Volume 6, Issue 8, August 2013

Better light a candle than curse the darkness

http://bakhabar.biharanjuman.org/ Be Aware , A lways , Everywhere

ISSN 2319-4049

2Bakhabar

9/11 KE SIDE EFFECTS! Hailing from a middle class Muslim family renowned university panel 's remark after my This was how a dear friend teased me when I consisting mostly of academicians, my winning all the three academic competitions , decided to use the Islamic veil for my choice didn't go down well with my hands down, was telling enough.outings. Of course, she was speaking only immediate audience. No one, absolutely no “I can’t believe you have done it!” She the half truth. It was a decision I made for one, in my family, paternal, maternal or the declared.myself as I felt happy about it. Contrary to in- laws, used an abaya or burqa. I became The reference was to my being behind a black the alleged reports of the Mullah Mafia the trend-setter. Feedback ranged from veil, all the while.forcing women to don a burqa , my decision absolute shock, discomforting looks, weird I think it’s high time for those among us with to wrap the black garb around myself was a commentary or a shrug of shoulders, from the sobriquets of moderates and liberals, that voluntary one. Sorry to disappoint my friends, relations and well wishers. You will it’s not always the Mullah! By saying so, you

die of heat, was the common are insulting my intelligence and doubt my rejoinder I got tired of capability of comprehending things for myself hearing. My swift move to and entirely on my own. There may be and cotton cools instead of the there are increasing instances of women nylon ones was wiser and a opting for Islamic veil, of their own free will, of dampener on their free their own accord. It’s their choice, made flowing and easily available without any sort of compulsion . The Mullahs teasing spirit. Even dear won't be able to make any moolah here, with hubby, initially, didn't take to us the educated Muslim women of today.it very kindly, refusing to By saying that the Mullahs force us to do so, a c c o m p a n y m e f o r you are also questioning my right to use an outings....with a snobbish ensemble which fits as per my religious and remark..."I don't have the ethical norms. It’s against their own liberal courage to be seen with a spirit.burqa clad woman. My And as I cherish the concern of my well wishers friends would think, I forced for the deficiency of Vitamin D, due to the it on you". black robes drowning me into their yielding He feared. He was right. folds ,and disallowing any sun rays, let me tell She must have been forced them, I also have vitamin I.

liberal and moderate friends.to wear this burqa! Intelligence.

I arrived on the burqa scene after due Why do people have to jump to this one and Hence in my place of dwelling I emerge out of

deliberation and because I simply loved it. It only conclusion ,the moment they see a my abaya and soak in the soft sunlight, to my

was irresistible, this long and flying robe woman clad in the black, that she must have heart's content. And if some liberal insists

gives me a certain confidence to move been FORCED to wear it? even now on my allegedly being forced to do

around, perfect in satisfaction that, no one Yeah, there may be instances where women it, I'd rather say, leave me alone.

would dare throw a nasty look or a remark at might have undergone this ordeal but not Period.

me, or act smart.always. We must try to be valiant enough to The supple touch of my soft abaya soothes my

Can a Muslim woman not make her own look at the other side of the story as well. The soul too. My veil gives me a delight

choice in deciding to put on a hijab?arguments can be done on both the sides, indescribable in words, it gives me a

I felt confident and free in my garb. Earlier but as I am not a lawyer, I can only present my confidence, I didn’t find earlier in my being ,

when I didn't wear one, ( I never thought I side of the story , as it exists. and most important of all, it defines me , it

would!) I was perennially concerned about Public in general gives mixed reactions to gives me my sense of a dignified identity and

my appearance and the way I would like to burqa wearing women. But mostly I find tells me who I am.

present myself before others. A Make up kit them treating us with respect and I often get A woman in black.

is something which I have always stayed the first preferential spot in the queue, if the Yes, it’s not always the Mullah!

away from. But there were other crucial room is overcrowded with men and of course P.S.: I respect all the scholars whether they are

questions. Are my sapphire ear studs with great respect and sounds of “Sister, you called Mullah, Maulana ,Sant , Sadhu or Father

analogous with my light azure sharara? Is go first,” kind of kind things, said to me. or Priest. I have used the term Mullah here as it

my dupataa going well with my ensemble or But the so called liberal fraternity doesn't is this term our liberal friends use liberally to

is it a bit muted? And most importantly my take kindly to the veil. They are generally ridicule us and our practices.

crowning glory, Tangled I was! Have always hostile and the common perception, even --

had a hard time, keeping this tangled glory among them, is that a burqa wearing woman Asma Anjum Khan is Assistant Professor of

in place!must be a backward illiterate female with English in Maharashtra.

But with the donning of the black abaya , all little common sense. I face it almost on a

these questions were put to rest and I felt a regular basis. The judge on an influential

rare calm in my being. The natural desire of a w o m a n t o l o o k / a p p e a r beautiful/presentable for her immediate outside world, gave way to focusing on my inner virtues. The outward gave way to the inward progress and I felt a mysterious ecstasy, the moment the soft flowing robe engulfed my little being. It became my universe. [Not forgetting to add, I still worry about azure ear studs, but not so much!]

It is not always the Mullah!By Asma Anjum Khan

Collective use of Zakaat money can change the societyAttentionAttention

3

Seraj Akram

Khabron ki Khabar

3Bakhabar

Uttarakhand me bhari tabahi ke bajaye BJP ko Ram Mandir ki fikr

Bihar me zahrila khana khane se 2 darjan bache ki maut.

Bihar ke shushasan ka raaz khulne laga

Log bolte hain ki Muslim India me taraqqi kar rahe hain.

Misr me Mursi ke hukumat girane ke mukhalifat karne walon ka qatl aam

IPL me sattebazi ke ilzam se Kundra aur Mayappan ke khilaf koi sabut nahi mila.

Iraq me bamo ka silsila jari, aye din log be-maut mar rahe hain

Madhya pradesh me BJP ke neta sex aur corruption me fanse

ise kahte hain siyasat jo na karwaye, phir bhi awa ko inki asliyat ka pata nahi chalta.

yah he garibi ki majbouri, na khane layeq khana bhi khao aur maut bhi pao. itna bara almiya ke baad bhi shayed hi hukumat khane ki quality aur intezam par dhyan degi.

jab sachai ko chhupane aur behtar karke dikhane wale na rahe to ab to haqiqat samne aayega hi.

yah kaisi taraqqi he ke har tarah ki sarkari nokri me pahle bhi 3-4 % Muslim hua karte the, aaj bhi wahi halat he.

Mursi ke khilaf ehtejaj karne walon par koi gali nahi chalyi gayi phir bhi muntakhab hukumat ko gira diya gaya, ab insaf ki mang karne walon par goli chali lekin sabki aankhen band hain.

kya taqatwar logo ke khilaf bhi kabhi sabut mila karta he.UP me Akhilesh ki sarkar ka muslim ko thenga dikhane ka silsila jari.aakhir muslim kare bhi to kya kare. jise bhi vote dete hain wahi aankhen dikhane lagte hain.kamzori aur pasta hali ke sabab qaum ka robb hi khatm ho gaya he.

jab puri qaum hi be-hiss ho chuki ho to phir kisi ke taklieef ka kaun khyal rakhe.

lagta he pure desh me congress aur BJP me corruption ka muqabla ho raha ho.

Every Muslim is required to pay Zakat-ul-Fitr at the conclusion of the month of Ramadan as a token of thankfulness to Allah for having enabled him to observe fasts. Its purpose is to purify Muslims’ worship from any mistakes and inappropriateness they might have committed, and also to help poor and needy.

Those who possess Zakat Nisab (a minimum amount of property) have to pay Zakat-ul-Fitr according to Imam Abu Hanifah ra, but according to many other scholars Zakat-ul-Fitr is incumbent on every free Muslim who possesses one Sa`of dates or barley which is not needed as basic food for himself or his family for the duration of one day and night. Sa’ is a certain measure that varies according to stuff. It may be 2,176 – 2,520 grams per head. It may be dates, cereals or its value (it is generally what an individual eats). If a Muslim eats high quality Basmati rice, it is unfair to give a low quality rice or its value.

Its disbursement starts from Eid day after dawn (Fajr) up to before Eid prayer. In case it was not given before Eid, it could be given after Eid prayer but it loses its essence and spirit, and some say it is reprehensible. Therefore, its payment does not get nullified due to delay. It can be given 1 or 2 days earlier also (Ahmad & Malik) and can be paid in the beginning of Ramadan (Shafayi), and can be paid even before Ramadan (Abu Hanifah).

Zakat-ul-Fitr (Fitra)Hgheyas@albatool.com.sa

This Ramadan…….This RamadanTake your pickChoose carefully Whatever you choose is red indeedScarlet Syrian fields are sizzling embersEach sparkle sending the Ummah party sour Would thou say cheers to Tayyip?Or join the Sickulars for an iftar?All this while, amid the groans of the drones The poor Afghans mumble little prayersThe one who said Anaa Ibn e FirounCame back riding within a yearMursi or Mubarak, the choice is bloodied.Whatever you choose is red indeed. The Iraqi cheeks have tears as thick as their oil We hear an eternal moaning saga on Palestinian soil The Bay of Guantanamo has special Tube iftars55 plus days of fasting, unbroken remains their fastThe Rohingyas spark but a little angerCompare it only to the sitting Somalian hunger In Pak you have Shia dates and Sunni datesYour pick will decide your fateIndies are unique, no ear to their commotionIn a demo- crazy way they make the forty percent of Prison PopulationWe kill and they kill The blood remains red stillThis Ramadan,Spare a thought For all the redPause, think and reflectWhatever you choose should NOT be red indeed

4Bakhabar

Education is not just making people But what is the preparation of Indian brethren. Majority of them are salary literate but it is to make people think Muslims on this front? All those holder, who could not play any role in rationally, work logically and plan people who sensitize all the matters change of destiny of Indian Muslims. farsightedly for future. For Indian related to main stream with demand We have not any record of history Muslims education is not in the list of of reservation on the basis of where the servants would have priority. This is in the last priority of population need not bother to think changed the destiny.the life if we see the 70 percent of I n d i a n Indian Muslims. An uneducated M u s l i m s community could not be a match for should have the educated community. The Quran s t r o n g states “How the learned people would c o n n e c t i o n be equal to ignorant”? with outside

world. They Like other communities Indian s h o u l d Muslims haven’t learnt the lessons e d u c a t e from the past experience. See the t h e m s e l v e s development plan of the Christian and a n d a d o p t Sikh in India. One community business as dominates the field of education and t h e i r now controlling the best managed p r o f e s s i o n , institutions of the country. Through c r e a t e o w n

about the education. It might be this strategy they are educating their space in the Middle East, Central Asia, possible that Indian Muslims could own children and serving the nation Latin America, China, EU etc . They establish 50 percent Universities out and world too. Have great respect should settle down there to help both of 90 required Universities and rest of among the people of India. Second the community and the nation to the work establishment to the community is of Sikh; doing well in the expand their power. The love of nation universities could be done by the field of trade and commerce and is important and should be enhanced government.Army. Sikhs make up “10–15% of all for the sake of the nation throughout What about the resources for these ranks in the Indian army and 20% of its the world.fifty universities?officers, while they are only 1.87% of

the Indian population”. They are one The Literacy ratio of Indian Muslims There is no dearth of resources for the best competitive communities of stand on 67.6 percent according to establishing these Universities. The the world in term of business. Move in census 2011 .This is around 7% less only problem is the management of Punjab and Haryana and find the hub than national level of 74 % .The the resources. According to an o f t e c h n i c a l i n s t i t u t i o n s a n d percentage of children belonging to estimate based on the Household production centres. From educating 06-14 years of age either dropout or Income of 50 percent Indian Muslims, their children in these institutions, never attend the school is about 25 the amount of Zakat used to be Rs they also attracting the large number p e r c e n t . A c c o r d i n g t o G r o s s 10,000 crore per annum. And if only of youth of other communities’ .The Enrolment Ratio (GER %) in age group 1/10th of total Zakat is used to goods they producing based in of 18-23 years as on 2000, the Muslims centralize for the education of Indian Canada, UAE, USA and UK etc, are GER is 5.91 percent.Muslims, it could be Rs 1,000 crore. In selling throughout the world. Now On the basis of gross enrolment this one thousand crore Indian they are one of the best competitive ration of 15 percent, the country Muslims could easily manage to people of the world in term of trade needs 1500 universities till 2015 to establish four Universities every year.and commerce. They have learnt this impart higher education according to

lesson from the communal riot of the Knowledge Commission Report. The other source of the income of 1984 and diversified their business. In the same way, Indian Muslims on Indian Muslims is the Properties of the basis of gross enrolment ratio Waqf, which amounted to 1.2 lakh But what about Indian Muslims? need around 90 Universities to impart crore on current price and generates They have not learnt any lesson from Higher education to increasing around 173 crore per annum which is the 65 years of course of history of n u m b e r o f s e e ke r o f H i g h e r just 2.7 percent of total expected India. They have more than 55 education.income of the Waqf properties. If Waqf countries of so called of their

Education of Indian Muslimsand politics of their leaders Mohammad Allam

5Bakhabar

properties were manage well by Muslims of IJTEHAD on these two fronts are in each state. Students from A.M.U., it could generate around RS 3,000 crore. needed. The Ulemas have not time to act. Jamia, and Hamdard should be sent on And in these three thousand crore could The whole community is waiting for a way scholarship to study and work in those Indian Muslims not establish many on these two fronts. countries where Islamic Banking is universities, colleges and school? working well like Malaysia, UAE, UK etc.

Time to Act. The problem of banking system is acute How long the leadership of Muslims Hijrat (migration) is Sunnah of Prophet for Indian Muslims. Due to prevalece of would make their community to run on Mohammad Sallallaho alaihe wasallam. interest system in Indian banking, a large issue and issues without working on those Muslims do not lack in resources and jobs. number of Indian Muslims are cut off from areas which are vital for the upliftment of The vast plain of India, Central Asia, the banking system. This is very important the community? North-Africa, China is open. According to for economic power. The amount of There is need of time to act on these two one estimate till 2050 India would take interest which earned huge money fronts of education and banking systems. over china in term of economy. To sustain (around 5000 crore unclaimed money with Indian Muslims should establish All India such large economies both the countries Indian banks) lies unclaimed. This type of Zakat organization and its branches in all would need extra manpower. Due to their banking system is blocking the economic leading towns and cities of India. It should population policies which would create development of Indian Muslims. Sachhar collect just 10 percent of the Zakat or problem for them in post 2040 era, Indian committee considers it as a negative donation from each person who comes Muslims youth should migrate and settle factor for development but it was silent on under Sahib Nisab. in different parts of the world. Makka was the forceful proposal of set up Islamic The vice-chancellors of A.M.U., Jamia, dear to Prophet of Allah but Medina Banking in India. The 2008, committee of Jamia Hamdard, Maulana Azad University became his centre of rise of Islam and financial sector reforms of the planning and Foundation should chalk out a plan of Prophet of Allah.commission of India recommended action for the set of Universities. Aligarh On front of Waqf, there is need of proper interest free finance and baking in the being the leading University should take management .For proper management of banking sector but not implemented. The initiative under 5(c).The centres that have Waqf, there should be WAQF SERVICES to Governor of RBI D Subba Rao rejected the been established by A.M.U. should be run the property of Waqf. This service Islamic banking system by stating that promoted to turn into independent would select the members on the basis of “"We got to see that Islamic Banking Universities within stipulated time. There competitive exams. Whatever the income which does not allow charging interest or is no doubt that Aligarh has manpower for earned by the Waqf Department should taking of interest is inconsistent with our education advancement of Indian be distributed on the development of the existing laws... All that I am saying is Muslims. If this centre of learning would local people from where the properties of Islamic banking is not consistent with not do then who would do for the nation Waqf are located. While surplus should be current banking laws”. and the community? This is not good that incurred for educational advancement

people should cry for minority and they and promotion of business. On these two fronts, the plans of action don’t get it and to save it they don’t do of Indian leaders are lukewarm. They are other works. This status of “neither you Everything is available to accept the busy in the works of their political masters have God nor you have beloved” should be challenges but what lacking is the men for getting a post in the government or ended for the benefit of the community and women of action. Let’s see whether some concession somewhere. They could and nation. you are the man/woman of action or not?assemble in the meeting of a political party without considering maslaks but not On other front, there is need that Ulemas for the upliftment of their community. with financial experts, businessmen and Many organizations are working for the economist of Islamic banking, should start interests of Indian Muslims. But the issues own Islamic banking system on small scale

Education of Indian Muslimsand politics of their leaders

continued from page 4

Har MirchSeraj Akram

Ramzan ibadat aur nekion ka mahina he is me kisi ko koi shak n a h i . l e k i n k y a waqayi jis tarah is Ramzan ki qadr karni chaie wah ham kar

pa rahe hain.kahte hain roza rakhne se hame bhuk pyas ki shiddat ke ahsas se un garib , bekas aur majboor logon ke taklif ka ahsas hota he jinke pas khane pine ko nahi hota. to kya aise me insan ko apna kharch kam karke zakat wa khairat par dhyan zyadah dena chahie, lekin haqiqat me roza rakhne ke bawajod logo ka kharch aam dino se zyadah hota he, wah apne hi kharch ke pura karne me jitne munhamik rahte hain kya ramzan ke asal maqased ko pura karne me itna dhyan de pate hain? kya ibadat ke bajaye iftar party ke ahtemam par zyadah zor nahi diya jata, kuch logo ko dekh kar aisa lagta he ke yah ibadat ka nahi balke dawat ka mahina he.

har sal arbon muslim ramzan ke 30 roza rakhte hain, yani pure mahine bhuk aur pyas ki shiddat ka ahsas karte hain lekin phir bhi unke kirdar se aisa nahi lagta ke waqayi me unko is shiddat ka ahsas he, wah un bekas ki pareshanion ko samajh pa rahe hain. kya agar waqayi itne log itni shiddat se majbur wa bekas ke bhook pyas ki shiddat ko ahsas kar pate to kya muslim me itni muflisi aur gadagiri rahti. to kya roza sirf sawab kamane ke liye hi he, is ke maqsad se samaj me fayede uthane ke liye nahi.kya iftar ke liye darjano qism ke khane ke saman maujood hone ki wajah se ham ham un bekas ki bhuk pyas ko mahsus karne se qasir hain, jinke pas na kuch us waqt khane ko maujood hota he aur na hi aage ka kuch pata hota ke kab use khane ko kuch milega bhi ke nahi.

6Bakhabar

PART-XXIIGheyas Hashmi, Jeddah (hgheyas@albatool.com.sa)

… Continued from Previous issue

Up to last issue, a Muslim journey in Aakhirah till entry to Jannah (Paradise) has been described step-by-step. Here is a concise description of Jannah.

The literary meaning of Jannah is a garden where things are hidden. Jannah is gigantic beautiful garden which will be a permanent dwelling place by Allah Almighty to those who are obedient to Him and His last Prophet (S). Quran is full of description of Jannah and things therein, particularly in last part of the Quran, i.e. those Chapters / verses that descended in Makkah.

Abu Hurayrah (R) reported that the Messenger of Allah (S) said,"Allah, the Exalted, has said: 'I have prepared for my righteous slaves what no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and the mind of no man has conceived.' If you wish, recite: 'No person knows what is kept hidden for them of joy as a reward for what they used to do.' [Al-Bukhari & Muslim, As-sajdah/17]

Quran also names Jannah as Firdaws, Al-Salam, Al-Mawa, Al-Khuld, Al-Naim, etc.

Jannah is above seven heaves, as if seven heavens are earth. As for its width Allah Almighty says: And vie one with another for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a paradise as wide as are the heavens and the earth, prepared for those who ward off (evil) (Al-Emra/133). Some interpreters have understood from “Width” as its volume in size, and some as its value in importance.

As per authentic Hadith, there are 8 gates for Jannah and they are 1. Baabus Salaah, 2. Baabul Jihad, 3. Baabus Sadaqah, 4. Baabur Rayyaan, 5. Baabul Hajj, 6. Baabul Kaazimeenal Ghaiz Wal ‘Aafina ‘Anin Naas, 7. Baabul Aiman, and 8. Baabuz Zikr: Different gates are for different persons for performing particular deeds here. Those who have all qualities will have welcome at each gate. It is beyond our ken to understand the nature of these gates, and the manner in which one will enter them. Allamah Ibn Hajar has recorded the possibility that these doors are found inside paradise after entering the main gate.

Good news is for ladies. Those ladies who, according to our prophet (S), perform 5-time prayers, do fasting of Ramadhan, protect their secret parts and are obedient to their husbands (not in sinful), can enter Jannah from any gate they want (Mishqat).

Guard of Jannah will open the gate first for our prophet (S). Grades and ranks in Jannah are variable in nature keeping the deeds of Muslim. Only for martyrs, there are 100 grades.

… to be continued.

OUR JOURNEY TO THE DAYOF RESURRECTION

7Bakhabar

Friends for sending around 30 candidates to the colleges to deliver motivational lectures Salaam IITs every year from backward families and career guidance. Can we make all the Muslims educated in Bihar, inspiring and motivating men within 10 years? I believe yes. The o f o u r c o m m u n i t y f o r h i g h e r You should not think that I am doing all following words speak of a strategy. It achievement, getting 100s of Muslim this at the cost of my public and may inspire you also as it did me. youths enrolled in the best of the professional duty; it is only the I am in IPS in HP cadre where the institutions..... I always felt guilty that I philosophy of giving one-to-two hours percentage of Muslims is negligible. I got so much from society and daily to society.basically wanted to be a social activist. community yet I don’t give it back Observing some of my friends from very anything. I felt so pained for the Why did I tell you all this? To brag that I good families at the university working c o n d i t i o n o f m y among the poor and down trodden community yet I did inspired me a lot for working selflessly n o t h i n g f o r t h e among the illiterate, poor and the m e m b e r s o f m y unprivileged. community; I did not

change the life of Once I also met one Christian lady from even one person in Kerala named Jyoti who was associated my life.with the missionaries, got trained for mission activities in the Eastern Europe, T h e n s o m e t h i n g taught children for sometime at a struck me. At the school in London. Later she realized her district in Himachal real services were not required in where I am posted I London. She left Europe, came to started gathering Patna, taught at a convent schools but children of Bihari left that job also because there only the w o r k e r s , N e p a l i rich and the privileged came for workers who come in learning. She also becomes disgusted large numbers for with the whole objective and policy of working as manual

am doing all these. No. But to tell you the mission. Finally she chose a tribal labourers, and the local children. I first that as a student, IT professional, village of Jharkhand and started tried to make them literate at police policeman, teacher, employee etc. we educating and creating awareness station and at my residence. I called all are capable of giving one hour or two among the people. This young and school children at my residence and hours to the community and the smart lady sacrificed her bright career taught them their class subjects; gave country; we can do community service and lavish life for something which inspirational lectures and talked about with a pure sense of service; not for generally does not fascinate us: a their career options, arranged books for name, nor for bragging and power. And selfless service of the humanity. the competitive exams like NDA, NTSE, if one educated person changes the IITJEE etc. I went to the tents of manual course of life of even ten persons every I also wanted to become Jyoti but my workers where they got assembled in year, you can imagine the aggregate family condition did not allow me to the evening in 50s and talked to them result; if I ensure that by professional become an activist as I had a family to a b o u t h u m a n r i g h t s , c i v i l a n d guidance, motivation and money even support and feed. I needed money and fundamental rights, duties of citizens, ten Muslim students are enrolled in therefore a job. After entering in the legal issues, civility in public life, health Delhi University even in arts courses, we Indian Police Service I thought I can and hygiene, dieses like AIDS etc., all together can change the destiny of never be an activist in the conventional taking care of children and educating Indian Muslims.term as my service condition was such them for better career life, family

that there is no much scope for such planning, communal amity etc. All my batch-mates who did even activities. You may think otherwise since None of these people are Muslims yet I Master in Arts from universities like DU, yo u may n o t be aw ar e o f t h e never felt that they are others. I feel I am JNU are very well placed. And I believe government service condition. serving the people and the nation. I feel that rather than aiming IITs or IIMs even Yet in the service I kept on brooding as satisfied. Now I delegated the work to if we send Muslim candidates in large to how I can serve the people i.e. the subordinates and make them work numbers, male and female, to these educate the Muslim children and adults, in my place though I still work with them central universities every year in various start a coaching like the one in the news and supervise them. I visit schools and

Can we make 100% Muslimseducated in 10 yrs?

8Bakhabar

courses, we would justify our existence as educated people. Vivekananda frequently used the term ‘Daridra Narayan’ to convey that the poor, the powerless and the starved are the God, lets love them, uplift them; in that lies our salvation and the salvation of the country and the community. One of my teacher smsed me: ‘Government report (Sachchar Committee Report) on minorities says Muslims are worse than the Dalits. What do we need to do about this so that we can answer Allah?’ I thought if we educate the fellow Muslims perhaps we will have something to answer.

Recently I was in Delhi. There also I went to the slums in Okhla area. I sat with the Muslim slum dwellers, I talked to them, they were more than eager to listen. There I did not tell them that I was superintendent of police, therefore you listen what I say. I went there as an ordinary soul with the spirit of service. Because I was on a short official tour, I could not do much. But I explored the scope for work.

Imagine if our students and teachers at AMU, JMI first convert these institutions into centre of excellence and educate the poor and uninformed Muslims! Imagine every Muslim help other Muslim get educated, just like the Tblighi Jamaat people preach about Islam to every other Muslim! If we all the Muslims work at our individual or at organised level, love the poor, sit and work with them I believe we can make all the Muslims literate and educated within 10 years. Till now, frankly speaking, it seemed very odd to me to invite somebody or visit somebody for education, help and guidance. It may see very odd to you also if you think of doing this. But working in this area for sometime has given me the strength and confidence enough to meet, talk and sit even with a stranger on the road. Now I can barge anywhere; sit and share adversities and dreams with any soul. Before writing this I had a discussion with around 25 drivers, they all listened patiently and felt cared. If you too start doing this, and inspire others to do this, I believe the Muslims will become the most advanced community-- economically, politically, socially and educationally.

ASIF JALAL IPS

Can make 100% Muslimseducated in 10 yrs?

Continued from page 7

9Bakhabar 57

FascismEssays on Europe and IndiaEdited by Jairus BanajiFirst EditionSubjects: History and archaeology, Politics and governance, Social studiesTags: Extreme-right, Sangh ParivarISBN(s) 978-81-88789-94-8Pub. Date March 2013Pages pp xvi+234, includes notes and bibliographyDimensions demy octavo 8.5 x 5.5 in.INDIA ELSEWHERE

Paperback978-81-88789-94-8 ₨. 350 $12.00

The victory of fascism in Europe between the wars was an incalculable human catastrophe. This collection of essays contains the first-ever English translation of Arthur Rosenberg’s fascinating analysis of the emergence of fascism in Europe, as well as a short introduction to the essay that explains its significance, and then four contributions that extend the framework to India – dealing in turn with Savarkar and the politics of the Hindu Mahasabha (Srinivasan), communalism as the Indian version of fascism and its roots in the majoritarian ideologies of the nation-state (Simeon), and the fascism of the Sangh Parivar as this had emerged by the early ’90s when concerted communal mobilisations unleashed a spate of violence, foreshadowing the even more horrific events of 2002 (Sumit Sarkar). Unlike most left-wing theories of fascism, Rosenberg’s work made the mass base of fascism central to its political success.But what does it mean for fascism to have a “mass base”? And how does it construct one? The concluding chapter explores the notion of “passive complicity”, using ideas developed by Jean-Paul Sartre in his major work Critique of Dialectical Reason, and then turns to a characterisation of the Extreme Right in India by looking at the strategies at work in the subversion of Indian democracy.

Contents PrefacePart One – Arthur Rosenberg on fascism1. Jairus Banaji: Fascism as a mass-movement: Translator’s introduction2. Arthur Rosenberg: Fascism as a mass-movementPart Two – The growth of fascism in India1. Kannan Srinivasan: A subaltern fascism?2. Sumit Sarkar: The fascism of the Sangh Parivar3. Dilip Simeon: The law of killing: A brief history of Indian fascism4. Jairus Banaji: Trajectories of fascism: Extreme-right movements in India and elsewhere

New book publishedfascism

Presently the only Wordingsof God Almightyby Tanwir Phool

RELIGION IS ONE AND THE SAME FROM ALWAYS

We humans are the most eminent of all creatures of GOD ALMIGHTY. He always wants that we should be obedient to Him. For this purpose He guided us through a series of prophets. The teachings of all the prophets is the same i.e. obedience of GOD ALMIGHTY for success and prosperity of human beings in both the worlds. We should try to follow true teachings of all the prophets for achieving the goals of universal peace, brotherhood, equality, education and charity.Sunday, 13 April 2008Whether We Can Read The Words of GOD ALMIGHTY or Not?

By Tanwir Phool

It is an interesting and important question whether we can read the Words of GOD ALMIGHTY or not? The last book of GOD is in His own words from A to Z. There may be differences in translations but the original text is one and the same in God's words. Previous books of GOD ALMIGHTY do not have their original text and at present only translations are available which may be compared/rectified with the help of the last book.

There is a misunderstanding that the last book is a writing of the prophet. It is not correct as this book has verses in which the prophet has been warned/cautioned. For example, the verses at the beginning of surah Abas (surah No.80) and verses 44 to 47 of surah Al-Ha'aqqah (surah No.69) in which the prophet has been cautioned on his act of ignoring and not responding a blind person. It has been said that if the prophet says anything according to his own will in this book, for which he has not been ordered by the GOD, he will be punished by catching his hand and cutting the jugular vein. It is obvious that no author can include such matter in his own book.

It is observed that where the GOD ALMIGHTY has said "qul"(Arabic word which means tell or say) to the prophet, this word has also been included in the last book which proves that there is no change/amendment in the Words of GOD ALMIGHTY. The last book certifies the previous books(Taurah, Psalm, Gospel, the book of Abraham and any other book revealed by the GOD ALMIGHTY) but clarifies that these books are not with their original text and have been changed/tampered with the passage of time as such they are not 100% correct. On the other hand they are not 100% wrong. The true teachings of all the prophets may be ascertained with the help of the last book of GOD ALMIGHTY which has only one text while the previous books have different version due to being translated/tampered by different persons and their original text is not available.

10Bakhabar

Today I received a mail from a senior friend There was no disagreement with my not a true scholar. Probably, he knew little who is a retired Senior Civil Servant (IAS). statements and, without hesitation, he but did not know that. That is why he talked The mail is below (No.1). replied, what he was not supposed to and what is not at all correct. That is why Prophet He wrote in his mail: (SAW) has again and again directed that I responded, 'So, let me make sure I have Dear Dr. Haque, silence is better than talking, especially in this straight. All followers of Allah have I do not concur with the interpretation case you are not properly aware. The same been commanded to kill everyone who is given by the cleric in the mail that is being has been said by most other wise men.not of your faith so they can have a place in forwarded, but I am forwarding it to you so But there is one more possibility. His words heaven. Is that correct?' that it is realised by the leaders of the have been twisted/modified for obvious The expression on his face changed from community that there is considerable reasons, which is evident in the last two one of authority and command to that of a misunderstanding about jihad and the role paragraphs of the mail.little boy who had just been caught with his of a jihadist and that there is need for the Sir,hand in the cookie jar.' projection and profession of the correct Below I am giving you a small (not so small) view of Islam. My understanding of Islam is write up on the subject. Please read it. It will He sheepishly replied, “Yes.” I then stated, that Islam is in favour of peaceful give you adequate information on the 'Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to coexistence with other religions and does matter. I expect so. imagine The Pope commanding all not teach even looking down upon If possible pass it on to others too who Catholics to kill those of your faith or Dr. followers of other religions, let alone any received the earlier mail.Stanley ordering all Protestants to do the violence against them. Unfortunately, the With regards.same in order to guarantee them a place in militant fundamentalists are able to dictate M.A. Haqueheaven!' what the interpretation should be and the majority simply cannot resist their view The Muslim was speechless. which is backed with violence of the worst I continued, 'I also have a problem with kind. being your friend when you and your In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Regards, brother clerics are telling your followers to Merciful kill me! Let me ask you a question: The golden rule, or the ethics of reciprocity,

is an Islamic moral principle which calls Would you rather have your Allah, who tells upon people to treat others the way they you to kill me in order for you to go to You may have seen this, but it should be would like to be treated. According to the heaven, or my Jesus who tells me to love sent to every Christian and to every Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy, the you because I am going to heaven and He American!!! Ron Crawford golden rule is defined as:wants you to be there with me?' Any form of the dictum: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. In some You could have heard a pin drop. form this is found in almost all religions and The author, Rick Mathes, is a well-known Needless to say, the organizers and/or ethical systems.leader in prison ministry. The man who promoters of the 'Diversification' training Source: Blackburn, Simon. “Golden Rule.”walks with God always gets to his seminar were not happy with my way of This principle was stated several times by destination. If you have a pulse you dealing with the Islamic Imam, and our Prophet Muhammad, so it is a principle have a purpose. exposing the truth about the Muslims' Muslims should discuss when sharing Islam The Muslim religion is the fastest growing beliefs. with people of other religions.religion per capita in the United In twenty years there will be enough Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of States, especially in the minority races. Muslim voters in the U.S. to elect the Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, Last month I attended my annual training President. said:session that's required formaintaining my I think everyone in the U.S. should be لا يؤمن أحدكم حتى يحب لأخيه أو قال لجاره ما يحب لنفسهstate prison security clearance. During the required to read this, but with the None of you has faith until he loves for his

training sessionthere was a presentation by ACLU, there is no way this will be widely brother or his neighbor what he loves for three speakers representing the Roman publicized, unless each of us sends it on! himself.Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths, This is your chance to make a difference. Source: Sahih Bukhari 13; Sahih Muslim 45, who each explained their beliefs. Grade: Muttafaqun AlayhiI was particularly interested in what the My reply is below (No. 2): An-Nawawi comments on this tradition, Islamic Imam had to say. The Muslim gave a : saying:great presentation of the basics of Islam, Sir, األولى أن يحمل ذلك على عموم األخوة حـتى يشـمل الكافر complete with a You are 200% right. Islam does not permit والمسـلم فيحـب ألخيه الكافر مايحـب لنفســه من دخوله في After the presentations, time was provided even simple hatred against people. How اإلسـالم كما يحـب ألخيه المسـلم دوامه على اإلسـالم ولهذاfor questions and answers. When can it permit killing any one, infidel orكان الدعاء بـالهداية للكافر مستحبــا والمراد بالمحبــة إرادة it was my turn, I directed my question to الخير والمنفعة ثم المراد المحبة الدينية ال المحبة البشريةotherwise?the Muslim and asked: 'Please, correct me if It is better to interpret this as brotherhood Even in battles Muslims were strictly I'm wrong, but I understand that most in general, such that it includes the prohibited by Allah and the Prophet (SAW) Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a disbeliever and the Muslim. So he should not to harm women, children, infirm and holy jihad [Holy war] against the infidels of love for his brother, the disbeliever, what he those who were not fighting. I think I the world and, that by killing an infidel, loves for himself which is his entering Islam, forwarded the relevant material earlier. If (which is a command to all Muslims) just as he should love for his brother Muslim you want I can send again.they are assured of a place in heaven. If that he remains in Islam. For this reason, it Regarding the person (I am not calling him a that's the case, can you give methe is recommended to supplicate for the scholar deliberately) who delivered the definition of an infidel?' disbeliever to be guided. The meaning of presentation/lecture in USA I think he was

'Non-believers!'

Love For Humanity What You Love For Yourself

No. 1.

Subject: Fw: WHAT'S AN INFIDEL?

WHAT'S AN INFIDEL?

No. 2

Conversation by mail on important issue

11Bakhabar

love here is an intention for good and Hasan nations before you: envy and hatred, and benefit, and this meaning is religious love, In another narration, the Prophet said: hatred is the razor. It shaves the religion and

.not human loveوأحسن إلى جارك تكن مؤمنا وأحب للــناس ما تحب لنفسك it does not shave hair. By the one in whose Source: Sharh Arba’een An-Nawawiتكن مسلما hand is the soul of Muhammad, you will not Be kind to your neighbor and you will be a In another narration, the Prophet said: believe until you love one another. Shall I believer; love for the people what you love والذي نفسي بيده لا يؤمن عبد حتى يحب لأخيـــــــه ما يحب tell you something which, if you did, you for yourself and you will be a Muslim.لنفسه من الخير would love each other? Spread peace

By Him in whose Hand is my soul, a servant Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhi 2305, Grade: between yourselves.does not believe until he loves for his Hasan Source: Musnad Ahmad 1415, Grade: Sahihbrother what he loves for himself of In another narration, the Prophet said: Mu’adh said, “How is it, O Messenger of

.goodnessوأحب للـــناس ما تحب لنفسك تكن مؤمنا وأحسن جوار من Allah?” He said: وأن تحب للــــناس ما تحب لنفسك وتكره لهم ما تكره لنفسك :Source: Musnad Ahmad 12734, Gradeجاورك تكن مسلماLove for the people what you love for Sahih وأن تقول خيرا أو تصمتyourself and you will be a believer; behave In another narration, the Prophet said: That you love for the people what you love well with your neighbors and you will be a لا يؤمن أحدكم حتى يحب للــناس ما يحب لنفسه وحتى يحب for yourself, and you hate for the people Muslim.المرء لا يحبه إلا لله عز وجل what you hate for yourself, and that you

None of you has faith until he loves for the Source: Sunan Ibn Majah 4217, Source: speak goodness or remain silent.people what he loves for himself, and until Sahih Source: Musnad Ahmad 21627, Grade: he loves a person only for the sake of Allah In another narration, the Prophet said: Hasan

.the Exaltedوأحب للمسلميـــــن المؤمنيـــــن ما تحب لنفسك وأهل بيتك Ibn Rajab comments on these traditions, :Source: Musnad Ahmad 13463, Grade: sayingواكره لهم ما تكره لنفسك وأهل بيتك تكن مؤمنا وجاور من Sahihجاورت من الناس بإحسان تكن مسلما قال بعض الصالحيـــن من الـــسلف أهل المحبة لله نظروا Love for the Muslims, the believers, and the In another narration, the Prophet said: بنور الـــله وعطفوا على أهل معاصي الــــله مقتوا أعمالهم people of your house what you love for ال يبلغ عبد حقيـقة اإليـمان حتى يحب للــناس ما يحب لنفسه وعطفوا عليهم ليزيــــــــلوهم بالمواعظ عن فعالهم وأشفقوا yourself. Hate for them and the people of من الخير على أبدانهم من الــــــــنار ولا يكون المؤمن مؤمنا حقا حتى your house what you hate for yourself, and يرضى للــناس ما يرضاه لنفسه وإن رأى في غيره فضيــلةThe servant does not reach the reality of

then you will be a believer. Be a good faith until he loves for the people what heفاق بها عليه فتمنى لنفسه مثلها فإن كانت تلك الفضيـــــــــلة .neighbor to whomever will be your loves for himself of goodnessدينية كان حسناSome of the righteous predecessors said: neighbor among the people and you will be Source: Sahih Ibn Hibban 238, Grade: SahihThe people who love Allah look by the light a Muslim.In another narration, the Prophet said:of Allah, and they are compassionate with Source: Shu’b Al-Iman 10369, Grade: Sahihلا يجد أحد حلاوة الإيمان حتى يحب المرء لا يحبه إلا للهthose who disobey Allah. They hate their None of you will find the sweetness of faith Abu Muntafiq reported: He said, “O actions but show mercy to them so that until he loves a person only for the sake of Messenger of Allah, teach me what will through their admonitions they might Allah. save me from Allah’s punishment and enter leave their actions. They are afraid that the Source: Sahih Bukhari 5694, Grade: Sahih me into Paradise.” The Messenger of Allah, Hellfire will consume their bodies. The Abdullah ibn Amr reported: The Messenger peace and blessings be upon him, said:believer will not truly be a believer until he is اعبد الـــــله وال تشرك به شيئا وأقم الـــــصالة المكتوبة وأدof Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, pleased for people to have what he is الــزكاة المفروضة وحج واعتمر وأظنه قال وصم رمضانsaid:

وانظر ما تحب للــناس أن يأتوه إليك فافعله بهم وما تكره أن pleased for himself. If he sees in someone من أحب أن يزحزح عن الـــنار ويدخل الجنة فلتدركه منيتهيأتوه إليك فذرهم منه else some merit by which they excel him, وهو يؤمن بالــله واليوم الآخر ويأتي إلى الــناس ما يحب أنWorship Allah and do not associate يؤتى إليه then he wishes the like of it for himself. If anything with Him. Establ ish the Whoever would love to be delivered from that merit is related to the religion then it is prescribed prayers, give the obligatory the Hellfire and entered into Paradise, then good.charity, fast the month of Ramadan, and let him die with faith in Allah and the Last Source: Jami’ Ulum wal-Hikam 13however you love for the people to treat Day, and let him treat the people the way he Success comes from Allah, and Allah knows you, then treat them that way, and however would love to be treated. best.you hate for the people to treat you, then Source: Sahih Muslim 1844, Grade: Sahih His reply to my mail on No. 2 is on No. 3 do not treat them that way.Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of (below). Source: Al-Ma’jam Al-Kabeer 15833, Grade: Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, Hasansaid: Dear Dr. Haque,Khalid ibn Abdullah Al-Qasri reported: He لا تدخلون الجنة حتى تؤمنوا ولا تؤمنوا حتى تحابوا أولا Thanks. There is need to identify from

أدلكم على شيء إذا فعلتموه تحاببتم أفشوا السلام بينكم was giving a sermon upon the pulpit, saying within the community those who hold the You will not enter Paradise until you believe that his father told him that his grandfather view of the cleric in the USA presentation. A and you will not believe until you love each said: The Messenger of Allah, peace and programme of their reorientation needs to other. Shall I show you something that, if blessings be upon him, said: be drawn and bombard them with the you did, you would love each other? Spread أتحب الجنة message of love of the Prophet in various peace between yourselves. ways through sources in whom they have Source: Sahih Muslim 54, Grade: Sahih faith. Use of the various tools of He said, “Yes.” The Prophet said:In another narration, the Prophet said: communication will be necessary. فأحب لأخيك ما تحب لنفسكوالذي نفسي بيده ال تدخلوا الجنة حتى تسلموا وال تسلموا Then love for your brother what you love for حتى تحابوا وأفشوا الـــــسالم تحابوا وإياكم والبغضة فإنها yourself. Regards,هي الحالقة ال أقول لكم تحلق الشعر ولكن تحلق الدين

Source: Musnad Ahmad 16219, Grade: I again responded to his mail. My response By the one in whose hand is my soul, you

Sahih li ghayri is below at No.4.will not enter Paradise until you submit, and

Az-Zubair ibn Awwam reported: The you will not submit until you love one

Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, Sir,another. Greet each other with peace and

said: You are right. People are doing that. But as you will love one another. Beware of

دب إليكم داء الأمم قبلكم الحسد والبغضاء هي الحالقة لا you know virtue spreads slower as hatred, for it is the razor. I do not say it أقول تحلق الـــشعر ولكن تحلق الديــــن والذي نفسي بيده لا compared to the opposite. shaves hair, but rather it shaves away the تدخلوا الجنة حتى تؤمنوا ولا تؤمنوا حتى تحابوا أفلا أنبئكم That was the reason I requested to you to religion. بما يثبت ذاكم لكم أفشوا السلام بينكم forward the mail to others. Followers of the Source: Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 260, Grade: There have come to you the diseases of the

No. 3.

Do you love Paradise?

No. 4.

12Bakhabar

other faiths need to be informed about the Then there are those who cheer acts of undermining the very spirit of our Deen. We true position. Otherwise hatred may start v i o l e n c e b e c a u s e t h e y t o o h a v e must heed the Qur'anic warning against form the other side. degenerated into a hateful people. extremism in religion. ... do not be extreme Sir on account of your deep interest in the in your religion [Qur'an 4:171] The Prophet subject I am copying once again a small further warned, My intercession will not be write up on the subject. It directly targets availed two categories of my community; the wrong ideas. an oppressive/unjust ruler and a rebellious

Extremists, whether reactionary or radical extremist [Tibrani] I warn you regarding are a bane to religion. Reactionary With regards. extremism, because communities before extremists do not want any pluralism; they M.A. Haque you were destroyed due to extremism view the world in black and white, good and [Nisa'i] evil terms. They are good and anyone who The Call of Islam: Peace & Moderation, Not opposes them is evil. From among the Intolerance and Extremism S o m e d e v i a n t p e o p l e / g r o u p s a r e M u s l i m s t h e s e a r e p e o p l e w h o I s l a m i s s a l a a m ( p e a c e ) a n d committing acts in the name of Islam which 'excommunicate' any Muslim who fail to tasleem(submission to the Divine). In Islam are contrary to the fundamental of our share their interpretations of the Qur'an Peace is the standard, it is the principle, and faith, while not enough seem courageous and their understanding of the faith. They each person of faith has the moral enough to openly stand up to these bullies use takfir (denouncing a Muslim as an obligation to maintain peace, without who are denigrating the name and image of unbeliever) and character assassination as compromising on justice and truth. Islam Islam.a tool for marginalizing any criticism invites to the subul as-salaam (pathway of Re m e m b e r t h e w o r d s o f P r o p h e t directed at them. peace) ; p eace o f mi n d, p eace o f Muhammad (pbuh):"A Muslim (one who Radical extremists differ only in that they conscience, peace in the family and society, proclaims faith) is that person from whose will use violence to further their cause and peace with one's Creator and His creation. hands and tongue other Muslims are safe; A that the end justifies the means. They see One of the attributes of the Divine is As- Mu'min (one who manifests faith) is that any act as acceptable if it will further their Salaam (The Source of Peace) and Muslim person in whom humanity find safety and 'cause.' This is blatantly anti-Islamic. In greeting universally, upon meeting and security regarding their lives, property and Islam the means must reflect its noble ends. departing, is “As-salamu 'alaykum” or honor." [Baihaqi] The Prophet (pbuh) Any means that does not embody the core "peace be unto you". The final and ultimate further advised ...Allah is kind and loves truths and ethics of Islam is not from Islam reward for human endeavor is Paradise, kindness in every matter, and kindness has and thus denounced as aberration. Islam is referred to in the Qur'an as Dar-us-Salaam been granted capacity which violence could not a secret society of conspirators who no (Abode of Peace) never attain. [Sahih Muslim] one knows what they are planning. Islam The Believers were intended to be an May Allah protect the innocent from the declares openly its aims and objectives and ummah (community) that serves as a injustices of the self-righteous.these are recognized by good people standard/model for others; what the Qur'an I know that the original mail (No. 1) is itself everywhere as pure and congruent with describes ."...And we have made you doubtful and also old. Please see the their own wisdom and traditions. Islam (ummatan wasata) a median community / a information below about the mail.never allows a Muslim to kill the innocent people of moderation/ a balanced medium "We contacted Rick Mathes, founder of and the helplessin order that you may be a testimony or Mission Gate Prison Ministr ies in Labeling something Islamic does not make model for humanity." [Qur'an 2:143] It is the Chesterfield, Missouri, and he stands by his it justifiable. absence of the balance provided by story.Realize, that just because you are religious wasatiyyah (moderation) that extremism There have been some published reports does not mean that you are right. Desiring creeps in. Wasatiyyah is an antidote to from critics of Mathes' article who say the to implement Islamic values is always ...ghuluww (excessiveness), tanattu' confrontation did not take place the way he noble, but having a meaningful and (harshness), tashaddud (severity), tatarruf describes and that the Moslem who spoke effective strategy is indeed most (extremism) ... in all its forms. at the conference was not an Imam, but a significant. Forcing other is never an

prisoner who volunteered to speak as a acceptable resort and certainly not the first Moslem.resort; especially since our deen/way of life

How is it then that some Muslims are so Rick Mathes says that the man was commands us not to use compulsion as a intolerant of other faiths, involved in introduced at the meeting as an Imam and tool. Just because something needs to be atrocious and heinous acts of violence and that the story happened as he describes it."done does not mean that anything that is senseless killing? Are they oblivious to the done is okay; and just because something is historic example of how the Prophet Still there is need to propagate the true done in religious fervor does not in any way engaged those of different Faiths? It seems position among Muslims and more so prove that it is Islamically correct. that some among Muslims seem to have among others, especially in USA, Europe According to the Qur'an [5:32]; Muslims lost sound understanding of the teachings etc. otherwise persons like Rick Mathes will have inherited the command from that of our Faith and are substituting the succeed in their mission. Please refer to the prescribed to the Children of Israel sublime message of Islam by a discourse of last two paragraphs of his mail on No.1. "whoever takes a single life without anger and the rhetoric of rage. There is no justification is as if he has killed the entire command or teaching in Islam that can be humanity." Furthermore we are reminded, referenced as the direct reason behind an If Allah had not repelled some people extreme act, and killing. Those who are through others, monasteries, churches, planning and orchestrating any senseless synagogues, and mosques; all in which killings are the worst representatives of Allah's name is much celebrated, would their religions and enemies of their have been destroyed. Allah will certainly communities. Those who are perpetrators help those who help His cause and surely, acts of wanton violence in the name of Allah is All-Powerful, All-Mighty' [Qur'an, Islam are doing a most grievous disservice 22:40]to Islam. Others take pride in being Muslims If we do not abide by these principles however un-Muslim their stance may be. established in the Qur'an, then we are

Zealots are a plague upon religion.

Injustice of the self-righteous

Intolerance Whence?

Kindly circulate the information to more and more people, especially in the above named places.M.A. Haque

13Bakhabar

1. Do not let your 'performance' sometime! Prepare remember you are asking the Most until now affect your last 10 days. The them, make them excited, plan some Generous King. moment of forgiveness could be today or activities for them to do! If you hope for the best, He will give you anytime in the coming days! It is not all the best. Don't hold back. Trust lost! If you sincerely wish it could have 9. Look the Part: The way we dress and in Him, pour out your heart in front of been better - Chin up and get ready to prepare has a big effect on our Him, and let no doubt, no barrier, make it your best yet! Start with a psychology. Wear your best, perfume no evil thoughts keep you away from ar-positive, sincere intention! yourself, and feel the energy! Rahman, ar-Raheem! —

2. Today, take a little time to read the 10. Choose a spot, whether in the Masjid Tafseer of Surah al-Qadr to understand or in your home, where you can have what actually happens this night! You will peace and solitude. Keep your feel its power & greatness so much more! mushaf, praying mat, and water at

hand so that you are not distracted 3. Do not wait for the 27th Night to give it by constantly getting up for this or your "all". The entire last 10 days should that. be your target. Stay up each night! Would you want to miss Laylatul Qadr even "by 11. IMP: This is not the night to tweet chance"? pics or update FB statuses about

how amazing the night is and how 4 . D o n o t f a l l i n t o a n y you are feeling & worshipping Allah! innovations/celebrations any masjid or Let culture might try to promote. Follow the that be a secret between you & your Sunnah! The Prophet (sallAllahu 'alaihi Rabb! So switch off those phones, wa sallam) guided us simply: "Whoever wifi, laptops and computers. stays up and prays on Laylat al-Qadr out Disconnect with the world, and of faith and in the hope of reward, his connect with al-'Afuww! previous sins will be forgiven.”

12. If you find yourself feeling 5. Memorize and keep asking the dua' sleepy, vary your acts of worship. taught by Rasulullah (sallAllahu 'alaihi wa Alternate between qiyaam, sallam): Allaahumma innaka ‘afuwwun heartfelt dua'a, reading the Qur'an. tuhibb al-‘afwa fa’affu‘anni (O Allaah, You Do not spend the night listening to are forgiving and You love forgiveness, so lectures or recitations. Or do it only forgive me). for a short

while when you feel the sleep 6. Prepare a short dua' list. Remember coming on! this is as awesome as it ever gets for a servant of Allah! The Night of Qadr, of 13. Patience is the Key: The last 10 Destiny! Consciously pick each and days might be tiring. You might everything you crucially wish for in this still dunya, in your deen, family, and in your have work or school. This is the aakhirah! Don't forget to include the time to bear all that hardship, and brothers and sisters around the world keep who are suffering and in grief! firm sabr. Think how Allah has

blessed you with this tremendous 7. Take brief naps during the day, if opportunity possible. Keep your stomach light and that might NEVER come again in sleep as soon as you have prayed 'isha. Do your life again. If you knew for not delay! After a brief nap, refresh sure that yourself and get ready for worship. this was your last #Ramadan, if

you knew certainly that Jannah 8. Don't neglect your family! Rasulullah was up for made it a point to wake up his wives grabs, wouldn't you sprint for it no throughout these nights! And yes, your matter what it takes? children are not too young to stay up some part of the night - if they can be 14. This is most important: Keep allowed to play video games or watch TV, husn adh-dhann bi Allah (good they can be inspired to be up at least for expectations from Allah). When you ask,

Powerful Tips for the Last 10 NightsFrom Shaykh Zahir Mahmood

14Bakhabar

The day of Eid-ul-Fitr is certainly the most women and girls to attend the Eid prayers. Muslims should greet each other with open beautiful day of the year for all Muslims, its Abdullah ibn Abbas reports that Rasulullah arms and open hearts. It may also be a sunrise lovelier than all daybreaks and its (SAW) used to take his wives and good practice to give presents to relatives evenings livelier than any other. In fact, it is daughters to the two Eid prayers. Umme and friends on this occasion instead of a wonderful gift of Allah (SWT) to the Atiyah(RA) relates: doing so on their birthdays or on New Year believers. A perfect day of peace and joy, it “Rasulullah (SAW) ordered us to go out and eve. Last but not the least; we must concludes the blessed month of Ramadan. take with us young girls and menstruating remember to celebrate this happy Hazrat Anas (RA) narrates that when women to the two Eids (prayers). The occasion within permissible limits. It is Prophet Muhammad (SAW) migrated menstruating women would keep often seen that people tend to make up for from Makkah to Madinah he found that the separate from others during salah but the restraint practiced in the month of people of Madinah held celebrations on would join in supplication.” Ramadan by indulging in too much two days each year. Rasulullah (SAW) said, expenditure and feasting on Eid. “Allah (SWT) has substituted these two Therefore and appropriate arrangements Exorbitant sums are spent on clothes and days with another two days which are should be made, in accordance with the décor. A lot of food also goes waste which is better for you – one of Eid-ul-Fitr and the rules of hijab, to enable women to attend contrary to the tenets of Islam. Islam other of Eid-ul-Adha.” Eid prayers. This would instill a sense of encourages us to follow the middle path

Islamic identity in women and make them and to abstain from lavish display of It is recommended to feast and enjoy on aware of their duties as Muslims. It would wealth. Eid-ul-fitr would be a memorable the day of Eid-ul-Fitr within permissible also increase the number of believers who day for all of us if we would try to please limits. Performing ghusl (bath), using pray for the welfare of Ummah. Allah (SWT) by celebrating it like

R a s u l u l l a h ( S AW ) a n d h i s n o b l e Eid-ul-Fitr takes its name from Sadaqa-e- companions (RA).fitr which is also known as Zakat-ul-fitr. It is obligatory for every Muslim-free or slave, man or woman, young or old to pay Sadaqa-e-fitr at the end of Ramadan. Preferably it should be paid before Eid salah. Its purpose is to purify the one who fasts and to help the poor and needy. This enables the poor to participate in the joyous occasion of Eid with a carefree mind. This special care for the downtrodden is a unique feature of Islam. The amount of Sadaqa-e-fitr is one Sa’a (2.5 kilograms approx.) of date, corn, barley, rice, or similar items considered as basic foods. One can also pay their price if it is not possible to give food materials. However, it should be

perfume and wearing the best of garments noted that the pr ice of these on this occasion is preferable but not commodities changes every year and obligatory. However, the prayer of Eid-ul- so will the equivalent price of fitrah. Fitr is obligatory on all Muslims which consist of two rakah. There is no adhan Eid-ul-fitr is a day of reward for the before it. Delivering Khutbah after Eid month long patient fasting by the prayer is Sunnah and so is listening. It is believers. The day of Eid and the night preferable to offer the prayer in some large preceding are very valuable because field outside the city, provided there is no Allah (SWT) showers his special valid excuse. Takbir should be recited while blessings during this time. We must not going for prayer. Surely the Eid prayer waste the night preceding Eid in presents the most splendid spectacle of shopping as is often practiced in India. the unity of Muslim Ummah. As the heads Rather it would be wise to spend a few bow in ruku’ and sujud in unison the world hours in prayers and supplication to observes this exhibit of submission in Allah (SWT) to benefit from His wonder, when men unequal in the station abundant bounty. of life stand on equal ground. But sadly women and girls are not allowed to take Eid-ul-fitr is also an occasion to forget part in the Eid prayers especially in the petty fights and forget mutual Indian subcontinent. Shariah requires differences. On this blessed day

Eid: A Time of Celebration By Sadeqa Ghazal

1115Bakhabar

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16Bakhabar

What is the ruling on fasting six days of Shawwaal? Is it waajib (obligatory)?

Praise be to Allaah.Fasting six days of Shawwaal after the obligatory fast of Ramadaan is Sunnah Mustahabbah, not waajib. It is recommended for the Muslim to fast six days of Shawwaal, and in this there is great virtue and an immense reward. Whoever fasts these six days will have recorded for him a reward as if he had fasted a whole year, as was reported in a saheeh hadeeth from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Abu Ayyoob (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadaan and follows it with six days of Shawwaal, it will be as if he fasted for a lifetime.” (Narrated by Muslim, Abu Dawood, al-Tirmidhi, al-Nisaa’i and Ibn Maajah).

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) explained this when he said: “Whoever fasts for six days after (Eid) al-Fitr has completed the year: (whoever does a good deed (hasanah) will have ten hasanah like it).” According to another report: “Allaah has made for each hasanah ten like it, so a month is like fasting ten months, and fasting six days completes the year.” (al-Nisaa’i and Ibn Maajah. See also Saheeh al-Targheeb wa’l-Tarheeb, 1/421). It was also narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah with the wording: “Fasting for the month of Ramadaan brings the reward of ten like it, and fasting for six days brings the reward of two months, and that is the fasting of the whole year.”The Hanbali and Shaafa’i fuqaha’ explained that fasting six days of Shawwaal after fasting Ramadaan makes it as if one has fasted for an entire year of obligatory fasts, because the multiplication of the reward applies even to naafil fasts, because each hasanah brings the reward of ten like it.Another of the important benefits of fasting six days of Shawwaal is that is makes up for any shortfall in a person's obligatory Ramadaan fasts, because no one is free of shortcomings or sins that have a negative effect on his fasting. On the Day of Resurrection, some of his naafil deeds will be taken to make up the shortcomings in his obligatory deeds, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The first thing for which people will be brought to account on the Day of Resurrection will be their salaah (prayer). Our Lord, may He be glorified and exalted, will say to His angels – although He knows best – ‘Look at the salaah of My slave, whether it is complete or incomplete.’ If it is perfect, it will be recorded as perfect, and if something is lacking, He will say, ‘Look and see whether My slave did any voluntary (naafil) prayers.’ If he did some voluntary prayers, [Allaah] will say, Complete the obligatory actions of My slave from his voluntary actions.’ Then all his actions will be dealt with in a similar manner.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood).And Allaah knows best. Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjidwww.islamqa.info

The virtue of fastingsix days of Shawwaal