Bouquets and Brickbats

This is with reference to the article, ‘Making Criminal of an Innocent Man’, Islamic Voice, Sept 2006.The guilty positively deserves to be punished and brought to book. Some sections of people in our society, since long and time immemorial have taken for granted that they can play mischief with the sentiments of some hapless Muslims for the sole reason that the person in question is a Muslim who cannot react or punish the perpetrators. The scenario as often claimed that no discrimination on caste exists, is just on paper. The practical reality is quite different as the case here in question proves. The local Muslim philanthropists who can afford and are affluent should come forward and assist the victim by offering an eminent lawyer, paying the court charges, etc as the case deserves to be pursued relentlessly until the guilty are punished and are brought to book. The purpose is that, this should act as a deterrent for others not to play mischief with Muslims.

Email: akhtarkhannum@rediffmail.com

“Making Criminal of an Innocent Man” in Islamic Voice Sept 2006 was a painful saga. It is sad that young Muslims with beards are humiliated and suspected of being terrorists. I feel that we should make a periodic effort to appraise with facts and figures the specific cases of false implications of innocent Muslim youngsters, to the Prime Minister. Muslims need to organise themselves and the intellectuals should take the initiative to keep in touch with the Prime Minister and other bigwigs in the government about this issue.

This is with reference to the cover story in Islamic Voice, Sept 2006- “ OIC Appeals for Protection of Al Aqsa Mosque.” The news was touching and must have created sympathy in the hearts of the Muslims. The OIC is one of the strongest body comprising 57 Muslim countries, but sadly its actions and appeals go unheeded. Appeals are fine, but I think the OIC should get into action and take strong measures to stop the Western world from attacking Islam and Muslims. Its voice ought to be more pro-active.

Email: miralihashmi@yahoo.com

The article by M. Hanif Lakdawala, “Hard Talk”, in Islamic Voice, Oct 2006 is a very useful guide to prevent children from picking up foul language. The writer however appears to be addressing the problem of children from the elite and educated class. Among the poorer and lower middle-class sections of the Muslim working class, this malady is highly prevalent in the grown ups as well. The children need not go anywhere else to pick up such vocabulary, it is available in plenty at home itself. Eradication of this malady is imperative for which a mass movement has to be formed. In my opinion, organisations like the Tableeghi Jamaat who work by way of mass contact are best suited to eradicate this evil. For example, whenever they go out on their rounds, they can bring up topics of such social evils in addition to their usual conversation about the hereafter. Unlearning unparliamentary language should also be considered as the first step of formal education of the children.

Email: dr.a.ahmed@sify.com

Many Muslims donated blood to save the lives of Hindus who were injured in the bomb blasts in many parts of the country. When the Tsunami disaster struck in Cuddalore town in Tamil Nadu, more than 10,000 Hindus and Christians were fed under the leadership of Muslims in mosques and makeshift camps in the local schools. This shows that both Hindus and Muslims are living in harmony in the time of national crisis. But our Indian leaders do not think positively and creatively about the pressing concerns of the future. Much has been written about Islamic terrorism. No doubt, some home-grown terrorists supported by Pakistan-based militants might have triggered the bomb blasts in many parts of the country. Just because of this, we cannot implicate and victimize the entire community. We speak about Islamic and Naxal terrorism, but what about the terrorism of the Hindu fundamentalists in the form of discrimination? A few priestly class which seems to be claiming the ownership of God has vested interest in perpetuating many outrageous religious practices in the form of blind rituals. Why does the media not highlight these aspects?

Email: Kumar_nniranjan@yahoo.com

This is with reference to the article-“Reward for reading the Quran” in Islamic Voice, Sept 2006. The Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) in Arabic. A language is a vehicle of thought and through this is conveyed the message of guidance, wisdom and instructions for man’s welfare, success and happiness. The Quran’s message is not only for Arabic speaking people or for Muslims, but for the entire mankind. So translations of the Quran are very useful since people can understand it. It cannot be said that the translation in English does not give the same meaning as the original. English is an international language and it is very essential to have translation and commentary of the Quran in English. Let the world read the Quran.

The article-“ Utilising Zakat for Modern Education” in Islamic Voice, Sept 2006 was very inspiring. Ghiasuddin Babu Khan is doing constructive service to the community through the Hyderabad Zakat and Charitable Trust by spending the Zakat funds towards education of deserving students. When these students become engineers, doctors, scientists, economists and journalists, they will be an asset. In the present day competitive world, modern education is a must. It will be worthwhile if zakat and charitable Trusts are established in every state in India to help deserving students pursue higher studies.

The Muslim Hijri calendar as it is used today is very imperfect. In fact, no calendar used anywhere in the world is perfect and there have always been efforts by learned people to improve and rationalise calendars used in various parts by different groups of people. But the Muslim Hijri Lunar calendar has all along remained static. There is an International Islamic Commission working on the reform of the Muslim Lunar calendar. It is a good beginning. The Commission is based in Malaysia. Till such time, the Muslim calendar is reformed and a scientific calendar is prepared on scientific and astronomical principles, the present system of dependence upon sighting the moon and the consequence of confusion and uncertainty will remain.

This is with reference to the   editorial, “The Fatwa Bazar” in Islamic Voice, Oct 2006. This is the classic example of how the media misguides the people and especially a journal like yours. The tele-channels have achieved their goal by spitting venom against the minority community. You should have ventured, ascertained and made sure before jumping to the conclusion  and writing an editorial. Not only you are guilty of this act, but also have misguided  thousands of people. I request you  to  publish the entire  details on the sting operation and   the plan  enacted by the so- called custodians of the  truth.

Email: keyem2802@yahoo.com

Our editorial was penned only after we cross-checked and confirmed the facts. We put a call to Islamic Fiqh Academy in Delhi who confirmed that one of the muftis on their panel accepted money from sting operator of the Cobrapost.com. Academy also informed us that they have placed the mufti under suspension. The money was offered to the mufti as a hadiya (gift) with a request to count it. It was not brought to the notice of the Academy by the said mufti. A couple of other sources also confirmed the Star News story on fatwas.


This only speaks about the gullibility of the people who occupy the seats of self-styled Darul Iftas in every lane and bylane of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Our editorial has commented upon such institutions that operate without any controlling authority. It is why we have pleaded for infusion of discipline in madrasas and darul iftas. We will be deluding ourselves if we start believing that every such institution is presided over by paragons of virtues. Let us not attach any sanctity to people who man the Islamic institutions. They are all men made with flesh and blood and have families to look after. Unless they have a well recognized system to ensure livelihood, the system is going to be misused. Even well established universities with several checks and controls reek with corruption. How does one lose sight of the fact that these Islamic institutions completely lack credibility as there is no controlling authority over them. The edit is not meant to mock at them, but an invitation to introspect. An ostrich like attitude would not help us. Let us face up to the fact and rectify from within.