Bakhabar, July 2014

Better light a candle than curse the darkness

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BE AWARE, ALWAYS, EVERYWHERE

Volume 7, Issue 07, July2014

33 Blessings and Benefits of Ramadhan Fasting

Contents

Editorial Board Publisher

Bihar Anjuman BaKhabar

Editorial Board Asrarul Haque, Seraj Akram, Mohd. Allam, Ms Farhat Shakeel and Jahanzeb Mashhadi

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Bakhabar : July 2014

33 Blessings and Benefits of Ramadhan Fasting 08 A Grand Political Dilemma

11

Combating Rape

12

A Wife is Not a Girlfriend Dates Round the Year

16

18

Did Muslims Fight to Convert People 03

Myths about Muslims unmasked 05 Sustaining Spousal Love

Uniform Civil Code

Shariat

28

22

26

Q&A

Did Muslims Fight to Convert People?

Question and answer details

Name of Questioner: Bob Reply date: 2014/04/10 Question: Can you tell me about the battles fought in which Mohammed led (Uhud etc...) ? Why were they led? Was it really just to forcefully convert people to Islam or else people were killed? I don't believe much of what I read on those websites, as they try to make Christianity's history look pure and bloodless, when that is so not the case. So I thought I'd try to check this web. I'm sorry I just have one more question, and I know these questions are what you get all the time, and are really frustrating, but it's about the Crusades. Christians justify the crusades by saying that if it didn't happen, Muslims would have gone on conquering lands and killing people that didn't follow Islam. What do you say? ... Again sorry for throwing all these questions at you all at once, I'm an atheist who's pretty much interested in Islamic history, I'm only starting to realize that most of what I learnt on Islam is propaganda and lies made by some fundamental Christians. Thanks for your time. consultant: Shahul Hameed

Answer: Salam dear Bob,

Thank you for your question and for contacting Ask About Islam.

War has always been a difficult subject for objective analysis. Given the nature of humankind, one cannot imagine a world without wars. What we can do is to have a code of rules for war.

Islam provides such rules, which remain ever nobler and more realistic than any other code existing for the conduct of war.

Concerning the rules of fighting as outlined in the Quran and taught by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the following points may be noted:

In war as in peace, the injunctions of Islam are to be strictly observed. Worship does not cease during times of war. Islam maintains that whatever is prohibited during peace is also prohibited during war.

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Allah says in the Quran what means: {Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but begin not hostilities. Lo! Allah loves not, aggressors.} (Al-Baqarah 2:190)

The above permission to fight clearly lays down the following conditions: (1) Never commit aggression; fighting is allowed only for self-defense. (2) Fighting must never be against non-combatants or nonfighting personnel.

The Prophet used to instruct his followers during battles and tell them not to be embittered or inclined to commit treachery. He asked them to spare noncombatants, particularly children and hermits. Following the example of the Prophet, Caliph AbuBakr gave the following instructions to the commander who led the campaign to Syria:

"Do not betray, be treacherous or vindictive. Do not mutilate. Do not kill children, the aged or women.

Do not cut or burn palm trees or fruit trees. Do not slay a sheep, a cow, or camel except for your food.

And you will come across people who stay in hermitages for worship; leave them alone to what they devote themselves to."

Justice is highly valued in Islam and no Muslim is allowed to violate it even in times of war against their bitterest enemies. From the early days of Islam, medical assistance was available to all irrespective of religion or creed and was even given to the enemies. The medical profession itself was specially honored in Islam, and it was the duty of the Muslims to offer help in this regard to all.

Q&A

A well-known example is that of Saladin who gave medical help to his opponent Richard the LionHearted of England, who was seriously ill during the Crusades. He sent his own doctor and personally supervised Richard's treatment until he became well.

This is in contrast with the behavior of the invading crusaders. When they entered Jerusalem on July 15, 1099, they slaughtered seventy thousand Muslims, including women, children, and the elderly: "They broke children's skulls by knocking them against the wall, threw babies from roof tops, roasted men over fires and cut open women's bellies to see if they had swallowed any gold."

This description was given by Edward Gibbon, the famous historian; and here you get an answer to the claim that if Christians had not fought the Crusades, the Muslims would have gone on killing people who did not accept Islam. And in modern times, this example is paralleled by the atrocious behavior of the Serb army in Bosnia, to quote just one instance.

The battles fought by the Prophet were all for selfdefense or for ensuring the freedom of practicing Islam. And no battle was fought by the Prophet for imposing Islam on the people.

Indeed, God in the Quran has commanded not to compel any one to accept Islam. There are several Quranic verses and sayings of the Prophet that prove this. Because, Islam specifically and categorically teaches that unless a person accepts the truth of Islam with understanding, there is no meaning in his/her outward show of allegiance.

Islam is staunchly against any war meant for colonization or occupation. On the contrary, it permits fighting for the sake of liberation from oppressors and occupiers.

And once a people have been liberated, they are allowed the freedom to choose their religion, and if needed Muslims should fight to ensure this freedom.

I hope this answers your question. Please keep in touch.

Salam. http://www.onislam.net/english/ask-aboutislam/ethics-and-values/muslim-character/167820did-muslims-fight-to-convert-people.html 4

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Khabron ki Khabar Seraj Akram

Desh me ab koi corruption par baat nahi karta Lagata hai sarkar badalte hi corruption khatm ho gaya, ya iske khilaf bolne walon ka kaam khatm ho gaya, aap uska fayeda uthane ka time hai.

Videshi paisa lane ki mang karne wala baba bhi khamosh Shayed paison ke len den sare aam karne phansne ke bad ab itni himmat nahi iske khilaf bat karne ki.

Election me haarne ke baad laaloo Prasad aur nitish kumar me nazdiki barhi Kaash yah samajh election se pahle aati to shayed itni buri haar ka saman in dono ko nahi dekhna parta, aur agar yah dono mil kar assembli ka election lare to phir inki kameyabi ke imkan kafi barh jayenge.

Iraq me Shia-Sunni ekhtalfat ko hawa denay ke liye phir halat saazgaar Aur sari duniya ke muslim tamashayi ki tarah logo ko marte dekh rahe hain Maharasthra me muslim ko 5% reservation dene ka wada Congress ki itni durgati hone ke bawajud jhuta wada karne se baaz nahi aaye.

Indian Civil Service ke imtehan me is bar bhi Muslim 3% se niche rahe.

4% ki lakeer aisi ho gayi ho jaise lakshman rekha khinch di gayi ho, sari koshishen ek taraf lekin muslim ka fisad is se barhta hi nahi. Koshis me kami hai ya koi aur wajuhaat hain.

Madhya Pradesh me Byapam ghotale me kayi BJP aur RSS kay neta shamil‌ek khabar Yahi hai asli nationalism, apna pet bharo desh ka chahe jo bhi ho.

Mahngai din ba din barhti ja rahi hai Wah jaadoo ki chhari kaam nahi kar rahi hai shayed jis se election jitte hi mahngai kam karne ka wada kiya gaya.

Myths about Muslims unmasked Islam

I

I By Prof Nivedita Menon I

n the context of massive propaganda campaigns, the subtle use of stereotypes, and the fact that both the Western and the Indian media share certain basic biases, many people end up believing in a range of myths about the adherents of the world’s second largest religion. This is a quick attempt at exposing those myths.

Myth: ‘Muslim’ countries are never secular. Muslims do not tolerate minorities in ‘their’ countries but demand minority rights in other countries.

The world’s largest Muslim majority country is Indonesia (total population approximately 25 crores, larger than Pakistan). Indonesia is a secular democracy. Indeed, its population is almost a mirror image of India’s – 88% Muslim, 9% Christian, 3% Hindu, 2% Buddhist, etc. (as compared to India, which has a population that is 80% Hindu, 13.4% Muslim, 2.3% Christian, etc.) Indonesia’s national slogan is “Unity in Diversity.” Yes, Indonesia has occasional riots and bomb blasts, but so does India.

In reality the majority of Muslim majority countries in the world are secular. Several large examples include Turkey, Mali, Syria, Niger, and Kazakhstan.

Despite having Islam as ‘state religion’, Bangladesh’s government is also secular in law. The same is true of many other countries. Only six countries in the world claim to use Islam as the basis of their law making – and their total population is roughly the same as the population of Indonesia, Turkey and Kazakhstan combined. In other words, the vast majority of Muslim majority countries are secular, and the vast majority of Muslims live under secular governments.

Myth: Not all Muslims may be terrorists, but most terrorists are Muslims.

Even if we accept the government’s definition of who is a terrorist in India, this is entirely untrue. In India, less than a third of the organisations banned as “terrorist” under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act are Muslim organisations. Internationally, the group that engaged in the most suicide bombings 5

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in the world was the LTTE in Sri Lanka – a militantly atheist group whose members are mostly of Hindu and Christian origin.

It is also not true that Muslim organisations engage in the most violence in India. Between 2005 and 2014, as per the South Asia Terrorism Portal, twice as many people were killed in ‘terrorist incidents’ by Northeastern militant organisations and “left wing extremism”. These are all non-Muslim organisations, and the largest Northeastern organisation in this period (ULFA) has a mostly Hindu, upper caste leadership.

Besides, the definition of “terrorism” that the government uses is contradictory. Killing twenty people by a bomb blast is considered terrorism, but the killing of thousands of people in 1984 or more than a thousand people in Gujarat in 2002 (or, for that matter, the killing of 40 people in Muzaffarnagar, 68 people in Orissa in 2008, etc. etc.) are not. All riots involve planning, stockpiling of weapons and systematic attacks. Why then are they not considered terrorism?

Myth: Muslims have always been fundamentalists and are ‘more religious’ than followers of other religions.

Recent history shows that this is a lie, and also exposes where current “Muslim fundamentalism” comes from. Just forty to sixty years ago, in most of the major regions of the world with high Islamic populations – Indonesia, the Middle East, north Africa – the strongest political forces were secular leftists. This took many forms: the Indonesian Communist Party, the Nasserite and Baa’thist regimes in Egypt, Syria and Iraq, the Iranian government of Mohammed Mossadegh, etc. In these countries, especially in the Middle East, it was the United States and its client states (such as Saudi Arabia) that sponsored, financed and armed right wing and religious fundamentalist organisations, precisely in order to counter the strength of the secular leftists whom they opposed. Israel’s role in propping up Hamas to counter the PLO is also well known. This reached its height in the 1980s with the war in Afghanistan, with the US bankrolling and training the people who later founded Al Qaeda. It was during this period as well

Islam

that the US financed and supported the Zia regime in Pakistan in its “Islamisation” drive. The current strength of the Islamic fundamentalist movement in the Middle East is a result of American strategy, which involved finishing off all leftist resistance while tolerating and encouraging Islamic fundamentalism.

Above all, to repeat the key point, Islamic fundamentalism is a political phenomenon created by a particular history – just like Hindutva, Christian fundamentalism and every other form of right wing movement. The myth of the inherently fundamentalist Muslim owes a lot to European mythmaking around the Crusades and subsequent efforts to prop up their empire in India. But people continue to recycle colonial self-justifications as if they are true.

Myth: Muslims always start violence. Hindus only ‘retaliate’ or ‘act in self defence’.

Every single group that has ever engaged in mass killings has claimed to be ‘retaliating’ or ‘defending themselves’.’ TheSeptember 11 attacks in the US were justified as “retaliation” for the killing of lakhs of people in Iraq (through sanctions) and in Palestine by the US and Israel. If you believe the emails being sent before the Delhi and Ahmedabad bomb blasts in 2008, the blasts were “retaliation” for police atrocities and the massacre of Muslims in Gujarat. In 2008 Christians were massacred in Orissa in “retaliation” for the killing of a VHP leader. Going back further in history, the Nazis justified the Kristallnachttheir first state-sponsored riot against Jews, in which thousands of synagogues and homes were destroyed – by claiming it was “retaliation” for the murder of a German diplomat and necessary to ‘defend themselves’ against ‘international Jewry’.

The reason for this is simple – the only way to convince people to commit inhuman atrocities against other people is to make them believe that they are “defending themselves” or “paying back.” The sheer inhumanity of talking about “retaliation” is obvious.

Would those who claim “Hindus only retaliate” be comfortable if a Bihari militia were to massacre Maharashtrians as “retaliation” for attacks by the MNS and the Shiv Sena? Would they accept if Northeastern armed organisations carried out massacres of Delhiites in “retaliation” for atrocities and racism against Northeasterners in the capital? It is a mark of how low we have come as a society that so many people go around mouthing these slogans today, as if 6

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gangrape and massacres can ever be justified by “retaliation” and “self-defence.”

Myth: Hindus do not kill based on their religion.

Only Muslims do, because their religion requires them to.

In Gujarat in 2002, in Delhi and other cities in 1984, in Bhagalpur in 1989, and in most other riots, the overwhelming majority of those who died were from minority communities (Muslims, Sikhs, etc.) Then we have the recent instances of bomb blasts by Hindutva organisations. The majority of the killers in all of these incidents were Hindus, and the organisations that drove the killings called on them to kill non-Hindus. Would it be accurate to say they killed because Hinduism required them to do so? No, clearly, in all those instances, the attackers and the organisers were political groups seeking political goals (and dressing them up as religious goals). This is exactly what far right Muslim groups do too.

Every religion has groups that urge conflict with other religions, and holy texts in every religion contain things that endorse atrocities (just look at what the Manu Smriti says about women and Dalits, or the Old Testament of the Bible says about massacres of non-Jews). This does not mean that followers of those religions follow those texts literally. The vast majority of Muslims, like the vast majority of Hindus, Christians, or any other group, has never killed anyone and never will.

Myth: Muslims are united and act together, while Hindus are divided and weak.

Every election study ever done has found that Muslims vote in the same manner as any other community votes – for facilities, on the basis of the candidate, whether they like a political party, etc. In practice also Muslims are no more united than any other group; they have internal divisions on religious, caste, gender, regional, language and countless other lines, just like any other community in India. If Muslims were “united”, one would expect that they would be represented well in Parliament. In fact, Muslim MPs constituted only 5.5% of the outgoing Lok Sabha, even though they are more than 13% of the population.

If anything, in today’s cities the idea of “Muslims all live together” has been created by discrimination against them and them being forced to live in particular ghettos. Meanwhile, in voting, people worry

Islam

about their own physical safety; just as a Bihari will not vote for a Shiv Sena candidate, most Muslims would not vote for the BJP. This is, once again, common sense. A party which has built itself around calling you foreigners, terrorists and anti-nationals is not likely to win your vote.

Myth: The government favours Muslims and pampers them.

On the contrary, official data indicates systematic discrimination against Muslims. The Sachar Committee found that availability of bus stops, roads, bank branches etc. is lower in Muslim majority areas, even when compared to nearby villages with a Hindu majority. Muslims on average received only 2/3 the loan amounts disbursed to other minorities.

The proportion of Muslims living in pucca houses is lower than the general population, both in cities and in villages, even if compared to others at their level of poverty. Muslims form less than 3% of the IAS officers and 4% of IPS officers, even though their population is about 13% of the total. Overall, the Sachar Committee concluded that on average Muslims are at roughly the same socioeconomic level as Dalits and adivasis.

Similarly, in a study published in the Economic and Political Weekly in 2007, the authors responded to 548 job advertisements from private sector companies with three identical applications – one with a high caste Hindu name, one with a Dalit name, and one with a Muslim name. Even though the applications were otherwise identical, the Dalit name was approximately one third less likely to get called for an interview, and the Muslim name was two thirds less likely. In both the public and the private sectors, Muslims are denied opportunities across the board.

Myth: But Hindus cannot buy land in Jammu and Kashmir!

Non-Kashmiris cannot buy land in J&K – just as non-Himachalis cannot buy land in Himachal Pradesh, outsiders cannot enter Nagaland without permission, non-Uttarakhandis can buy only small plots in Uttarakhand, etc. Many parts of India have these regulations to protect local populations. The issue has nothing to do with religion.

Myth: The Muslim population is increasing faster than the Hindu population, especially because Muslim men can have many wives. Their aim is to become the majority.

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The National Family Health Survey has found that young Muslim women have the same fertility rate as young Hindu women of the same economic level.

The slightly higher growth rate for Muslims overall is due to the fact that, on average, Muslims are poorer than Hindus. Common sense would also indicate this. Kerala, which has a Muslim population of approximately 25%, also has the lowest population growth rate of any State in the country. Poverty and lack of facilities are far more important than religion in deciding how many children you have. The fertility rate of Muslims in States like Tamil Nadu and Kerala is far below that of Hindus in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar or Rajasthan, for instance.

As for Muslim men marrying many wives, it is blindingly obvious that this can make no difference to population growth, since if one Muslim man has two wives, that means some other man will have no wife (given that the populations of men and women are roughly equal). Meanwhile, the NFHS found (in the only survey that looked at this) that approximately 5.8% of Hindu men have multiple wives, while only 5.73% of Muslim men do.

Myth: Muslims got ‘their’ country when Pakistan was created, now they should leave ‘our’ country.

The first active political leaders to talk of separate countries for Muslims and Hindus were those who would later be part of the Hindu Mahasabha. Bhai Paramanand, later president of the Mahasabha, demanded this in 1905. The demand for Pakistan did not emerge from the Muslim League until 1940, and then as well it was a political demand by a political party. Huge numbers of Muslims opposed the idea of Pakistan, including the biggest Islamic religious school in India – the Deoband seminary – and President of the Congress party, Maulana Azad, who was one of India’s greatest freedom fighters. The demand for Pakistan was a demand by a political party, not a demand by Muslims as a whole.

In short, it’s simple: Muslims are human beings, with as much diversity and free thinking as any other group of people. In this climate of intense hate-mongering against Muslims, it’s necessary to reject these racist myths and instead stand up for a world that values human dignity.

*Nivedita Menon teaches Politics at School of International Studies, JNU, Delhi http://muslimmirror.com/eng/myths-about-muslimsunmasked/

33 T Ramadhan

Blessings and Benefits of Ramadhan Fasting: How many will you reap?

he blessings and benefits of Ramadhan Fasting are too many to be counted. If one does recognize them and realize their importance, he wishes to have the month of Ramadhan to be throughout the whole year.

These blessings are given by Allah to the fasting Muslims, who are to fast with full faith and expectation.

These blessings and benefits of the month of fasting during Ramadhan have been grouped and summarized into different categories. They are summarized here without commentary. It should be remembered that all of these blessings were taken directly from Holy Quran and Hadith.

The following is a partial list for the blessings and benefits of Ramadhan Fasting:

01. Taqwa:

“O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious)” [Quran 2/183] 1. Fearing Allah (SWT) 2. Practicing the Revelations of Allah (SWT) 3. Accepting the little things that one has achieved 4. Preparing for departure from this world to the Hereafter 5. Self-discipline 6. Self-control 7. Self-restraint 8. Self-education 9. Self-evaluation By accepting these criteria and by practicing them, the Muslim will achieve the concept of Taqwa in his private and public life.

02. Protection:

1. Avoiding Immorality 2. Avoiding anger/outcry/uproar 3. Avoiding stupidity 4. Avoiding all makrooh/mashbooh/haram By achieving these good manners, a Muslim will come out of fasting a better human being in the society.

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03. Revelation of Holy Quran:

The Holy Quran was revealed during the month of Ramadhan.

“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)” [Quran 2/185] The Holy Quran is meant to be: 1. A Guidance to mankind 2. A Manifestation of right from wrong 3. A Summation and culmination of all previous revelations 4. A Glad-tiding to the believers 5. A Healer 6. A Mercy

04. Doors of heaven are open (Hadith Ahmed,

Nasai, Baihaqi)

05. Doors of hell are closed (Hadith Ahmed,

Nasai, Baihaqi)

06. Devils are chained down (Hadith Ahmed,

Nasai, Baihaqi)

07. Fasting with Iman (faith) and expectation:

Such type of intention leads to forgiveness by Allah (SWT) to the individual's sins. (Hadith Ahmed, Abu Dawood, Ibn Majah)

08. Door of Rayyan:

There is in Paradise a door called Al-Rayyan. It is for the fasting Muslims. Only those who fasted the month of Ramadhan are the ones to enjoy the bliss of Paradise inside that area.

09. Rejoices:

There are two types of rejoices for the Muslims who fast. These are: 1. When breaking fast 2. When meeting Allah (SWT) on the day of Judgment .(Muslim 6/2568, Ahmed)

Ramadhan

10. Mouth Smell:

The smell of the mouth of the fasting Muslim will be better than the smell of musk during the day of Judgement.

11. Glad-Tidings:

These glad-tidings are given to the well-wishers while the ill-wishers are to be stopped during fasting.

12. Ramadhan -to- Ramadhan:

Whoever fasts two consecutive months of Ramadhan with good intention will receive forgiveness for the mistakes committed throughout the year.

13. Multiplication of Rewards:

Doing good = 10x, 70x, 700x or more during the month of Ramadhan.

14. Feeding Others:

Whoever invites others to break the fast, and whoever takes care of the hungry, needy, during the last ten days of Ramadhan will receive equal rewards to the fasting person(s).

15. Blessing of Iftar:

Dua is accepted by ALLAH (SWT) at Iftar time.

16. Blessings of Sahoor (The late night meal)

“ The Prophet (pbh) said, "Take suhur as there is a blessing (Barakah)in it." (Bukhari 31/146) : This meal time gives the opportunity for: 1. Night Prayers 2. Zikr, Remembrance, Contemplation 3. Recitation of Holy Quran 4. FajrSalat in Jamaat 5. Dua of Fajr

17. Night Prayers:

Whoever performs the Night prayers with sincerity and good intention will receive forgiveness of his past mistakes. He who observed prayer at night during Ramadan,because of faith and seeking his reward from Allah, his previous sins would be forgiven.(Bukhari , Muslim 4/1662)

18. Shafa'at (Pleading One's Case for Forgiveness (Hadith Ahmed): Whoever fasts Ramadhan will receive on the day of Judgement the Shafa'at of: 1. Ramadhan (Hadith Ahmed) 9

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2. Holy Quran (Hadith Ahmed)

19. Ihya (Passing Nights Awake):

Last ten days of Ramadhan. When a Muslim makes this type of effort, he will get rewards, forgiveness, and multiples of blessings.

20. Itikaf (Retreat):

A Muslim who performs Itikaf during the last ten days of Ramadhan will get: 1. Blessings and rewards 2. Peace of mind 3. Contemplation and evaluation 4. Better citizen

21. LailatulQadr (The Night of Power):

Whoever observes it with sincerity and good intention will get the following benefits: 1. Forgiveness of mistakes .(Bukhari 1/34) 2. Better than 1,000 months “The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months” [3/97] 3. Dua 4. Zikr 5. Prayers 6. Reading Holy Quran 7. Rewards 8. Blessings 9. Better human being

22. Generosity : Kindness, hospitality, visitation, etc.

All of these and many more are among the benefits of Ramadhan.

23. Zakat al-Fitrah (Charity on Eid Day):

The benefits of paying such as charity to the needy are tremendous, among which are the following: 1. Purity 2. Feeding the needy 3. Sharing happiness 4. Improving human relations 5. Improving society

24. Sadaqah (Charity):

The benefits of paying sadaqah are many. These are summarized as follows: 1. Purity 2. Flourishing of wealth 3. Improving economy 4. Circulation of wealth 5. Elimination of inflation 6. Elimination of poverty

Ramadhan

25. Fasting and Health:

By fasting, one gets the following benefits: 1. Purification of body from toxins 2. Reducing of weight 3. Purity of brain 4. Rejuvenation of body 5. Living of life with happiness 6. Looking younger

26. Change of Lifestyle: By living a different life style, one gets rid of the monotony of life and hence enjoys his life span.

27. Sharing:

Of hunger, thirst and rituals with others in the society.

28. Eid-ul-Fitr (Feast) :

5-Day Mathematics Workshop for Madarsa Teachers Held In Delhi

Sadbhav Mission and Hamdard Education Societyorganized a 5-Day “Mathematcis workshop for MadarsaTeachers” at Talimabad, New Delhi from May 25 to 29, 2014.Mr. Syed Samar Hamid extended his full cooperation and Dr.Ismail Ghazi worked immensely hard to mobilize teachers and made all the arrangements. 65 people participated in theworkshop, 9AM to 4 PM, with great enthusiasm. Of these 20were women, including 7 Hindu girls/ teachers with educationupto B.A., B.Ed., and M.A.

Prof. V.K. Tripathi gave thelectures while Mrs. Poonam, Mr. Mohammad Inam, Dr. Ashok Kumar, Dr. Pawan Kumar, Dr. Manoj Kumar, Dr. RohtashSingh, Dr. Deepak Tripathi and Mr. 29. Graveyards Visitation: Satish Rajouria conductedthe tutorials with great One will get the following benefits by visiting graveinvolvement. We covered angle,triangle, yards.

Pythagoras theorem, constructions, field 1. Dua for the deceased book,circular chart, decimals, unitary method, 2. Preparing oneself for departure from this world billing, banking,compound interest, area and vol3. Feeling respect for the deceased ume, Mr. Mohd. Saquib gavean exciting talk on 4. Making the person to be humble in his life drawing based on geometry.

Sharing of happiness and visitation of one another as members of the society.

30. Every breath is Tasbiih.

Every breath and even sleep is Ibadah and awarded.

31. Umrah in Ramadhan:

Performing umrah during the fasting month of Ramadhan is: Equal to one Hajj (pilgrimage) 'Perform `Umra when Ramadan comes, for `Umra in Ramadan is equal to Hajj (in reward) [Bukhari 3/10, Muslim 7/2884]

32. Historical Successes and Victories in Ramadhan:

Muslims throughout their history received many benefits during Ramadhan the month of fasting,

33. Learning lessons from historical incidents

that happened during Holy Ramadhan the month of fasting

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Erose Chairman Mr. SAS Kirmani gave a fascinating lecture onmagic of numbers. Patna Collective activist Ms. ShahrukhAlam’s talk on social issues touched every heart. VKT gave alecture on world history in last 1000 years.

The valedictory function was equally memorable duethe presence of Mr. Syed Samar Hamid and eloquentspeeches by the Chief Guest Prof. Akhtar ulWase andHumdard Public School Proncipal Mrs. Siddiqui.

The total expenditure of the workshop, including participants’ lunch(Rs. 8900) and transport ( 9000), folder, books, instruments etc. was Rs.27,000. Of this, Hamdard Education Society shared Rs. 5000, besides all theresponsibilities and Dr. Viveksajal contributed Rs. 2000. Dr. Ashok Kumar,Dr. Pawan Kumar and Dr. Rohtash provided snacks on three days.

A Grand Political Dilemma Guest Coloumn

O

I By Dr. V.K. Tripathi I

n January 6, 1990 we had made a commitment deep in our hearts to develop grassroots resistance against communalism which we saw as an ideology blurring our perception and an instrument to polarize masses to perpetuate exploitation and political dominance. We realized that communalism operated at many levels, through shrines (religious hierarchy), education, administration, polity, market forces, media and violence. A genuine secular effort must evolve multi-pronged strategy to counter sectarianism at various levels.

We, in last 24 years, focused on educational and relief activities without touching communalism at any other level.

There too our efforts remained localized to few pockets. Their impact on political scene was never articulated seriously. We did campaign during elections but that was like educating voters on certain issues. In recent Loksabha elections we raised ten vital issues and carried six weeks of campaigning in Delhi, Lalitpur and Vadodara distributing 24,000 fliers “LoksabhaChunaavkeMudde” and “An Appeal for Self Enquiry in the Context of Loksabha Elections”. People appreciated our fliers. However, when they asked us which party or candidate they should vote for we had no answer as we had no connection to any political party, nor had full liking for any party’s policies and practices.

Besides Sadbhav Mission there are progressive groups of great integrity and commitment to secularism, freedom and equality in the country. However, their number and resourcefulness, when compared to right wing groups, is minuscule. Further, their political preferences are different. I would consider 60% having Marxist leanings, 20% socialist leanings, 20% Gandhi Nehru legacy. The former two can not reconcile to Congress polity and practice, hence, they remain passive during elections, except in few states where they have political formations of their choice. Some in the third category support Congress but mostly on surface. This state of indifference to polity is worrisome as state power has over-riding influence on lives of people and its concentration in the hands of sectarian and corporate elite is danger11

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ous.

The secular groups need to connect to workers of political parties that have the legacy or ideology of freedom, secularism and equality and help strengthening their ideological understanding and commitment that they severely lack today. They may tell the leaders of the parties to form separate cells for farmers, workers, artisans, women, dalits, minorities and tribals and build leadership among them. Other actions awaiting us are:

1) Building News Network: Secular groups are bringing out monthly or quarterly magazines. They need to increase their circulation and frequency.

Some issues could be in the form of pamphlets or bulletins. Along with this, campaign must be built on freeing media from corporate control.

2) Building People-Centric Culture Network: Progressive groups engaged in theatre, music and arts and doing excellent work. Their realm needs to be enlarged. The goal is to spread the culture of self-enquiry, freedom, harmony, truth and equality that is integral to the working classes and has labor as its core component.

3) Preserving Sanctity of Academic Institutions: In last 23 years the number of engineering, management and other colleges has increased many fold.

More than 90% of these colleges are private and mostly owned by business houses with link to sectarian ideology. In government colleges too there are people of such ideology and their influence may rise.

The lamp of freedom and equality needs to be lit there along with sharing the educational concerns of faculty and students. Resisting efforts to communalize curriculum would be an integral part of this campaign.

4) Cooling Down Passions: Elections aroused sectarian passions all over the country. These need to be cooled down so that the voices of sanity and justice prevail. Muzaffarnagar and Bodoland, that witnessed massive violence, need special efforts.

{Dr. V.K. Tripathi, is Professor of Physics @ IITDelhi}

Combating Rape: Society

Challenges andConsiderations I By Sameera Syed I

On the night of Wednesday May 28th, two teenagedgirls were brutally gang raped and murdered in the Badaundistrict of Uttar Pradesh whilst searching for a place to relievethemselves outdoors. Five men were arrested in connection tothe case thereafter, two of whom were police officers whorefused to investigate the disappearance of the girls.The nation’s outrage against rape and violence againstwomen, which commanded headlines after the events of Dec.2012, once again reached the forefront of media coverage.

Undoubtedly, there is reason to be outraged. In its 2012Annual Report, the National Crime Records Bureau reported24,923 rapes to have occurred that year, out of a populationof 585 million women. Even more deeply upsetting is thenotion that a huge proportion of rapes are left unreported eachyear, with various scholarly estimates claiming that between54 to 90% of rapes are left undocumented.

The aforementioned grotesque act of violence in UPhas highlighted numerous challenges in preventing andcombating rape nationally. Some of these obstacles include:

(1) Rampant corruption of the police, particularly with regardsto FIRs and criminal investigations, (2) A lack of improvedsanitation facilities putting women at greater risk of assault, (3) A highly inefficient justice system, particularly in cases ofviolence against women, (4) An unrelenting, widespreadculture of misogyny, and (5) An absence of urgency to ensurejustice and safety for all women. Considerations for each ofthe above issues are as follows:

(1) An article from June 6th the Times of India examinedthe immense difficulty faced in lodging FIRs in Uttar Pradesh.Across the state, and arguably across the nation, it iscommonplace for police officers to refuse to register criminalcases that are brought to them. Caste partly plays a role inthese refusals, with complaints of those from marginalizedgroups regularly being dismissed by law enforcement officials.

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It is clear that the longstanding police culture which allowssuch rampant corruption to occur needs to be addressedimmediately. Potential courses of action include: trainingpolice forces to begin a systematic shift away from corruptbehavior; strengthening internal monitoring mechanisms toimprove upon police accountability and performance; anddigitalizing the FIR system to allow for transparency andfurther accountability. The key here, and with allrecommendations below, is that policymakers at the local,state, and national levels need incentives to zealously pursuesuch reform options in the first place. This is where repeatedengagement from the common man, NGOs, grassrootsmovements, and the private sector come into play.

(2) According to the Progress on Drinking Water andSanitation report from the World Health Organization andUNICEF, 792 million Indians in 2012 did not have access toan improved sanitation facility, meaning a facility that ensureshygienic separation of human excreta from human contact.

Further, India remains the country with the highest number ofpeople (597 million, or approximately 50% of the population)practicing open defecation, which is defecation in fields,forests, bodies of water, or other open spaces. One of manyharmful consequences of open defecation is that women, inparticular, are forced to find remote, secluded locations torelieve themselves, oftentimes at night. The immense lack ofimproved sanitation facilities in the nation thus contributes towomen being at greater risk of assault, as seen in the Badauntragedy. Improved sanitation and eradication of opendefecation are therefore two additional areas for policymakersto actively target, particularly in terms of providing safefacilities for women that are both accessible and appropriatefor their use.

(3) Nation-wide outrage following Dec. 2012 prompted theGovernment of India to produce the Verma Report, part ofwhich discussed reforming judicial policy on gender violence.However, according to an article published by OxfordUniversity Press in February 2014, the government has failedto actualize most policy recommendations in the VermaReport, particularly in terms of implementing quicker trials

Society

andenhanced punishment in cases of sexual assault againstwomen. In addition, the INR 10 billion Nirbhaya funds,approved by parliament in last year’s budget to ensurewomen’s safety and security, have yet to be used. Thejudiciary therefore needs repeated prompting and pressure atthe local, state, and national levels to address the following:the gross shortage of courts, judges, and prosecutors, whichlead to trials that last for years; unrestrained intimidation ofvictims and witnesses; and the arbitrary dismissal of rapecases before a verdict is even reached.

(4) It is needless to say that unbridled misogyny is one ofour greatest adversaries when struggling to combat rape. Howcan we expect our populace to treat women with respect anddignity when even our elected officials assert the notion thatboys will be boys? When commenting on injustices againstwomen, Dr. AshutoshVarshney states, “A woman’s body asthe site of cultural purity is the predominant theme in theancient Sanskrit epics, and dishonoring a woman is equal todishonoring a family and even a culture.” As a result, policeauthorities and community members often see their first dutyafter a rape as protecting a woman’s modesty and a family’shonor, instead of giving her justice. While the idea of aninherent purity to womankind is innocuous by itself, failing togive women justice in favor of protecting their modesty is whathelps breed misogyny. This challenge is one that no policyrecommendation can holistically tackle. The onus is ours toconfront injustices against women, whether it’s in ourhouseholds, communities, schools, places of worship, etc.

(5) Last, but not least, the countless discussions of rapeand violence against women that are broadcasted by themedia lack one very important element: a sense ofunequivocal urgency in combating this tremendous problem athand. How many girls need to be assaulted, raped, andmurdered before this issue is genuinely considered a topnational priority? Rather than waiting for an answer to thatquestion, let us each individually – and all collectively – makean urgent appeal for others to recognize that justice andsafety for women are paramount. Whether through ourspeech, written words, or actions, let it be known that violenceagainst women is preventable, not inevitable. v {Sameera Syed, in Patrika, a Sadbhav Mission publication} 13

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Har

Mirch

Seraj Akram

Ramadan kay aate hi mubarakbadi ka silsila shrou.

Aur jinko rahne ko ghar nahi, khane ko anaj nahi aur laraai dango ke wajah se jaan ki hifazt nahi uske bare me sochne ka aur uske lie madad karne walon ki taadad kahi kam banisbat mubarkbadi dene walon ke. Logon ki takleef ka ahsas dilane wale maahe Ramzan me ahsas ke bajaye mubarbadi ka shor zyadah ho gaya hai.

Ibadat ke mahine me ibadat ke sath sath dawat ka bhi khoob ehtamam kiya jata hai,

Agar khate pite logo ko lazeez khane khilane par kharch karne ke bajaye garibon par kharch kiya jaye to shayed kahin zyadah sawab hasil ho sakta hai. Saikron tanzeemain paise ekattha karke pure Ramzan ka iftar kit garibon me taqseem karti hai jisk kharch 4 hazar se zyadah nahi pure mahine ke liye. Ab sochie dawat zaruri hai ya in garib khandano ki mahine bhar ke liye kifalat aham hai.

Rewayati josh aur jazba apni jagah lekin kya waqayi Ramzan ki asal rooh ab baqi rah gayi hai ya sirf dekhawa ho raha hai, jo jitna paisa wala hai wah usi dhang se iftar ka ahtemam karke apni shanakht qayem kar raha hai.

Dawaton ke ahtamam ke beech hazaron lakhon logo ka iftar ya sehri khanay ke liye 2 roti ka hona in mezbanon ke liye sochne ka maqam nahi. Ramzan dawat ka mahina hai ay bhaichargi aur hamdardi ka? Jo log dono kam karte hain to kya dawat ko kam ya khatm karke sirf garibon ki madad karna zyadah zaruri nahi.

“Islam is Peaceful, Muslims are violent” Islam

S

I Arbaz Fahad I

A conversation between two Non Muslims teve: - Hey buddy; Islam is a constant threat to our ideals of peaceful co-existence!

Daniel: - Yeah mate, probably the most outdated, violent and intolerant religion on the earth.

A conversation between two Muslim youths Rafiq: - Damn the American’s and Israelis! They are constantly killing our brethren in Palestine, Iraq and Afghanistan. The Russians are inflicting untold miseries on the people of Chechnya and Bosnia; the Indian’s aren’t sparing us in Kashmir!!

Mohsin: - The whole world is conspiring against the Muslims; Jihad is the only way to teach these infidels a lesson!

Meanwhile, a wooden plate is hanging on the ceiling of the mosque. The inscription on it is printed in beautiful Arabic, though no one seems aware of its meaning. It says:“WaAllahu yadAAoo ila dari alssalami wayahdee man yashao ila siratin mustaqeemin”

“And God Calls to the home of peace, and guides whom he wills onto a straight path” The contrast between the words of the Qur’an and the actions of the Muslims is appalling. Let me make one point crystal clear; Islam and Muslims cannot be weighed on the same pedestal! Islam calls towards the establishment of global peace and exhorts people to exercise the heavenly virtues of tolerance, patience and respect for the beliefs of other communities. Muslims on the other hand are famous for their narrow mindset, intolerant attitude and sadistic activities.

Whenever a matter of importance crops up, there are two ways to deal with it. One is to adopt the community point of view, and the second is to pick the Quran’ic point of view. Why are Muslims messing up with their international and social affairs? Simply because, they form their opinions in a fit of misguided passion, completely disregarding the Quran’ic way to deal with the problem. For example, let’s summarize the global issues of the Muslim 14

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community-

Palestine/Kashmir/Iran/Afghanistan/Iraq/ChechnyaBosnia issues, accusing the Western nations and their media on grounds of conspiring against the Muslims and interfering in their socio-religious political affairs. Now, let’s shift our focus on the solutions we have developed to solve our problems. Reality stings, but we need to admit that a group of misguided leaders have used the pretext of atrocities on the Muslims of Palestine to justify terrorism and violence, which has greatly tarnished the reputation of Islam. Muslims prove their staunchness in faith by bombing innocent people and kidnapping school girls. Wow! We surely are paying a wonderful tribute to our prophet. The same prophet, who was sent as a mercy to the whole of humankind-Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jews, Atheists, Agnostics included. These problems have hooked their head up, just because we have time and again adopted the community point of view which is shaped by a particularly influential group and have disregarded the word of God, which transcends the limits of time and space.

The Quran’ic path is of absolute peace, forbearance, patience and maintaining equilibrium of mind in testing conditions. The Quran stresses that Peace is not a timely initiative; it is the eternal law of nature.

The Quran reflects that Man is himself responsible, for the corruption that has jaded the earth. God says:-

“Truly! Allah wrongs not mankind in aught; but mankind wrong themselves.” Quran 10:44 Threats and conspiracies are a constant proportion in this world. Even, the prophet and his immediate successors had to deal with conspiracies and intrigues.

The need of the hour is to exceed beyond the lines of conspiracy and emerge victorious. God has created this universe on the principle of competition and struggle- be it in individuals or among communities.

The enigma of competition began from Haabil and Qaabil and will last until the final confrontation between Masih and Dajjal. In face of trials, tribulations, scheming and plotting God commands the believers to remain steadfast and patient. God says

Islam

“But if you preserve patiently and guard against evil, then that will be a determining factor in all affairs” Quran 3:186 After a prolonged period of time, a community loses its sense of consciousness and their perceptive abilities begin to disintegrate. The rooh of Deen is missing from them. They live in false hopes and entertain fictional hopes of their revival. They are far removed from the notions of reality and authenticity. God says in the Quran

“Allah will never change the grace, which he has bestowed on a people, until they change, what is in their own souls” Quran 8:53 The immediate task ahead 1.

Revival of faith- To in surge a conscious revolution among the Muslim youth. To produce individuals, whose faith rides to the level of positive work.

2.

Refrain from all notorious activities- which disturbs the realistic approach of people, and may incite their passions to the level of obsession 3.

Complete abstention from any sort of political activity, and to thrust all efforts towards our academical progress and personal development

{Arbaz Fahad <arbazfahad@rediffmail.com>}

Please Do Not Eat Too Much Junk

"Yeh Amcha Paper Hai, Baba!"

He was a successful timber merchant from Nagpur, while at the same time a passionate student of the Quran. Every time we held a summer camp, he would come all the way to Bangalore, at his own cost, to deliver the Dars al Quran. Maulana Parekh Saheb, as he was fondly called, was also a patron of the YMD.

An incident he related during one of his talks still resonates in my ears. A Maharashtrian Dalit woman once came to his office hawking oranges, which she carried on her head in a basket. As she lay the basket on the floor, one could notice a newspaper folded and tucked in the basket along with the oranges. Maulana Parekh asked her, “Bai, do you know how to read?” She replied in the negative.

Surprised, he asked her, “Then, how do you manage to read the newspaper in your basket”. She replied quaintly, “Yeh Amcha paper hai (this is our paper).”

Maulana Parekh was astonished at her commitment: despite not being able to read, she would still buy the newspaper, with the express intention to support the cause.

How many of our educated and well-read class can say the same when it comes to supporting Muslim newspapers and magazines.

I can also recall a talk by the late Sheikh Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi which he delivered during Juma in Hajira Khan, Indian School Salalah, Salalah, Sultanate the Lal Masjid in Bangalore some 20 years ago. (I clearly remember that the late Muslim League of Oman leader, Janab Ibrahim Sulaiman Sait, was also present in the congregation). Among other things, Once upon a time there lived a little girl named Alice.

She never ate vegetables and fruits. She only ate junk Sheikh Ali Miyan, lamented the lack of a single Hindi or English national daily newspaper pubfood. She used to eat chocolates, biscuits, chips and lished

by Muslims in India. He surmised the reason drink colas. One day her mother told her not to eat too much junk, but she did not obey. One day she ate for this, saying, “This is because we do not consider the chocolate in the night. The next day she got a very this (the act of publishing newspapers and magazines) a religious duty (Yeh iss wajhe se hai kyon ke bad toothache. So they went to the dentist. He told hum isko deen ka kaam nahi samajthe hain). that, we must take out the cavity tooth. She was scared to take out the cavity tooth. After taking out the cavity tooth she began to cry. Then she learnt her They passed away, into the benign presence of their Lord, reminding us of our duty. Will we pay heed! lesson, that eating too much junk is not good for health.

Khalid Noor Mohammed Moral: Do not eat too much junk food. It makes you <khalidchinoy@gmail.com>, in a message sent to NRI Indians Group weak.

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A Wife is Not a Girlfriend

T

he character and personality of a girlfriend is quite different from the character and personality of a wife. She who had been a good girlfriend, might succeed as a wife, or might not. In most cases that does not happen. Not because she can never be a good wife, but because, the disappointment is oppressive. Similar is the case when we compare the boyfriend against the husband, writes SYED IQBAL ZAHEER in Young Muslim Digest’s June 2014 edition.

Satan has a million guiles. One of them is that of an innocent relationship between a boy and a girl. They believe (or pretend to believe) that their relationship is pure, free of any sexual overtones and undertones, and full of sisterly or brotherly affection and liking.

Many parents close their eyes when their children fall into this trap. They think it is a harmless relationship.

In actual fact, this kind of relationship (between nonmahrams) is only possible between children who are not conscious of their selves. If the two are above 9 or 10, when sex-consciousness begins to develop, their relationship will definitely take sexual overtones.

Relationship developed during this age leaves a deep imprint on the mind. In most cases they fall into what is called as “boyfriend/ girlfriend syndrome”; or, the “first-love syndrome.” If they do not get married, the longing for each other remains until death.

But the situation changes drastically, in most cases, after marriage. For, a wife is not a girlfriend.

There is something strange about these “firsts” of life. We tend to clearly remember the first things in our lives. The day the first cycle was gifted by the father and you went out to proudly display it to your pals, the first train journey, the first day in college, the first child’s birth, and so on. The events stick to memory and recalling is sweet.

The first dating is similar. Married people with children and grandchildren, at the borders of senescence still recall their first date with clarity and fondness.

The reasons should not be difficult to guess. First cycle, first train journey, etc. are momentary events.

They do not involve one’s mind, body, or emotions, but marginally. But human contacts leave their sig16

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nature at the deepest level of mind and heart. If they are prolonged, many memories get attached to them.

And when it is male and female, and it is their first contact with the opposite sex, when they are teens, then, the memory’s fondness is deeply emotional, deeply etched in mind.

If they were in love, or thought so, but did not get married, then, the story is incomplete, the train-journey was cut short, the disappointment is bitter, and will last the rest of their lives. Marriage is the only cure. But, most such marriages fail.

Love is the central theme of life. So much so, that a true Sufi doesn’t bother about heaven and hell. It is enough of a reward for him that he should meet with his Lord. Christianity’s motto is “God is love.”

Rightly so, but, unfortunately, the first Christian having died on the cross, seems to have taken the elixir with him, leaving behind an empty bottle.

At all events, neither the Sufi is wholly right in his belief, nor the Christians who have been the most bloody with humans, throughout their history, and evince all intentions to carry with their journey on the holy grail. May we not fall in their path of love – Amen.

The point we are trying to drive at is that love is truly the central theme of life, but not a very successful guile if used as a slogan, little believed in. But the boy and girl, recently conscious of sex, little suspecting of how the society can convert their Godgifted innocence into artful fiendishness as they grow, how the modern world can train them into becoming selfish bugs, and how the advancing age alters its demands, tend to believe that they are in true love. Beliefs blind, when they are not rational. People’s

blind belief in stone gods is an example. In Islam, rational love is valued more than emotional love. In case of teens in love, none of the defects of each is visible to the other. The Devil sits on their eyelashes. More: dreamy eyes see merits that do not exist. Their minds are locked, not the hearts, as it is commonly believed.

Little surprise then that, having fallen into the trap of “first love,” if they get married, they end up in separation in majority of cases. Separation time is at most five years. Disappointment follows disappointments. In some cases, regretful feelings visit them on the first morning after marriage. The boy had never seen his sweetie – as he sees her now, leaving the bed yawning – with pimples at a few wrong places, the hair disheveled, eyes filled with yellow smut, and the earlobes a little bit out of shape.

They are yet to begin their married life in earnest.

They are yet to have a conversation as long as they used to have earlier. Never again they will have it.

Before marriage it was, he: “I love this lake,” and she, “me too” (the lake is stinking with filthy water).

Or he, “I hate fish, they stink,” and she, “I am not particularly fond of them.” (She enjoys them). Or, “I love computer games,” and she, “I suppose they are a good pastime,” (she hates them, anyway).

So, it is artificiality through and through. Both are falling upon each other trying to be agreeable to each other. Both wish to submerge their personalities into the other’s. Films give them dialogs, and, as bonus, dreams of happy life thereafter, forever and forever.

Although, as pointed out earlier, some regret creeps in the morning after marriage, they remain suppressed during coming months and years. But, gradually, as and when personalities open up, realities become visible, disenchantment grows, differences harden up. There was that pre-marriage time when the two wished to submerge in the other’s personality; these are times, when each begins to assert his or her personality. Confrontation is inevitable.

The character and personality of a girlfriend is quite different from the character and personality of a wife. She who had been a good girlfriend, might succeed as a wife, or might not. In most cases that does not happen. Not because she can never be a good wife, but because, the disappointment is oppressive.

And of course, the reverse is also true, that is, what is true of a girlfriend is also true of a boyfriend. A husband is not a boyfriend. He may succeed as a 17

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husband; he may not. In pretty many cases, he does not. Not because he could never be a good husband, but because of his anger.

A girlfriend has to have two qualities: talk smart, look pretty; where talk smart is more important than look pretty; for, the boyfriend is partly blind. But a wife too must look pretty, but she should also be responsible, and should not be a chatter box. She must go as often as possible where she had never been once before marriage: the kitchen. When she says, “Your dinner is in the fridge,” the honeymoon is over, arrogance is visible in her face, and anger is visible on his face. There are pretty many things that a wife has to do, and be. Before marriage, her world was her boyfriend. After marriage, there are a dozen men and women around, with whom she must interact rightly. The list of demands on her is long, and grows. The main point is, she is not a girlfriend. If she tries to remain the happy-go-lucky buddy she once was, she will neither be happy, nor enough lucky.

Rare it is that a boyfriend and girlfriend got married, and they proved to be successful husband and wife.

And, where success is seen by the outsiders, it is because they both assure each other that the time for a change is gone, and so, they must simply learn to live with each other – each hiding disappointment from those who had advised against the dating, against the marriage. But the rise in the cases of separation, tells us that pretty many smiling faces in public carry scorn in private.

Another point: they dream of successful marriage.

Come to your senses. When life itself is failing, and failing miserably, at the widest of panorama, as in our times, then, how can husband-wife relationship succeed? If the choice had been blind, which it was, then, you are in a blind alley. If you escape bumping your head into a wall, you will hurt your toe hitting a stone. Successful marriages make a high demand on man and wife. But that is not the topic here. Teenage boys and girls must be strictly kept apart.

Any talk of innocent relationship between a boy and a girl, is simply rubbish. It is kitten-puppy relationship. Watch them when they have grown into moral and mental maturity. Watch them turn into enemies.

Watch them laughing boisterously. Watch them, because that won’t happen too often.

Source: http://www.youngmuslimdigest.com/editorial/06/2014/wife-girlfriend/

Dates Round the Year Health

T

I By Hajira Khan & Sameen Ahmed Khan I

he Muslims world-wide have the tradition to end the Siyaam (fast or fasting) by taking date fruits. This is based on the saying of the Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him), â&#x20AC;&#x153;break your Siyaam by eating dates as it is purifyingâ&#x20AC;?. About twenty fruits and fruit bearing plants have been identified in the Holy Quran, but it is the date-palm which is referred the most. It is mentioned twenty times, in eight places individually and in twelve places with other fruits. The twenty plants mentioned in the Holy Quran include: date palm, fig, ginger, grape, garlic, henna/camphor, lentil, manna, olive, onion, pomegranate, summer squash, sweet basil, athel tamarisk, tooth-brush tree, arak, mustard, acacia, cucumber, gourd, leek, cedrus (cedar or Lotetree) and Euphorbia. The Bitter Thorn and Blessed Tree are yet to be identified. The Bitter Thorn is the tree in the Jahannum (hell) and is mentioned in Surah Al-Ghashiyah (88, meaning The Overwhelming Event): 6-7. The Blessed Tree is mentioned in Surah Al-Ra`d (13, meaning The Thunder): 29. The Quranic botany continues to be an active area of research. The date palm is mentioned by name twenty times, in eight places individually and in twelve places with other fruits. The corresponding twenty Ayah occurring in sixteen Surah of the Holy Quran are: Al-Baqarah (2): 266; Al-An`am (6): 99, 141; AlRa`d (13): 4; Al-Nahl (16): 11, 67; Al-Isra (17): 91; Al-Kahf (18): 32; Maryam (19): 23, 25; Ta Ha (20): 71; Al-Mu'minun (23): 19; Al-Shu`ara' (26): 148; Ya Sin (36): 34; Qaf (50): 10; Al-Qamar (54): 20; AlRahman (55): 11, 68; Al-Haqqah (69):7; and `Abasa (80): 29 respectively. Throughout the holy month of Ramadan-ul-Mubarak, dates are a common ingredient in the Muslim diet. Let us have a closer look at this familiar fruit, which is also known as the tree of life and king of the oasis. The botanical name of the date-palm is Phoenix dactylifera. In Arabic the datepalm is known as Nakhl, and the fruit is known as Tamar. We shall note the names in several other languages: Tamar (Hebrew), Khajur (Hindi, Urdu, and several Indian languages), Khurma (Persian, Urdu), Kharjur (Sanskrit), Khejur (Bengali), Finik (Russian), Datil (Spanish), Date (Italian), Datteir (French), Daten (German), Datum (Dutch), Datas (Portugese) and so on.

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The history of date-palm cultivation can be traced to eight thousand years. Every part of the date-palm has good use: The wood and leaves provide timber and fabric for houses and fences; the leaves are also used for making ropes, baskets etc; the stalk is used as fuel. The fruits famous for their delicious and sweet taste are taken directly or processed to produce vinegar, pickle, bakery items and flavours. The date seeds are used as cattle feed after they have been softened by soaking and crushing. The datepalms are usually un-branched. It is interesting to note that the branching occurs only in the male plants! The date-palm trees grow as high as hundred feet with leaves up to fifteen feet. There are typically a dozen bunches of dates per tree. A bunch weighs about seven kilograms and has a thousand dates. The life of a date tree is over hundred and fifty years. There are about a thousand varieties of dates. Some of these are facing possible extinction.

The date fruits vary in size, shape and colour. Each of these numerous varieties have different name in Arabic. According to the estimates of the World Food Agricultural Organization, there are over hundred million date-palms in the world, producing two million tons of dates each year. About 65% of these are grown in the Arab countries.

Dates are very delicious and easy to store as they are light. Date is one of the most valuable foodstuffs.

Date consumption is one of important sources of supplying minerals and vitamins and elements in a very balance nutrition regime. About 70% of the fruit is sugar. Dates are excellent sources of numerous minerals including: iron, potassium, magnesium, sulphur, copper, calcium and phosphorus. Besides it has several vitamins, fibre and proteins. A hundred of dates provide the body about 277 kilo-calories shortly after eating it. An individual needs about 2500-3500 kilo-calories (traditionally, one loosely says calories omitting the kilo!) per day. This is the medical explanation why the dates are consumed at the end of each Siyaam (fast).

Because of its rich chemical content the dates have been used as a medicine since ancient times. The tradition among the Arabs and the Muslims to place chewed (to soften) dates in the mouth of new born babies, carries great virtue and benefit. Date is effective in treatment of infantile paralysis and it is

Health

recommended to give some grains of date to children passage of the Holy Quran suffering infantile paralysis. Dates strengthen the nervous system. Because of the magnesium present (Surah 19, Maryam, Ayah 23-25) in them the dates are good for the kidneys. Dates are And [when] the throes of childbirth drove her to the also helpful in treating trunk of a palm-tree, she sore throat and all the exclaimed: “Oh would pulmonary infections.

Dates (variety: medjool) Nutritive that I had died ere this, Persons suffering diaand had become a thing Value per 100 grams betes can use dates inforgotten, utterly forgotSource: United States Department of Agriculture stead of industrial ten!” Thereupon [a (USDA) National Nutrient Data Base, sugars like cane sugar, voice] called out to her http://www.ars.usda.gov/nutrientdata since the existing magfrom beneath that [palmnesium within dates tree]. Grieve not! Thy Principle Nutrient Value Percentage of RDA help the operation of Sustainer has provided a Energy 277 Kcal 14% pancreas and kidneys on rivulet [running] beneath Carbohydrates 74.97 g 58% the other hand vitamin thee; and shake the trunk 3% B2 within dates absorbs Protein 1.81g of the palm-tree towards Total Fat 0.15 g <1% sugar components of thee: it will drop fresh, Cholesterol 0 mg 0% other foodstuffs. Dates ripe dates upon thee.

Dietary Fiber 6.7 g 18% are also good for heart (English Meaning by VITAMINS and respiratory probMuhammad Asad from Folates 15 µg 4% lems. ://www.IslamiCity.com/) Niacin 1.610 mg 10% Pantothenic acid 0.805 mg 16% As stated in the This was the prescripPyridoxine 0.249 mg 19% Hadeeth, the Holy tion given to Virgin Riboflavin 0.060 mg 4.5% Prophet (peace be upon Mary at the time of birth Thiamin 0.050 mg 4% him) said, “Whoever of Jesus, the blessed Vitamin A 149 IU 5% eats seven ajwah dates Prophet of Allah. It was Vitamin C 0 mg 0% in the morning will not a prescription to make 2.7 µg 2% be harmed by poison or Vitamin K the delivery easy and ELECTROLYTES black magic for the rest comfortable.

Sodium 1 mg 0% of that day until the Potassium 696 mg 16% night.” The Prophet Date seeds are soaked MINERALS (peace be upon him) (for softening) and Calcium 64 mg 6.5% also said, “The ‘ajwah ground and used as an Copper0.362 mg 40% date is from Paradise excellent animal feed.

Iron 0.90 mg 11% and it is an antidote Their oil is suitable for Magnesium 54 mg 13% against poison.” The use in soap and cosmetManganese 0.296 mg 13% ajwa variety of dates is ics. Date palm seeds Phosphorus 62 mg 9% very effective in comcontain 0.56–5.4% lauZinc 0.44 mg 4% bating cardiovascular ric acid (useful in chemPHYTO-NUTRIENTS problems. Nutritious, ical analysis, Carotene-ß 89 µg -health, medical and inparticularly for finding 0 µg -dustrial value of the date Crypto-xanthin-ß the molar masses). They Lutein-zeaxanthin 23 µg -is not fully recognized. can also be processed RDA: Reference Daily Intake or Recommended Daily The researchers all over chemically as a source Intake, which is considered sufficient to meet the diof oxalic acid (used in the world is searching etary requirements of most individuals. dyeing processes and and investigating in the bleaches). The seeds are matter. also burned to make charcoal for silversmiths, and can be strung in necklaces. Date seeds are also Dates are excellent choice of food for the pregnant ground and used in the manner of coffee beans, or as women and those who have just given birth. This fact is indicated in the famous and the very beautiful an additive to coffee. Experimental studies have 19

Bakhabar : July 2014

Health shown that date seeds exhibit anti-genotoxic and reduce DNA damage caused by certain chemicals.

In recent decades, the plants mentioned in the Holy Quran and the Hadith (Prophetic Traditions) have acquired a special interest of the gardeners, botanists and the scientists in general. This has lead to the creation of special gardens which are commonly known as the “Quranic Botanical Gardens”, serving as exhibitions and dedicated research centres. The UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) is also taking an interest in such gardens and has set up one in Qatar. A unique biological garden featuring the plants mentioned in the Holy Quran has been created in the Education City, Doha (capital of Qatar). Known as the “Quranic Botanic Garden”, it is under the umbrella of the global Qatar Foundation Green Project. This Quranic Botanical Garden comprises of all the plant species mentioned in the Holy Quran, and those in Sunnah (Deeds of the Prophet) and Hadith (Sayings of the Prophet). It also exhibits botanical terms mentioned in the Holy Quran, explaining them in the context of modern science. It regularly holds conferences and other events.

It is high time to cultivate some Quranic/Prophetic plants in and around Muslim institutions such as Masajid (mosques); Madaris (Islamic Seminaries/Schools); Eid-Gah Grounds (grounds dedicated for Eid Salaat/Prayers and other Gatherings); Qabrastan (Graveyards); among others. The government ministries and state forest officials should be introduced to the importance and the need for cultivating the Quranic/Prophetic plants. Such initiatives will benefit the complete region in more than one way. After all, the plants have medicinal use and a commercial value through local markets and exports. If an agency such as UNESCO can take interest, when will others be inspired?

The research on date-palms is an active field establishing old sayings and leading to numerous new discoveries. An old Arab saying goes: “the uses of date-palm are as many as the number of days in the year”. With all the rapid advances more and more nutritional values of dates are being understood. Do not miss to end your Siyaam (fast) with dates when the sunset appears. It is your date with dates! The dates are round the year!

Bibliography: 20

Bakhabar : July 2014

1.

A website for Quran Majeed with comprehensive search in Arabic and numerous languages, along with several English translations (meanings), http://www.islamicity.com/mosque/quran/

2.

Websites for Hadith, http://www.searchtruth.com/ and http://ahadith.co.uk/

3.

Mohammed Iqtedar Husain Farooqi, Plants of the Qur’an, Sidrah Publishers, Lucknow, India (2003).

4.

Mohammed Iqtedar Husain Farooqi, Medicinal Plants in the Traditions of the Prophet Muhammad: Scientific Study of the Prophetic Medicine, Food and Perfumes (Aromatics), Sidrah Publishers, Lucknow, India (2004).

5.

Qur’anic Botanic Garden, Doha, Qatar, http://www.qf.org.qa/explore/heritagecenters/quranic-botanic-garden

6.

Sameen Ahmed Khan, A Date with Dates, Youth Observer, pp. 4 (October 2005 – Ramadhan 1426 AH). Supplement to Oman Observer, Vol. 24, No. 328 (Saturday the 08 October 2005). (OEPNPA: Oman Establishment for Press, News, Publication and Advertising in co-operation with the Ministry of Education).

7.

Sameen Ahmed Khan, A Date with Tradition, Radiance Viewsweekly, Vol. XLIV, No. 17, pp. 2829 (1-7 October 2006).

8.

Sameen Ahmed Khan, Olive the Blessed Tree, Radiance Viewsweekly, Vol. XLIV, No. 18, pp.

22-23 (8-14 October 2006).

9.

Sameen Ahmed Khan, Olive the Blessed Tree, Youth Observer, pp. 12 (November 2006 – Shawwal 1427 AH). Supplement to Oman Observer, Vol. 25, No. 355 (Saturday the 04 November 2006).

(OEPNPA: Oman Establishment for Press, News, Publication and Advertising in co-operation with the Ministry of Education). {Hajira Khan, Indian School Salalah, Salalah, Sultanate of Oman Sameen Ahmed Khan, Engineering Department, Salalah College of Technology, Salalah, Sultanate of Oman (rohelakhan@yahoo.com, http://SameenAhmedKhan.webs.com/) }

Civil Services: Ramadan

Share of SCs, STs and Muslims remains static for 10 yrs

13 Jun 2014 05:06 PM, IST

By MumtazAlam, India Tomorrow, New Delhi, 13 June 2014: In last 10 years, both Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes maintained their share in the Civil Services as per their share in the national population. Muslims’ share always remained below one-fourth of their population share.

However, share of all these communities have almost remained static for last 10 years (2004 -2013).

Share of Communities in Civil Services (2004- 2013)

Year Total No. of Successful Candidates 2004 422 2005 425 2006 474 2007 638 2008 791 2009 875 2010 920 2011 910 2012 998 2013 1122 Total 7575

In the Civil Services Exam 2013 whose results were announced by Union Public Service Commission on Thursday, in all 1122 candidates were declared successful – highest number in last 10 years. Out of 1122, Scheduled Castes are 187 (16.66%), Scheduled Tribes are 92 (8.19%) and Muslims are 34 that is 3.03%.

In terms of numbers, it is first time in last 10 years that SCs, STs and Muslims have got highest number of their candidates selected.

From Civil Services Exam 2004 to 2013, in all 7575 candidates were successful – 1228 i.e. 16.21% of them were from Scheduled Castes, 635 (8.38%) from Scheduled Tribes and 245 (3.23%) from the Muslim community.

As per Census 2001, the population of Scheduled Castes was 16.2%, Scheduled Tribes 8.2% and Muslims 13.4%. By Census 2011, SCs were 16.6%, STs 8.2% and Muslims 13.43%.

Percentage-wise, the year 2011 was the best for SCs as it got 17.25% of the successful candidates while for the STs, the year 2004 was best when it got 11.13% share. For Muslims, the year 2007 saw best performance as 4.23% of the total successful candidates were Muslims.

21

Bakhabar : July 2014

SCs (%)

STs (%)

Muslims (%)

64 (15.16) 57 (13.41) 80 (16.87) 109 (17.08) 130 (16.43) 127 (14.51) 148 (16.08) 157 (17.25) 169 (16.93) 187 (16.66) 1228 (16.21)

47 (11.13) 41 (9.64) 36 (7.59) 53 (8.30) 61 (7.71) 76 (8.68) 74 (8.04) 78 (8.57) 77 (7.71) 92 (8.19) 635 (8.38)

13 (3.08) 12 (2.82) 18 (3.79) 27 (4.23) 31 (3.91) 21 (2.4) 31 (3.36) 30 (3.29) 28 (2.80) 34 (3.03) 245 (3.23)

Wasiqur Rahman is Bihar M.B.B.S. topper.

ALIGARH June 4: Another feather was to the cap of prestigious Aligarh Muslim University as Wasiqur Rahman became the topper of Bihar Medical Exam conducted by Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board (BCECEB).

A resident of Muzaffarpur district in Bihar, Wasiqur has passed out 10+2 examination in 2014 with 91 percent marks from Aligarh Muslim University. He has now emerged as a role model for the MBBS aspiring students of AMU. The proud son is giving all credit to his father Saud AzamRahmani who is Block Agriculture Officer in Muzaffarpur. His mother JahanaKhatoon is Headmistress in a Middle School of Bihar government.

Wasiqur Rahman said that he was committed towards self-study as per fixed time schedule for 6 to 7 hours daily. He now wishes to become a Cardiologist. (Dr. RahatAbrar)

Uniform Civil Code: Reasonable and unreasonable fears Politics

U

I By Hasan Kamal I

niform Civil Code is not confined to Family Laws only. It is not related only to marriage, divorce and division of inheritance. This is a wide legal topic that encompasses many worldly affairs. It would also be wrong to assume that it is only Muslims and their religious practices that will be targeted by a Uniform Civil Code while others will not be affected.

It happened in 2004. Parliamentary elections had been announced. Lal Krishna Advani had made a loud proclamation that if his party wins the elections Uniform Civil Code would be implemented. By the way this slogan had echoed in 1999 too. But one wonders why during NDA’s five years rule it was completely ignored.

Anyway, after hearing Advani’s proclamation some of us sent him a message, by telegram, that if a document or a blueprint about Uniform Civil code had been prepared we should be informed about it and that we were willing to talk about it. We stressed that democratic principles required that on matters of national interests only after a discussion and exchange of views should any conclusion be derived. We did not get any response but after that, throughout whole election campaign, the slogan of Uniform Civil Code was never heard again.

This time round, after BJP’s resounding victory, this slogan has echoed once again. It is unwise and unreasonable to react like a child who, after being told that the crow has bitten his nose off, starts running after the crow and does not try to see and feel his nose. Would it not be wise to ask those who are raising the slogan for a Uniform Civil Code, what their concept of a Uniform Civil Code is? And whether they have prepared any blueprint of a Uniform Civil Code? If they have, then it should be made public so that it may be studied and scrutinised so that it could be seen which clause or clauses of it are acceptable to everyone and which are unacceptable, who they are unacceptable to and why? Getting agitated without this exercise and carried away by anger would mean that we have blindly fallen into the trap laid 22

Bakhabar : July 2014

for us by those who raised this slogan and this is what exactly they want.

First of all it is very important to understand that Uniform Civil Code is not confined to Family Laws only. It is not related only to marriage, divorce and division of inheritance. This is a wide legal topic that encompasses many worldly affairs. It would also be wrong to assume that it is only Muslims and their religious practices that will be targeted by a Uniform Civil Code while others will not be affected. Muslims think that because no other community opens its mount against Uniform Civil Code hence this slogan is raised just to hurt their feelings. Such a fear is neither totally wrong nor wholly justified though.

The fact is that every community, including many sections of Hindu community, will also be affected by this. If others do not say anything against it, it is because Muslims have already opposed it so there remains no need for others to oppose it? The slogan mongers are aware of Muslim sensitivities to provocations. They want Muslims to become agitated and thus provide them the opportunity to tell the world, ‘See, Muslims do not want to live by the laws of the land.’ Their audience have no idea which law is being talked about. However their audience have by the way heard Muslims proclaiming that they will not abide by the law. Obviously this creates a very

Politics

negative opinion about Muslims. This serves the purpose of the claimants and Muslims get the brunt.

India is a multi-religious country. Here even the followers of the same religion have such diverse customs and practices that one sect appears totally different from the other. Until recently the accepted norm had been to recognise the customs and traditions that had been practiced for centuries as part of a religion, a community or a section and let them remain intact and allowed to be practiced. After the imposition of a Uniform Civil Code will this remain so? For example in some parts of Kerala and south India a marriage between a real maternal uncle and a niece is considered to be very auspicious. Obviously in the northern, eastern and western parts of India it will be regarded as abhorring, heinous and a sin. In some parts of the country a marriage between boys and girls of the same gotra [sub section of a caste] can lead to social boycott or blood feuds. The question is: will the Uniform Civil Code ban such a system or will it allow such marriages for everyone?

Similarly there is a custom among Sikh community that, after the death of the elder brother, a younger brother puts a chadar [head scarf] on the widow of his elder brother which means that the elder sisterin-law has now become wife of this younger brother.

Rajindra Singh Bediâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s novelette ChadarEkMeli Si is a masterpiece on this issue.

In some parts of Nagaland [in the Garo tribe] there is a custom according to which when the husband dies the widow becomes the wife of her eldest son-inlaw. All of these customs have come into practice to avoid division of landed property specially the agricultural land. How will the Common Civil Code deal with such issues? What will be the result if these customs are tempered with? And if they are allowed to be practiced as they are then will it not defeat the very purpose of a Common Civil Code?

Kanyadaan is also a centuries old practice. Under this system the dowry a girl is given at the time of her wedding is considered to be her final and full share from ancestral property. After this there remains no share for her in parental inheritance.

Until recently similar custom was prevalent among Muslims with regard to agricultural and immoveable property as well. All India Muslim Personal Law Board changed it in 2004 in accordance to Shariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ah.

Before the abolition of Zamindari system a custom similar to Kanyadaan and dowry being given to a girl at the time of her wedding was prevalent among 23

Bakhabar : July 2014

Muslims as well. This was amended when some Muslim organisations, Muslims for Secular Democracy on top of them, launched strong protests against this anti-Shariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ah division of immoveable property.

Now a Hindu girl too, if she so wishes, can demand her share in ancestral property but this can only be done through court of law. However, it is not clear whether she can also claim a share in her parental property that has increased in value after her marriage. What will be the stand of Uniform Civil Code on this issue?

This should also be borne in mind that it is possible to give equal share in cash and moveable property.

But when it comes to agricultural land situation becomes very grave. The partition of agricultural land or of an orchard is a matter of life and death for a farmer. A farmer cannot tolerate his sons-in-law demanding their shares in agricultural land or insisting to sell it. As has been said above the very practice of such customs was to stop the possibility of division of a farmland. There can be severe repercussions if any Uniform Civil Code attempts to interfere in such matters.

Another issue is of income tax and ownership of the land. So far an undivided Hindu Family gets some concession in income tax. Such a family has to pay lesser income tax than others and has the right to own more land than others. Will the Uniform Civil Code plead for such rights to all Indians or will it abolish these concessions to a section only so that, with regard to rights and duties, all Indians become equal. If the Uniform Civil Code does not touch these aspects then it will be a very weak legislation and will have to face many kinds of legal challenges in law courts.

As such the slogan of a Uniform Civil Code can have great attraction for some and may look dreadful to others but as far as practical aspect is concerned its ground is very uncertain and unclear. For as long as its scope is not clarified it will remain confusing.

Is it targeted at particular issues and topics or seeks to treat all Indians as equals? Therefore it should be insisted upon that the blueprint of the Uniform Civil Code be publicised so that each and every aspect coming in its ambit could be satisfactorily discussed.

Such a demand is the right of every Indian citizen that no one can deny.

Translated by Urdu Media Monitor.Com from Rozanama Rasitriya Sahara 14 June 2014

Plan your Ramadan Month Ramadan

I

I By Sameen Ahmed Khan I

ntroduction: Prophet Mohammed (Peace be Upon Him) used to eagerly wait for the month of Ramadan-ul-Mubarak. When he would site the moon for the months of Rajab and Shabaan, he would make the Dua: Oh Allah Almighty take us to Ramadan-ul-Mubarak. This points to the importance of Ramadan-ul-Mubarak and the uncertainty in our life. Let us note the fact that many of our relatives and friends from the previous Ramada-ul-Mubarak are no more with us (they have died). Those who are around are a year older and may be having health issues to do a complete justice to the auspicious month of Ramadan-ul-Mubarak. It is time to seriously plan for this Ramadan-ul-Mubarak. Many Ramadan have come and gone! Time to reflect: what did we achieve or not achieve in the previous Ramadan-ul-Mubarak? Let us try to catch this one, Inshallah. The following Hadith is an eye-opener:

The Three Aameens: Kaab Ibn Ujrah (RA) relates that Rasulullah (peace be upon him) said Come near to the mimbar and we came near the mimbar. When He (peace be upon him) climbed the first step of the mimbar, He (peace be upon him) said “Aameen”, When He (peace be upon him) ascended the second step, He (peace be upon him) said “Aameen”, When He (peace be upon him) climbed the third step, He (peace be upon him) said “Aameen” When He (peace be upon him) came down, We said “O Rasool of Allah (peace be upon him), we have heard from you today something which we never heard before” He (peace be upon him) said When I climbed the first step, the Angel Jibraeel (alaihi as-salam) appeared before me and said

1.“Destruction to him who found the blessed month of Ramdhan and let it pass by without gaining forgiveness” upon that I said ‘Aameen’.

2.When I climbed the second step, he said, “Destruction to him before whom thy name is taken and then he does not make Dua for Allah’s blessing on me (by saying, for example , Sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam).”

I replied ‘Aameen’.

3.When I climbed the third step, he said “Destruction unto him in whose lifetime his parents or either one of them reaches old age, and (through failure to serve them) he is not allowed to enter Jannah”. I said ‘Aameen’.

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Note that in this Hadith, Jibraeel (alaihi as-salam) gave expression to three curses, upon which Rasulullah (peace be upon him) said Aameen every time.

May Allah Almighty in His infinite mercy grant us His help and save us from these three dangers.

Planing the Ramadan: In this short note, we shall consider some tips for making the month of Ramadan-ul-Mubarak as productive as possible. First and foremost we need to have a powerful intention and intense Dua to have a good Ramadan accompanied with a concrete plan. Subject to feasibility, take time off from office. The choice of the Masjid (mosque) and the company we keep during the Ramadan is of paramount importance. Choose a Masjid which has arrangements for the Salaat of Tarawih, Juma and possibly Tahajjud. Try to locate a Masjid within reach, which has very good scholars, to guide us through the Ramadan. Some Masajid have numerous Ramadan activities done seriously in a spiritual atmosphere.

The key is to have a good plan. Decide on what to do in this Ramadan. The Holy Quran was revealed in the auspicious month of Ramadan. So start with reading of the Quran with Tajweed. We need to memorize the Holy Quuran. This is to be accompanied with meaning and Tafseer (commentaries and exegesis). A book on Seerah of the Holy Prophet is a must for a better understanding of Islam. It is useful to employ the technique of “Time Blocking”, that is allocate time for each activity planned. Plan different activities and block time for each activity ‘day by day’ and within the day ‘hour by hour’. For instance, reading the Holy Quran after Fajar. If nothing urgent crops up proceed with it. Lack of a plan leads to the procrastination that is an attitude of delaying and postponing. Break the plan into MITs (most important tasks) such that it helps in executing the plan and having a very productive Ramadan.

MIT before anything else! Have a positive attitude even if you have missed the Suhoor (predawn meal).

Make Dua all the time. Avoid strenuous work on such days. Productivity begets productivity! Laziness begets laziness! Small successes keep one motivated and productive. Have a decent routine.

Humans are creatures of habit! Routine (morning, after Fajar and before work; during work/office/school; and evening routine after the

Ramadan

work) is a must. The routine serves as an autopilot!

Is my routine the best it can be? Be conscious of your routine. Try expanding the routine realistically to accommodate more tasks. Think of some activities after Tarawih and before going to sleep. Spare a few minutes before the sleep and after waking up.

Have goals and help others.

Sadaqa is often interpreted as an act of charity (giving help financially or in kind). One needs to do a “Physical Sadaqa” in the sense a kind action/deed: helping a needy person; visiting the sick or the graveyard. Smiling is also a kind of “Physical Sadaqa”. Physical Sadaqa gives a human touch and helps us the situation of the needy. An online donation lacks these aspects. One also needs to think of a long term charities: sponsor for a long term some aspect such as schooling of a kid; medicines for an old patient or so. Control our tongue from gossip and slander; apologise when the tongue is misused.

Keep our tongues moist with remembrance of Allah Almighty.

Time and tide wait for none! As time progresses, we need to reflect on the challenges we are facing and how best to improve in the rest of the Ramadan.

What goals we have achieved and what are the remaining goals? How to prepare for the last ten day of Ramadan? One is not to be disheartened or discouraged, look ahead and do the best in the remaining days of the Ramada. Making most of the last ten nights: Plan; make a Dua list; make it very special by doing Itikaf or some major activity like a charity project or so. In order to make the Itikaf productive, choice of the Masjid and the company is crucial.

Choose good company (scholars and righteous people); avoid friends as it leads to socializing (chatting, gossiping and killing time). Avoid technologies (laptops; Internet; mobiles etc) as they are likely to distract. Itikaf is about seclusion: avoid petty conversations in person and over the phones. In the last ten days, we need to be extra focused. Searching for the Shab-e-Qadar and making long Dua would be a major activity. One should not be distracted by the superfluous functions organized in some Masajid on the 27th night of Ramadan. Treat this as your last Ramadan!

Concluding Suggestions: The night preceding the Eid is also known as Shabe-Jaiza or Lailatul Jaiza, the Night of Reward. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had said: “Whoever stands up (in worship) in the nights preceding the two Eid expecting 25

Bakhabar : July 2014

rewards from his Lord, his heart will not die when the other hearts will die” (reported in Ibn Majah).

On this night we are to refrain from the avoidable market atmospheres. To benefit from this opportunity, we should perform as much Ibadah in this night as we can and pray for our needs. Ramadan is the month of training and not an end. We need to practice in the remaining months, and make best use of the training we have undergone. Continue fasting with six days of Shawwal; Mondays and Thursdays; three mid-days of each Islamic lunar month (13th, 14th and 15th). We need to continue the Nawafil Salaat particularly in the night. Practice charity round the year. It is useful to keep an envelope or a box for charity. Consistency is the main idea after Ramadan. May Allah Almighty Guide us to plan and act in the Ramadan and rest of our lives, Amen.

Bibliography:

1.A website for Quran Majeed with comprehensive search in Arabic and numerous languages, along with several English translations (meanings), http://www.islamicity.com/mosque/quran/ 2.Websites for Hadith, http://www.searchtruth.com/ and http://ahadith.co.uk/ 3.Tarawih Summaries in English, Hindi and Urdu, http://NawabMohammedAbdulGhani.webs.com/tarawih. html and http://www.ipci.co.za/information/taraweehquran-summary/ 4.Shams Pirzada, Is it not necessary to read the Qur’an with Understanding?, Idara Da’watul Qur’an, Mumbai, India, 13th Edition (2011). http://scanislam.com/browseislam/read-quran-with-understanding/ and http://www.quranforall.org/quran/iintrqwund.htm 5.Khurram Murad, Way to the Qur’an, Islamic Book Service, New Delhi, India. http://www.sunnipath.com/library/books/B0039P0000.aspx and http://www.islambasics.com/view.php?bkID=29 6.Learn Arabic through Enlish, Hindi and Urdu at: Functional Arabic: http://www.Functional-Arabic.com/ and http://www.Explore-Quran.com/index.htm 7.Abdul Karim Parekh, The Easy Dictionary of the Qur’aan, This Treasure-house originally in Urdu is now available in numerous languages including: Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, English and Turkish, (Zia Publications, Lucknow, India, Fifth Edition (2005). http://Corpus.Quran.com/.

8.Abdul Aziz Dahran, 80% of Qur’anic Words, This Pocket-sized booklet is in Urdu and Enlish, Parekh Publications, Nagpur India (2009). http://www.eMuslim.com/.

9.

An online source of Quran in different formats accompanied with audio to suite a variety of readers: http://www.QuranFlash.com/home?en Sameen Ahmed Khan (rohelakhan@yahoo.com, Engineering Department, Salalah College of Technology (SCOT), Salalah, Sultanate of Oman

H

UNDERSTANDING OF SHARIAT (ISLAMIC LAWS) E.g. , Quran, Sunnah and Ijma (consensus ofSahaba) Part IV {Continued from previous issue…..}

ADITH (2nd in first primary source)

In last 3 issues of Bakhabar a general overview of the Quran was given. Quran is the first prime source of legislation (processing of making and enacting laws) followed by Hadith. Hadith is a narrative record of the sayings or traditions of Muhammad (S) and his companions (R).Consequently, it is of three types:QaullandFail(saying &action) of the Prophet (S) and Taqreer(unopposed actions of the companion by prophet).These three are in order of merit and importance. Hadith is the interpretation and elaboration of the Quran. For example, a 5-time prayer a day as time-bound obligatory is confirmed by Quran but its whole method is confirmed from Hadith. The same is more or less with other worship and non-worship matters.

The Prophet (S) said, "The best people are those living in my generation, and then those who will follow them, and then those who will follow the later.”(Sahihain).

So, the best period are:(1) Period of the prophet (up to 10H), (2) Period of Sahaba (up to around 110H) (3) period of Tabyeen (up to about 170H). According to 2nd meaning of Hadith:(1) Period of the prophet (S), and his companions, (2)Tabyeen (up to 150H), (3) Tab-eTabyeen (up to 220H).

PS:A period till 300 years Hijra is known as SalafSaleheen (pious predecessor), i.e. this period concludes with the death of the last Saha Sittah book’s author Imam Nesayi.

TADWEEN (COLLECTION) OF HADITH

There is no single word for Tadween in English.

Tadween Hadith mainly includes collection, compilation and codification. Let us see it century-wise as 26

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follows:-

1ST CENTURY HIJRAH (Period of Hadith in Memory and Practices)

First 10 years was the period of the prophet (S).

Then is the period of KhilafatRashida (11-50 H). Period of Sahaba ends at the death of the last Sahabi“ AbuTufail (Aamir bin Wathila)” in around 110H.

If we go back just 100/200 years back we find one literate out of 100 men. What about 1400 years before. It may be 1 out of thousands. There were only about 11 Ansar who knew reading and writing. Islam is a practical life. Literacy in Islam means application of Shariat in one’s life. A graduate Muslim fails to working on Islam is illiterate or worse in the eyes of Allah. Similarly, a Kafir (Ph.D holder) is illiterate in the eyes of Allah Almighty or worse than an animal.

It is the feature of only Quran that it was memorised word by word and it came into existence in an official book during the period of 1st caliph Abu Baker (R) and the same was rewritten and arranged chapter-wise by the order of the 3rd caliph Uthman with seven copies which were distributed in the Arab world. Its compilation and making it in a book form was having reasons behind it.

As for Hadith it was neither memorised as Quran nor came into any formal book. Instead,Sahaba were discouraged from writing down anything from the Prophet (S) except the Quran. It was a temporary mandate from the Prophet (S). Later on when Sahaba became familiar with the Quran and numbers of scribes increased the ban was relaxed, but the printing facility was not available at that time and it was very difficult to write few on bones, leaves and skin.

Leaning of a number of Hadith was easier than writ-

ing down a Hadith. Yet few prominent Sahaba had written down some sayings of the Prophet (S). They areAbuhurairah (R), Jabir bin Abdullah, Ali, etc, but I am unaware if their manuscripts are available today.We see that the 2nd Caliph Omar (R) used to also prohibit Rewayat Hadith (narration of Hadith)under the impression that the Quran may be mixed up with Hadith.

The maximum Hadith (5,374) was reported by Abu Hurairah(R) followed by other six SahabaKiram: Ibn Omar 2630,Anas bin Malik 2286, Aisah 2210, Ibn Abbas 1600, Jaber bin Abdullah 1540 and Abu Saeed Khidri 1170(R). Rest have reported less than 1,000. It is wrong to judge the level of knowledge of a Ravi with their ‫( تايورم‬narratives). Although only 142 Hadith have been reported from Abubacker (R) and 146 from UthmanGhani (R) they were caliphs and among top knowledgeable Sahabi.

Although a very few Hadith were written down during lifetime of the Prophet (S) and during period of Sahaba

Sahaba,the vast majority remained committed to not only remained in Madinah or Makkah their memories and practices. Later generations but started to move from prophet time and mainly learnt it from their memories. A pupil of Abu Huraira duringKhelafatRashidah. So, they carried whatever (R),“Hammam B. Munabbih (d110H)”has written they have learnt from the Prophet (S) to different

about 138 Hadith called “SahifahHammam”which parts of Arab world. Tabyeen have learnt Hadith was edited by Dr.Hamid and published. This Sahifah from their memories and practices. Famous Tabyeen is believed to be only book of Hadith of 1st century Scholars are: Mohammad bin Sa’dAzzuhri (d.124H), in its original form.

Qatada (Basrah, 61-118H), Akrama (Medinah, d.105H), Dahhak (d.100H), Hassan Basari (21Hadith meaning preservations were in memories and 110h)i, Mujahid bin Jubair (Makkah 21-104), Sayin practices, not necessary its words. Ibn Masoud (R) eed bin Almusayeeb (Madinah 14-94), Ibrahim used to say (likewise or Nakhi (Kofa, 45-96), Sayeed bin Jubair (Kufa 46like that or so) after reading Hadith, 95,) Aamir Asshabi (Kufa, d.100H, ‘Ataa bin or (as the prophet (s) said) is read. Meaning of HaAbiRabah (Makkah, d.114 and Abu Hanifah (80dith transmitted from one generation to another in 150). Similar to Sahaba some Tabyeen have also the language of Rowat (Narrators) till it came into been reported to have writtendown Hadith. books forms in 3rd century onwards whereby Hadith was recorded in the language of last Ravi (narrator). Khalifah Umar bin Abdul Aziz (61-101 H) appointed In another words, Hadith spread verbally from one during his caliphate two Madani prominent scholars Sahabi to others and through transmission by inheri- of Hadith Shaikh Abu Bakr bin Al Hazam(65-135 H) tance as news to the following generations, i.e. Saand Shaikh Muhammad bin ShihabZuhri (D124H) to haba to Tabyeen to Tab-Tabyeen (Muslim who has write Hadiths. honour to meet with Sahabi&Tabyeen respectively)

and so on.

This first collection consists of mostly the Hadiths (S) by two narra- that were attributed to the Prophet At that time, the learning process was quite different tors in the middle, e.g. Sahabi&Tabyee. Some were from today. All reading materials used to be stored in attributed even by one narrator. Since the period was memories of scholars and in their practices. They nearerto the period of the Prophet (S) and the narrawere not in favour of writing down but to learn. tors were either Sahabi or Tabyeethere was no possiSome used to hate writing. Senior Tabyeen used to bility of Hadith for its being weak or false. Only have Shaba’s company (preferably of his town) for their old age memory was sometime years to learn Hadith. They used to visit them too in questionable.During this period Hadith were as:their places of living in Arab peninsula.

Rawi (2) Junior Tabyeen did so = Most = Most Authentic Tabyeen Authentic with their senior Tabyeen.

gure: 1 Figure: 2 According to an esti- PS:Thereares 2 kindsFiof of Riwayat, one is with ϥ ϥϋ ϋ(reported from) and 2ndis ϥ ϥϣϣ Ε Εόόόϣϣϣγ γ(heard from). TThhe later is more authentic. mate, 1,060 Sahabi from around 100,000+have reported the Hadith, out of which 500 Sahabi has reported only one Hadith.

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Sustaining Spousal Love Quell Insecurity, Give Space

“

IBy S Farooqi I

You just spent the last half an hour on the phone! What were you discussing that made you laugh so hard? I’ve been waiting for your conversations to end, just to have a scrap of your attention.”

Have you ever known someone who is inherently insecure?

Being in a close relationship with such a person can be rather stifling. This is because insecurity gives birth to character and personality traits that make a person demand from others more than they can give.

E.g. those who are insecure suffer from low self-esteem, frequently copy those around them, cling to the loved ones, dislike being alone, and want to feel needed by their loved ones all the time.

They often complain of being ignored or undermined, wallow in self-pity, and regularly guilt-trip their dear ones for supposedly neglecting their rights or being harsh.

Actually, they suffer from fears based on a sense of inherent worthlessness, which makes them consistently undermine and ignore their own positive qualities and strengths. They link their sense of self-worth to others’ need of them, which means that the minute their family or friends get busy in doing something that does not involve them, they feel “ignored” or devalued.

Consequently, they thrive on ensuring that people keep “in need of them” all the time, in some way or the other.

Now imagine being married to an insecure person.

Whether it is the husband or the wife who is insecure, the result is usually disastrous, as it affects the couple’s marriage detrimentally. The more self-confident partner starts to feel tied down and manipulated. He or she ends up feeling guilty even for enjoying “normal” life activities, because their spouse makes them feel bad for giving any attention or time elsewhere.

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An insecure spouse becomes controlling and interfering, clinging to their partner and often making them feel suffocated and trapped.

Insecure spouses refuse to give their spouse a healthy personal ‘space’ that the latter needs to thrive and grow as an individual.

What is ‘space’?

Any adult needs ‘space’ to succeed; to enable Allah let them grow and morph into what they are destined to be. This space comprises of their personal independence and freedom of choice within the broad boundaries of all actions and endeavors that are permissible in Islam.

Whether it is their time, profession, choices in clothing, lifestyle, or ways of making and spending money, as long as their choices do not result in the disobedience of Allah, they are supposed to be free to do as they please - as responsible, sensible and mature adults.

A healthy marriage allows - rather, facilitates - the growth and personal success of both spouses. The result of a happy marriage shows on both of them in the form of good health, self-confidence, increased productivity and a more ‘buoyant’ disposition and demeanor.

The more caring, respectful and trusting each spouse is of the other; the more the latter grows, thrives and matures because of the union.

The Insecure Spouse

Newlywed husbands and wives should remember that, in the early years of marriage, being clingy, possessive, interfering, and jealous and controlling, can cause damage to their mutual love. It is common, though, for one spouse to be more insecure, and hence more controlling of the other.

Small things, such as how much time a spouse is giving to someone else on the phone, chatting and emailing, be they a family member, friend, or colleague; all this might lead to an insecure and clingy

S

spouse the wrong way.

Their job or profession; how many social outings they attend without their partner - can begin to rub an insecure and clingy spouse the wrong way.

This is especially true for the bored wife who has little to do to fill up her spare time; who constantly ‘waits for her husband to get home’ in order to occupy herself instead of doing something worthwhile to pass her time. Such a wife dislikes being left alone by her husband at social gatherings, even if he is giving time to a relative he meets only once in many years.

As for the insecure husband, he gets jealous even if his wife steps outside the home without him, or talks to someone else, on the phone or online, in his presence. He uses the authority that Islam has afforded him, to promptly place restrictions on his wife as soon as they get married, primarily by stopping her from going out without him, or from meeting her family on a reasonable basis, or even pursuing permissible hobbies, education, or work that does not violate any laws or commandments of Allah.

Insecure wives and husbands thus ‘keep an eye’ on their spouse all the time. They check the latter’s email inboxes and mobile phones to survey their text messages and emails, ensuring that there are none from the opposite gender. They hang around when their spouse talks on the phone, fearful that something ‘secret’ might be discussed behind their back.

When their spouse is out elsewhere, especially if they are enjoying themselves with others, they keep calling to ask them when they will return home.

If not checked, in the first year of marriage these minor self-esteem issues can blow up quickly, escalating into bigger relationship problems.

There are ways of giving each other space, in order to retain their individual identity whilst still maintaining and enjoying a close emotional bond in the marriage.

The First Few Years - Make or Break

The first 2 or 3 years of marriage are different from the succeeding ones, in that, most spouses desire exclusive time with each other.

These years are usually slow, with a lot of spare time sans the distraction and diversion of babies. Sometimes, wives find themselves getting bored, and if their husbands do not take them out, or are busy in 29

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work, they can get very frustrated, clingy and homesick (wanting to go to their parents’ home).

When together, the couple should try to enjoy diverse activities e.g. they can take road trips, go on quiet nature walks, visit museums or libraries, or undertake inexpensive domestic travel in their spare time, such as holidays, to keep themselves occupied.

When one spouse is busy, or needs to give his or her time elsewhere e.g. to study for an important exam, or attend a conference in another city, the left-behind, idle partner should be careful that they do not start moping around and complaining of boredom.

Rather, they should take this “free” time as an opportunity to do something that they are otherwise unable to do when their spouse is around. These things could be like catching up with family and friends, reading a book, attending an online webinar or short course, sleeping in, writing a journal entry/blog post, pursuing a hobby (e.g. gardening), working on a project or deadline, spring cleaning their room, or even cooking or baking.

Maintaining the Balance

It is very important to be able to differentiate between a spouse’s genuine complains and nagging stemming from insecurity. Time apart should be restricted only to necessities, especially in the first few, formative years of marriage. Socializing without one’s spouse should be a once-in-a-while occurrence, not a regular feature or daily habit. For spouses who are insecure by nature, it is imperative that they realize that their inherent insecurity will cause problems for their own selves.

They should not just curb any negative thoughts, doubts and fears about their husband or wife that come into their heads, but should also find productive pastimes to fill up their spare time, when their spouse is occupied elsewhere.

As they say, an idle mind is a devil’s workshop. And Muslim marriages are prime targets of the Shaitan.

As far as personal space goes, the more of it one gives to their life partner, the more love, care and respect they get in return.

S Farooqi[www.islaaminfo.co.za]

Student of academy run by Chennai mosque cracks IAS From The Times of India

CHENNAI: At a time when Muslim organisations and political parties are holding rallies and public meetings seeking to increase reservation in government jobs and educational institutions in the state and Centre, a mosque in Chennai has taken a different route to achieve this.

MoulanaShamsudheenQasimi, chief imam of Makkah Masjid on Anna Salai is a proud man today as his efforts have borne fruit in the first attempt. He started a training academy for civil services aspirants within the premises of the mosque. AzhagiyaKadan IAS Academy was started on the third floor of the mosque with 28 aspirants in 2011. Today, one of its students, Mohammed Ashraf JS, has cracked the UPSC examination in his first attempt with a rank of 1,032.

Shamsudheen says that no other mosque in the country has a civil services exam training academy inside its premises. The academy provides coaching, food, accommodation, books and study materials to students free of cost. It spends more than Rs 40 lakh per year to run the academy, and all funding comes from members of the community.

Ashraf, who was working for Chennai Metro Rail Limited, quit his job in 2012 to make his childhood dream of joinng the civil services come true. Ashraf, who finished civil engineering in Anna University in 2011 is from Karaikudi in Sivaganga district, where

The Stark Truth

his father runs a welding workshop. After completing his graduation, he joined CMRL for a salary of Rs 28,000 a month.

He was one of the 28 students shortlisted from the 1,200 applications the academy received. He joined the academy in August 2012 and took the UPSC exam in May 2013. Though he was ranked as 1,032 when the UPSC examination results were announced on Thursday, it is seen as an achievement by the community members. The academy is expected to play a huge role in motivating young Muslims in future.

Shamsudeen said, "Muslim students should be motivated by Ashraf's achievement. We want more students to come forward and join the academy. Right now, we have 50 students studying here. Next year, we plan to take in 100 students."

Ashraf said he was able to crack the exam only because of the academy and the environment it provided. "Muslim parents should change their mindset of sending children to foreign countries as labour. Instead, they should give them a good education. We have only 2% representation in IAS. It can be increased only through education and making use of academies like the one I studied in," Ashraf said.

Students who want to enroll for the next (2014-15) batch can register online at www.akias.in from June 15 to August 12.

The Loksabha results have confronted us with stark truth. Corporate sector and middle classes influenced by sectarian ideology and armed with the power of media and internet can put any one on the throne. The masses are devoid of a grassroots network that could safeguard their interests and culture.

The danger has been brewing for the last 23 years when corporate sector started wielding increasing authority and owning TV channels. They showed their media power three years ago when they lifted Anna Hazare, and later Kejriwal, to the sky and made the Central Government end on the knees.

A year ago they projected their choice for prime ministership and poured glamour around him. They went to the extent that even Prime Minister’s Independence Day speech from the Red Fort was overshadowed by Modi’sLallan college speech. They 30

Bakhabar : July 2014

gave some coverage to Rahul Gandhi, but only to reinforce by contrast Modi’s strong man and development man image. Middle classes carried massive drive on the internet in his favor.

Now the government of their choice has come to power.

May Modiji do good work. But the point is different. For the first time the entire drive of polity is in the hands of corporate sector and media. In place of compassion, equality and freedom, the forces of arrogance, hatred and show off are dominating. Political workers and basic issues were never so irrelevant in elections as this time. Bodoland and Muzaffarnagar violence reflect that rioters are united and strong while the ones to resist them are weak.

To address these challenges we need to review our position on polity and culture with utmost seriousness and build appropriate networks. By Dr. V.K. Tripathi

T

RAHBAR Coaching Centres Continue to Produce Much Better Results than Most Commercial Coaching Centres for Matric exam:

otal of 239 students could make it this year, in the matric (10th Bihar and Jharkhand board exams) from the 16 centres that remained active during current academic year, alhamdolillah.

Unfortunately, 18 students out of a total of 257 could not make it. Most of these are students who studied in the RCCs for less than 9 months during the current year. The students who have consistently been with the RCCs from 8th grade (in the centres which started more than 2 years before) have done excellently well, thus making a case for “catching them young”.

7 RCCs produced 100% pass results – all of them are from Bihar – none of the Jharkhand RCCs could reach this level of performance. RCC Chapra @ Olhanpur village (in Saran district of Bihar), sponsored by the Aligarh Alumni Association of Washington DC, through the efforts of Dr. Razi Raziuddin, proved to be the best performing RCC in terms of maximum number of 1st divisioners (and 100% pass rate). None of the RCC Chapra students were among 3rd divisioners or failed students – all the 24 students appearing in the 10th board exam achieved either 1st division or 2nd division. Same numbers were achieved by RCC Muzaffarpur - 13 first divisioners, highest number among all RCCs and 12 second divisioners; however, they could not help 3 of their students from failing in the exam.

A total of 95 students could achieve first division, while 132 reSl 2nd RCC 1st Div ceived second No. Dev division and 1 Saran-Chapra 12 12 2 Hajipur 9 17 12 students 3 Arwal 7 5 scraped 4 Patna 7 10 through with a 5 Kishanganj 4 2 third division.

6 Motihari 4 9 The passing 7 Darbhanga 3 6 rate of all 8 Samastipur 7 15 RCCs com9 Nalanda-Asthawan 0 5 Ramgarhbined is 93%, 10 3 9 Chitarpur which was not 11 Hazaribagh 5 2 achieved by 12 Bhagalpur 2 6 many commer- 13 Dhanbad 7 8 cial coaching 14 Muzaffarpur 13 11 Aurangabadcentres that we 15 2 10 Rafiganj surveyed. The 16 Ranchi 10 5 level of stuTotal 95 132 31

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dents who join the RCCs has always been very low, because they come only from the government schools (as a policy of RCCs) wherein teaching hardly takes place. Unless these poor students,with no access to quality education, are coached with a noble objective to help them cross the threshold of 10th board, the percentage in higher studies cannot be increased.

A whopping 6 students failed from RCC Ranchi, the centre which was started this year, proving the genuineness of implementing our policy and the academic level of the students at entry level of RCCs – all the students in such new centres are those who never got an opportunity to learn, because government schools do everything except teaching. So, even though this is a sad news for the RCC Ranchi, we congratulate them for having tried their best during the few months they got. It does require a lot of guts to take up the challenge of transforming the non-meritorious lot into the meritorious ones - that is churning heroes out of zeros.

Two RCC students scored perfect 100% in Maths – they are Saba Perween of RCC Hazaribagh (Jharkhand), and Shadab Alam of RCC Ramgarh (Jharkhand). Although RCC Ranchi could not stop 6 students from failing (highest fail percentage among all RCCs).

It has the special distinction of producing the highest overall scorers. Nagma Perween and Baby Afrin scored the two highest scores among the all the RCCs. Jharkhand RCCs produced 70% of top scores in the top 10 list of RCC students (considering main subjects only), beating Bihar Total Total %age 3rd Div Fail RCCs by a wide Appeared Pass Pass 0 0 24 24 100.0% margin. RCC @ 2 0 28 28 100.0% Arwal produced 0 0 12 12 100.0% the highest 0 0 17 17 100.0% overall scorer in 1 0 7 7 100.0% Bihar - Md.Zee0 0 13 13 100.0% shan Alam re1 0 10 10 100.0% 1 1 24 23 95.8% ceived the 0 1 6 5 83.3% highest overall marks, coming 1 1 14 13 92.9% 3rd among all 2 1 10 9 90.0% RCCs (includ1 1 10 9 90.0% ing Jharkhand 2 2 19 17 89.5% RCCs).

0

3

27

24

88.9%

1

2

15

13

86.7%

0 12

6 18

21 257

15 239

71.4% 93.00%

RAHBAR Coaching Centres (absolutely free coaching) produce 2nd and 4thAll India toppers in 2014 diploma engineering entrance exam for MANUU â&#x20AC;&#x201C; son of a labourer, and daughter of road-side vendor now look forward to a bright future Bihar Anjumanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s RAHBAR Coaching Centres have the honour of producing a high success rate in the 2014 diploma engineering entrance exam for MANUU, getting more than 30 students short-listed for admission.

RCC students Qualifying Polytechnic Entrance Exams 33

35 30

27

25 20

16

18

15 10

6

5 0 2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

All India 2ndtopper is from RCC Darbhanga, and the 4th topper is from RCC Patna.

RAHBAR Coaching centres were able to transform 33zeroes of yesterday into heroes of today, this year, thus adding to the 67 of previous three years (6 in 2010, 16 in 2011, 18 in 2012, and 27 in 2013), taking the total to 100, now.

33 students of RAHBAR Coaching Centres make history in 2014, with ShahidObaidullah of RCC Darbhanga getting 2ndAll India Rank (1st in Bihar) and NahidParween of RCC @ Patna bagging the 4thAll India rank in MANUU polytechnic entrance exam of 2014. In 2013, the 6th rank was bagged by RCC Patna student, Khadija Mastoor, while there were 4 students in top 50.

RCC Muzaffarpur took RCC movement to new heights by getting 12 of its students in the qualifying list of same all India exam.

Six (6) of the top 50 ranks have been bagged by RCCs managed by Bihar Anjuman, three of these by RCC Muzaffarpur alone.Thanks to the exceptional efforts of JanabShoaib Khan Sb, IPS, who has deS voted his precious time to the RCCs and considered the children studying there as his own.

His study materials for the polytechnic entrance exams as well as the 10th board are playing a great role in making the RCC students better their achievement every year.

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