the dignitaries, guests and students. He said that the purpose of AMP NTS is to create achievers from smaller cities and informed the audience that in NTS 2023, 90% of top rankers were from tier 2 and 3 cities. He further informed that this year, the AMP NTS 2024 intends to reach out to 1000 Blocks in all the minority-concentrated districts of India and is bound to achieve many milestones.
Dr. Syed Shah Shamimuddin Ahmad Munemi, Sr. Professor & HOD Arabic Department, Oriental College, Patna, was the guest of honour at the event. He said, “The Association of Muslim Professionals has brought about a revolution in the country in the field of education. Their commitment and focus are exemplary. They have touched innumerable underprivileged lives through their many activities and I wish them well for the 5th edition of their National Talent Search 2024 competition.”
Mohammad Ashfaq Sir, Director-Gravity Classes & Lead partner – AMP NTS, said “When AMP approached us to support them for their National Talent Search exam, we wholeheartedly agreed as we believed in their vision. We all need to create awareness regarding this talent search all over the country especially in smaller cities and towns so they can benefit, as their students’ IQ level is the same as in bigger cities, and those who start the training from 9th Standard onwards have a higher ratio of success.”
Dr. Abdul Qadeer, Director & Founder – Shaheen Education Foundation said, “AMP is known all over India for its excellent work in education and we decided to collaborate with them for the National Talent Search. This year we will be selecting students for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) as well, which is for 450 Universities, through AMP NTS 2024.”
Mohammad Reyaz Alam, AMP State Head, Bihar and the driving force for this programme hosted the event very successfully and explained to the audience the purpose of the event, which was to launch the promotion and students’ registration of AMP NTS – 2024.
The AMP NTS 2024 exam will be held for 3-Categories of students:
* Senior/Degree Colleges (Undergraduates)
* Junior Colleges (11th & 12th Std)
* Schools (8th, 9th & 10th Std)
This year 2.5 lakh-plus students from over 8,000 schools and 2,000-plus colleges from 600-plus districts across India are expected to participate. This year, this competition will be held offline in a physical mode in 1000 exam centres of over 400 districts across the country. There will also be an online version available on the AMP World mobile app for those who are unable to appear in person.
The top 500 students will be given IIT-JEE/NEET coaching scholarships worth Rs. 10 Crores ranging from 50% to 100% by AMP’s top 20 training partners. Also to encourage the students to participate in the NTS 2024, AMP is giving out cash rewards worth ₹ 5 lakhs+. Other than these, academic scholarships worth over ₹ 20 lakhs will also be given to deserving underprivileged students through IndiaZakat.com, their Zakat-based crowd-funding platform, plus a whole lot of additional support for the students.
The uniqueness of this competition is, that along with school, college, NIOS, ITI, and Diploma students; even Madrasa students between the ages of 13 to 15 years can also participate in the National Talent Search.
This examination will be conducted simultaneously across the country on December 7, 2024 from 11 am onwards. The last date for registration in this competition is November 26, 2024.
More details about the NTS 2024 exam are available at: www.ampindia.org/National_talent_search
The AMP NTS 2024 promotion launch event ended on a positive note with all present affirming that they will try to reach the maximum number of institutions and students to become exam centres and register for the exam. The local AMP Bihar team and the respective chapter executive team members all worked relentlessly for the success of the launch event.
source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Education / by admin India Tomorrow.net / October 21st, 2024
On the occasion of Sir Syed Day 2024, organized by Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), the Ghalib Institute was conferred the National Sir Syed Excellence Award.
The Vice Chancellor of AMU, Professor Naeema Khatoon, presented the award, along with a memento and certificate, to the Director of the Ghalib Institute, Dr. Idrees Ahmed, in recognition of the institute’s outstanding contributions.
Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Ahmed remarked, “It is a moment of pride for me and the entire Urdu-speaking world that a respected institution, which has produced exemplary individuals serving the nation in various fields, is honoring Ghalib Institute.
“Every year, the Ghalib Institute itself acknowledges six distinguished individuals for their contributions to literature and cultural services. This is the first time we are receiving such a tribute from a prestigious institution. On behalf of myself and the institute, I sincerely thank Vice Chancellor Professor Naeema Khatoon, Director of Sir Syed Academy Professor Shafey Kidwai, the jury members, and the entire university staff. This recognition will further motivate the Ghalib Institute to continue its work.”
The ceremony celebrated the enduring legacy of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and his contributions to education, with AMU recognizing institutions that carry forward his vision of cultural and intellectual excellence.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Awards> Latest News / by Radiance News Bureau / October 18th, 2024
