Monthly Archives: November 2025

Historian Abbas Panakkal’s latest book redefines Jihad

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KERALA :

In the Western view, Jihad is depicted within a framework of communal hostility and destruction, but in the documents of Malabar it is a word of interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence, Abbas said.

Author of the book ‘Hindu Amir of Muslims: Indigenised Islam from the Indian Ocean Littoral of Malabar’ Abbas Panakkal.Photo | Special Arrangement

Kozhikode :

Contradicting popular narratives put forth by extremist Islamic organisations and the West that portray Jihad as a violent aggression on non-Muslims to establish the supremacy of Islam, is a one originating in Kerala that describes the unified efforts of Muslims and non-Muslims to protect a Hindu king.

Historian Abbas Panakkal’s intriguingly titled book Hindu Amir of Muslims: Indigenised Islam from the Indian Ocean Littoral of Malabar counters the argument that a non-Muslim cannot be the Amir of Muslims, quoting the works of Islamic scholars such as Sheikh Zainuddin Makhdoom and Qazi Muhammad. Some Muslim organisations assert that a true believer should at least strive mentally to establish an Islamic rule, otherwise his/her Islam will remain incomplete.

Abbas argues that Islamic scholars around the sixteenth century had called for Jihad against the Portuguese when the intruders locked horns with the Zamorins. In the Western view, Jihad is depicted within a framework of communal hostility and destruction, but in the documents of Malabar it is a word of interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence, Abbas said.

“Qazi Muhammad’s poem Fat’hul Mubin narrates an incident during the attack on Chaliyam fort, built by the Portuguese. Zamorin was the ruler and the Muslims had taken a vow to sacrifice their life in the fight for the king. On hearing this, the Hindus felt sad and said that Muslims should not let Muslims die as they are the minority. Finally, they decided to fight together,” Abbas said.

The Qazi conducted prayers for the king and requested all Muslims to pray for the non-Muslim sovereign. He criticised Muslim kings, who signed treaties with the Portuguese and supported their cruelties, the book says.

“Here, jihad was declared to support the local ruler, irrespective of his religion. It was not to crown a Muslim ruler or to turn a Darul Harb into a Darul Islam. Within the Kingdom of Zamorin the Jihad became a tool of accord and interreligious cohabitation,” the book says.

Abbas quotes an incident narrated in Fat’hul Mubin to show the camaraderie between Hindus and Muslims during the siege of the Chaliyam fort.

Zamorin’s mother wrote a letter to the Muslim leaders seeking their intervention and important warriors of the times including Kunjali Marakkar, Umar Anthabi and Abdul Azeez gathered at a mosque in Kozhikode along with the officials of Zamorin to discuss the war strategies.

Tufat al-Mujahidin by Sheikh Zainuddin Makhdoom II, written in the sixteenth century, narrates the privileges enjoyed by Muslims under the rule of Zamorin. Proper burial was given to the bodies of Muslim offenders as per the Islamic custom while the bodies of non-Muslim criminals were left to be consumed by wild animals, says the book.

“Non-Muslim rulers actively supported the construction of mosques and the organization of religious observances, and the state provided funding for the salaries of qazis (judges) and other religious officials, such as mu’addins (callers to prayer). In this pluralistic context, where Muslims enjoyed considerable freedom and leniency,” the book said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Kerala / by MP Prashanth /August 06th, 2025

In the run-up to Independence, a little-known resistance in the Malabar region

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KERALA :

A new book sheds light on the ‘Malabar Revolt’ in a region which had a history of Muslims and Hindus collaboratively persevering in their resistance against colonial forces. Other books explore its links to the Khilafat movement and why it is more than a peasant uprising.

Moplah prisoners go on trial in Calicut | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Growing up in Delhi, one had only a limited idea about the resistance movement in the Malabar region. The popular history books tended to treat it at best as a little outpost of the freedom movement. Noted historian Bipan Chandra in India’s Struggle for Independence (Penguin) dubbed it as a peasant movement.

“In August 1921, peasant discontent erupted in the Malabar district of Kerala. Here, Mappila tenants rebelled. Their grievances related to lack of any security of tenure, renewal fees, high rents…the impetus for resistance had first come from the Malabar District Congress Conference at Manjeri in April 1920,” Chandra writes. Sumit Sarkar too, confined himself to calling it an “anti-landlord revolt” in his book, Modern India (1885-1947), published by Pearson. There have been noises about the association with the Khilafat movement in academic circles, though. Just as there are historians who see it merely from a communal prism. A holistic picture had failed to emerge.

Enlightening exploration

Some belated but well-deserved attention on the resistance movement has come courtesy Abbas Panakkal’s Musaliar King: Decolonial Historiography of Malabar’s Resistance (Bloomsbury). Starting off as an exploratory exercise on the 75th anniversary of the movement, Panakkal’s venture transforms into an enlightening journey.

Early in the book, the author writes, “The socio-geographical landscape of our community underwent profound transformations in the wake of the cataclysmic events of 1921-22. This epoch witnessed a staggering loss of lives, the forced displacement of families… The old mosque of Tirurangadi emerged as a veritable repository of memories and narratives, a historical bastion of ideological resistance against the British colonial apparatus.” Fittingly, it was on the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the 1921 resistance that Panakkal started his exploration, speaking to the family members of those directly involved.

Among them was Muhammed Ali Musaliar, grandson of Ali Musaliar, a luminary of the 1921 struggle. The British referred to Ali Musaliar as a king; the locals regarded him as a community and spiritual leader, calling him Musaliar Uppapa. Indeed, if Musaliar was a ‘king’, Malabar was his ‘kingdom’.

Incidentally, the term Malabar is derived from the vernacular Mala, signifying hill, and the affix originating from the Arabic word barr, which means the source of all goodness. The region had a long tradition of anti-colonial resistance dating back to the 16th century. “Muslims and Hindus collaboratively persevered in their resistance against colonial forces,” writes Panakkal.

This strong anti-colonial stance had unforeseen consequences. The British, with not a little help from some Indian officials, sought to undermine the movement. Among them was C. Gopalan Nair, Malabar district deputy collector, who “unabashedly deployed his literary prowess in favour of the British cause”. Observes Panakkal: “The usage of terms such as Malabar Revolt and Moplah Rebellion to delineate these struggles is emblematic of this issue. Revolt itself is a term crafted by colonial administration, characterising violent actions against a recognised government or ruler.”

‘Peaceful coexistence’

There were others, though, whose hearts beat for the locals, luminaries who either linked the resistance to the Khilafat movement or, in isolation, read it as an agrarian struggle. Among them were Saumyendranath Tagore, who regarded it as “an organic and spontaneous ‘uprising’ of the Malabar peasantry against British imperial rule” and E.M.S. Namboodiripad, who too “didn’t discount the role played by agrarian discontent”. There was a common thread: the oppression and exploitation meted out by colonial officials and landlords was no less severe upon the Hindu peasants as they were on their Muslim counterparts. Writes Panakkal, “The Malabar narrative heralded a rare phenomenon: the harmonious convergence of Hindus and Muslims. This coalition was underpinned by a shared objective — to oust the oppressor — and a collective aspiration for a peaceful coexistence in the region.”

It is something with which even R.N. Hitchcock, police superintendent of Malabar, agreed. As written by N.P. Chekkutty in Mappila and Comrades: A Century of Communist-Muslim Relations (Other Books). “Hitchcock also reveals that Hindus were involved in the rebellion, at least in some parts of the affected areas. ‘The Hindus took an active part only in the extreme south-eastern area of the Valluvanad taluk and in small numbers for a concise time. They were then responsible for much property damage’.” In his persuasively argued book, with much of the focus on the post-resistance time in the late 1930s and 40s, Chekkutty also talks of the rebels not harming any substantial section of the local population before going on to document the failure of the Congress to retain local Muslim support after the resistance movement. It was a vacuum which both the Communist Party of India and the All India Muslim League attempted to fill.

The Khilafat angle

Interestingly, against this background of common cause transcending the confines of faith came the pan-Islamist Khilafat movement. Things became even more ironic as Malabar’s historical tapestry of anti-colonial resistance “had been woven with threads of unity binding Muslims and non-Muslims in a shared ‘jihad’ to safeguard the throne of the Hindu king, the Zamorin of Calicut,” as analysed by Panakkal. Khilafat, Non-Cooperation, Mappila, with seemingly disparate social elements, all fused to bring about a strong anti-colonial movement.

Indeed, here both the communities enjoyed a rare camaraderie, and there was a happy collective involvement even in religiously significant events like the nercha and utsavam. During the latter, Muslim families returned with bags full of jaggery candies, much like Ali Musaliar used to do for Amina, his daughter. Sums up Panakkal: “The experience of Muslims and Islam in South India is different from the experience in North India, and this is not trivial.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Books> Bibliography / by Ziya Us Salam / September 18th, 2025

The actual Taj story: how a monument’s history has been warped

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Agra, UTTAR PRADESH :

Tushar Goel’s film, ‘The Taj Story’, has reignited controversy over the Taj Mahal’s origins, claiming it is a Hindu temple rather than a mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The film’s debut highlights debates about the interplay of history and ideology in contemporary India.

Scaffoldings are pictured as restoration work goes on at the dome of the Taj Mahal in Agra on October 17. | Photo Credit: AFP

A little over 60 years ago, Purushottam Nagesh Oak slept and dreamt. He woke up and claimed that the Taj Mahal in Agra was actually a Hindu palace going back all the way to 4th century. Friends of Mr. Oak, an English teacher-turned-lawyer-turned-journalist but never a historian, told him that the Taj Mahal couldn’t have been a fourth century structure as the technology employed in building the Taj in the 17th century didn’t exist back then. The fantasist turned a pragmatist, and Oak brought his argument forward by a few centuries. The Taj was now claimed to be a Hindu temple. This was in 1989. He wrote articles and a book too, but found no support from historians. Even the Supreme Court dismissed his claims as “a bee in his bonnet” in 2000.

But post-2014, history is like a revolving door, you enter and exit at your ease and pleasure. You pick and choose, you circumvent and invent. Dress it up as a movie and claim you are looking at history anew. That is how we get a movie like Tushar Amrish Goel’s The Taj Story, starring former BJP MP Paresh Rawal; just like we had The Kashmir Files and The Bengal Files, starring Anupam Kher and Mithun Chakraborty, all ideological partners of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

With The Taj Story, Goel goes where no historian has gone. Proof, evidence and knowledge amount for nothing as the director makes a case for the Mughal monument being actually a Hindu temple, much like the BJP leader Sangeet Som who called it alternately a Shiva temple and a monument built by a man who incarcerated his father. Mr. Som obviously couldn’t make out a Shah Jahan from an Aurangzeb and hence got mixed up. Much like Oak, oops, Goel, who sees no difference between history and mythology, facts and fantasy.

Recorded history

Talking of facts, the Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan after his favourite wife Arjumand Bano Begum breathed her last after bearing the last of their 14 children. Its chief architect was Ustad Ahmed Lahori. The land for her last resting place was procured from Mirza Raja Jai Singh of Amber who had inherited it from Raja Man Singh, a celebrated general of Akbar, who was Shah Jahan’s grandfather. Shah Jahan compensated Jai Singh with four havelis from the royal property for the massive haveli in which rests Mumtaz Mahal. His firman to Jai Singh, the latter’s agreement and the Mughal emperor’s subsequent letter of granting him four havelis in lieu of one, are all part of history; unlike the claim of The Taj Story which talks in terms of a massacre and genocide of the locals for fulfilling the wishes of an emperor and his consort!

The work on the tomb started in 1632 with the finest craftsmen from across the country and West Asia. The chief mason was Mohammed Hanif from Baghdad who earned ₹1000 a month for his efforts. The pinnacle was built by Qayam Khan of Lahore and its Quranic inscriptions were done by Amanat Khan Shirazi. The mosaic work was done by local Hindu workers. Above all, some 20,000 workmen toiled for 22 years to build the monument to love. Its white marble came from Jaipur, lapis lazuli from Sri Lanka, crystal from China and coral from Arabia. The monument uses the double dome technique, previously seen only in the Humayun’s tomb in Delhi, and never seen in the country before the arrivals of the Turks.

Not the first time

Over the years, many have tried to appropriate credit for its beauty and majesty. In the 17th century, it was claimed by many in the West that the architect of the Taj was Venetian Geronimo Veroneo, a jeweller by profession. Then came the claim by Mughal Beg in Tarikh-e-Taj Mahal that it was designed by Muhammad Effendi, an architect supposedly sent by the Sultan of Turkey. Effendi though was as much an architect as Oak was a historian. In the mid 19th century it was claimed that the monument was the result of the genius of Frenchman Austin de Bordeaux, a jeweller. However, Austin died in 1632, the year the work on the Taj began. With his death all claims of Austin being the Taj’s architect were buried. And facts began to be raised.

As for fantasy, well there is Goel’s film, never mind its claim of presenting the “untold history of the Taj Mahal”. The film, replete with stereotypes of kohl-lined, skullcap-donning Muslims aims at building a nation’s memory on unreasoned mythology, far removed from the well argued debates of history. Much like Oak’s view that Christianity was nothing but Krishan-Niti. Not game for any ridiculous claims in an insipid film which opened with a mere 14% attendance in the first show? Watch M. Sadiq’s 1963-saga Taj Mahal. Sure, you would remember its song, ‘Jo wada kiya woh nibhana padega’, penned by Sahir Ludhianvi and sung with much love by Mohammad Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar. Sadiq’s film with Pradip Kumar and Bina Rai in the lead cast, made no effort at replacing history with mythology.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Entertainment> Movies> In the limelight / by Zia Us Salam / November 07th, 2025

Historic reunion of descendants of Chhatrapati Shivaji and his aide Qazi Haider

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Pune, MAHARASHTRA :

Sohail Shamshuddin Shaikh with Fattesingh Raje Bhosale at Pune

The home of Sohail Shamshuddin Shaikh in Pune, Maharashtra, is a piece of living history. He has preserved the legacy of his ancestors’ service and valour dating back to the era of Chhatrapati Shahajiraje Bhosale (the father of the iconic 17th-century Maratha king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj) and the Peshwas.

This story begins about 400 years ago. Shahajiraje Bhosale had granted a special sanad (royal charter) to Sohail Shaikh’s ancestors. Sohail Shaikh has preserved this charter to this day. It is not just a document; it is a testament to his family’s glorious history and their unbreakable bond with the Bhosale dynasty.

After Shahaji Maharaj’s passing, the Shaikh family continued to serve. Later, during the Peshwa era (the period of the Maratha prime ministers), his ancestors served in an important position of Qazi (an Islamic judge). For eight to ten generations, they served the Swarajya (Shivaji’s self-rule movement) and later the Peshwas.

The families of Sohail Shamshuddin Shaikh and Fattesingh Raje Bhosale at the Pune meet

Sohail Shaikh has also preserved many judicial documents and historical records from Shivaji’s time. These documents offer insights into the work of his ancestors and the social system of that era.

Today, his 14th generation is settled in Pune, and remarkably, they have continued the legacy of service. Just as his ancestors were in the service of the king and the state, today’s generation is in government service. Following in his ancestors’ footsteps, Sohail Shaikh is the fifth generation of his family to serve in the police force.

Unfortunately, this great legacy of Sohail Shaikh’s family was largely overlooked. However, ‘Awaz Marathi’ brought his story to all of Maharashtra through a video. Since that time, Sohail has been interviewed by many news channels and media outlets. He has since become known as a descendant of Qazi Haider, who held an important position in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s court.

The Pune meeting

As the next step, a historic event took place on November 2. A meeting was held between Babasaheb alias Fattesingh Raje Bhosale, the 13th descendant of Raja Vyankoji Maharaj of Tanjore (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s brother), and Qazi Sohail Shaikh, the 13th descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s secretary, lawyer, and envoy, Qazi Haider Shaikh.

This is an example of how historical religious harmony is being preserved. ‘Awaz-the Voice, Marathi played a significant role in making this meeting happen.

Speaking about this meeting, Sohail Shaikh says, “‘My interview with Awaz Marathi made this meeting possible. My video reached Fattesingh Raje Bhosale, and he immediately contacted me. He then set a date and came to meet me. This meeting was historic and upheld social commitment, which is why we named the ceremony the ‘Social Commitment Meet’.”

Fattesingh Raje Bhosale entering the venue of the meeting in Pune

Sohail Shaikh said, “This ceremony was truly historic. Descendants of Maharaj’s Muslim and Maratha commanders, police officers, and social activists were present. Fattesingh Raje was overjoyed to see this all. He spoke to everyone with deep emotion and pride. We have put up banners outside my residence detailing my ancestors’ history, which were inaugurated by Raje.”

He added, “Speaking with Maharaj, we learned more historical facts. About 375 years ago, when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was on his Karnataka campaign, he went to meet the Qutubshah of Golconda. At that time, our ancestor Qazi Haider was with him, along with other commanders. That is when Vyankoji and my ancestors had met. Meeting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s family is a matter of pride”

Sohail Shaikh proudly states, “We have always had a place of deep respect for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in our hearts. And for our families to be connected is truly a matter of great pride. This was a golden moment for Fattesingh Raje and me to meet after nearly 375 years. We are happy to be part of this.”

Sohail Shamshuddin Shaikh with Fattesingh Raje Bhosale at the Pune meet

Babasaheb alias Fattesingh Raje Bhosale, the 13th descendant of Raja Vyankoji Maharaj of Tanjore, told Awaz-the Voice, Marathi, “This meeting was very important for maintaining unity in society. The main purpose behind this meeting was to stop the ongoing Hindu-Muslim disputes in society and to re-establish an atmosphere of harmony, just like in the old days.

“We have to carry forward the principles of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Vyankoji Raje, which was to take everyone along—the Bara Balutedar (the 12 traditional village artisans) and the Athara Pagad Jati (all 18 castes and communities) … We all must follow the constitution that Babasaheb Ambedkar wrote based on Shivaji Maharaj’s principles.”

Fattesingh Raje Bhosale said that this meeting was held to create harmony in society. He said, “Today, political people are fanning the flames of caste disputes for their own benefit, which must stop somewhere. All communities must maintain their unity. This is our heartfelt wish.”

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Bhakti Chalak, Pune / November 07th, 2025

Dr. Nazir Ahmad Nadwi: An Exemplary Teacher

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Itawa / Lucknow, UTTAR PRADESH :

Dr. Nazir Ahmad Nadwi

Dr. Nazir Ahmad Nadwi, senior faculty member of Darul Uoom Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow passed away after a brief illness on 7 October 2025 in Lucknow. His sudden demise came as a shock for everyone.

Almighty Allah bestowed upon him extraordinary qualities and a variety of calibres. His personality was a marvellous amalgamation of a teacher, orator, journalist, academician, preacher of Islam and translator par excellence.

Born in 1965 in district Itawa, Uttar Pradesh (India), he received his basic education in his hometown. Thereafter, he joined Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama for higher studies. He did his Alimiat in 1987 and Fazilat (Specialisation in Hadith) in 1989 respectively. He also did his Ph.D. from the University of Lucknow. After completion of education from Nadwa, he was appointed as an employee in Al-Raid (Fortnightly), an Arabic wing of Nadwatul Ulama. While working at Al-Raid, he came in close contact with Maulana S.M. Wazeh Rasheed Nadwi, an accomplished journalist and prominent Islamic scholar. No doubt Maulana Wazeh left an indelible impact upon his life. It was Maulana Wazeh who had developed journalistic flavour and literary taste in him. Besides, he derived considerable academic benefits from Maulana S.M. Rabey Hasani Nadwi, former Rector of Nadwatul Ulama and Maulana Dr. Saeedur Rahman Azami Nadwi, Principal of Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow.

After a few years, he was promoted as a teacher. He was an embodiment of all sublime qualities and virtues, necessary for a good teacher. He proved himself as a selfless and dedicated teacher. His method of teaching was unprecedented.

He was a beloved teacher and scores of students quenched their thirst for knowledge from him.

Maulana led a very simple life. He left behind remarkable marks. He always kept himself away from name and fame. He did everything merely for the sake of Allah.

It should be noted that Maulana Nazir Nadwi achieved distinction in many languages such as Urdu, Arabic, English, Hindi, and Persian.

There are a number of things about Dr. Nazir Ahmad which people noticed and have written about. I personally have been most influenced by his personality. To him nothing was more precious than time. He was very punctual and meticulous.

The nicest thing is that he treated all with equal courtesy. He was a paragon of morality. He never showed egotism, pride and haughtiness. He performed his duties with honesty and integrity.

He had literary flavour, poetic flourish and journalistic taste. He wrote numerous articles for different newspapers and journals including Al- Raid. He also compiled a few books.

On his demise various condolence meetings were held in and out of India in which glowing tributes were paid to the departed soul.

A condolence meeting was held in Nadwa’s Jama Masjid on the second day of his death. In his condolence message, Maulana S. Bilal Abdul Hai Hasani Nadwi said, “Maulana Nazir Ahmad Nadwi possessed extraordinary qualities and sublime norms. He was a dedicated teacher who knew pros and cons of the Arabic language. He taught in Nadwa for more than three decades. He paid particular attention to each of his students to prepare them for the great task of spreading education in every nook and corner of the country. He left behind a galaxy of students.

Besides, he had profound knowledge of the Qur’an and Hadith. Truly speaking, he was a man of letters. His passing away is a great loss to Nadwa.

Describing his outstanding contributions in the field of the Arabic language, Maulana S. Ammar Hasani Nadwi, Nazir-e-Aam Nadwatul Ulama stated that Maulana Nazir Ahmad was a great Arabic scholar. He was well trained by Maulana Wazeh Rasheed Nadwi. He had good command over different languages. He always talked with authenticity and reference. A good number of students benefited from him. He will always be remembered for his selfless services.

Decidedly, Maulana’s sad death is an irreparable loss. He was not just a teacher but an institution. He is survived by his wife and a daughter. His funeral prayer was led twice. The first funeral prayer was led by Maulana S. Bilal Abdul Hai Hasani Nadwi, Rector of Nadwatul Ulama at the premises of Nadwa and the second was led by Imam of the late Maulana’s village and was buried in his ancestral graveyard. A host of his admirers from various parts of the country thronged to attend the last rites of Maulana Nadwi.

May Allah adorn his grave with luminosity and refulgence and grant peace to his soul! Aameen!

[Dr .Obaidur Rahman Nadwi is Faculty Member of Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh]

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Art & Culture> Focus> Obituary> Personality / by Dr Obaidur Rahman Nadwi / November 07th, 2025

Prof. Z.M. Khan Honoured with IOS Lifetime Achievement Award

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DELHI :

Renowned Scholar and Former Jamia Dean Recognized for Five Decades of Academic and Social Contributions

In a grand ceremony held in the capital, the Institute of Objective Studies (IOS) conferred the prestigious IOS Lifetime Achievement Award upon Professor Zahoor Mohammad Khan (Z.M. Khan)— an eminent scholar, researcher, author, and former Dean of Social Sciences at Jamia Millia Islamia.

Prof. Khan, who also served as the former Secretary General of IOS, was presented with a citation, memento, and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh in recognition of his outstanding services to education, research, and social development.

Prof. Khan’s illustrious career spans over five decades, marked by his multifaceted roles as an academician, researcher, author, and institution builder. He has authored eight books and dozens of research papers, contributing significantly to the study of political science and sociology in India. During his 23-year tenure as Secretary General of IOS, the institution evolved from a modest initiative into a nationally respected think tank. He also played a pivotal role in launching the IOS Scholarship Programme, which has supported numerous students and researchers over the years.

The IOS Lifetime Achievement Award, instituted in 2007, aims to recognize individuals, organizations, or voluntary groups who have rendered exceptional service to the nation and society, irrespective of religion, caste, or creed.

Previous recipients of this distinguished award include former Chief Justice of India A.M. Ahmadi, Dr. A.R. Kidwai, Prof. B. Sheikh Ali, A.G. Noorani,, Prof. Akhtarul Wasey, Prof. Mohsin Usmani Nadwi Maulana Hakim Abdulllah Mughaisi, and K. Rahman Khan, among others. Prof. Khan’s inclusion in this eminent list was greeted with enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Expressing his gratitude upon receiving the honour, Prof. Z.M. Khan said, Faith in God and the spirit of service are the most precious blessings one can receive. Faith brings with it a sense of responsibility and accountability to the Creator — that is the greatest reward of life. He also acknowledged the crucial role of institutions such as Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jamia Millia Islamia, and the Institute of Objective Studiesin shaping his academic journey.

The ceremony was chaired by Prof. M. Afzal Wani, Chairman of IOS, and graced by Justice Zakiullah Khan (former Judge, Allahabad High Court) as the chief guest.

Distinguished guests included Prof. Akhtarul Wasey (Jamia Millia Islamia & former Vice Chancellor, Maulana Azad University, Jodhpur), Prof. M. Akhtar Siddiqui, Mr. M. Afzal (former MP), and Prof. Furqan Ahmad.

The event began with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Dr. Nighat Husain Nadwi, a welcome address by IOS Secretary General Mohammad Alam, and was conducted by Prof. Hasina Hashia Vice Chairperson of IOS, who also delivered the vote of thanks.

The event not only celebrated Prof. Khan’s extraordinary contributions but also reaffirmed IOS’s commitment to honouring individuals who have significantly influenced India’s intellectual and moral landscape.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / November 07th, 2025

Bohras in East Africa play football to show human spirit on Syedna’s birthday

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EAST AFRICA :

Volleyball match at Malindi to celebrate the birthday of Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin

New Delhi :

The Dawoodi Bohra community living in Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, Nakuru, Tanga, Morogoro, and Arusha in East Africa celebrated the birthday of their spiritual leader, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, in a unique and inspiring way.

A grand volleyball tournament was held in the coastal city of Malindi to mark the occasion, uniting community members in an atmosphere of enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and unity.

Held in mid-October at the recently inaugurated Kutubi Sports Complex, the two-day tournament featured teams from various cities across East Africa. Hundreds of community members travelled to Malindi to participate. The event was not just a sporting competition, but a celebration of the community’s energy, cooperation, and positivity.

A Bohra leader gives away the trophy to the Captain of the Winning team

“There is no better way to celebate His Holiness Syedna’s birthday than by embracing one of his key teachings, to be physically active, in our lives,” said community member Huzaifa Hunaid.

Although Malindi has a small Dawoodi Bohra community, hosting the tournament filled the locals with pride and confidence. A local member beamed, “It was a proud moment to see our small team successfully organise such a large-scale event. The enthusiasm and positivity on and off the court reflected the true spirit of the event—building new relationships and strengthening old ones.”

The entire community joined in the sports festival. Locals were also present in large numbers in the audience. One spectator said, “We usually come to watch football, but this volleyball tournament brought a new wave of excitement and joy to the city.”

A match of Volleyball to mark the birthday of Bohra Community’s spiritual leader Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin

The atmosphere at the Qutbi Sports Complex was festive throughout. Community members set up food stalls, serving delicious dishes, and everyone shared in the joy. After the matches, players were seen congratulating each other and exchanging pleasantries—a sight that exemplified brotherhood and affinity.

After the final match, when the winning team’s captain lifted the trophy, the entire arena erupted in applause and chants. Encouraged by the success of this event, the Qutubi Sports Club is now planning to hold a football tournament soon to further this spirit of enthusiasm and unity. The club’s objective is clear: to promote unity, health, and brotherhood through sport among East African communities.

The tournament in Malindi was not only a celebration of Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin’s birthday but also a reflection of the community’s vibrancy, cooperation, and shared values.

The community feels the event has transformed sport into a bridge of humanity and unity.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Aasha Khosa (edited) / November 06th, 2025

Former Bihar Minister Parveen Amanullah passes away

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BIHAR :

Social activist and Former Bihar Minister Parveen Amanullah passed away today in New Delhi. She was suffering from cancer for some time.

The family had moved from Patna to Delhi for treatment. She also went to America for treatment and recovered from there. Her health had deteriorated for two-three days. she passed away today at seven PM.

Amanullah was the daughter of former Kishanganj MP Syed Shahabuddin and the wife of senior Bihar cadre IAS officer Afzal Amanullah.

Before entering politics she was known for her activism, especially in regard to her use of the Right to Information Act, 2005 to bring out the apathy prevalent in government institutions.

Amanullah was elected as a member of the Bihar Legislative Assembly in 2010 from the Sahebpur Kamal constituency in Begusarai district as a candidate of the Janata Dal (United) after defeating Rashtriya Janata Dal’s Shreenarayan Yadav.

She became the Social Welfare minister of Bihar in Nitish Kumar’s government and held the portfolio until February 2014 when she resigned from JD(U) citing “governance issues” and “lack of work satisfaction”. She joined Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party two days later.

source: http://www.theindianawaaz.com / The Indian Awaaz / Home> Quami Awaaz / by Indian Awaaz / October 01st, 2023

Meet Ghazala Hashmi: Daughter of AMU Alumnus is New Virginia Lt Governor

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Hyderabad, TELANGANA / New Virginia, U.SA :

Indian-American Ghazala Hashmi, who is closely linked with the prestigious Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has won the Virginia Lieutenant Governor 2025 Election result of which was declared on Monday.

Virginia: 

Indian-American Ghazala Hashmi, who is closely linked with the prestigious Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has won the Virginia Lieutenant Governor 2025 Election result of which was declared on Monday.

A Democrat Party candidate, Ghazala Hashmi, defeated Republican candidate and the state’s first gay statewide nominee, John Reid, to become first Muslim and first South Asian American elected as Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, a Republican stronghold.

Ghazala Hashmi polled over 55% votes as against her nearest rival John Reid who got the support of around 44.7% voters. Hashmi had earlier defeated five primary challengers in June, narrowly winning the nomination with 28% of the vote, as per the final result of the Virginia Lieutenant Governor Election 2025.

Ghazala Hashmi was the first Muslim woman to be elected to the Virginia State Senate following her stunning victory over sitting Republican Senator Republican Glen Sturtevant in the 2019 U.S. elections.

Ghazala Hashmi was born in India and emigrated to the US as a child with her family. She is also a former director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning at Reynolds Community College.

Ghazala Hashmi’s AMU Link

Ghazala Hashmi was born to Zia Hashmi and Tanveer Hashmi in Hyderabad in 1964. She spent her childhood days at her maternal grandparents’ house in Malakpet, Telangana.

She migrated to the United States with her mother and older brother as a 4-year-old child to join her father in Georgia.

Ghazala Hashmi’s mother, Tanveer Hashmi, is an alumna of Osmania University’s Women’s College in Kothi from where she did BA and B.Ed before migrating to the United States.

Ghazala’s father Professor Zia Hashmi is the alumnus of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) from where he did MA and LLB. He completed his PhD in International Relations from University of South Carolina and soon after began his university teaching career. He retired as the Director of Centre for International Studies which he founded.

Ghazala Hashmi is married to Azhar Rafiq. The couple have two adult daughters – Yasmin and Noor – who both graduated from Chesterfield County Public Schools and the University of Virginia.

According to information available on her official website, Ghazala Hashmi is an experienced educator and an advocate of inclusive values and social justice. Her legislative priorities focus on public education, voting rights and the preservation of democracy, reproductive freedom, gun violence prevention, environmental protection, housing, and affordable healthcare access.

Hashmi spent nearly 30 years as a professor, first teaching at the University of Richmond and then at Reynolds Community College. At Reynolds Community College, Hashmi also served as the Founding Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL).

Former Minister, MLA and BRS leader KT Ramarao has congratulated Ghazala Hashmi on her victory.

“This is massive! From Malakpet to Virginia… Congratulations to Ghazala Hashmi on becoming the first Indian-American Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. There is nothing more beautiful when democracies celebrate diversity of the world”. KTR wrote on X.

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> United States / by ummid.com news network / November 05th, 2025

Mangaluru: Entrepreneur, philanthropist Hashim Khan dies of heart attack in native UP village

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UTTAR PRADESH / Mangaluru, KARNATAKA :

Mangaluru :

Well-known Mangaluru-based entrepreneur and philanthropist Hashim Khan (45) passed away due to a heart attack in his native village in Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday.

Khan had travelled to his hometown to attend a family function when he reportedly suffered a massive cardiac arrest.

He is survived by his wife, three sons, and a daughter.

Having arrived in Mangaluru at a young age in search of work, Hashim Khan gradually built a successful business and earned wide respect in the city’s business circles. Beyond entrepreneurship, he was equally known for his acts of generosity and social commitment.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Khan personally distributed food supplies and essential items to needy families, winning the admiration of many.

His untimely demise has left a deep void among the city’s business community and those who benefited from his charitable work.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Daijiworld Media News Network – Mangaluru / November 05th, 2025