Tag Archives: Positive Stories of Indian Muslims

Reflections on a Mission: A Visit to Vision International Academy, Phulat

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Kodangallur, KERALA / Fulat(Phulat)Village (Muzaffarnagar District), UTTAR PRADESH :

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Vision International Academy (VIA), situated in the village of Fullat in Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh. It was a journey I had long awaited. Spending time with the children there—even briefly—was a moving experience. Before me sat over 300 Huffaz—young children who had committed the Qur’an to memory. But the academy is not merely a Hifz institution. As the name “Vision” suggests, it embodies a deeper insight into human potential, blending spiritual excellence with academic brilliance.

Mammooty Anjukunnu

That evening, while returning to Darul Uloom Deoband, I received a call from Babukka. He sounded emotional. He had called to express his joy—not just about my visit to Vision or meeting the students—but about something much greater. Because what I had visited was not just another educational center. It was a mission. A dream. And behind it stood the journey of a visionary man.

Let me tell you that story.

A man from Kodungallur, Kerala—Ameer Ahmad Babu Manappat—never imagined that his life would take a turn into the field of Islamic education. A former student of Aligarh Muslim University, he was first struck by the concept of Hifz during a visit to Delhi. Intrigued, he began exploring madrasas in Saharanpur, Deoband, and surrounding areas of North India. He wanted to understand the intellectual capacity of Huffaz. People had told him these children possessed extraordinary memory and brilliance.

However, while interacting with them, he found something amiss. These bright children, despite having memorized the entire Qur’an, were often unaware of the world outside. And he, in turn, was a stranger to theirs. This encounter exposed a painful reality: two different worlds existed—and there was a vast, unbridged distance between them.

In North India, the term “madrasa” is broad and includes Hifz centers, Arabic colleges, and basic religious schools. Many children are enrolled in such madrasas without access to formal education. They might learn basic arithmetic or science, but there’s little focus on academic rigor or integration. Most teachers remain confined to their own disciplines. The idea of combining Qur’anic and modern education barely exists.

Ameer Babu, grandson of Kerala’s renowned Muslim reformer Manappat Kunhahammad Haji, felt a growing sense of responsibility. He believed that Huffaz—gifted with sharpened intellect and memory—deserved access to high-quality general education. Their potential, he thought, could be channeled for the upliftment of society and the community.

He spent months researching and, with experts, developed an innovative bridge course—an academic fast-track that compresses eight years of schooling into one. After two more years, students would be ready for the 10th-grade public examination.

Many doubted his vision. He met numerous religious scholars and explained the idea, but most dismissed it. “We already teach school subjects,” they would say. “What more do you want?”

In reality, over 35,000 Huffaz graduate annually from madrasas in Uttar Pradesh alone. Yet less than 10% of them appear for the 10th-grade board exams. Most do not pursue further education. Many end up in manual labor, small trades, or low-income jobs.

Still, Ameer Babu did not abandon his mission.

His journey brought him to Fullat, near the UP-Delhi border, home to a vast madrasa campus named Jamia Shah Waliullah, founded by Maulana Kaleem Siddiqui, a renowned scholar and spiritual leader. The madrasa is located in the birthplace of Imam Shah Waliullah Dehlawi, one of the greatest Islamic scholars in Indian history.

When Ameer Babu shared his vision with the people there, he was told, “Let Hazrat come, he will help you.” Soon, Hazrat arrived—dressed in white, with a radiant smile and graceful demeanor. It was Maulana Kaleem Siddiqui himself.

After listening carefully, Maulana asked Ameer Babu:

“Ameer Saab, what do you want?

Land?
Buildings?
Some support?”

Then he stood up, led him to a nearby three-acre plot of land adjacent to the madrasa, and asked: “Is this enough?”

That was the beginning.

In August 2017, Ameer Babu admitted 76 Huffaz in the first batch. The results were astounding. These students, with their incredible memory skills, were able to learn up to 1,500 words a week. They completed an entire year’s academic syllabus in just 13 to 18 days, using innovative learning techniques. Simultaneously, their Qur’anic memorization was maintained through a dedicated revision system (daura).

Under the Open School system, the first batch achieved a 92% pass rate in the 10th-grade board exams. Encouraged, they transitioned to the more rigorous UP State Board—and the pass rate rose to 96%. Then, Vision shifted to the CBSE curriculum, and the first batch passed with a 100% success rate.

Classes were expanded to include Plus One and Plus Two, with both Science and Humanities streams. Today, more than 300 Huffaz are enrolled at VIA.

Among its graduates:

  • 2 are now in medical colleges
  • 7 in engineering colleges
  • 8 in law schools
  • Over 50 in various Arts & Science colleges

Vision’s students now come from across seven Indian states. They are fluent in English, academically competitive, and grounded in Qur’anic values.

Last year, during Ramadan, 235 VIA students led Taraweeh prayers as Imams in 17 Indian states, including Kerala—showcasing both their spiritual and intellectual discipline.

Some of these students have now joined the SAFI Institute in Kerala, where Ameer Babu serves as Vice Chairman—an ongoing experiment in integrated education. His goal is to nurture a generation of confident, competent Muslim youth who carry the Qur’an in their hearts and knowledge in their minds.

During my visit, Babukka shared with me his dream—to build 100 such institutions across India for Huffaz. I responded with a story.

In 1992, Balbir Singh, a leader in the mob that demolished the Babri Masjid, returned to his village a hero. But his father rejected him. His wife left. Disgraced and broken, he eventually arrived at Maulana Kaleem Siddiqui’s khanqah in Fullat. There, he broke down and wept. He embraced Islam and became known as Mohammad Aamir.

Following Maulana’s advice, Aamir joined Tablighi Jamaat for four months. Later, he told Maulana:

“Hazrat, I was one of those who demolished Babri Masjid. I must build 100 mosques to atone.”

Before his death in 2021, Mohammad Aamir fulfilled that dream.

Now, from the same khanqah, Ameer Babu has set out on his own mission—to build 100 schools for Huffaz.

When Maulana Kaleem Siddiqui’s dawah efforts began shaking the status quo, the authorities arrested him under fabricated charges. That is a different story altogether.

But Ameer Babu carries on, undeterred.

He serves— the Qur’an, and those who carry it within.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Education> Positive Story / by Mammooty Anjukunnu / June 07th, 2025

MPJ Telangana Helps Secure Bail for 57 First-Time Offenders, Extends Aid to Families and Prisoners

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TELANGANA :

Hyderabad:

The Movement for Peace & Justice (MPJ) Telangana has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting justice and rehabilitation by providing monetary and legal assistance to first-time Muslim offenders seeking bail across various jails in Telangana. In the year 2024–2025 alone, MPJ facilitated the release of 57 such prisoners.

The organisation, which has consistently worked to aid the underprivileged segments of society, specifically limits its legal and financial support to individuals charged for the first time with non-heinous crimes. Those involved in grave offenses such as rape, murder, or digital financial frauds are excluded from MPJ’s assistance programs, irrespective of their first-time offender status.

In addition to helping individuals secure bail, MPJ Telangana previously extended support to prisoners who had completed their sentences but remained behind bars due to an inability to pay court-imposed penalties.

Beyond legal aid, MPJ Telangana has also taken several humanitarian steps. The organisation distributed general knowledge books, Islamic literature in Urdu and Telugu, stationery, and sports items to inmates. Notably, educational materials were also provided for children living with their incarcerated mothers at the Chanchalguda Special Prison for Women.

Expanding its outreach, MPJ Telangana provided general aid to 121 underprivileged families, educational support to children of 41 daily wage laborers, and medical aid to 59 impoverished families in the state.

MPJ Telangana continues to serve as a vital support system for the marginalized, promoting both justice and rehabilitation with dignity and compassion.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News / by Reliance News Bureau / June 11th, 2025

‘Yahya Ali’ streets in Chennai: From street name to gobbledygook

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Chennai, TAMIL NADU :

The correct name is Yahya Ali Streets – 1, 2 and 3, and they take their names from Justice Yahya Ali of the High Court of Madras.  | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The street sign says it all – Yahali 3rd Street. There are three of them, all connecting Anna Salai with G.N. Chetty Road, at Teynampet, very close to Semmozhi Poonga. Only Yahali is not the correct name. Google Maps has compounded matters further. You need to search under Yaya Hali Street if you need to find it. The correct name is Yahya Ali Streets – 1, 2, and 3, and they take their names from Justice Yahya Ali of the High Court of Madras.

The learned judge is not in public memory. When I spoke to a friend on this, he said that the Internet has no reference to such a judge, and I guess that would mean such a person did not exist. But he did. And when he died as a sitting judge in 1949, the High Court convened to condole his passing. The brilliant barrister and then Public Prosecutor V.L. Ethiraj led the mourners. He dwelt on the “keen intellect, great learning, profound human understanding and exquisite courtesy we found in that frail figure.” But to get full biographical details, we need to turn to the speech of an illustrious contemporary, V.C. Gopalaratnam, who spoke on behalf of the Madras Advocates Association.

Yahya Ali was born in August 1893 in Nellore, his father serving as Assistant Secretary in the Finance Department of the Nizams of Hyderabad. He graduated in History and Economics from the Presidency College in 1916 and then qualified in Law. He set up practice in Nellore and became Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor. He was a member of the Madras Legislative Council as well. In between, he became Chairman of Nellore Municipality, his election being testimony to the regard he enjoyed from all residents of the town. It was a place notorious for communal tension, and being a Hindu majority, it was considered impossible for a Muslim to win the ballot.

In 1926, Yahya Ali became District Judge, being posted in that capacity to various parts of Madras Presidency. His specialisation in matters concerning finance led to his being appointed by the then Imperial Government in 1942 as the Chairman of the Appellate Income Tax Tribunal where he equipped himself “with a thorough and exhaustive knowledge of Income Tax Law and Procedure.” In 1945 he became a judge of the High Court of Madras. It is interesting to note that he sat in judgment till the last day of his life, taking ill on April 21, 1949, and passing away the next day.

While these details are from Gopalaratnam’s speech during the condolence meet, we learn some more from what the then Chief Justice P.V. Rajamannar had to say. Yahya Ali, he noted, was a connoisseur of Telugu poetry and “he was a deeply cultured person – culture with the best ingredients of what I may call Moghul culture – urbanity, catholicity and instinctive love of all that was beautiful.”

What was his link to Teynampet? He was at the time of his death Mutawalli (trustee or guardian) of the Teynampet Mosque in which his family had taken a deep interest. It was also in the precincts of this mosque that Yahya Ali was buried. And eventually, a locality was named after him. And from there, the name has morphed phonetically as it were, to what it is now with street names changing accordingly.

I wish the Corporation would be more careful with street signs. We have suffered enough mutilation with truncation of many names to initials, morphing of others, and of course, name changes at the drop of a hat.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai>My Madras / by Sriram V / June 11th, 2025

Farah Usmani’s campaign to break stereotype of Indian Muslim women

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Aligarh, UTTAR PRADESH / New York, U.S.A. :

Dr. Farah Usmani

In 2007, Farah Usmani was working at the United Nations headquarters in New York when she made a pivotal decision that sparked a movement aimed at empowering women worldwide through financial independence.

Dr. Usmani, a physician from Uttar Pradesh, relocated to the city six years ago for work. During her search for a rental apartment, she discovered that New York’s rental prices were soaring and becoming unaffordable. After doing some quick calculations, she opted for a low-interest mortgage from the UN Federal Credit Union to purchase an apartment. She ended up buying a two-bedroom apartment in Manhattan, with a monthly mortgage payment that was only slightly higher than the rent she would have paid.

“This slightly higher expenditure (along with a down payment) would enable me to own an asset, and not fritter away my money on rent. It was such a wise decision. Today, 15 years later, I am on track to be a mortgage-free homeowner,” Usmani shared with the Morning Star newspaper. This experience inspired her to launch a campaign aimed at educating women around the globe about the importance of financial freedom and empowering themselves through financial independence.

Today Dr. Farah Usmani is an international health, gender and development expert based in New York.

Dr. Farah Usmani with her husband Javed Usmani

Dr. Usmani is also the first Muslim woman from India to work with the United Nations International Civil Service at Director Level. She is the recipient of the 2021 Mahatma Award for Social Impact for her work with women, girls, and minorities.

She has 25 years of experience working with the United Nations International Civil Service with UNFPA, focusing on women and girls and their reproductive health and rights.

Carrying forward her mission to empower women, Dr. Usmani is the Global Vice President of SAFAR Foundation,(Supporting Action for Advancement and Rights), a philanthropic organization focused on uplifting marginalized women and girls.

Tap HERE to watch the video.

She is the Founder of “Rising Beyond The Ceiling”, a global initiative supported by SAFAR to shine a spotlight on Muslim women of India and contribute towards changing their stereotypical narrative.

The organization has published its first volume on Muslim women from Uttar Pradesh and is working on the rest of the Indian states.

Farah has received several awards and recognitions including the British Council and the Joint-Japan World Bank Merit Fellowships. 

Dr. Farah Usmani

At the UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), Dr. Usmani played a pivotal role in policy, planning, technical leadership, and health services across more than 50 countries, working on the rights of women and girls. She became the first Indian Muslim woman to reach the Director level in the UN’s International Civil Service in New York.

She noticed that Muslim women were often boxed into stereotypical roles on every platform. Farah made it her mission to break that mold.

“Why are our stories limited to the veil and the home?”

Inspired by this question, Dr. Farah Usmani launched Rising Beyond the Ceiling a global initiative that highlights the achievements of Indian Muslim women, brings their hidden stories to light, and challenges societal stereotypes.

This initiative didn’t stay confined to books or speeches it became a movement. A beacon of hope for every woman in a small town who dreams of a bigger world.

Dr. Usmani believes that money is not just a necessity it is power. She says, “Instead of being afraid of money, we need to befriend it.” Her husband taught her: money that doesn’t generate returns slowly vanishes. And that’s where her journey into financial literacy began.She started investing in tax-free savings, fixed deposits, and NRE (Non-Resident External) deposits. Today, her daughter Saba is also a real estate investor in Manhattan. This is not just a financial legacy it is an intellectual one, building a story of empowerment across generations.

Dr. Usmani has received numerous accolades, including Merit Fellowships from the World Bank and the British Council, and the Mahatma Award in 2021. She has worked globally for the rights of women, minorities, and marginalized girls.

She also serves as the Global Vice President of SAFAR Supporting Action for Advancement and Rights a philanthropic organization focused on uplifting marginalized women and girls.Breaking many gender barriers at different stages in her life, she has the distinction of being the first woman student to top the merit list in the pre-medical examination of the Aligarh Muslim University, where she completed her medical training.

She is the recipient of the 2021 Mahatma Award for Social Impact for her work with women, girls, and minorities.

Farah Usmani comes from a middle-class Muslim Family in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh.

She holds a Master’s in Health Policy, Planning & Financing given by the London School of Economics & London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine & a M.D. in Obstetrics & Gynecology from Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh India. She has certifications in leadership and organizational management from Cornell University, Cranfield School of Management, Stanford University & the American Management Association, New York.

Farah is married to Jawed Usmani, an Indian civil servant, who rose to the position of Chief secretary of the Uttar Pradesh government. They have two children Faraz Usmani and Sabah Usmani.

Dr. Usmani says, “The coins our mothers and grandmothers hid in their mattresses were not just savings they were their attempt at independence.

Indian Muslim Women who feature in the list of Rising Beyond the Ceiling 

The “The time has come for women to see money not as shame, but as strength.”

Her mindset, her struggles, her smile they are a source of inspiration for every woman who dreams of flying in an open sky, not a cage.

Dr. Farah Usmani’s story reads like a novel with trials, a determined heroine, a journey of transformation, and a path toward the light.

It teaches us that with courage, even the walls of a house can become the rooftop of the world’s tallest building.

Because when a woman shapes her identity by herself, she doesn’t just create a path for herself but for every generation that follows.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories> The Changemakers / by Onika Maheshwari, New Delhi / June 02nd, 2025

Muslim Women, Waqf, and the Power of Charitable Legacy: A Forgotten Force in the Shadows of Reform

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

INDIA :

A New Law, A Timeless Legacy

The Waqf Amendment Act 2025, recently passed by the Government of India, has stirred a wave of public discourse. Promising to regulate and modernize the administration of waqfproperties across the country, the law is being introduced as a means to improve transparency and benefit marginalized communities, especially Muslim women.

However, in this swirl of policy language, governance reform, and bureaucratic oversight, we must not forget a foundational truth: Muslim women have always been central to the waqftradition—not as passive recipients, but as active architects of community transformation.

Waqf as a Tool of Empowerment—Before the State Claimed It

Before governments created waqf boards, before institutional frameworks shaped their regulation, and long before women were officially recognized in policy narratives, Muslim women in India were shaping societies through charitable endowments.

They:

• Founded schools and madrasas for girls and boys alike

• Donated lands and properties for the construction of mosques, shrines, and Sufi lodges

• Built hospitals, water fountains, and orphanages

• Funded scholarships, welfare kitchens, and even public rest-houses for travelers.

This was not mere charity—it was strategic social intervention, embedded in Islamic ethics and guided by a vision of communal upliftment.

👑 Queens of Waqf: A Glimpse into Heroines of Charity and Community Leadership

🏛️ Razia Sultana (1205–1240, Delhi)

India’s only woman Sultan, Razia established educational and civic institutions supported by state waqf. Her leadership emphasized justice, learning, and infrastructure.

🏛️ Jahanara Begum (1614–1681, Delhi)

Daughter of Shah Jahan, she created waqf endowments for Sufi shrines, caravanserais, and public gardens. Her waqf documents are among the earliest female-authored ones preserved in India.

🏛️ Roshanara Begum (1617–1671, Delhi)

Sister to Jahanara, she built Roshanara Garden and a Sufi lodge. She maintained religious institutions through royal waqf.

🏛️ Sultan Jahan Begum (1858–1930, Bhopal)

The last Begum of Bhopal, she modernized education, built hospitals, supported madrasas, and legally registered many waqf properties to support her reforms.

🏛️ Begum Hazrat Mahal (1820–1879, Lucknow)

Regent of Awadh, she protected the city’s religious institutions and supported waqf-based welfare during the 1857 Rebellion.

🏛️ Khair-un-Nissa Begum (18th c., Hyderabad)

Established Khairtabad Mosque and other public works through her waqf. One of the early noblewomen to invest in education and water supply systems.

🏛️ Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain (1880–1932, Kolkata)

A visionary educationist, she established the Sakhawat Memorial Girls’ School using her own resources and informal waqf practices. A true reformer of women’s rights.

🏛️ Begum Sughra Humayun Mirza (1884–1958, Hyderabad)

Urdu novelist and educationist who established the Safdariya Girls School through personal endowment. One of India’s earliest women school founders.

🏛️ Princess Durru Shehvar (1914–2006, Hyderabad)

Ottoman princess and daughter-in-law of the Nizam. Founded the Durru Shehvar Hospital, a major maternity and child-care waqf.

🏛️ Princess Niloufer (1916–1989, Hyderabad)

Ottoman royal by birth and philanthropist. Established Niloufer Hospital for women and children in response to maternal health tragedies.

🏛️ Dr. Uzma Naheed (Contemporary, Mumbai)

Thinker and leader who founded the IQRA International Women’s Alliance. Created vocational and educational centers for women through charitable trusts and waqf-like models.

🏛️ Begum Abadi Bano (Bi Amma) (1850–1924)

Mother of freedom fighters Maulana Mohammad Ali and Shaukat Ali, she supported the Khilafat movement and women’s education through charity and informal waqf support.

🏛️ Begum Qudsia Aizaz Rasul (1909–2001)

Only Muslim woman member of the Indian Constituent Assembly. Promoted educational waqfs and women’s legal rights in independent India.

🏛️ Hamida Habibullah (1916–2018, Lucknow)

Educator, politician, and philanthropist who helped establish Talimgah-e-Niswan, a leading girls’ school, partially supported by endowments and community waqf models.

🏛️ Tayyaba Begum (early 1900s, Hyderabad)

Co-founder of Anjuman-e-Khawateen-e-Deccan, she organized women’s welfare through educational trusts and neighborhood charities alongside Sughra Humayun Mirza.

These women are not anomalies in history. They are evidence of a forgotten mainstream—a rich legacy of Muslim women using waqf, education, and philanthropy to shape the public sphere.

What the Law Misses

The 2025 Amendment claims to create better access for women and transparency in waqfgovernance. Yet, many community members raise concerns about:

• Increased government control over waqf boards

• Reduced autonomy of local Muslim stakeholders

• Weak representation of women in decision-making roles

If reform is truly meant to benefit women, it must not just focus on current access. It must honor and preserve the legacy of those women who built the system through vision, sacrifice, and faith.

Reclaiming the Narrative

As students of history and as researchers in the contributions of Muslim women across disciplines—al-Muhaddithat, scholars, judges, educators, warriors, nurses, and philanthropists—we find it essential to reclaim and highlight this tradition in the current discourse.

This document delves into the intersections of gender, history, law, and social development, spotlighting women’s roles in charitable work and community building through waqf and related institutions.

Our goal is not just to preserve history, but to activate it: to inspire current and future generations to recognize the power of service, leadership, and waqf in reshaping communities. The struggle for recognition today stands on the shoulders of those who built with purpose and gave with dignity.

Conclusion: From Past to Future

Muslim women in India have been pioneers of welfare through the waqf system for centuries. Their work wasn’t performed for applause or public acclaim. It was done with quiet resolve, deep faith, and a vision for lasting impact.

As new policies reshape the landscape of waqf, let us not merely react—we must respond with wisdom, rooted in history and hope. Let the legacy of women like Razia, Jahanara, Durru Shehvar, Niloufer, Sughra, and Uzma guide us in reimagining waqf as a tool not only for preservation—but for progressive, inclusive development.

The author is a Social Worker, Student of History and Educator

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Education> Positive Story> Waqf> Women / by M A Lateef Atear / June 04th, 2025

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

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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

Purkazi leader Zaheer Farooqui shows the way to transforming India at grassroots

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Purkazi (Muzaffarnagar District), UTTAR PRADESH :

Purkazi, a small town in the Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh, would soon have its first higher secondary School, and students would no longer have to travel to neighbouring towns to pursue studies after the 10th class.

This happened due to the generosity of Zaheer Farooqui, Chairperson of the Nagar Panchayat, who donated his land valued at 1.5 crore for the project.

Farooqui, a peasant leader, and a lawyer, was dismayed to see the young girls and boys traveling in local buses and rickety three-wheelers to higher secondary schools in other towns and he chose to do something about it.

Following the adage Charity begins at home, he gave away his land which is otherwise a prized possession of any farmer or realtor.

Though he always championed the change to improve the lives of people living in this Muslim-dominated town, Farooqui was elected as Chairperson of the Nagar Panchayat in 2017.

As an elected head of the local body, his priority was to improve educational facilities since this is the surest way to improve the lives of common people. He initiated the change in schools; and equipped primary classes in the local government schools with an adequate number of chairs and tables for students and internet-linked smart boards.

His efforts were recognized as the local government school was covered under the Prime Minister Shri School scheme of Narendra Modi under which chosen schools are turned into model schools.

Debunking the common image of a Muslim, he showed keen interest in the upkeep of gaushalas (cow shelters). Till his initiative, the government funds for the establishment of gaushalas often remained unused by most of the Panchayats.

Farooqui-led Panchayat set up what is purported to be the first double-storey government-owned gaushala in India.

The gaushala has separate spaces for calves, pregnant cows, injured, and elderly cows. Its fodder-chopping machine runs on solar power. A veterinary doctor conducts daily health checkups of the animals.

Additionally, the dung produced is converted into manure, and sold to generate income to make gaushala financially viable.

In 2018, Farooqui-led Purkazi Panchayat installed Internet Processing Closed Circuit Television (IP-CCTV) cameras at various locations in the town to combat crime and make locals, especially women, feel safe.

The cameras of the circuit have powerful lenses that can read vehicle license plates. This circuit helped the Muzaffarnagar Police apprehend a man from Uttarakhand, who was identified as rapist of a local six-year-old child.

Zaheer Farooqui (In Blue shirt) with locals at the Women’s Gymnasium at Purkazi

Each camera is equipped with loudspeakers which are used to announce fresh government initiatives, raise alarms in an emergency, and community-related messages.

The Purkazi Panchayat was the first one to open a women-exclusive gymnasium to raise health and fitness awareness among women.

The gymnasium was opened in 2019, and its popularity has proven critics and skeptics, who wondered if the burqa-wearing Muslim women would even venture out there of their homes, wrong.

The gymnasium trainer Shaheen Usmani arrives early morning for work. Once in the woman-only space, she removes her burqa. Usmani says, ‘I cannot explain why, but the gym has significantly enhanced the reproductive health of women in the town.’

Independence Day procession at Suliwala Bagh, Purkazi

The gymnasium has nearly one hundred member

The residents of Purkazi led by Farooqui have transformed Suliwala Bagh (garden of the gallows) into a pilgrimage site. This place was used by the British Army to hand Indian revolutionaries during the First War of Independence in 1857.

On the Independence Day and Republic day, thousands of people congregate in this iconic place and take out a rally in memory of freedom fighters. The locals have been carrying out a procession in which the youth carry the longest-ever tricolour as part of the national commemoration of freedom fighters of India.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories> The Changemakers / by Saquib Salim / June 01st, 2025

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

Majid Mujahid Hussain of MP Secures AIR 3 in JEE Advanced 2025

Amazing Feats, Education, Education - Gold Medallists, Toppers, Merits, Achievers (wef. June 12th, 2023), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Burhanpur, MADHYA PRADESH :

Photo Credit: News18

New Delhi :

In a remarkable academic achievement, Majid Mujahid Hussain, a 17-year-old from Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh, has secured All India Rank (AIR) 3 in JEE Advanced 2025, one of India’s most competitive entrance exams for the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and other top engineering institution, reported the Indian Express.

Majid scored 330 out of 360 marks, achieving a 99.9992 percentile, placing him among the top performers nationwide. The examination saw over 54,000 candidates qualifying this year, including 9,404 female candidates.

The overall topper of the exam is Rajit Gupta, while Devdatta Majhi from West Bengal emerged as the top-ranking female candidate.

Majid, who also topped JEE Mains 2025 (Session 1) with 296 out of 300 marks earlier this year, is from the IIT Bombay zone, which had a strong showing with three students in the top 10 and 31 in the top 100.

Coming from a humble background, Majid’s father, Mujahid Hussain, is self-employed and his mother is a homemaker. Their unwavering support and his disciplined approach played a vital role in his success. His teachers recall him as a consistently brilliant student who showed promise from a young age.

Majid completed his schooling in Burhanpur and has an impressive academic record — over 95% in Class 10 and 93% in Class 12 CBSE exams. He also actively participated in National Olympiads, excelling in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. He earned accolades in Math Olympiad, NSEC, INPFO, IOQM, NSEP, INMO, INCHO, and SOF competitions.

Speaking about his preparation strategy, Majid said he followed a structured schedule with 8–10 hours of daily self-study, solving previous years’ JEE papers, regular mock tests, and error analysis. Despite initially struggling with Physics, he turned it into a strength with continuous effort and coaching support.

To manage stress, he practiced meditation and took breaks with books for relaxation. His disciplined preparation helped him maintain top performance throughout both JEE Main and Advanced.

Majid aims to pursue Electrical Engineering at IIT Bombay. Expressing pride in his son’s achievement, his father praised Majid’s focus and dedication.

To aspiring JEE candidates, Majid advises: “Work hard, stay consistent, and learn from your mistakes. Give equal importance to all subjects and solve previous year papers regularly.”

His story stands as an inspiring example of hard work, perseverance, and determination.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Markers of Excellence> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / June 04th, 2025

Empowering women thru’ education, AIMMS path-breaking initiative

Education, Women/Girls(since May26-2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Coimbatore / Chennai, TAMIL NADU :

Muslim women-folk with a major chunk of them being home-makers showed keen interest to take up the Afzal-Ul-Ulama degree examinations conducted by the Madras University at The New College premises. Interestingly, this year 93 students from Coimbatore Sundarapuram based Advanced Institute for Modern and Moral Science (AIMMS) wrote their exams with zeal and confidence.

“All I want is education and I am not afraid of no one.” So said Malala Yousafzai, 2014 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, UN Messenger of Peace and co-founder of the Malala Fund, who is credited to be the youngest education campaigner to address the UN Youth Assembly when she was just 16 years old. No doubt, this had a great impact among the Muslim women across the globe to continue their education breaking the taboo and gender bias.

Taking a cue from “Rabbi Zidni Ilma” which is a powerful Quranic Dua from Surah Taha Verse 114 which means “O My Lord! Increase my knowledge”, the Coimbatore Sundarapuram based Advanced Institute for Modern and Moral Science (AIMMS) under the able guidance of noted Holy Quran researcher, writer, orator and publisher Haji Dr Ameer Althaf, about 93 Muslim women aged between 19 and 55 enthusiastically wrote Afzal-Ul-Ulama examinations with confidence.

With a sharp increase this year (last year 85 students), it only proves to show the awareness among the Muslim women to get educated. About 850 students drawn from different corners of the State (last year 827) took up the exams conducted by the Madras University at The New College premises. All credit goes to AIMMS, the maiden Muslim women community college in Tamil Nadu established in 2005 with the sole objective of helping Muslim women mostly home-makers from lower echelons of the society to pursue their education with the support of their family.

From a humble beginning, AIMMS grew from strength to strength to become one of the much sought-after institutes by Muslim women. As to the revelation of the first word “Iqra” in the Holy Quran meaning ‘To Read’, AIMMS left no stone unturned to impart education to women using modern methods in tune with the emerging trend keeping in view of technological development.

Notably, the Institute is located in a good environment equipped with all latest facilities including powerpoint presentation, modernised Arabic computer lab besides scope for doing MA, MPhil and PhD in Arabic while exempting the women from poor family background from paying fees.

Yet another redeeming feature is guest lectures by experts and resource persons giving useful tips to the students in getting their varied skills honed. Thanks to the wholehearted support extended by the AIMMS trustees.

In today’s globalised world, knowing multiple languages can significantly boost one’s career prospects. And one language that stands out for its potential to expand job opportunities is Arabic since it offers a plethora of opportunities right from becoming an Arabic teacher, translator, software pro, Medical Tourism, Language adviser, Editor, E-publishing, Journalism, Multi Media, Advertisement and Data Collection.

It may be noted that the Arabic language is among the oldest and most spoken in the world, serving as a cornerstone of cultural and historical identity across many nations. It is spoken by more than 550 million people and is the official Arabic language in 25 odd countries, mostly in the Middle East and North Africa. To top it all, Arabic is one among the six languages – English, Chinese, Russian, French and Spanish to be recognised by the UN as the official language.

The zeal to excel through education among the Muslim women is definitely a welcome sign at a time when many success stories were pouring in from several quarters with the first Muslim female to become IAS officer in Maharashtra after clearing the civil services in AIR 142 this year while not to speak of S Ajeetha Begum from Coimbatore who made headlines after cracking civil services to become IPS (2008 batch). Age is never a barrier to those who have the will to learn at any stage. AIMMS women-folk have proved this through dedication and determination.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Education> Features> Report / by M Rafi Ahmed / May 07th, 2025