Darul Uloom Deoband and the Ghazwa-e-Hind Narrative

By New Age Islam Staff Writer 28 February 2024 True, The Ghazwa-e-Hind Narrative Agenda Propagated By The Pakistani Media Has Been Debunked By Several Indian Ulama. However, Given That the Obscure Response Posted on Darul Uloom Deoband's Website Has Already Confused the Matter, Darul Uloom Deoband Must Provide A Thorough Response, Particularly In Disproving The Pakistani Narrative Of Ghazwa-e-Hind. ------ Recently Darul Uloom Deoband made headlines due to an old response regarding Ghazwa-e-Hind. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) voiced serious concerns over the “anti-India fatwa” that was purportedly posted on the website of Darul Uloom Deoband. The Senior Superintendent of Police and District Magistrate of Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, received a notification...

Spectre Of Blasphemy: Don't Wear Anything with Arabic Inscriptions and Calligraphy!

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 28 February 2024 Kabhi Poochha Tha Khuda Se, Bata Tera Mazhab Kya Hai Aaj Tak Uss Ka Koi Jawab Hi Nahin Aaya Dr Navroze Kotwal (I once asked god, what's your religion? / I've not received any reply thus far) Kabhi Quran, Kabhi Gita, Toh Kabhi Bible Mein Dikhta Hai Mazhabi Insaan Ko Khuda Sirf Kitabon Mein Nazar Aata Hai Unknown (God is found in the Quran, Gita or Bible / A zealot finds God only in the scriptures) A woman in Pakistan recently found herself at the centre of a dangerous situation due to a misunderstanding surrounding her clothing. While wearing a dress with the Arabic word "Halwa," which translates to "beautiful," she was confronted by an angry mob in Lahore. The crowd, mistaking the Arabic calligraphy for verses from the Quran, accused...

"Esurient For Knowledge, I've Not Learnt To Be Complacent Even For A Moment"

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 29 February 2024 "Esurient for knowledge, I've not learnt to be complacent even for a moment..." Jalandhar-born British novelist Lawrence Durrell "Wusa't-E-Samandar-E-Ilm Bhala Kya Kahoon Ek Qatrah Bhi Shayad Haasil Na Ho Saka" (How shall I explain the expanse of the ocean of knowledge?/ Even a drop couldn't be achieved out of it) "Jahaan-e-Ilm Mein Kaamyaab Ke Liye Inki Saari Shart-e-Na Guzeer Hai" Ghalib's advice to his friend and student Altaaf Hussain Hali 'Panipati' (Humility is a sine qua non to succeed in the world of knowledge) When I first came across the popular slogan, 'stay hungry, stay foolish,' it appeared to be rather preposterous to me. But when I mulled over this pithy slogan, I found it to be very meaningful. What it means is, 'stay...

"You Needn't Accept All That I Say. At Least, Let Me Finish My Sentence"

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 27 February 2024 "You don't have to love me but please throw yourself into the world with me." Turkish poet Nazim Hikmet "You needn't accept all that I say. At least, let me finish my sentence...." Sappho, Greek poetess "Zamana Meri Har Baat Maane, Ye Zaroori Nahin Meri Baat Suni Jaaye, Faqat Itni-Si Iltija Hai" (It's not incumbent upon the world to agree with whatever I say in my speech / Just listening to me is what I beseech)......yours truly's shadow-translation Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi, legendary Pakistani Urdu poet I just finished reading Hikmet's two compilations of poetry in Turkish, Sappho's 'Fragments' in Greek and Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi's poetry in Urdu. Strangely, I came across the aforementioned thoughts which, though similar, are expressed in a...

Islamophobic Hatred Against Muslims In The UK, Once Known As ‘Multicultural And Ethnic Hotpot’, On The Rise

By Asad Mirza, New Age Islam 26 February 2024 Mainstream British Politicians Are Claiming That British Muslims Are Subverting British Democracy And Are A Security Threat ----- Last week two unrelated incidents once again showed how easy it is, to form a narrative against Islam in the UK. Just 20 years back described as a ‘multicultural and ethnic hotpot’ under the labour-era. The UK is once again witnessing the increasing calls against islamophobia under the conservative rule. The massive rallies against Israel’s bombardment of Gaza after 7 October, last year, were responsible for increasing threats of Islamophobia in the UK. According to TellMAMA, a public service organisation which measures and monitors anti-Muslim incidents, reported on 23 February of a more than threefold increase...

Praise Shames Me, For I Secretly Beg For It!

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 26 February 2024 One of the most beautiful quotes that I've ever come across while diving into the ocean of world literature in several languages, is Rabindranath Tagore's 'Praise shames me, for I secretly beg for it.' While scholars of Persian mysticism find a semblance of similarity when Hafiz Shirazi says, "I ask for criticism, but long for admiration," such uncanny similarities cannot always be called plagiarism. Great minds often think alike. Coming back to Tagore's thought, juxtaposing it with Hafiz's quote for a greater impact, one must say that almost all humans secretly or blatantly ask for praise and feel snubbed even by a scintilla of criticism. "Ae Nujoomi Mujh Ko Faqat Achchhi Baatein Hi Bata/ Talkh Pesheengoyion Se Mujh Ko Na Dara" (Oh, clairvoyant,...

Embracing Religious Pluralism: Moving Beyond Exclusive Claims

By Adis Duderija, New Age Islam 23 February 2024 “We Now Know That No Religion Can Claim An Exclusive Monopoly On Salvation And Truth. We Must Accept The Fact That Our Forebears Knew Far Less About World Religions Than We Know. Hence, We Must See Our Faith In Global Perspective As One Among Many, Each Having Its Own Spiritual Heritage And Civilization. In Light Of This, No Religious Community Or Religio-Ethnic Group Can Claim A Special And Exclusive Mission To Humankind.” Mahmoud Ayoub, The Roots Of Christian-Muslim Conflict. In an increasingly interconnected world, the above quote from Mahmoud Ayoub,(d.2021) a pioneer in Christian-Muslim Dialogue, instructs us to realise that no single religion can lay an exclusive claim to salvation and truth. He argues that we now possess a wealth...

Philippine Muslims Grappling With ISIS Terrorism

By New Age Islam Staff Writer 23 February 2024 ISIS Attacks Majority Christians Of Philippines Main Points: 1. On 3 December 2023, the ISIS attacked a Catholic church during a Mass. 2. 9 ISIS terrorists were killed by security forces on 24 January. 3. Philippine's Mindanao is a Muslim majority province. 4. Mindanao has been declared an autonomous region controlled by Muslims. 5. ISIS wants to establish a caliphate in Muslim Mindanao. ------ Pro Isis graffiti is seen on a wall of a back-alley as government soldiers continue their assault against the Maute group in Marawi City, Philippines.Romeo Ranoco / Reuters ----- Since the emergence of the ISIS in the Middle East and the establishment of its caliphate in Mosul in 2014, the Muslims of the small southeast Asian...

Don't Let The Script Of Urdu Die

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 23 February 2024 "I can give you several examples. Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah can't write Urdu. But Naseer, who's from Meerut, played Mirza Ghalib very effectively in my serial. Both of them speak Urdu beautifully. In modern India, Devnagari isn't a vehicle to communicate only Hindi, but also a vehicle to communicate Urdu in our country." Gulzar, in an interview to Subhash K Jha I'm rather surprised that despite being so well-versed in Urdu and au fait with its script, Gulzar is not very keen on the retention of Nastaliq, based on Perso-Arabic script for Urdu. The script of a language is a must for its survival. If you start writing Urdu in Devanagari script, you'll demean the language. Script of any language is its soul. I remember my interactions...

The Unforgettable Voice of Iconic Radio Presenter, “Allow Ameen Sayani; Namaskar, Shubh Ratri, Shab Bakhair”

By New Age Islam Staff Writer 23 February 2024 Ameen Sayani's Legacy and Impact on Radio Main Points: 1. His show, Binaca Geetmala, had 21 million weekly listeners by the late 1970s, featuring Hindi movie tunes. 2. Sayani's voice was a powerful attraction to radio listeners, drawing them in from start to finish. 3. Binaca Geetmala's success was largely due to Sayani's captivating voice, which captivated listeners for 41 years. 4. Sayani's final program of Binaca Geetmala was presented on March 12, 1994, with the song "Jadoo Teri Nazar Khushboo Tera Badan". 5. Once Amitabh Bachchan, who was a young actor at the time, attended the test but had to leave due to Ameen Sayani's busy schedule. 6. His legacy and contributions will always be remembered in the radio industry,...

Hindu-Muslim Brotherhood: The Identity of The Country

By Sandesh Tiwari, Tr. New Age Islam 22 February 2024 Religion Does Not Influence Interpersonal Discrimination Between Muslims And Hindus In India. The Hindu-Muslim Fraternity, Rooted In Shared History And Cultural Merging, Promotes Cooperation And Common Culture Between Hindus And Muslims. For Example, The Police Administration In Kathara, Uttar Pradesh, Once Expressed Concerns About Security Due To The Simultaneous Observation Of Muharram And Dussehra. However, Villagers Agreed To Celebrate Ram Leela And Ta'ziya, Demonstrating A New Brotherhood. ------ It is generally necessary to admit that religion has no role in interpersonal discrimination. There are striking examples of the cordial relationship between Muslims and Hindus all around India. These are the instances that demonstrate...

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad on the Causes of The Decline of Muslim Societies Around the World

By Dr. M.I.H. Farooqi, New Age Islam 22 February 2024 “Islam With All Its Values And Qualities Became A Victim Of False Propaganda By The West. It Was Said That Islam Lives On The Booty Of Loot And Arson. Sir Syed Was Probably The First Sincere Muslim Who Confronted The Muslim Haters And Rejected All Insinuations.” ------- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (File Photo) -------- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was among the top builders of modern India. He was also one of the most prominent Muslim personalities of twentieth century. An Islamic thinker of international repute, he possessed good qualities of the past but with modern outlook and believed in oneness of all human beings. He advocated for learning through liberal, modern and universal education combining the rationalism of western sciences. Thoughtful...

Ameen Sayani: Man With a Captivating Voice

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 22 February 2024 Aawaaz Jo Kaanon Se Dil Mein Utar Jaaye Wahi Aawaaz Meri Rooh Ko Hai Bhaaye -Akhtar Ul Iman (Voice that descends into the heart through the ears/ That very voice appeals to my soul) There's a line, Meri Aawaaz Ka Teer, Jayega Dil Ko Bhi Cheer, in an immortal song 'Sun Le Tu Dil Ki Sada' sung by Mohammad Rafi (Film: Tere Ghar Ke Saamne, 1963). The demise of the legendary radio-announcer Ameen Sayani reminds us of this line. It was indeed a voice that warmed the cockles of hearts for decades. His signature style of saying Bahno aur Bhaiyo will remain etched in the collective memory of those listening to him since 1952 when he started presenting Binaca Geetmala on Radio Ceylon that enthralled Indians for more than four decades. What made...

Vladimir Putin Waiting for An Inclusive Cancer Vaccine That May Establish Him as A Humanitarian Crusader

By Nava Thakuria, New Age Islam 22 February 2024 Russian President Vladimir Putin, recently while speaking in a Moscow function, announced that his country was waiting for the launch of cancer vaccines. Putin, globally condemned for invasion on Ukraine resulting many casualties and enormous property damages, announced that significant progress has been made by the Russian scientific fraternity to develop the important vaccines. The hardliner Russian leader expressed optimism that they have almost reached a significant phase for developing cancer vaccines and immunomodulatory drugs. He also hoped that these advancements will transition the way to approach the health disaster, but Putin did not reveal any specific information about the type of cancer vaccines, he mentioned. Russian President...

Khul’ Or Khula, Divorce Initiated By Muslim Women: Victims Welcome Relief Offered By Kerala High Court

By Grace Mubashir, New Age Islam 24 February 2024 The Community Leadership Who Conduct Marriages Must Also Take Initiatives To Facilitate Khul’ Or Khula Divorce As Per Kerala High Court Verdict Main Points: 1. The 2023 Kerala High Court ruling related to Khul' can be seen as a positive step towards untying this tangle. According to this ruling, a Muslim woman does not have to go to court to get a divorce. It will be very helpful in avoiding delay in this matter. 2. Victims of abusive marriages have welcomed court decision. 3. Khul’ is divorce initiated by women. 4. This facility is not encouraged by community and clerical leadership causing a setback to women's rights. 5. Khula is a human right of married women granted by Islam in which community...

UP Muslims May Vote For BJP In 2024 Lok Sabha Elections - To Shift Loyalty From Traditional Religious Block To Sub-Caste Identities

By Syed Ali Mujtaba, New Age Islam 24 February 2024 An electoral survey Mapping Muslim voting behaviour for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, says Muslim voting behaviour is gravitating toward the BJP, and the vote share of the saffron party vis-à-vis Muslims may go up. This survey was carried out by Feyaad Allie a post-doctoral fellow in the Government Department at Harvard University. He travelled across eighteen districts in eastern, central, and western Uttar Pradesh. The sample included 1,468 Muslims who identified as Pasmanda (OBC and Dalit) and 480 who identified as General or Upper Caste. Additionally, the Hindu sample of the survey included 355 Hindus identifying as Upper Caste, 1,180 identifying as OBC, and 389 identifying as from the Scheduled Castes. The survey that was conducted...

Kaif Bhopali: Remembering A Forgotten Poet-Lyricist

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 24 February 2024 I'm in the habit of looking for tributes and obituaries on Urdu poets on their birth and death anniversaries. So, when I didn't find even a fleeting mention of the poet-lyricist Kaif Bhopali on his birth anniversary on February 20, I felt sad. Kaif Bhopali and Asad Bhopali, yet another ill-fated contemporary poet-lyricist from Bhopal, never got the recognition they deserved. In a highly competitive world of song-writing for Hindi films when there were stalwarts like Sahir, Kaifi, Majrooh, Shakeel, Shailendra, Hasrat, among others who were getting regular works, it was indeed difficult for a simple and self-effacing man like Kaif to find a place and write prolifically. Yet, he immortalised himself by writing 'Chalo Dildaar Chalo Chaand Ke...