Bouquets and Brickbats

The discussion in the September 2006 issue of Islamic Voice between Maqbool Ahmed Siraj and Arshad Shaikh (Letters Column) clearly indicates an immediate need for understanding and respect between the modernists and the conservatives. I strongly recommend Mr Siraj to read a study published in the “Economic and Political Weekly” of January 8, 2005 issue, entitled, “Analyzing Demand for Primary Education-Muslim Slum Dwellers of Kolkata”. The essence of this article is that, contrary to popular belief, poor Muslims favour modern education, especially for girls. This study should help set the priorities of the modernists if they are genuine in their concern for the educational backwardness of the community. Dumping this responsibility on the madrasas, is as absurd as asking an institution teaching commerce to start teaching “particle physics” or “molecular biology”. When it comes to the art of collecting zakat or charity, both modernists and conservatives compete with one another. One may resort to a photograph of a half constructed building and good slogan shouting and collect money, while the other may be using multi-media presentations to collect thousands in hard currency. At least the conservatives meet the basic criteria of zakat money going only to the poor members of the community. In the case of modernists, it is not certain and they do not like to be questioned about it, more so by the conservatives. Both these type of zakat collectors actually belong to only one category…we can call them “Zakat Operators”, a new breed of professionals in our community.


Email: dr.a.ahmed@sify.com

The Islamic Voice of August 2006 has published two thought provoking articles by eminent writers, Maqbool Ahmed Siraj and Rashid Shaz, highlighting different aspects of Muslim backwardness. In his article “Challenge of Conservatism”, Mr Siraj has narrated the backwardness of the community in modern scientific fields and in his opinion, the basic cause of backwardness is the conservative religious education. He has argued that religious education should equip the Ulema to face the challenges of the modern world. But it is not fair to put the entire blame on Muslim clergy for the present situation. The political, social and religious leaders are equally responsible for the pathetic situation of Muslims today. If Mr. Siraj supports the view that Zakat funds can be utilised for raising social infrastructure like schools, media, libraries, hospitals, convention halls, scholarships etc., it is the duty of the Ulema to examine and advice whether the activity will be within the tenets of Islam. . There is no controversy that the curriculum of religious education should expand to meet the needs of the modern scientific advancements. This aspect has been well narrated by Rashid Shaz in his article “Calling for a Paradigm Shift”. The coverage of articles in Islamic Voice is appreciated.

I see so many advertisements in Islamic Voice by Haj Tour Operators. It is very good to know that they are trying their level best to give the Hajis good accommodation and travel facility in the form of planned programme for their Haj Umrah and Ziarath. It will be worthwhile if the Haj Tour Operators try to give the poorer section of our community who wish to go to Haj, some discounts and concess-ion in fares.

Email: armansheikh@rediffmail.com

If we look at the global situation today, we see two spots which could be the epicenters of the “ Third World War,” if at all it comes in future. These are Palestine in the Middle East and Kashmir in the Indian sub-continent. Being an Indian, my immediate concern is with the Kashmir problem. I feel disgusted with the various terrorist attacks and killing of thousands of innocent women and children triggered by the Kashmir issue. My suggestion is the formation of a “ Federation of the Countries of the Indian sub-continent” including India, Pakistan and Kashmir working as independent units. The Kashmir problem can be discussed in a peaceful situation under this Federation with India acting as the Real Big Brother.

I read with interest the editorial ‘Adulation to Orthodoxy’ and ‘Challenge of Conservatism’ by Maqbool Ahmed Siraj and Justice A.M.Ahmadi’s speech at the Convention of All India Milli Council (Islamic Voice - August 2006).  All the three have a common point and that is the intellectual stagnation among Muslims. It is high time, one pondered over the question… “who will extricate the vast majority of Muslims caught in the vicious circle of illiteracy and socio-economic backwardness?”  I have a proposition to make.  We have a wide network of madrasas across the nation. Many students from here end up with hardly any employment opportunities. The Muslim academicians should devise a formula whereby school syllabi prescribed by the respective state governments can be imparted to the students alongside Deeniyat in madrasas. 

Email: sultan_awaz@yahoo.co.in, Kadapa

This is with reference to the topic- “Reward for reading the Qur’an,” and the question put forth therein and the answer related to the same question in “Our Dialogue”, Islamic Voice, September 2006. I do agree with most of the views expressed in the article about reading the Quran in Arabic. But I have found that there is less emphasis paid on reading the translation of the Quran. Until and unless Muslims are advised and encouraged to read the translation by ‘eminent translators,’ just think how can we expect Muslims to know what is there in the glorious Quran?

Email: tahaseen_anjum786@yahoo.co.in

The article -‘Kibr-The deadliest of all Sins’, in Islamic Voice, September 2006 was good. Allah is the Most Merciful and if He wills He may forgive any sin. But one thing Allah detests, abhors most and ‘may not forgive at all’ and that is: associating partners to Allah… worshipping any other deity, comparing, believing or seeking any help from anybody else.

Email: afre_aafr@yahoo.co.in

This is with reference to the article “Making Criminal of an Innocent Man”, in Islamic Voice September 2006. The character assassination of Mr. Suri carried out by the Kannada daily is indeed deplorable. This incident should serve as a wake up call to the community. The lack of an effective “media watch” organisation that can articulate the community’s concerns in the media is an issue that needs urgent attention. Moreover, it is the near absence of Muslims in the mainstream media that is one of the factors behind the skewed coverage of communally sensitive issues. We need to encourage our youth to consider journalism as a career option. While Muslim media is a necessity, the need for participation in mainstream media has always been greater.

Email: mthange@yahoo.com

This is response to the article “Mahim Mayhem” in Islamic Voice of September 2006. The most disturbing fact is the behaviour of educated Muslims to the so called miracle of sea (salty) water turning sweet. I feel the point that was missing in this article is that it does not clearly acknowledge the rejection or acceptance of the behaviour of Muslims to this phenomenon. It is a scientific fact that salt water and sweet water do not mix. I am also surprised that none from the community came forward to denounce the act. I request that Islamic Voice should liaison with the Ulema and educate the Muslims about such realities.

Email: MohammadSuhail.Shaikh@ge.com