tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39958843906639364162012-01-21T17:34:45.539-05:00My life, my opinion.kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.comBlogger1901100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-16245373937592198662012-01-21T17:34:00.000-05:002012-01-21T17:34:45.546-05:00

So invoke Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion, although the disbelievers dislike it. [Al-Mu'min : 14] Sahih International

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-25673086392552435282012-01-08T07:17:00.000-05:002012-01-08T07:17:02.214-05:00

Why do we have so many examples, parables, similitude in Quran? And We have certainly presented for the people in this Qur'an from every [kind of] example - that they might remember. [Az-Zumar: 27] translation: Sahih International

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-34493396264774400902012-01-02T15:40:00.000-05:002012-01-02T15:40:02.036-05:00

Why do we read Quran and what should be the immediate and long-term impact of its reading on the readers? Quran explains the immediate affect of reading: Allah has sent down the best statement, a Book (this Quran), its parts resembling each other in goodness and truth, oft-repeated. The skins of those who fear their Lord shiver from it (when they recite it or hear it). Then their skin and

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-53080841180708057082011-12-21T06:52:00.000-05:002011-12-21T06:52:14.138-05:00

Auliya in Arabic means friend, helper, or protector. In Sufism, those who have reached high level of God-consciousness are called Auliya-Allah or friends of Allah. These are important people and no harm in visiting their graves and praying for them. But more often than not their graves (dargaahs) become a place to to plead and ask them for favors. Allah in Az-Zumar verse 3 in fact uses the word

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-10339291307499203292011-07-23T19:37:00.001-04:002011-07-23T21:00:11.033-04:00

In the following verse, Allah tells Prophet Daud (alaihe salaam) that I have made you a khalifa in the earth ( خَلِيفَةً فِي الْأَرْضِ ) so govern among people (فَاحْكُم بَيْنَ النَّاسِ ) with truth (justice) and do not follow your own desire ( بِالْحَقِّ وَلَا تَتَّبِعِ الْهَوَىٰ ). I find it significant that Allah tells Prophet Daud to govern among people and not rule over the people which

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-6673924682563772912011-07-08T22:38:00.000-04:002011-07-08T22:38:06.192-04:00

In Surah Saffat, mentioning the story of Yunus, how he fled from his nation, then while crossing the river, his ship was caught in a storm and his name came up in the lots and he was thrown overboard then a ship swallowed him, Allah says that he may have remained there had he not been doing the tasbeeh. And had he not been of those who exalt Allah. He would have remained inside its belly until

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-17437146900475784812011-06-19T12:29:00.001-04:002011-07-02T19:42:40.245-04:00

In Surah As-Saffat, Allah declares Himself as Rabb-ul-Mashaariq i.e. Lord of the easts. Not sure why most translators have translated it as the Lord of the sunrises. But if we stick to original Arabic then question arises east from where? is it east from the reader's perspective or east of Hijaz? Also, how many easts are there? As-Saaffat Lord of the heavens and of the earth and all that is

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-86024516265753424842011-05-05T22:29:00.000-04:002011-05-05T22:29:59.693-04:00

Those who rehearse the Book of Allah, establish regular Prayer, and spend (in Charity) out of what We have provided for them, secretly and openly, hope for a Commerce that will never fail: [Al-Fatir: 29] سورة فَاطِر جو لوگ الله تعالیٰ کی تلاوت (مع العمل) کرتے رہتے ہیں اورنماز کی پابندی رکھتے ہیں اور جو کچھ ہم نے ان کو عطا فرمایا ہے اس میں سے پوشیدہ اور علانیہ خرچ کرتے ہیں وہ ایسی تجارت کے

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-50783115754345605202011-05-02T19:58:00.000-04:002011-05-02T19:58:27.075-04:00

Quran says ulema are those who fear Allah. And they fear Allah because they contemplate on natural phenomena. So if look at these two verses then it is clear that ulema are not those who read and memorize Islamic books but scientists who think about and investigate nature around them. Beholdest thou not that Allah sendeth down water from the heaven, and then We thereby bring fruit of diverse

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-69793861694809610872011-04-17T08:33:00.000-04:002011-04-17T08:33:29.567-04:00

Then they said: Our Lord make the distance between our journeys longer. And they wronged themselves. Wherefore We made them by words and dispersed them with a total dispersion. Verily herein are signs for every persevering, grateful persons. [Saba: 19] سورة سَبَإ سو وہ کہنے لگے کہ اے ہمارے پروردگار ہمارے سفروں میں درازی کر دے اور (علاوہ اس ناشکری کے) انہوں نے (اور بھی نافرمانیاں کر کے) اپنی

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-29350839746325872262011-04-04T20:16:00.000-04:002011-04-04T20:16:44.078-04:00

Al-Ahzab O ye who believe! Guard your duty to Allah, and speak words straight to the point; (70) سورة الاٴحزَاب اے ایمان والو الله سے ڈرو اور راستی کی بات کہو۔ (۷۰)

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-54423425843445568452011-03-19T11:42:00.000-04:002011-03-19T11:42:49.528-04:00

Lo! Allah and His angels shower blessings on the Prophet. O ye who believe! Ask blessings on him and salute him with a worthy salutation. (Al-Ahzab: 56) [translation: dariyabadi] سورة الاٴحزَاب بے شک الله تعالیٰ اور اس کے فرشتے رحمت بھیجتے ہیں ان پیغمبر پر اے ایمان والو تم بھی آپ پر رحمت بھیجا کرو اور خوب سلام بھیجا کرو۔ (۵۶) [tarjuma: Thanwi]

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-83498638253646601222010-12-27T12:15:00.000-05:002010-12-27T12:15:23.247-05:00

Gujarat government has made many claims about vibrant Gujarat. Recently, it has also made claims that Muslims in Gujarat are in much better condition that many other states of India. When Narendra Modi’s newspaper ad in Bihar was found to be using image of the UP Muslims, BJP spokesperson claimed that facts about minorities of Gujarat remain the same. He said his party is ready to debate the data

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-51262067876414492182010-12-27T12:12:00.000-05:002010-12-27T12:12:23.474-05:00

Jamaat-e-Islami Hind of today is not the same organization that Abu Ala Maudidi launched in 1941. Starting with the aim of establishing Islamic governance, its purpose and role in India has slowly changed to the Jamaat becoming a champion of secularism and democracy. Its detractors will say that this apparent change in Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) is just tactical, but researcher Irfan Ahmad’s

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-72147938840625288212010-12-27T12:08:00.002-05:002010-12-27T12:08:41.060-05:00

Stereotyping is an oversimplified image or representation. One image is meant to represent all members of that group or community. It helps in identification but offers no individuality or scope for diversity that exists within that group. When you see news stories about Muslims on TV it is often accompanied by images of burqa clad women and men with cap and beard. In both cases visuals are

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-58229076059886555112010-12-27T12:06:00.000-05:002010-12-27T12:06:30.082-05:00

"There is nothing surprising in a Muslim or a Pathan like me subscribing to the creed of nonviolence. It is not a new creed. It was followed 1,400 years ago by the Prophet all the time when he was in Mecca.” - Badshah Khan A hundred years ago, a young Pathan of just 20 years of age, established a modern school to bring education to his people. Concerned about poverty, ignorance, and violence

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-2104812272652420292010-12-27T12:02:00.002-05:002010-12-27T12:02:58.790-05:00

An analysis of randomly selected Deoband fatwas Fatwas have been in the news for all the wrong reasons. Headlines and news reports give readers the impression that muftis who issue these fatwas are working against heavy odds to keep Muslims backward and that most of their energy is spent on keeping women in check. The realty is far from what media, liberal Muslims or even Muslim scholars would

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-71528743690022944592010-12-27T11:54:00.000-05:002010-12-27T11:54:45.670-05:00

Everybody loves a bad fatwa. And why not? It fills column space for newpapers; It brings in viewers for Television channels; it plays into the image of Muslims as a backward community for communalists; and it gives activists a chance to reinforce their secular credentials. Never mind that this fatwa will not change the lives of millions of Muslims and text of the fatwa could be not what has been

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-13160361816421079712010-12-27T11:49:00.000-05:002010-12-27T11:49:21.617-05:00

Mukul Sinha has a PhD in Physics but even before getting his degree he got involved in the rights of the workers in his institute. Years later he completed his law degree and now he works as a lawyer and civil rights activist. One of the founding member of civil rights organization Jan Sangharsh Manch (JSM), he has been at the forefront of struggle for justice for victims of Gujarat genocide of

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-36191204579906691682010-12-27T11:47:00.000-05:002010-12-27T11:47:13.243-05:00

Minorities Commission as a non-statutory body was set up in 1978. In the days following Babri Masjid demolition it was made a statutory body and in 1993 it came to be called National Commission for Minorities (NCM). Its main object is to safeguard the interest of minorities but its power is even less than the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, and National Human Rights Commission. Lacking

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-5355666869852963662010-12-27T11:40:00.001-05:002010-12-27T12:07:01.873-05:00

When FIFA World Cup Soccer Final match is played on Sunday, there will be at least a billion people will be watching it around the world. Going by the two pictures that I will present to you, some of these fans will be young Muslim girls of India. First picture is from Indian state of Kerala. Soccer is huge in Kerala and not only boys but also girls get worked up for their teams. Brazil and

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-62179803856188546132010-12-26T09:19:00.000-05:002010-12-26T09:19:12.071-05:00

Be good to your parents unless they ask you to do shirk and even then you have to behave with them in a kind manner. Breast-feeding is recommended for two years. Breast-feeding is also a form of family planning but unfortunately Quran commentators have not talked about that meaning of this verse. سورة لقمَان اور ہم نے انسان کو اس کے ماں باپ کے متعلق تاکید کی ہے اس کی ماں نے ضعف پر ضعف اٹھا

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-87914857348953413622010-12-18T17:52:00.000-05:002010-12-18T17:52:35.142-05:00

Radiance magazine of 7-13 November 2010 has some data about JIH's membership strength. Total members: (arkaan + kaarkun) 1948: 300. 2010: 33,079. Muttafiqueen (symapthizers?): Males: 2,71,616. Females: 1,25,546. According to the article penned by Dr. S. Ausaf Saied Vasfi, Jamaat refuses to take any foreign donation. It is running 683 deeni madaaris, 10 big hospitals, 75 dispensaries, and

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-66104033880236031762010-12-16T07:23:00.000-05:002010-12-16T07:23:33.422-05:00

Words are clear in this verse that there should not be any alteration in Allah's creation but the context in which this verse appears is talking about religion. So I am a bit confused if this is a general directive or specific to religion. If it is general directive does that mean that we can't do any of the plan grafting or genetic engineering? Wherefore set thou thy face towards the true

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-9323331445155300402010-12-10T03:57:00.000-05:002010-12-10T03:57:38.218-05:00

So hallow Allah when ye enter the night and when ye enter the morning,-- And His is all praise in the heavens and the earth! --and at the suns decline and when ye enter the noon. [Al-Room : 17-18] پھر الله کی تسبیح کرو جب تم شام کرو اور جب تم صبح کرو (۱۷) اور آسمانوں اور زمین میں اسی کی تعریف ہے اور پچھلے پہر بھی اور جب دوپہر ہو (۱۸)

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-2410315243127457872010-11-07T07:33:00.000-05:002010-11-07T07:33:00.755-05:00

سُوۡرَةُ العَنکبوت وَلَا تُجَادِلُوۡٓا اَهۡلَ الۡكِتٰبِ اِلَّا بِالَّتِىۡ هِىَ اَحۡسَنُ ۖ اِلَّا الَّذِيۡنَ ظَلَمُوۡا مِنۡهُمۡ‌ وَقُوۡلُوۡٓا اٰمَنَّا بِالَّذِىۡۤ اُنۡزِلَ اِلَيۡنَا وَاُنۡزِلَ اِلَيۡكُمۡ وَاِلٰهُـنَا وَاِلٰهُكُمۡ وَاحِدٌ وَّنَحۡنُ لَهٗ مُسۡلِمُوۡنَ‏ ﴿۴۶﴾ Al-Ankaboot And dispute ye not with the People of the Book, except with means better (than mere disputation) unless it be

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-61712052641950335102010-11-06T10:08:00.000-04:002010-11-06T10:08:00.050-04:00

Recite what is sent of the Book by inspiration to thee, and establish Regular Prayer: for Prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds; and remembrance of Allah is the greatest (thing in life) without doubt. And Allah knows the (deeds) that ye do. [Al Ankaboot: 45]

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-26939597386416938952010-11-04T22:56:00.000-04:002010-11-04T22:56:06.685-04:00

Kashmir in Conflict: India, Pakistan and the Unending War by Victoria Schoefield Pretty balanced book about Kashmir between Indian and Pakistani position and also the struggle and challenges of the Kashmiris. One must remember that Kashmiris did nothing to sabotage Indian position in any of the Indo-Pak wars. In 1971, India had an opportunity to force Pakistan to accept Indian position in J&

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-85646018696198862702010-10-06T22:03:00.002-04:002010-10-06T22:03:32.985-04:00

spare change newspaper of Cambridge Originally uploaded by TwoCircles.net"Spare Change" is a newspaper published by homeless people of Cambridge and Boston. Many homeless sell this newspaper to make a living and I usually give some extra to the person that I buy it from. There is not much to read usually but once in a while you get some gems that give real picture of life on the street or from

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-45324424914685888692010-10-06T21:42:00.004-04:002010-10-06T22:05:38.772-04:00

Lady in red hat Originally uploaded by TwoCircles.net

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-33365084189956458272010-09-12T12:20:00.002-04:002010-09-12T12:21:42.104-04:00

On March 29, 2002 a Palestinian girl Ayat Al-Akhras killed two Israelis. Victim of the suicide bombing by this 18 year old included a 17 year old Israeli girl Rachel Levi. They lived barely miles apart but in a totally different world, they represent two sides of a conflict that has consumed a large part of the world for more than 60 years. The world that they lived in were very different from

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-192304431428265772010-08-24T23:34:00.000-04:002010-08-24T23:34:33.073-04:00

I wish to travel all-over the world but for one reason or the another I have not been able to do that but I have kept my hope and interest alive by watching travel channel and recently used my soon-to-expire airline miles to subscribe to a new travel magazine "Afar." I have never heard of this magazine before so was not sure what to expect. It is not exactly National Geographic but tries its

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-4266315498028635782010-08-13T23:08:00.001-04:002010-08-13T23:09:40.903-04:00

Notes from Tariq Ramadan talk in Boston in May 2010 Muslims are only reacting. More emotional you are weaker your position becomes. First attack is on the confidence of the people to make them scared. The word “sabireen” in quran is translated as perseverance which is a combination of patience and being active. [He meant that being patient doesn’t mean that we have to be passive]

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-78121333683873333082010-08-13T17:56:00.002-04:002010-08-13T17:59:08.897-04:00

Shadow war Originally uploaded by TwoCircles.netShadow War: The Untold Story of Jihad in Kashmir by Pakistani journalist Arif Jamal. I was expecting this book to be a justification for "jihad" or militancy in Kashmir and also provide more information about strategy and thinking of the militants as supposedly the author had talked to hundreds of militants. The book provides sequence of events

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-17069988931663727882010-07-15T13:32:00.001-04:002010-07-15T13:34:28.864-04:00

an old article: By Kashif-ul-huda, TwoCircles.net A commission constituted by the UPA government suggests that Muslims in India face vulnerability in employment sector due to low level of education, having no land and being Muslim. A Draft Report on “Conditions of Work and Promotion of Livelihoods in the Unorganised Sector” released by the National Commission for Enterprises in the Unorganised

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-19158667823250699232010-05-19T23:14:00.001-04:002010-05-19T23:14:21.234-04:00

Arabian adventureOriginally uploaded by TwoCircles.netA sign of prosperity of Indian Muslims and their aspirations. Picture of an ad that appeared in Islamic Voice magazine.

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-5202862928960764292010-05-17T16:18:00.000-04:002010-05-17T16:18:58.237-04:00

Nasiruddin Haider Khan is in Hindi journalism since 1992 and currently work as Deputy Resident Editor of Dainik Hindustan in Agra. He has been working on gender issues especially Muslim women issues for the last 16 years. Mr. Khan has a diploma in Journalism from Indian Institute of Mass communication and MA in Womens studies from Lucknow University. In 2005 he got the opportunity to look

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-40062157341953506302010-05-17T15:17:00.000-04:002010-05-17T15:17:29.967-04:00

This is regarding The Hindu's report, "Now, fatwa against insurance" by Atiq Khan Dear editor, It seems that when it comes to Muslim issues, all journalism ethics and principles can be safely ignored. Even before the controversy over the fatwa (opinion) related to Muslim women working in close proximity to men in offices has died down, the prestigious Sunni Muslim seminary, Darul Uloom,

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-60499210429256589272010-04-09T09:36:00.000-04:002010-04-09T09:36:07.592-04:00

MIT has a unique hacking tradition, no I didn't mean computer hacking, but MIT hacking refers to kind of prank done by its students. So you will see things on top of MIT dome or something weird. No one ever takes credit and not many know how it was done. Yesterday, I witnessed a hack. Here are the pics: Yes, that's right, they are upside down. Look up!

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-85548464428931531262010-04-09T09:28:00.000-04:002010-04-09T09:28:53.119-04:00

Al-Ankaboot We have enjoined on man kindness to parents: but if they (either of them) strive (to force) thee to join with Me (in worship) anything of which thou hast no knowledge, obey them not. Ye have (all) to return to Me, and I will tell you (the truth) of all that ye did. (8)

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-56448799419227622662010-04-04T16:44:00.000-04:002010-04-04T16:44:41.229-04:00

Qarun's wealth is legendary, in Surah Al-Qasas Allah mentions that he had so many treasures that it took many men to carry all the keys. Islam is not against making money and gathering wealth and in the story of Qarun are lessons for people with money. 1. Don't be arrogant because of your wealth. (showing off) 2. Do good things with your money. (charity) 3. Don't spend your wealth to create "

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-5588571280859136132010-04-03T10:22:00.000-04:002010-04-03T10:22:53.546-04:00

Everyone has a fixed number of hours that they need to sleep to feel rested. So if you sleep late you will wake up late therefore wouldn't it better if we sleep earlier in the night and get up early in the morning, this way we can catch fajr and also we are more productive early morning. Say: Have ye thought, if Allah made night everlasting for you till the Day of Resurrection, who is a God

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-91516382427801569102010-03-29T20:05:00.000-04:002010-03-29T20:05:32.590-04:00

Muslim India: Vol. XXVI No. 306 December 2009 Syed Shahabuddin says "Khuda Haifz, Muslim India!" and with that announces the closure of Muslim India magazine. It is an end of an era but I am not sad about it because this magazine had outlived its purpose. Lately, it was a collection of articles already published elsewhere and hardly any new or unpublished data about Muslims. Even Syed

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-9408019343569665302010-03-29T19:53:00.000-04:002010-03-29T19:53:30.203-04:00

Islamic Voice, Dec 2009 December issue of IV is excellent, a number of useful articles and the best part of this issue is that IV did not hold anything while criticizing Muslim leaders and organizations. The criticized Jamiat Ulema Hind for selling the community so that Madani family can get one Rajya Sabha seat, reported on the mismanagement by Anjuma-e-Islam Mumbai's outgoing president, and

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-76353052305653858342010-03-28T18:23:00.000-04:002010-03-28T18:23:45.989-04:00

The Muslim News: Feb 2010 TMN is a UK based monthly newspaper. Lead story for this issue is "Muslim schools surpass national GCSE averages." It is good to see that Muslim boys' and girls' schools outperform national average by several percentage points in students getting one or more As in their GCSE exams. One interesting thing is that Muslim co-ed schools though did better than national

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-80373842783838499162010-03-26T19:55:00.000-04:002010-03-26T19:55:16.847-04:00

Internet has increased our ability to indulge more in useless and meaningless talk. Let's try to control our tongue and typing fingers. And when they hear Al¬Laghw (dirty, false, evil vain talk), they withdraw from it and say: "To us our deeds, and to you your deeds. Peace be to you. We seek not (the way of) the ignorant." [Al-Qasas: 55]

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-87530865968289785722010-03-23T16:30:00.000-04:002010-03-23T16:30:36.074-04:00

By Kashif-ul-Huda, TwoCircles.net Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and for over fourteen hundred years a journey of a lifetime for millions of Muslims living in different corners of the world. These hajis returned to their homelands to tell a tale of physical and spiritual journey of extraordinary proportions. Hajj is obligatory for every Muslim man and woman who are able to undertake

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-16476931584229119702010-03-23T16:25:00.002-04:002010-03-23T16:29:42.040-04:00

Star Wars and the bible Originally uploaded by kaaashifWho knew that all Star Wars movies had secret Biblical messages? No wonder Ulema in India wants to keep us away from movies and TV. :-) I saw this flyer at MIT, may be a new initiative to get more people interested in Bible by hitching a ride on pop culture. Creative!

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-2411226966745287372010-03-22T21:21:00.000-04:002010-03-22T21:21:38.683-04:00

Nets of awareness: Urdu poetry and its critics By Frances W. Pritchett Just finished reading this book and I wished I would have read it in 1994 when it first came out. This is a great book for people who know nothing or just a little bit about Urdu poetry. It not only gives you the background but dig deeper into the universe of Urdu poetry and gives you all the necessary tools to enjoy Urdu

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-59806936157409709822010-03-17T21:29:00.000-04:002010-03-17T21:29:54.375-04:00

Radiance : 12 Dec 2009 The most interesting article in this issue of RV is "Qurbani Stories from Mumbai" by Ghulam Muhammad. In it, he narrates the stories of three different people who wanted to perform qurbani in Mumbai and difficulties these people had in discharging their religious obligation. Muslims need to realized that gone are the days when they can individually select their qurbani

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-74558141087746927142010-03-14T20:57:00.000-04:002010-03-14T20:57:48.384-04:00

Nation and the World: Dec 1, 2009 NATW has come a long way since Dec 2008 when it was declared that it will cease publication. Not only that it did not cease publication but came back with a new get up and improved quality. Content has improved a bit but I see so many articles that have been published elsewhere that I am not sure which ones are NATW exclusive. And what will be a magazine if it

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-80139971488429420382010-03-14T20:00:00.000-04:002010-03-14T20:00:21.496-04:00

Milli Gazette: 1-15 Dec 2009 I really liked this issue of the MG, it is full of informative articles and although there were some bad news and errors in the publication but overall the message is very upbeat and may be that's why I liked this issue. First page has news in two columns about a conference organized on Bi Amman in Jamia Millia Islamia on the occasion of her 85th death anniversary.

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-779716596176667142010-03-14T19:52:00.003-04:002010-03-14T19:53:52.221-04:00

Thanks to the propaganda of the Sangh Parivar, Babur, founder of Mughal Empire has become a controversial figure in Indian history. Babur was an invader but he was also the founder of a dynasty that gave shape to an India that we are rightly proud of. Be it the architecture, arts, literature, music, or dance, it is difficult to imagine present day India without the Mughals. When Babur

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-88508480533581237062010-03-01T22:15:00.000-05:002010-03-01T22:15:54.091-05:00

This is my second appearance on Asian Broadcasting Station based in Chicago. It broadcasts in Urdu language every Sunday for three hours also streams online. The interviewed me and Zubair bhai to talk about Islam and Muslims of Kerala. Here is the link: http://abnchicago.org/2010/02/28/uncategorized/2272010-abn-show-rabiul-awal-special-and-rediscovering-islam-in-south-asia/ Link to the

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-24128185548357810052010-02-28T21:41:00.000-05:002010-02-28T21:41:25.133-05:00

Radiance: 5 Dec 2009 Personal and matrimonial ads are always fun to read. I have noticed two interesting ads in a previous issue of Radiance. In this issue also there is a matrimonial box ad but this time the perspective bride is in her 20s- 24 to be exact. She is doing MA in English. The ad mentions that she is "beautiful" and here is the interesting part, she is also "very fair." There is a

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-69169824885514175612010-02-28T21:26:00.000-05:002010-02-28T21:26:23.343-05:00

I remember the days when we used to sleep early because there was nothing else to do at night. Now, thanks to the late night TV and the internet addiction, we are up late for no apparent reason and therefore difficulty in getting up for fajr. I am sure there are many who have not seen a sunrise in years. Allah says in Quran that nights are made for resting in Surah al-Namal. I think same topic

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-28999202297786270582010-02-25T21:38:00.000-05:002010-02-25T21:38:32.057-05:00

By Kashif-ul-Huda, TwoCircles.net Very quietly, with their January 2010 issue the Milli Gazette has completed its ten years of publication. The Milli Gazette is a fortnightly publication published from Delhi under the editorship of Dr. Zafarul Islam Khan. It is surprising that a community that complains about media bias has not celebrated this important occasion of their own media. Publishing a

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-39733847851034219452010-02-21T16:43:00.000-05:002010-02-21T16:43:14.335-05:00

Radiance: 22-28 Nov 2009 I was delighted to read RV's editorial on Aligarh hungama last year over the death of a student. "We do not subscribe to the theory that external conspiracies are responsible for all our ills." Shahabash Radiance and now let's stop publishing those nonsense articles against Israeli conspiracies.

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-32380758340001418472010-02-21T15:38:00.000-05:002010-02-21T15:38:32.568-05:00

Milli Gazette: 16-30 Nov 2009 SafiGirl.com is a website launched by Hamdard to promote their product Safi. Safi is a very old unani product that supposed to cleanse blood and give girls a better skin. Safi sells well and I have seen it in many Muslim households. The new print ad for Safi shows a girl in skirt and sleeveless top with a bag around her shoulder ready for school. Looks like Safi

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-79442867292936312052010-02-21T15:01:00.000-05:002010-02-21T15:01:41.936-05:00

I saw this ad in October 2009 issue of the Milli Gazette. I don't know what to make of it but here it is the for record. May be a reflection of increased economic power and higher religious consciousness of Indian Muslims at least in Kerala. There is definitely a middle class emerging that is demanding more Islamic content and ready for pay it. This also explains the immense popularity of

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-38018021038525226352010-02-16T23:08:00.000-05:002010-02-16T23:08:10.643-05:00

Radiance: 1-7 Nov 2009 A number of good articles in this issue of Radiance Viewsweekly. Article by Syed Sultan Mohiddin lists the personal struggle of Jaffer Baig of AP who is trying to get the waqf property out of the control of the encroacher. He started his struggle in 1967 and court has adjourned the case as much as 157th time. Another interesting article is by Dr. Abdussalam Vaniyambalam

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-18816653865374382572010-02-15T21:17:00.000-05:002010-02-15T21:17:20.942-05:00

Milli Gazette: 16-31 Oct 2009 All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) was established in 1973, it is to the credit of the ulema of that time that they included Muslim men and women of all sects in the board. In last few years few more "Personal Law Boards" have come into existence by saying that AIMPLB does not really reflect the aspirations of other segments of the Indian Muslim community

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-65634195910824222962010-02-06T17:59:00.000-05:002010-02-06T17:59:34.584-05:00

Last few verses of Surah Al-Shuara severely criticized poets for not doing what they preach and giving opinion about every subject. So I guess, moral is that Allah wants Muslims to be active. Then, why Muslims are one of the laziest people in the world? And the Poets― it is those straying in Evil, who follow them: (224) Seest thou not that they wander distracted in every valley?― (225) And

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-70969710140023517182010-02-03T23:11:00.002-05:002010-02-03T23:12:13.278-05:00

ICIFAI.com Originally uploaded by kaaashifNot only that Indian Muslims are invisible in the modern Indian setting, they are also missing when one talks about the Muslim world. Now we are missing from ad run by Islamic organizations set up by Indian Muslims themselves. See this ad by Institute of Certified Islamic Financial Analaysts of India (ICIFAI) published on the back cover of Radiance

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-15094027503197399732010-01-28T22:47:00.002-05:002010-02-03T23:12:54.761-05:00

THE ALIGARH MOVEMENT [Magazine] …the power of independent thinking… Originally uploaded by kaaashifThe subject line read :THE ALIGARH MOVEMENT [Magazine] …the power of independent thinking… then saw the cover of the magazine which shows Prof. Abdul Azis, the VC of AMU presenting to Rahul Gandhi who visited the campus recently. The headline of the magazine reads "Hope of Minorities- Rahul Gandhi

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-44214893491895616972010-01-28T22:17:00.000-05:002010-01-28T22:17:47.422-05:00

Radiance: 17 Oct 2009 Matrimonial ads are part of any community magazine. Interestingly enough, Radiance does not have a permanent section for these ads, but occasionally people do put out box ads inviting marriage proposals. In this issue there are two boxed matrimonial ads. One ad is for two girls and the other ad for one girl. The interesting thing about these ads are that all three girls

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-8705491784058199832010-01-28T21:17:00.000-05:002010-01-28T21:17:13.775-05:00

Radiance: 4-10 Oct 2009 A letter by G. Hasnain Kaif and published in this issue of Radiance magazine lists 8 Muslim organization that opposed partition of India: Khudai Khidmatgar of Frontier Province Punjab Unionist Party National Conference of Kashmir GM Syed's party (though this doesn't appear to be correct as GM Syed supported Pakistan) Jamiatul Ulem Jamaat-e-Islami Majlis Ahrar Khaksar

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-59801909542210176972010-01-27T18:56:00.002-05:002010-02-06T17:56:33.072-05:00

Nation and the World: 1 Oct 2009 In an article about Maulana Azad's views on partition of India, they have used Tom Alter pic. Tom plays Maulana in a play that has been performed many times. To use a pic of the play and labeling it as Azad, is unforgivable for a muslim publication.

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-49826887414528172182010-01-22T22:01:00.000-05:002010-01-22T22:01:23.080-05:00

Urdu Science: October 2009 The cover story is on Genetically Modified Eggplant or BT Brinjal as it is known in India. I was expecting more about the science that will explain what it is and why it controversial but it is all about the approval process for its introduction in Indian fields and market. One interesting article is 'Science aur shairi" by Dr.Ubaidur Rahman. Writer makes the

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-27765596989195894162010-01-22T19:58:00.000-05:002010-01-22T19:58:45.095-05:00

Media Scan: October 2009 In its editorial, Media Scan lists various natural disasters that had taken place during that time and said that instead of merely covering the disasters they will "dig out the possible reason behind the misfortunes..." The editorial ends by saying "Cruelty, lies, and hypocritical policies of human beings are the real reasons behind all this misfortune. The Creator of

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-29936331610437653922010-01-20T20:01:00.000-05:002010-01-20T20:01:04.066-05:00

Radiance Viewsweekly: 20-26 September 2009 Radiance special issue 'Religion and Civilization' deals with the issue of homosexuality. The editorial declares that homosexuality is nothing but a 'moral suicide' and called for 'an all out war.' There are number of articles on homosexuality but they really lack a coherent strategy in convincing the reader why homosexuality is bad for the society.

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-37788054744266070502010-01-06T15:08:00.000-05:002010-01-06T15:08:30.289-05:00

The news below was released by the Ministry of Culture, not sure what prompted this press release, but it is supposed to show that GOI cares about 1857 by telling us that how they are preserving our history of 1857 war by maintaining these three museums. Incidentally, I have visited all three museumes mentioned in this press release, although Lucknow museum visit was few years ago. So, I can

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-27490653989650584902010-01-06T07:27:00.000-05:002010-01-06T07:27:25.112-05:00

Radiance: 6-12 September 2009 Soroor Ahmed's article 'Drought of Ideas, Flood of Corruption Ruin Rural India' is pretty good. He should be ranked as one of the top notch columnist of India. Published in the wake of publication of Jaswant Singh's book on Jinnah, three articles are on the controversy over the book. Dr. S. Ausaf Saied Vasfi explains history and sangh view on this subject. Khan

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-56475173598432146762010-01-02T07:22:00.000-05:002010-01-02T07:22:59.835-05:00

Surah Furqan: 63-75 1. They walk on earth with humility- in modern context it may mean having a smaller carbon foot print. 2. They say 'Salaam' to ignorants- do not waste time in useless debates. 3. Offer night prayers- spend time in tahajjud prayers. 4. Seek refuge from hell fire. 5. Moderate in spending- neither stingy nor extravagant. 6. Do no shirk- seek help only from Allah. 7. Are not

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-75088313749220102192009-12-27T22:15:00.000-05:002009-12-27T22:15:21.895-05:00

Nation And The World: 1 Sept 2009 Once again a mishmash of articles make the issue of this magazine. But in this particular issue a number of articles that are worth reading. One by Raihanaa Hasan on female Muslim rulers of the past is very interesting. There have been at least 20 female rulers who had juma khutba read out in their name (a sign of sovereignty in Muslim areas). So, there were

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-30488412632665982422009-12-26T19:53:00.000-05:002009-12-26T19:53:46.035-05:00

I have heard about the book Freakonomics but never got around to reading it. So, today I took a break from my long list of work to do and head to the library to do some leisure reading. I picked up this book and few hours later it was finished and here I am blogging about it. I am a slow reader and prefer to absorb the books that I read but this one I knew if I put down it might take a long time

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-14777396996892078862009-12-23T22:30:00.000-05:002009-12-23T22:30:30.278-05:00

Urdu Science, September 2009. Article on MSG salt is excellent and well-researched. Article on the topic of global warming is informative and relevant to Indian context. One really interesting article is written by Abdul Wadood Ansari of Asansol. It is "aik sher- science ki roshani meN" and looks at a famous sher by Khwaja Haider Ali Aatish : "kaam himmat se jawaanmard agar leta hai saanp ko

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-40349365560713978612009-12-15T23:15:00.000-05:002009-12-15T23:15:29.138-05:00

Radiance viewsweekly's 16-22 August 2009 issue has a number of really good articles. http://www.radianceweekly.com/index.php?issue_id=167 Muslims always complain about the attempts to force uniform civil code on them, but article by Afzal Ahmad Khan was good attempt to highlight various issues that Muslims have with this. Article on Al-Khair Cooperative Society was good in showing how a

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-68869625340688174682009-12-13T22:28:00.000-05:002009-12-13T22:28:20.327-05:00

Found this verse of Quran that talks about disables but says that it not a fault or punishment for sins. It is no fault in the blind nor in one born lame, nor in one afflicted with illness...[ Surah Al-Noor: 61]

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-84653089308955228152009-12-09T12:57:00.000-05:002009-12-09T12:57:30.915-05:00

I have always believed and more I look more evidence I find that Jinnah was not the sole spokesman of Muslims of India and there was considerable opposition to him and Muslim League. More evidence of this appears in a recently published book: TOWARDS FREEDOM — Documents on the Movement for Independence in India 1940 (Part-I): Edited by K.N. Panikkar; Oxford University Press, YMCA Library

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-3417410981169863632009-12-09T07:39:00.001-05:002009-12-09T07:41:22.002-05:00

A reading of the verse 55 of Surah Al-Noor seems to suggest that. But when Muslim were the sole ruler of the much of the known world and leader of the education and science & technology for about thousand years then can we not call it that this promise has been already fulfilled? Nothing in this verse suggest that this promise is till perpetuity. In fact, there is a big condition imposed in the

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-60208228839757298842009-12-08T22:49:00.000-05:002009-12-08T22:49:50.585-05:00

Muslim leadership in India is mostly about protest. Whether it is Shahbano, Babri Masjid, Salman Rushdie, Polio drops, registration of marriages, Taslima Nasrin, or the latest- Central Madrasa Board. Of course, some of these protests are justified and most of these protests are within the democratic limits but the other side of the democratic work is making demands for the community. Muslim

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-19922655238526136032009-12-07T22:46:00.000-05:002009-12-07T22:46:44.170-05:00

It is a really interesting movie. There are no dialogues, no character and in fact, no story. Shot beautifully in 24 countries- people, history, culture, religious life- this brings to life humanity and its relationship with each other and the world around them. Just by incredible photography and equally superb music, this movie generated lot of emotions in 96 minutes. Truly, an incredible

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-62732351600399914762009-12-03T23:24:00.000-05:002009-12-03T23:24:14.123-05:00

Media Scan is a monthly magazine launched in August 2009 from Bangalore. Editor is M. I. Qasimi and Publisher M.A. Raheem. Editorial of the first issues says: It is an endeavour by journalists and other professional committed to make a positive impact in the Indian society. We have no allegiance whatsoever- - political, commercial, religious, regional, casteism, or otherwise. With the first

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-25316864910124933962009-12-02T20:32:00.000-05:002009-12-02T20:32:26.454-05:00

Milli Gazette, 16-31 August 2009 turned the front, back, and middle pages in color. It has been color when it just launched so after about 9 years color has returned to MG pages but that's not the sad news. This issue which is in color delivers news of death of three Muslim personalities- Kamala Surayya, Muhammad Shihab Thangal and Syed Abdullah Bukhari. Obituary of Syed Abdullah Bukhari is

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-60503051835165109592009-12-02T20:15:00.000-05:002009-12-02T20:15:05.129-05:00

Ali Anwar Ansari, son of a labourer, has come a long way since his bidi-rolling days. He has been a Member of Parliament of Rajya Sabha since 2006. In between, he has been a Grade IV government employee, activist, journalist, author and fathered a movement for Dalit or Pasmanda Muslims. In 1996, he received KK Birla Foundation fellowship to study condition of Dalit Muslims of Bihar. Anwar

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-75842548723888919232009-11-23T20:09:00.000-05:002009-11-23T20:09:07.387-05:00

I am a big fan of Urdu Science magazine. I was impressed to see that in the August 2009 issue of the magazine, they talk about an issue that is current or at least it was hot at that time. Usually, this is not the case. "Science aur insaani zindagi" by Prof. Iqbal Muhiyuddin was also good.

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-17747244308624584552009-11-23T19:34:00.000-05:002009-11-23T19:34:44.942-05:00

Two interesting articles on May 30th, 2009 issue of Radiance. One is how Muslim can participate in the secular world around them. Second is a critique of Darwinism, unfortunately this article is not on their website. It is an interesting article and worthy of a read because it is not a copy & paste job. Last page article titled "The Most Eligible Widower" by Ausaf was however a painful

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-63353896438770423672009-11-20T20:28:00.000-05:002009-11-20T20:28:47.919-05:00

Assam United Democratic Front made history in 2006 by winning 10 seats in Assam Assembly election. Cashing in on the success, it had launched branches in at least five other states and now calls itself All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF). The first serious set back for the three year old party came when it lost the recent by-election to one of the seat previously held by its president. This

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-24321631938485511002009-11-20T20:25:00.000-05:002009-11-20T20:25:11.819-05:00

The Last Mughal by William Dalrymple Though it includes many Indian narrative of the the great war of 1857 but still this book is dominated by English narrative to this important piece of Indian history. One is surprised that how close Indian forces were to routing British forces but due to weakness on the strategic front, their bravery could not make up for it, all of India was lost to the

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-87435379631820980302009-11-14T10:33:00.000-05:002009-11-14T10:33:27.774-05:00

Justice MSA Siddiqui believes in doing work and keeping a low profile. This is the reason that you have not heard much about the organization he heads and the work he does. Justice Siddiqui is the chairman of National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI). Justice Siddiqui was in the United States, last month, to receive American Federation of Muslims from India (AFMI)

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-10136234805955615392009-11-11T17:12:00.002-05:002009-11-11T17:14:13.469-05:00

DSC02562Originally uploaded by kaaashifThese are important elections but let's talk about other issues.At least this is what the note appear to say for National and the World magazine - May 16 2009 Vol 16, 419 issue. Sure a magazine will have its regular features but what kind of magazine is this though calling it "battle royal' does no special on elections to inform its readers about issues at

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-5787265112567962742009-11-10T23:34:00.002-05:002009-11-10T23:35:20.531-05:00

maulana_azad_SBIOriginally uploaded by kaaashifOn the occasion of Maulana ABul Kalam Azad's birthday on Nov. 11th. Attached is the ad recently run by the State Bank of India that rightly describes him not only as a freedom fighter but a scholar. It also gives him credit for establishing many educational institution but few know that idea for IIT was chalked out and first IIT set up when he was

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-16984369751148743692009-11-10T23:24:00.002-05:002009-11-10T23:29:57.254-05:00

A directorial debut movie for Ismail Merchant, In Custody or "Muhafiz" is a beautiful movie about Urdu, poetry and Urdu poetry. Shot in Bhopal and released in 1993 this is a marvelous movie with lot of messages about the condition of Urdu and a glimpse of Muslim culture from past to present. The message of the movie is clear - if Urdu has to survive in India, Hindus need to accept and cherish it.

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-25948341290598106872009-11-02T22:44:00.003-05:002009-11-02T23:03:53.818-05:00

Former career diplomat Ishrat Aziz talking to Saad Bin Zia says:Maulana Azad was made the in-charge of the West Asia/Arab World Section in Foreign Ministry although Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was himself the Foreign Minister because as you know Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru very rights beleived that there are certain insights that Maulana Azad can give on the Arab World because of the fact that

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-10198873521212930622009-10-29T14:17:00.001-04:002009-10-29T14:21:32.782-04:00

Photo & text by Kashif-ul-Huda, TwoCircles.netThe building of the India Islamic Cultural Center (IICC) takes your breath away. The beautiful dome, intricate calligraphy and delicate design in beautiful Persian tiles make you spellbound. The administration of IICC can be forgiven for taking 22 years to complete its construction. Between Indira Gandhi laying the foundation stone of the Centre on

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-69837122479760239352009-10-29T07:40:00.002-04:002009-10-29T07:45:22.856-04:00

The Milli Gazette has been around almost 10 years and no other Muslim publication in India has been referenced so much by journalists, scholars, and writers than MG. I have been fan and critic of MG for a long time. I have always pointed out large number of pages devoted to international affairs which is made up of articles floating around the internet. I was happy to see that in the May 2009

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-11732412607431011382009-10-29T07:38:00.002-04:002009-10-29T14:16:06.379-04:00

By M. Zajam and Kashif-ul-Huda for TwoCircles.netOn the face of it, Muslims have been able to maintain the status-quo in the new assembly of Maharashtra but scratch the surface and witness the emergence of a community gaining political strength.Outgoing Maharashtra assembly had 11 Muslim MLAs, and the latest election also returned 11 Muslim MLAs. The 2009 result saw 5 Muslim candidates coming

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-68546514095010390992009-10-26T22:43:00.000-04:002009-10-26T22:46:38.376-04:00

Justice MSA Siddiqui is the chairman of National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI). It was this body which first proposed a board to regularize the madrasas in India. The proposal to set up a Central Madrasa Board has gathered controversy since then. TwoCircles.net met Justice Siddiqui in Boston, Massachusetts to talk to him about the proposed Board.A section of ulema are

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3995884390663936416.post-78254821668729157692009-10-26T22:14:00.002-04:002009-10-26T22:30:43.579-04:00

Communalism Combat is a monthly magazine edited and published by husband and wife team of Javed Anand and Teesta Setalvad. Teesta, Shabnam Hashmi, and Harsh Mander though working independently of each other, collectively have done excellent work for justice in the wake of anti-Muslim violence of Gujarat of 2002. Though the violence was well covered by the national media still many people are not

kashifhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06820365648608436838noreply@blogger.com0