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Haji Ishtiyaq's arrest: Anger against Mayawati govt
2008-02-09 20:20:00
Haji Ishtiyaq, a shopkeeper, in Baghpat, was picked up by the police on January 27, just because of a 'prediction' in a mocking tone, that Mayawati government may not last long. His arrest has now become a major issue in Western UP.The conversation between Haji Ishtiaq and a BSP worker who was drinking near his shop, that ultimately led to the arrest, is reproduced here*:Haji Ishtiaq: Making merry, aren't you!BSP Worker: Ya, it's our government & we will make merry for next 15 years in the state. (two more terms)Haji Ishtiaq: Let's see how long Mayawati and her government lastOn the complaint of the BSP worker, Ishtiaq was later arrested, charged under sections meant for anti-national activities, linked with terrorists and thrown into jail. He was even charged of conspiracy to kill Mayawati.But the issue has now snowballed into a major controversy. Nearly 50,000 attended the Mahapanchayat, which was addressed by Ajit Singh and Kokab Hameed. Maulana Masood Madani has critici...
More About: Arrest , Anger , Govt , Haji

Will Azharuddin enter politics, join TRS!
2008-02-08 21:07:00
Former Indian captain, Mohammad Azharuddin had a meeting with Telengana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) leader K Chandrashekhar Rao, and the latter gave him an invitation to join his party.KCR wants Azhar to contest as Mayor for the election of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation. Later he told jounralists that Azhar is quite keen on politics. 'Azhar is interested in politics and as he belongs to the region, I extended him the invitation to join our party', said TRS leader.Azhar was also informed about TRS' programmes regarding minorities, schemes for protection of Waqf properties and promise of more reservation for Muslims in jobs. Though Azhar hasn't given any indication, sources indicate that he may take a pluge in politics, after testing waters.TRS wants to make inroads into MIM stronghold of Old Hyderabad. But it is debatable whether Azhar will have any impact on the voters. He may have millions of admirers for his batting but Hyderabadis haven't forgotten the divorce given to N...
More About: Politics , Join , Enter

Arresting innocent Muslims in UP & failure of Lucknow Conference
2008-02-04 21:03:00
The "Allegation on Muslims and Terrorism" conference in Lucknow , had raised expectations among Muslims that their voice would be heard.And though the event could be considered successful in terms of the participation of over a hundred Ulema and Muslim intellectuals, the desired objectives couldn't be achieved. Firstly, it failed to make any impact on State politics. The decision not to invite any politician was laudable but the event didn't make any headlines in the media.The fact is that situation is UP is quite bad at the ground-level. Everybody wants sternest possible action against terrorists but it is unacceptable the way police implicate innocent (of course, poor) youths in false cases, just to show their success in cracking a case.But this is happening in UP regularly. The arrest of Aftab Alam Ansari was one such incident. There have been several such cases. Ironically, those arrested are immediately branded terrorists and even the lawyers refuse to fight their case.This is...
More About: Innocent , Failure , Conference

The 'communal' scrap-dealer
2008-02-01 00:18:00
A junk-dealer comes at your door and when you ask the price at which he will buy the old newpapers, he says "Don't worry, I will give the right money, I am not like Muslims, who are cheats". Now, if you are a Muslim, will you be angry, hurt or get into a serious introspective mode about yourself, your community and the society?Let me explain the situation. It didn't happen to me. We are the single Muslim family in the entire locality. I was away. My wife was selling the papers and a neighbourhood lady (not Muslim) who was passing by, asked my wife 'yeh log taulne mein be-imaani karte hain' (Take care these people don't weigh properly).It was in this context that Mr Kabaadi said that 'ham nahin karte, yeh sab Musalman karte hain' and a bit more. My wife was too shocked and couldn't control her anger. She said that she was also a Muslim and questioned him, how he could be so judgemental about the entire community. The guy appeared embarrassed but still went on to say...'maiN ...
More About: Secularism , Scrap , Dealer , Communalism

Hindu household, Urdu nameplate
2008-01-28 18:40:00
Over the last couple of decades I have seen Urdu signboards and nameplates disappear fast across the country. As Urdu is not supposed to be a language that will attract the consumers, shop-ownes are also not keen on having display boards in Urdu. In Muslim localities also Urdu nameplates are now hard to find except in a few cities. That's why such nameplates fascinate me. Still, in some Kayastha houses you can spot old Urdu nameplates. On the left is the photo of one non-Muslim house sporting an Urdu nameplate. The owner's name is Awadh Narayan. He is not a Kayastha though. And that's Circa 2008. Urdu Muslim India Islam Poetry Religion Hindu Shairi Ghalib Literature Ada Lucknow Meer Faiz Indian Muslim Blog Cricket Ghazal Blogger Islamic Hindi Kavita Shayar Sahitya
More About: Household

Selected couplets of Urdu poet Munawwar Rana
2008-01-26 13:09:00
In Mushairas, Munawwar Rana is one of the most popular poets across the country. A native of Rae Bareli, Rana grew up in Kolkata. His simple language, the idiom of North India and the generous use of Hindi words, are among the reasons for his popularity.Rana has attained wide acclaim for his couplets on 'maa.n' (Mother). They have been compiled and published by people in many scripts. His poetry is available in Urdu , devanagari, Bangla and other languages.There has been criticism of his poetry that has been termed an 'emotional blackmail' and 'tukbandi', but the fact remains that he connects with the crowd. Here are ten couplets:hum kuchh aise tere diidaar meN kho jaate haiNjaise bachche bhare baazaar meN kho jaate haiNnaye kamroN meN ab chiizeN puraani kaun rakhtaa haiparindoN ke liye shahroN meN paani kaun rakhtaa haimohaajiro yahii taariiKh hai makaanoN kiibanaane waalaa hameshaa baraamdoN meN rahaatujhse bichhDaa to pasand aa gayii be-tartiibiiisse pahle meraa kamraa bhii ...
More About: Poet

India must protest French ban on Sikh turban with Sarkozy
2008-01-25 20:52:00
India must strongly take up the ban on Sikhs wearing turban in French public schools during the visit of President of France , Nicolas Sarkozy . It is true that France follows a different secular model. But the Sikh religious identity is also unique and for them turban is an essential part of their identity. Ironically the fact that we have a Sikh as Prime Minister, who may not be able to assert his religious identity because he is on a constitutional post.The government and other top functionaries can make a strong case. But the Sikh community must not be made pay for it. If Manmohan Singh feels uncomfortable, his government and other parties--or a joint delegation, can present the case. It's an emotional thing, which most of us understand. And, at least, the Sikh children who grow up in France, shouldn't get the feeling that their religion is not in sync with rules of the modern world. Sikhs have fought in France in the World Wars and the adherents of the religion are now more spr...
More About: India , Protest

Shhh...don't talk about Holocaust
2008-01-23 20:53:00
Arun Gandhi, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, should have known that there are different standards of free speech in the Western World. If you wish to demonise Muslims or make objectionable caricatures, you will have the free speech advocates firmly standing behind you and calling it your birth right to ridicule Muslims. But if you 'dare' suggest that Zionists (I am not saying Jews ) are exploiting Holocaust , you are in for trouble. In his essay published in the Washington Post, Gandhi wrote that "Jews today not only want the Germans to feel guilty but also the whole world to regret...."He further wrote that the future of Jewish identity appears bleak as Israel doesn't want to befriend any nation rather wishes to live by dominating others. Now that was enough for Zionists to cry foul.So much hue and cry was raised that Gandhi was made to resign from the MK Gandhi Institute for Non-Violence, an institute which he founded 17 years ago. So you can't even dare ask Zionists to introspe...
More About: Talk , Freedom of Speech , Zionism

Hindus and Husain
2008-01-21 18:40:00
See the photo on the left: A tazia in urban India, prompts a woman to nudge her husband, who stops the scooter. She takes off her footwear, walks up to the tazia and pays her respect to the Tazia that is on its way to the main procession. Once at the procession, most of the women who make their kids pass under the Tazia, are Hindu. Many Muslims now frown upon the practice and such rituals. But this is Indianised Islam, a blend of Hindu and Muslim traditions. It's so easy to reject things. Many Muslims call it a form of idolatory and of course some Hindus now object to this Islamisation of Hinduism. But these millions of Hindus and Muslims who observe it together, also have an absolute right and a freedom to observe their faith. There is something in this soil that makes an Indian a believer. What else explains the devotion of Hindu women who don't apply oil in their heads for the ten days of Ashura, to commemorate a battle that occurred far away in Iraq in which the Prophet's...

Hailing the Indian Judiciary: Bilkis Bano gets justice in Gujarat genocide
2008-01-18 12:46:00
Bilkis Bano, one of the faces of the horrors of Gujarat genocide, ultimately got justice on Friday.The brave woman was six-months pregnant when she was gang-raped, saw her eight family members slaughtered and her own 3-1/2 year old child killed by a bloodthirsty mob in Narendra Modi's Holy Land of Hindutva.Six years later, a Mumbai Sessions court held 13 of the 20 accused in the case, guilty of rioting, murders and rapes, letting seven others including a doctor couple that fudged evidence, for lack of evidence.Justice UD Salvi's landmark judgment will go a long way in healing the wounds of the riot victims, who had lost all hopes from a Rogue State (Gujarat), where administration, police and sections of lawyers colluded to shield the accused.For riot-scarred Bilquees Bano, it has been an excruciatingly long fight for justice. At least, 20 times she changed her residence but remained committed to her pledge to get justice in her own country.The court decision has again strengthened...
More About: Indian , Genocide , Judiciary

Anger over Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi's slanderous remark about Maulana Mohammad A
2008-01-17 00:33:00
BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi's statement has come as a shock to people in Uttar Pradesh and throughout the country.Naqvi, the Muslim face of the BJP in the post Sikandar Bakht-era, exceeded all limits and allegedly said that Maulana Mohammad Ali was the Osama Bin Laden of his times.Naturally the statement has drawn wide condemnation. There is anger across UP. "BJP should answer whether fighting the British rule was a terrorist activity?", said All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat.Maulana Mohammad Ali, a great patriot, had vowed at the Round Table Conference, to never return to Ghulaam Hindostan and come back only when the country would attain freedom. After his legendary speech against British imperialism in London, he had collapsed and died.He was buried in Jerusalem. A close associate of Gandhi and top leaders of the era, Maulana Mohammad Ali (and his brother Shaukat Ali) was a great freedom fighter, and his role was not limited to the Khilafat Movement alone.Maulana Mohammad A...
More About: Anger

UP police had arrested the wrong 'Aftab' for Court blasts
2008-01-15 23:59:00
Just a fortnight back the Special Task Force (STF) of Uttar Pradesh had declared that this young lad arrested from Kolkata was a hard-core militant, dreaded Harkat-ul-Jihad-e-Islami activist and was responsible for serial bomb blasts in the courts of Uttar Pradesh. Now the police has accepted that he was not the person involved in any crime. ADG Brij Lal* says that 'yes he is innocent'. The let him go and and the police calls it a case of mistaken identity now. His family members had all the while kept insisting that the police were falsely implicating him but the joint team of UP Police and West Bengal CID had no hesitation in terming him as mastermind of the bomb blasts and supplier of explosives.The top cops of UP termed him a terrorist. Newspapers declared him a dreaded militant, not a suspected one, even before the case went to court. For 17 days he was kept in detention, beaten up, allegedly subjected to all sorts of torture. His mother came to Lucknow and begged the police ...
More About: Arrested , Wrong , Court

Hindu family taking out Tazia for 130 years: Muharram in India
2008-01-13 21:37:00
For 130 years a Hindu family in Central India 's small town Guna has been observing Muharram with devotion. The 15-ft tall Tazia is made every year in the Kushwaha household.The whole family works together for days before Moharram. Says Kailash Singh Kushwaha, "We are farmers but stop all work before Muharram and during the ten days of Ashura, every family member intensely observes Gham-e-Husain.For two months I have been busy in making the Tazia, which is famous for the fine work, naqqashi and artistry. The family members take bath before coming to the rom where the Taziya is kept. 'Over 130 years ago his ancestor Nihal Singh Kushwaha who was childless had vowed that he would bring out Tazia from his house if God gave him a child, and once he had the son, the tradition started, which continues till this day'.In 1947 Guna was affected by the violence during partition and he was asked not to take out Tazia by a group, but the family members including Kailash's ancestor Bhabhoot Si...
More About: Family , Years , Taking

Mayawati forgets Muslims: No place in 30% job quota in private sector
2008-01-11 21:34:00
UP Chief Minister Mayawati has announced 30% quota in private sector. The scheme says that any industrial group that seeks land in Uttar Pradesh or any government assistnce in any other form, will have to give voluntary quota.No doubt it is a marvellous idea despite the fact that not many investors are coming to UP. But it is also true that UP is not totally devoid of opportunities. If properly implemented and monitored this scheme can work wonders. But Maya has conveniently forgotten Muslims . The 30% quota would be divided equally among Dalits, Other Backward Castes (OBCs) and Upper Castes. So where are Muslims? After Samajwadi Party, it is BSP that gets most Muslim votes. But Mayawati has had a strange relationship with Muslims. She is never comfortable with the community. And is only reaping the benefits of the work of her mentor Kashi Ram, who had brought the Dalis and Muslims together in heartland, after the failure of Dr Faridi's experiment.From Urdu poet Malikzada Manzoor Ah...
More About: Place , Private

Mayawati forgets Muslims: No place in 30% job quota in private sector
2008-01-11 21:34:00
UP Chief Minister Mayawati has announced 30% quota in private sector. The scheme says that any industrial group that seeks land in Uttar Pradesh or any government assistnce in any other form, will have to give voluntary quota.No doubt it is a marvellous idea despite the fact that not many investors are coming to UP. But it is also true that UP is not totally devoid of opportunities. If properly implemented and monitored this scheme can work wonders. But Maya has conveniently forgotten Muslims . The 30% quota would be divided equally among Dalits, Other Backward Castes (OBCs) and Upper Castes. So where are Muslims? After Samajwadi Party, it is BSP that gets most Muslim votes. But Mayawati has had a strange relationship with Muslims. She is never comfortable with the community. And is only reaping the benefits of the work of her mentor Kashi Ram, who had brought the Dalis and Muslims together in heartland, after the failure of Dr Faridi's experiment.From Urdu poet Malikzada Manzoor Ah...
More About: Place , Private

Ex-Muslim Barack Hussein Obama as American President
2008-01-08 21:38:00
Barack Hussein Obama could be the next President of United States of America. I was not much interested in Obama and was faintly aware of the controversy regarding his Islamic past, until I realised that he had established some lead over Hillary Clinton and has strong chances of getting elected as President of USA.It was then I came to know that his name is Barack Hussein Obama and the Barack is a variant spelling for Barkat. So he may not be a Muslim anymore but Urdu tabloids can declare that 'Barkat Husain to become US President' to boost circulation for a few days.He is Black and if elected, that will also be a first in US' history. I don't know what is going in his favour that a man, who has a Muslim-sounding name, is not only in contention for the top post in USA but also a favourite. Obama has done his best to clear if anybody has any misconceptions about his Islamic past. He says that his father Obama Senior (a Kenyan) was raised as a Muslim in his childhood but later bec...
More About: Barack Obama , Presidential Election 2008 , Barack

Ex-Muslim Barack Hussein Obama as American President
2008-01-08 21:38:00
Barack Hussein Obama could be the next President of United States of America. I was not much interested in Obama and was faintly aware of the controversy regarding his Islamic past, until I realised that he had established some lead over Hillary Clinton and has strong chances of getting elected as President of USA.It was then I came to know that his name is Barack Hussein Obama and the Barack is a variant spelling for Barkat. So he may not be a Muslim anymore but Urdu tabloids can declare that 'Barkat Husain to become US President' to boost circulation for a few days.He is Black and if elected, that will also be a first in US' history. I don't know what is going in his favour that a man, who has a Muslim-sounding name, is not only in contention for the top post in USA but also a favourite.Obama has done his best to clear if anybody has any misconceptions about his Islamic past. He says that his father Obama Senior (a Kenyan) was raised as a Muslim in his childhood but later beca...
More About: Barack , American

Alwida Shafiqa Aapa
2008-01-06 20:47:00
Eminent writer and one of the most well-known Urdu satirists, Shafiqa Farhat, passed away on Sunday. The 76-year-old author had a long literary career, spanning over half-a-century.She had devoted her life to reading, writing and teaching. She hadn't married but Shafiqa Aapa probably never felt lonely with her numerous friends, their family members and admirers. Such was her simplicity, warmth and hospitality that everybody felt drawn to her.Shafiqa Aapa was a humanist and a strong believer in secularism. She had friends in all communities. I remember an incident involving Hindi writer Kanti Kumar Jain whom she considered her brother.Once her relatives from Pakistan had come and they saw her tie the 'rakhi' on his wrist and putting tilak, they were quite horrified. Shafiqua Aapa was sitting on the floor with all the paraphernalia that was required to celebrate raksha-bandhan with her brother.One of her sisters objected and said that she had turned this house into a temple. Shafiq...

Alwida Shafiqa Aapa
2008-01-06 20:47:00
Eminent writer and one of the most well-known Urdu satirists, Shafiqa Farhat, passed away on Sunday. The 76-year-old author had a long literary career, spanning over half-a-century.She had devoted her life to reading, writing and teaching. She hadn't married but Shafiqa Aapa probably never felt lonely with her numerous friends, their family members and admirers. Such was her simplicity, warmth and hospitality that everybody felt drawn to her.Shafiqa Aapa was a humanist and a strong believer in secularism. She had friends in all communities. I remember an incident involving Hindi writer Kanti Kumar Jain whom she considered her brother. Once her relatives from Pakistan had come and they saw her tie the 'rakhi' on his wrist and putting tilak, they were quite horrified. Shafiqua Aapa was sitting on the floor with all the paraphernalia that was required to celebrate raksha-bandhan with her brother.One of her sisters objected and said that she had turned this house into a temple. Shafi...
More About: Literature , Obituary

Aroosa Alam, Amrinder and the Ulema
2008-01-03 11:32:00
What's so special about Aroosa Alam? The Tribune devoted three special comprehensive stories on a single page to this lady who is said to be quite close to Punjab's ex-Chief Minister Captain Amrinder Singh.The coverage is surprising. But it had to happen. After all, the 'dynamic' Amir-e-Ahrar Shahi Mufti Punjab Maulana Habibur Rahman Saani Ludhianvi has issued fatwa. He issued the fatwa from Jama Masjid and termed her friendship with Amrinder as 'Najaaez and Haraam'.Aroosa, the controversial Pak journalist, then left Chandigarh and has flown back to Pakistan but the controversy continues in India. Maulana Habibur Rahman Sani is quite active and his 'activism' was again at display when he said that 'she violated Shariat for having visited a man without any male relative as her companion'.The Maulana has also called the Sikh clergy to ask Amarinder about his faith and check if he has changed relation. He urged CM and even PM over the issue and expressed suspicion that she co...

Aroosa Alam, Amrinder and the Ulema
2008-01-03 11:32:00
What's so special about Aroosa Alam? The Tribune devoted three special comprehensive stories on a single page to this lady who is said to be quite close to Punjab's ex-Chief Minister Captain Amrinder Singh. The coverage is surprising. But it had to happen. After all, the 'dynamic' Amir-e-Ahrar Shahi Mufti Punjab Maulana Habibur Rahman Saani Ludhianvi has issued fatwa. He issued the fatwa from Jama Masjid and termed her friendship with Amrinder as 'Najaaez and Haraam'. Aroosa, the controversial Pak journalist, then left Chandigarh and has flown back to Pakistan but the controversy continues in India. Maulana Habibur Rahman Sani is quite active and his 'activism' was again at display when he said that 'she violated Shariat for having visited a man without any male relative as her companion'.The Maulana has also called the Sikh clergy to ask Amarinder about his faith and check if he has changed relation. He urged CM and even PM over the issue and expressed suspicion that she ...

Selected couplets of Mirza Ghalib
2007-12-30 20:57:00
Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib , one of the greatest poets of India, sub-continent and the world, was born on December 27, 1797. Here is a selection of 25 couplets of Ghalib. People are entitled to their own preferences and there are hundreds of other 'ashaar' that can be termed the best of Ghalib's couplets.maiN ne chaahaa thaa ki andoh-e-wafa se chhuuTuuNvoh sitamgar mere marne pe bhii raazii na huaakii mere qatl ke baad usne jafaa se tobahaae us zuud-pashemaaN ka pashemaaN honaakoii mere dil se poochhe tere tiir-e-niimkash koyah khalish kahaan se hotii jo jigar ke paar hotaabandgii meN bhii voh aazadah-o-khudbiiN haiN ki hamulTe phir aaye dar-e-kaaba agar waa na huaazindagii yuuN bhii guzar hii jaatiikyuuN teraa raahguzar yaad aayaapakDe jaate haiN farishtoN ke likhe par naahaqaadmii koii hamaaraa dam-e-tahriir bhii thaazikr us parii-vash ka aur phir bayaaN apnaaban gayaa raqiib aakhir, thaa jo raazdaaN apnaamohabbat meN nahiiN hai farq jiine aur marne kaausii ko dekh kar jiite ha...
More About: Mirza Ghalib

Selected couplets of Mirza Ghalib
2007-12-30 20:57:00
Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib , one of the greatest poets of India, sub-continent and the world, was born on December 27, 1797. Here is a selection of 25 couplets of Ghalib. People are entitled to their own preferences and there are hundreds of other 'ashaar' that can be termed the best of Ghalib's couplets.maiN ne chaahaa thaa ki andoh-e-wafa se chhuuTuuNvoh sitamgar mere marne pe bhii raazii na huaakii mere qatl ke baad usne jafaa se tobahaae us zuud-pashemaaN ka pashemaaN honaakoii mere dil se poochhe tere tiir-e-niimkash koyah khalish kahaan se hotii jo jigar ke paar hotaabandgii meN bhii voh aazadah-o-khudbiiN haiN ki hamulTe phir aaye dar-e-kaaba agar waa na huaazindagii yuuN bhii guzar hii jaatiikyuuN teraa raahguzar yaad aayaapakDe jaate haiN farishtoN ke likhe par naahaqaadmii koii hamaaraa dam-e-tahriir bhii thaazikr us parii-vash ka aur phir bayaaN apnaaban gayaa raqiib aakhir, thaa jo raazdaaN apnaamohabbat meN nahiiN hai farq jiine aur marne kaausii ko dekh kar jiite ha...
More About: Mirza Ghalib

Azamgarh Ijtima: That's the photo of India, not Bangladesh
2007-12-29 19:55:00
The photo on the left shows a train on its way to Azamgarh (Uttar Pradesh).The nondescript Sherwan village near Sarai Meer in Azamgarh district is hosting an Aalami Tablighi Ijtima.Special trains have been run, cell phone towers installed, hundreds of makeshift eateries set up and dispensaries opened for the devout who will gather here for the congregation. Though we have seen photos of passengers sitting atop trains and hanging by the door of the compartments in Bangladesh where the Biswa Ijtema is held, it's not common to see such level of overcrowding in India . The Tablighi Jamat is holding the meet which will purely be dedicated to self-improvement in the light of Islamic teachings. The Jamat's congregations are totally non-political.Urdu Muslim India Islam Poetry Religion Hindu Shairi Ghalib Literature Ada Lucknow Meer Faiz Indian Muslim Blog Cricket Ghazal Blogger Islamic Hindi Kavita Shayar Sahitya
More About: Photo , Muslims , Glad

Azamgarh Ijtima: That's the photo of India, not Bangladesh
2007-12-29 19:55:00
The photo on the left shows a train on its way to Azamgarh (Uttar Pradesh).The nondescript Sherwan village near Sarai Meer in Azamgarh district is hosting an Aalami Tablighi Ijtima.Special trains have been run, cell phone towers installed, hundreds of makeshift eateries set up and dispensaries opened for the devout who will gather here for the congregation. Though we have seen photos of passengers sitting atop trains and hanging by the door of the compartments in Bangladesh where the Biswa Ijtema is held, it's not common to see such level of overcrowding in India . The Tablighi Jamat is holding the meet which will purely be dedicated to self-improvement in the light of Islamic teachings. The Jamat's congregations are totally non-political.Urdu Muslim India Islam Poetry Religion Hindu Shairi Ghalib Literature Ada Lucknow Meer Faiz Indian Muslim Blog Cricket Ghazal Blogger Islamic Hindi Kavita Shayar Sahitya
More About: Photo , Glad

Benazir Bhutto Assassinated: Whither Pakistan?
2007-12-27 14:42:00
One of the most charismatic leaders of our times, Benazir Bhutto was killed in a terrorist attack in Rawalpindi in Pakistan on Thursday.Few leaders evoke the sort of admiration as Benazir did. Though she is often accused of squandering her father Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's legacy and the fact that despite being Prime Minister of Pakistan, she failed to fulfil the expectations during her stints, Benazir was a people's leader and a champion of democracy.The charges of corruption against her husband Asif Zardari had tarnished her image. But the Daughter of the East was loved outside her country as well. She was a courageous woman, no doubt and after several years in exile came back to her country despite the threats to her life.Ironically she was assassinated at the same place in Rawalpindi where the first Prime Minister of Pakistan Liaquat Ali Khan was killed. Truly this is a defining moment in the history of Pakistan.The Pakistan state, its leaders and its citizens have to introspect of...
More About: Benazir Bhutto , Assassinated

Benazir Bhutto Assassinated: Whither Pakistan?
2007-12-27 14:42:00
One of the most charismatic leaders of our times, Benazir Bhutto was killed in a terrorist attack in Rawalpindi in Pakistan on Thursday.Few leaders evoke the sort of admiration as Benazir did. Though she is often accused of squandering her father Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's legacy and the fact that despite being Prime Minister of Pakistan, she failed to fulfil the expectations during her stints, Benazir was a people's leader and a champion of democracy.The charges of corruption against her husband Asif Zardari had tarnished her image. But the Daughter of the East was loved outside her country as well. She was a courageous woman, no doubt and after several years in exile came back to her country despite the threats to her life.Ironically she was assassinated at the same place in Rawalpindi where the first Prime Minister of Pakistan Liaquat Ali Khan was killed. Truly this is a defining moment in the history of Pakistan.The Pakistan state, its leaders and its citizens have to introspect of...
More About: Benazir Bhutto , Assassinated

Zakir Naik's comments on Battle of Karbala and Yazid
2007-12-23 14:59:00
The speech of Dr Zakir Naik during the Aman Conference organised by Islamic Research Foundation in Mumbai has truly been shocking. Regarding his opinion on the battle of Karbala , as 'just another fight for attaining political clout', I am not as astonished as I am with the use of the word 'Raziallah Anhu' with the name of Yazid. As we all know, the term 'Raziallah anhu' ie RH (or often Raziallahtala anahu) is used as suffix mostly with the name of either the companions of Prophet Muhammad or other leading figures in Islamic history as a mark of respect. It means, one whom God is pleased with. Though some scholars of a bit of standing here and there have held these views on the battle of Karbala, it is the use of this suffix (RH) with Yazid's name which is absolutely unacceptable to majority of Muslims. I have never listened to Zakir Naik's speeches for long. But this comment will surely damage his reputation. It is unthinkable to eulogize and glorify Yazid. Dozens of Musli...
More About: Comments , Battle

Zakir Naik's comments on Battle of Karbala and Yazid
2007-12-23 14:59:00
The speech of Dr Zakir Naik during the Aman Conference organised by Islamic Research Foundation in Mumbai has truly been shocking. Regarding his opinion on the battle of Karbala , as 'just another fight for attaining political clout', I am not as astonished as I am with the use of the word 'Raziallah Anhu' with the name of Yazid. As we all know, the term 'Raziallah anhu' ie RH (or often Raziallahtala anahu) is used as suffix mostly with the name of either the companions of Prophet Muhammad or other leading figures in Islamic history as a mark of respect. It means, one whom God is pleased with. Though some scholars of a bit of standing here and there have held these views on the battle of Karbala, it is the use of this suffix (RH) with Yazid's name which is absolutely unacceptable to majority of Muslims. I have never listened to Zakir Naik's speeches for long. But this comment will surely damage his reputation. It is unthinkable to eulogize and glorify Yazid. Dozens of Musli...
More About: Comments , Battle

Eid preparations: Two photos
2007-12-19 16:03:00
Eidul Adha or Eidul Azha (Baqrid, as we call in sub-continent) is round the corner. The photographs of bakras are appearing in newspapers. Later we will se photos of prayer.I found two nice photos in the context of Iduzzuha. The first is photo of a youth trying out his cab (topi) and the other of a girl who is looking at a necklace. Urdu Muslim India Islam Poetry Religion Hindu Shairi Ghalib Literature Ada Lucknow Meer Faiz Indian Muslim Blog Cricket Ghazal Blogger Islamic Hindi Kavita Shayar Sahitya
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