Will Madurai Headquarters Be A Guiding Force

Muslim Murasu, September 2011

Muslims in Tamilnadu played a vital role in the change of government at the Centre. All-forty-for-us pledge came true. Ballots from Tamilnadu Muslims helped significantly in removing BJP rule and making Dr. Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister.
Muslim religious leaders and movements gave the background for the anti-BJP sentiment that was in the air in mosques and Muhallas in Tamilnadu. Government in Tamilnadu also changed hands as an offshoot. But Muslims did not get any harvest. The result of this was abundantly clear in the recent state election results.
Tamilnadu Ulamas and Alims constitute a significant force. They have spectacular propaganda potential. The current rulers in the state are patrons of religion. They love, respect and support religion. Muslim religious preachers should wisely use this beautiful opportunity.
State headquarters office for Ulama Sabhai is standing tall and proud in Madurai city. Efforts and prayers of senior Alims, social philanthropists and religious scholars should help to lift the community. The role of Muslim electorate was significant in the state election verdict. Ruler appears to respect the sentiments of Muslim society.
Everyone should be aware of the times we live in. Muslim society does not have separate demands. Demands and petitions for development of Tamil society will fit perfectly for Muslim community also. There is no need to list distinct demands.
State Ulama Sabhai should actively participate in finalizing merits and candidature for members and chairman of Wakf Board and Haj committee. They should have direct contact with the ruler. There is no need for middleman. Letter pad, signature and visiting card from Madurai headquarters should earn due respect. If an organization puts its best efforts in right direction, its status will rise in few months.
All the 12000 mosques in Tamilnadu function as offices and branches of Ulama Sabhai. Inspite of this, a separate, distinct headquarters is being constructed. This is a kind of development. No one can deny that. It should work as bridge between Muslim society in Tamilnadu and the government. Their targets and vision should not be narrowed down to 8 rakaath, 20 rakaath dispute, crescent (Hilaal) confusion or salary inadequacy. They should rise above such issues and construct and strengthen themselves as a guiding force and well-wisher for the government. Office bearers from state Ulama Sabhai should meet Chief Minister face to face once in every month or two.
Madurai office has its tasks cut out. Ulama Sabhai should constructively interfere in Planning Commission budget allocation and formulating policy for External Affairs. They should pay full attention to computerization and modernization. Government is in need of data about destitute women, widows, unmarried women and educated but unemployed women. It is the job of the headquarters to give relevant statistics to the government. Let there be no callous attitude.