Shahbad District / Patna, BIHAR :

The unsung saga of Bihar’s great freedom fighter who fought for justice, education, and national integration

New Delhi :

As the nation reflects on the sacrifices made by its freedom fighters, the story of Professor Abdul Bari stands out as a testament to courage, unity, and unwavering dedication to the oppressed.

Born in the small village of Shahabad in Bihar’s Jehanabad district, Prof Abdul Bari emerged as a towering figure in India’s struggle for independence, particularly known for his efforts to unite the working class and bridge communal divides.

Prof Abdul Bari, who completed his post-graduation from Patna University in 1920, was deeply concerned about the injustices faced by the oppressed, the poor, and the labourers. His commitment to their cause was unwavering, as he believed that their pain was his own. “He dreamt of liberating the country from slavery since his childhood,” said a historian familiar with his life. “He wanted to make the labourers a part of the national mainstream, constantly striving for social equality and justice.”

Prof Abdul Bari’s commitment to Hindu-Muslim unity was a cornerstone of his philosophy. He strongly opposed the divisive agendas of the Hindu Mahasabha and the Muslim League, believing that India’s independence and future development could only be achieved through unity. “Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Parsis, Jains, Buddhists — he saw them all as followers of one nation,” remarked a contemporary who knew him. “He stuck to this belief till the end, despite facing opposition.”

His first meeting with Mahatma Gandhi in 1917 was a turning point in his life. Impressed by his passion and work, Gandhi’s teachings and ideals became a guiding force for Prof Abdul Bari. He played a pivotal role in several movements, including the non-cooperation movement, where he worked alongside prominent leaders like Dr Rajendra Prasad and Dr Sri Krishna Singh. His influence among the workers of Bihar, Bengal, and Orissa was profound, and under his leadership, they became a formidable force in the freedom struggle.

Despite his towering achievements, Prof Abdul Bari lived a life of poverty, a fact that deeply moved Mahatma Gandhi when he visited his home after the latter’s assassination in 1947. “When Gandhi entered Prof Abdul Bari’s house, he was shocked by its simplicity,” recalled a family member. The stark contrast between his immense contributions to the nation and the humble conditions in which he lived highlighted his integrity and dedication.

In 1936, Prof Abdul Bari was elected to the Bihar assembly from Champaran and later became the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly in Bihar’s first democratic government. He also served as the Vice President of the Labour Inquiry Committee and led the Jamshedpur Labour Association at the request of Subhas Chandra Bose, securing significant improvements in workers’ conditions.

Tragically, on March 28, 1947, just months before India’s independence, Prof Abdul Bari was shot dead near the Fatuha railway crossing while returning from Ranchi to Patna. His assassination deprived Bihar of a true and honest leader, a voice for the workers, and a champion of Hindu-Muslim unity. He was laid to rest at Pir Mohani Graveyard in Patna.

Prof Abdul Bari’s legacy is a reminder of the importance of unity, justice, and dedication to the oppressed. As the nation honours its freedom fighters, his life and work serve as an inspiration to continue the struggle for a more just and equal society.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> Indian Muslims / by Mohammad Alamullah, Clarion India / August 12th, 2024

Laulai Village (Chinhat Block), Lucknow District, UTTAR PRADESH :

Khatun and her team’s dedication underscores the enduring spirit of patriotism and communal harmony

Lucknow:

National flags crafted by Ishrat Khatun and her team from Laulai village’s Panchayat Ghar will flutter on prominent government buildings including the Uttar Pradesh Assembly and Raj Bhavan on the country’s Independence Day on Thursday. Laulai village is in Chinhat block of Lucknow District.

Ishrat Khatun, who has undertaken the task of producing 55,000 pieces of the tricolour flags, expressed her pride and joy. “I am very happy that the tricolour flags made by us will be hoisted on significant government buildings like the state assembly, Raj Bhavan, Bapu Bhavan, and Lok Bhavan,” an ETV Urdu report quoted her as saying. “We are not only making these flags for our income but also out of love and respect for our country,” she said.

Khatun’s struggle is exemplary. “After my husband passed away in 2018, I have been solely responsible for supporting my three children as there is no other source of income in our home,” she said. “Despite my weakened eyesight, making these flags is a crucial part of running our household. During the pandemic, we also made masks, which helped us immensely.”

Vibha, another member of Khatun’s team, shared insights on their production progress. “We have received an order to make 55,000 tricolour flags, and we have already completed 25,000. We aim to reach our target in time,” she said. Vibha noted that their team, comprised of women from diverse backgrounds including Muslim, OBC, SC, and ST communities, is driven by a strong sense of patriotism.

Historically, the Indian flag holds deep significance, symbolising the nation’s unity and independence. The tricolour’s design was finalised in 1931 with contributions from various leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi and prominent figures like Badruddin Tyabji. The Ashok Chakra, central to the flag’s design, was included to reflect the nation’s readiness to serve 24 hours a day.

Khatun and her team’s dedication underscores the enduring spirit of patriotism and communal harmony, reflecting the rich historical and cultural fabric of India.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> Indian Muslims / by Clarion India / August 14th, 2024

Jaisoli, Bareilly, UTTAR PRADESH :

Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Barelvi, also known as Aala Hazrat, was an influential Indian Islamic scholar, poet, and founder of the Barelvi movement. Renowned for his extensive writings on Islamic law, Sufism, and devotion to Prophet Muhammad, his legacy endures through his scholarly works and spiritual teachings.

Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Barelvi, reverentially known as Aala Hazrat, was an eminent Indian Islamic scholar, poet, and the founder of the Barelvi movement and the Razvi branch of the Qadri Sufi order. Renowned for his vast contributions to Islamic law, philosophy, and the sciences, Aala Hazrat is celebrated as a polymath by scholars worldwide, including the prominent Western historian Francis Robinson. His work emphasised the importance of Islamic law, Sufi practices, and deep devotion to Prophet Muhammad. Over his lifetime, he authored several hundred books in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu, including the monumental thirty-volume “Fatawa Razawiya” and the widely respected translation of the Quran, “Kanzul Iman.”

Early Life and Education

 Imam Ahmad Raza Khan was born on June 14, 1856, in the neighbourhood of Jaisoli in Bareilly, India. His family, belonging to the Barech tribe of Pashtuns, had roots in Kandahar, Afghanistan, before migrating to Lahore and eventually settling in Bareilly. His birth name was Muhammad, later given the historical name ‘Al-Mukhtar.’ However, it was his great-grandfather, Raza Ali Khan, who suggested the name Ahmad Raza. This name became synonymous with Islamic scholarship and piety across the Indian subcontinent.

From a young age, Ahmad Raza Khan received his education under the tutelage of his father, Naqi Ali Khan, a renowned scholar in his own right. By the age of six, he had completed the recitation of the Quran, and by eight, he had written his first commentary on “Hidayat al-Nahw.” His profound intellectual abilities were evident early on, as he delivered a two-hour lecture on Islamic theology at the age of six, leaving the audience in awe of his knowledge and wisdom.

His education continued under the guidance of various esteemed scholars, including Mirza Ghulam Qadir Beg and his father, who taught him Arabic, Persian, and various Islamic sciences. By the age of ten, he had authored a margin on “Muslim al-Thubut” and had begun his lifelong journey of teaching and writing.

Literary Contributions

 Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Barelvi’s scholarly output is both vast and diverse. His most famous work, the thirty-volume “Fatawa Razawiya,” is a comprehensive collection of Islamic legal rulings that cover a wide array of theological, jurisprudential, and social issues. This work is considered a cornerstone of Hanafi jurisprudence and remains a vital reference for scholars worldwide.

Another significant contribution is his Urdu translation and interpretation of the Quran, “Kanzul Iman,” which is celebrated for its eloquence and depth of interpretation. His poetry collection, “Hadaiq-e-Bakhshish,” reflects his deep spiritual love for Prophet Muhammad and continues to inspire Muslims globally.

Ala Hazrat’s intellectual prowess is further demonstrated in his work “Al-Dawlat al-Makkiyya bi al-Madda al-Ghaybiyah,” which he authored during his second pilgrimage to Mecca. Remarkably, he completed this book in just eight hours, relying solely on his insight and memory. This feat earned him the title of “Mujaddid” (Reviver of Islam) from scholars across the Arab world.

Imam Ahmad Raza Khan’s literary contributions are numerous, with over a thousand books and treatises to his name. Some of his most notable works include:

Fatawa Razaviyya, Kanzul Iman, Hadaiq-e-Bakhshish, Al-Dawlat al-Makkiyya, Subhan al-Sibyan, Al-Malfuz al-Sharif, Ahkam-e-Shariat, Amn-al-Wala’ li-Naa’it al-Mustafa, Tamheed-e-Iman, Al-Fuyuz al-Makkiyah, Husam al-Haramayn.

Teachers and Spiritual Lineage

Imam Ahmad Raza Khan’s education was shaped by several prominent scholars of his time, including his father, Naqi Ali Khan, and his grandfather, Raza Ali Khan. He also studied under Shah Al-i-Rasul, a respected scholar who greatly influenced his theological and spiritual education. During his pilgrimage to Mecca, he received further instruction from scholars like Ahmad Zayni Dahlan Makki and Abd al-Rahman Siraj Makki.

In 1877, Aala Hazrat, along with his father, took the Sufi initiation (Bait) in the Qadri order from Shah Al-Rasul Marehrwi and was granted spiritual succession (Khilafat). He received authorization to initiate disciples in several other Sufi orders, including the Chishti, Naqshbandi, and Suhrawardi orders.

Establishment of Darul Uloom Manzar-e-Islam

 In 1904, at the insistence of his close friend Syed Amir Ahmad and his student Zafaruddin Bihari, Imam Ahmad Raza Khan agreed to establish a new madrasa (Islamic school) in Bareilly. Named Darul Uloom Manzar-e-Islam, the institution began with just two students but soon became a significant centre of Islamic learning, attracting students from across the region.

Final Years and Legacy

 Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Barelvi passed away on Friday, 25th Safar 1340 AH (1921), at precisely 2:38 PM Indian Standard Time. His legacy continues to thrive through the Barelvi movement, which emphasises traditional Sunni beliefs, devotion to Prophet Muhammad, and the integration of Sufi practices into everyday life. His works remain a source of guidance and inspiration for millions of Muslims around the world.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Personality / by Sahil Razvi / August 20th, 2024

Noida, UTTAR PRADESH / Toronto, CANADA :

Food Blogger Mizan Siddiqui of the Dilli ka Bhukkad fame

Mizan Siddiqui, an Indian living in Toronto city of Canada runs a popular food blog ‘Dilli Ka Bhukkad’  (Glutton from Delhi) to promote desi foods in the North American country. His blog is one of the most followed on social media and he plans to start a chain of restaurants under the banner of his food blog.

Mizan Siddiqui, is a first-class law and economics graduate from Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Initially, he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his lawyer father, Atyab Siddiqui. However, the twists and turns of time took him to become the unofficial ambassador of Indian food in Canada.

Instead of impressing judges in the courtroom, Mizan has won the hearts of thousands with his posting of food facts about rare food facts on his blog, which has over 100,000 followers.

Mizan’s followers are spread across countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Gulf countries, France, Sweden, Spain, the UK, Canada, USA. Now his life is a perfect combination of food, cooking, and court.

Through his blog posts, he has tried to preserve Indian cuisine like “Mango Lassi”, “Kachche Ghost Ki Biryani” and “Seekh Kabab”.

Another exceptional goal of Mizan’s food blogging is to preserve the tradition of rapidly dwindling Persian dishes such as, Boti Keema, Pav, Dhansak, Bumla Fry, Tatrelu Gos, Papeta and Berry Pulao.

For these works, Mizan Siddiqui was invited to inaugurate Persian food, bakery products, and biscuits at Kayani Bakery in Mumbai at a very young age.

Mizan has deep ties with Old Delhi. His uncle Aftab Siddiqui was the president of the Northern Railway Men’s Union. He had a house there. Although this house has been sold, Mizan Siddiqui visits it from time to time and cherishes the memories of his ancestral home.

As he walked through the unpaved roads of the historic Shahjahanabad area, he noticed delicacies like mutton “korma”, mouth-watering “shawarma”, aromatic “Hyderabadi biryani”, crispy “kachori”, fried fish, and unique saffron-flavoured sweets shahi tukde. 

 Mizan feels it is his moral duty to provide the world with a pleasant experience of food taste and aroma amid hatred, war, weapons, and conflict.

He is credited with exporting Indian food products to the Western world. Mizan moved to Canada three years ago and has achieved enviable success. From commoners to elite families, businessmen, politicians, and athletes, everyone takes a look at Mizan Siddiqui’s food blogs before heading to eat out. 

His father, a renowned lawyer, Atyab Siddiqui, agrees that his son is making his mark in the food court instead of going to court against his will. 

Mizan posts food pictures on Instagram to give food connoisseurs a variety of ideas of delicacies they could enjoy at the places that he recommends. All the eateries he recommends are exceptional in some way, and once customers get a taste of it, they want to go there again and again. 

He is currently planning to start a “Dilli ka bhukkad” restaurant near Noaki Town in London where his sister, Tibah, works. Looking forward to starting a restaurant in Eglinton, a Toronto neighborhood famous for restaurants and food outlets with his mother as a guide!

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by ATV / August 30th, 2024

KERALA :

The Indian arm of Skoda, a Czech car manufacturing company, announced through its official Instagram account that 24-year-old Mohammed Ziyad has won a competition to name a sports utility vehicle (SUV).

This vehicle is likely to be launched in 2025. Muhammad Ziyad, who was successful in this competition, works as a teacher at Najat College of Quran in Kerala.

Skoda said that the name ‘Kylaq’ proposed by Mohammed Ziad was the first among hundreds of thousands of other proposals submitted for the competition.

In a video clip posted on its official website, it said that the word ‘Kilak’ is derived from the Sanskrit language, which means crystal.

The company said in a post on Instagram: “We congratulate and wish Mohammed Ziyad from Kerala for winning the competition. We are happy to announce that he has qualified for the first Skoda Kylaq car.

Ziyad is currently working as a teacher at Najat College for Quran memorization in the Kasargod region of Kerala for two and a half years. In an interview, Ziyad commented on his win saying, “I am not one of those who are obsessed with cars, rather, I want to have a car as everyone wants to have one.

But my family’s financial circumstances do not permit it.” One of the conditions of the competition was that the proposed names should begin with the letter ‘K’ and end with the letter ‘Q’.

Ziad commented: “I spent a few days thinking about it. I made a list of names starting with K and ending with Q, until I finally decided on the name Kylaq.”

He holds a degree in English from the University of Calicut. It is worth noting that he graduated as a memorizer of the Holy Quran from the Al-Marjan Institute for Quran Memorization in Kerala after spending seven consecutive years in his Quranic career.

He also completed a year of study at Yemeni Arab University College in Calicut. This achievement is being widely praised on social media platforms as a person from a religious background has made a different mark.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Muhammad Iqbal Maidamal / August 29th, 2024

Ajmer, RAJASTHAN :

Ajmer :

The CBSE Board has announced the results for both 10th and 12th grades, with Alia Khan, a student of Sophia Senior Secondary School in Ajmer, Rajasthan, achieving an outstanding 98.6 percent in the 12th board exams. Alia, who excelled in the Arts stream, is also the school topper at the school.

Alia dedicated 8-10 hours daily to her studies, which paid off with her remarkable achievement. She also serves as the President of her school’s Mighty Minds club. Alia credits her success to the support of her teachers, grandparents, and parents. Her family, along with the entire Muslim community of Deswali, is celebrating her accomplishment. The administration of Sophia Senior Secondary School has extended their congratulations to her.

Alia’s father, Javed Ali Khan, is a government teacher, and her mother, Mrs. Kausar, is an MA BEd and a homemaker. Her grandfather, Haji Mohammad Umar Khan, is a retired headmaster with an MA BEd, and her grandmother, Mrs. Salma Begum, is an expert in Islamic literature and Urdu.

Her maternal grandfather, Khursheed Ahmed Khan, is also a retired government officer. Alia’s elder brother, Hasnain Javed, is currently studying Software Engineering in Jaipur. Her uncle, Shaukat Ali Deswali, serves as an Additional District Education Officer in the office of the Joint Director of School Education, Ajmer Division. Another uncle is involved in media and is an emerging poet in Jaipur. Alia comes from a highly qualified family.

With a strong interest in literature and poetry, Alia aspires to pursue a career in psychology and is planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in this field.

Alia Khan’s success is a shining example of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign, and she stands as a source of inspiration for thousands of Muslim girls who aspire to achieve their dreams. Her hard work and dedication have made her family and community proud, and her success story is a beacon of hope for many.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Markers of Excellence / by Raheem Khan / Radiance News Bureau / May 2Oth, 2024

Dhankole (Nagaur), RAJASTHAN :

Jaipur :

The Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE) announced the results of the 12th examination on Monday, highlighting Alisha Khan’s remarkable achievement in the Arts stream. Alisha, a student at Shekhawati School in Losal, Sikar, hails from Dhankoli in Nagaur and scored an impressive 99.20%.

Alisha’s academic excellence includes perfect scores of 100 in both Compulsory Hindi and English. She achieved 99% in both Geography and English Literature, narrowly missing full marks by just one point in each subject, and secured 98% in Political Science.

Expressing her joy, Alisha credited her success to the unwavering support of her parents and teachers. She aspires to become an IAS officer, a dream fueled by her dedication and hard work.

Her father, Ayaz Khan, a teacher, expressed immense pride in her achievements. Alisha’s outstanding performance has made her one of the top achievers in the Arts stream in the RBSE 12th examination.

Alisha’s story is an inspiration to students across Rajasthan, showcasing the power of perseverance and the importance of academic dedication in achieving one’s dreams. Her aspiration to join the civil services underscores her commitment to contributing to society.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Latest News> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / May 21st, 2024

Darbhanga, BIHAR :

Mazin Mansoor, a dedicated student from Darbhanga, Bihar, has made headlines by securing a perfect score of 720 out of 720 in the NEET UG 2024 exam, earning an All India Rank (AIR) of 1. Mazin is one of 66 candidates to achieve this remarkable feat, boasting a percentile of 99.99.

Coming from a family of medical professionals, Mazin’s aspiration to become a top-notch doctor was deeply influenced by his upbringing. At 16, he left his home to pursue NEET UG coaching at Allen Career Institute in Kota. His dedication and hard work paid off, achieving success in his first attempt.

Mazin scored around 87% in his Class XII Bihar Board exams, with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as his core subjects. He attributes his success to consistency and a strategic approach to studying.

“I never made a timetable; instead, I set small targets and never slept without achieving them. Consistency in learning and revising is key to success in any competitive exam,” Mazin shared.

Despite enjoying activities like playing badminton, video games, and scrolling through memes, Mazin remained focused on his goal of becoming a doctor. His dream is to secure a spot at AIIMS Delhi.

In 2023, the National Medical Commission (NMC) reduced the NEET UG syllabus from 97 chapters to 79, focusing on core concepts. This change, according to Mazin, was beneficial.

“The removal of certain inorganic chemistry chapters, which were extensive and complicated, helped in my preparation. Regular mock tests and a determination to improve performance were crucial,” he noted.

Mazin’s journey was also shaped by his family’s support. His father, a pediatrician, has been working in Saudi Arabia since 2003 due to financial challenges faced while working in a government hospital in India. Despite the distance, his father’s dedication to supporting the family financially has been a source of pride and motivation for Mazin.

As Mazin prepares for the next step in his academic journey, his story stands as an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance, consistency, and the importance of family support in achieving one’s dreams.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Focus> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau (headline edited) / June 06th, 2024