When Will Muslims Rise Above Their Challenges?

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When Will Muslims Rise Above Their Challenges?

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Aalam Badi Azmi, the senior-most member of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly at 89 years old, is a symbol of selfless public service. Despite his age, his political legacy continues to inspire. Trained under the late Quaid-e-Millat Dr. Abdul Jalil Faridi, the founder of the Muslim Majlis, Azmi remains the last surviving figure from this movement, which once championed the political empowerment of Muslims in Uttar Pradesh.

Azmi’s daily conversations reflect his deep anguish about the state of Muslims today. His sharp memory recalls the journey from independence to the present, though his hearing now falters. His recurring question echoes a shared frustration: When will Muslims become a united and righteous nation?

This reflection comes at a time when Muslims face marginalization in political, social, economic, and educational spheres. Daily conspiracies have crippled their ability to act, leaving them stuck in a cycle of despair.

The late journalist Jamil Mehdi once posed a similar question in his editorials, later compiled into the booklet “What Should Muslims Do?” Mehdi’s observations, like those of Azmi, reflected a deep concern for the community. As a journalist with over four decades of experience, I have seen the plight of Muslims up close, and I echo this concern.

A Crisis of Priorities
The core of the issue lies in misplaced priorities. Muslim neighborhoods often appear preoccupied with indulgence, as if eating and drinking were the sole purposes of life. Lavish expenditures on weddings and material possessions have become the norm. For instance, in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad, a Muslim family recently spent ₹10 crores on a wedding money that could have funded a college to uplift the community’s youth.

In contrast, South Indian Muslims have made remarkable progress, establishing educational institutions and hospitals. Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh, cities like Bhadohi and Moradabad showcase stark disparities. While these cities thrive economically Bhadohi in carpets and Moradabad in pottery exports their wealth remains concentrated among a few. The laborers working in hazardous conditions in these industries continue to struggle, with little access to education or healthcare.

A Call for Change
Muslims must shift their focus from extravagance to meaningful investments in education and healthcare. Wealth, if used wisely, can transform the community and break the cycle of backwardness. The time has come to reassess priorities and work collectively for political, social, and economic empowerment.
This is not merely Azmi’s plea or Mehdi’s vision but a call to action for every Muslim who yearns for a brighter future. Let us reflect on this and strive for unity and progress.

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