June 30, 2013

Confusing Minority Paradigm

Muslim Murasu, June 2013

Twelve five-year plans have been executed. Inclusivity has not yet been materialized. It is the central government’s official finding that the largest minority in this country, Muslims, are marginalized.
India is marching ahead with pace and force. Growth has not benefited all people of all religions and groups. Muslims are very backward in human development index. Sachar report, 2006 and Ranganath Mishra report, 2007, set in motion many schemes in eleventh five-year plan.
Main reason for the backwardness is the distance between Muslim community and government schemes. Growth oriented leadership did not emerge. Schemes were not monitored. Twenty two crore Indians are kept out of decision-making circle. They were not given the opportunity to sit in power corridors. This is another reason.
MP, MLA, minister, chairman who got authority betrayed the community. This perpetuated backwardness.
Annual seminar of national minority commission has brought forward much information. Law is common for everyone. Article 25 needs special attention. It is available in letter. Reality is different. Protection is needed on four fronts:
1. Identity
2. Life and property
3. Share in growth
4. Share in power
Central and state governments apply their minds to the problem seriously. Revisions and reassessments happen. Monetary allocations and legal protection are granted. But still, growth does not reach the Muslims.
‘Minority‘ definition changes from one state to another. It varies depending on situations and whims. Interpretations are done to appease the political alliance.
Indian Constitution grants equal opportunity regardless of religion, caste, region, language divide. Muslims should be pioneers in realizing this. Majority-minority farcical divide has no solution to livelihood issues, real estate loots, misuse of power and unfettered increase in prices.
Muslims should come out of the sick mentality. The word ‘minority’ incapacitates nervous system. It brings additional enemies. The Quran emphasizes ‘khaira ummat’. Let us define the term with new will power.

Religious Crossover Of Expert

Muslim Murasu, June 2013

Tamilnadu Muslims have been inviting others to their religion for many centuries. Petro dollar inflow into Tamilnadu started around 1980.
Now, religious conversion has become institutionalized. Frontrunners in the society are targeted and activities are well planned. Conversion of even one person can impact one lakh people watching him.
This may reduce antagonism against Islam. But the community will have to bear other drastic consequences. Animosity from other religious preaching groups will have to be met.
A veteran in a field converts from his religion. He can introduce his expertise and domain knowledge to the Muslim community. The gap between his domain and the inadequacy in Muslim community can be bridged.
Expectations on the new convert should be on par with what can be expected from any average Muslim. Being an average is the norm. Exceptional character is miracle.
Warm reception, special seat and poster advertisements for the new comer are unnecessary. True character will come out in few months or years. Weariness and indifference will come with time. Probably, he will return to his religion at mental level.
I read the Quran. I was attracted to its ideas. I converted. This brings to mind Vikramaditan stories and Alibaba wonders.
Serious disciplinary process is needed to utter the name of the Quran or quote from it. Casual, fictitious statements will be seen as parody. It does not fit with the sacredness of calling towards the religion.
There is no example where a person, after converting and taking the giant leap, radically aligns his words, examples, quips, arguments and TV discussions on line with the Quran.
Converting to a new religion is a simple affair. There is no need to go crazy about it. Excitement and drama are useless.
The convert should immediately approach a Mohsin (aid) in the mosque and take divine training from him. Direct interaction can give Imaan, which otherwise cannot be obtained from books, videos, CDs and internet. Intellect, VIP, these crowns should be tossed away. ‘ana abduhu’ is the only appropriate visiting card. I am God’s slave. This mindset will open doors for elevation. Daayees should pay attention and streamline new converts.

June 29, 2013

Jibrael Appeared

Maulana Wahiduddin Khan speech
Published in Muslim Murasu, June 2013

Allah has appointed different angels for different works. Jibrael (alai) is the angel who brought Wahi (revelation) for all the prophets, from the first to the last. Every verse in the Quran was brought by him.
There is a Hadith that Ibn Rajab Hanbali calls as ‘haazaa hadeesun azeemun jiddan’, this is a very important Hadith. Jibrael (alai) once presented himself, in an unusual way, in the presence of Prophet (s.a.w.s). This Hadith is called as Hadith-e-Jibrael. This is recorded in Muslim, Bukhari and other books.
There was a conversation between Prophet and Jibrael. Sahabas witnessed it. If you have intense love for Prophet, Sahabas and angels, you will feel their companionship. You can feel like seeing and hearing them.
Usually Sahabas won’t see Jibrael. This Hadith gives blessings to the believers. This applies to people living in twenty first century. Space and time will cease to be a barrier. The intention of this Hadith is good news.
Camaraderie can be felt with strong faith, deep wisdom and intense passion. Umar (rali) is one of the narrators of this Hadith. He was an important Caliph. He has narrated only a few Hadith. His account strengthens the authenticity of this Hadith. Five things are discussed here – Islam, Imaan, Ihsaan, Qiyamat and its signs.
Meditate deeply about this world and then pronounce Kalima. That will change the life. Form and structure of Salaat is important. But Khushoo is more important. It is important to pray with full heart and mind.
Surah Moominoon, 23, verse 2 – ‘allazeena hum fi salaatihim khaashioon’. Those who humble themselves in prayer. Prayer should be physical manifestation of inner fear. It is not a mere ritual, but an expression of reality.
One part of our hard earned wealth should be donated in the path of God. One’s earnings don’t belong entirely to him. Farming can’t be done without land and rain. Factory can’t be run without raw materials. Zakat is to economically acknowledge God.
Ramzan fasting is to realize the importance of food and water. Only circumstances can bring some Khaifiyat (realizations). Ramzan prepares the ground for it. Animals don’t thank for their food. Man should be grateful.
Haj is a historic experience. Many historical incidents are pinned with Mecca. Mecca represents lives of Hazrat Ibrahim, Ismail, Haajira, Prophet and his companions. Sacrifice and missionary zeal can be felt there. Pilgrims memorize some Duas before performing Haj. Learning the history is more important. That will transform a person.
Purpose of Imaan is to attain Maarifat. Only man can attain that. Belief in Books, Prophets and angels are part of Imaan. A complete plan is set in motion to guide humanity. Prophets and Books have been sent. Angels are conducting the world. The world is lifeless in the eyes of unbelievers. Everything is mechanical. But the world is finely conducted.
Scientists see the sky with telescopes. They see its vastness and feel men as left alone in contrast. But people believing angels won’t fall in this despairing thought of loneliness.
Consider a person wandering alone in a desert. Suddenly he is shifted to a city and put in a sea of humanity. Realization of angels, Prophets, Allah will give a pleasure that is more profound and manifold.
Human life will end in despair if you remove hereafter. A tree grows, produces and falls. Human life is not like this. Heaven is in wait for him. Declining hereafter makes everything tragic. Many novels are of misery kind.
It is important to believe fate. Destiny is in God’s Power. ‘Ihsaan’ means to do a thing with finesse. ‘Amal’ indicates mere doing. Ibaadat is of two types. A person in deep and sincere awareness will feel the presence of God. If a person fails to attain that standard, then minimum thing he should do is to realize that God is witnessing everything.
Mother will give birth to her boss. This is one of the signs of Qiyamat (doomsday). Parents will serve the wishes of their children. Children won’t obey their parents.
Earlier, kings used to be concerned that their kingdom should safely go into the hands of their offspring. Now even common people want to see authority in the hands of their children. People are having lot of luxuries. Kings of earlier days did not possess this much wealth. Poor people are constructing high complexes. Weaker sections have got an opportunity to grow and develop. They enjoy lavish lives. Modern economic setup has opened doors for everyone. This is presciently told in this Hadith.
Jibrael came to reinforce the faith. Allah exposed things that were hidden so far.

June 27, 2013

Recite Verse In Times Of Panic

Darse Quran by Maulana Muhammad Mustafa Shareef Naqshbandhi
Published in Muslim Murasu, June 2013

Forgiving offenders, in spite of possessing strength to avenge, is real forgiving. Forgiving a stronger enemy won’t count. Ten brothers of Prophet Yusuf (alai) had severely harmed him. They stripped him and threw him in a well. He was taken to another country. His brother Binyamin was falsely accused as a thief and humiliated.
Prophet Yusuf did not find his family. Forty years passed in this. Now he had become the ruler. Power was at his disposal. He could have taken revenge. He could have sent them to prison or given them death sentence.
He forgave his offenders. Surah Yusuf, 12, verse 92 – ‘qaala laa tashreeba alaikumul yawma’. He said, ‘this day let no reproach be cast on you’.
Only a prophet can say this. Famine had gripped Cannaan region. Brothers of Prophet Yusuf had migrated out in search of provision. He could have enslaved them. But he remained patient.
Verse continues – ‘yagfirullahu lakum wahuwa arhamur raahimeen’. ‘God will forgive you and He is the Most Merciful’.
Mere recitation is not enough. These principles should be implemented in life. Wife should be forgiven. We have become used to hearing speeches.
A Hadith was read after Fajr prayer. Anas bin Maalik (rali) was the Raawi. Whoever waits after Fajr prayer and prays Ishraq prayer will earn reward of accepted Haj and Umra. Everyone left once Hadith was completed. No one waited in the mosque. Ishraq prayer will cost extra electricity bill. Locking the mosque is also a problem. No one followed the Hadith. Interest was shown in locking the mosque.
Gaining more knowledge is not important. Acquired knowledge should be properly honored. Surah Anaam, 6, verse 125 – ‘fa manyuridillahu anyahdiyahu yashrah sadrahu lil islaam’. Those whom God wishes to guide, He expands their heart for Islam.
Hadith – ‘manyuridillahu bihi khairan yufaqqihu fiddeen’. When Allah wishes good for a person, he will have desire to understand the religion. He will enjoy doing good deeds. It is indicative that God’s Grace is on him.
Life of prophets should be listened with the intent to follow. There will be ups and downs in life. Examples set by prophets should be emulated in each situation.
A lawyer well versed in legal sections, nuances and interpretations can succeed. He can convince the judge. We should read the Quran repeatedly. For every situation, relevant verse, explanation and solution should appear in our mind. Then it will be possible to follow it.
Prophet Yusuf told to cast his shirt on his father’s face. That will bring back his lost vision. This shirt was given to him by Jibreel (alai) when he was thrown in the well. Verse 93 – ‘izhabu biqameesi haazaa falqoohu alaa wajha abee ya’ti baseeran’. Protection was given with the shirt.
Misr (Egypt) was prosperous in those days. Prophet Yusuf asked his family to come out of their famine-stricken land. Verse continues – ‘wa’tunee biahlikum ajmaeen’.
Prophet Yakoob was far from Prophet Yusuf. In spite of that, he was able to feel his scent. Verse 94 – ‘walamma fasalattil eeru qaala aboohum inni la ajidu reeha yusufa’. When our Prophet (s.a.w.s) passes by a street, his fragrance will linger even after he has gone. His companions will come to know of his visit from his fragrance.
Some brothers told Prophet Yakoob that he is talking out of old love. ‘qaalu tallahi innaka lafi dalaalikal qadeem’. You are in old wandering mind. Caravan from Egypt reached them. Royal guard came. Bearer of good news came. Shirt was cast on his face. Prophet Yakoob got back his sight. ‘falamma anjaa’al basheeru alqaahu alaa wajhihee fartadda baseera’. ‘Basheer’ means bearer of good news.
Allah can make anything happen if we put our faith in Him. Surah Ala Imran, 3, verse 26 – ‘watuizzu man tashaau watuzillu man tashaau’. Honor and humiliation are in His Hand. Brothers asked for forgiveness. Prophet Yakoob said he will pray for them. Verse continues – ‘qaala sawfa astagfiru lakum rabbi’. I will pray to my Lord for your forgiveness.
There is appointed time for acceptance of supplication. Prophets have followed it. Sahar time is for supplications.
Prophet Yusuf came to the border of the city and welcomed Prophet Yakoob. ‘waqaaladkuloo misra inshaa allahu aamineen’. You can enter and stay in Egypt with safety.
There is relief after distress. We will panic when receiving a grief. The life of Prophet Yusuf should be remembered. There is relief and honor after trouble.
My two-wheeler got lost. I remembered the verse. Surah Taariq, 86, verse 8 – ‘innahu alaa rajihi la qaadir’. Allah is capable of bringing it back. The vehicle stood abandoned in the next street. Vehicle was found. But more importantly, verse came to mind at the right time. We have been preaching for twenty years. We got a chance to follow it.
We say innaalillahi when we hear of death. It should be recited even for minor inconvenience. Surah Baqara, 2, verse 156 – innaa lillahi wa inna ilaihi raajioon’. We should say it as soon as hearing a shocking news. That is Sabrun Jameel, beautiful patience. Prophet Yakoob’s history is the example. Surah Yusuf, verse 18 – ‘fa sabrun jameel’.
Prophet Yakoob heard the shocking news. He heard that a wolf devoured Yusuf. He was shown a blood stained shirt. Prophet Yakoob did not lose control. He maintained composure. He tolerated.
Saying Bismillah often will make our prayers accepted. We should stand with such people.
Allah will test with fear. Panicking means failure. Saying innaalillahi is success criteria. Regaining patience after two days is not the point. Verse should come to mind the next moment. Quran discourses are conducted in many places in the city. Followers are less.
Reciting ‘innahu alaa raj’ihi la qaadir’ will bring us back the lost object or Allah will replace it with a better one. Our faith will improve through practical situations. Once my bicycle was lost in Chennai. I recited the verse from Surah Taariq. I got the cycle two days later. Allah will talk to you through troubles.
Prophet Yusuf made his parents sit on throne. His brothers were overwhelmed with guilt and fell down in prostration. ‘wa rafa’a abawaihi alal arshi wa kharroo lahu sujjadan’. They prostrated to show their respect.
Prophet Yusuf said this was the realization of his dream. God has been gracious to me. He brought me out of prison. You came from desert. This is God’s huge grace. Verse 100 – ‘inna rabbi lateefun limaa yashaau’. My God will easily achieve what He wishes.

June 25, 2013

Ilm, Amal And Niyyat Form The Foundation

Weekly speech at Tableeghi Markaz, Tolichowki, Hyderabad
Published in Muslim Murasu, June 2013

Every creation depends on its Creator for its existence and functioning. Man cannot get his needs fulfilled by putting his faith in them.
Sun gives light. Both believers and unbelievers witness that. Allah has to provide it light in the first place, before it shines. A tree cannot give fruit on its own. Cloud has to gather water somewhere before showering. It is the Power of God operating everything from behind.
Man functions through his Rooh (soul). Eyes don’t see, Rooh sees through eyes. Eyes from a dead person can be transplanted to a living person and they will again become useful to Rooh. We appreciate cook after a sumptuous food. We fail to appreciate God who gave us tongue.
Prophet’s mission was to bring the realization of God. Other creations have no value in the absence of human beings. Man decides the rate for a land. A land uninhabitable for man will have no value. Man decides cost of gold, cloth and everything else. But he himself loses value. He is unaware of his potential, merit and price.
Man has two important needs. He needs Hidayath (guidance) before death and Magfirath (forgiveness) after death. Deen (religion) is given for this.
Surah Ma'ida, 5, verse 3, ‘alyawma akmaltulakum deenakum wa atmamtu alaikum ni’mati waradeedu lakumul islama deenan’. Religion is completed and Mercy is fulfilled.
A complete, elaborate guidance is provided for us. Success is attached with the religion. Only deeds can help us. Nothing can be done after death. Ilm, Amal and Niyyat are needed for Ibadat.
Man wishes for maximum consumption, maximum pleasure and maximum ownership. Prophet has warned us to bring our wishes under the influence of religion. Self-restraint can earn us heaven. We will receive whatever we desire.
‘Addeenu yusrun’. Prophet says that the religion is easy. We lack in faith. Food or medicine should mix with blood to make impact. Religion is available in CD, books and in mobiles. It is missing in the heart. We spend all day in lying.
The purpose of Daawat (missionary work) is to inculcate religion in our lives. Every member in this community is a Dayee (missionary).
Saying Kalima is Ikraare Deen. It is the proclamation of faith. Salaat is Izhaare Deen. Ilm is Dastoore Deen. Zikr is Noore Deen. Respecting Muslims is Imtihaane Deen. Aqlaaq is Imtiyaaze Deen. Saying Kalima before death is Takmeele Deen. That is the completion of faith.
Our efforts are to start from proclamation and go till completion. Materials will perish. But the way we used them will remain. That benefit will continue. If we use this world in a proper way, we can earn a good hereafter.
Four blessings will be provided if we work for the religious cause:
1. Peaceful heart
2. Barakat
3. Love in the hearts of people
4. Prayers will be granted
These four comprise ‘Hayaate Tayyiba’, pure life.
Surah Nahl, 16, verse 97 – ‘fala nuhyiyannahu hayaatan tayyiba’. We will make him live pure life.
Supplications of this community will be treated like those of Messengers in Bani Israel. Two things are promised. 1. Hayaate Tayyiba 2. Heaven
They will be honored in this life. No one can reward or gift like God.
Rooh will find peace in God’s commands. Body will find peace in following Prophet’s Sunnat. Every object will be at rest in its natural state. Man is made of soul and body.
Surah Bani Israel, 17, verse 85 – ‘qulirroohu min amri rabbi’. Rooh is from God’s Command.
Man suffers when his contact his severed from God and Prophet. A High Tension wire that is disconnected will be stomped and kicked by children. Muslims are suffering the same fate.

June 19, 2013

Benefit Will Increase If Journey Continues

Maulana Muhammad Ilyas (rah) Malfuzat compiled by Maulana Muhammad Manzoor Nuhmani (rah)
Published in Muslim Murasu, June 2013

There is still time left to do our works. Two huge challenges will emerge in near future. 1. Tableegh of Kufr, tide of faithlessness 2. Atheism in the garb of western ways and politics. We should prepare before the deluge.
We propagate Taleem and Tarbiyath (values and discipline) through our mission. This was the method during Prophet’s time. The need for books, compilations and commentaries came with the passage of time. People started believing them too much. They lost Prophet’s method. Taleem and Tarbiyath can be given on a wide scale only with our method. There is no other way.
Whenever I go to Mewat, I take with me Ahle Khair and Ahle Zikr. Inspite of that, my heart swerves due to the influence of my friends. Ihtikaaf is needed to purify it. Spending quality time with Jamaat from Saharanpur or Raipur brings heart back to its good state. People involving in Gasht, Chillat, Firrat (rounds for missionary work) should clean their hearts with Zikr and Fikr in solitude.
People involved in Tableeg should go as three groups with three objectives:
1. Serve Ulama and Saliheen and learn from them.
2. Propagate religion to the lower ones and make themselves complete.
3. Go to different people to acquire and grasp different skills and specialties.
Maulana prayed to Allah. Unbelievers are Your servants. Make us be kind and soft to them. We should help in their needs. But, at the same time, we should despise their faithlessness.
Steps should be taken to involve Ulama and Saliheen in our mission by addressing their doubts or concerns. We should assist and serve them with the intention to advance the religious cause.
We should respect even weak Muslims. They are our religious brothers. Perhaps, we are also a reason for the Fisq (sins) in their hearts. Our carelessness can be a reason.
Our movement is to bring Imaan (faith). Other movements take faith as a given and build their activities and goals on top of it. Our vision is to inculcate faith in the hearts. This is the foremost need of the Ummat. This is our concern. Disease is hidden in the hearts. People don’t have the quest for the religion. They are unaware of its importance and merit. If we make them realize the place of the religion, then we can bring back a verdant spiritual atmosphere.
Our intention is to trigger quest and passion for the religion. We should not stop with teaching Kalima and Salaat. It is important to come out of the house as a Jamaat for this purpose. This will get us rid of our old attachments. Participating in a new, active group will bring religion alive in front of the eyes and create an affinity for the religion.
Bearing with the troubles, travails and travesties coming in our way with perseverance will turn Allah’s blessings towards us. Surah Ankaboot, 29, verse 69 – ‘wallazeena jaahadoo feenaa lanahdiyannahum subulanaa’. We will show Our Ways to those who strive. Benefit will last if the journey lasts.

Rural Innocence

Muslim Murasu, June 2013

India lives in her villages. Adequacy at village level will give adequacy at national level. People who migrated out of villages have settled in urban settings and have earned prosperity. If they are sympathetic, it is enough to completely eradicate poverty out of village.
Last year, Honorable Minister of Rural Development, Jairam Ramesh, allotted 75000 crore rupees. Only 55000 crore rupees has been used. 80000 crore rupees has been earmarked in the current year. Forty percent vanishes. Commission for intermediaries is soaring.
Seven lakh crore rupees loan has been disbursed. Caste-wise list of looters who gobble this money should be published. 33000 crore rupees for employment, 25000 crore rupees for NABARD, 80000 crore rupees for other developments have been allotted.
Huge fund is set aside every year for rural development. State governments also spend on par with the central government. People who work in the offices of regional development officers, collectors, are from villages.
But they look like race clubs for looting and pilfering. To divert attention from real scam, issues like Mullai Periyar, Cauvery water, Prabakaran, fishermen killings, reservation, caste conflicts, inter-caste marriage, liquor abolishing are staged
All politicians including M.P, M.L.As are enjoying urban atmosphere. They taste the best of both the worlds. They reap votes from rural side and harvest money from urban areas. Politicians at Ondriyam, district level appear as rulers and scoop from public fund.
Modern scamsters coming in the guise of peasant and farmer should be identified. They know no caste or religion. They are not partial to any party, be it ruling party or opposition party, extra or casteist or petty outfit.
They operate with single minded objective. Protest about village backwardness and garner all wealth in home. Villagers are victimizing other villages with air-conditioner, gas connection, software, bungalow, luxury car, black money accounts and jewel obsession. They are experts in throwing away some crumbs in the name of freebies and garnering votes. These currency sharks should be identified and isolated. Rural innocence is pathetic.

June 16, 2013

Chief Minister, Religious Scholar Interaction

Muslim Murasu, June 2013

Tamilnadu has been making pioneering progress in many fields. Seven and half crore Tamilians living in Tamilnadu and two crore Tamilians living outside are contributing their due share.
Multinational companies approve Tamilnadu as a region for development. North Indian youth are descending on Tamilnadu in their thousands and taking shelter here along with their families. Politicians and bureaucrats from Tamilnadu are functioning well in powerful corridors of central government. Tamilians consider peace and growth as survival conditions and continue their living.
Six percent Muslim population in Tamilnadu cooperate fully to all development activities. Muslims don’t pose their trust in frantic politics or fake public life. They aspire to hard work, self adequacy and independent growth.
Weekly sermons in Muslim Mohallas are hugely helpful in maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. Service to humanity is the priority for Muslim religionists. They don’t support fanatic, extreme ideas or trends. Speeches revolve around integration, friendly relations and good discipline. Strong religious base allows for competing in art, literature, software and economy on an equal footing.
For the past thirty six years, there has been a gap between the powers that be and Islamic scholars, in Tamilnadu. Meeting the Chief Minister and the Governor of Tamilnadu every  three months or twice a year, open up to them, is in the best interests of the state.
Such meetings, counsels can cement Tamilnadu’s role as an exemplary state in India. Middleman politicians, selfish folks are spread everywhere cutting across all religious and party lines. It has become a perpetual need to keep them in check.
State government’s allocation of funds for supporting Hinduism is all over the media. Christian scholars also arrange interactions now and then and bag numerous benefits. Honorable MGR came to power in 1977. The indifference started then. Political advantage shrank for Muslims. It is time to correct the historical mistake.
Islamic scholars should meet the Chief Minister face to face. This will improve the lives of fifty lakh Muslims. It is better for both the sides to be open about their intentions.

June 15, 2013

Progressive Emaciation Of Tamil

Muslim Murasu, June 2013

Tamil is the mother tongue for seven and half crore people. Two crore Tamilians living outside Tamilnadu also still maintain some attachment with the language.
Fifty years earlier, pedestrian footpaths, platforms, bus stops, private verandahs and porches nurtured readership of Tamil magazines and books. Tamil popularity drifted towards Hindi bashing in no time. Those who paraded Tamil on stage cunningly used it for political harvest. Language strengths became monetary gains. Hindi patrons looked for an opportunity to crush Tamil.
English domination silently crept in. Tamil scholars were happy in their double speak. They romanticized with Tamil on the stage and cherished English in their homes.
Tamil fanaticism that was raging between 1955 and 1965 turned towards upper, dominant caste opposition. Fake election promises brought ostentatious political success. Subsequently, Tamil society was led into cinema and liquor trappings. Tamil suffered at the hands of hypocrite politicians.
Tamil society faced a major political divide in 1972. Hatred on Malayalam was unleashed. Tea stalls and lodges owned by Malayalam speaking population were ravaged. Those who fled took shelter in gulf countries and big cities like Delhi.
Rooting for a nation for Ealam that started in 1980 did not help the cause of Tamil or Tamilnadu. On the contrary, it caused alienation and declining of rights. Tamilians who occupied berths in central government served the looting by multinational capitalists and home grown contractors. Publishing the names, addresses and assets value of those owning premises taller than three storeys will expose the truth.
There is no dearth of statues of district leaders, caste and racial leaders, state level and national level leaders in any of the thirty two districts in Tamilnadu. Valluvar Kottam with four thousand seats has not helped hosting events or speeches supporting Tamil growth. In the past fourteen thousand days, not even fifty days have been constructively used. Neither has Valluvar statue, weighing seven thousand tonnes in Kanyakumari shore, helped in anchoring Tamil. Mushrooming English speaking classes is the evidence.
Spending hundred crore rupees is not going to induce widespread cultural upturn. State government can be commended if it can identify, recognize and help independent writers, authors and columnists, who, on their own strength and clean heart, work for Tamil language.

June 11, 2013

Azaan International School Function

Dr. Syed Rashid Naseem Nadwi speech on the occasion of 'Takmeele Hifze Quran' at Azaan school, Hyderabad
Published in Muslim Murasu, June 2013

‘khairunnaasi man yanfaunnaas’. Best are the ones who benefit others. Allah has added stress to these words. Surah Ala Imran, 3, verse 110 – ‘kuntum khaira ummatin’. You are the best society. This glad tiding comes with a condition. You should be serving and purposeful. Allah will add permanence to useful things.
Surah Raad, 13, verse 17 – ‘maa yanfaunnaasa fayamkushu fil arli’. That which is good for mankind stays on the earth. Allah will make the institutions that we create as enduring, provided they benefit people. Allah will make them lasting. Allah will induce Barakat in things that are useful. They will multiply and increase. Wheel is an useful invention. It continues to hold a central role in human civilization. Man learnt to control fire. Vehicles run on that principle to this day.
Fifteen centuries earlier, a revolutionary call was given to human society. It laid foundation for scientific quest. Surah Jaashiyaa, 45, verse 13 – ‘wa sakkhara lakum maafissamaawaati wal aril jameea minhu’. Everything is subjected to you. It opened new frontiers.
This was a call, a promise, a glad tiding, that everything will come within your grasp. This ideology, philosophy, benefited humanity. This idea made its way from Arab land through Spain and reached Europe. Many inventions followed. People stood to gain.
Knowledge is an indivisible unit. It is a reality that can’t be contested. One can differ on arts. Some may consider Iqbal as more endearing, while to some Ghalib may appeal better. People can’t go different ways in the matter of knowledge. Knowledge makes connection with God. It gives perennial benefit to people.
Surah Jaariya, 51, verse 56 – ‘wamaa khalaqtul jinna wal insa illa liya’budoon’. Ibaadat (worship) is the purpose behind the creation of humanity. Abdullah bin Abbas (rali) has explained that, here Ibaadat points to Maarifat (enlightenment).
‘Kuntu khanzan makfiyaa’. My bounties were hidden. Man is created so that he can attain them. He can realize God. Arhamur raahimeen. God is The Most Merciful One. Man should realize this.
Faith in God is the essential condition for Maarifat. That can transform man into a kind person, a good citizen, a caring neighbor or a friend. Enlightenment should be pursued with right intention.
Surah Alaq, 96, verse 1 – ‘iqra bismi rabbikallazee khalaq’. Associate all your knowledge, researches and findings with the name of Allah. That will bring Barakat in the world. Knowledge when coupled with the Name of God will benefit everyone.
Such an endeavor is being pursued in this campus. Results of twelve years of planning and efforts are on display today. Allah will take man to his destination when he perseveres in right direction. Surah Najm, 53, verse 39 – ‘wa an laisa lil insaani illa maa sa’aa’. Man will attain what he strives.
Today, knowledge is broken, divided and shattered. It is commercialized, sold and auctioned. Such detestable activities should end. Running an educational institute is service to humanity. Iqlaas, purity of intention, is its root. We should help such an endeavor.