Category Archives: Books (incl.Biographies – w.e.f.01 jan 2018 )

Ather Siddiqi: Journey as a Zoologist, Scholar, and Urdu Literary Maestro

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Sahranpur, UTTAR PRADESH / NEW DELHI :

Ather Siddiqi was a researcher of eminence in his field and his research has been nationally and internationally recognised in the scientific world.

Professor Ather H. Siddiqi was born on December 29, 1931, in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. He attained his early education at the Govt. High School, Saharanpur and obtained the degrees of B.Sc. (1950) and M.Sc. (1953) from A.M.U. Topping the university in Science and Zoology, he received two gold medals. He did his PhD in 1956 under the supervision of Professor Babar Mirza from Aligarh Muslim University.

Ather Siddiqi joined the Department of Zoology as a lecturer in 1953. After three years, he joined Purdue University, USA and completed another doctorate in 1958. He became a reader in 1961 and was appointed as a professor in 1977. Prof. Siddiqi also taught at universities in Nigeria and Libya and returned to India in 1980. He served as the Chairman of the Department of Zoology (1985-88) and as the President of the Indian Society for Parasitology. He also served as the Dean of the Faculty of Life Science in 1988-89, finally retiring from his services in 1994.

His scientific work on helminth taxonomy was published by the New York Academy of Sciences in the form of an exhaustive monograph. Despite that, he received his basic training in classical zoology in the early sixties. Later on, he switched to experimental work in parasitology. Ather Siddiqi was a researcher of eminence in his field and his research is nationally and internationally recognised in the scientific world.

Siddiqi’s Immersion in Urdu Writing

Apart from research articles, his popular writing in Urdu started in the 1980s. His first article in Urdu appeared on the life and scientific contribution of his mentor Professor Babar Mirza in the Quarterly “Fikr-o-Nazar” (January 1987). He published two articles in the early years of “Tehzib-ul-Akhlaq”, Aligarh: ‘Ilm-ul-Hayatiat ke Isatiza se Khitab’ (December 1987), ‘Mohammad Babar Mirza-Apnay Chaman ka Aik Deedawar’ (August 1989).

After his retirement in 1994, he devoted himself completely to Urdu writing. His lengthy article, ‘Mashriq say bezar na Maghrib say Hazar Kar’ narrateing the scientific and cultural activities of European countries was serialised in January 2005-June 2006 issues of “Tehzib-ul-Akhlaq”.

Similarly, his Urdu travelogue ‘Saat Haftay Inglistan Main’ (Seven Weeks in England) was published in the June and July 2006 issues of “Tehzib-ul-Akhlaq”. It carried interesting information regarding the scientific and cultural development of England.

His article based on his visit to Spain ‘Undlus Ka Shandaar Mazi’ (The Bright Past of Spain) discussed the scientific and cultural development of medieval Spain.

Ather Siddiqi along with Syed Zillur Rahman, contributed a chapter, ‘Aligarh Muslim University: Development and Progress of Science Teaching and Research, 1877-1947’ in Science and Modern India: An Institutional History, c. 1784-1947 (ed. Uma Das Gupta), Centre for Studies in Civilisation published in 1999.

A Glimpse into his Published Works

He is regularly contributing a literary column ‘Hairat Sarai Ke Kahania’ to “Tehzib-ul-Akhlaq” which consists of the translation of interesting short stories taken from the internet.

Recently, his popular science articles ‘Parasitism: Aik Dilchasp Tareeq Zindagi’ (Parasitism is an Interesting Way of Life) and ‘Yek khuliya Tufailiati Beenariyan’ (Unicell parasitic diseases) appeared in the February 2022 and February 2023 issue, respectively, of the Urdu monthly ‘Aajkal’, Delhi.

After retirement, Ather Siddiqi devoted himself to Urdu writing and authored, translated and edited dozens of books. The names of some of his books are: ‘Kiya aur meri Hayat Kiya’, ‘Lizzat Aabla Pai’, ‘Nishat Aabla Pai’, ‘Hairat Sarai ke Kahaniyan’ (Vol. 1, 2, 3, 4). In 2022, he published “Rah wa Rasam Aashnai”, his last book. He also rendered Retd IAS officer Musa Raza’s book, “Land of Regrets: Kashmir”, in Urdu as “Kashmir Sarzamin Pashemani”.

Ather Siddiqi was one of the best teachers, an internationally acclaimed Zoologist, and a passionate Urdu writer. And above all, he was a wonderful human being. He passed away on 8th November, 2023, in Delhi at the age of 92 years due to old age illness.

References:

 Tehzib-ul-Akhlaq, Aligarh (various issues)
 Science and Modern India: An Institutional History, c. 1784-1947 (ed. Uma Das Gupta), Centre for Studies in Civilisation, New Delhi, 1999.

source: http://www.heritagetimes.in / Heritage Times / Home / by Dr Asad Faisal Farooqui

Book: Ansaris of Yusufpur

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Yusufpur (GhazipurDistrict), UTTAR PRADESH :

Synopsis

A fascinating history of Ansaris who began their journey in this mortal world a few thousand years ago in the peninsula of Arabia, then called Araba.

As Islam grew and took in its fold various other lands and nations, Ansars, being valiant warriors, became part of just about every major battle that took place from Badr to Constantinople, Qandahar, Herat, and finally to India.

Ansaris were not mere bystanders as history unfolded; they played significant roles and made valuable contributions in the fields of religion, medicine, literature, law, politics and media, no matter which part of the world they chose to settle in.


Since this book is about a branch of Ansaris who arrived in India, i.e. the Ansaris of Yusufpur, they will be covered in depth.

However, as the first book on Ansaris in English language, it would also be of interest to all Ansaris whose ancestors moved from Madinah-e-Munawwara to other countries of the Gulf, Middle East, Iran, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and other parts of the world.

It is, after all, a common lineage and history that all Ansaris share from the pre-Islamic era and this book provides a ready reference to the origin and history of their ancestors.


This book is a fascinating history of Ansaris who began their journey in this mortal world a few thousand years ago.

As the first book on Ansaris in English language, it would also be of interest to all Ansaris whose ancestors moved from Madinah-e-Munawwara to other countries of the Gulf, Middle East, Iran, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and other parts of the world.

source: http://www.kobo.com / Rakuten Kobo / Home> Biography & Memoir / by Mahmud Ansari

Book Review of ‘Wings of Destiny — Ziaur Rahman Ansari — A life’ by Fasihur Rahman

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UTTAR PRADESH / NEW DELHI :

Ziaur Ansari was a prominent political figure, having served as the Union minister in the council of 2 Prime ministers Indira and Rajiv Gandhi. Wings of Destiny written by his son Fasihur Rahman is an ode to his entire political career spanning more than three decades and highlights the stalwart’s remarkable, inspirational life as well as clears the air around the controversies surrounding him.

When the truth stands coy in a corner, visible and yet under the pretence of being unknown and unacknowledged, you know that something somewhere is unfair.

Indeed, many times in life, there comes a threshold where one needs to understand and realize that truth which is the most supreme of all, can be an eye opener, as well as a beautiful and also a terrible thing, many a time. Terrible because there may be more to the situation than what meets the eye.

Yes, we all know and have read about the countless hardships that all of us underwent during the Indian freedom struggle. But, surely not all has come to light as far as the involvement of all parties, be it left or right is concerned. Yes, Muslims too were an integral part of the struggle towards Independence, their contribution being extremely indispensable. A prominent figure among them is Ziaur Rahman Ansari who served as Union minister from 1973 to 1977 and from 1980 to 1989 during the council of two Prime Ministers -Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, this book which is written by his nephew Fasihur Rahman is a memoir cum biographical sketch of Ziaur Ansari’s life.

Ziaur Ansari was primarily in the spotlight in the year 1985, when he participated in a debate on a private Member Bill related to the SC judgement on the Shah Bano case, which to date remains one of the most debated issues in India as well as abroad. Having been often misquoted, misinterpreted and improperly perceived, Fasihur has taken it upon himself to finally take the opportunity to tell the world the true story behind Ziaur’s life.

The book which began with giving an ancestral account of Ansari primarily spoke about his father Habibur Rahman Ansari’s invaluable contribution to the freedom movement. What followed was the journey through Ziaur Rahman’s pursuit of politics which was turbulent and spanned a period of almost three decades, showing how he contested 9 elections.

Ziaur, not only being a man of strong ethics and politics, nevertheless was a man with a passion for fine arts, poetry, literature and music too. Ziaur was also inspired by Abul Kalam Azad’s legacy which was one of the cores of Rahman’s life. The hardships suffered by the Ulamas aka the religious scholars after the Mutiny of 1857 have also been explored by Fasihur here highlighting the true role of Darul Uloom Deoband in the Indian freedom struggle. I, for once, was amazed by this one since like mentioned earlier, I realized that many religious scholars, many freedom fighters have remained unsung, unacknowledged in their role in the struggle against the British rule for reasons which were, are and perhaps will always be something we shall never be able to comprehend fully. Racism, unfortunately, in the most erred way possible, nevertheless, Fasihur has brought forth a lot of undeciphered and unknown details forward.

Have you ever known or read about the famous Shah Bano case and the subsequent judgement of 1985? Well, the book explores the same in its entirety giving us Ziaur’s intervention in the Parliamentary debate on the SC judgement.

Ziaur Rahman was the president for a tenure of almost three decades at the All India Momin conference. The book provides a complete walk through the evolution, historical significance, mandate, and contribution of the conference in the complete socio-economic upliftment of the Muslim artisans. It also highlights their contribution to the freedom movement in India.

The last two years of Ziaur’s life were traumatic as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, an incurable neurological disorder, marked them. Characterized by loss of speech this is one of the most painful possible diseases and indeed Ziaur’s pain and anguish must have been sheer agony.

Lagate ho jigar pe teer par hum kuch nahi kehte. Zabaan hote hue ye bezabaani dekhte jao…

This Urdu couplet which was used by Ziaur himself to express the trauma of the condition he was reduced to was something that shook me personally, making me fathom and realize the kind of inability and pain the disease might have led him to. It was heartbreaking to read the complete scenario, especially since Fasihur has revealed how even being the prominent voice he had been, Ziaur was unable to speed track the path to going abroad and procuring the treatment which would have cured him.

A brilliantly written book, this one is a memoir you surely should not miss. Fasihur Rahman is impeccable in detail, immaculate in expression, not shying away from portraying facts as well as refraining from giving any kind of a judgmental tonality to any of the data he has provided. A crisp narration, this one will give you a lot of detail especially as it delves into pre as well as post-independence happenings and thus will be of interest as well as use to readers and historians too alike.

source: http://www.booxoul.medium.com / Medium.com / Home> Booxoul / December 14th, 2022

Bareilly: Treasure of Islamic history contained in 3500 pages, ‘Tarikh-e-Islam Mukammal’ became the voice of Muslims!

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Bareilly, UTTAR PRADESH :

Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi New Book: Maulana Shahabuddin Barelvi’s historical book ‘Tarikh-e-Islam Mukammal’ was released in Bareilly.

This book, prepared after 10 years of hard work, was described as the heritage of the Muslim society and it was announced to be published in many languages.

Maulana Shahabuddin’s new book released in Bareilly

BareillyNews Today :

A grand launch program of the historical book ‘Tareekh-e-Islam Mukammal’ by the National President of All India Muslim Jamaat, Maulana Shahabuddin Barelvi was organized in Bareilly. On this occasion, the Chairman of Uttar Pradesh Waqf Development Corporation Shafakat Hussain was present as the chief guest. At the same time, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP,Bareilly Mayor Umesh Gautam also participated specially.

On this occasion, National President of All India Muslim Jamaat Maulana Shahabuddin said that ‘Tarikh-e-Islam Mukammal’ mentions in detail the events from the beginning of Islam to the present time. He said that it took him 10 long years to prepare this book and for this he had to travel to many parts of the world.

Many eminent personalities participated in the program

Chief guest Shafqat Hussain praised Maulana’s hard work and historical research and said that this book will become an important source for the new generation to understand Islamic history. At the same time, BJP Mayor Umesh Gautam said that Maulana’s book will give a new direction to the society and will prove helpful in strengthening mutual brotherhood. Many intellectuals, religious leaders and social workers also participated in the program.

History of Islam in six volumes

,’Tarikh-e-Islam Mukammal’ is based on a total of six volumes and 3500 pages. This detailed book contains documentary details of Islamic movements, events and important periods from the birth of the Prophet of Islam, Hazrat Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam to today.

Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi said that it took about 10 years to prepare this book.

For this, he visited the big libraries of India as well as 12 foreign countries and made a deep study of the major Arabic, Persian and English books there.,This book is based on extensive research and historical facts.,

It will be published in several languages

In the program, Maulana also told that ‘Tarikh-e-Islam Mukammal’ will soon be published in many languages ​​including Hindi, English and Arabic, so that more and more people can read it. On this occasion, many dignitaries including Idara-e-Shariah’s Chief Mufti Qazi Abdul Mannan Kalimi from Patna (Bihar), Bareilly Mayor Umesh Gautam and Waqf Development Corporation Director Shafaat Hussain called this book a milestone for the Muslim community.

source: http://www.zeenews.india.com / Zee News / Home> Salaam Zee News / by Raihan Shahid (translated from Hindi into English) / July 10th, 2025

Mujawar Hussain Unveils Harsh Realities of Ghostwriting in Pre-TV Literary World

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Allahabad, UTTAR PRADESH :

The acclaimed Urdu and Hindi writer from Allahabad exposes how poverty forced him to ghostwrite 1,065 novels.

New Delhi :

In the decades before television became a household staple in India and Pakistan, millions turned to novels filled with mystery, romance, and detective tales for entertainment.

One Muslim writer’s story reveals the untold hardship and exploitation faced by many like him during that time. Mujawar Hussain, a prolific Urdu and Hindi author from Allahabad, has exposed the difficult truth behind the 1,065 novels he ghostwrote for Hindu publishers, many under pseudonyms.

Now in his elderly years but still sharp, Hussain shared his painful journey of writing stories for survival rather than pride. “The number of such books combined is 1,065,” he told Clarion India recently. “But the books I consider a source of pride are my research paper, Elements of National Unity in Urdu Poetry, and a collection of my religious essays,” he said.

Hussain’s writing career began in the 1950s when major publishers churned out fiction in bulk to satisfy growing demand. Muslim writers like him were often paid meagre sums to produce thick novels under pseudonyms for Hindu authors and publishers, including names such as Janardan Prasad Jaiswal, Shambhu Prasad Jain, Ashok BA, and the mysterious “Neqab Posh Bedi.” Hussain estimates he wrote 30 to 32 novels under Bedi’s name alone.

“Some of them were non-Muslims,” Hussain said, naming former students turned authors. “I wrote in their names because I had to. The money kept my family alive.”

His words underline the economic hardship faced by many Indian Muslims, forced to work behind the scenes without recognition while Hindu publishers reaped profits. Hussain recalls the pressure of poverty pushing him to write constantly. “I remember those days when I’d enter the house, and my wife would tell me food and drinks would last until the next evening. I’d sit down with a pen, write, and hand over the manuscript to the publisher. I’d take money — 30 rupees at first, then 60, then 100, and finally up to 2,500 rupees. With that, household expenses were met.”

Hussain’s experience highlights the sidelining of Muslim talent in the Indian literary scene, where Hindu publishers held most of the power. “That forced me,” he said. “The memory of that time is painful, and the work was painful. After that, I put down the pen.”

He also revealed working for Nikhat Publications, famous for publishing the works of legendary Urdu detective novelist Ibne Safi. When Ibne Safi’s manuscripts stopped coming to India due to political tensions between India and Pakistan, Hussain was asked to fill the void by writing novels under his name. “When I realised the institution was going to close, I started writing under his name,” he said. “I wrote very few novels in Urdu under his name — half partridge, half quail, meaning some was his, some I mixed.”

In Hindi, Hussain wrote extensively in Ibne Safi’s style, including the novel The Barrister’s Wife, though he remains uneasy about these works. “Even now, I don’t feel good about them,” he admitted. “I didn’t consider them a source of pride.”

Despite his difficult path, Hussain’s academic achievements stand tall. He earned an MA in Urdu in 1958 with two gold medals, a silver medal, a Victoria Gold Medal, and another prize he cannot recall. “No one has ever scored higher than me,” he said proudly. Yet this success did not shield him from the economic hardship that forced him into ghostwriting.

Dr Ayesha Khan, a literary historian specialising in the pre-television literary world, explains that Hussain’s story reflects a larger pattern of exploitation faced by Muslim writers. “Many Muslim authors like Mujawar Hussain were sidelined, forced to write under pseudonyms or for others to survive,” she said. “Hindu publishers often held the power, dictating terms and profiting from their work.”

Hussain’s reflections carry a sense of regret. Quoting a poem, he said, “Remembering the past is a punishment.” He sees much of his commercial writing as a compromise born of necessity, not passion. “Due to the compulsion of circumstances, I wrote some books that I do not consider a source of pride,” he said. “I was writing incessantly.”

Today, Hussain hopes that sharing his story will reveal the struggles of Muslim writers who toiled behind the scenes while others took credit. “I wrote for survival,” he said quietly. “But I want people to know the real story behind those books.”

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> Featured> India / by Mohammed Bin Ismail / May 26th, 2025

Tamil Nadu govt honours IUML chief Kader Mohideen with ‘Distinguished Tamilian’ award

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Thirunallar (Pudukottai District), TAMIL NADU :

The MK Stalin-led Tamil Nadu government has honoured Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) national president K.M. Kader Mohideen with this year’s Thagaisal Thamizhar Award (Distinguished Tamilian Award).

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will present the award to Mohideen during the Independence Day celebrations on August 15.

The award carries a cash prize of ₹10 lakh and a citation.

An official release stated that Mohideen was honoured with the award following a meeting of the selection committee chaired by the Chief Minister at the State Secretariat on Friday.

According to the release, Mohideen has dedicated his entire life to the cause of social harmony and has demonstrated a deep understanding of Indian politics.

Born on January 5, 1940, in Thirunallar, Pudukottai district, to Mohamed Hanif and Kasimibibi, Mohideen served as a Member of Parliament from 2004 to 2009 and has authored numerous books.

During his student days, he was inspired by the late leader Quaid-e-Millath Muhammed Ismail and joined the Indian Union Muslim League in 1956. Since then, he has held various key positions in the party, including student wing organiser, youth wing organiser, secretary for educational and cultural affairs, organisational secretary, general secretary, and is currently the State president of IUML in Tamil Nadu as well as the party’s national president.

“Our #DravidianModel government is proud to announce this year’s #தகைசால்_தமிழர் award to Professor Kader Mohideen, a thinker who has dedicated himself to social harmony since the time of the venerable Quaid-e-Millath – the National President of the Indian Union Muslim League – and who has guided hundreds of students to graduation!” Stalin wrote in Tamil.

Since the institution of this award, previous recipients have included CPM leader R. Sankaraiah (2022), centenarian CPI leader R. Nallakannu (2022), Dravidar Kazhagam president K. Veeramani (2023), and former TNCC president Kumari Ananthan (2024).

source: http://www.maktoobmedia.com / Maktoob Media / Home> India> South India / by Maktoob Staff / July 05th, 2025

Fasihuddin Balkhi: the forgotten historian of Bihar

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Patna, BIHAR :

Fasihuddin Balkhi was born in 1885 in Bakshi Mohalla of Patna city. | Picture: Rekhta

Born in Patna, Bihar during the British era, Fasihuddin Balkhi made a tremendous contribution to history-writing in Urdu. Despite this feat, he remains largely unknown to this day. 

Many historians have written about the history of Bihar. After taking a cursory overview of the works written by different scholars, one finds that history writing on Bihar, especially in the Urdu language has not yet received due attention in academic circles. Among many others who have written on Bihar and its history, the notable ones include Fasihuddin Balkhi (1885-1962); Taqi Rahim (1921-99); and Shad Azimabadi (1901-1978).

This piece is an attempt to highlight the life and works of Fasihuddin Balkhi. His work has received scant attention from those working in the Bihar region. His contribution remains largely under-acknowledged and under-explored in the existing literature of the Bihar province.   

Balkhi was born in 1885, the same year that the Indian National Congress (INC) was founded, in Bakshi Mohalla of Patna city. After receiving his early education at home, he went to Calcutta where he completed his higher education. He became a teacher and initially taught at Poona Military School and later in Calcutta Fort William. Later on, he passed the law examination and was employed in the Bihar government. In 1914, he opted for military service which enabled him to visit different parts of the world like Palestine, Egypt, Iraq and Lebanon. 

As India’s independence movement was drawing more followers, Balkhi too joined the movement. In 1921, he became part of the non-cooperation movement. After refusing to accept the post of deputy in Jaunpur, he had to face many hardships. Between 1926-27 he worked as the revenue officer and magistrate in Sarai Kela state.

After retirement, he left his ancestral home and lived the rest of his life till 1962 in his new house in Guzri Bazar Patna city (just behind the present Mohammedan Anglo Arabic school). In the last two years of his life, he worked at Patna University in the department of manuscripts. His hardworking and organizational abilities infused a new spirit in the department. 

Although Balkhi was known as a good teacher and a successful officer, he was primarily a historian and researcher, as he stepped into some areas of research that were hitherto almost invisible. Even the noted Bihar-based historian, Syed Hasan Askari (1901-1990) has acknowledged Balkhi’s scholarly and literary abilities. Unfortunately, most of the works of Balkhi could not reach their desired audience. Some of his works remain unpublished even now.  

Balkhi’s first book Tarikh-e-Magadh was published by Anjuman-e-Taraqqi-Urdu-Hind (Delhi) in 1944. The second book, Tazkira, was published as Tazkira-e-Niswane Hind (1956).

According to one source, he wrote his first work at the age of 25 in 1910 in Urdu on astrology, a rare case in Urdu, titled as Ilmi-e-Najoom. This work is not easily available or accessible to the readers. A pamphlet on the poetry of Shad Azimabadi titled as Inshad-e-Shad (Qaumi Press Bankipore, Patna, 1939) is his signature piece. The pamphlet demonstrates his power of critique. 

Balkhi’s work only gained wider attention after his death. Well-known Urdu publisher Nadeem Bhatti published one of Balkhi’s works Tazkira-e-Hindu Shora-e-Bihar (Poets in Bihar/Urdu) in 1962. Some of Balkhi’s unpublished works such as Dastur-e-Sukhan, a collection of his works on historical places of Bihar province, Aasar-e-Balkhiya, are collected in the book. Several of his scholarly, literary and historical articles are also available in different magazines and journals. A well-researched article on Balkhi’s personality and research guidance was written by Qayyum Khazar for ‘All India Radio Patna.’ Khazar states that “Fasihuddin Balkhi was a great historian and researcher as well as a good poet.”  

Balkhi’s work as historian
Tarikh-e-Magadh is the first book that earned Balkhi fame as a historian. This seminal work in Urdu was published in 1944 by Anjuman Taraqqi Urdu (Delhi), which was then under the supervision of Maulvi Abdul Haq (Baab-e-Urdu). The book chronicles the history of Bihar province from the earliest times (642 BC) up to the second World War in 1943. The book contains as many as twenty chapters. The book is considered one of the most reliable accounts of the history of Bihar in the Urdu language. The work was constructed from authentic historical sources. 

Patna-based historian Imtiaz Ahmad, commenting on the significance of Tarikh-e-Magadh, has said, “It is written authentically and professionally, with proper references from sources (Persian texts).” 

Balkhi also wrote another significant work entitled Wahabi Movement, posthumously published in 1983. This book along with Qeyamuddin Ahmad’s seminal work The Wahhabi Movement in India (1966, reprinted 1994) are the most cited works on the history and role of the Wahhabi movement in India.

Balki’s slim book, despite being confined to the Bihar region, is distinctive in many new ways. The sources he cited are primary and useful, such as letters of Syed Ahmad Shah, Calcutta Review, Indian Muslim by Wilson Hunter, Tazkira-e Sadiqa and biographies of Syed Ismail and Syed Ahmad, the founding fathers of the movement in India.

Emphasizing the legacy left behind by the Wahhabi movement, Balkhi writes, “It is highly interesting to note that the use of three great weapons, namely, non-cooperation, passive resistance and establishing of parallel Govt. which the Congress leaders adopted in their fight against the bureaucracy, was originally advocated and preached by the Wahhabis in 1854.” (p. 16).

Apart from these historical accounts, Balkhi wrote another path-breaking book Tazkirah Niswan-e-Hind (1956) in which he documents the short biographical accounts of the notable women of India. He starts his book with Raziya Sultan of the early 13th century and covers the women from various fields across India such as Askari Begum ‘Hijab’ (Lucknow), Chander Mukhi Bose (Bengal), Lal Ded (Kashmir), Raziya Sajjad Zahir (Rajasthan/Bombay), Bibi ‘Tahira’ (Bihar), etc. This book serves as an important source of information on Indian women and their role in different times of history. 

Balkhi has also written about the lesser-known aspects of Bihar. This can be gauged from his book Patna Ke Katbe in Urdu, published by Khuda Bakhsh Library, Patna in 1993. This book is a unique study of inscriptions found on graves, mosques, and tombs located in Patna. 

Balkhi has made a tremendous contribution to writing the history of Bihar in Urdu. His work serves as a guiding light on the lesser known and under-explored aspects of Bihar. His work needs to be revisited and re-assessed to throw light on many ignored dimensions of Bihar history.

Mohd Hussain Ganie is a PhD student at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). He tweets at  @GanaiHussain1

source: http://www.twocircles.net / TwoCircles.net / Home> Art-Culture / by Mohd Hussain Ganie, TwoCircles.net / August 12th, 2022

Bihar Collective to Release Booklet “Remembering Muslim Makers of Modern Bihar” in Patna on Feb 23

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Patna, BIHAR :

Patna :

In an era of unprecedented majoritarian ascendance and anti-Muslim hatred, Bihar Collective, a platform of intellectuals and activists, has brought out a booklet highlighting the contribution of eminent Muslims in making the modern Bihar in the last 200 years.

The booklet titled Remembering Muslim Makers of Modern Bihar has been compiled and edited by renowned academician and writer Prof. Mohammad Sajjad on the initiative of Bihar Collective.

The booklet will be released at an event in Patna on Saturday (February 23).

On the occasion, a discussion will also be held with Prof Faizan Mustafa, Vice Chancellor, NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad; Prof Vivek Kumar, JNU, New Delhi; and Prof Mohammad Sajjad, AMU, Aligarh as panelists.

A Brief about Booklet:


Pre-empting a reasonable question about the title of the booklet, Prof Sajjad, who has compiled and edited it, writes in its preface: “A simple and obvious question that may readily arise is: why only Muslim makers of modern Bihar? Why not others too? This is indeed a valid and pertinent question.”

Responding to the question, he further says: “Candidly put, this is because of an unprecedentedly menacing rise of majoritarianism, bigotry, and anti-Muslim hatred, with open support of the state.

The Muslim identities are ominously threatened. There are also unabated attempts to dilute (or even take away) whatever little accomplishments have been made by the forces of social justice and secularism.

Only the Muslim segment however is threatened by the jingoist, exclusionary, violent nationalists, to be thrown out to another country. As if the other country is a dustbin, owned by these bigots, into which they can throw away everything they dislike! As if only the religious majority constitutes the nation! Notably, these jingoists had aligned with the British and had stayed away from the national movement.”

“Muslim contributions in the nation-making (and in the freedom movement) remain under-acknowledged, forgotten or even omitted. Erasure of their histories and memories seem to have become even more pronounced and vociferous, now, than ever before…The Bihar Collective therefore decided to compile a short profile of these inspiring role models, history-makers…This is small and humble step towards retrieving and restoring the nationalist provincial pantheons bearing Muslim identities,” says Prof Sajjad.

He, however, admits that the list of Muslim heroes of Bihar given in the booklet is not exhaustive as “…many have been left out essentially because of lack of documentations and researches. Not many have left their own accounts/memoirs; the available memoirs/accounts have not written much about all the personalities. In many cases, even otherwise “resourceful” descendants and/or associates of the history-makers have not been able to provide us with adequate (and credible/verifiable) details.”

Prof Sajjad hopes this small exercise may lead to some big academic work on these history-makers. “In short, this kind of venture may be said to be an ongoing exercise. This effort may hope to open up (and obtain) more details about such history-makers and would also get to know about many more of such peoples and processes, we failed to include here in this hastily prepared tiny volume, amidst constraints of resources and time.”

Names of Muslim Makers of Modern Bihar Mentioned in Booklet:
1. Syed Imdad Ali (d.1886]
2. Khuda Bakhsh (1842-1908)
3. Syed Amir Husain (1843-1910)
4. Imdad Imam Asar (1849-1934)
5. Shah Badruddin(1852-??)
6. Syed Ali Bilgrami (1853-1911)
7. Rasheed-un-Nesa (1855-1926)
8. Syed Noorul Huda (1855-1939)
9. Justice Syed Sharfuddin (1856-1921)
10. Shaikh Gulab (1857-1920)
11. Sarfaraz Husain Khan (1860-1931)
12. Maulana Mazharul Haque (1866-1930)
13. Batakh Miyan Ansari (1867-1957)
14. Sir Fakhruddin (1868-1933)
15. Syed Ali Imam (1869-1932)
16. Syed Hasan Imam (1871-1933)
17. Salahuddin Khuda Bakhsh (1875-1931)
18. Shafi Daudi(1875-1949)
19. Khwaja Md. Noor(1875-??)
20. Abdul Wadood (d.1955)
21. Syed Abul Hasan (1878-1960)
22. Sir Sultan Ahmad (1880-1963)
23. Maulana Sajjad (1880-1940)
24. Pir Mohammad Munis (1882-1949)
25. Abdul Bari (1882-1947)
26. Syed Sulaiman Nadvi (1884-1953)
27. Mohammad Yunus (1884-1952)
28. Shah Md. Zubair (1884-1930)
29. Syed Abdul Aziz (1885-1948)
30. Zubaida Begum Daudi (1886-1972)
31. Syed Tafazzul Karim (1886-1964)
32. Mr. Mohammad Shafi (1888-1955)
33. Qazi Ahmad Husain (1889-1961)
34. Dr. Syed Mahmud (1889-1971)
35. Ali Husain Aasim Bihari (1890-1953)
36. Shah Mohammad Umair (1894-1978)
37. Abdul Ahad Mohammad Noor (1894-1975)
38. Hakeem Md. Kabiruddin (1894-1976)
39. Maulana Usman Ghani (1896-1977)
40. Manzoor Ahsan Aijazi (1897-1969)
41. Shah Md Ozair Muni’mi (1899-1961)
42. Maghfur Aijazi (1900-1966)
43. Syed Jafar Imam (1900-1965)
44. Syed Badruddin Ahmad (1901-1983)
45. Mohammad Tahir (1903-???)
46. Syed Jafar Imam (1903-1979)
47. Syed Fida Husain (1904-80)
48. Abdul Qaiyum Ansari (1905-1974)
49. Wajihuddin Minhaji (1907-1984)
50. Syed Md. Aiyub (1910-1964)
51. Abdul Sami Nadvi (1913-????)
52. Abul Hayat Chand (1914-1958)
53. Ahad Fatmi(1915-1980)
54. Zawwar Husain (1916-80)
55. Shafiqullah Ansari (1917-1980)
56. Shah Mushtaq Ahmad (1917-2002)
57. Abdul Ghafoor (1918-2004)
58. Col. Mahboob Ahmad (1920-1992)
59. Taqi Raheem (1920-1999)
60. Zahra Daudi(1923-2003)
61. Shakoor Ahmad (1924-1981)
62. Syed Hasan (1924-2016)
63. Yunus Lohia (1925-2019)
64. Ghulam Sarwar (1926-2004)
65. Syed Shahabuddin (1935-2017)

A Brief about Author:


Prof Mohammad Sajjad teaches late-colonial and post-independent Indian history at the Centre for Advanced Study in History, Aligarh Muslim University. He has written several books including Muslim Politics in Bihar: Changing Contours; and Contesting Colonialism and Separatism: Muslims of Muzaffarpur since 1857.

His articles are published in reputed academic journals from Routledge, Sage, EPW etc. and also in anthologies from the Oxford University Press and Cambridge University Press.

Bihar Collective:
It is a platform of artists, intellectuals, journalists and activists to promote diversity, pluralism and constitutional values. It aims at bridging the gap between people working in various fields such as media, culture, law, science, arts, human rights, gender equality, films, music, etc.
Email: biharcollective@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biharcollective

source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow / Home> Society / by India Tomorrow / February 21st, 2019

Dr Ameer Althaf’s ‘Athaatchigal’ Book Release Next Sunday @ Podanur

Amazing Feats, Books - Holy Quran, Koran / Translations, Commentaries / by Indian Muslims (wef. February 11th, 2025), Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Coimbatore, TAMIL NADU :

From Accounts Manager to Accomplished Author

Former NTC official Ameer Althaf, who played with numbers as accounts manager at the central government organisation had a passion for penning books.


And his creativity came to the fore with his maiden book on 300 year long history of Coimbatore Muslims in 2014.


Taking the next step, Ameer took up intensive research on Holy Quran. His seven year effort bore fruits with his four part book ‘Athaatchigal Thirukkuran Kalai Kalanjiam’ which has lots of interesting info which he collected during his indepth study visiting universities in Mecca, Medina and Malaysia. No doubt, this creative work is his magnum opus. Moreover, this book is a must in the book shelf of every household.


Retired apex court judge F M Ibrahim Kalifullah and former Madras High Court judge K N Basha will release the book in the presence of leading luminaries of Coimbatore and experts in their chosen domain from across the globe.


The event sponsored by Dhaanish Ahmed Institute of Technology (DAIT) and Al Azhar Educational Trust is to be held at Podanur Thendral Mahal on Oct 20 evening.


Interestingly, Ameer’s research papers on Holy Quran were presented and published in global forum like Umma-al Qura University in Mecca, King Fahad University in Madina, University Malaya, Islamic Science University Malaysia besides universities in Istanbul, Jordan, Qatar, Mali.


His four decade central government service and three decade research on Holy Quran made him go places across the globe. Significantly, he became to be known as International Holy Quran researcher.


Others who are part of the event includes Moulavi Alhaj M A Abdur Rahim, president, Coimbatore-Nilgiris-Tirupur district Jamathul Ulema Sabai, Moulavi Alhaj M A Mohammed Imdhadi, president, Coimbatore city Jamathul Ulema Sabai, social activist Aloor Shanavas, Coimbatore district United Jamaath president Alhaj A R Basheer Ahamed, Tamil Nadu Haj organisors association president Alhaj A Mohamed Rafeek, Iqra Educational Trust president Alhaj H E Iqbal Sait, Project Manager in Kuwait Haji M A Azad will address the audience at the book release event.


Himayathul Muslimeen Sunnath Jamaath, Podanur secretary Haji KTS Riyas Kapoor will propose the vote of thanks.

Other dignitaries who will speak at the event include Holy Quran translator Prof Mohamed Khan baqavi, TN state Jamathul Ulema deputy general secretary Moulavi Alhaj K M Ilyas Riyaji, Chennai Anna Salai Makkah Masjid chief imam Moulana M Mohammed Mansoor Kasimi, Madras University HoD Arabic, Persian and Urdu Dr A Zakir Hussain Baqavi and senior network consultant, Abudhabi Dr Mohamed Ibrahim.

source: http://wwwkovaimetro.in / Kovai Metro / Home> Coimbatore / by Shefa Rafi / October 13th, 2019

Deaf-Mute Kashmiri Girl Handwrites Entire Quran, Inspires Nation with Unwavering Faith

Amazing Feats, Books - Holy Quran, Koran / Translations, Commentaries / by Indian Muslims (wef. February 11th, 2025), Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Calligraphers of India (wef. Jan 05th, 2025), Community Involvement / Social Issues, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Batara Gawalo Village,(Bhalesa, Doda District), JAMMU & KASHMIR :

In the serene, mountainous terrain of Bhalesa in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, where life flows gently with nature, a remarkable tale of faith and perseverance has emerged — one that is touching hearts across the country, reported the Chenab Times.

Mavish Arif, a 16-year-old Class 10 student from the remote village of Batara Gawalo, has achieved an extraordinary spiritual milestone: she has handwritten the entire Quran Sharif. What makes her achievement even more awe-inspiring is that Mavish was born deaf and mute.

In a world consumed by distractions and noise, Mavish’s silent journey of devotion speaks volumes. Over a span of nine months, without any formal guidance or assistance, she meticulously copied the Quran from start to finish, line by line, in the solitude of her home. Her determination, fueled by a deep spiritual purpose, astonished not only her family but the entire region.

Her parents, emotional and proud, shared how she immersed herself in this divine task, refusing help — not out of pride, but from an unwavering sense of purpose. Her days were spent absorbed in transcription, her hands speaking the language her voice could not.

This self-motivated act of worship, especially by a differently-abled young girl, has been hailed as unprecedented by local educators and scholars. Her school, Government Girls Higher Secondary School in Gandoh, has quietly supported her, and its principal, Mr. Ajeet Singh, expressed deep admiration:

“Mavish may be unable to speak, but her actions have roared louder than words. She has become a role model not just for students but for our entire community.”

The villagers of Bhalesa are united in pride and joy. Elders, neighbours, and teachers alike see her as a symbol of unwavering focus in a world that too often celebrates superficiality.

“In today’s time, when goals are often fleeting and attention is short-lived, this girl’s devotion is a lesson in spiritual resilience for all of us,” shared one elder.

Despite limited resources and geographical isolation, Mavish’s story radiates with spiritual brilliance and personal triumph. Her journey is not just a personal achievement, but a beacon of hope and inspiration for the entire nation.

Without uttering a word, Mavish Arif has etched a legacy — not just on paper, but deep in the hearts of everyone who learns of her devotion. Her story is one of faith, fortitude, and the silent strength of a pure soul on a sacred mission.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Markers of Excellence / by Radiance News Bureau / June 06th, 2025