Raised by a single mother, Basith named his ambulance service ‘Annai’ as a tribute to her relentless care and sacrifices.
Basith named his ambulance service ‘Annai’ as a tribute to his mother for her relentless care and sacrifices Photo | Express
Virudhunagar :
Two years ago, the cries of a newborn filled the corridors of a hospital in Rajapalayam, but it was not a moment of joy. The 40-year-old mother’s cold body lay in front of her helpless grandmother, who clutched the child closely.
This is when Mohamad Basith (28), the proprietor of Annai Ambulance in Rajapalayam, stepped in. He drove them 15 km for a final journey to their home in Chokkanathanputhur, offering dignity and compassion without charging a dime.
Raised by a single mother, Basith named his ambulance service ‘Annai’ as a tribute to her relentless care and sacrifices. “Despite our financial struggles, my mother ensured that my sister and I received a proper education. From our childhood, we knew the value of food, sleep, and basic necessities,” he said.
In one instance, Basith shouldered the responsibility for a young girl raised by a single mother who was a daily wager. The girl was suffering from kidney-related ailments and required treatment in Tirunelveli. With no means to afford frequent hospital visits, the family turned to Basith, who ensured she was taken to the hospital over eight times. These are just two among the many free services that Basith has quietly been providing over the years. The idea of running his own ambulance service, free for the poor, first struck him while working as a driver, where he witnessed the ordeals families endured during crises.
“After completing my degree five years ago, I couldn’t find a job in my field. So, I worked as a private ambulance driver for two years. Seeing people suffer during emergencies moved me deeply, and that’s when I decided to start my own service, making sure to offer it for free to the poor and underprivileged,” he recalled.
Beyond ambulance services, Basith also helps destitute individuals and those facing mental health challenges by admitting them to shelter homes free of cost. At government hospitals, when attendants are unsure about procedures or struggle to arrange essentials like X-rays, he steps in to guide and assist them.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, he has taken on the responsibility of performing final rites for the abandoned and homeless who pass away on the streets.
Basith is not alone in his work. His wife, Anisha Fathima (27), a nurse, supports him with the same compassion. She provides basic medical care and emergency help to the needy, all free of cost.
Looking ahead, Basith hopes to add more ambulances to his service and start a shelter home for underprivileged elders. In a world where compassion often takes a back seat, Basith and his service prove that a single act of kindness can create a ripple of hope for many in their darkest hour.
(Edited by Meghna Murali)
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Harini M / edited by Meghna Murali / September 14th, 2025
Rajasthan is known for its sandy deserts, historical monuments, especially forts, vibrant culture, and above all, its brave people, some of whom are inspiring others and changing society for the better. Under our series ‘The Changemakers’, Awaz-The Voice, brings you ten such personalities of Rajasthan, who have done extraordinary and pioneering work. Batool Begum: A living legacy of musical heritage.
Batool Begum: Woman who took traditional music to the world
One name that resonates in the streets of Jaipur is that of Batool Begum. Born in Kerap village of Nagaur district, Rajasthan, this extraordinary singer is a living legacy of Indian classical music. Batool developed a deep passion for music in her childhood. Despite facing social and economic challenges, she continued her singing.
Her melodious voice and her passion for music not only earned her recognition as an artist but also proved that talent can break all barriers. Her art is a source of inspiration for her community and the entire Rajasthan.
Abdul Salam Johar: A lac bangle maker who received global recognition
The vibrant spirit of India’s Pink City, Jaipur, doesn’t only emanate from its colours and people but also from the traditional handicrafts that are made and sold here. Bangles worth lakhs are made in these streets, which are a symbol of the traditional beauty and hard work of thousands of its people.
Abdul Salam Johar is one such artist who not only preserved the traditional art of the State but also brought about a social change in a major way. Coming from the Manihar community, Johar was born in a family with little means, but his dreams were extraordinary. Seeing the struggles of his grandfather Hafiz Mohammad Ismail and parents Haji Abdul Aziz and Hajjan Qamar Jahan, he made hard work, dedication, and social service the main mantra of his life.
He began his journey from his ancestral shop ‘Indian Kangan and Colour Store’ located in Tripolia Bazaar of Jaipur, and today his wares are being sold under brands ‘Johar Design’, ‘Johar King’ and ‘Indian Crafts’ in the global markets. He is not only a successful entrepreneur, but also a social reformer who took his community and traditional art to new heights.
Abdul Latif ‘Arco’: A confluence of business and social service
Abdul Latif, who lives in Chini ki Burj in the capital Jaipur, and is known as ‘Arko’ in Rajasthan, is one such special personality. Born in a small village of Chomu in 1946, Abdul Latif’s father, Rahmatullah, and mother, Hafijan, taught him hard work, honesty, and the passion to help people, which became the basis of his life.
His company, Abdul Razzaq & Company (ARCO), is today a big name for social service along with electric motors, fans, and coolers. Apart from this, his hotel, ARCO Palace, is a symbol of his hard work and foresight. Abdul Latif’s story is not just of a businessman, but of a person who chose to work as a changemaker by combining his business and social responsibilities.
Qazi Nishat Hussain: A new voice breaking stereotypes
The voice rising from a small office located in the narrow streets of Johri Bazaar in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is today inspiring society to change. This voice is of Nishat Hussain, Rajasthan’s first Muslim female Qazi, social worker, and a strong advocate of the rights of Muslim women.
Her life journey is an example of courage, struggle, and change, which not only made thousands of women aware but also gave them a new direction to live.
Born in Sitabari Mohalla of Karauli district, Nishat’s childhood was spent in an environment of communal harmony. His family was the only Muslim family in the neighbourhood. There were three temples in front of her house. She says, “We did not know who was a Hindu and who was a Muslim.” In a backward area like Karauli, where girls’ education was not given importance, Nishat created history. She became the first Muslim girl in the district to pass the tenth standard, that too as the only Muslim student among 1200 girls. Today, she has become a torchbearer of the rights of Muslim women.
Captain Mirza Mohtasim Baig and Ruby Khan: An Inspiring couple in social service
An inspirational couple, Captain Mirza Mohtasim Baig and his wife Ruby Khan, hail from Jaipur. Captain Mirza is the first Muslim pilot of Rajasthan and has been operating national and international flights for the last 25 years. At the same time, his wife Ruby is an active social worker and politician.
Both believe that if one wants to bring change in society, then he has to take the initiative. Together, they had organised medical camps, documentation camps, free ration distribution, and offered financial help to families in the marriage of their daughters. The couple is an epitome of change brought about by spirited people.
Dr. Arif Khan: The village scientist who created history
Thirty-four years ago, a child was born in the small village of Masani in the Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan. Today, he is Dr. Arif Khan, a scientist who has brought laurels to India. In his village, most of the people toiled in the fields. His father, Advocate Farid Khan, wanted his son to become a doctor. His mother and grandfather also had the same dream. But there were few schools in Masani, and the path to making dreams come true was difficult. Still, Arif had a passion to do something extraordinary in his life.
With his hard work and dedication, he became a bio-scientist and brought glory to his family and village. His research on milk and food products brought a wave of change. His story proves that if the intentions are strong, then even a boy from a small village can become a scientist and make the country feel proud.
Mainuna Nargis: First Shia Muslim woman in art conservation
In a vast country like India, art conservation is important since it not only preserves history but also connects future generations to our heritage. Mainuna Nargis, the country’s first and so far the only Shia Muslim woman art conservator, does the same work. Born in Bahjoi, a small town in Moradabad district of Uttar Pradesh, Maimuna’s childhood was ordinary, but her dreams were extraordinary. Rajasthan has now become Mainuna’s second home.
Her father, a Policeman in UP, always encouraged her. After studying Fine Arts from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), she did a diploma in Museology, which became the most decisive turning point in her life. Maimuna’s story is not just of professional success, but a story of passion, struggle, and self-confidence, which revived the broken pieces of history.
Yoga Guru Naeem Khan: Global journey from music to yoga
The life journey of Yoga Guru Naeem Khan, who rose from the streets of Jodhpur, the cultural capital of Rajasthan, to spread his spiritual aura on international platforms, is a unique example. He rose from a common man to a global yoga guru and presented yoga as a universal energy beyond religion, culture, and boundaries.
Naeem Khan was born in a family where music was in every breath. His grandfather, Ustad Umardin Khan, was the court musician of the Jodhpur royal family, while his maternal uncle was Padma Bhushan-awarded Sarod player Ustad Sultan Khan. However, with changing times, that traditional flame of music started to fade. Naeem and his brother got involved in business, but yoga gave Naeem a new direction, and he took it to a global platform.
Syed Anwar Shah: A man who introduced girls to education
Thirty years ago, a dream was born in a small room in Jaipur, which has today become the light of education for thousands of girls. This is the story of Syed Anwar Shah, whom people fondly call Master Anwar Shah. He not only dreamt of his daughter’s education, but also made it a means of progress for the daughters of society.
Today his educational institution, Al-Jamia-tul Alia, is spreading the message of knowledge and Islamic ethics not only in Jaipur, but also in the whole of India and abroad. After completing his M.A. in Public Administration from Rajasthan University in 1980, he dedicated his entire life to the welfare of society and the service of education. In 1995, when his daughter Alia was born, he decided to set up an institution for the education of girls, which would impart both worldly and divine teachings.
Today, his effort has become a boon for thousands of families.
Padma Shri Shakir Ali: Patron of Miniature Painting
It’s no exaggeration to say that Jaipur is the art capital of Rajasthan. And in the field of miniature painting, the name of Syed Shakir Ali comes to the fore spontaneously. This genre of painting is an identity of the state of Rajasthan.
Padma Shri awardee Syed Shakir Ali is not only a great practitioner of this art, but he is also the guardian of that heritage, which is an integral part of the cultural identity of Rajasthan. Born in 1956 in Jalesar village of Uttar Pradesh, Shakir Ali’s family soon settled in Jaipur, where his art got a new direction.
Today, he has given recognition to this traditional art of Rajasthan not only in India but also on international platforms.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> The Changemakers / by Aasha Khosa, ATV / September 14th, 2025
Press Club of India remembers Maulvi Mohammed Baqar on his 167th birthday on September 15, 2024.
New Delhi :
The Press Club of India (PCI) that has remained the last bastion to hold the flag of media’s independence high in the country, organised a programme on Sunday to remember the contributions of Maulvi Mohammed Baqar who used the power of his pen to challenge the Britishers who had brought a law to gag the press in India in the middle of 18th century.
Organized on the 167th martyrdom anniversary of Maulvi Baqar, the programme was attended by a host of writers, journalists, historians, academicians and intellectuals.
Shedding light on the contributions of Maulvi Baqar considered to be the founder of “spot” and investigative journalism in India, noted historian Dr. Swapna Liddle, author of The Broken Script, recalled Maulvi Baqar’s bold reporting of the events in Delhi’s 1857 revolt popularly known as India’s First War of Independence. It was when the press did not have facilities as available today, but Maulvi Baqar used to collect news stories from the field and print them in his newspaper published in the Urdu language.
The Britishers felt disturbed by the investigative reporting of Maulvi Baqar that became the reason for his martyrdom. British Army tied Maulvi Baqar to the mouth of a large gun and blew him into pieces.
Liddle emphasized how Moulvi Baqar became the voice of resistance against British rule, making him a significant figure in both the 1857Revolt and in the annals of Indian journalism.
According to Dr. Liddle, Moulvi Baqar’s work offers invaluable lessons for journalists today. His views on British governance, racial discrimination, job inequalities, and the exploitation of India’s wealth laid a foundation that remains relevant. Baqar’s sharp critique of British policies, combined with his unwavering call for unity among the people of Delhi, positioned him as a crucial figure in the anti-colonial struggle.
Presiding over the event, Gautam Lahiri, PCI President, hailed Moulvi Baqar as a pioneer of Indian journalism. Lahiri reflected on the state of modern journalism, pointing out that Baqar’s dedication and principles serve as a stark contrast to the current state of media, as reflected in India’s declining position on the World Media Freedom Index.
“It’s unfortunate that instead of rising to the level of journalism Baqar practiced, we seem to have regressed,” Lahiri noted, calling for introspection within the media industry.
Lahiri also stressed the importance of protecting institutions like the PCI, which he described as a cornerstone of Indian politics and modern history. “This land was given to us by our first prime minister, and it even served as the residence of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for a time. We must protect both the building and the institution, while upholding the constitutional values that it stands for.”
Senior journalist AU Asif, former member of PCI management committee, praised Baqar for his trailblazing work in investigative and field reporting. He underscored how Baqar’s journalistic integrity set a lasting example for future generations.
A panel discussion followed, focusing on Baqar’s legacy and the challenges faced by Urdu journalism today. Panelists included independent multimedia journalist Suhail Akhter, News18 Urdu anchor and author Munazah Shah, and Tasleem Raja, reporter for Siyasi Taqdeer and Qauwmi Aawaz. They discussed how Baqir’s newspaper, Delhi Urdu Akhbar, became a vital voice despite having a modest circulation of just 80 copies. The panel emphasized that the publication’s influence stemmed from its powerful content, which resonated with readers during a time of great political upheaval.
The discussion also touched on the difficulties Urdu journalism faces today, including issues of subscription, funding, and content creation. The panel drew parallels between the courage Moulvi Baqar exhibited in standing up to the British and the challenges modern journalists face in dissenting against the ruling establishment. The event was moderated by Mahtab Alam, journalist and PCI Joint Secretary.
source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> News / by Mohammed Naushad Khan / September 16th, 2024
Human Welfare Foundation inaugurated the ambitious Vision Academic City” project in Mewat, one of Haryana’s most backward districts. Spread across 24 acres in Maroda village, the campus aims to transform the socio-economic landscape of the region by providing quality and affordable education, healthcare, and community services.
Speaking on the occasion, local MLA Mamman Khan described the campus as a “blessing” for the people of Mewat and assured full support to strengthen its educational initiatives.
P. Mohammed Ali Gulfar, Patron of Human Welfare Foundation and founder of the Gulfar Group, recalled that the dream of Vision 2026 was envisioned in 2005 and is now becoming a reality. “We will continue working for the educational and social upliftment of this region,” he said.
Adding to this, T. Arif Ali, Chairman of Vision 2026, emphasized that the sacrifices of Mewat’s people are deeply rooted in India’s soil, and the time has come to turn the dreams of their forefathers into reality.
Mewat is counted among the most underdeveloped districts of the country, grappling with poor education levels, lack of healthcare facilities, and inadequate sanitation. To address these challenges, the Vision Academic City has been developed under the Vision 2026 Programme.
During the inauguration, several institutions within the campus were formally opened, including Al Jamia Islamia Mewat Off-Campus, an undergraduate college building, separate hostels for boys and girls, and Chirag Middle School. The foundation stones of Scholar School and a Skill Development Centre were also laid.
The event also highlighted Mewat’s rich cultural heritage through Tarang Cultural Fest, Mewat Kitchen, and the Mewat Heritage Wall, showcasing the region’s traditions and identity.
Prominent guests included Engineer Mamman Khan (MLA, Ferozepur Jhirka), P. Mohammed Ali (Founder, Gulfar Group of Companies), and Maqbool Ahmed Anarwala (Retd. IPS Officer). Educationists, community leaders, and several eminent personalities also graced the occasion.
Speakers stressed the urgent need for quality education and skill development in Mewat, noting that Vision Academic City would not only provide modern infrastructure but also open pathways for higher education and research.
Among those present were M. Sajid (General Secretary, Human Welfare Foundation), Shibli Arslan (Academic Director, Al Jamia Mewat Campus), and many local dignitaries.
The inaugural ceremony concluded with a commitment to make Vision Academic City a hub of learning, development, and cultural pride for Mewat.
source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Society / by Mohammed Naushad Khan / September 08th, 2025
On the occasion of its Founder’s Day, the Al-Ameen Educational Society felicitated M. Nurul Islam, Founder and General Secretary of Al-Ameen Mission, West Bengal, with the prestigious “Al-Ameen All India Community Leadership Award 2025” for his remarkable contributions to education and community empowerment, reported the MPositive.
The annual event, held in memory of the Society’s visionary founder, the late Dr. Mumtaz Ahmed Khan, brought together members and supporters of the Al-Ameen movement. Nurul Islam was invited as the chief guest and was honoured for his tireless efforts in transforming the educational landscape, particularly for underprivileged students in West Bengal.
Islam began the Al-Ameen Mission in 1986 by establishing a hostel and the Institute of Islamic Culture in Khalatpur through community donations—famously collected as a fistful of rice from every household. In 1987, he renamed the initiative Al-Ameen Mission, inspired by the title Al-Ameen (the trustworthy), given to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Since its inception, the Mission has achieved phenomenal success. With 77 residential branches, it currently houses more than 22,000 students, boasts a strong network of 50,000 alumni, and has produced over 2,400 doctors, 2,500 engineers, and numerous other professionals. In 2022 alone, nearly 500 students secured admissions in MBBS and BDS courses.
The late Dr. Mumtaz Ahmed Khan, who founded the Al-Ameen Educational Society in 1966 at the age of 30, is remembered as a renowned educationist, humanitarian, and reformer who dedicated his life to uplifting marginalized communities through education. His legacy continues to inspire the movement’s expansion across India.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / September 08th, 2025
Safeena Husain (Extreme left) with some of the girls who whom her NGO helped
New Delhi
“The Ramon Magsaysay Award for ‘Educate Girls’ is a historic moment for India, and it places the global spotlight on a people-powered movement that began with a single girl in a remote village in the country,” said the non-profit’s founder, Safeena Husain, after the Manila based committee named her NGO for the coveted award for 2025, said.
Founded by Safeena Husain, The Foundation to Educate Girls Globally, widely known as ‘Educate Girls,’ has made history as the first Indian organisation to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award, a statement from the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF) said.
“Educate Girls” shares the 2025 Ramon Magsaysay Award with Shaahina Ali (Maldives), honoured for combating plastic pollution and protecting marine ecosystems, and Fr. Flaviano Antonio L. Villanueva (Philippines), recognized for restoring dignity to Manila’s poor and homeless.
‘Educate Girls’ has been named for Asia’s premier prize and highest honour for “its commitment to addressing cultural stereotyping through the education of girls and young women, liberating them from the bondage of illiteracy and infusing them with skills, courage, and agency to achieve their full human potential,” the RMAF statement said.
Reflecting on the milestone, Husain said, “Being the first Indian non-profit to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award is a historic moment for Educate Girls and for the country. This recognition places a global spotlight on India’s people-powered movement for girls’ education, one that began with a single girl in the remotest village and grew to reshape entire communities, challenging traditions and shifting mindsets.”
The award honours dedicated Team Balika volunteers, valued partners, passionate gender champions, and supporters, and acknowledges the millions of girls who reclaimed their right to education, she said.
“As we work to reach 10 million learners in the next decade and share this blueprint beyond India, we carry forward a simple truth that when one girl is educated, she takes others with her, multiplying change across families, generations, and nations,” Husain said.
The organisation’s CEO, Gayatri Nair Lobo, said, “At Educate Girls, we believe that education is one of the greatest levers for development. But above all, education is every girl’s fundamental and inherent right. This prestigious award recognises the transformational change that is possible through partnerships with the government, philanthropic institutions, corporations, and grassroots communities, working together to tackle societal and systemic barriers and promote equitable and accessible education for girls everywhere.”
“We are deeply grateful to the Government of India for its phenomenal initiatives that have made this possible. Warm congratulations to our fellow awardees, Shaahina Ali and Fr. Flaviano Villanueva, whose work inspires us all,” she added.
Starting from Rajasthan, Educate Girls identified the neediest communities in terms of girls’ education, brought unschooled or out-of-school girls into the classroom, and worked to keep them there until they were able to acquire credentials for higher education and gainful employment, the statement said.
“It started with 50 pilot village schools reaching over 30,000 villages across India’s most under-served regions, involving over two million girls, with a retention rate of over 90 per cent,” the Foundation said.
The organisation is being recognised for its commitment to addressing cultural stereotyping through the education of girls and young women, liberating them from the bondage of illiteracy and infusing them with skills, courage, and agency to achieve their full human potential, a release said.
Safina Husain, founder The Foundation to Educate Girls Globally
It is the first Indian organisation ever to receive this award, in recognition of ‘its commitment to addressing cultural stereotyping through the education of girls and young women, liberating them from the bondage of illiteracy and infusing them with skills, courage, and agency to achieve their full human potential.’
The non-profit joins a lineage of distinguished laureates, including filmmaker Satyajit Ray, singer M.S. Subbulakshmi, social reformer Kiran Bedi, and Vinoba Bhave, alongside international icons such as Nobel Peace Prize laureates the Dalai Lama and Mother Teresa, as well as Oscar-winning storyteller Hayao Miyazaki.
Educate Girls, founded in 2007, empowers girls through education to break cycles of poverty and illiteracy. Since its inception, mobilising 55,000+ volunteers, it has brought back over 2 million girls to school and supported over 2.4 million children with remedial learning.
It operates in over 30,000 villages, aligning with the government’s priorities and initiatives. With a goal to reach 10 million learners in the next decade, the organization drives systemic change through government partnerships and ensures last-mile access for the most vulnerable. Its global recognition underscores the transformative power of investing in girls’ education.
The 2025 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees will formally receive their medallions and certificates during the 67th Ramon Magsaysay Awards Presentation Ceremonies on 7 November 2025 at the Metropolitan Theatre in Manila, Philippines.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / posted by Aasha Khosa / September 02nd, 2025
Lakhimpur Kheri District / Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH :
A leading scholar of Islamic studies with focus on Seerah literature and history, he unconventionally broke many stereotypes—both orthodox and modern and all his life epitomized the cause of Islam on the intellectual front.
With the death of Yaseen Mazhar Siddiqui, at the age of 76, Muslims in South Asia lost one of the most respected and leading scholars of Islam. A graduate of, and now professor at Aligarh University is less known in the West for his 29 books than for his Catalogue of Arabic Manuscripts at the Aligarh Muslim University, India, published in London in 2002 by the Furqan Heritage Foundation.
An eminent Muslim religious scholar, academic and historian who served as director of the Institute of Islamic Studies at Aligarh Muslim University. Siddiqui was a well-placed and reputed figure of great spiritual and intellectual insight recognized on national as well as international level.
Siddiqui was instrumental over the past 30 years in the framing, development and streamlining the influence of Islam in Aligarh Muslim University. To commemorate the outstanding services of Hazrat Shah Waliullah and to promote the Islamic values, the Institute of Objective Studies instituted an Award known as “Shah Waliullah Award” to honour eminent scholars who have done outstanding work in Social Sciences, Humanities, Law and Islamic Studies. The fifth Shah Waliullah Award was rightly conferred on Prof. Mohd Yasin Mazhar Siddiqi, as the renowned scholar for his contribution to Sirah and Historiography in Islamic Perspective in 2005.
Siddiqui was an exceptionally modest and humble man, with an intellectually engaging and honest commitment to Islam, away from self-eulogizing claims of pseudo-intellectualism. His commitment to Islam, which occupied him for his whole life, left an indelible mark in the hearts and minds of people across territorial boundaries.
One thing all this illustrates is Siddiqui’s intense sense of duty — a sense that he unthinkingly expected his colleagues to share. Siddiqui’s well-stocked mind, clarity and unflinching intellectual honesty devoted to respond the questions of Orientalist scholarship on Sirah literature and subsequent other corollaries. He had little time for Islam’s own accounts of its origins rather his interest revolved around “Qurʾān and Sirah” and its role in shaping the worldview of Muslims who are struggling to makes sense of their identity amid the challenges emerging from dominant discursive colonial Eurocentric episteme. Leaving the conventional hollow claims, without efforts to prove how and why so much sanctity is attached to Islam and its sources—Qurʾān and Sunnah/Sirah being the primary one, he reckoned, to fill the gap using contemporary sources and knowledge of Hadīth, from orientalist and now its pedigree of modernist claims. This task required both personal and intellectual bravery. As he knew the central beliefs of Islam, such as the way the Quran took shape, the place of Sirah, its underlying methodology, he was equally aware how outside scrutiny has tempered the flare, especially when the conclusions are expressed in a witty and sardonic style.
His soft way of speaking, affectionate manner and hospitable nature made him a much-loved figure. Because of his erudition most people who came in contact with him thought of him as a teacher; many saw him as a spiritual mentor. With his humble appearance, it was easy to mistake him for a country bumpkin.
Born in India in 1944 in the Lakhimpur Kheri district of United Provinces of British India. He graduated in the traditional Dars-e-Nizami (pure religious textual studies of Islamic texts) studies from Nadwatul Ulama in 1959, and Master’s in literature from the University of Lucknow in 1960. He passed the intermediate exams from the Jamia Milia Islamia in 1962 and then acquired a B.A. in 1965 and B.Ed. in 1966 from the same University. In 1968, Siddiqui recieved a M.A. degree in History, M.Phil. in 1969, and Ph.D. in 1975 from the Aligarh Muslim University. Yasin Mazhar Siddiqui benefited from great teachers like Maulana Rabi Hasni Nadvi, Maulana Syed Abul Hassan Ali Nadvi, Maulana Ishaq Sandelvi K. A. Nizami, Abd al-Hafīz Balyāwi and Rabey Hasani. Anwar was welcomed as an independent member of various advisory committees and expressed pride in the research done in the field of Sirah.
Professor Siddiqui wrote more than 40 books and 300 research articles in Urdu, Arabic and Persian.
His publications and presentations have reverberated throughout the discipline of Islamic studies and social sciences, profoundly shaping the scholarship of a new generation of scholars as they develop a thoughtful, knowledgeable, and critical approach to Seerah and history. He was well known for the great quality and high calibre of his originality of research in Islamic studies and all related subjects.
He was recognized as one of the compelling and intellectually grounded voice on Seerah studies. As a scholar and teacher, he embodied and followed strong moral and political principles, and formulated new ways of understanding the subject of Seerah, history, religious freedom, and the rights of religious minorities. His writings on the Prophet and his teachings garnered wide acclaim.
He wrote extensively in reputed literary journal, ‘Nuqoosh’ and got international ‘Nuqush Award’, ‘Seerat-e-Rasool Award’ and ‘Sirah Nigari Award’.
Two of his most popular works are Muslim Conduct of State and Introduction to Islam. The first book was Ehd-e-Nabwi mai Tanzīm-e-Riyāsat-o-Hukūmat and the second book The Prophet Muhammad: A Role Model for Muslim Minorities has gained such wide acclaim—mainly for the reason that its contents are divided into chapters (which stand on their own as a monograph) which deal with related specific subject matter. It is easy to understand how his style of presentation has endeared the book not only to common folk, but also to the people who would like to gain a reasonable insight into the true spirit of the teachings of Islam.
For such Muslim communities, the political perspectives reflected by the corpus of traditional fiqh are of little or no relevance, and can even be hugely problematic. Siddiqui therefore takes it upon himself to develop an understanding of Muslim jurisprudence that is particularly suited to their context, making a valuable contribution to the limited, but slowly expanding, corpus of writings on fiqh al-aqalliyat or fiqh for [Muslim] minorities. Siddiqui argues that the basis of fiqh for Muslim minorities must lie in the Makkan period of life of the Prophet Muhammad and his companions, a period of around thirteen years when the Muslims were a minority and did not enjoy political domination. In many senses, their position resembled that of Muslim minorities today. Muslim minorities need to see the role of the Prophet and the early Muslims in that period as a model for them to emulate, Siddiqui suggests:
The Prophet had close personal ties with several non-Muslims in Mecca, and Muslim minorities, Siddiqui advises, must emulate him in this regard and must have “excellent social relations with non-Muslims” (p. 194).
As Siddiqui succinctly puts it:
Muslims all over the world, especially Muslim minorities, have to prove that they are the best community, devoted to the cause of protecting mankind against suffering and blessing everyone with happiness, regardless of caste, colour or creed. Their position is of the best community and their duty is to serve mankind […] Their presence must guarantee help for everyone, especially of their non-Muslim country. However, this cannot be affirmed merely verbally or by recounting old stories. They have to prove it by their conduct. (p. 194)
This monograph and his other works are a brilliant contribution to the on-going debates about fiqh for Muslim minorities. It provides valuable insights for developing new and more relevant understandings of Islamic jurisprudence in Muslim minority contexts, envisaging the possibility of reconciling Islamic commitment with Muslim minority-ness, an issue that has largely escaped the attention of Islamic scholars but one that has sometimes been, and continues to be, a troubling one for many Muslims living as minorities.
Siddiqui’s diverse and intellectually engaging work that speaks eloquently to a wide spectrum of readers with different backgrounds and interests. To use terms such as “monumental”, “one-of-a-kind”, and “exceptional” to describe this work is not exaggeration.
A committed Muslim, throughout his career Siddiqui maintained the principle of genuinely evidence-based research. Dapper and courteous, he was a highly effective communicator, quoted widely in the local context as well as cited in academia.
A direct criticism to his work also emerges from scholars who assert that in his Introduction of The Prophet Muhammad—A Role Model for Muslim minorities’ Siddiqi (p. 62) formally describes himself as a humble and error-prone human being. However, he then proceeds to negate the worth of all previous biographies of the Prophet, claiming that these ‘conventional’ authors used ‘outdated methodology and lines of argument’. Consequently, according to him, all previous studies of the Makkan period were ‘markedly inadequate’ and ‘the entire life history of the Prophet remains to be analysed’ since ‘no biographer of his has ever given thought to this obvious fact that the Makkan period of his life represents the phase of subjugation’. Therefore, Siddiqi considers the conventional treatment of the Makkan and Madinan periods of Islamic history as ‘downright pernicious’ (p. ix). One wonders indeed whether the author is aware of some of the most popular biographies of the Prophet—beyond the classical ones: Ibn Ishaq, Ibn Hisham, and Ibn Kathir—including the works by Muhammad Hamidullah, Muhammad Haikal, Martin Lings, Karen Armstrong, and Tarik Jan, all contradicting his assertions.
With quite a serious criticism on his assertions about various aspects of mis-reading the Seerah of the Prophet there still remains a lot to be talked about his contribution to diverse areas of Islamic Studies. And though he is no longer here to share his thoughts, he has done enough to enable us to think with him. Certain towering intellectuals become integral to the very alphabet of our moral and religious imagination. They live in those who read and think them through-and thus they become indexical, proverbial, to our thinking.
Siddiqui lived so fully, so consciously, so critically through the thick and thin of our times that he is definitive to our critical thinking, just like Mustafa Azami, Abul Hasan Ali Nadvi, or other Muslim luminaries are. He was – and remains – a brilliant intellectual, whose legacy of rethinking certain conventional assertions around Islam and efforts still reverberate today and will continue to do so.
He cultivated with joyous attention her relationships with family and friends. He mentored, as one of his students mentioned once, with remarkable care and intensity, demanding their best work, listening, responding with a sharp generosity, coming alive in thought, and soliciting others to do the same. He immersed himself, in illness and heath, in reading the Quran post morning prayers and transformed himself and transmitted the values of thought and love, leaving now a vibrant legacy that will persist and flourish among all whose lives were touched by his life and work.
May Allah Almighty bless him with the loftiest of abodes in the Gardens of Firdaus in the company of Allah’s beloved Messenger and grant all those who cherished him patience.
source: http://www.muslimmatters.org / Muslim Matters / Home> Islam / by Dr Mehraj Din / September 22nd, 2020
Vahanvati presenting the cheque to Tahir Mahmood with A R Laxamanan, and Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman, K Rahman Khan
New Delhi:
The seventh Shah Waliullah Award was conferred on eminent legalist and an authority on Muslim Law Dr Tahir Mahmood today in New Delhi by Institute of Objective Studies (IOS).
The award carrying a shawl and a check of Rs one lakh was presented to Dr Mahmood, who is currently Member, Law Commission of India and former Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities, by Attorney General of India Goolam E Vahanvati in the presence of Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, K Rahman Khan, Law Commission of India Chairman, Justice A R Lakshmanan, IOS chairman Dr Manzoor Alam and Lok Sabha Member Maulana Asrarul Haque Qasmi.
In his award accepting speech Dr Tahir Mahmood, author of several books and Muslim and general law, offered his gratitude to the IOS for selecting him for the prestigious award as it is named after renowned Islamic scholar and reformer Shah Waliullah Muhaddis Dehlvi and deciding to present it to him by the eminent jurist and present Solicitor General Goolam E Vavanvati in the presence of K Rahman Khan and other dignitaries.
Islamic law was distorted by the British judiciary, and what is today found in text books in the name of Islamic law, is in fact far from the true Islamic law, said Dr Mahmood who has spent about 50 years on working on Muslim Law – first 20 years since 1959 on studying it through original sources and next 30 years teaching and writing on Muslim Law.
Prof Faizan Mustafa, V-C, National Law University, Bhubaneshwar, IOS chairman Dr Manzoor Alam, Attorney General of India Goolam E Vahanvati, Justice A R Laxamanan, chairman, Law Commission of India, Dr Tahir Mahmood, Maulana Asrarul Haque Qasmi, MP, Lok Sabha
He announced to donate the award money to the Indian Association of Scholars of Religion and Law (ASRAL-India), a group he set up to create a platform for engagement between religion and law.
IOS instituted the award in 1999 to commemorate the outstanding services of Shah Waliullah to promote the Islamic values and to honour eminent scholars who have done outstanding work in Social Sciences, Humanities, Law and Islamics.
This was the 7th award for the year 2005. The first award for the year 1999 was conferred posthumously on Maulana Syed Abul Hasan Ali Nadvi on November 3, 2000. The second award went to Qazi Mujahidul Islam Qasmi, the renowned Islamic scholar and an authority on Islamic fiqh and the third to Prof Nejatullah Siddiqui, eminent Islamic economist.
source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Indian Muslim / by Mumtaz Alam Falahi, TwoCircles.net / July 11th, 2009
Apart from the need for education, it underlines the importance of representation in legislative bodies and jobs
Syed Ahmed Khan biopic | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
He is one of the architects of modern India or a proponent of the two-nation theory. However, moving away from easy binaries, the first biopic of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan attempts to find answers to the contested legacy of the founder of the Muhammedan Anglo-Oriental College that took the shape of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). Long in the works, a two-hour cut of the OTT series, The Messiah premiered at the iconic Kennedy Auditorium in AMU on Monday, before the series streamed on Apple TV.
Coming at a time when the minority status of the Central University is being hotly debated in courts and society, the series details how Sir Syed confronted a section of the clergy and conservative elements within the Muslim community by creating a modern centre of learning to build bridges between the Muslims and the British government after the revolt of 1857, when the colonial power held the community largely responsible for the rebellion. “He held the ignorance as the primary reason behind the political decay of Muslims and thus pushed for modern education,” says Shoaib Hussain Chaudhary, who not only directed the series but also played the title role. “The role fell into my lap after big names declined to take up the challenge, perhaps because of the stigma attached to him.”
A known name in the television circuit, Chaudhary sees Sir Syed as an advocate of Hindu-Muslim unity, who was wrongly associated with the two-nation theory. “The theory came into being long after his demise in 1898. What he asked for was Muslim representation in legislative bodies and it remains relevant considering the political status of the community today.”
As someone who believed in answering a book with a book, Sir Syed responded to William Muir’s controversial commentary on Prophet Muhammad with a rational interpretation of Islamic tradition in Khutbat-e-Ahmadiya.
An adaptation of Hayat-e-Javed, Khwaja Altaf Hussain Hali’s biographical account of Sir Syed’s life, the series puts him in the league of reformists like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Ishwar Chand Vidyasagar and argues that he was not a communal figure but a communitarian who was conscious of the fact that Hindus of Bengal were at least 50 years ahead of Muslims in taking up modern education.
Interestingly, the spark came from Mirza Ghalib. When Sir Syed approached the poet to write the preface of his translation of Ain-e-Akbari, he advised him to concentrate on the contemporary issues of the community and said there was no point in celebrating Akbar’s rule when the constitution of the world was being written in Calcutta.
‘Controversial ideas’
The series also critiques Sir Syed’s point of view on girls’ education and backward Muslims and debates whether he made a mistake by not joining hands with the Indian National Congress. It also explores his tumultuous relationship with his son Syed Mohammad, the first Muslim judge of a High Court during the British Raj, whose proclivity towards alcohol created problems in his personal and professional life. “Sir Syed’s character appears dichotomic but if you see him as a product of his times, things fall in place,” says screenwriter Mutyim Kamalee. “While Islam abhors slavery, he opted for pragmatism as after the revolt of 1857, the community was not in a position to take on the colonial power. Mahatma Gandhi also didn’t take the path of armed rebellion.” Kamalee says Sir Syed didn’t join the Congress but towards the end of his life he showed a change in his point of view and perhaps would have joined the Congress had he lived longer.”
Describing the series as an authentic portrayal of Sir Syed’s life and works, Prof. Shafey Kidwai, an authority on Sir Syed says, “Sir Syed views on women’s education and backward Muslims are widely misunderstood. The film tries to put the record straight in a convincing manner.”
Made on a tight budget, the series was shot on sets after AMU declined permission. “Filmmakers in the past didn’t live up to their promises, so the previous administration was circumspect about our intentions but I am glad now the university has embraced the film,” says Chaudhary.
Apart from Chaudhary, the series stars Akshay Anand, Zarina Wahab, Arif Zakaria, and Deepak Parashar in important roles.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Uttar Pradesh / by Anuj Kumar / December 20th, 2024
Mohsin E Millat Award being presented to Dr. Syed Shah Khusro Hussaini by Prof. Shakeel Samdani
Aligarh :
Dr. Syed Shah Khusro Hussaini, Founder and Chancellor, Khaja Bandanawaz University was conferred with “Mohsin-E-Millat Award” by Sir Syed Awareness Forum (SAF) during a function which was attended by many prominent personalities from the field of education at University Polytechnic Auditorium, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
During the occasion a seminar on “Modern Education and Muslims” was also organised by the Forum.
Addressing the seminar Dr. Syed Shah Khusro Hussaini said that education is necessary for Muslims throughout the world. He said that, Islam is a modern religion and if the principles of Islam are followed honestly, then everyone can achieve success in their lives. He further said that he is the admirer of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and he is trying his best to carry forward the mission of Sir Syed by establishing a university. He appealed to the Muslims to focus on education as it is the key to success. In the last he said that division on the basis of school of thought is causing harm to the Muslims. It should be avoided by them.
Presiding over the seminar, Prof. Mohd. Hanif Beg, Pro Vice Chancellor, AMU said that in today’s world it is very important to discuss on the issues of education. He congratulated the SAF for organizing the seminar on modern education. He further said that Sir Syed has always given importance to modern education. At the end he requested the students to work hard for civil services and judicial examinations.
Prof. M H Beg, PVC, AMU delivering Speech sitting IPS Abdul Hamid, Dr. Khusro Hussaini, Prof. Shakeel Samdani, Prof. Pathan and others
Guest of Honor, Mr. Abdul Hamid, IPS and Registrar, AMU said that today Muslims are lagging behind in the field of modern education. Sachar Committee report has confirmed that the educational status of Muslims in India is lower than Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. He said that higher education is the only solution of this problem. He requested the students of AMU to focus on their education and keep themselves away from unnecessary activities. At the last he congratulated Prof. Shakeel Samdani, President SAF for organizing a wonderful seminar on a very important topic.
President of the forum, Prof. Shakeel Samdani, while delivering his speech, said that Muslims have dominated the world in the field of education, science, literature, etc for about 600 years and this was only possible because they focused more on education and research. He congratulated the South India for carrying forward the mission of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. South Indian Muslims have established much more education institutions as compared to Muslims of North India. He further said that Dr. Khusro Hussaini has established 24 educational institutions and the most important among them is the Khaja Banda Nawaz University. He said that the work of Dr. Hussaini is appreciable as he has helped the poor sections of the society by establishing educational institutions. At the last he said that it is the pleasure of SAF that Dr. Hussaini has accepted the Mohsin-E-Millat Award.
Principal of Abdullah College, Prof. Naima Gulrez said that North India is lagging behind in establishing educational institutions as compared to South India. She gave the example of Parsis that although they are numerically less in population but they are one of the most prosperous community in the country. It is because they are educationally advanced and they focus very much over modern education. She expressed her sorrow about the condition of Muslim women in the society.
Vice Chancellor of Khaja Banda Nawaz University, Prof. Abdul Jaleel Khan Pathan congratulated SAF for conferring ‘Mohsin-E-Millat Award’ on Dr. Hussaini. He said that it is the need of hour to carry forward the mission of Sir Syed and to provide quality education to Muslims.
Dr. Mohib Ul Haque, said that the time has come for Muslims to focus on modern education if they want to succeed. He congratulated Prof. Shakeel Samdani and SAF for their contribution in establishing Tipu Sultan Block at AMU.
Anjum Tabassum Lashkri (Karnataka) and Mr. Tariq Hussain, AMU were felicitated with “SAF Excellence Award”. Ayesha Samdani conducted the seminar and Mansoor Ilahi proposed the vote of thanks. Sarah Samdani also spoke on this occasion. Poetess Rehana Shaheen recited a Nazm on Sir Syed.
Wajahat Jilani welcomed the guests and Aman highlighted the objectives of the Forum.
On this ocassion, Mr. Syed Ali Hussaini, Pro Chancellor of Khaja Banda Nawaz University, Mr. Haider Pasha Qadri, Sajjada Nasheen, Dr. Moinuddin, Superintendent, KBN Medical College, Gulbarga, and Maulana Syed Abdur Rasheed were present.
Seminar was made a great success with the tireless work and efforts of Adv. Shoeb Ali, General Secretary, SAF, Dr. Haider Ali, Abdullah Samdani, Mohd. Muthair, Hunain Khalid, Danish Iqbal, Sarim Ali, Hamza Noman Masood, Saad Asad, Pawan Varshney, Himanshu Singh, Ajay Singh, Hamda, Kashif Sultan, Ayesha Farheen, Razia Chauhan, Talat Anjum, Rubia, Fauzia, Faiz, Adeel Shervani, etc.
Many prominent figures who attended the program include Prof. Tariq Chattari, Chairman, Dept. of Urdu, Prof. Humayun Murad, Dr. Iqbal Siddiqui, Prof. Zafar M. Nomani, Prof. Kamil, Prof. Khalid Azam, Prof. Ashar Ansari, Prof. Mujeeb Ansari, Prof. K. Khalil Ahmad, Prof. Shakeel Ahmed, Dr. Nazar Abbas, Dr. Ayesha Munira, Dr. Raihan Akhtar, Dr. Rahat Abrar, Dr. Masood Anwar (Shahjahanpur), Dr. Yameen Ansari (Delhi), Syed Ikram Ul Haq (Hapur), Dr. Raghib, Dr Wasim Ali, Mohd Nasir, Dr. Kalimullah, Dr. Rahmat Ullah, Dr. Qaiser Ansari, Dr. Obaid Iqbal Asim, Dr. Iqbal Hadi, Dr. Naseem Ahmad Khan, Dr. Ali Nawaz Zaidi, Dr. Zafar Ahmad, Dr. Mohsin Khan, Adv. Khan Wajahatullah, Rabab Khan, Dr Zeba Azmat, Dr Tabassum Chaudhary, Huzaifa Amir, Secretary, AMUSU, Khalid Masood, Ex President, AMUSU, Raas Masood Khan, Court Member and a large number of students were also present in the seminar.
source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Exclusive Reports> Indian Muslims / by Muslim Mirror Networks / December 10th, 2018
and his companions, a period of around thirteen years when the Muslims were a minority and did not enjoy political domination. In many senses, their position resembled that of Muslim minorities today. Muslim minorities need to see the role of the Prophet and the early Muslims in that period as a model for them to emulate, Siddiqui suggests:
