Category Archives: NRI’s / PIO’s

Hyderabad NGO to Set Up Four Oxygen Generation Plants

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, COVID 19 - Community of Soldiers, FREE : Healthcare / Assistance, Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, Science & Technology, Useful / HEALTHCARE, World Opinion, , , , , , , , ,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

The first plant is expected to be up and running in Hyderabad next month,” Prof Amirullah Khan, coordinator of Sahayata Trust informed. — IANS

The NGO is also receiving 400 high quality oxygen concentrators from different charities in the United Kingdom and the United States which is described as the world’s largest donation of oxygen concentrators.

Hyderabad :

Sahayata Trust, a Hyderabad-based NGO, plans to set up four medical oxygen generation plants to cater to the requirements of hospitals treating Covid patients.

Each plant will have a capacity of 4,500 litres per day and will come up at a cost of Rs 1 crore each. Two plants will come up in Hyderabad and one in Gujarat. The NGO is yet to decide on the location for the fourth plant.

“The first plant is expected to be up and running in Hyderabad next month,” Prof Amirullah Khan, coordinator of Sahayata Trust, told IANS on Monday.

The development economist said the NGO would be importing the plants. He said these plants would meet the requirements of various hospitals treating Covid or other critically ill patients.

He pointed out that the NGO is also receiving 400 high quality oxygen concentrators from different charities in the United Kingdom and the United States. He described it as the world’s largest donation of oxygen concentrators.

The devices will be allocated on a per-need basis to different NGOs across Hyderabad, Lucknow, Allahabad, Delhi, Ranchi, Bhopal and other cities. — IANS

The first consignment comprising 170 devices arrived in Hyderabad from the UK by a special flight of Qatar Airways on Friday. The second consignment of 270 concentrators is scheduled to arrive next week.

Sahayata Trust has started distributing concentrators to different healthcare organisations in Telangana and other states. “The relief effort will add oxygen to the efforts of NGOs scrambling to procure oxygen to save as many lives as they can,” said Sahayata Trust CEO Syed Aneesuddin.

The devices will be allocated on a per-need basis to different NGOs across Hyderabad, Lucknow, Allahabad, Delhi, Ranchi, Bhopal and other cities. The organisation included Access Foundation, Safa Baitul Maal and SDIF.

Different NGOS across international borders have joined hands for the noble cause at a time when several lives are being lost across India due to shortage of oxygen cylinders and oxygen concentrators during the second wave of Covid-19.

Donation of concentrators is a meticulously coordinated relief effort by UK-based charities managed by the Indian diaspora including Maahir Charity, Deccan Medical College Alumni Association, and Medical Aid in coordination with the US-based Indian Muslim Relief & Charities (IMRC), the parent body of Sahayata Trust.

Syed Aneesuddin thanked Hyderabad Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi who played an important role in helping the consignment reach India within a short span of time.

“These are high quality oxygen concentrators with dual outflow of oxygen enabling two patients to use the same machine at a time. We are training people to use the device using the device manuals received from England. This is a daunting task to coordinate the allocation as well as train and equip the personnel to handle the device in a very short time, especially since every passing minute increases danger of loss of life for people struggling to find oxygen support,” said Amirullah Khan.

India needs about one lakh oxygen concentrators. “The government has been able to import only 1000 from the USA, which means there is a deficit of 99%. In such savaging times, the import of 400 units is a small but significant effort in saving more lives”, said former civil servant Prof Amirullah Khan.

He thanked the state and central governments for waiving the import duty on the equipment. He also thanked Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar for taking up the matter on an urgent basis and Commissioner Commercial Taxes Neetu Prasad who went out of the way working late at night to grant ‘real-time approval’. Due to her personal interest in expediting the process, the consignment was ready for pickup within three hours after arrival. — IANS

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Editor’s Pick> India / by IANS / May 24th, 2021

Faith inspires Muslim veterinarian’s compassion for animals

Community Involvement / Social Issues, NRI's / PIO's, Science & Technology, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , ,

BIHAR / Chicago, U.S.A :

“If you try to understand what Islam is and what Islam teaches, it’s just the opposite of what you hear in the media,” said Dr. Zia Usman, owner of Rogers Park Animal Hospital in Chicago.

Dr. Zia Usman is a rarity within the U.S. veterinary profession.

Not only does the Indian-born and -trained veterinarian own a companion animal practice on Chicago’s North Side, Dr. Usman is also a Muslim. 

Such a combination is unusual among first-generation immigrants who are followers of Islam, according to Dr. Usman’s colleague, Riaz H. Siddiqi, a professor at Truman College in Chicago and president of the Muslim VMA.

The association believes approximately 500 Muslim veterinarians are in the United States. Dr. Siddiqi thinks most of them are employed in academia, research, industry, or government, where they are likely to be inspectors in slaughterhouses. Few Muslim veterinarians in the United States work with pets, he said, but this is more a matter of economics, not any Islamic taboo.

“Many of us who come here, we have families, and we’re in a hurry to find a job quickly, and we don’t have the time or money to go through the certification process,” Dr. Siddiqi explained.

Growing up in India, Dr. Usman was expected to become a physician like his father, yet his “heart was inclined toward animals,” he said, so he enrolled at the Ranchi College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry in Bihar.

Two years after graduating in 1970, Dr. Usman immigrated to America. His first job was as a laboratory animal technician at the University of Illinois Biological Resources Laboratory in Chicago.

In time, Dr. Usman passed the AVMA Educational Commission on Foreign Veterinary Graduates certification program, became assistant director of laboratory animal resources at Northwestern University College of Medicine, and got his veterinary license. In 1992, he left laboratory animal medicine to open a private practice in Chicago, allowing him to work with pets and educate the public about Islam.

The Muslim community is well-established in Chicago, but Sept. 11 raised its visibility and put Islam in a negative light. “Now people know more about Muslims and Islam, and, unfortunately, they’re not knowing in the proper way,” Dr. Usman said. The media portrays Muslims as terrorists when “it’s just the opposite,” he said.

Muslims understand why Islam is one of the world’s fastest-growing religions, according to Dr. Usman. Islam, he said, is a peaceful religion that details man’s obligations to animals, especially the slaughter of food animals. Muslims are admonished not to slaughter an animal in front of other animals, for instance, and to end an animal’s life quickly and with as little pain as possible. There are even instructions on how a Muslim is to hunt humanely. “Every step of the way, we have religious guidance,” Dr. Siddiqi noted.

A common misconception is that Muslims shun dogs as unclean animals. Neither Dr. Usman nor Dr. Siddiqi is an Islamic scholar, but they say their faith does not prohibit Muslims from dog ownership. In fact, Dr. Usman owned a German Shepherd Dog as a teenager. “That was my baby,” he recalled. “I would take care of him and cook for him.”

Dr. Usman cited a popular account in the Hadith—a collection of narratives based on the words and deeds of the prophet Muhammad and, in addition to the Quran, one of Islam’s primary sources for instruction. According to the story, a man took pity on a thirsty dog by giving it water from a shoe. “Allah approved of his deed and made him to enter Paradise,” the story goes.

When Dr. Usman came to America, he didn’t know what to expect. So in 1999 he helped found the Muslim VMA to give Muslim veterinarians coming to the United States information he didn’t have. In addition to providing career advice, the association helps Muslims find halal food, that is, sources providing food that complies with Islamic dietary laws. The Muslim VMA wants to eventually start its own halal certification program.

Dr. Siddiqi said the association is planning to hold a meeting in Chicago of Muslim veterinarians and is hoping to network with human physicians to strengthen efforts at preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases.

source: http://www.avma.org / AVMA / Home>> JAVMA News / February 10th, 2010 / by R Scott Nolen / February 01st, 2010

Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil donates AED1 million to ‘100 Million Meals’ campaign

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, FREE : Food, Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, Science & Technology, Useful / HEALTHCARE, World Opinion, ,

KERALA / U.A.E :

pix: vpshealth.com

Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Chairman and Managing Director of VPS Healthcare, donated AED1 million to the ‘100 Million Meals’ campaign, the first humanitarian campaign of its kind in the Arab world to provide food parcels for disadvantaged individuals and families across 30 countries in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe and South America this Ramadan.

Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil’s contribution is part of the large response from companies, businessmen and community members in the UAE and abroad in support of the campaign, which was announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

Given the influx of donations, from philanthropist individuals and companies, the ‘100 Million Meals’ campaign fully achieved its goal of 100 million meals within 10 days of its launch.

Dr. Vayalil said, “At VPS Healthcare, we are proud and privileged to be a part of this distinguished programme. It is in line with our motto to giving back to society and helping the needy.”

The 100 Million Meals campaign is managed by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, in cooperation with the UN World Food Programme, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, Food Banking Regional Network, and local food banks and humanitarian and charity institutions in beneficiary countries.

Donations to the campaign can be made on www.100millionmeals.ae, by contacting the campaign call centre on the toll-free number 8004999, via the designated bank account through Dubai Islamic Bank (AE08 0240 0015 2097 7815 201), and by sending the word “وجبة” in Arabic or “Meal” in English by SMS on specified numbers via the Du or Etisalat networks in the UAE.

source: http://www.wam.ae / Home> Emirates> English / April 24th, 2021

Indian-Origin Billionaire Brothers Buy UK Fast Food Chain Leon

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , ,

GUJARAT / London, UNITED KINGDOM :

Indian-Origin Billionaire Brothers Buy UK Fast Food Chain Leon
The Issa brothers own the Euro Garages chain of petrol stations as part of their EG Group business

The Issa brothers, whose parents moved to the UK from Gujarat in the 1970s, own the Euro Garages chain of petrol stations as part of their EG Group business.

London: 

Indian-origin billionaire brothers Mohsin and Zuber Issa have acquired a popular British fast food chain, Leon, as part of what they described as their goal to grow their foodservice operations in Britain.

The Issa brothers, whose parents moved to the UK from Gujarat in the 1970s, own the Euro Garages chain of petrol stations as part of their EG Group business. Last year, they acquired leading UK supermarket chain Asda from US owners Walmart as part of the strategy to expand their non-fuel business.

Leon, Founded by John Vincent, Henry Dimbleby and chef Allegra McEvedy in 2004, pitches itself in the category of “naturally fast food” with a focus on creating a healthy menu that tastes good, in a sustainable way. The acquisition is said to be worth an estimated 100 million pounds.

“Leon is a fantastic brand that we have long admired. As established entrepreneurs in the foodservice retail market ourselves, we have a huge admiration for the business that John and the Leon team have built over the years, and firmly believe that their culture and values closely align with our own,” said Mohsin and Zuber Issa, co-founders and co-CEOs of the EG Group.

“The acquisition of Leon presents EG Group with a fantastic opportunity to further develop the menu offer, the various concession formats including drive-throughs, and will enable us to significantly build on the existing network by exploring opportunities across our own sites along with other strategic locations,” they said.

With an extensive network of over 70 restaurants, Leon has 42 company-owned restaurants operated on leasehold locations, with a strong presence in London as well as other large cities across the UK.

In addition, it has 29 franchised sites at key strategic transport hubs (mainly airports and train stations) across Britain and five other European markets, principally the Netherlands. Leon has also made itself accessible to consumers at home and generates significant revenue from its branded cookbooks, own brand groceries and provision of home delivery ready meals.

“In some ways this is a sad day for me, to part company with the business I founded 17 years ago in Carnaby Street (London). But I have had the pleasure of getting to know Mohsin and Zuber across the last few years. They have been enthusiastic customers of Leon, going out of their way to eat here whenever they visit London,” said John Vincent.

“They are decent, hard-working business people who are committed to sustaining and further strengthening the values and culture that we have built at Leon, a business that has my dad’s name above the door.

“Mohsin and Zuber will not just be superb custodians of the Leon brand, through EG Group they have the vision, investment appetite, foodservice expertise and network scale to take Leon to many more people and places,” he said, adding that he is confident the brand will “flourish” and expand its appeal outside of London under the new ownership.

Prior to the addition of the Leon store network, EG Group said it already operates over 700 foodservice outlets in the UK and Ireland of which 310 operate from standalone premises.

Despite the impact of COVID-19, the company said its foodservice business accounted for 46 per cent of the gross profit of the UK and Ireland division in 2020. The group’s foodservice brand portfolio includes other third-party brands such as Starbucks, KFC, Burger King, Greggs, Sbarro, Cinnabon and Subway.

The Issa brothers added: “EG Group continues to identify innovative partnerships and acquisitions that complement our existing consumer offer and enable us to stay at the forefront of consumer trends, particularly in foodservice.

“Our equity investment in Leon is to strengthen our own participation in the fast-growing contemporary foodservice segment. This acquisition aligns with our commitment to being a committed foodservice operator globally, delivers financial benefit to our underlying business, and supports broader commercial strategies to be able to better realise further growth opportunities.”

Founded in 2001 by the Issa family, the EG Group employs over 44,000 people working across more than 6,000 sites across Europe, US and Australia. The brothers, Mohsin and Zuber, were each conferred with a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2020, for their contribution to business and charity. 

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

source: http://www.ndtv.com / NDTV / Home> Indians Abroad / by PTI / April 19th, 2021

Muslim female entrepreneurs, achievers rule the show at first IMEN summit, Start-up showcase

Amazing Feats, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pune, MAHARASTHRA :

Uzma Nahid addressing the first IMEN summit and Startup Showcase held in Pune on Februray 07, 2016 (ummid.com [Uzma Nahid addressing the first IMEN summit and Startup Showcase held in Pune on Februray 07, 2016. Also seen in the photo are Architect Nafisa Kazi, Sameena Razzaq and Farah Deeba. (ummid.com photo)]photo)

Pune (Maharashtra): 

A new initiative aimed at driving Muslim involvement in India’s startup and technology economy hosted by Indian Muslim Entrepreneurs Network (IMEN) in Pune last Sunday ended in double delight when it showcased the upcoming business opportunities along with success stories of Muslim female entrepreneurs and young achievers.

The event, brainchild of Chicago based Indian American Tausif Malik, was organized in association with Pune based trainers Anees Kutty and Gaffar Asim Malik.

Started with National Anthem at about 09:00 in the morning, the event ran throughout the day before ending at 06:30pm, uncovering the inspiring stories of Muslim female entrepreneurs and achievers, and also sharing the experiences of Muslim change-makers who have dedicated them for years for the social, educational and economic empowerment of the Muslims in India.

Besides sharing their success stories, the ‘Role Models’ – as the organizers introduced them, also urged the ‘would be’ entrepreneurs to gear up and prepare to take the benefits of the ‘Start-up India Action Plan’ unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“This is an emergency like situation for Muslims, especially the Muslim women. In the situation when we have limited opportunities, it is high time we develop business skills in women so as to fruitfully utilize their skill and talent for the empowerment of the community”, Uzma Nahid said while participating in the panel discussion titled “Role of Women in Business & Community”.

“A huge number of Muslim men and women artisans are skilled and talented. But they are unorganized and hence are vulnerable to exploitation. We should adopt areas dominated by such people, form small groups and establish small scale and cottage industries for them”, Uzma, founder of India International Women’s Alliance (IIWA) which has more than 3000 women members, said.

The views were endorsed by Architect Nafisa Kazi, Educationist and one of the youngest Headmistress of School Farah Deeba and senior journalist Sameena Razzaq, with each one of them adding valuable inputs to the idea mooted by Uzma Nahid.

Participating in another panel discussion Managing Director of Exhicon and Executive President, Imamia Chamber Of Commerce & Industry MQ Syed appealed the young entrepreneurs to use their talent effectively to maintain quality and present innovative products of world-class quality.

“There is no discrimination if you have talent and skill, and there absolutely no challenge and competition to quality”, he said.

Highlighting the importance of business and entrepreneurship in Islam, MQ Syed said, “The Holy Quran gives 9 out of 10 marks to business and trade while discussing the livelihood. Jobs and service have the least priority for us”, Syed, who has mentored over fifty start-ups, said.

Stating that the Muslim community is wasting their energies on useless issues MQ Syed said, “We might have problems with Israel. But, instead of boycotting Pepsi to corner Israel, we should produce a product better than Pepsi.”

Mariyah Rehmani, author of e-book titled ‘The Hijab And Its Purpose: Understanding the veil’ taking the question from Maryam Asif Siddiquee, the winner of ‘Gita Champions League’. (ummid.com photo)

Detailing the key features of ‘Start-up India Action Plan’, Aleem Faizee, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Awaz Multimedia & Publications and Founder Secretary of Malegaon Industries & Manufacturers Association (MIMA), said if implemented properly the plan is the best suitable for Indian Muslims.

“Everyone suffered due to ‘inspector raj’, and lengthy and tiring bureaucratic procedure in India. But, Muslims were worst sufferer of this menace. The Start-up India Action Plan has many features to end this problematic and unhealthy regime”, he said while opening the Start-up showcase session.

“If implemented properly, the Start-up action plan will surely open the doors of opportunities for Muslim entrepreneurs in India”, Faizee, who is instrumental in establishing a mini Textile Park in Malegaon, said.

Irfan Pathan, founder of ‘Coffe Addict’, showcased the ‘soon to be launched’ product by giving history of coffee and elaborating on the role of Muslims in spreading the coffee drink. During the presentation, he was supported by Khan his cousin and team member.

The event was also addressed by, Managing Director of Idafa Investments Pvt. Ltd. & Rehbar, Regional Head, West India Ashraf Mohamedy, Mariyah Rehmani, teenager who authored e-book titled ‘The Hijab And Its Purpose: Understanding the veil’, Serial Entrepreneur, Mentor and Investor Altaf Rehmani and Program Facilitator UNCTAD-Empretec Program for India Nasser Mehdi.

Among the organisers, Tausif Malik, Anees Kutty and Asim Gaffar Malik detailed the objectives of the event and also shared their valuable experiences in their long careers.

At the end of the ceremony, MQ Syed was conferred ‘IMEN Businessman of the Year Award’, Mohammad Yunus, who saved more than 2000 lives during Chennai flood, was conferred ‘Shaheed Abdul Hamid Award’ and Maryam Asif Siddiquee, the winner of ‘Gita Champions League’, was conferred ‘Educational Excellence Award’.

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> Business & Economy / by Zohair Mohammad Safwan / February 13th, 2016

Dr Abidullah Ghazi – Founder, Author, Poet – Iqra Int’l Educational Foudation – Chicago, US – Laid to rest : April 12th, 2021

Amazing Feats, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Freedom Fighters (under research project), Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, Videos, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Watch Video: Dr Abidullah Ghazi laid to rest in Chicago

Ambehta (Sahranpur District),(formerly United Provinces) UTTAR PRADESH / INDIA, Chicago, U.S.A. :

Dr Abidullah Ghazi’s wife Dr Tasneem and others at the funeral ceremony held in Chicago on Monday afternoon.

The 85-year-old founder of Iqra International Educational Foundation was ailing since last few years and died on Sunday.

Chicago: 

Dr Abidullah Ghazi – Scholar, Poet, Author, Philosopher and Activist, was laid to rest in the afternoon Monday April 12, 2021 in Chicago.

The 85-year-old founder of Iqra International Educational Foundation was ailing since last few years and under medication at a Chicago hospital-cum-rehab. He passed away in the wee hours of Sunday April 12, 2021.

He is survived by his wife, three sons and two daughters.

Immediate family members, including his wife Dr Tasneema Ghazi and children, were present when he was buried at Chicago cemetery on Monday.

The funeral that lasted for more than one and half hours was limited only to the immediate family members due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Dr Abidullah Ghazi was born to Maulana Hamid Al Ansari – freedom fighter and a renowned journalist of his time, on July 6, 1936 in India. His mother had died when he was still in her early age. Under the guardianship of his grandmother, he was admitted in Jamia Millia at the age of 08.

Later he completed M A (Political Science) and BTh from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). He went on to do M A in Economics from the London School of Economics and later wrote thesis on the revivalist views of Raja Rammohan Roy for his Ph.D. at the Ivy League, Harvard University.


Dr Ghazi also published, ‘Zikr-e-Saman Izaraan’, an anthology of Urdu poems.

After completing his education he first migrated to the United Kingdom and then to the United States where he stayed till his last breath.

Dr. Ghazi, who had also done Ph.D. in comparative religions from Harvard University, was a fixture in America’s Muslim community and a pioneer in providing quality Islamic education to our children.

Video:

https://www.facebook.com/abidullah.ghazi.7/videos/10158529719212054/?t=12

Dr Ghazi was the author and editor of over 150 text and support books on Islamic syllabus designed with his wife Dr Tasneema Ghazi especially for Muslim children living in Western countries or studying in English-medium schools.

He had established Iqra Foundation in Mumbai which is run and taken care of by his younger brother Salman Ghazi and his wife Uzma Nahid.

Dr Abidullah Ghazi was named by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre as being among the 500 Most Influential Muslims in the World. Besides, Dr. Ghazi was also the recipient of numerous awards notably the Citizen’s Award, the Ronald Regan Award, Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Order of Excellence) from Pakistan, a Certificate of Welcome from the City of Los Angeles many others.

Condolences pour in

Condolences are pouring in from different circles and by prominent people who termed the demise of Dr Abidullah Ghazi a great loss not just for the Muslims in the United States but also for those living in other parts of the world, especially India.

“Dr Ghazi, a prominent alumnus, enriched cerebral legacy of Aligarh Movement. He was among a bunch of highly motivated, adventurous persons who broke barriers and went on to distinguish themselves in their chosen fields,” AMU Vice Chancellor, Prof Tariq Mansoor said.

Extending condolences to the bereaved family of the deceased, the Vice Chancellor said:

“I shared a warm personal rapport with Dr Ghazi. The AMU fraternity will always carry Dr Ghazi’s memory in hearts.”

In his condolence message, renowned literary personality Hashmat Sohail said:

“It’s hard to believe Dr. Ghazi is no longer with us. I spent many years together. He will be remembered forever in the worldwide literary community.”

Ali Khan, President and Founder of Urdu Semaj Chicago, in his condolence message said:

“He was a legend in our community and a very genuine, Urdu lover People from Chicago will especially miss the late Dr. Abid Ghazi This is a total loss for us. He was devoted and inspirational leader for the whole community.”

http://www.iqra.org

source: http://www.ummid.com / Ummid.com / Home> India>Life & Style / by ummid.com news network / April 13th, 2021

Biography – Shaikh Dr Wasiullah Abbas

Amazing Feats, Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, World Opinion

SAUDI ARABIA :

Shaikh Dr Wasiullah Abbas is a renowned Islamic scholar from India. A graduate from the Islamic University of Madinah and Umm Al Qura University in Makkah, he is a teacher of Tafsir, Principles of Tafsir, Hadith and Principles of Hadith in Umm Al Qura University, a position he has held since 1979.

He also delivers lectures on Sahih al-Bukhari and Sunan Abu Dawood in Arabic and general Islamic lectures in Masjid al-Haram in Makkah where Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RA) used to deliver his talks.

Early Life and Education

Dr Wasiullah Abbas was born in 1948 in Basti district, in a small town of Bherabhoj, renowned for producing many Islamic scholars of repute. His father’s name was Muhammad Abbas Khan, his grandfather’s name was Ahmad Khan, and his great grandfather’s name was Khushhaal Khan. Dr Wasiullah’s grandfather Ahmad Khan was the chief of his town.

Dr Wasiullah received primary education from Shaikh Muhammad Saleem, a well-known Islamic teacher who was a student of Madrasah Rahmaniyyah. He later moved to the town of Yusufpur and enrolled in Madarsa Darul Huda and did his further studies in Jamia Rahmaniyyah in Banaras.

In 1966, the Jamia Salafia, one of the largest Islamic universities was established in the city Banaras. One of the scholars, who attended the inauguration of the university was Shaikh Abd al-Aziz ibn Baz. On Shaikh ibn Baz’s direction, four students were selected from both Jamia Salafia and Jamia Rahmaniyyah to study at the Islamic University of Madinah. These four students were Dr Wasiullah Abbas, Shaikh Abdul Hameed Rahmani, Shaikh Abdus-Salam Madani and Shaikh Abdur-Rahman al-Bastawi.

Islamic University of Madinah and Umm Al Qura University

At the Islamic University of Madinah, Dr Wasiullah Abbas obtained a bachelors degree in Dawah and Ilm Usool Ad-Deen (Principles of the Religion), from the department of Tafsir and Hadith.

After successfully completing the bachelors (undergraduate) program at the Islamic University of Madinah, Dr Wasiullah Abbas travelled to Makkah for higher (post-graduate) studies.

Here, he completed his Masters and PhD (doctorate) programs in Makkah, with a specialization in Hadith. He completed his PhD (doctorate) program in the year 1981, which was the year in which Umm Al Qura University was established in Makkah. Prior to this, the structured study in Makkah – “adDirasaat al-Ulyaa” (the higher studies programs), the Faculty of Shari’ah, and the Faculty of Tarbiyyah – were under the administration of King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah.

Teaching

During his time as a PhD student, he was appointed as a teacher at the Mahad at Masjid al-Haram. He continued teaching with this position for many years, after completing his PhD. Later, he was selected as a professor in Umm Al Qura University in Makkah, where he continues to hold a teaching position in the department of “al-Kitaab (the Qur’an) and the Sunnah” in the Faculty of Da’wah and Usool-ud-Deen, lecturing on numerous subjects related to the science of Hadith.

The Shaikh also holds a teaching chair in Masjid al-Haram, with authorization attained from the “General Director of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. His chair is located in the “Mataf” (the area of Tawaaf around the Kabah), between the doors of Bab al-Malik Fahad (King Fahad Gate) and Bab al-Umrah, where he continues to teach five days a week between the Maghrib and Isha prayers.

Books

Among the books Dr Wasiullah Abbas authored are as follows: “ad-Du’afaa’ wal-Matrookoon wal-Majhooloon fee Sunan an-Nasa’i” (The Weak, Abandoned, and Unknown [Narrators of the Ahadith] in Sunan an-Nasa’i). This was Shaikh’s Masters thesis.

Tahqeeq (Verification) of the book “Fadaa’il as-Sahaabah” (Virtues of the Companions [of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS)] of al-Imaam Aboo Abdullaah Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Hanbal ash-Shaybaanee (RH) [d.241H]. This was Shaikh’s PhD (doctorate) thesis.

Tahqeeq of the book “al-‘Ilal wa Ma’rifatur-Rijaal” ([The Science of] Defects [in the Asaaneed of the Ahaadeeth] and [the Science] of Narrators [of the Ahaadeeth]) as narrated by al-Imaam Aboo Abdur-Rahmaan Abdullaah ibn al-Imaam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (RH).

Tahqeeq of the book “Bahrid-Dam feeman Takallama feehi al-Imaam Ahmad bi-Madh aw Dham” (The one [i.e. Narrators of Ahaadeeth] al-Imaam Ahmad [ibn Hanbal (RH)] Spoke about with Commendation or Disparagement) of al-Imaam Jamaalud-Deen Yoosuf ibn Hasan ibn Ahmad ibn Hasan ibn Abdul-Haadee as-Saalihee, well-known as Ibnul-Mibrad al-Hanbalee (RH).

Tahqeeq of the book “al-‘Ilal wa Ma’rifatur-Rijaal” ([The Science of] Defects [in the Asaaneed of the Ahaadeeth] and [the Science] of Narrators [of the Ahaadeeth]) as narrated by al-Imaam Aboo al-Fadal Saalih ibn al-Imaam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (RH).

Tahqeeq of the twelfth volume of the book “Ittihaaf al-Mahrah bil-Fawaa’id al-Mubtakarah min Atraaf al-Ashrah” of al-Imaam al-Haafidh Shihaab-ud-Deen Aboo al-Fadal Ahmad ibn Alee ibn Hajar al-Kunaanee al-Asqalaaanee (RH) [d. 852H], upon request from “Markaz Khidmatis-Sunnah was-Seerah an-Nabawiyyah”31 of Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

Tahqeeq of the fifth volume of the book “Lisaan al-Meezaan”32 of al-Imaam al-Haafidh Shihaab-ud-Deen Aboo al-Fadal Ahmad ibn Alee ibn Hajar al-Kunaanee al-Asqalaaanee (RH) [d. 852H], upon request from “Markaz Khidmatis-Sunnah was-Seerah anNabawiyyah” of Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

“al-Masjid al-Haraam: Taareekhuhu wa Ahkaamuh” (The Grand Mosque in Makkah: Its History and Its Rulings).

“Ilal al-Hadeeth wa Dawruhu fee Hifdhis-Sunnah” ([The Science of] Defects [in the Asaaneed of the Ahaadeeth] and its Role in Protecting the Sunnah).

“Tahqeeq al-Kalaam fee Wujoobil-Qiraa’ah Khalf al-Imaam” (Verification of the Speech Regarding the Obligation of Reciting [Sooratul-Faatihah] Behind the Imaam [in the Salah]) of ash-Shaykh al-Allaamah al-Muhaddith Abdur-Rahmaan al-Mubaarakpooree (RH) [d.1353H]. This book has been translated from Urdu into Arabic by the Shaykh and he has added his annotations upon it.

“Khuluq al-Muslim fee Daw’il-Kitaab was-Sunnah” (Manners of the Muslim in Light of the Qur’an and the Sunnah).

“al-Musaafahah bil-Yadil-Yumnaa” (Greeting with the Right Hand [Upon Saying Salaam]) of ash-Shaykh al-Allaamah al-Muhaddith Abdur-Rahmaan al-Mubarakpuri (RH) [d.1353H]. This book has been translated from Urdu into Arabic by the Shaikh and he has added his annotations upon it.

“Fiqh Ahlil-Hadeeth: Khasaa’isuhu wa Mumayyizaatuhu” (Jurisprudence of the People of the Hadith: Its Unique and Exclusive Aspects).

“at-Ta’reef bi-Kutub Taraajimir-Ruwaat” (The Introduction to the Books [which Contain] Biographies of the Narrators [of Ahadith]).

Family

Dr Wasiullah Abbas is married and has five sons and five daughters.

References

Biography of Allamah Dr Wasiullah Abbas by Umm-Ul-Qura Publications.

Dr Wasiullah Abbas On Social Media

source: http://www.thecognate.com / The Cognate / Home> Biography / by Shaik Zakeer Hussain / March 31st, 2021

Lutfi Hassan takes oath as chairman of Gandhi Mandela Foundation- American Continent chapter

Business & Economy, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , ,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA / Texas, U.S.A. :

New Delhi/Washington :

Prominent businessman and Democratic Party stalwart Lutfi Hassan formally joins Gandhi Mandela Foundation.

Mr Lutfi Hassan is Founder Chairman of the Apex group of companies and a senior member associated with the Democratic Party of the United States of America.

Mr Hassan  took oath as the Chairman of the Gandhi Mandela Foundation for the Americas (United States and the Continent), said a press release of Foundation.

Lutfi Hassan

Shri Nandan Jha, Secretary General, Gandhi Mandela Foundation, administered the oath. The ceremony took place at the Gandhi Mandela Foundation headquarters in New Delhi. Syed Yahya Bukhari, President, Jama Masjid United Forum also took part in the oath taking ceremony. Mr. Bukhari presented Mr Hassan with the Gandhi Mandela Medal as souvenir alongwith a bouquet of flowers.

On his new role Mr Hassan said, “My job would also be to involve younger generation, my children, my grandchildren and generations to come, I would like them to know what GMF is all about, and get them engaged. I see a lot of young people here, who are very excited to be part of this fabric, so similarly I would like to expand that in the United States and carry this mission through.”

After the oath ceremony Mr Hassan, Mr Nandan Jha, Shri Adesh Tyagi, Director(GMF), Mr, Faiz Aksari, Jt. Director(International Relations, GMF), Joint secretaries (GMF), Shri Abhinanv Singh, Shri Adarsh Laddha, Ms Sharmishtha Sharma (Media Relations) visited former CJI Justice Shri KG Balakrishnan (Chairman of Jury, Gandhi Mandela Award) at his residence. Justice KG Balakrishnan welcomed Mr Lutfi Hassan as member of Gandhi Mandela Foundation family and presented him the symbolic flag of Gandhi Mandela Foundation.

This meeting was followed by lunch hosted in honour of Mr Lutfi Hassan at the Shangri La Hotel, New Delhi. The team was joined by several other dignitaries. During this lunch meeting the team discussed further plans for the Gandhi Mandela Foundation global expansion.

Mr Lutfi Hassan, is an established civic leader representing the South Asian community in mainstream American politics. Mr Hassan has served as an advisor on Presidential, Gubernatorial, Senatorial, Congressional, Mayoral and Judicial campaigns in the United States. He has served as a national finance co-chair for the Obama for America campaign in both 2008 and 2012. Over the years, Mr. Hassan has also served on the National Advisory Board (NAB) as a member of Democratic National Committee. Most recently, Mr. Hassan served on the board of advisory for South Asians for Biden. He was one of the select few who were invited at the Biden-Harris inauguration ceremony.

The Gandhi Mandela Foundation a Govt. of India registered trust which promotes individual freedom, civil liberties, and human rights across the globe. The headquarter is situated at New Delhi and Global presence include America, Africa, Russia, Great Briton, Switzerland, China, Nepal, Bangladesh.

The Foundation instituted the Gandhi Mandela Awards during the 150th birth anniversary of Gandhiji to celebrate those who have carried forward that the legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. The Chairman of the Foundation is India’s hindu spiritual leader Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj, Patron Swami RamDev. The Jury committee includes former Chief justices of three countries (India, Nepal & Bangladesh).

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim / by Muslim Mirror Network / March 11th, 2021

Fatima Jaffar of ‘Ibn Al-Hytham Islamic School’ is the topper of CBSC 12th in Bahrain

Education, NRI's / PIO's, , , , , , ,

KERALA / BAHRAIN :

Fatima Jaffar of Ibn Al-Hytham Islamic School   has secured 98 % marks in the senior secondary examinations beating all the students enrolled in CBSE-affiliated schools in Bahrain. She has scored 100% in Economics, 99% in Business Studies, 99% in Information Practices, 97% in English and 95% in Accountancy.

Fatima, who originally belongs to Kerala in India, lives with her parents and siblings in Bahrain. She dreams of writing Civil Service exam as an attempt to make the world a better place.

Ibn Al-Hytham Islamic School

“It was a dream coming true,” Fatima said. She added she has been feeling extremely honoured as she has received words of appreciation from family members, teachers and friends.

‘We are providing quality education at the minimum charges, we have separate sections for boys and girls. Apart from theology we are teaching Urdu and Qirat to our students’  said Shakil Ahmad Azmi, chairman  of Ibn Al-Hytham Islamic School .

 “It gives immense pleasure to me and all other school staff that our student has achieved such a remarkable success. We all are proud of her” he added.

 “We have given the best result while we charge lowest fees. Our school is also apt at organising extra-curriculum activities”  said  Dr. Mohammad Tayyib , the principal of  Ibn Al-Hytham.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Education / by Muslim Mirror Desk / July 18th, 2020

Social media hails moment hijab-wearing US official Sameera Fazili delivers White House briefing

Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, World Opinion, , , , , , ,

Jammu & Kashmir /Washington, USA :

Sameera Fazili is the daughter of Kashmiri immigrants [AFP] / pix: english.alaraby.co.uk

A hijab-wearing US official spoke at a White House press briefing on Wednesday, prompting social media users to hail the moment as symbolic, after year of Islamophobia normalised by the previous adminstration. 

Sameera Fazili, Deputy Director of the National Economic Council, addressed reporters on President Joe Biden’s executive order to address electronic chip shortages and other critical supply chain issues.

Fazili, a graduate of Harvard University and Yale Law School, was appointed to the key position in the new administration last month. The National Economic Council deals with the economic policymaking process and provides policy advice to the president.

Social media users welcomed Fazili’s first appearance as an official in the Biden administration, with some interpreting the image of the hijab-wearing Muslim official as symbolising a shift away from Donald Trump’s legacy of bigotry towards Muslims.

“A month after Trump is gone and we have a sister in hijab giving the press briefing at the White House”, wrote Imraan Siddiqi, executive director of the Washington chapter of the Muslim Council of American Islamic Relations (CAIR). “The Islamaphobes are weeping,” he added.

Shahed Amanullah, a Muslim tech entrepreneur who served as a senior advisor to the US State Department between 2011 and 2014, expressed similar sentiments.

He described the appearance of Fazili, the daughter of Kashmiri immigrants, as showing “how far we have come in just a month – from incompetence and exclusion to intelligence and inclusion.”

Aymaan Ismail, a US Muslim journalist focusing on identity and religion, compared Fazili’s appearance to anti-Islam activist Brigette Gabriel , who was invited to the White House by Trump:

“Trump invited Islamophobes like Brigette Gabrial into the WH. Today, sister @sameerafazili delivered a press briefing. My how quickly things have changed”

Shortly after taking office in 2017 Trump instituted a “Muslim travel ban”, which Biden reversed in a flurry of executive orders last month.

The ban was one of several xenophobic campaign promises made by Trump, which included the creation of a Muslim registry and the surveillance of mosques.

He commented on alleged ‘threat’ posed by Muslims living in the West throughout his presidency, fuelling rage among white supremacists and the far-right.

source: http://www.english.alaraby.co.uk / The New Arab / by The New Arab Staff / Homepage> News / February 25th, 2021