Muslims urged to become the necessity of the nation

Moulana Muhammad Yusuf Islahi, Member, Central Advisory Council, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind and a prolific author and erudite scholar delivered a soul stirring, mellowing speech in a massive public meeting organized by the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Bangalore Metro in BIFT auditorium in Bangalore on Feb. 12. The following are some of the gems gathered from his speech:

“We Muslims must represent Prophet Muhammad (s) throughout our lives, and as Prophet was comforted by his wife on the first day of revelation that “Allah will not disgrace you, since you are the savior of needy”, we Muslims too must become a necessity of our nation."

Have Faith in Allah
"Every time when Muslims had trust in Allah, despite their limitedness in quantity and resources, Allah has supported them. Even today His help is not far away if we make ourselves true followers of Prophet (s). It was Allah who made things easy by the enemies themselves when prophet Muhammad(s) wanted to convey Islam during the Hajj, when Utba, Shaiba and Abu Jahal themselves introduced Prophet to the people at that time. We saw a similar arrangement from Allah after 9/11 incident that the anti-Islamic media itself introduced Islam and Muslims to the world so much so that it attracted thousands of non-Muslims to accept Islam.”

The need and necessity to introduce Prophet Muhammad (s) and convey his teachings to fellow countrymen is undisputable. This would facilitate a social change in the society. He called upon every individual to represent Prophet Muhammad (s) in his life, “and as Prophet himself was a live example of Qur’an, we too should set a similar example in our lives”, he added.

Reflect Prophet’s personality
 “Allah has given utmost importance to Ulama in Ummah. It is through Ulema that Allah has made mosques thriving. Allah has preserved Qur’an through your efforts. Your true identity lies in your expertise in Qur’an, Hadees and Fiqh and not in looking towards modern sciences” said Moulana Muhammad Yusuf Islahi, here in a special gathering of Ulema organized by the Majlisul Ulema, in the morning session.

Moulana called upon the Ulama to shape their lives according to Prophet’s seerah. “Ulema should especially adopt Prophet’s humility”, he emphasised. “The more you are nearer to Prophet’s seerah, the more you will represent Prophet Muhammad (s)” he added.

What is Unity?
Highlighting the importance of Unity of Ummah, Moulana explained that “Unity does not mean amalgamation as in case of sugar getting dissolved in water; instead it demands collaboration, wherein bricks, stones, wood, metal, cement, etc. contribute to form a strong construction”. 

Laeequllah Khan Mansoori in Karnataka Muslims. Here and a report Here

Indian Media has lost its credibility: Prof Yaseen Ashraf

“Intervention of media has brought in revolutions in the past in many countries, although, news was the medium of information but today the purpose of information has changed. The news isn’t being broadcast for the audience anymore; today it is manufactured to bring in the audience,” said Prof. Yasin Ashraf speaking on “Indian Media and its Crisis of Credibility” on Sept 25 here.

“News channels and newspapers are manipulating the news to make it spicy by changing the meaning of media that is based on mass orientation to market orientation.” He also brought the attention of the journalists on how the victimisation of the masses is increasing day by day by the media’s invasion into their privacy, sensationalising and dumping down of the news.

Questioning the credibility of News and information broadcast by Indian news channels, Prof Yasin said “All this is happening because journalists are losing their ethics and professionalism. For any news a journalists should be sure about the facts. When you are not sure about the facts you cannot report the news. In many cases people give up this norm and start spreading all kinds of rumours and hence playing a very dangerous game.”

Mr. Yasin stressed its high time that media mends the ways before further damage otherwise the masses may completely loose the confidence in the media. He said, “Broadcasters and reporters should start efforts to gain back the lost confidence of the masses and this can happen when media houses start including minority representatives and experts. As a minority community we have to make ourselves competitive enough to qualify to be amongst the best journalists. He said that it is also necessary for the public to involve itself and intervene and report back to the media if they come across any misleading news.”

Prof Yaseen Ashraf in Karnatka Muslims. Here

Syed Tanver Ahmed awarded

Syed Tanveer Ahmed, Chief Editor of www.karnatakamuslims.com, news portal and Karnataka Muslims fortnightly newspaper was conferred with the “Sadbhavna Award for Journalism” yesterday in a glittering ceremony here. The award instituted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India under the auspices of Nehru Yuvaka Kendra was given to eminent achievers in different fields such as Arts, Literature, Journalism, Sports, Film, Theatre, and others.

While conferring the award in the Journalism category to Mr. Tanveer, the dignitaries acknowledged the “valuable services of Mr. Tanveer under whose leadership the news portal www.karnatakamuslims.com is playing a constructive role in bridging the gap between Muslim and other communities of Karnataka. Within a short span of a year the news portal has done a lot in this direction.” The speakers congratulated him on receiving the award and also on the launch of Karnataka Muslims fortnightly newspaper.

Freedom fighters, Kannada film actors, litterateurs, and other eminent personalities graced the occasion while Sri Shivrudra Mahaswamy of Shri Bele Mutt Sanstha presented the awards. Swamiji addressing the gathering lavishly quoted from Vedas and Kannada poetry of Dr. Nisar Ahmed to emphasize the role of positive journalism in building a just society. He called upon the youth to play their role in the nation building.

Congratulating Mr. Tanveer, the Swamiji was “very happy to see people like Tanveer Sahab and their good work for the society.”

Mr. Tanveer said, “A larger section of the English media does not give proper space to the community activities, instead, negative aspects are highlighted. We at Karnataka Muslims aim to present the positive image and constructive activities of the Muslim community. We have provided a platform for the community and are striving to be the voice of the voiceless. The reader’s support to the Karnataka Muslims is growing by the day. Any award is acknowledgment to the readers’ encouragement and our dedicated team.”

A news in Karnataka Muslims. Here

Ayesha Aleem wins short story contest organised by Deccan Herald

Ayesha Aleem, a Bangalore-based writer and journalist, has won the first prize in the fourth edition of the Sunday Herald short story competition organised by popular English daily, Deccan Herald. The young writer bagged the cash prize of Rs 30,000 for her story ‘In Search of Home’ which revolves around the character of a taxi driver of Indian origin in the United States.

The protagonist’s homecoming after 35 years is very different from what he expected and turns out to be not so comfortable after all. The entry “moved the judges with its subtle ending and original theme”. The story idea occurred to Ayesha last year. “I had started writing the story long ago but could not get a suitable climax. By the time I decided to enter the short story competition, I had finished my story,” Ayesha said.

Ayesha did MS (Journalism) at Boston University in 2010. Before that, she pursued PG Diploma in Journalism at the Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media, Bangalore in 2008. She also holds a Diploma in Creative Writing from the Writer’s Bureau, Manchester, UK. At present, she is a correspondent with India Today in Bangalore. She has worked for Elle magazine, Lowe Worldwide and publications in the United States, where she briefly reported on US Congress in Washington, DC.

K N Tilak Kumar, Editor, Deccan Herald, gave away the award to Ayesha at a function held at Bangalore Club on July 29. More than 500 short stories were received for the contest. According to judges – writer and columnist Monideepa Sahu, short story writer Srinath Perur, and poet-writer Shefali Mehta – short-listing the names was a difficult exercise.

Sunday Herald is the eight-page weekly supplement of Deccan Herald that carries regular features on consumer issues, green subjects, animal welfare, gardening, bridge, crossword, book reviews, and offbeat travelogues.

Courtesy : Karnataka Muslims. Here

Mujhse milne tum Jannat mein kaise aaogi Maa?

Samahath Sama Sharif, studies in a Government Urdu Primary School in Bangalore. She is the daughter of renowned social activist Mr. Atharullah Shariff. She recently enacted the inner voice of a female foetus  her travails, suffering, and the longing to come out and see the world.

Samahath’s moving recital made the audience, mostly women, break down. This Urdu poem is written by Dr. Hanif Shabab, Bhatkal, who is the president of Idara-e-Adab-e-Islami, Karnataka.

On the occasion, a talk on “Stop female foeticide, protect rights of the girl child” was organised, women from all walks of life took part in it. Among others, Naomi Junaid, Chairperson, PRCI, Bangalore Chapter, shared her thoughts on female foeticide and how the greed of a few doctors was spreading the obnoxious social evil in the country.

Institutions and NGOs interested in organizing her performance may contact Mr. M.A. Shariff on 9448589604. Dr. Haneef Shabab, Bhatkal 99863 00865

Following is the poem recited by Sama

Line Cut Gayee

Hello, Maa!
Assalamu Alaikum
Main Jannat se bol rahi hoon

Kaisi ho Maa?

Yahan Jannat mein phool khile hain
Manzar jagmagaa rahe hain
Doodh ki nadiyan baih rahi hain
Thandi hawayen chal rahi hain
Chidyaan naghme gaa rahi hain, saheliyan geet suna rahi hain
Allah ki Tareef ho rahi hai
Main jhoolon mein jhool rahi hoon
Pariyon ke sang khel rahi hoon

Main Jannat mein khush hoon Maa!

Lekin, lekin tum yaad aati ho
Hello, hello, Maa,
Bolo Abbu mere kaise hain?
Ghar pe saare kaise hain?
Bolo Maa
Dharti, Ambar, Chaand Sitare
Duniya kaisi lagti hai?
Sona, jagna, hansna, rona
Yeh sab kaisa lagta hai?
Bolo Maa!

Kya tum bhayya ki ankhon mein bhi
Kaanta, chhuri chubhoti ho?
Kya tum apne munne ka sar patthar se kuchlogi?
Kya tum apne jigar ko khud hi apne hathon kaatogi?
Nahin naa!

Phir mere saath hi tum ne aisa bartao kyun kiya?
Bolo Maa!

Apne naseeb ka khana to main khud laati
Auron ka hissa thodi khati
Jis Maalik ne tum ko diya tha, sab ko diya tha
Who mujh ko bhi de deta
Main duniya mein chand din rahti
To kaun si aafat tum par aati?
Abbu ke seene se lagti, saath mein bhayya ke bhi rahti
Munne ke sang hansti bolti
Tum se lori sunte sunte godi mein so jaati na Maa!

Lekin, lekin
Tum ne mujh se mera jeene ka haq chheen liya
Pait mein apne tum ne mujh ko
Bolo kaise qatal kiya?
Chaqu,  Chumta, Qainchi, Kaanta
Mere badan mein ghonp diya!
Mujh ko tum ne tukde tukde karwaya
Khoon mein mujh ko Nehlaya
Aur gutter mein phenkwaya!
Hoon! Hoon!

Pyari Maa! Acchhi Maa!
Yeh to bolo
Duniya jise kahte hain
Jis mein insaan baste hain
Wahan kutte billi ko bhi kya aisa karte dekha hai?

Hello Maa!
Main Jannat mein khush hoon
Lekin, lekin
Yaad tumhari aati hai!
Yeh batlao kya tum ko bhi meri yaad satati hai?
Tum ne kab mera koi naam rakha tha
Jo tum ko main yaad aati
Phir bhi Maa
Mujh se milne ek din tum bhi
Is Jannat mein aajana

Lekin, lekin, Maa!
Mera Maalik, mera Aaqa jab tum se yeh  Poochhegaa
Wo kya jurm thas jis ke badle mein tum ne mera qatl kiya?
Bolo Maa, kya bologi?
Khaliq Maalik Allah se?
Socho Maa, kuch to socho, jaldi socho

Warna, warna, mujhse milne tum Jannat mein kaise aaogi Maa?
Hello Maa, hello, hello Maa, hello… hello…
Maa… Maa…

From Karnataka Muslims. More Here

How to be more efficient at work? : Abdullah Javed

In today’s information-heavy age, majority of the people are overloaded with tasks to be performed by self or with a team. There are many theories that suggest how to be more effective at work. If one heeds to the tips, the list goes this way…arrange office space and desk to suit work style, organize the day by creating a to-do list, create time frame and deadline for the projects, delegate work, develop talents, make a list of priorities, and avoid procrastination etc.


To be a star performer is something that every heart is fond off.  But to be honest, efficiency enhancement of an individual is still a problem to be solved. To be efficient at work is something that depends on the spiritual aspects too. More often, people tend to address this issue with an intention to maximize the efficiency of an individual; focusing heavily on material aspects. As a result of which we see dearth of persons with effectiveness.

Since human beings have both spiritual and material aspects, therefore there should be a balanced approach towards both the facets. Inclination towards any one aspect will have an impact of the same measure.

Once a companion of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Hazrath Abu Dhar Giffari (RZ) asked, O Prophet (PBUH), advice me?
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: Adopt Taqwa of Allah; indeed it will beautify all your affairs
He said. Advice me still more?
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) replied: Adhere to the recitation of Quran and remembrance of the Almighty Allah, by virtue of which you will be remembered in the heavens and (in addition) these acts will prove to be a source of light for you on the earth. (Mishkath)

If one reflects his approach over the significance of the advice, surely he would find it quite relevant to his own needs and to the problems that the world is facing. Here is the solution; one should possess three basic qualities to be efficient.

(1) Taqwa. It means God-fearing and piety, a sense that Allah is omnipresent and watchful. It is the key element of a successful personality. If one keeps remembering Allah, all his efforts would be in accordance with His Will and Wish. Allah does not like idleness, so he becomes dynamic. Allah does not like lying and cheating, he becomes honest and sincere. Allah loves hard work, he becomes diligent. It is the fear and love of Allah that makes things beautiful and helps overcome all forms of weaknesses.

(2) Recitation of the Quran. Recitation of the Quran does not mean just plain reading; it is all about pondering over the verses and their reflections in the soul and soil, in the inside world and in the entire universe. The attachment of such a person with the Quran not only confines to the duration of recitation but it spreads to all his contemplative actions. As a result his entire life is influenced by the words of His creator i.e., the Quran.

(3) Remembrance of Allah. It includes uttering of the words that Allah and His Prophet (PBUH) have taught and also abiding by Their likes and dislikes in all matters. It’s a broader outlook of Zikr. Whether such a person is on a desktop or in a meeting, all his actions would be in accordance with the likes of Allah, as in due course he gets a criterion (light) to judge between right and wrong.

A person whose personality is embellished with these qualities is sure to be remembered by the Almighty. This is what Allah says in the Quran:

“Remember me, I Will remember you. Be grateful to me and never reject faith” (Al- Baqara: 152).

If one develops his personality in view of the demands of both material and spiritual aspects, efficiency prevails not only in his work but in his personality itself.  Is it possible to abide by these principles? Especially for those who have a secluded concept of religion that it should confine to the houses? Or for those who think that religion has no role to play in the society?

Let’s resolve to abide by the advice of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by making a comprehensive plan for the month of Ramadhan.

Muhammad Abdullah Javed in Karnataka Muslims. Here

Six steps for a prosperous India

Today we are living in a situation which is termed in global intellectuals’ parlance as the “New World Disorder.” This is where the laws, agreements, and treaties are upheld and violated for the sake of interests revolving around Geo-politics and Economics.

Hegemonistic attitude by a militarily powerful country has made this world uni-polar. Sovereignty of independent countries has no meaning for this powerful nation.

In the level of Economics, every person in this world is either a buyer or a seller. The definition of a person is either a producer or a consumer. If anybody does not fit into this definition, he or she has no reason to live in this world—may have a reason according to those capitalists—to commit suicide!!

Being part of the global village, our county is also confronted with these global issues apart from many domestic problems that are created or inherited. WikiLeaks are evident that we have mortgaged our country and the huge natural resources at the hands of global powers. Corruption is rampant; according to “Transparency International” report our position is 87th among the corrupted nations of the world.

Our three pillars of democracy namely; Parliament, Judiciary, and Executive have got rotten. The fourth estate, our media, which has to be an ombudsman, is no more a watchdog. That is why it is said; do not form opinion by reading a newspaper but by seeing your neighbors.

However, our beloved country has great potential and huge resources. The greatest among these resources is manpower. It is this power which will make India a super power in the near future. Currently India is having largest number of youth population in the world. Indian Muslim can play a vibrant role in making India a prosperous world leader. Indian Muslims are more than Japan’s population. Japanese built the country after their defeat in Second World War. We are also more than Jews in America! Jews are far less in numbers than Indian Muslims but they are virtually controlling the USA.

In this scenario, we have to do introspection and prepare long-term and short-term plans for the community development. Indian Muslims are so vibrant that they can replace this “disorderliness” in the country and the world positively.

A great scholar and scientist has identified following factors for the community development in India.

1. SPIRITUALITY
Humans alone are the spiritual being amongst millions of creatures on the earth. This creation has the “spirit of God.” The Divine spark propels human beings to attain excellence and not to get down to the level of beasts.  Spirituality does not mean meditation or performing of certain rituals. But spirituality is deep rooted in Quran and Sunnah. Spiritually attaining excellence is known as “Ehsaan” in Islamic philosophy. Spirituality compels for inclusive growth of the society. A person should think in terms of “We” not “I.” The faith tells us to adopt the colour of the Almighty.

The spirituality makes the entire community “Khair-e-Ummath” (The Best Nation).
Spirituality is not devoid of worldly affairs. It is the way to successfully live the individual and collective life with happiness, satisfaction, and gratitude to God.

2. ETHICS
It is second dimension of community revival. Ethics is more than morality. You can win the hearts and minds with ethics rather with money power. The manifestation of spirituality is ethics. It should be a USP (Unique Selling Proposition) for Muslims. A Muslim employer or an employee has to have exemplary ethics.


3. EDUCATION
Our community in the entire world and particularly in India is lacking in education. The “knowledge deficit” is our biggest problem. This is the era of knowledge. Knowledge is power. We have lost the leadership in the field of knowledge which we had possessed during the period from seventh to thirteenth centuries. The reason for this backwardness is division of knowledge between “Deen” and “Duniya.” Knowledge is monolith in Islam.

4. ECONOMICS
Economics has been the power centre that shapes the society. Our share in the Economics is very poor. There is a strong need of establishment of institutions of trade and commerce. Big joint stock companies and multinationals have nowadays donned the role of policy makers. It is the corporate giants which are powerful than parliamentarians. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has said, “A sound (in all sense, i.e., Faith, strength, Economics etc) believer is better than a poor believer.” Another Hadith says that poverty may lead to Kufr. Poverty will create a ‘ghettos’ culture, wherein all social evils dwell. Islamic Economic System which is free from usury (interest) is the only alternative for the present day Global Capitalistic Economy.


5. POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT
The political empowerment does not only mean sending more elected representatives to Legislatures and the Parliament. But in the democracy, empowerment can be achieved through people’s participation in good governance. This should happen at all levels. And at the same time we should try to develop new political leadership that is effective and answerable.

6. COOPERATION
There is a difference between unity and cooperation. The road to unity is tough whereas cooperation can be fostered easily. As a part of the Ummah, if we mutually cooperate for the betterment of society and community a lot can be done and a lot can be achieved! Cooperation should be intra-community and inter-community. We should seek cooperation from non-Muslims and also offer cooperation to them on all the virtuous deeds.

Syed Tanveer Ahmed in Karnataka Muslims. Here

"God consciousness is the most effective tool to eradicate corruption"

Introspection is the need of the hour.  We badly need a complete socio political transformation.  Any changes required in our political system to make the country a real and vibrant democracy shall be carried out. Men at the helm of affairs should be made answerable and accountable in true sense. Values should be taught and practiced at various levels. The criteria for selection to the responsible positions should compulsorily include honesty, sincerity, righteousness and integrity. Corrupt practices and corruption should be dealt iron handedly. The ongoing investigations should be taken to their logical conclusions by bringing them to justice. Regardless of their stature and affiliations, the guilty should be punished severely. Amendment if necessary should be carried out in Prevention of Corruption Act.
God consciousness is the most effective tool to curb the menace of corruption when the stick of law also fails. It alone creates a sense of accountability before the Almighty and helps man to abstain from the forbidden things.

Excerpts from the memorandum submitted to the Governor of Karnataka by a delegation headed by Janab Abdullah Javeed, State Chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Karnataka. More Here.