Opinion

Fear of People does not rule over us, but Fear of Allah does. That’s why we are all set to work harder and expand our vision.


Across the world, people must have made their resolutions for 2006. Some keep up their resolutions, while others break them. The beauty of Islam lies in the fact that it is a way of life. When Muslims make resolutions, they ought to keep it up and be their Commitment and Word… being true to yourself.


That has been the guiding philosophy of Islamic Voice since it began 18 years ago. The publication is stepping into its 19th year by the grace of Almighty Allah.


The road has been rough and rocky at times. Even a fire at the office in the 1990s, triggered by raging rioters did not diffuse our spirit. The publication hit the news stands right on the dot and date by the Almighty’s mercy.


From a modest 8 page, Islamic Voice today covers 40 pages that includes eight pages in colour on glossed paper. We owe this to the mercy and grace of Allah. We are grateful to our readers and advertisers who have stood by us and lent us unflinching support.


The world is always watching us… what we write, how we write, about whom we write and how much we write. The constant stream of letters from readers encourages us. We are touched by the pains taken by readers to drop the good old post-card with just two lines scribbled across that says, “ We love Islamic Voice.” We are grateful to our brilliant correspondents, who even after a tiring day, make time to send us stories penned, straight from the heart.


We get alerted by deep thinking readers who analyse the paper and also send us a 100 page document with their thoughts on the publication. We have kept our hearts open for bouquets and brickbats always.


What touches us most is the concern displayed by people not just from remote corners of India who post us ideas and suggestions, but even from across the seven seas.


Our “Commercial Breaks….” those little and big ads that adorn Islamic Voice seems to disturb some readers. So they say “do away with the ads.’ Islamic Voice is a mission managed by an independent individual. It is not part of any group, organization or any idealogy. We have no bigwigs backing us. The biggest backing is Allah. He has provided for the smooth running of the publication through the means of advertisements that form our revenue. But this in no way implies that we are getting commercialised.


Through articles in Islamic Voice, we are striving to transform the way Muslims look at themselves and the way the world looks at Muslims. We prefer to stay positive and adopt a progressive approach to the problems of the community by offering suggestions, rather than by getting bogged down by right or wrong. Who are we to judge?


Be it profiles or personalities, features or issues, the publication is aimed at making a difference in the lives of people for the better. We need to adapt ourselves to the changing times, keeping within the purview of Islam.


Dawah cannot have boundaries. It has to spread across the world through various forms and means. Islamic Voice will soon be making a foray into the visual media. No No…. hold your breath-its not a new Channel. But we propose to make films covering personalities in the community, institutions and even short films on the Muslim social life with a story woven around it, by roping in reputed professionals from the visual media world. Inshallah! While the journey of Islamic Voice has been adventurous, sometimes a hump here and a hurdle there keeps us wondering…. We wonder and wonder-why is it that Muslims do not commit themselves to a cause? Why is there resistance to give their life for a cause? What is the fear that is stopping them from giving up their illusory dreams for a cause?


Why people tighten their purse-strings when a publication hikes its cost by just a few coins? In seminars, the Muslims complain about the absence of good Muslim media. But when they have one right in front of their eyes, they look the other way.


It’s all a matter of the heart. Surrendering to the will of the Almighty, letting go off our ego, purifies our souls. After the Prophet (Pbuh), the Sahabas emulated his principles in their lives. It is high time we work towards that level of taqwa for it is this taqwa which will help all, not just in our life here, but in the Hereafter too.


Islamic Voice has been set up for the community and we keep only this cause in focus as we step into the 19th year by Allah’s grace. Fear of people does not rule over us, but Fear of Allah-that’s why we are all set to work harder and expand our vision to bring the publication closer to your hearts.


We do not make high demands on you, except that as a little gift to us on our 19th year, we will be delighted if you can gift us one new subscriber. Your goodwill be remembered by us for all times to come-Inshallah!


Borrowing a line from an elegant tele-commercial which says-Dil Ki Baat Bata Kar To Dekho…. Yes we want to say that “we wish to make a positive difference in your lives through Islamic Voice, Inshallah! We thank each and everyone who have been supporting us directly and indirectly in all our activities.

(The writer A.W. Sadathullah Khan can be reached at islamicvoice@ touchtelindia.net)