The Comments of 6 December

On the occasion of the 20^th anniversary of the demolition of Babri Masjid, channels presented debates and newspapers comments on 6 December this year. One such analysis was presented by Mazher Hussain in The Hindu: The demolition that rebuilt a community. Its gist is that by demolishing the mosque Hindutva forces were in loss from political angle while this act of theirs got the Muslim community in the country united, enthused and awakened with regard to its identity, and a lot of non-practising members of the community turned practising. The educated and prosperous section (of the community) that used to keep from common Muslims, be pleased with the admiration of their attitude and condemnation of backwardness and ignorance of common Muslims by their non-Muslim friends, joined the Muslim mainstream and started exhibiting this identity of theirs. Even those individuals who did not follow the fundamental Islamic beliefs of oneness of God and Day of Judgement, and were atheists, became part of the Muslim mainstream from social point of view. Sectorial gaps in the Muslim society lessened, political awareness started emerging and the Muslims joined the activities related to education, employment and participation in general national society. New awareness prevailed upon Muslim women.

The analysis is correct to a great extent

The analyst is of the view that if the domes of Babri Masjid remained intact, Bharatiya Janata Party would have kept on getting public support by continuing its political propaganda against the mosque. On the other hand Muslims would have remained involved in the issue of their security and salvation as usual. The commentator has questioned whether the goondaism of 6 December 1992 just demolished a mosque or have spoiled the aspirations of Hindutva forces for ever. To deal with this question of the commentator is naturally the task of Hindutva circles but the analysis is correct to a great extent as far as the awakening among the Muslims in the country after this incident is concerned. It is a fact that after this incident the Indian Muslims got accelerated with regard to their religious and social identity. Here it can be said that this is a community that gets awakened only after it is beaten. Some instances can be cited in this regard. For example, when the Shah Bano case came to the fore in the 1980s, the entire community got united on one platform for the protection of their Shari’ah family laws. Such a sort of unity does not behove an outstanding community with Iman; it should display this character in every condition, in every circumstance.

Even this is not something ordinary

But in the particular circumstances prevailing in this country getting awakened thus is not something ordinary. Is it not a fact that besides this weakness and many other weaknesses like this, the community has presented a distinguished character? The series of riots started just after the partition of India. To weaken the community financially and socially besides giving it loss of lives was an important part of the strategy of anti-Muslim forces so that the community might give up its faith and values. Had it been any other community, it must have happened so. But this community, besides having lakhs of weaknesses, is a community of the faithful; a community of the followers of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) and nurtured on a particular anvil. The sheen of Iman is there in the veins and flesh of its members. On such occasions only this quality works. That is why it is live. After the Independence even when the trials and tribulations of sorts crossed the limits the Muslims of any city, town or village did not decide en masse to give up their Iman and their social identity; of course they accepted migration. Now it can be imagined that if this community enters into Islam totally and fulfils the requirements of the Qur’ān and Sunnah, what is there that it cannot do. May Allah protect it and bless it with consolidation and advancement.

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

The conference of great minds

A two-day extraordinary conference of a few great minds was held in New Delhi in the first week of December, which stressed all the countries “to give eradication of terrorism from the world top priority because the biggest threat to human beings is from it; their very existence is in danger; innocent people are being attacked at every place. In this regard all the countries should come together. Without mutual cooperation and organised and planned efforts the eradication of international terrorism is not possible.” These minds severely criticised the countries which give priority to human rights violations. They say that “violation of human rights is not a big issue. The big and real issue is international terrorism. The courts, judges and lawmakers of the world should play a leading role in this work; they should create stringent laws and ensure their implementation.” To them “war on terrorism” is the biggest need today. The countries which are patronising terrorism should be deal with strictly.

Who are these people?

Can those who have not read this news in newspapers or not listened to it on radio or TV tell whose conference this was? Of the heads of States? Of high police officers? Of functionaries of secret agencies? No. This gathering was of judges and chief justices, arranged by International Council of Jurists, and hosted by India. It is hard to believe that the judges whose responsibility is to pronounce judgements honestly after hearing the arguments of the parties, would have said all this. But the fact is that they said all this (The Hindu, 2 December) and said in the same language in which the countries advocating the so-called “anti-terror war” and their allies and supporters say. The resolution of the judges has no trace of justice and honesty, impartiality and reality. With a glance at the proceedings of the conference, it does not seem that they would have thought over the definition and meaning of terrorism. No, they didn’t. To them it was not necessary. Everyone knows what the meaning of terrorism today is. International media has taught human beings its meaning well.

No scope of positivity

Now those who want to think positively can do so; as these judges have not named any group or faith, so it would be wrong to think that the target of this conference was Islam and the Muslim Ummah. They are free to think so. But the fact is that there is no scope of this positivity. The timing of the conference of judges, its       language, its tone and the text of its resolutions clearly show that this gathering was part of the same campaign which is being run in the name of “war on terrorism” against Islam and the Islamic Ummah at the international level. The mind behind it is Zionism and its leader is America. Therefore the question how these judges came to believe that these attacks are made by some Islamic group. Have they reached this conclusion on the basis of their own investigation or the source of their information also is only media or American secret agencies? – Apparently this situation is alarming for the Ummah but it has also another aspect. With this exercise this reality has come to light once again that awakening in some parts of the Muslim world, experiment of Islamic system of governance in some countries and failure of exploitative forces in some countries have made the oppressive forces and their supporters badly unsettled. On the one hand they are giving proof of their absurdities by using Malala while on the other they are mocking at law and justice by using judges.

10/ 12/12 khabar-O-Nazar by Parwaaz Rahmani, sehrozaDAWAT, translated by: Abu Yusuf

Allama Shibli Noamani

Allama Shibli Noamani – who among those associated with Islamic learning in the world does not know this great name? The fact is that in the Indian subcontinent this was the personality who strongly resisted the massive aggression of western thoughts and ideologies against Islam and the Muslim Ummah towards the end of the 19^th century and in the beginning of the 20^th century. This was so much so that this name emerged as the symbol of Islamic sense of honour. With his solid research works Allama on the one hand rejected alien ideologies and eradicated their impact while on the other ascertained the direction of the Ummah whereby the later age movements and organisations fully benefited consciously or unconsciously. As Allama was not only an academic but a practical man as well, he established Darul Musannefin Shibli Academy in his native town Azamgarh to propagate his thought and accelerate his work on its basis. This Academy is a notable, renowned and distinguished institution. It produced best writers and solid literature for the supremacy of the True Deen and success of the Ummah.

Towards completion of the century

This institution has been progressing ever since, and is now preparing for the centenary celebrations two years later. This institution too fell victim to the Partition but this neither dampened the enthusiasm of its functionaries nor was the publication of its academic journal ‘Ma’arif’ got affected. However, due to unconcern and indifference of general Muslims and negligence of scholars it suffered and is suffering financial crunch, the information of which we had been receiving through Ma’arif and other sources. I had a great desire to visit this institution which was fulfilled in the third week of November. Following participation in the golden jubilee celebrations of Jamiatul Falah Bilariyaganj, Amir Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Omari and I reached Shibli Academy in the evening of 18 November, on the invitation of its Director Professor Ishtiyaq Ahmad Zilli. Maulana Omari has been one of the well-wishers of this institution. He has visited it repeatedly. He keeps on talking about its academic services. After stepping into the premises of the Academy, first of all the idea that this institution would have been in a dilapidated condition, as it is also a collective institution of the community, was removed. Sober but imposing buildings, greenery all around, cleanliness, peaceful atmosphere – which can be called exemplary for academic pursuit.

Let the community pay attention to it

But the most affected is its academic treasure consisting of rare books, invaluable manuscripts, calligraphies and letters of great personages that are there in small and big rooms. The articles of personal use of Allama Shibli are also there; they cannot be called preserved. This entire treasure wore a sorrowful look. However it is said that it is in a better condition compared to earlier. Professor Zilli took over the charge of the Academy in 2008; the first task he undertook was of repair and modernization of buildings, rooms and furniture. Now his total attention is on preservation of the grand academic treasure using modern means, which requires a large sum of money. But this task must be undertaken, for it treasures a big chunk of the history of Muslim Ummah in the subcontinent. Not only it should be preserved inside the Academy but also its copies made through modern technology be kept at more than one place as it is the great requirement of wisdom and farsightedness. The community should also make collective efforts to preserve historic books and manuscripts wherever available besides Darul Musannefin. May Allah help their managers and keep their esteem high.  

07/ 12/12 khabar-O-Nazar by Parwaaz Rahmani, sehrozaDAWAT, translated by: Abu Yusuf

‘Aam Admi Party’

Announcing the launch of his political party ‘Aam Admi Party’, Arvind Kejriwal has claimed that if his party came to power in the general elections, action would be taken against all corrupt political leaders and they would be subjected to due punishment within six months, that anti-corruption Jan Lokpal Bill would be adopted within fifteen days, CBI would be rendered independent and sovereign; and freeing the entire Indian society from corruption, basic needs of all citizens would be fulfilled. He said, “The entire country, from the high-ups to the lower level, is submerged in corruption; bribery in government offices is common; this situation is affecting the common man most; and as a result of this ever newer problem is threatening the country.” Raising the slogan “Hamara neta kaisa ho, aam admi jaisa ho (what should our leader look like, he should be like a common man)” in a public meeting on 26 November, he said, “If this new party comes to power, the real power in the country will be in the hands of the common man.” – There is no doubt that the party’s launching ceremony in New Delhi witnessed great zeal and enthusiasm.

One cause of disagreement

Kejriwal is a famous social activist. Two years ago, he along with a social activist of Maharashtra Anna Hazare and some other active personages had launched a strong and effective countrywide campaign against corruption but later on some disagreement in methodology developed among them. One cause of disagreement was that it was targeting only Congress and its Central Government while its attitude towards BJP was mild, and the BJP was also supporting it directly and RSS had openly announced to support it. And thus BJP was benefiting with this entire campaign. The stand of Arvind Kejriwal was that both the big parties were corrupt; therefore they should voice against both of them. Anna Hazare was not in favour of a new party (to him BJP was enough) while Arvind was of the view that eradication was not possible without direct participation in electoral politics. Now those who are on the platform of Aam Admi Party along with Arvind Kejriwal appear to some extent sincere and determined; for example renowned lawyers Shanti Bhushan, Prashant Bhushan, former naval chief Ram Das, Manish Sisodia, Gopal Rai, etc.

Let Arvind recall that discussion

Keeping in view the statements made, thoughts expressed and measures taken by the founder of Aam Admi Party, it would not be wrong to think that he is sincere in his endeavours, very much worried about the level of corruption, and wants to eradicate it at any cost. He is somewhat sentimental, often uses very harsh language. But he is a man committed to work. Therefore it seems proper to remind him to recall the talk that Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Omari had told him in the Jamaat headquarters last year when he along with his team was there to have a discussion with Jamaat functionaries. The Jamaat chief had told Arvind Kejriwal and his team that eradication of all evils including corruption is not possible without nurturing the concept of the Creator and Master and the Day of Judgement. Arvind had admitted, “Yes, at present this aspect is not included in our campaign; but now after your suggestion we would think over it, and if necessary we would visit you once again for your guidance.” Now, when Arvind Kejriwal is the founder and the most influential leader of his party, he must think over this aspect. The task is apparently difficult but, if it sounds well, this is the easiest way to eradicate corruption.

04/ 12/12 khabar-O-Nazar by Parwaaz Rahmani, sehrozaDAWAT, translated by: Abu Yusuf

One more incident of excesses

One more incident of excesses on Tablighi Jamaat people has come to light. According to a report in Inquilab of November 21, a group of Tablighi Jamaat was travelling from Mysore to Hazrat Nizamuddin in Train No. 12781. There were only 14 persons in this group. When the group reached Agra station, some persons got into their compartment; they had handcuffs in their hands. Tablighi Jamaat people say that they were policemen in plain clothes. According to them, “They suddenly tied our hands with handcuffs and started misbehaving with us. Then we were made to get down at Mathura station. There were policemen belonging to Haryana and U.P. in large numbers. At the station they video-graphed us; then we were carried to another police station nearby and beaten bitterly, abused, asked provocative questions, stripped, tied our legs, made to lie on our bellies, dipped in water….” The report has mentioned some more serious charges levelled by the victims, the reproduction of which is not proper. This entire statement has been attributed to Ameer of (Tablighi) Jamaat Hafiz Jameel Ahmad Sahib.

Why no notice was taken

This report of the Urdu daily is erroneous with regard to language and presentation. Details of the report could not be ascertained from any other source. According to this report, the incident took place on October 21 and the report was published in the November 21 issue of the daily. Then the details of the incident were revealed to the media reporters in the office of Rashtriya Ulama Council by the party’s National Secretary Lal Devendra Singh. The report also carries photographs of a group of the victims. As a whole the report does maintain that excesses were perpetrated on some Tablighi Jamaat people, and the incident is very serious in nature. But it is surprise that this incident of government atrocities and excesses on the innocents was not mentioned anywhere. Urdu press and Muslim circles also did not take notice of this incident in a manner they should have done. Perhaps it is because this is not the first incident of this nature with Tablighi Jamaat people. Earlier also many incidents took place. This process has been going on for a long time. According to a government circular in many cities, Tablighi Jamaat people have to report at local police stations their arrival and departure. At many places they are body-searched and misbehaved.

There was a time

There was a time when Tablighi Jamaat was considered harmless and indeed it was and is even today harmless because it strives for propagation and reformation only among Muslims. Therefore the government and its agencies used not to touch them. Contrary to it, an organisation which persuaded the Muslims to act upon Islam viz. the Qur’ān and Sunnah and to shape their life system in accordance with it. When during the Emergency a coercive ban was imposed on this organisation, the community kept silence and maintained indifference. It was perhaps because the Jamaats, organisations and institutions considered that the ban was imposed on that organisation and they were safe. Not only this, certain religious organisations even wrote books to condemn that organisation. The policymakers in the country gathered that the community is simpleton. Therefore they started acting upon the policy that had been adopted after the Independence. Eminent Muslim educational institutions were raided; then Ahle Hadees people were targeted. Then, linking the relationship of Taleban with the Deobandi thought, eyes were kept on madrasas, and now for the last some years Tablighi Jamaat has been watched. And it is being done at a time when a campaign to character-assassinate Islam and the Muslim Ummah is on the world over, and the organisations and practising Muslims are being targeted. Therefore, this misbehaviour with the Tablighi Jamaat people should be taken in the backdrop of governmental and political treatment with the Muslims.

01/ 12/12 khabar-O-Nazar by Parwaaz Rahmani, sehrozaDAWAT, translated by: Abu Yusuf