A Mangaluru student, Shaikh Uzayr Mohammed, studying in Qatar has won Bronze Medal at the International Mathematics Championship 2022.
Uzayr is a grade 3 student of MES School, studying in Qatar. He hails from Kankanady in Mangaluru.
The championship was held in December 2022 and the results were announced on Monday, February 20, 2023.
A total of 2288 students from over 20 countries had participated in the championship organised by Champ Yellow, wherein Uzayr secured a place in top 40%, thereby securing a rank in Bronze Medal category.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / February 20th, 2023
It is not rare to find Muslims doing social work silently, unwilling to promote themselves. One such person is Dr. Sarfarazuddin, a homeopath who lives in sector 105, Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
He has been feeding 100 deprived people every day for the past five years and teaches students free. He brings ill and unknown covid-dead patients home bathes and buries them, all by himself, and even marries off daughters of destitute families.
Dr. Sarfaraz, as he is popularly known, does good work at various levels. He has been feeding one meal (lunch) to 100 deprived daily for the last five years. He made that arrangement in a school he had opened in 2009 for the underprivileged children in a village nearby called Gejha, with his own money.
The school has 20 rooms on two floors. The students, who have lost either of their parents or are orphans, bright and have more siblings, children of domestic helpers, daily wagers, guards, gardeners, sweepers, etc., study free of charge here.
Others pay a nominal fee. Out of a total of 400 students, most are non-Muslims while some 40 of them are from nearby madrasas. He has recently gathered these students of madrasas of Gejha who had no modern education, to his school, taught them the basics of modern education, computer trained them, and brought them to par with students of 8th standard in his MM School (UP Board) so that they can take board exams and choose competitive subjects later; engineering, medicine to administrative.
Dr.Sarfaraz with his patients
Additionally, he has also started coaching students who want to play volleyball. It keeps them fit and if some of them play well, he says, they would be sent to state and national level competitions.
These children are both from the madrasas and nearby government schools which have no space or free coaches. 100 such students take coaching in different sessions, most of them, non-Muslim. Dr Sarfaraz distributes food to the underprivileged A beneficiary and volleyball coach,20-year-old Vishal swears by the good work Sarfaraz does.
He says, “My father is a daily wager and mother, a domestic help. I needed money to keep my studies and training going. So I offered to coach the students at his school and he readily agreed. Now I coach 100 students who don’t pay any fee, but I get a good payment from Sarfaraz Sir. I have played at the state and national levels. I would be sponsored by him separately if I could play more.”
He also says that Sarfaraz never charges him for medicines he takes for his mother, siblings, and extended family quite often. Sarfaraz also treats the disadvantaged of the area free of cost at his clinic in Gejha on alternate Saturdays and Sundays. He also gives them free medicines. Additionally, he has been regularly holding medical camps for underprivileged patients. During the Covid and lockdown period, he used to get some 200 to 250. The camp had to be stopped “for lack of funds for a few months”. It is difficult to make this man of few words speak about himself. But with an assurance that it might inspire more people, he got ready to share why and how he wishes to give his “entire life for khidmat-e-khalq” (serving people).
“I was always interested in social service as I used to observe my father, principal of a government school in UP, doing social work passionately. So it is integrated into my system. I started serving alongside my father by shifting my clinic from Bhangel to Gejha.”
On how he manages funds, he says, “I do it despite being in deficit. We get things on credit and clear the older dues and take new ones on credit again. Apart from spending from my pocket, I have a small circle of friends who support me on a regular or irregular basis. Some help comes from unknown sources at times.” Of late, apart from his homoeopathy clinic, he has also been running a small medical centre which takes care of some of the expenses for the good work.
Sarfaraz shares why he multiplied his charity work after he saw migrant labourers walking home barefoot, hungry and sick from Noida Expressway during the lockdown. “It was painful to see them. I bought whatever I saw on the road – the entire the of bananas, other fruits, biscuits, called some maulanas from nearby madrasas, and other people and we all stood on the road to feed these labourers day and night for several days. This made me think that I was still not doing enough for the underprivileged.”
Rajesh Yadav, a beneficiary, vouches for the help he has had from Sarfaraz. He says, “I live in sector 45 which is far from here. During the entire covenant lockdown period, my whole family could survive because he used to distribute food twice daily. I have seen him running behind buses and trucks full of labourers etc., to distribute food. He also offered me to make food for his beneficiaries because I am a halwai (sweet maker) by profession. During covid period and lockdown for two years, all the shutters were down, and only my work was sustained all thanks to him. He also never stopped my payment and helped me financially whenever I asked. He never treats me differently because I am a non-Muslim. Now I understand how political leaders divide us,” he gets emotionally charged.
After having felt that he was doing too little during covid, he alternatively kept on helping deprived families marry off their daughters. He even brought home several patients who died in covid when their families had either refused to take their bodies, were far off or they had no one left in the family. He gave them ghusl (bathed) and buried them in a nearby graveyard with his own hands without ever asking for their names, or contact details or expecting anything in return.
Mohammad Shahid, a transporter by profession, vouches for the work he does. He shares, “I shifted to Noida in 2008. Since then I am witnessing Sarfarazbhai working relentlessly for the poor. In my view, the two biggest things he has done are, bringing the dead from several societies nearby to his home (in case they have no one to perform the last rituals), getting them ghusl, and having them buried with respect. He did it during covid and is still doing it. Also, this deserted area had no graveyard for the Muslims. This was a great problem as other graveyards wouldn’t let us bury our dead due to overcrowding.
Coach Vishal with his students
Coach Vishal Yadav with students he coaches in Volleyball Dr sahib fought tooth and nail with a known builder who tried capturing the graveyard land for erecting a skyscraper in consonance with some greedy Muslims of the area and finally was able to retain around 2 acres of the graveyard. Dr Sarfaraz has helped the Muslims in and around Noida Expressway a great deal by building the only graveyard. I am also aware of his other charity work and can vouch for the fact that not even established NGOs with tonnes of money, don’t do the kind of work I have seen him doing.”
Sarfaraz’s family, consisting of a spouse and three children, he says, “often get anxious for it keeps him overtly busy, but they keep on supporting. Knowing this will never change, it is becoming a part of their system too,” he smiles. Agrees his wife Shaheen, however, adding that khidmat e khalq has been a part of her upbringing too.
“My father a school teacher who also has a family business of transport would always make sure that at least 20 deprived people ate at our home every day, at AaliGaon near Badapur Delhi, where we lived. I remember all the humble families used to have tea and breakfast at our home daily. After marriage, I found that Dr.Sarfaraz seemed to have gone a step further. Even while we were all suffering from covid, he used to leave home to help those in need in the wee hours of the morning.
She adds laughing, “the excuse he would give us was, I don’t see you guys offering fajr (morning) prayer. It depresses me so I go to the mosque nearby to offer mine.” Shaheen also adds that their children have imbibed this habit naturally.
Her young daughters, Sana and Saba, textile and product designers respectively, have started keeping 2.5 percent separate as zakat from their little earnings or pocket money. She also recalls a recent incident about her son, 14-year-old Asad, who wanted to eat delicious biryani sold every Friday near Gejha mosque.
“He asked for money but he came back empty-handed and hungry. I asked him why he didn’t eat biryani. He replied, as he started from home, two old women asked for some money. He gave them all and came back. He remained hungry to feed them. So, it runs in the family,” she says with a contented smile. Did anyone say, charity begins at home?
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Rana Siddiqui Zaman / posted by Shaista Fatima / February 17th, 2023
Muslim Educational Institutions Federation (MEIF) is not just providing excellent education, it is also spreading social harmony, Umar Teekay, Honorary President of MEIF and Chairman of Teekays Group, said.
He was addressing the educational conference organized by the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi Districts Muslim Educational Institutions Federation at the Town Hall in the city on Monday.
“Former minister BA Moideen had dreamt of integrating all Muslim educational institutions. MEIF is a step towards bringing that dream to life,” he said.
“Solving a problem is important, but it should not become the priority. The priority should always be of preventing problems,” Teekay advised.
Citing the instance of the recent hijab controversy, he said, “We handled the situation carefully while facing opposition from all ends and ensured that Muslim girls were not deprived of a chance to take the examinations. This was possible through the joint efforts of the members of MEIF.”
Dr. N Vinay Hegde, Chancellor of NITTE Deemed to be University inaugurated the educational conference.
Umar Teekay presided over the conference while Syed Mohamed Beary, Honorary Advisor of MEIF and Chairman of Bearys Group of Institutions, delivered the introductory address.
Yenepoya Deemed to be University Chancellor Dr. Y Abdulla Kunhi, national-level trainer Rajendra Bhat, resource persons Mahesh Masal from Dharwad and Syed Sulthan Ahmed from Bengaluru, MEIF vice-presidents B M Mumtaz Ali, K M Mustafa Sullia, Shabi Ahmed Qazi and B A Nazeer were among those present on the dais.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / February 13th, 2023
Gone are the days when the Muslims of Kerala were thought to have believed Malayalam as the language of Nairs. The Muslims of modern Kerala are greatly indebted to a number of devoted reformers whose dedicated endeavours liberated them from the yoke of illiteracy and cultural backwardness. Late C.N Ahmad Moulavi, in his book on Muslim literary heritage in Malayalam entitled Mahathya Mappila Sahithya Parambaryam, describes the contribution of such reformers.
In fact, Malayalam has been the mother tongue of the Muslims of this region but their dialect was considered relatively inferior. This was because they had neglected learning and teaching the Malayalam language and literature. They were more concerned with Quranic education. Moreover, for the purpose of imparting Islamic knowledge they used Arabic script when they wrote Malayalam. It slowly developed as a literary branch of Malayalam known as the Arabic Malayalam literature.
Arabic-Malayalam Literature The Arabic-Malayalam literature is exclusively the literature of the Kerala Muslims. It includes more than five hundred books in prose and about the same number of books in verse, on various subjects. Books in prose include translation and explanation of the Holy Quran, Hadith, Jurisprudence, history, stories and fables, narratives, criticism, lexicon, science and etiquette. Many journals and magazines were also published in Arabic-Malayalam.
Critics have wholeheartedly extolled the literary merit of the poems in Arabic Malayalam. They are highly impressed by its originality, rhythmic beauty, lucidity in imagination and expression. The majority of these poems are on religious topics. In fact, this stream of poems had been running parallel to Malayalam poetry for centuries. The earliest work so far traced in Arabic Malayalam poetry is Mohiyauddeen Mala, an ode in praise of Sheikh Mohiyuddheen. Its author, late Khazi Mohammed of Calicut was a contemporary of Ezuthcchan’s (16C) who is considered the father of Malayalam language. A comparative study of Ezuthcchan’s Adhyatma Romayana Khazi’s Mala reveals the latter’s simplicity in expression.
Moin Kutty Vaidyar elevated the Arabic Malayalam poetry to the pinnacle of its golry with his Badr pada pattu (war song on Badr) and Badrul Muneer Husunul Jamal (a love song). War and love have been celebrated topics for poetry of all ages. But what made Vaidyar’s poems real masterpieces of literature is his skilful way of blending form and content into an artistic unity. Through his poems Vaidyar created a language within language, a rare achievement in Malayalam poetry praised equally by famous critics and linguists. Chains of tunes (called Ishals) innovated by Vaidyar still remain to be emulated by latter poets. In fact he is the most popular among Arabic Malayalam poets. His poems provided the Muslims of Kerala with a unique culture identity, uniformity and redouble their pride and prestige. P.K. Haleema, Naduthopil Ayesha Kutty, Kundil Kunhamina are the poetesses whose poems left indelible imprints on Arabic Malayalam poetry.
Though Arabic Malayalam poetry boosted the morale of Muslims in their resistance to colonial invasion. The subjugation of Muslims by the invaders led to a state of stagnation in literary life. Later Muslim reformers used Arabic Malayalam poetry to rekindle the spirit of education and religious awareness. Prominent among these poets cum reformers are T. Ubaid, O. Abu and Punnayarkalam Bapu. The poems fostered by Muslims are generally known as Mappila Pattukal (Mappila songs). The salient feature of these songs is the instantly recognizable peculiarity of its tunes that have by and large influenced the cultural and literary life of Kerala as it is evident in modern Malayalam poetry and film songs.
Muslims today no more use the old script of Arabic Malayalam in their literary contribution. Modern works are all in Malayalam now. However, to a limited extent, efforts are made to preserve the identity of this language through Madrasa education.
Impact of Sanskrit Literary Tradition Though Muslim themes were introduced into Malayalam poetry by non-Muslim poets since the beginning of the 20th century, the entry of Muslims into the Malayalam literature is of late occurrence because of the attachment of the Muslim poets to Arabic Malayalam. In imitation of the Sanskrit literary tradition Maha Kavyam were composed by Malayalam poets. Rama Chandra Vilasam was written by Azakath Padmanabha. Kurp and Kattakkayam cheriyan Mappila wrote Sree Yeshu Vijayam. But Mahammadam was written only after a long period. Ponkunnam saidu Mohammad, a Muslim scholar in Sanskrit and Malayalam, wrote this Maha Kavyam in the same Sanskrit metre and here the poet attempts to narrate the story of mankind in an Islamic perspective. It also contains a description of the Quran in detail.
Yousef Ali Kecheri is a Muslim poet famous for composing poems with Hindu as well as Islamic cultural background. He has written poems on Quranic themes, the prophet and Muslim festivals. He is a famous composer of film songs.
P.T. Abdul Rahiman is another noteworthy poet who wrote a long poem on Bilal entitled, The Black Pearl.
Both Kecheri and P.T. have won literary awards.
Malayalam Fiction Anyhow, the Muslim genius made greater achievement in fiction and short stories. Viakkom Mohammed Basheer, a veteran novelist in Malayalam brought a continent of experience in life into the Malayalam literature. His compassionate attitude towards life accompanied by an ironic vision acquainted the Malayalam readers with a new aesthetic sense. His novels and short stories are translated into other Indian and world languages. Umashankar Joshi, the famous Indian writer, counted Tagore and Basheer as the only two Indian writers of originality. M. Mukandan, the pioneer of modernism in Malayalam fiction, once wrote, the Noble Prize is too small a thing to honour Basheer. Basheer’s novels are poetic expression of Muslim myth and Islamic mysticism. My Grand Dad had an Elephant and pathumma’s goats are his masterpieces. He mercilessly satirises the pervasive degeneration that infects Muslim social life. In his writings he had been attempting to create harmony in life through God consciousness.
N.P. Mohammed, another famous novelist, short story writer and essayist, traces the influence of Aryan, Dravidian and Hindu culture elements in the life of Kerala Muslims. His two famous novels named The Oil field and The Eye of God reveal the peculiar socio cultural life of a particular region. They can be called regional novels. He wrote short stories by perusing the Quranic style of expression. Punathil Kunhabdulla, another novelist and story writer, satirises the outdated view and customs prevailing in Muslim social life. Smaraka Shila Kal (Tomb stones) and Marunnu (Medicine) are his famous novels. Both N.P. and Punathil won awards of Kerala and Kendra Sahitya Academy. P.A Mohammed Koya, the father of sports literature in Malayalam, brought to light the social and religious life of the Koya Muslims of Calicut. His Island Stories have endowed the Malayalam short story with a rare aesthetic dimension. U.A. Khader beat a new path when he wrote his short stories anthologized in his famous Trikkotoor Peruma, which is highly appreciated. His style is inimitable.
The most developed literary genre in Malayalam literature is the short story and there are a number of Muslim short story writers such as T.V. Kuchu Bava, Shibabuddeen poithumkadavu, Akbar Kakratil, M.A. Rahima, N.P. Hafiz Mohammad and P.K. Parakhadavu. They are noted for their highest excellence in handling the Malayalam language in its colourfulness and rhythmic beauty.
The history of Malayalam drama will remain incomplete without mentioning the contribution of K.T. Mohammed. He criticizes the social life of the Kerala Muslims in an aggressive language. Ibrahim Vengara, Mohammed Yousef, K.A. Kondungallor and Azeez were renowned Malayalam dramatist.
Religious Writings In addition to making valuable contribution to the Malayalam literature, Kerala Muslims have been advancing in the field of religious writing. They have published many books aimed at reforming the religious life and introducing Islam to other people as well. Many publishing houses are established. The Holy Quran has been translated into Malayalam by various scholars. Tafheemul Quran of sayyid Maududi has been translated and published in Malayalam through Islamic Publishing House, Calicut, which shines like a pillar of light in the literary life of the Muslims of Kerala. Sheikh Muhammad Karakunnu, the Director of I.P.H., himself wrote about 50 books on various Islamic knowledge. Other publisher like Yuvatha, Hindustan and Al Huda published valuable works on Islam. The Muslims of Kerala constitute more than 20 per cent of the population and their literacy rate is satisfactory. Consequently they have started publishing dailies, weeklies, monthlies and bimonthlies including children’s and ladies magazines.
A close analysis of the literary history of Kerala Muslims will reveal the healthy trend of new awareness and reformation in the field of learning and thinking. And a cream of writers, thinkers, reformers, readers has emerged from various cultural groups among Muslims vying with each other for achieving excellence in developing Malayalam literature. There intense efforts and healthy rivalry enable us to envision a new sky of hope for the community and for the nation. The sea changes that have taken place in the realm of the Muslims of Kerala are promising signs of a new dawn-God willing.
(The writer teaches Malayalam at Government College, Kasaragod, Kerala.)
source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> News & Analysis / by Ibrahim Bevinje, Ummid.com / March 16th, 2011
Urdu Library in Malegaon turned 100 this year and the library, which has helped many Ph. Ds in their research work, is all set to get University affiliation for research work.
Exceptions are always there, but contrary to general perception, Malegaon, since its instigation, comprised literate and intellectual people by and large. And with two libraries sustaining 100-year, it only confirms this notion.
When it comes to any good library it is the book-collection, not the infrastructure, which is counted but a visit to Urdu Library in Malegaon depicts how beautiful combination of book-collection and infrastructure increases one’s thrust for library.
Founded in October 1903, this 100-year old Library-cum-Research Center, the first kutubkhana, Urdu Library, in Nashik district, is a magnificent two-storey building with separate sections for women and children. Started with just 325 books, it has more than 30,000 systematically arranged books today. Rarely available Kalmi–Nuskhe, hand-written books, and 1901-1950 magazines, are the gleaming-trinkets on the shelf, which any library can envy and aspire for.
How the management has maintained this library with a very small budget is surprising. Khalid Umar Siddiquee, the chairman, said, “Along with the existing splendid structure, the 100-year old visit-book portraying the details of the visiting-dignitaries and the expressions written by them, are enough to show what we have achieved in hundred years.” Although the library always lacked the funds, they persisted with the policy of extending full support for Research Work and free membership to the students up to SSC level, he added.
Reading under an ideal milieu always gives a clutching effect and Urdu Library is again on top to provide this. The ideal reading room, combined with the collection of systematically arranged rare books, transformed this library into wannabe-Ph. D’s paradise. Doctors after doctors have acknowledged the support they had received from the library in completing their thesis.
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“Despite small budget, Urdu Library extends full support for Research works and offers free membership to students up to SSC level.
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Dr. Ilyas Waseem Siddiquee, renowned laureate of the city observes, “Although I had visited several libraries in various cities, nowhere I found the kind of rare books that is available here in Urdu Library. To research and for doctorate on Literature, this is perhaps the only library in Maharashtra.”
When they received five-lakh grant from the state, it was, as if they have found some khazana for the library. With this money whole library was renovated in such a way that it is giving totally different look. The amount also helped in computerizing the library and implementing the bar-code system.
Mohd. Saeed, the librarian since past twenty-three years said, “The library is the first fully computerised library in Malegaon and the implementation of bar-code system has helped in easing the daily library routine.”
With the computersation, the library has started its course towards becoming first fully functional DIGITAL LIBRARY, the dream venture of the management, with many more projects to follow very soon.
source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home / by Aleem Faizee
Aligarh Muslim University has given the town itself a facelift. Many luminaries have graced the halls of AMU, and it remains an oasis of learning amid uncertainties and controversies that surround the old town
A view of the Aligarh Muslim University Campus | Photo Credit: Sandeep Saxena
There is something about Aligarh that tells us that the past never dies. It merely reinvents itself to suit contemporary demands. Back in 1937, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, soon to transform into Quaid-e-Azam, took the route with a rare flourish. Recalling the Muslim League session in Lucknow in 1937, author-journalist Mohammed Wajihuddin writes in his persuasively argued, lucidly expressed book, Aligarh Muslim University, “The October 1937 Lucknow session was so important to Jinnah that he discarded his well-cut suits and donned flowing trousers and a long coat. From Mr. Jinnah, he transformed into Janab Jinnah and Quaid-e-Azam. While he had kept himself aloof from ordinary Muslims, now he began mingling with them….He travelled extensively, and Aligarh became a regular place to visit during these travels.” Around the same time, he raised the rhetorical slogan of ‘Islam in danger’ too.
Passing storm(s)
The following year when Jinnah visited AMU, which had begun as the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College in 1875, he was given a rousing welcome. The students’ union made him an honorary life member. “It was a tradition the union had followed since 1920, when Mahatma Gandhi was given this membership. In those days they would also put up a portrait of the guests they honoured on the Union Club’s wall. It was such a portrait of Jinnah’s at the AMU Students’ Union Club that created a storm on the campus on May 2, 2018,” writes Wajihuddin.
The storm, essentially a passing one, was caused by local MP Satish Gautam writing to the Vice Chancellor Tariq Mansoor demanding the removal of Jinnah’s portrait from the campus. The demand was not conceded but it made sure the university was in the spotlight, and as a consequence, Aligarh remained in the headlines for days on end. Like it did when the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act protests hit the campus in December 2019. Controversies and Aligarh seem to go together. Yet, AMU, despite frequent protests, occasional violence and various stirs, seems to be an island by itself wherein students seek knowledge, chart out great careers and soak in its culture just as the university’s founder Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, would have advised them. As academic-literary critic Shafey Kidwai, author of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan: Reason, Religion and Nation, said, “The question of his (Jinnah’s) glorification does not arise, but the university’s job is to protect the truth of history. His photo was there as the hall carried the names and photographs of all who visited it. The list incudes Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Maulana Azad and Sarojini Naidu.” Unsurprisingly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it ‘mini-India’ in an online address.
The story of a name
AMU has the unique distinction of taking along with it the name of the township where it is based, and giving the town itself a facelift. Otherwise, known for its brassware and lock industries, Aligarh has a chequered past, one that has seen many a nawab, maharaja or local leader make an attempt to leave an indelible impression on the town; the most recent one being an attempt by zila panchayat members to rename the place Harigarh. Vijay Singh, zila panchayat chairman, stated, “It was a long-pending demand to rename Aligarh as Harigarh.” He was probably referring to a similar call given in the late 1970s by members of the Jan Sangh, the precursor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). At that time, a new temple was also called Harigarh Mandir. Nevertheless, the demand to rename the place died down soon enough.
There is an interesting tale behind the name of Aligarh. It was initially called Kol or Koil. Though obscurity surrounds the origin of Kol, according to Edwin Atkinson, who compiled the first gazetteer of the district, the name Kol was given by Balram who slew the great Asura called Kol over here. Noted medieval India historian, Syed Ali Nadeem Rezavi, explained the genealogy of the place, at the height of the Harigarh controversy, stating, “Sometime before the Muslim invasion, Kol is said to have been held by the Dor Rajputs. Sultanate period sources, both Persian and non-Persian, mention Kol as a centre for the production of distilled wine. The sources of the period of Alauddin Khalji mention this town as Iqta Kol; Iqta was an administrative unit.” It continued to be called Kol during the Mughal age too with Emperor Jahangir calling it Kol in his memoirs.
However, things changed in the 18th century. The Jats captured the fort briefly and called it Ramgarh, quite removed from the earlier nomenclature of Sabitgarh and Muhammadgarh. Then came the Marathas who dubbed the fort as Aligarh after their governor Najaf Ali Khan. By the 19th century, the town itself came to be called Aligarh. Some locals dispute this fact-based assertion, claiming Aligarh is named after Hazrat Ali, the last caliph and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad.
City of joy
In reality, Aligarh, not Kolkata, was the original City of Joy; it was only in 1985 that Dominique Lapierre called Kolkata the City of Joy. Some 50 years before that, popular Urdu poet Asrar-ul-Haq Majaz had called Aligarh as ‘Shahr-e-Tarab’ or the City of Joy! Moreover, Aligarh, and AMU, whose tarana (anthem) was penned by Majaz, transmits joy.
Here studied Begum Para, the heroine of the first talkie Alam Ara. In her painstakingly researched and elegantly produced book, The Allure of Aligarh, Huma Khalil writes, “The musical leanings of Padma Bhushan winner Talat Mahmood…can be traced back to when he used to sing the works of Ghalib and Mir, at the age of 16 in the school functions of Minto Circle. Award-winning film and theatre actor Naseeruddin Shah is still remembered as the finest badminton player of the university.” Not to forget Anubhav Sinha, Surekha Sikri and Zarina Hashmi. Incidentally, Hashmi brought Aligarh to her canvas. A mathematics graduate from AMU, Hashmi had seen villages burning around Aligarh in 1947 and could never forget her home and relatives who were dispersed in the violence.
If violence was here, could prayers have been far behind? Not quite. Hence, besides its historic mosque where countless students stand in neat rows for prayers, Aligarh has the age-old Khereshwar temple which, Khalil tells us, “is the oldest Shiva temple”. Tansen’s guru, Swami Haridas, lived here and Mughal emperors are said to have come down to the temple “to witness the magic of raga Malhaar”.
The persistence of knowledge
Of course, Aligarh has been a happy host to the annual numaish (exhibition) and for years its students frequented Tasveer Mahal, one of a dozen cinema halls in the city. Tasveer Mahal was more than a cinema. It was like a gateway to the University, a rendezvous point for students in the evening. It’s all gone now. What remains untouched is the determination of the students to learn. As Khalil recounts in her book, “Ilm (knowledge) is the second most used word in the Quran after Allah; Aligarh’s motto captures this ethos, ‘(Allah) taught man what he knew not’.” As youngsters seek to know more and more, Aligarh is like the body and AMU its soul.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Books / by Zia Us Salam / February 09th, 2023
The HIF Qatar held its 8th Annual General Meeting at Maaza Restaurant on Friday, 3rd February 2023. The program began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran by Master Moiz and Master Shafee. HIF Qatar Unit President Shafakath Hussain welcomed the gathering.
The meeting featured a presentation by Rizwan Ahmed on the overall activities of HIF and future objectives.
The chief guest of the event, Dr. Abdul Salem, founder of Ideal Indian School, addressed the gathering and appreciated the works of HIF. He emphasized the importance of implementing the five values – namely respect, responsibility, excellence, integrity and collaboration – in day-to-day life.
Prominent guests, including Abdul Razak, President of South Kanara Welfare Association; Fayaz Ahmed, President of Karnataka Muslim Cultural Association; Saqib Raza, President of Hidaya Foundation; Ayub Ullal, President of Qatar Indian Social forum; Mohammed Javed, President of Family Friend Circle; and Sheikh Usman, In-charge of Karnataka Unit-Indian Friend Circle, were in attendance at the meeting. They spoke about the importance of collaboration between organizations for the greater good of the community.
In the meeting, the members remembered the contributions of S.M. Basheer to the society who passed away recently.
Shahim, secretary of the HIF Qatar unit, gave the vote of thanks. Imran Mohammed was the master of ceremony.
The meeting was a successful demonstration of HIF’s commitment to community development and collaboration.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / VarthaBharati.in / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / February 05th, 2023
Abdul Ghafoor Parekh was a well-renowned Islamic scholar, educator, humanitarian and expert in the Quran and its translation. He was known for his vast knowledge of Islamic theology and his ability to convey complex concepts in a clear and accessible manner.
Early lLfe and Education
Abdul Ghafoor Parekh was born in 1948 in Nagpur, India. He completed his Post Graduation in Commerce from Nagpur University. He was fluent in several languages including English, Urdu, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati (Kutchi-Memoni), and Arabic. He was raised in a devout Muslim family. His father, Padma Bhushan Maulana Abdul Karim Parekh, was a social worker, recipient of various national and international awards, and scholar, known for his translation of the Quran into the Urdu language. From a young age, he showed a deep interest in the Quran and its teachings. He was very well equipped with the book his father compiled, Lughatul Qur’an (Quranic Dictionary) which has been read widely throughout the globe and has been translated into several Indian Languages along with English, Turkish and Portuguese. Abdul Gafoor Parekh being the eldest son played a key role in continuing the mission and legacy of his father.
Personal Life
Parekh was a devout Muslim and was known for his deep commitment to his faith. He was a father to two sons and two daughters and was someone known to be deeply devoted to his wife and children. After his father’s demise in 2007, he continued with his work and legacy. He avoided publicity and mass lectures. He believed in shaping individuals personally within his reach and capacity.
Career
After completing his education, Parekh began his career as an educator, teaching at a number of universities and madrasas in India. He quickly gained a reputation as an expert in the Quran and its translation, and his classes were highly sought after by students.
He developed a unique and efficient method for teaching Arabic with 200 hours only. Many academic institutions and universities in India and abroad have adopted his system. Parekh’s expertise in the Quran and its translation led to many invitations to speak at conferences and seminars around the world. He was a much sought-after speaker and has traveled extensively, sharing his knowledge and insights with audiences in many countries.
In addition to his teaching and speaking engagements, Parekh has also designed several curriculums to teach Arabic. His lectures have been widely heard and highly praised for their scholarly rigor and excellence.
Parekh’s knowledge and understanding of the Quran and its teachings have made him a respected figure in the Muslim community. His work as an educator and author has helped to deepen people’s understanding and appreciation of the Quran, and his teachings continue to inspire and guide people of all ages and backgrounds.
“If people all over India understand Quranic Arabic in large numbers or even more, if people believe, it is possible to learn and understand the language, it is because of Ghafoor sir. He opened our minds and hearts to the word of God and made us believe that it reigns supreme. He leaves behind a literary legacy for teachers to emulate in India and abroad. He was a friend, philosopher and guide, a beacon for teachers and a proud mentor. He could cut you down to size with his words and yet praise you in the next sentence,” said Dr Kamran Khan, Surgical Oncologist, Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, with deep sorrow.
“It’s indeed a great loss. Like his father Janab Abdul Kareem Parekh, he worked very hard to spread the knowledge of Quran with understanding and left a legacy which is truly an inspiration for the generations to come,” said Haseeb Ahmad Khan, Manager, IT, MSEDCL. “His teaching style was so influencing that one cannot afford to miss a single class,” said Farheen Khan, a homemaker.
“One cannot forget his zeal, enthusiasm, and unique style of teaching the Qur’an. I attended some of the various teachers’ training classes a couple of times that he would conduct for teachers from Mumbai in the field of Islamic Sciences and Education. He pulled out references from Qur’an to explain how Qur’an was an excellent source of understanding the Seerah questioning the teachers on the chronology of the ayahs and nuances that usually goes unnoticed due to not understanding the beauty of Arabic grammar. I particularly remember his class in May 2013 when he announced that he wouldn’t be able to travel to Mumbai due to his deteriorating health marking that class as his last, which made all the teachers sigh in unison. He did come to Mumbai a couple of times after it. His unique advice to his students would leave a huge impact on them, his words still touch and shape me as a person, towards serving humanity and recognizing one’s true potential. He will by far be one of my most favourite teachers of all times, may Allah elevate his status and that of his father” said Zulekha Shakoor Rajani, an Islamic Educator and Counsellor.
Throughout his career, Parekh dedicated his life to spreading knowledge and understanding of the Quran, making it accessible to people from all walks of life. He would draw his living from the Timber business and travel to teach as much as he could. His work has had a profound impact on countless individuals, and his legacy as a leading expert in the field of Quran and its translation will continue to be remembered for many years to come.
Malegaon Educational Forum has adopted under its “Main Banunga IAS Officer” campaign 20 students of Class 9 currently studying in various schools of the city.
Malegaon registered the city’s first entry into the coveted cadre of the highest ranking officials of India back in 2006 when Muhammed Qaiser Abdul Haque cracked the 2005 UPSC Civil Services exams becoming Malegaon’s first IAS officer.
Ten years later, Bhagyashree Dilip Vispute followed Muhammed Qaiser after she cracked the UPSC Civil Services Mains and then the Personal Interviews in 2016, becoming 2nd and the only female IAS officer from Malegaon.
Malegaon Educational Forum unleashed a determined and well planned program to increase this number. For this purpose, the forum conducted an Entrance Test in which more than 11,00 students appeared. Of them, some 680 were from Malegaon and the rest were from Bhiwandi.
From among those who appeared in the Entrance Test from Malegaon, the names of top 20 students were announced in an award ceremony held at Dr Manzoor Hasan Ayyubi Hall of Sardar Campus Sunday January 29, 2023.
“We have committed to ourselves to send at least 5 IAS officers from amongst these 20 toppers”, Dr Manzoor Hasan Ayyubi, President of Malegaon Educational Forum, said while addressing the award ceremony Sunday.
Dr Ayyubi also shared the details of the campaign and explained how the forum will train the selected students for the next 7-8 years so that they not only successfully crack the UPSC Civil Services exams but also become a good graduate and professional even before appearing for the important exam.
While addressing the students, Aniket Bharti, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Malegaon, said if coordinated effort is taken and these students are properly trained and given the necessary guidance then they will be unstoppable.
“I will always be available at the service of these students and the forum for the success of its campaign”, he said.
‘Mere adding numbers not enough’
In his speech, Aleem Faizee, Founder Editor of ummid.com, stressed on the need to increase the number of Muslims who are appearing in the UPSC and other government recruitment exams.
“The primary requirement to increase the representation of Muslim in ghe government sector is to make more and more students appear in the UPSC and other competitive exams conducted by the centre and various state governments.
[Mariya Sadaf of Malegaon High School who stood first in the Entrance Test being honoured at the function.]
But at the same time, Aleem Faizee, said mere increasing the number of Muslims in the government sector will not serve the desired purpose unless those who will be joining the civil services in future are committed, dedicated and courageous enough to take tough decisions at crucial time.
“Otherwise, we have seen during the Gujarat riots in 2002 when more than 100 Muslims were killed in Naroda Patiya just outside the SRPF Camp. This happened despite the fact that the incharge of the camp and the second in command both were Muslims”, Aleem Faizee said quoting from the book of R.B. Sreekumar, who was the Additional Director General of the Gujarat Police (ADGP), at that time.
Mukhtar Yusuf, one of the founders of Malegaon Educational Forum, explained the aims and objectives, Rizwan Rabbani, Feroz Husain Badshah, Maaz Dr Manzoor Ayyubi, Mohammed Arif, Principal of Mohammadia School Mansoora, Ejaz Siddiqui and Bushra Mam also encouraged the selected students.
Mohammed Arif Dular sir moderated the program and Ruqayya Ansari, retired Principal of Malegaon Girls’ High School and a member of Malegaon Educational Forum, delivered the vote of thanks.
Next target Bhiwandi
Malegaon Educational Forum has planned similar ceremony in Bhiwandi on February 05, 2023 where 20 students of the city’s various schools will be “adopted” under the campaign.
It can be recalled that Malegaon had ran a similar campaign ‘Har Ghar se aik civil servant’ in 2013.
Hammad Zafar of Maunath Bhanjan (Uttar Pradesh), Umme Fardina Adeel of Guwahati (Asam) and Shakeel Ansari of Nandurbar (Maharashtra) were invited for the launch function. The three had shared in depth their personal experience and challenges they had faced while preparing for the important exam.
source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Education & Career / by ummid.com staff reporter / January 31st, 2023
Okhla-based leading Arabic scholar, author and recently retired Jamia Prof no more
A well-known Arabic scholar, author of several books and editor of Urdu monthly magazine Allah Ki Pukar, Professor Syed Khalid Ali Hamidi, passed away a few hours ago in a local hospital in Okhla, according to family and friend sources.
The reason behind his sudden death couldn’t be ascertained till the filing of this report as three days ago he was live on his YouTube channel: Tazkeer e Quran By Khalid Hamidi. After the third Covid wave hit India, including Delhi and curbs being imposed to control the spread, Professor Hamidi was holding his weekly Quran porgramme online, interacting with his fans in the virtual world.
UPDATE: It was today (Wednesday morning) when while going out for some work, he fell in his parking and died within hours in a local hospital where he was rushed, said a resident who knows the family, adding that he could not be resuscitated in the hospital.
Born in 1956 in Rampur to Syed Hamid Ali, a writer and Jamaat-e-Islamia (Hind) stalwart, and Aisha Bee, Professor Hamidi was a known face in Okhla and Jamia. He retired from the Arabic Department of Jamia just a few years ago where he was Head of the Department.
Professor Hamidi initially studied in madarsa and did Almiat and Fazilat from Jamiatul Falah in Azamgarh. After which he came to Jamia and did his BA in 1979 and MA in 1981 from the university. He was a gold medalist at Jamia. His PhD was on India’s contribution to Hadeeth literature in Arabic in six volumes.
He did a doctorate in Arabic in 1993 and then joined Jamia as a lecturer in 1981. Besides a prolific writer, Professor Hamidi was a good orator.
Professor Hamidi’s father Syed Hamid Ali disassociated himself from JIH in later life.
Prof Hamidi was also a critic of JIH policies. He was a well-known Islamic scholar and wrote 20 books and used to give dars-e-Quran at his Abul Fazal residence every Saturday and Sunday, said sources.
Till his last days he continued to publish his magazine Allah Ki Pukar where he penned hart-hitting opinion pieces.
Friendly with junior, he was known to shares his view openly.
source: http://www.theokhlatimes.com / The Okhla Times / Home> Local / by theokhlatimes / January 19th, 2022
