This is also a leader

Many might have heard the name of Dr. Subramanian Swamy, also seen him in photographs, and read news items about him that he is a typical person in Indian politics. Now there is news that his Janata Party has joined N.D.A. N.D.A is a forum of some Opposition parties led by B.J.P. The news is that Janata Party has joined it. But the fact remains that it is Swamy who has joined it, and not his party. Because his party does not exist. Might be it is there on paper only as many schools are on paper only. This news does not hold much importance for common people or for those who have been keeping an eye on the manoeuvrings of Indian politics for fifteen or twenty years; however this news is indeed interesting for those who have been aware of Dr. Swamy’s political gimmicks since 1980s. In the very beginning Dr. Swamy was with Bharatiya Jana Sangh. During the Emergency imposed in 1975 he went underground wandering about. When the Janata Party was formed in 1977, he joined it. But when Bharatiya Jana Sangh was reinstated in the form of Bharatiya Janata Party in 1980, he did not re-join it; or even if he might have re-joined it, he soon left it only to hurl abuses on the party.

The list of abuses

And the abuses were not minor. He called R.S.S a terrorist and anti-national organisation, held it responsible for riots, called Sangh and B.J.P. leaders coward, used to say that those people happened to be very pigeon-hearted; and if the administration and police act in an stringent manner, they would be seen nowhere. Had the complete list of abuses been in the record of some people, they are the senior B.J.P. leaders of today. Swamy had made all these allegations against the B.J.P. during the movement for restoration of Babri Masjid. At that time Swamy was in full support of Muslim standpoint, and used to participate in their every big programme. Not only this, Swamy raised his voice against anti-Muslim riots and the excesses committed against Muslims by the police and administration. It was only due to him that the incident of Muslim massacre in Hashimpura in Meerut got attention at international level. The campaign of Subramanian Swamy against B.J.P (R.S.S) and in favour of Muslims was so intense that he was dubbed a pro-Muslim leader. But a few years ago, Swamy took a sudden turn and appeared in his old Jana Sangh colour. And then this colour got deepened.

This is the worst kind of corruption

Opposing Sachar Committee, filing a case against Islamic Banking in Kerala and writing poisonous comments against Muslims in a Mumbai-based magazine, Swamy qualified himself fully for the B.J.P. Now why did the party not throw a red carpet for this leader? This remains the history of the party. It can stoop to any level for attainment of its specific interests. It has done the same in cases of Uma Bharti of Madhya Pradesh, Kalyan Singh of U.P, and Gopi Nath Munde of Maharashtra. One more reason for its closeness with Subramanian Swamy is that nowadays he is much against Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram and the B.J.P thinks that this can topple the Congress government at the Centre. We are not interested in the wayward politics of Dr. Swamy nor in the morality of B.J.P; however this opportunistic politics of both presents a glimpse of electoral politics in India and shows how deep moral decadence has gone. Anna Hazare and his team should also pay attention to this worst kind of corruption.

19/03/12 khabar-O-Nazar by Parwaaz Rahmani, sehrozaDAWAT, translated by: Abu Yusuf

Script Writing of Police

When the police arrest an individual, sometimes they concoct very typical stories to buttress their action.  And if the arrest is related to terrorism and the concerned person is a Muslim, the typicality of those stories gets enhanced. But it has been often seen that the police, in their script, care less about the judges in courts and more about the media and common public. This is so because the media is ever ready to take forward those stories and the common public is also ever ready to believe them; and the police want this only. Therefore, they do not care much about the ultimate end of their stories, and in most cases act upon the advice of Sahir Ludhianvi:

Woh afsaana jisay anjaam tak lana na ho mumkin,

Usay ek khoobsoorat mor day kar chorna achcha.

(The story that is difficult to be concluded,

It is better to drop it at some interesting turn.)

Because, before giving it some interesting turn, the intent of their political policymakers is served in the form of ruination of the life of the concerned person and devastation of his family and in defaming his community. The latest example is that of a youth named Aamir of Delhi. This is why the police do not take it necessary to seek the services of intelligent and expert script writers.

The police did so here also

Delhi Police did so in the case of the renowned journalist of Delhi, Muhammad Ahmad Kazmi. Besides the usual mentality of police, the zeal of activism and the desire to win praise, this time Israeli pressure was also at work. Israel wanted that the Iranian hand in the “terror” attack on its lady diplomat’s car in New Delhi on Feb 13 must be proved as soon as possible so that its aggressive stand against Iran may get strengthened. Although the Israeli pressure was not on Delhi police rather on the Government of India, and despite Israel’s raising of much hue and cry the initial stand of the Government of India was that it had not reached the conclusion, yet the anxiety of Tel Aviv was increasing so much so that it said the Indian police had solid proof but they did not want to reveal. On the other hand, the Union Home Ministry was also seen drifting away from its initial stand. Therefore, under these very circumstances, Mr. Kazmi was arrested in a dramatic manner. And the manner he was arrested was, as was evident from the images, that as if he were the “most wanted terrorist”, caught at the airport or railway station while trying to escape, and the police personnel had also wrapped the kind of cloth, which a religious Muslim usually use, around his head and face so that the onlookers might not have any doubt in ascertaining as to who the arrested person is.

The requirement of solid course of action

And as far as the question of script is concerned, the details are there in newspapers; the readers can themselves read and guess how “solid” a case the police have prepared and how “concrete” proof they have gathered. Mr. Kazmi’s reporting for Iranian news agency, visiting Iran and Iraq repeatedly, going on a visit to Syria along with a group of journalists after the car blast, recovery of a doubtful bike from his residence, frequent visit to Iranian embassy (in New Delhi), his belonging to the Shia community (so that his close connection with Iran may be proved) – It is a matter of satisfaction that the journalist community and human rights groups have taken due notice of the excesses done to Mr. Kazmi. Muslim leaders have expressed and are expressing their anger and agony. But all this should not remain mere customary; efforts should be made to make it result-oriented. The fact to be kept in view is that the Delhi police did this act at a time when protest marches are being staged against detention of innocent Muslim youth in different parts of the country. The Muslims in Delhi in particular have provided a proof of their being awakened in this regard. It is as if you do whatever you can and the police would do what they want to. Is this situation not demanding a solid and spirited course of action?

16/03/12 khabar-O-Nazar by Parwaaz Rahmani, sehrozaDAWAT, translated by: Abu Yusuf

Those Four Days in the Capital City of Delhi

When Imam Al-Sheikh Saud Bin Ibrahim Al-Shuraim reached Delhi on Mar 1 and stayed here for full four days, the earth and sky of Delhi witnessed the same love and affection of Indian Muslims for the Haram-al-Sharif and heart-touching scenes of Muslim unity which they had done on the occasion of the visit of Al-Sheikh Abdur Rahman Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Sudais in the last week of March last year. These two revered personalities are from among the Imams of Ka’ba. The Muslim believers the world over maintain Islamic affinity with them. Imam Al-Sudais was here to participate in the conference of Jamiat-Ulama-i-Hind (last year). The conference was held in the sprawling Ramlila Ground of Delhi. The Imam had also gone to Deoband. Imam Al-Shuraim was invited by Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadees Hind to grace its two-day conference in that very Ramlila Ground. Al-Sheikh Saud Al-Shuraim also went to Deoband. These two revered Imams also visited the headquarters of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind. Imam Al-Sudais could not lead the Zuhr prayer at Markaz due to the mounting crowd of believers; however Imam Al-Shuraim did lead the Isha prayer on Mar 4. About 25,000 to 30,000 Muslims offered Isha Salat behind him.

Scenes of Islamic Unity

And thus, as in March last, in this March also Indian Muslims exhibited magnificent Islamic unity. They proved that despite sectarian differences there is no difference here in the fundamental bases of Deen, in Shari’ah commandments, in reverence to Prophethood, in the affirmation of majesty and justice of Prophet’s Companions, and in devotion for and honour of the Haram al-Sharif. And the credit of this heart-touching unity goes to Ulema and religious organisations, in whose leadership Indian Muslims welcomed both the Imams with utmost devotion. And these demonstrations of unity were not the first on the part of Indian Muslims. This has been the history of Muslims of the subcontinent. Such scenes were most often seen during the Khilafat Movement. The anguish and anger of Indian Muslims were worth seeing at the times when Bait at-Maqdis was set on fire and the accursed Rushdie chose to blaspheme against the Holy Prophet. Movements for the protection of Shari’ah laws in Shah Bano case, and for maintenance and restoration of Babri Masjid hint at this very quality of unity of Indian Muslims.

The same point

However it was rather difficult to comprehend the same point that was difficult in March last year also. The central theme of the conference held last year was Azmat-e-Sahaba (Greatness of Companions). The conference held this year was also on Adalat-e-Sahaba (Justice of Companions). The question as to what was the wisdom behind choosing this theme for the conference was there in mind last time also as it was this time. Are Indian Muslims unaware of the greatness and justice of Companions or has it weakened? Has the greatness and prominence of Companions got affected in any sense? If, God forbid, it is so, the Muslim Ummah should be acquainted with it. As for the aggression unleashed by anti-Islam forces, it slings mud at the splendour of Islam, the magnificence of the Qur’ān and the greatness of the Prophet. Therefore, this should be the theme. This can be done even now, and this work should be done not by one but jointly by all the organisations and institutions – however this parenthetical clause does not lower the importance of the visits of Imams of Haram al-Sharif, the unity caused by them, and the purity of intention of the organisers and their bid to serve the Deen. May Allah keep it intact!

13/03/12 khabar-O-Nazar by Parwaaz Rahmani, sehrozaDAWAT, translated by: Abu Yusuf

The feeling of a Christian journal

The Christian Science Monitor has termed President Obama’s apology on the desecration of the Holy Qur’ān at the hands of some American army men in Afghanistan as mere customary. It writes: ‘An apology, as a parent might tell a child, isn’t very sincere if it is meant only to gain forgiveness. Saying “I’m sorry” must be heartfelt, not mere words to avoid consequences….  Obama’s apology came swiftly, perhaps in hopes that it would be accepted as sincere enough to merit forgiveness…. Given how sacred any copy of the Quran is to a Muslim, the insensitivity of the soldiers was remarkable…. Afghan Muslims have to judge for themselves whether Obama’s apology was merely tactical…. Muslims have a strong tradition of forgiveness, just as a largely Christian America has an inclination to apologize….” This Christian Science Monitor is an evangelical magazine of America. Its contents suggest that it is run by the Christians who are open-minded about Islam.

The Reconciliation Factor
And perhaps this is why the magazine has discovered the reconciliation factor even in this unhappy incident that took place in Afghanistan. “This recent incident has provided an opportunity for both the religions to understand better each other. The desire for forgiveness and reconciliation is there in both the religions.” (The Asian Age, March 1) This spirit, which the Science Monitor has displayed, is hardly found in Christian evangelists and Christian media institutions. Even the leader of Catholic Christianity, Pope never talks in this tone. Dozens of sects are there in the Christian world. Catholic and Protestant are two major sects. Each of them has many sub-sects. Individuals and groups of conciliatory nature are there in both of them. The reports of the Christian Science Monitor are balanced. This magazine also publishes, honestly and without any comment, the opinions and statements made by the individuals and families coming from Christianity to the fold of Islam, one of the objectives of which might be to warn the Christian world.

Let Islamic Centres pay attention to
This brief comment in the Christian magazine reminds us of the fact that in the Christian world there are Christian groups willing to understand Islam better and have a sincere dialogue between the two faiths even amid the situation in which a big part of the western world is out to character-assassinate Islam and the Muslim Ummah, or, if said indulgently, is in misconception. And a study of prosperous Christian societies in the west reveals that their individuals and families happen to be easy-going. They are engrossed in their materialistic life, and express their association with Christianity by attending Sunday services and donating for evangelical work. Owing to this temperament, they get influenced by anti-Islam propaganda very soon. They assume that what their religious and political leaders say and do is right. In these circumstances, if a few Christians appear to be open-minded and willing for reconciliation, the followers of Islam should avail themselves of this opportunity and have contact with them. Let Islamic Centres in America and Europe pay attention to this.
10/03/12 khabar-O-Nazar by Parwaaz Rahmani, sehrozaDAWAT, translated by: Abu Yusuf

This “plan” of “siege” of Parliament

A major headline in the Feb. 26 issue of The Times of India was: “Muslim radicals plan ‘siege’ of Parliament”. And a gist of the story was like this: “This would be ‘India's biggest Muslim uprising’. …. This appeal has been made by London-based Sheikh Anjem Choudary, who is leader of a radical group called ‘Sharia for Hind’…. He does not believe in Indian Parliament and its laws; he abides by only the law of Allah…. The first targets of this group are Manmohan Singh, L K Advani, Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi….” According to the report, the group has announced the move of the siege on its website shariah4hind.com. Law enforcing agencies have been keeping an eye on the activities of this group. The Police have blocked the web site on a complaint filed by Bhagat Singh Kranti Sena. The Government has been urged not to issue visa to Choudary…. Delhi police have said that they would not allow this rally…. But Choudary has said that even after not getting permission he would appeal to all Muslims to gather near Parliament….

Was it a mischief?
At the outset this seems to be a mischief which media and government agencies do with regard to Muslims day in and day out. But the Times reporter claims that Choudary himself talked to him and said: “A Delhi Police officer had also called me up, asking me to cancel the programme; but I told him that it will not be cancelled as we don't abide by your laws or courts. They cannot stop Muslims from rising.” This gives the feeling that there is truth in the report at least to the extent that a person named Anjem Choudary lives in London. But then it is a surprise that such a great plan and Indian Muslims have no inkling of it. There should have been much talk of it in the entire country, and rallies and processions everywhere in the country to mobilize Muslim citizens. Muslim leaders should have made tours the country over, and the media should have beaten the drum i.e. the preparation of it would have taken at least one year if not two years…. But nothing of the sort happened. Then the idea came that the given dates March 2 and 3 might be of 2013 or 2014 but the Times report was there to assert that it was March this year viz. the “siege” was to take place only six days after the publication of the report.

This is after all a mischief
But this is after all a mischief. If a person named as mentioned above really lives in London, and the site as referred to really belongs to him, and he has truly made such an appeal, then it is a matter of investigation more for Muslim leaders than for police and secret agencies to discover who he really is, whom he is working for, why he is inimical to Indian Muslims – it is evident that police, secret agencies and media persons would not want to know the reality; they would work on the line for which such mischiefs are done. Muslims should know the fact that while there are some unruly and foolish elements amidst us, there are also some persons who work for the enemies of the Ummah because they are subjected to a particular mental and physical process, the kind of which Mossad and CIA had subjected some persons for Sep. 11, 2001 operation – We do not know who this Anjem Choudary is and whether he really is or not. If yes, he should not do some work which might lend one more excuse to the police to detain Muslim youth; they do already have many excuses.
04/03/12 khabar-O-Nazar by Parwaaz Rahmani, sehrozaDAWAT, translated by: Abu Yusuf