Islamic Voice, September 2009

Islamic Voice (IV) is a monthly magazine published from Bangalore. It may be the only Indian Muslim magazine in English that is making money. The magazine is all color these days and full of colorful advertisements about schools, colleges, and most importantly Hajj and Umrah travel agents.

Few things about the September 2009 issues stands out, so here they are:



According to IV, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan are Arab countries.



Article talks about whether Muslim women can work outside their homes and on the bottom of page is the ad for a jilbab boutique but if you pay close attention to the images in the ad, it is all of women completely covered. The article itself has two pictures and both pictures are of non-Indian Muslim women. Why Muslim magazines always looking outside India for inspiration?

But here is something extraordinary I found in this magazine. One of the article is from an Imam of a Masjid in Rajasthan. Wow, an Imam reading English magazine and not only that writing a letter to the editor in English. And here is the best part- he appreciates the interview of Flavia Agnes, a women rights activist.

Here is the text of the letter:

"Good Interview

This is with reference to the interview by Yoginder Sikand with Flavia Agnes (Islamic Voice, July 2009). It was very interesting and served as a guide to the Muslim community. Flavia has struggled in her life and with her firm determination has proved herself as an unique woman. The complete interview advocates the burning problems of women, while replying on the Uniform Civil Code, she has been very frank and upright. Thanks to Yoginder Sikand for the interview and congratulations.

Kazi Mohammad Ayub
Shehar Khateeb and Pesh Imam, Jodhpur, Rajasthan"

and here is the link to the interview.