By Syed Akbar
Hyderabad: Miya bibi razi to kya karega qazi, goes a famous Urdu saying. But a group of Muslim religious scholars in Hyderabad feels that Nikah will become valid only if the legal guardian of the bride gives his nod. The miya (groom) and the bibi (bride) may be willing to become man and wife but unless the "wali" (legal guardian) says "yes" in the presence of the Qazi, the Nikah will not be solemnised.
A major religious controversy is now raging in the Muslim community in Hyderabad after a noted preacher and authority on comparative religion married a girl without the consent of the latter's father. A fatwa has been issued stating that the Nikah is "batil" (illegal) and the couple has committed "zina" (adultery or fornication). Pamphlets are published highlighting the fatwa and distributed in Muslim localities. The issue got complicated with the intervention of eminent religious body Tameer-e-Millat into the controversy.
The fatwa was obtained by the parents of the girl from the Ahle Hadis Ulema Board, Hyderabad, and Islamic Research and Guidance Centre, Chennai. According to the religious edict (fatwa), a girl cannot marry a boy without obtaining the consent of her father or legal guardian. Islamic scholars Safi Ahmad of the Ulema Board and Shaik Anees-ur-Rahman of the IRGC based their comments on the sayings (hadith) of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad. They quoted the hadith from eminent books of prophet's traditions, Sahih Muslim and Abu Dawud.
Ulema, however, are divided on the issue. Those adhering to the Shafai, Maliki, Hanbali and Salafi schools of thought support the view that father's consent is needed for the Nikah to become valid. Scholars of Hanafi sect feel that the Nikah will be legally valid even if the girl does not take the consent of her father or legal guardian.
Says Safi Ahmad, who is also vice-president of Jamaat Ahle Hadis, Andhra Pradesh unit, "we feel that the parents' consent is needed if the girl is a "Bakira" (marrying for the first time). In the case of "Sayyiba" (second marriage), the girl need not obtain the consent of her legal guardian".
Senior Islamic priest Abdur Rahim Khuram says since the scholar of comparative religions claims that he follows the Salafi school of Islamic jurisprudence, he should strictly adhere to it. "He has earlier married a girl without the consent of her father. He had to leave the girl after her parents took up the issue with religious leaders. This is the second time that he has married a girl without parents' nod," Khuram adds.
However, hanafi scholar Syed Shujath Hussain is of the view that a mature girl has the choice to marry or not to marry. "She can marry whomsoever she wishes - no one can force her to marry a particular person. If she marries a person on her own, the nikâh will be valid irrespective of whether the wali is informed or not, and irrespective of whether the wali gives his consent or not. In all cases the nikâh will be valid," he points out.
However, his statement comes with a rider. Parents' consent is not necessary if the social, educational and economic status of the boy is equal to that of hers. "If she does not marry a person who is of the same social standing as her, and instead, marries a person who is of a lower standing than her family, and her wali is not happy about this marriage, then the fatwâ in this case is that the nikâh will not be valid," he clarifies.
According to Moulana Muhammad Kareem, in Shafi'i and Hanbali Madhhabs the wali has to be present during the nikah; otherwise, the nikah will not be sahih. A woman cannot be a wali. In Hanafi Madhhab, a woman can get married without a wali and can appoint someone her deputy, yet if a woman marries someone who is not her kufw (status), her wali can interfere and stop the marriage. In Maliki Madhhab, if a woman is one of the notables of the town and is rich, then her wali has to be present at the nikah.
Showing posts with label Islam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Islam. Show all posts
Monday, 6 July 2009
Monday, 11 May 2009
No triple talaq in Hyderabad, thanks to Muftis and Mullahs
Syed Akbar
Hyderabad: Hyderabadi Muslim women are the least affected by the "triple Talaq" menace that is rampant elsewhere in the country.
Though about 8,000 marriages are performed by Qazis in the 11 Qazi Zones on an average every month in twin cities, only half a dozen couples are separated through the triple Talaq. In all, the Qazis in Hyderabad and Secunderabad deal with around 300 divorce cases every month and a majority of them are settled through mutual reconciliation.
The most common type of Talaq practiced in Hyderabad is Talaq-e-Bain (talaq pronounced in three sittings each one month apart). Talaq-e-Salasa (triple talaq, pronounced thrice in one go) is very rare. Neither religious scholars nor Qazis permit couple seeking divorce to go in for triple Talaq as it is considered harmful and morally incorrect. Though local Muslim scholars disagree with last week's Supreme Court judgment on triple Talaq, they feel that triple Talaq should be discouraged.
"We do not encourage triple Talaq. Most of the divorce cases are sorted out though rigorous counselling at the end of which the couples agree to live in peace. Only a few dozen couples fail to heed our advice and separate through Talaq-e-Bain, a system in which Talaq is pronounced in three sittings each with a gap of 30 days giving sufficient time for rapprochement. The triple Talaq cases are very rare and account for just five or six a month," chief Qazi of old city Mir Khadar Ali told this correspondent.
Hyderabad has the second largest Muslim population in the country after Mumbai and the presence of several "Shariah Panchayats" in the city is discouraging local Muslims from going in for triple Talaq. Andhra Pradesh has about 150 Qazis and they together perform about 1.20 lakh marriages a year on an average.
"We deal with divorce cases at two stages, through Darul Qaza Helpline and Darul Qaza Shariat Panchayat. First couples seeking divorce are put to counselling by religious scholars at Darul Qaza Helpline and if the efforts fail they are referred to the Shariah Panchayat. Here also our scholars tell them about the ill-effects of divorce. Most of the couples agree while a handful decide to separate," Shariah Panchayat chief Moulana Hussamuddin Jafar said.
The State Wakf Board, which has made it mandatory on the part of the Qazis to submit marriage records, has strangely enough absolved them from the responsibility of submitting the divorce records. The Board does not maintain any records on Muslim divorces. Individual chief Qazis in twin cities have their own record system on divorces, which are often wrought with irregularities.
Andhra Pradesh Qazi Association president Ghulam Sarwar Biyabani blames divorces on TV serials. "Young couples are influenced by television serials which are increasingly showing extra-marital affairs and frequent divorces. We have launched a campaign to educate young couples that life is altogether different in reality. What is shown on small screen cannot be imitated in real life. About 90 per cent of couples seeking divorce heed our advice," he points out.
Hyderabad: Hyderabadi Muslim women are the least affected by the "triple Talaq" menace that is rampant elsewhere in the country.
Though about 8,000 marriages are performed by Qazis in the 11 Qazi Zones on an average every month in twin cities, only half a dozen couples are separated through the triple Talaq. In all, the Qazis in Hyderabad and Secunderabad deal with around 300 divorce cases every month and a majority of them are settled through mutual reconciliation.
The most common type of Talaq practiced in Hyderabad is Talaq-e-Bain (talaq pronounced in three sittings each one month apart). Talaq-e-Salasa (triple talaq, pronounced thrice in one go) is very rare. Neither religious scholars nor Qazis permit couple seeking divorce to go in for triple Talaq as it is considered harmful and morally incorrect. Though local Muslim scholars disagree with last week's Supreme Court judgment on triple Talaq, they feel that triple Talaq should be discouraged.
"We do not encourage triple Talaq. Most of the divorce cases are sorted out though rigorous counselling at the end of which the couples agree to live in peace. Only a few dozen couples fail to heed our advice and separate through Talaq-e-Bain, a system in which Talaq is pronounced in three sittings each with a gap of 30 days giving sufficient time for rapprochement. The triple Talaq cases are very rare and account for just five or six a month," chief Qazi of old city Mir Khadar Ali told this correspondent.
Hyderabad has the second largest Muslim population in the country after Mumbai and the presence of several "Shariah Panchayats" in the city is discouraging local Muslims from going in for triple Talaq. Andhra Pradesh has about 150 Qazis and they together perform about 1.20 lakh marriages a year on an average.
"We deal with divorce cases at two stages, through Darul Qaza Helpline and Darul Qaza Shariat Panchayat. First couples seeking divorce are put to counselling by religious scholars at Darul Qaza Helpline and if the efforts fail they are referred to the Shariah Panchayat. Here also our scholars tell them about the ill-effects of divorce. Most of the couples agree while a handful decide to separate," Shariah Panchayat chief Moulana Hussamuddin Jafar said.
The State Wakf Board, which has made it mandatory on the part of the Qazis to submit marriage records, has strangely enough absolved them from the responsibility of submitting the divorce records. The Board does not maintain any records on Muslim divorces. Individual chief Qazis in twin cities have their own record system on divorces, which are often wrought with irregularities.
Andhra Pradesh Qazi Association president Ghulam Sarwar Biyabani blames divorces on TV serials. "Young couples are influenced by television serials which are increasingly showing extra-marital affairs and frequent divorces. We have launched a campaign to educate young couples that life is altogether different in reality. What is shown on small screen cannot be imitated in real life. About 90 per cent of couples seeking divorce heed our advice," he points out.
Saturday, 2 May 2009
Islamic schools go modern: become hafiz of quran while learning English
Syed Akbar
Hyderabad: Want your ward to become a "Hafiz" and recite all the 30 books of the Holy Quran by heart? You need no longer send your son or daughter to a conventional Arabic madarasa for a "Hafiz" course. Just admit him or her in an English medium school recognised by the State government.
For the first time in the country, a group of well-established English medium schools in the city has introduced "Hafiz" course in their academic curriculum to train students in the recitation of the Holy Quran by heart vis-à-vis taught regular education. The course is so designed that a student who joins one of these schools in the first standard will become a full-fledged "Hafiz" by the time he or she appears for the secondary school certificate examination.
The concept of secular-cum-religious education through English medium is fast catching up in Hyderabad and surrounding districts. Already half a dozen schools have introduced the concept with some more planning to join the bandwagon from next academic year. Besides teaching the art of learning the Holy Quran by heart, these schools also offer subjects in Islamic jurisprudence. Unlike in madarasas, education in these schools does not come free. Parents will have to pay regular tuition fee.
About 3000 students, including a large number of girls, are in various stages of completion of the Hafiz course with some already learning by heart 24 of the 30 books of the Islamic scripture. The management ensure that a student learns 12 "paras" (books) of the Holy Quran by the time he appears for the VII class common board examination. The remaining 18 books are taught in classes VIII, IX and X.
"Our students leave the school with two certificates. One, X class certificate from the Board of Secondary Education and two, from Jamia Nizamia deemed university. The idea is to make students well-versed in both duniya (world) and deen (religion)," says Ahmad Habeeb of Minhajul Quran English Medium High School.
All the 600 students in the school have enrolled themselves for the Hafiz course. The school follows the government curriculum for seven periods and takes up the Quran in additional two periods. It has seven Hafiz teachers including two women Hafiz trainers.
Says Moulana Abdul Kareem, "many well-to-do parents do not like to admit their children in traditional madarasas as they teach only religious education". Those coming out of these madarasas find it difficult to make a living. These English schools are serving the twin purpose of providing worldly education along with Islamic teachings, he adds.
The Madina Islamic Schools at Santoshnagar, Charminar and Mehdipatnam areas of the city have enrolled more than 1600 students for the Hafiz course. "Our students have passed with distinction in class VII and X. We are teach Arabic and our SSC students fluently converse in Arabic. The medium of instruction is English and all students must speak in English during school hours," points out Aqlaq Sharfi of Sunni Dawat-e-Islami, which manages the group of Madina Islamic Schools.
Though the concept was first evolved way back in 1997, it has picked up only in the recent times. The young hafizs coming out of these schools have the choice of seeking admissions in reputed Islamic institutions around the world, since the certificates are recognised by Jamia Nizamia, an internationally renowned deemed university of higher Islamic learning. They can also pursue intermediate and later professional courses, if they wish.
Hyderabad: Want your ward to become a "Hafiz" and recite all the 30 books of the Holy Quran by heart? You need no longer send your son or daughter to a conventional Arabic madarasa for a "Hafiz" course. Just admit him or her in an English medium school recognised by the State government.
For the first time in the country, a group of well-established English medium schools in the city has introduced "Hafiz" course in their academic curriculum to train students in the recitation of the Holy Quran by heart vis-à-vis taught regular education. The course is so designed that a student who joins one of these schools in the first standard will become a full-fledged "Hafiz" by the time he or she appears for the secondary school certificate examination.
The concept of secular-cum-religious education through English medium is fast catching up in Hyderabad and surrounding districts. Already half a dozen schools have introduced the concept with some more planning to join the bandwagon from next academic year. Besides teaching the art of learning the Holy Quran by heart, these schools also offer subjects in Islamic jurisprudence. Unlike in madarasas, education in these schools does not come free. Parents will have to pay regular tuition fee.
About 3000 students, including a large number of girls, are in various stages of completion of the Hafiz course with some already learning by heart 24 of the 30 books of the Islamic scripture. The management ensure that a student learns 12 "paras" (books) of the Holy Quran by the time he appears for the VII class common board examination. The remaining 18 books are taught in classes VIII, IX and X.
"Our students leave the school with two certificates. One, X class certificate from the Board of Secondary Education and two, from Jamia Nizamia deemed university. The idea is to make students well-versed in both duniya (world) and deen (religion)," says Ahmad Habeeb of Minhajul Quran English Medium High School.
All the 600 students in the school have enrolled themselves for the Hafiz course. The school follows the government curriculum for seven periods and takes up the Quran in additional two periods. It has seven Hafiz teachers including two women Hafiz trainers.
Says Moulana Abdul Kareem, "many well-to-do parents do not like to admit their children in traditional madarasas as they teach only religious education". Those coming out of these madarasas find it difficult to make a living. These English schools are serving the twin purpose of providing worldly education along with Islamic teachings, he adds.
The Madina Islamic Schools at Santoshnagar, Charminar and Mehdipatnam areas of the city have enrolled more than 1600 students for the Hafiz course. "Our students have passed with distinction in class VII and X. We are teach Arabic and our SSC students fluently converse in Arabic. The medium of instruction is English and all students must speak in English during school hours," points out Aqlaq Sharfi of Sunni Dawat-e-Islami, which manages the group of Madina Islamic Schools.
Though the concept was first evolved way back in 1997, it has picked up only in the recent times. The young hafizs coming out of these schools have the choice of seeking admissions in reputed Islamic institutions around the world, since the certificates are recognised by Jamia Nizamia, an internationally renowned deemed university of higher Islamic learning. They can also pursue intermediate and later professional courses, if they wish.
Friday, 17 April 2009
The world of fatwas: how they solve religious issues
By Syed Akbar
Hyderabad: A man orally pronounces talaq and deserts his wife. A year later he files a suit in AP High Court seeking restitution of conjugal rights. The suit was dismissed. The wife wants to know her status in Islamic law: whether she continues to be his wife or not.
A rich Muslim woman died issueless leaving vast property. A woman approaches court claiming to be her brother's daughter. She wants the court to give her the right over the property left by the rich woman.
In both the cases, the matter is referred to Muftis, seeking their expert legal opinion in the light of Islamic Shariah. The Muftis issue their fatwas (religious decrees) and based on them the court decides the legal suits.
Fatwas are generally construed to be something that quite often rake up controversy. But the fact is they also play a crucial role in legal suits while deciding cases involving personal laws of the parties at dispute. In Hyderabad alone as many as 600 fatwas are issued every month by half a dozen Islamic institutions of higher learning. And of them at least 50 are referred to in courts of law. Jamia Nizamia, the 130-year-old premier Islamic Institute, gives about 300 fatwas every month and 30 of them are obtained by lawyers and parties at dispute.
The fatwas issued by local Islamic religious organisations with Darul Ifta (department of decrees) attached to them have been playing a decisive role in legal suits relating to marriage, divorce, property and inheritance, despite the presence of internationally acclaimed fatwa works like Fatwa-i-Alamgiri, Fatwa-i-Khazi Khan, Fatwa-i-Zainia, Fasul-i-Imadia and Radd-ul-Mukhtar.
"Fatwas have a wrong concept. It is true that some unscrupulous elements misrepresent facts to the mufti and obtain fatwas to suit their needs. Fatwas are often referred on rendering judgements. Fatwas are necessarily to be relied upon by civil and other courts while deciding controversy between two Muslims or Muslim against non-Muslim if the matter relates to right of the parties centered around personal laws," points out eminent legal expert and author Muhammad Usman Shaheed.
Prof Ahmadullah Khan, dean of the College of Law, Osmania University, says that in Indian law judges often seek expert opinion on important issues. Judges either refer to the most authentic books on the subject or seek opinion of persons, muftis in the case of Muslim personal law.
"During the British regime, every court had a pandit and a qazi attached to it. The judges used to refer issues relating to personal laws to them to seek their expert opinion. Muftis issues fatwas based on well-established Islamic principles. They do not give new or individual opinion," Prof Ahmadullah observes.
Muftis are quite often misled by disputing parties. They misrepresent or twist facts to obtain fatwas in their favour. Referring to the case of the wealthy woman who died issueless, Usman Shaheed says, the court gave the order in her favour. The opposite party approached court arguing that the woman had misled the mufti of Jamia Nizamia by not revealing the fact that wealthy woman's brother had predeceased her. They too obtained a fatwa from the mufti based on the new development. The court reversed its order and the woman was denied right in the property of the wealthy woman.
Mufti Khaleel Ahmad, vice-chancellor and grand mufti of Jamia Nizamia, points out that most of their fatwas are referred to in courts. "We do not have any record on the number of fatwas referred to in a court of law. Many lawyers approach us and we simply issue fatwas without seeking to know the purpose. But it is true that our fatwas are held in high esteem by courts in the State and elsewhere in the country," Mufti Khaleel told this correspondent.
Hyderabad: A man orally pronounces talaq and deserts his wife. A year later he files a suit in AP High Court seeking restitution of conjugal rights. The suit was dismissed. The wife wants to know her status in Islamic law: whether she continues to be his wife or not.
A rich Muslim woman died issueless leaving vast property. A woman approaches court claiming to be her brother's daughter. She wants the court to give her the right over the property left by the rich woman.
In both the cases, the matter is referred to Muftis, seeking their expert legal opinion in the light of Islamic Shariah. The Muftis issue their fatwas (religious decrees) and based on them the court decides the legal suits.
Fatwas are generally construed to be something that quite often rake up controversy. But the fact is they also play a crucial role in legal suits while deciding cases involving personal laws of the parties at dispute. In Hyderabad alone as many as 600 fatwas are issued every month by half a dozen Islamic institutions of higher learning. And of them at least 50 are referred to in courts of law. Jamia Nizamia, the 130-year-old premier Islamic Institute, gives about 300 fatwas every month and 30 of them are obtained by lawyers and parties at dispute.
The fatwas issued by local Islamic religious organisations with Darul Ifta (department of decrees) attached to them have been playing a decisive role in legal suits relating to marriage, divorce, property and inheritance, despite the presence of internationally acclaimed fatwa works like Fatwa-i-Alamgiri, Fatwa-i-Khazi Khan, Fatwa-i-Zainia, Fasul-i-Imadia and Radd-ul-Mukhtar.
"Fatwas have a wrong concept. It is true that some unscrupulous elements misrepresent facts to the mufti and obtain fatwas to suit their needs. Fatwas are often referred on rendering judgements. Fatwas are necessarily to be relied upon by civil and other courts while deciding controversy between two Muslims or Muslim against non-Muslim if the matter relates to right of the parties centered around personal laws," points out eminent legal expert and author Muhammad Usman Shaheed.
Prof Ahmadullah Khan, dean of the College of Law, Osmania University, says that in Indian law judges often seek expert opinion on important issues. Judges either refer to the most authentic books on the subject or seek opinion of persons, muftis in the case of Muslim personal law.
"During the British regime, every court had a pandit and a qazi attached to it. The judges used to refer issues relating to personal laws to them to seek their expert opinion. Muftis issues fatwas based on well-established Islamic principles. They do not give new or individual opinion," Prof Ahmadullah observes.
Muftis are quite often misled by disputing parties. They misrepresent or twist facts to obtain fatwas in their favour. Referring to the case of the wealthy woman who died issueless, Usman Shaheed says, the court gave the order in her favour. The opposite party approached court arguing that the woman had misled the mufti of Jamia Nizamia by not revealing the fact that wealthy woman's brother had predeceased her. They too obtained a fatwa from the mufti based on the new development. The court reversed its order and the woman was denied right in the property of the wealthy woman.
Mufti Khaleel Ahmad, vice-chancellor and grand mufti of Jamia Nizamia, points out that most of their fatwas are referred to in courts. "We do not have any record on the number of fatwas referred to in a court of law. Many lawyers approach us and we simply issue fatwas without seeking to know the purpose. But it is true that our fatwas are held in high esteem by courts in the State and elsewhere in the country," Mufti Khaleel told this correspondent.
Monday, 9 March 2009
Milad-un-Nabi and the Gandhian Charka
By Syed Akbar
As the Muslim world celebrates the Milad-un-Nabi, birthday of Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad, old timers in Hyderabad recall how the Gandhian "Charka" had changed the living standards of people in the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina before Independence.
Scores of "Charka" experts from Hyderabad went to Medina, the city of the Prophet, to train the local Arabs in the art of making thread and weaving cloth. Some Hyderabadis also went to Mecca, the city of Allah, with the Gandhian mission of providing livelihood to the poor through Charka.
As the poor people of Mecca and Medina could not master the art of making thread on the Charka despite several training sessions by expert Hyderabadis, it was then decided that the local Arabs be trained in weaving cloth. Hyderabadis then carried with them what is known as "Kargha" (a type of loom) to weave Khadi cloth.
Incidentally, it was Hyderabad which provided the first-ever power generation facility in Masjid-al-Haram in Mecca and Masjid-un-Nabavi in Medina in 1936. Then Nizam of Hyderabad Mir Osman Ali Khan and some members of the noble Paigah family donated the two generators that illuminated the Islamic shrines in the otherwise dark desert nights.
According to eminent educationist KM Arifuddin, in 1932 Shaik Abdullah, then prime minister of Kashmir, the Nawab of Chattari and then prime minister of Hyderabad held a meeting and formed what came to be known as "Anjuman Parcha Bafi Harmain Sharieff". Arifuddin is presently the secretary of the Anjuman. The purpose of the Anjuman or society was to help the poor people of the two Islamic holy cities. The Anjuman acquired properties and the rents accrued from them were sent to Mecca and Medina as charity.
"Later the society felt that sending money will not serve the purpose well. So it decided to give training to the local Arabs in hand weaving industry. A unit was set up in Medina and it functioned till 1945. After Independence and oil discovery in Saudi Arabia Hyderabadis stopped sending funds or training the locals in hand weaving," says Arifuddin.
Former IAS officer Hasnuddin Ahmad says the Gandhian Charka and Kargha had changed the living standards of the Arabs in those days.
"The cloth produced from handlooms was not of superior or fine quality. The cloth was coarse in nature. The Arab people had marketing problems. The Hyderabadis came out with a solution. It was suggested that the cloth could be used as "kafan" (shroud) to cover the dead. The Arabs used to dip the cloth in the holy waters of Zamzam (a perennial well in the precincts of the Sacred Mosque in Mecca) and sold it to the pilgrims from around the world during Haj or Umra," Ahmad observes.
The Rubat (accommodation) in Mecca and Medina is another contribution of Hyderabadis, according to senior Urdu journalist Syed Fazil Hussain Parvez.
Keeping the long association with the Islamic holy cities, the synonyms of peace and love, Hyderabadis have been observing Milad-un-Nabi as "anti-terrorism day" to drive home the message that Islam means peace and the ill actions of a handful of Muslims cannot reflect on the community at large.
As the Muslim world celebrates the Milad-un-Nabi, birthday of Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad, old timers in Hyderabad recall how the Gandhian "Charka" had changed the living standards of people in the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina before Independence.
Scores of "Charka" experts from Hyderabad went to Medina, the city of the Prophet, to train the local Arabs in the art of making thread and weaving cloth. Some Hyderabadis also went to Mecca, the city of Allah, with the Gandhian mission of providing livelihood to the poor through Charka.
As the poor people of Mecca and Medina could not master the art of making thread on the Charka despite several training sessions by expert Hyderabadis, it was then decided that the local Arabs be trained in weaving cloth. Hyderabadis then carried with them what is known as "Kargha" (a type of loom) to weave Khadi cloth.
Incidentally, it was Hyderabad which provided the first-ever power generation facility in Masjid-al-Haram in Mecca and Masjid-un-Nabavi in Medina in 1936. Then Nizam of Hyderabad Mir Osman Ali Khan and some members of the noble Paigah family donated the two generators that illuminated the Islamic shrines in the otherwise dark desert nights.
According to eminent educationist KM Arifuddin, in 1932 Shaik Abdullah, then prime minister of Kashmir, the Nawab of Chattari and then prime minister of Hyderabad held a meeting and formed what came to be known as "Anjuman Parcha Bafi Harmain Sharieff". Arifuddin is presently the secretary of the Anjuman. The purpose of the Anjuman or society was to help the poor people of the two Islamic holy cities. The Anjuman acquired properties and the rents accrued from them were sent to Mecca and Medina as charity.
"Later the society felt that sending money will not serve the purpose well. So it decided to give training to the local Arabs in hand weaving industry. A unit was set up in Medina and it functioned till 1945. After Independence and oil discovery in Saudi Arabia Hyderabadis stopped sending funds or training the locals in hand weaving," says Arifuddin.
Former IAS officer Hasnuddin Ahmad says the Gandhian Charka and Kargha had changed the living standards of the Arabs in those days.
"The cloth produced from handlooms was not of superior or fine quality. The cloth was coarse in nature. The Arab people had marketing problems. The Hyderabadis came out with a solution. It was suggested that the cloth could be used as "kafan" (shroud) to cover the dead. The Arabs used to dip the cloth in the holy waters of Zamzam (a perennial well in the precincts of the Sacred Mosque in Mecca) and sold it to the pilgrims from around the world during Haj or Umra," Ahmad observes.
The Rubat (accommodation) in Mecca and Medina is another contribution of Hyderabadis, according to senior Urdu journalist Syed Fazil Hussain Parvez.
Keeping the long association with the Islamic holy cities, the synonyms of peace and love, Hyderabadis have been observing Milad-un-Nabi as "anti-terrorism day" to drive home the message that Islam means peace and the ill actions of a handful of Muslims cannot reflect on the community at large.
Saturday, 28 February 2009
Islamic viewpoint on euthanasia
By Syed Akbar
Hyderabad: Euthanasia is unIslamic but medical treatment involving the use of stem cells is OK. Assisted reproductive technology like surrogate mother and test tube baby is Islamic as long as the sperm and the ovum is from the legally wedded couples. It is better not to discuss human cloning as it is not "appropriate" as of now.
These are some of the decisions a group of Muslim doctors from across the country took on Sunday during a national conference on "legal and ethical issues" involved in medical practice vis-à-vis Islamic jurisprudence or Shariat. The conference was organised by the Islamic Fiqh Academy, New Delhi, and the Muslim Educational Social and Cultural Organisation, Hyderabad.
Dr Umar Hassan Kasule, internationally renowned professor of epidemiology and Islamic Medicine from Brunei, set the agenda on medical practice for Muslim physicians and clinicians in India. During the day-long session, Dr Umar Hassan dwelt at length various aspects of Islamic medicine, a terminology which is fast becoming popular in the Muslim world, and how Muslim doctors should adapt themselves to the fast changing world of medicine.
Doctors evinced keen interest in legal, medical, ethical and spiritual issues like euthanasia, assisted reproduction technology, stem cell research, organ donation and transplantation as also the Islamic code of conduct for Muslim doctors. Dr Umar Hassan explained in detail these medical issues with appropriate quotes from the Holy Quran and the Hadith (sayings of Prophet Muhammad) and backed by expert fatwas by Islamic scholars of repute, both present and the past.
"Use of stem cell technology to treat Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, heart and other crippling diseases is halal. Muslim jurists have ruled that the use of cultured human nerve cells obtained from abortions, spontaneous or medically induced, are permissible," Dr Umar Hassan observes.
But with regard to assisted reproduction technology like the use of donor eggs or donor sperm is unIslamic when the donor and the recipient are not legally wedded. "Lineage is a very protected aspect in Islam. Donor eggs and/or sperm upsets the foundations of lineage. This also goes for renting the womb, i.e. surrogacy. Sperm, eggs, and the womb are all a part of the process which determines lineage. Not only is the lineage of the child confused, such a child is illegitimate under Islamic shariah," he points out.
With regard to euthanasia or mercy-killing, the Muslim doctors agreed that the purpose of preserving life makes any form of active or passive euthanasia illegal. Life and good health must be protected and promoted in all circumstances. Euthanasia violates the purpose of preserving religion because it involves a human attempt to violate the divine prerogative of giving and taking away life.
However, they are of the view that a distinction in Islamic law exists between withholding life support and withdrawing it. The issue is legally easier if life support is not started at all according to a pre-set policy and criteria. Once it is started, discontinuation raises legal or ethical issues.
When a doctor sought an answer on Islamic position on human cloning, Dr Umar Hassan preferred not to dwell on the issue saying that the Islamic tradition discourages speculative thinking about hypothetical events. But the Islamic expert was of the view that cloning is not creation of new life from basic organic and non-organic matter.
Cloning as a concept goes far beyond the natural method of human sexual reproduction. If human cloning is ever achieved in practice, it will not be the first exception to human sexual reproduction. The Prophet Adam had neither a father nor a mother. The Prophet Jesus (Hazrat Isa) had a mother but no father. Asexual reproduction is common in the animal and plant kingdoms. Bacteria, viruses, and other micro-organisms reproduce asexually.
"The issue of quality of life arises in the case of cloning. The product of cloning will not have the same quality as we know it in humans today. This is because a human is both matter and spirit. During the first trimester of intra-uterine development the soul (Ruh or spirit) is inserted into the body by God. There is one "Ruh" for each being. Thus the cloned product can not have a "Ruh" and will therefore not be human being as we know," he said.
Muslim medical experts were of the view that the product of cloning will have all the biological properties of the ordinary human being but will not have the spiritual qualities. Thus the life of the cloned product will be of little or no quality.
Hyderabad: Euthanasia is unIslamic but medical treatment involving the use of stem cells is OK. Assisted reproductive technology like surrogate mother and test tube baby is Islamic as long as the sperm and the ovum is from the legally wedded couples. It is better not to discuss human cloning as it is not "appropriate" as of now.
These are some of the decisions a group of Muslim doctors from across the country took on Sunday during a national conference on "legal and ethical issues" involved in medical practice vis-à-vis Islamic jurisprudence or Shariat. The conference was organised by the Islamic Fiqh Academy, New Delhi, and the Muslim Educational Social and Cultural Organisation, Hyderabad.
Dr Umar Hassan Kasule, internationally renowned professor of epidemiology and Islamic Medicine from Brunei, set the agenda on medical practice for Muslim physicians and clinicians in India. During the day-long session, Dr Umar Hassan dwelt at length various aspects of Islamic medicine, a terminology which is fast becoming popular in the Muslim world, and how Muslim doctors should adapt themselves to the fast changing world of medicine.
Doctors evinced keen interest in legal, medical, ethical and spiritual issues like euthanasia, assisted reproduction technology, stem cell research, organ donation and transplantation as also the Islamic code of conduct for Muslim doctors. Dr Umar Hassan explained in detail these medical issues with appropriate quotes from the Holy Quran and the Hadith (sayings of Prophet Muhammad) and backed by expert fatwas by Islamic scholars of repute, both present and the past.
"Use of stem cell technology to treat Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, heart and other crippling diseases is halal. Muslim jurists have ruled that the use of cultured human nerve cells obtained from abortions, spontaneous or medically induced, are permissible," Dr Umar Hassan observes.
But with regard to assisted reproduction technology like the use of donor eggs or donor sperm is unIslamic when the donor and the recipient are not legally wedded. "Lineage is a very protected aspect in Islam. Donor eggs and/or sperm upsets the foundations of lineage. This also goes for renting the womb, i.e. surrogacy. Sperm, eggs, and the womb are all a part of the process which determines lineage. Not only is the lineage of the child confused, such a child is illegitimate under Islamic shariah," he points out.
With regard to euthanasia or mercy-killing, the Muslim doctors agreed that the purpose of preserving life makes any form of active or passive euthanasia illegal. Life and good health must be protected and promoted in all circumstances. Euthanasia violates the purpose of preserving religion because it involves a human attempt to violate the divine prerogative of giving and taking away life.
However, they are of the view that a distinction in Islamic law exists between withholding life support and withdrawing it. The issue is legally easier if life support is not started at all according to a pre-set policy and criteria. Once it is started, discontinuation raises legal or ethical issues.
When a doctor sought an answer on Islamic position on human cloning, Dr Umar Hassan preferred not to dwell on the issue saying that the Islamic tradition discourages speculative thinking about hypothetical events. But the Islamic expert was of the view that cloning is not creation of new life from basic organic and non-organic matter.
Cloning as a concept goes far beyond the natural method of human sexual reproduction. If human cloning is ever achieved in practice, it will not be the first exception to human sexual reproduction. The Prophet Adam had neither a father nor a mother. The Prophet Jesus (Hazrat Isa) had a mother but no father. Asexual reproduction is common in the animal and plant kingdoms. Bacteria, viruses, and other micro-organisms reproduce asexually.
"The issue of quality of life arises in the case of cloning. The product of cloning will not have the same quality as we know it in humans today. This is because a human is both matter and spirit. During the first trimester of intra-uterine development the soul (Ruh or spirit) is inserted into the body by God. There is one "Ruh" for each being. Thus the cloned product can not have a "Ruh" and will therefore not be human being as we know," he said.
Muslim medical experts were of the view that the product of cloning will have all the biological properties of the ordinary human being but will not have the spiritual qualities. Thus the life of the cloned product will be of little or no quality.
Thursday, 2 October 2008
Zakat: The Economics of Ramadhan
By Syed Akbar
October 1, 2008
Ramazan is not just an occasion of fasting, vermicelli and haleem. There’s more to this Islamic holy month than personal devotion and mouth-watering dishes. The compulsory charity collected during this month either in the form of Zakat or Fitra builds the lives of innumerable people.
According to an estimate, Hyderabadis including those living abroad contribute as much as Rs 1000 crore towards compulsory charity during Ramazan. There has always been an increase of eight to 10 per cent in the Zakat collection. But since there’s no umbrella body that oversees the Zakat funds, the money thus collected goes into small charities rather than a major perceptible cause. There are several individuals who donate more than Rs 1 crore towards Zakat every Ramazan while certain Hyderabadi families are known to disburse Zakat anything upward of Rs 5 crore.
Hyderabad stands second in India after Mumbai in Zakat collection. A notable feature this year is that most of the money from Zakat will go towards welfare activities like housing, sanitation, pensions to widows and old people, unlike earlier years when the funds were primarily utilized for educational scholarships.
Thanks to the YS Rajasekhar Reddy government offering free education including professional courses for all Muslim students whose parental income is less than Rs 1 lakh a year, the organizations involved in Zakat collection and distribution have decided to concentrate more on non-educational activities. The government’s scheme has benefited the community to the extent of about Rs 200 crore. This in other words means Zakat money to this extent will go to welfare activities other than educational scholarships.
“Ramazan is in fact the month of human economics, for its benefits the have-nots. But unfortunately in India we do not have a centralized Zakat collection and distribution organization to oversee the flow of Zakat funds. There are thousands of small Zakat bodies all over the country. In Hyderabad itself there are more than 2000 such organizations. As the money is not channelised through a single source, Zakat funds are not able to provide concrete results,” said senior Islamic scholar Moulana Abdul Kareem.
Only a handful of large Zakat bodies like Hyderabad Zakat and Charitable Trust could make an impact on the poor. The Hyderabad Zakat and Charitable Trust alone disbursed about Rs 10 crore in the form of scholarship benefiting 17,000 students, including 2,300 orphans. They take up housing projects for the poor, build schools in remote areas, open hospitals and run specialized training centres for destitute and poor women.
“The concept behind Zakat and Fitra is quite simple. If fasting is made compulsory during Ramazan it is to let the person on fast know what hunger and thirst is. This brings him closer to the poor. Zakat is compulsory on the rich so that they donate a part of their income to the poor. Every Muslim must donate Zakat calculated at 2.5 per cent of his annual savings. Fitra is another form of charity. It should be paid to the poor before the Id prayers so that the have-nots too join the celebrations,” said Moulana Anwar Ahmad.
Wednesday, 17 September 2008
Ramzan special: The mutliple benefits of Fitra
2008
By Syed Akbar
Hyderabad: As the Id approaches, millions of poor people in the country eagerly wait for the distribution of Fitra as it helps them join the festivities with others. Fitra is a compulsory charity to be paid before the Id prayers by every Muslim, who is not poor. In fact, Id-ul-Fitr derives its name from Fitra. It means the feast of alms-giving or charity.
According to a rough estimate, at least Rs 20 crore is spent on Fitra by Muslims in Andhra Pradesh alone. The distribution of Fitra starts on the 27th day of Ramzan and ends before the start of the Id prayers. Fitra is calculated at the rate of 2.045 kgs of staple food grains a family eats. If a family consumes rice worth Rs 18 a kg, the fitra for every individual member in that family works out to around Rs 37.
Says Hafiz Shujat Hussain, "fasting during Ramzan does not attain perfection without Fitra. This charity should be distributed either in kind or cash to the deserving people before the Id prayers. Some Muslim scholars say if it is not possible for some reason to distribute the fitra within the stipulated period, the amount may be set apart and disbursed when the needy are available".
Id-ul-Fitr is the biggest festival of Islam. It is also one of the two great Ids celebrated all over the Muslim world, the other being Id-ul-Azha or the festival of sacrifice.
According to Islamic scholar Moulana Abdul Kareem, Id-ul-Fitr or Ramzan Id as it is locally called, was first celebrated in Islamic history in the second year of Hegira (Muslim calendar) since fasting was made compulsory from that year. Since Id-ul-Fitr is the thanksgiving to the Almighty after the completion of the Blessed month of Ramzan, during which fasting is a must on all Muslims, Muslim elders generally believe that the first Id was celebrated by the Prophet and his companions in the second year of Hegira.
Stating that Muslim festivals are not just occasions for celebrations with tasty foods, costly clothes and meeting friends and relatives, senior advocate AK Basha points out that the concept of Fitra has been introduced to remove economic and social imbalances in society. Fitra will help the poor to purchase new clothes and other requirements and they too will join the celebrations. The poor will have at least two square meals on the Id day. All the members of a family should pay the Fitra to the deserving and needy; first preference goes to the poor neighbours, then relatives and friends.
There is a belief among Muslims that a non-Syed cannot give Fitra to a Syed whereas a Syed can give Fitra to Syeds and non-Syeds.
Besides striving to remove economic imbalances in society, Fitra serves as a platform for social unity and oneness of the mankind. In the Id prayers all - the rich and the poor, man and child, the mighty and the low - stand together in one line invoking the favour and mercy of God on all the earthlings, forgetting their petty physical differences.
Once the Id prayers are over, Muslims return to their houses and join the Id celebrations with their family members. Before returning home, many march to the nearest graveyard to offer prayers to their beloved ones. Offering prayers at graveyards and distributing alms among the poor waiting outside is regarded as a pious deed.
In a Muslim family the Id begins with the early morning prayers. After the prayers, members take bath and wear new clothes. They consume special porridge prepared from vermicelli. While the women offer prayers at home, the men and children visit the nearest Idaho for the annual Id prayers, which is obligatory on all adult Muslims. Some visit mosques but the congregation at the Idgah is preferred.
By Syed Akbar
Hyderabad: As the Id approaches, millions of poor people in the country eagerly wait for the distribution of Fitra as it helps them join the festivities with others. Fitra is a compulsory charity to be paid before the Id prayers by every Muslim, who is not poor. In fact, Id-ul-Fitr derives its name from Fitra. It means the feast of alms-giving or charity.
According to a rough estimate, at least Rs 20 crore is spent on Fitra by Muslims in Andhra Pradesh alone. The distribution of Fitra starts on the 27th day of Ramzan and ends before the start of the Id prayers. Fitra is calculated at the rate of 2.045 kgs of staple food grains a family eats. If a family consumes rice worth Rs 18 a kg, the fitra for every individual member in that family works out to around Rs 37.
Says Hafiz Shujat Hussain, "fasting during Ramzan does not attain perfection without Fitra. This charity should be distributed either in kind or cash to the deserving people before the Id prayers. Some Muslim scholars say if it is not possible for some reason to distribute the fitra within the stipulated period, the amount may be set apart and disbursed when the needy are available".
Id-ul-Fitr is the biggest festival of Islam. It is also one of the two great Ids celebrated all over the Muslim world, the other being Id-ul-Azha or the festival of sacrifice.
According to Islamic scholar Moulana Abdul Kareem, Id-ul-Fitr or Ramzan Id as it is locally called, was first celebrated in Islamic history in the second year of Hegira (Muslim calendar) since fasting was made compulsory from that year. Since Id-ul-Fitr is the thanksgiving to the Almighty after the completion of the Blessed month of Ramzan, during which fasting is a must on all Muslims, Muslim elders generally believe that the first Id was celebrated by the Prophet and his companions in the second year of Hegira.
Stating that Muslim festivals are not just occasions for celebrations with tasty foods, costly clothes and meeting friends and relatives, senior advocate AK Basha points out that the concept of Fitra has been introduced to remove economic and social imbalances in society. Fitra will help the poor to purchase new clothes and other requirements and they too will join the celebrations. The poor will have at least two square meals on the Id day. All the members of a family should pay the Fitra to the deserving and needy; first preference goes to the poor neighbours, then relatives and friends.
There is a belief among Muslims that a non-Syed cannot give Fitra to a Syed whereas a Syed can give Fitra to Syeds and non-Syeds.
Besides striving to remove economic imbalances in society, Fitra serves as a platform for social unity and oneness of the mankind. In the Id prayers all - the rich and the poor, man and child, the mighty and the low - stand together in one line invoking the favour and mercy of God on all the earthlings, forgetting their petty physical differences.
Once the Id prayers are over, Muslims return to their houses and join the Id celebrations with their family members. Before returning home, many march to the nearest graveyard to offer prayers to their beloved ones. Offering prayers at graveyards and distributing alms among the poor waiting outside is regarded as a pious deed.
In a Muslim family the Id begins with the early morning prayers. After the prayers, members take bath and wear new clothes. They consume special porridge prepared from vermicelli. While the women offer prayers at home, the men and children visit the nearest Idaho for the annual Id prayers, which is obligatory on all adult Muslims. Some visit mosques but the congregation at the Idgah is preferred.
Friday, 21 December 2007
Sacrifice for Id goes online
December 21, 2007
Focus | Syed Akbar
Hyderabad: Id-ul-Zuha or the feast of sacrifice is known for its qurbani or sacrificial sheep. Traditionally Muslims go shopping for sheep on the eve of Bakrid, as the Id-ul-Zuha is popularly known in Indian sub-continent, select the animal personally and take it home for sacrifice.
But with little time available on hand, many Muslims are preferring qurbani online. Just click one of the several websites on qurbani, fill up the form, pay the cost of the sheep through credit card and lo! the animal is sacrificed on your behalf.
The meat is distributed among the poor and the deserving within India and outside. The skin is donated to a charitable organisation on behalf of the person booking the sheep.
Islamic religious institutions including the Jamia-al-Azhar (Al- Azhar University of Cairo, Egypt) have permitted online qurbani saying that it is a lawful practice.
"The online sacrifice is quite convenient. It saves at least half a day. With pictures put on the internet, it becomes quite easier to select the animal. The payment is through credit card. It is hassle free and is more convenient for those living single. Many non-resident Hyderabadi Muslims are opting for online sacrifice," says senior leader Syed Fazil Hussain Parvez.
The cost of sheep varies between Rs 4,000 and Rs 5,000 from place to place. In Chennai online qurbani organisers charge Rs 5000 per sheep while in Hyderabad it is Rs 4,000. Those living abroad pay $130 for the sacrificial animal.
According to an estimate, about a million Muslims in the sub-continent have opted for online sacrifice. One of the websites, OnlineQurbani.com, based in Chennai, is managed by young Muslim professionals from various parts of the world.
The Hyderabad Zakat and Charitable Organisation also accepts online qurbani from non-resident Hyderabadis. Payment can be made through credit card or through drafts drawn on ICICI Bank, Citi Bank and HDFC Bank.
Those who book online sacrifice may also collect the meat of the sacrificed animal from the trust office concerned or issue instructions for distribution among the poor.
The US-based group Islamicity and Life for Relief and Development also offers online sacrificial services. There’s also www.qurbanionline.com which offers sacrificial animals by weight. Other online agencies charge a fixed price per sheep.
Islamic scholar Moulana Abdul Kareem says online booking for sacrifice is halal. Even payment through credit card is permitted. "One has to clear the credit card dues before the due date to avoid interest. Payment or collection of interest is haram (prohibited) in Islam. So the best way to purchase through credit card is to clear the dues within the due date without opting for the credit roll over facility which involves interest payment," he says.
Moulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani is of the view that one should not select the animal by going through its weight. "Importance should not be given to the weight of the animal. It is not permitted in Islam," he says.
The thousands of tonnes of meat generated from the sacrificial animals is processed and packed hygienically for distribution among the poor all over the world. Some of the organisations dehydrate the meat and dry it for long- time preservation. Many African countries benefit from the sacrificial meat.
Friday, 7 December 2007
Haj: Do's and don'ts for pilgrims
December 7, 2007
By Syed Akbar
Hyderabad, Dec 16: With instances of theft on the rise in the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Madina during the Haj, the Indian Consulate in Jeddah has warned Indian pilgrims to be cautious while performing the Haj.
In its "do's and don'ts", the Indian Consulate has pointed out that Indian pilgrims should keep a close watch on their belongings in view of spurt in theft cases in the holy cities.
"A number of pilgrims have been cheated by confidence tricksters who gain their confidence and then take money from them on the pretext of buying things at cheaper rates. People have been tricked into even parting with money for the sacrifice that is supposed to be done after Haj at Mina on the 10th of Zul Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. Theft from pilgrims is on the increase hence all precautions should be taken," the Consulate pointed out.
There are several "Maktabs", which can also take care of cash and valuables but pilgrims must insist on a proper receipt if they are leaving money with a Maktab. They should not give any cash or valuables to anyone else than to a proper person in the Maktab who should give a proper receipt (Fatura) for the same.
The Indian Haj Mission has set up a special cell to provide full range of Consular services including issue of emergency certificate if the passport is lost, issue of duplicate Air ticket if the ticket is lost. However, it is important that some kind identification is always retained with the pilgrim like the steel bracelet provided in India before boarding, the consulate pointed out.
Friday, 30 November 2007
Haj: Basic Travel Quota for Indian pilgrims increased
November 30, 2007
By Syed Akbar
Hyderabad, Nov 29: The Central government has extended a bonanza for the Haj pilgrims this year permitting them to take as much as 10,000 US dollars as their basic travel quota (BTQ).
This facility is in addition to 2,000 Saudi Riyals already enjoyed by pilgrims visiting the holy shrines in Mecca and Madina in Saudi Arabia. Now for the first time, Hajis can take with them as much as 39,000 Saudi Riyals for their comfortable stay in the Kingdom.
"The government used to allow 2000 Saudi Riyals and another 100 US dollars as airport allowance. From this Haj season they can take with them 10,000 US dollars (37,000 Saudi Riyals) as basic travel quota in addition to the already existing 2000 Riyals," says Shaik Mustaq Ali Ahmad, coordinator for Forex distribution for Haj pilgrims in India.
About one lakh pilgrims visit Saudi Arabia through the official Haj Committee and another 60,000 make arrangements on their own through private travel agents. The Haj Committee returns amount equivalent to 2000 Riyals to each of the Hajis from the amount paid by them for travel and lodging.
Bombay Mercantile Cooperative Bank, which has bagged the contract as official banker for Haj 2005-2006, has opened round-the-clock counters at the Haj House in the city and other 14 embarkation points elsewhere in the country.
The Central Haj Committee has cleared the applications of all the 6,385 Hajis from Andhra Pradesh. The largest contingent of Hajis is from Delhi with the National Capital sending around 14,600 pilgrims.
The first flight carrying Hajis will leave eight select points including Hyderabad on December 3 for Madina.
By Syed Akbar
Hyderabad, Nov 29: The Central government has extended a bonanza for the Haj pilgrims this year permitting them to take as much as 10,000 US dollars as their basic travel quota (BTQ).
This facility is in addition to 2,000 Saudi Riyals already enjoyed by pilgrims visiting the holy shrines in Mecca and Madina in Saudi Arabia. Now for the first time, Hajis can take with them as much as 39,000 Saudi Riyals for their comfortable stay in the Kingdom.
"The government used to allow 2000 Saudi Riyals and another 100 US dollars as airport allowance. From this Haj season they can take with them 10,000 US dollars (37,000 Saudi Riyals) as basic travel quota in addition to the already existing 2000 Riyals," says Shaik Mustaq Ali Ahmad, coordinator for Forex distribution for Haj pilgrims in India.
About one lakh pilgrims visit Saudi Arabia through the official Haj Committee and another 60,000 make arrangements on their own through private travel agents. The Haj Committee returns amount equivalent to 2000 Riyals to each of the Hajis from the amount paid by them for travel and lodging.
Bombay Mercantile Cooperative Bank, which has bagged the contract as official banker for Haj 2005-2006, has opened round-the-clock counters at the Haj House in the city and other 14 embarkation points elsewhere in the country.
The Central Haj Committee has cleared the applications of all the 6,385 Hajis from Andhra Pradesh. The largest contingent of Hajis is from Delhi with the National Capital sending around 14,600 pilgrims.
The first flight carrying Hajis will leave eight select points including Hyderabad on December 3 for Madina.
Sunday, 12 November 2006
Shariah Adalats in Hyderabad: Muslim women clerics deliver justice
November 12, 2006
By Syed Akbar
A young burka clad woman with a babe in her arms stands silently before a panel of Muftis. Though she appears to be calm, her anxiety is writ large on her face. The woman from Fateh Darwaza in the old city of Hyderabad awaits a verdict from the Muftis that may make or mar her marital life.
After a breathed silence, the panel of Muftis, which include three women, delivers the verdict in her favour. Her complaint was that her husband, a "lazy person", stays most of the time at home and does not go to work. They have a little daughter and she finds it hard even to purchase milk for her.
The woman is one of the scores of complainants seeking justice from the Shariah Adalat, the first of its kind private civil court in the country, functioning on the principles of Muslim Personal Law. The Shariah Adalat, located in one of the narrow lanes of Moghalpura in the walled city of Hyderabad, issues notices to the woman's husband and asks him to appear before it. The Muftis, constituting the bench, curtly tell the man that it is his duty and obligation (farz) to take care of the family. A recital of a few verses from the Quran and the threat of Allah's grave punishment (Azab) in the Akhirat (on Day of Resurrection) work well with the man.
The Shariah Adalat, a parallel Islamic civil court, is turning out to be quite popular in the principal minority community, what with Muslims from different parts of the State taking its help to resolve cases connected with the personal law.
The Adalat is the first Islamic civil court in the country to be presided over among others by women Muftis. Three women Muftis along with their two male counterparts settle about half a dozen cases every Saturday, when the Shariah Adalat meets for its weekly session. It works between 4.00 pm and 8.00 pm on Saturdays.
Set up recently with an objective to prevent Muslims from engaging in prolonged legal battles in civil courts, the Shariah Adalat has been receiving complaints even from outside Hyderabad. Of the 200 cases the Adalat has settled so far, about 20 cases are from the districts. They are mostly related to marital discord, divorce, property disputes, maintenance, inheritance and women rights.
The nascent Adalat, has come across many interesting but simple cases, which if referred to civil courts would take many years for settlement.
"We are adopting the regular procedure followed in civil courts. We accept both oral and written complaints. Our office then send letters to both the petitioners and the respondents asking them to be present on the hearing day. The Muftis will hear both the parties and give their verdict in the light of Islamic jurisprudence," says Mufti Muhammad Mastan Ali Quadri, one of the five Muftis on the bench.
In one of its hearings, the Shariah Adalat decreed that it is the duty of children to take care of their parents. The case was that a man from Paloncha in Khammam district has two sons, who have deserted him. Unable to fend himself, the poor man approached the Shariah Adalat which after referring to the Quran and the Hadith (traditions of the Prophet) held that the sons had sinned by not looking after their father. The sons agreed and the father is taken back to their house.
In about 90 per cent of the cases both the parties agree to the verdict delivered by the Shariah Adalat while 10 per cent refuse to budge and prefer to settle the scores in a general civil court. Mufti Muhammad Hasnuddin and Muftiya Nazima Azeez are head muftis of men and women Darul Ifta (department of decrees) respectively. Other members on the bench are Muftiya Rizwana Zareen and Muftiya Sayeeda Fatima
A woman, whose husband did not agree to the idea of abandoning joint family and living separately, lodged a complaint with the police that he had been harassing her for more dowry. The police registered a case and were about to arrest him when he sought the help of the Shariah Adalat. The woman and her parents were asked to appear before the Adalat which after a series of counselling succeeded in bringing rapprochement. The woman withdrew the complaint.
In another interesting case, a man from Chittoor town pronounced single talaq in a fit of rage and deserted his wife and two grown-up daughters. The woman knocked the doors of the Adalat. The Muftis told the husband that since he had pronounced talaq only once, the marriage is valid and he can live with his wife. The parties agreed to the verdict.
Tuesday, 24 October 2006
State-level Moon Panel To Clear Crescent Sighting Controversy
October 25, 2006
By Syed Akbar
Hyderabad, Oct 24: With Muslim religious scholars divided once again on the
‘sighting’ of the Id moon, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, an umbrella body of Imams of
mosques, has decided to set up a State-level moon-sighting panel to ensure that the
major Muslim festival is celebrated uniformly all over the country.
While Muslims in the entire country on Tuesday celebrated the Id-ul-Fitr (the
festival of alms-giving which marks the end of the month-long fasting during
Ramazan), those in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh will celebrate it on Wednesday.
Even within Andhra Pradesh, Muslims in Nalgonda, Guntur and other districts
celebrated the Id on Tuesday.
‘The problem is mainly because of lack of coordination among our moon-sighting
panels in different States. In Andhra Pradesh there is only one moon-sighting or
Ruhiyat Hilal committee and its operations are limited to twin cities of Hyderabad
and Secunderabad. We do not have a panel at the State level to coordinate with
Muslims scholars in various districts of Andhra Pradesh on one hand and with Hilal
committees of other States on the other,” Jamiat Ulema State president Hafiz Peer
Shabbir Ahmad told this correspondent.
The Hyderabad Hilal committee on Monday evening wound up its sitting quite early
without waiting for reports from other States. It simply announced that the Id would
be celebrated on Wednesday but as reports of moon sighting poured in from other
States including national Capital Delhi, the Hyderabad panel met once again late in
the night. The meeting which lasted till 12.20 am on Tuesday decided against
following observations of Hilal committees of other States. “Several Muslim families
all over the State had to remain awake till late in the night to know the fate of
the new moon. This is something not good. We have modern technology and gadgets. The
Hyderabad panel should have utilized them to take the decision fast without having
to wait for that long. By 9.00 pm the Shahi Imams of Delhi and Fatehpuri mosques
have announced their decisions,” senior religious scholar Hafiz Syed Shujath Hussain
said.
Muslim scholars blame the Hyderabad Hilal committee for the “paux pas”. The city
panel is controlled by a group of Muslim scholars following a particular school of
Islamic jurisprudence. There is no representation to Muslim scholars of other sects
or religious schools of thought. The decision on Id for Wednesday was taken
reportedly on the insistence of 135-year-old Islamic institution Jamia Nizamia’s
chief Mufti Khaleel Ahmad. Sources said the decision on Id for Wednesday was taken
to avoid confusion in the community at the eleventh hour.
“Our new State-level Hilal committee will have representation to all sects including
Shias. We will have the committee with Muslim scholars of different schools of
Islamic jurisprudence. Henceforth, the new panel will ensure that the Id is
celebrated uniformly throughout the country or at least in the State,” Jamiat State
secretary Sabir Ahmad pointed out.
Sunday, 1 October 2006
Saudi rules hits umrah plans of Indians
2006
Syed Akbar
Hyderabad, Oct 1: With Saudi authorities tightening visa rules for Umrah (minor pilgrimage), thousands of Indian Muslims could not visit the holy shrines in Mecca and Medina this Ramazan.
Muslims make a beeline for Umrah during Ramazan as Islamic traditions hold that an Umrah during this holy month is equal to a Haj (major pilgrimage). Moreover, those who fail to get Haj permits in the draw of lots (Qurrah) conducted by the Haj Committee prefer Umrah during Ramazan.
According to a rough estimate, around 50,000 Indian Muslims perform Umrah every year. About 8000 Hyderabadis usually visit the holy cities during Ramazan every year for Umrah. But this year only a few hundred Hyderabadis could make it to the minor pilgrimage. Travel agency sources point out that a whopping 30,000 to 40,000 Umrah aspirants from different parts of the country could not secure the visas.
The Saudi authorities closed the Umrah counter on September 20 and this will open only after the completion of the Haj. "The new restrictions have affected thousands of Muslims in India. Saudi government has launched a drive against "over stayers". An estimated 50000 people who went on Umrah visas are overstaying in the kingdom. The stringent new laws has brought down the Umrah quota for Muslim dominant cities like Hyderabad. Only a few hundred people performed Umrah from the city this time," a representative of a major Haj and Umrah travel agency in Hyderabad said.
Zakaullah Siddiqui of Zahereen Travels, Mumbai, told this correspondent on telephone that the early closure of Umrah counter had affected Indians and Muslims from other South Asian countries. "Those below 40 years of age are denied visas. Even those above 40 years are barred from performing Umrah if they are travelling individually. Those travelling in groups or with family members are given visas," he said.
While September 20 was the last date for submission of application forms, the last of visas will be issued on October 8. Umrah visa holders should leave the Saudi kingdom on or before October 28 as the Haj session will start after this date. And if anyone who is holding Umrah visa remain in the country after October 28 will be declared as "illegal alien".
The Ministry of Haj, Saudi Arabia, has announced that the number of overstaying Umrah pilgrims from a country will be deducted from its quota of Haj pilgrims. This is being done to discourage the pilgrims from staying beyond the validity of their visas.
This new restriction has led to a reduction in the Haj quota for some countries. As against the Haj quota of about 6,500 pilgrims for Andhra Pradesh, the Haj Committee received over 9000 applications. Those rejected for Haj applied for Umrah and the new rules have played with the Umrah aspirants.
Even Saudi firms looking of Umrah pilgrims said there was a drop of 20 per cent Umrah visitors to the Kingdom this Ramazan.
Most of the charitable and religious organisations as also madarasas send their representatives to Saudi Arabia on Umrah during Ramazan for collection of Zakat. Even senior clergy were denied visas. Several madarasas in and around Hyderabad get Zakat in large quantities enough to manage the institution till the next Ramazan.
Moulana Anwar Ahmad of Jamia Nizamia said the denial of visas for Umrah would affect the functioning of several religious institutions which largely depend on Zakat funds from Saudi Arabia.
Around 400 representatives of madarasas and Islamic institutions visit on Umrah during Ramazan for Zakat collection. This year hardly a dozen of them could succeed in obtaining visas.
Syed Akbar
Hyderabad, Oct 1: With Saudi authorities tightening visa rules for Umrah (minor pilgrimage), thousands of Indian Muslims could not visit the holy shrines in Mecca and Medina this Ramazan.
Muslims make a beeline for Umrah during Ramazan as Islamic traditions hold that an Umrah during this holy month is equal to a Haj (major pilgrimage). Moreover, those who fail to get Haj permits in the draw of lots (Qurrah) conducted by the Haj Committee prefer Umrah during Ramazan.
According to a rough estimate, around 50,000 Indian Muslims perform Umrah every year. About 8000 Hyderabadis usually visit the holy cities during Ramazan every year for Umrah. But this year only a few hundred Hyderabadis could make it to the minor pilgrimage. Travel agency sources point out that a whopping 30,000 to 40,000 Umrah aspirants from different parts of the country could not secure the visas.
The Saudi authorities closed the Umrah counter on September 20 and this will open only after the completion of the Haj. "The new restrictions have affected thousands of Muslims in India. Saudi government has launched a drive against "over stayers". An estimated 50000 people who went on Umrah visas are overstaying in the kingdom. The stringent new laws has brought down the Umrah quota for Muslim dominant cities like Hyderabad. Only a few hundred people performed Umrah from the city this time," a representative of a major Haj and Umrah travel agency in Hyderabad said.
Zakaullah Siddiqui of Zahereen Travels, Mumbai, told this correspondent on telephone that the early closure of Umrah counter had affected Indians and Muslims from other South Asian countries. "Those below 40 years of age are denied visas. Even those above 40 years are barred from performing Umrah if they are travelling individually. Those travelling in groups or with family members are given visas," he said.
While September 20 was the last date for submission of application forms, the last of visas will be issued on October 8. Umrah visa holders should leave the Saudi kingdom on or before October 28 as the Haj session will start after this date. And if anyone who is holding Umrah visa remain in the country after October 28 will be declared as "illegal alien".
The Ministry of Haj, Saudi Arabia, has announced that the number of overstaying Umrah pilgrims from a country will be deducted from its quota of Haj pilgrims. This is being done to discourage the pilgrims from staying beyond the validity of their visas.
This new restriction has led to a reduction in the Haj quota for some countries. As against the Haj quota of about 6,500 pilgrims for Andhra Pradesh, the Haj Committee received over 9000 applications. Those rejected for Haj applied for Umrah and the new rules have played with the Umrah aspirants.
Even Saudi firms looking of Umrah pilgrims said there was a drop of 20 per cent Umrah visitors to the Kingdom this Ramazan.
Most of the charitable and religious organisations as also madarasas send their representatives to Saudi Arabia on Umrah during Ramazan for collection of Zakat. Even senior clergy were denied visas. Several madarasas in and around Hyderabad get Zakat in large quantities enough to manage the institution till the next Ramazan.
Moulana Anwar Ahmad of Jamia Nizamia said the denial of visas for Umrah would affect the functioning of several religious institutions which largely depend on Zakat funds from Saudi Arabia.
Around 400 representatives of madarasas and Islamic institutions visit on Umrah during Ramazan for Zakat collection. This year hardly a dozen of them could succeed in obtaining visas.
Saturday, 23 September 2006
The Significance of Ramadhan
September 23, 2006
By Syed Akbar
Ramadhan is the ninth month of the Islamic Higera calendar. Literally Ramadhan means "heat" or "something that burns up". The name assumes significance as fasting, charity and noble deeds in Ramadhan burns away sins, Satanic filth and ego from the hearts and minds of the people, who turn to the Almighty during this holy month.
A notable feature of Ramadhan is that fasting during this month had been in vogue even before the birth of the Holy Prophet, Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him). The righteous and pious among the Arabs used to observe fasting and pay charity during Ramadhan. The Holy Prophet has streamlined the system of fasting and charity and made them mandatory on all Muslims.
Of the 12 lunar Islamic months, Ramadhan is considered holy primarily because the Almighty God had revealed the Holy Quran on Hazrat Muhammad during this month about 15 centuries ago. The Holy Prophet was deep in meditation in the Cave of Hira in the outskirts of Mecca when he received the Divine Message through Archangel Gabriel (Hazrat Jibrail). The Message from God continued to be revealed on the Holy Prophet thereafter for the next 23 years. This Divine Code is the Holy Quran, the last of the Scriptures of God sent to prophets and messengers from time to time to all places and to all people.
"Ramadhan is also considered holy because God has prescribed fasting and ordained charity. While fasting is obligatory on all Muslims, men and women, without exception, charity is enjoined on only those who are financially sound. The charity given during Ramadhan is of two types, Zakat (compulsory charity) and fitra (alms). Zakat like fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, the other being Kalima (assertion that there is only one God and that Muhammad is the Messenger of God), Namaz (five daily prayers) and Haj (pilgrimage to Mecca)," says Islamic scholar Hafiz Syed Shujath Hussain.
Referring to the importance of Ramadhan, the Holy Quran (2:185) observes, "Ramadhan is the (month) in which the Qur'an was sent down, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgement (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at home) during that month should spend it in fasting…"
The Holy Quran is also specific about the time of revelation during the month of Ramadhan. Elsewhere, the Scripture says, "Indeed, We have revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power. And what will explain to thee what the night of power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months" Qur'an (97:1-3).
"The Night of Power or Lailat-ul-Qadr falls on one of the odd nights in the last 10 days of Ramadhan. Muslims spend in prayers all through the night supplicating to the Almighty for peace and blessings on all people and all creatures. Ramadhan is the occasion for Muslims to mend their ways and establish a direct link with the Creator," points out Islamic teacher Moulana Abdul Kareem.
In commemoration of the revelation of the Holy Quran, special night prayers called the Taraveeh are held in all mosques and at select homes and other places. Hafiz (those who know the Quran byheart) recite the Holy Quran in parts on 30 nights. In Hyderabad and other Indian cities, special arrangements are also made for women to offer the Taraveeh prayers.
Referring to the importance of fasting, the Holy Prophet observed: Allah, the Almighty has said: "every act of man is for him except fasting, it is done for My (Allah's) sake and I will give reward for it. The breath of a person on fast is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk."
Muslims the world over take to heavy charity work during Ramadhan as they believe that Almighty God will reward them 70 fold or even more. According to an Hadith (sayings and traditions of the Prophet), "when Ramadhan starts, the gates of paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the Satan is chained.
The Prophet has also said: The affliction of a person in his property, family and neighbours is expiated by his prayers, fasting and giving in charity. Whoever fasts the month of Ramadhan out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.
Apart from its religious significance, Ramadhan has social importance too. While fasting makes a person understand the pangs of hunger and thirst so that he help the poor and the underprivileged. On one hand Ramadhan makes Muslims understand the sufferings of the poor and on the other it makes it mandatory on every well-to-do Muslim to donate in the cause of the Almighty God. Fasting also makes one physically fit and mentally agile.
"The money collected from Zakat and Fitra, if properly utilised, will solve the problem of poverty in many countries. In Hyderabad alone Zakat and Fitra worth Rs 100 crore is given every Ramadhan. The amount runs into at least Rs 2,000 crore for India. Unfortunately, there is no centralised agency to collect and spend the Zakat money for the common good of all. We should have the concept of Bait-ul-Maal (charitable treasury)," says Moulana Rafeeuddin Qasmi.
Muslims end this great month by celebrating the Id-ul-fitr or the festival of alms-giving as a gratitude to the Almighty for having Blessed them with the opportunity to fast and make amends. Fitra is compulsory before the Id prayers so that the have-nots too join the festivities.
By Syed Akbar
Ramadhan is the ninth month of the Islamic Higera calendar. Literally Ramadhan means "heat" or "something that burns up". The name assumes significance as fasting, charity and noble deeds in Ramadhan burns away sins, Satanic filth and ego from the hearts and minds of the people, who turn to the Almighty during this holy month.
A notable feature of Ramadhan is that fasting during this month had been in vogue even before the birth of the Holy Prophet, Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him). The righteous and pious among the Arabs used to observe fasting and pay charity during Ramadhan. The Holy Prophet has streamlined the system of fasting and charity and made them mandatory on all Muslims.
Of the 12 lunar Islamic months, Ramadhan is considered holy primarily because the Almighty God had revealed the Holy Quran on Hazrat Muhammad during this month about 15 centuries ago. The Holy Prophet was deep in meditation in the Cave of Hira in the outskirts of Mecca when he received the Divine Message through Archangel Gabriel (Hazrat Jibrail). The Message from God continued to be revealed on the Holy Prophet thereafter for the next 23 years. This Divine Code is the Holy Quran, the last of the Scriptures of God sent to prophets and messengers from time to time to all places and to all people.
"Ramadhan is also considered holy because God has prescribed fasting and ordained charity. While fasting is obligatory on all Muslims, men and women, without exception, charity is enjoined on only those who are financially sound. The charity given during Ramadhan is of two types, Zakat (compulsory charity) and fitra (alms). Zakat like fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, the other being Kalima (assertion that there is only one God and that Muhammad is the Messenger of God), Namaz (five daily prayers) and Haj (pilgrimage to Mecca)," says Islamic scholar Hafiz Syed Shujath Hussain.
Referring to the importance of Ramadhan, the Holy Quran (2:185) observes, "Ramadhan is the (month) in which the Qur'an was sent down, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgement (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at home) during that month should spend it in fasting…"
The Holy Quran is also specific about the time of revelation during the month of Ramadhan. Elsewhere, the Scripture says, "Indeed, We have revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power. And what will explain to thee what the night of power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months" Qur'an (97:1-3).
"The Night of Power or Lailat-ul-Qadr falls on one of the odd nights in the last 10 days of Ramadhan. Muslims spend in prayers all through the night supplicating to the Almighty for peace and blessings on all people and all creatures. Ramadhan is the occasion for Muslims to mend their ways and establish a direct link with the Creator," points out Islamic teacher Moulana Abdul Kareem.
In commemoration of the revelation of the Holy Quran, special night prayers called the Taraveeh are held in all mosques and at select homes and other places. Hafiz (those who know the Quran byheart) recite the Holy Quran in parts on 30 nights. In Hyderabad and other Indian cities, special arrangements are also made for women to offer the Taraveeh prayers.
Referring to the importance of fasting, the Holy Prophet observed: Allah, the Almighty has said: "every act of man is for him except fasting, it is done for My (Allah's) sake and I will give reward for it. The breath of a person on fast is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk."
Muslims the world over take to heavy charity work during Ramadhan as they believe that Almighty God will reward them 70 fold or even more. According to an Hadith (sayings and traditions of the Prophet), "when Ramadhan starts, the gates of paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the Satan is chained.
The Prophet has also said: The affliction of a person in his property, family and neighbours is expiated by his prayers, fasting and giving in charity. Whoever fasts the month of Ramadhan out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.
Apart from its religious significance, Ramadhan has social importance too. While fasting makes a person understand the pangs of hunger and thirst so that he help the poor and the underprivileged. On one hand Ramadhan makes Muslims understand the sufferings of the poor and on the other it makes it mandatory on every well-to-do Muslim to donate in the cause of the Almighty God. Fasting also makes one physically fit and mentally agile.
"The money collected from Zakat and Fitra, if properly utilised, will solve the problem of poverty in many countries. In Hyderabad alone Zakat and Fitra worth Rs 100 crore is given every Ramadhan. The amount runs into at least Rs 2,000 crore for India. Unfortunately, there is no centralised agency to collect and spend the Zakat money for the common good of all. We should have the concept of Bait-ul-Maal (charitable treasury)," says Moulana Rafeeuddin Qasmi.
Muslims end this great month by celebrating the Id-ul-fitr or the festival of alms-giving as a gratitude to the Almighty for having Blessed them with the opportunity to fast and make amends. Fitra is compulsory before the Id prayers so that the have-nots too join the festivities.
Friday, 11 August 2006
Rouzatul Hadith in Hyderabad to be revived
2006
By Syed Akbar
Hyderabad, Aug 11: The State Wakf Board is finally reviving the century-old Rouzatul Hadith, one of the important Islamic libraries in the country, 26 years after it was shut down for wants of funds.
The Dubai-based Juma-al-Majid Centre for Culture and Heritage has provided financial and technical assistance to revive the library and restore its more than 900 rare books and manuscripts, most of them 500 years old. Dr Izzadin Bin Zeghiba of the Centre supervised the digitisation of the manuscripts. It is the only such library in the city after the world-famous Dairat-ul-Marif located on Osmania University campus.
"We have completed the restoration and digitisation work and the library is now ready for reopening. It was closed down 26 years ago. Since the doors of the library were locked with none to take care of the books, we have lost two cupboard loads of rare books and manuscripts to termites. It is for the Wakf Board to fix a formal date of reopening," says Syed Hashim, incharge of the library.
Wakf Board special officer SA Huda said the Rouzatul Hadith, located at Yakutpura, was one of the important sources of Islamic knowledge for research scholars from around the world. The library was closed down during its heydays.
"After I took over the charge of the State Wakf Board eight months ago, I have handed over the restoration work to the Dubai-based organisation. The entire project is funded by them. There are many books in Persian, Arabic and Urdu which are out of print and not available anywhere in the world," Huda told this correspondent.
Interestingly officials carried out the restoration work based on the tips provided in a 100-year-old book in English, gathering dust in one of the library cupboards. "It's a wonderful experience restoring an old library. We followed the tips mentioned in the book. While we lost several books to termites, the English book was intact. It helped us a lot," observes Wakf Board chief executive officer Ahmad Ali Khan.
By Syed Akbar
Hyderabad, Aug 11: The State Wakf Board is finally reviving the century-old Rouzatul Hadith, one of the important Islamic libraries in the country, 26 years after it was shut down for wants of funds.
The Dubai-based Juma-al-Majid Centre for Culture and Heritage has provided financial and technical assistance to revive the library and restore its more than 900 rare books and manuscripts, most of them 500 years old. Dr Izzadin Bin Zeghiba of the Centre supervised the digitisation of the manuscripts. It is the only such library in the city after the world-famous Dairat-ul-Marif located on Osmania University campus.
"We have completed the restoration and digitisation work and the library is now ready for reopening. It was closed down 26 years ago. Since the doors of the library were locked with none to take care of the books, we have lost two cupboard loads of rare books and manuscripts to termites. It is for the Wakf Board to fix a formal date of reopening," says Syed Hashim, incharge of the library.
Wakf Board special officer SA Huda said the Rouzatul Hadith, located at Yakutpura, was one of the important sources of Islamic knowledge for research scholars from around the world. The library was closed down during its heydays.
"After I took over the charge of the State Wakf Board eight months ago, I have handed over the restoration work to the Dubai-based organisation. The entire project is funded by them. There are many books in Persian, Arabic and Urdu which are out of print and not available anywhere in the world," Huda told this correspondent.
Interestingly officials carried out the restoration work based on the tips provided in a 100-year-old book in English, gathering dust in one of the library cupboards. "It's a wonderful experience restoring an old library. We followed the tips mentioned in the book. While we lost several books to termites, the English book was intact. It helped us a lot," observes Wakf Board chief executive officer Ahmad Ali Khan.
Thursday, 22 December 2005
Haj: Accident Insurance Scheme For Indian Hajis
December 22, 2005
By Syed Akbar
Hyderabad, Dec 22: More than a lakh Indian Hajis currently on pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia are eligible for an accident compensation scheme which includes cash and baggage loss allowance.
Only those Hajis visiting the holy shrines in Makkah and Madina through the Central Haj Committee are eligible for the newly-introduced "compensation" scheme. About a lakh Hajis are enrolled every year through the Haj Committee and another 50,000 visit the holy places through private tour operators.
Since Muslim religious scholars are divided over the legality of "insurance cover" for pilgrims, the Central Haj Committee has named the scheme as "accident compensation". The Central Haj Committee has collected Rs 76 from each of the Hajis this year as premium to provide the insurance cover. However, the Hajis have not been informed about the deduction of the premium from the money they had paid to the Committee towards cost of travel and board.
Central Haj Committee chief executive officer Abdur Rasheed Mir told this correspondent from Mumbai that they had not publicised the "compensation scheme" lest it invited the wrath of the Muslim clergy. "Muslim religious leaders have different opinions on the insurance cover. Some say it is legal while others argue that it is un-Islamic. So we have named it as a compensation cover," he pointed out.
Under the scheme, a Haji who dies in an accident (road or fire or stampede) is eligible for compensation. Even deaths in subversive activities are covered under the scheme. The compensation ranges from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 3 lakh depending on the age of the pilgrim. Hajis below 50 years are eligible for Rs 3 lakh and those above 65 years of age will get Rs 1 lakh.
The Haj Committee will refund up to 2000 Saudi Riyals (about Rs 25000) in case of cash loss and 500 Riyals in case of theft or loss of baggage. Rasheed said Hajis are also compensated by an non-governmental organisation in Jeddah.
AP State Haj Committee chairman Ghouse Mohiuddin said they had introduced the compensation scheme, particularly baggage and cash loss, to help the Indian pilgrims in alien land. "We do not want our Hajis to suffer. Our compensation will help them to buy clothes and food in case of emergency," he said.
Most of the Hajis prefer the Haj Committee to private travel agents because they get concessional air fare and better accommodation in Saudi Arabia. Those going through the Haj Committee will get assistance of volunteers (khadim) and religious guides (Mu'allim) both in Mecca and Madina.
The basic travel quota of 10,000 US dollars is not applicable to Hajis using the services of private travel agents. The enhanced forex will help the pilgrims eat in restaurants. Earlier, as Hajis were allowed restricted forex, they used to carry with them rice, dhall, oil and dried meat for cooking. Now they can visit the holy shrines with less luggage.
By Syed Akbar
Hyderabad, Dec 22: More than a lakh Indian Hajis currently on pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia are eligible for an accident compensation scheme which includes cash and baggage loss allowance.
Only those Hajis visiting the holy shrines in Makkah and Madina through the Central Haj Committee are eligible for the newly-introduced "compensation" scheme. About a lakh Hajis are enrolled every year through the Haj Committee and another 50,000 visit the holy places through private tour operators.
Since Muslim religious scholars are divided over the legality of "insurance cover" for pilgrims, the Central Haj Committee has named the scheme as "accident compensation". The Central Haj Committee has collected Rs 76 from each of the Hajis this year as premium to provide the insurance cover. However, the Hajis have not been informed about the deduction of the premium from the money they had paid to the Committee towards cost of travel and board.
Central Haj Committee chief executive officer Abdur Rasheed Mir told this correspondent from Mumbai that they had not publicised the "compensation scheme" lest it invited the wrath of the Muslim clergy. "Muslim religious leaders have different opinions on the insurance cover. Some say it is legal while others argue that it is un-Islamic. So we have named it as a compensation cover," he pointed out.
Under the scheme, a Haji who dies in an accident (road or fire or stampede) is eligible for compensation. Even deaths in subversive activities are covered under the scheme. The compensation ranges from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 3 lakh depending on the age of the pilgrim. Hajis below 50 years are eligible for Rs 3 lakh and those above 65 years of age will get Rs 1 lakh.
The Haj Committee will refund up to 2000 Saudi Riyals (about Rs 25000) in case of cash loss and 500 Riyals in case of theft or loss of baggage. Rasheed said Hajis are also compensated by an non-governmental organisation in Jeddah.
AP State Haj Committee chairman Ghouse Mohiuddin said they had introduced the compensation scheme, particularly baggage and cash loss, to help the Indian pilgrims in alien land. "We do not want our Hajis to suffer. Our compensation will help them to buy clothes and food in case of emergency," he said.
Most of the Hajis prefer the Haj Committee to private travel agents because they get concessional air fare and better accommodation in Saudi Arabia. Those going through the Haj Committee will get assistance of volunteers (khadim) and religious guides (Mu'allim) both in Mecca and Madina.
The basic travel quota of 10,000 US dollars is not applicable to Hajis using the services of private travel agents. The enhanced forex will help the pilgrims eat in restaurants. Earlier, as Hajis were allowed restricted forex, they used to carry with them rice, dhall, oil and dried meat for cooking. Now they can visit the holy shrines with less luggage.
Tuesday, 4 October 2005
Controversy over the Id moon
2005
By Syed Akbar
Hyderabad, Oct 4: Ramadhan is round the corner and so is the controversy over the sighting of the new moon.
A group of Islamic scholars gather at Husaini Building, the office of the Ruhiyat Hilal (Moon-sighting) Committee in the city, after the Maghrib prayers to decide whether the Crescent of the holy month of Ramadhan has been sighted. Holding telescopes and powerful binoculars the Muslim elders scan the sky and after an hour of discussions and arguments they decide that there's no trace of the Ramadhan moon.
And to be doubly sure, they make a number of calls to local Ruhiyat Hilal committees in Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow, Kochi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Chennai. After a cross check with the Islamic scholars from around the country, the Hussaini Building puts out an announcement that Ramadhan will begin on Thursday and the Taraweeh prayers will be held from Wednesday night in all mosques. Scores of people gather outside eagerly waiting for the announcement.
The Muslim clergy in Hyderabad, Deoband, Rai Bareli, Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi and Lucknow are aware that the holy Islamic month had already begun in Saudi Arabia, which houses two of the holiest Muslim shrines. But they do not want to follow Saudi Arabia or any Arab nation "blindly".
"Do not believe the Saudis. They do not follow the traditional Islamic lunar calendar. They have evolved a fixed calendar based on astronomical calculations. We have not sighted the moon in India. Even Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Malaysia have not reported the sighting of the moon. For us Ramadhan will begin only after we spot the new moon," says Abdur Raheem Qureshi, secretary of All-India Muslim Personal Law Board.
The Islamic calendar is based on lunar months, which begin when the thin crescent Moon is actually sighted in the western sky after sunset within a day or so after new moon. The Islamic dates begin at sunset on the previous evening and end at sunset the next day.
These dates may or may not correspond to the evenings on which the crescent moon is first visible, and it is the visibility of the crescent moon that determines when the religious observance begins. The moon's visibility at these times varies with location; generally, the visibility increases to the west, and locations in the tropics are favoured over those in middle or high latitudes.
"For Islamic calendar purposes, the sighting must be made with the unaided eye," argues Moulana Syed Yusufuddin Al Madani, president of Sunni Ulema Board. There are two opinions on the sighting of the moon. The first is Ittehadul Matale (unity of the crescent). According to this opinion, when a new crescent moon is declared as sighted, in any part of the world, that declaration could be used as the basis of local declarations for the start of the Islamic month, at other parts of the world. The other equally valid opinion is Iktelaf-ul-Matale (different crescents) which acknowledges that there could be different days on which the crescent moon is first sighted in different parts of the world and consequently the start of the Islamic month could be on different days, he points out.
"We do not follow Pakistan or Saudi Arabia or any other country. If the moon is sighted in any part of India, we will start our new month. Our report is that there has been no moon sighting on Tuesday," says Moulana Qubool Pasha Shuttari, secretary of Ruhiyat Hilal Committee.
What these Islamic scholars overlook is that the visibility of the young lunar crescent depends on sky conditions and the location, experience, and preparation of the observer. The moonrise in Hyderabad was at 6.40 am on Tuesday and so there's no scope for its sighting.
Denying the charge that the Muslim clergy in India do not follow scientific system of moon calculations, Siasat Urdu daily editor Zahid Ali Khan, says "how can the Mullahs hide the moon to postpone the holy month. If it is visible it will be visible for all. Sighting of the moon by naked eye is a must."
By Syed Akbar
Hyderabad, Oct 4: Ramadhan is round the corner and so is the controversy over the sighting of the new moon.
A group of Islamic scholars gather at Husaini Building, the office of the Ruhiyat Hilal (Moon-sighting) Committee in the city, after the Maghrib prayers to decide whether the Crescent of the holy month of Ramadhan has been sighted. Holding telescopes and powerful binoculars the Muslim elders scan the sky and after an hour of discussions and arguments they decide that there's no trace of the Ramadhan moon.
And to be doubly sure, they make a number of calls to local Ruhiyat Hilal committees in Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow, Kochi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Chennai. After a cross check with the Islamic scholars from around the country, the Hussaini Building puts out an announcement that Ramadhan will begin on Thursday and the Taraweeh prayers will be held from Wednesday night in all mosques. Scores of people gather outside eagerly waiting for the announcement.
The Muslim clergy in Hyderabad, Deoband, Rai Bareli, Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi and Lucknow are aware that the holy Islamic month had already begun in Saudi Arabia, which houses two of the holiest Muslim shrines. But they do not want to follow Saudi Arabia or any Arab nation "blindly".
"Do not believe the Saudis. They do not follow the traditional Islamic lunar calendar. They have evolved a fixed calendar based on astronomical calculations. We have not sighted the moon in India. Even Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Malaysia have not reported the sighting of the moon. For us Ramadhan will begin only after we spot the new moon," says Abdur Raheem Qureshi, secretary of All-India Muslim Personal Law Board.
The Islamic calendar is based on lunar months, which begin when the thin crescent Moon is actually sighted in the western sky after sunset within a day or so after new moon. The Islamic dates begin at sunset on the previous evening and end at sunset the next day.
These dates may or may not correspond to the evenings on which the crescent moon is first visible, and it is the visibility of the crescent moon that determines when the religious observance begins. The moon's visibility at these times varies with location; generally, the visibility increases to the west, and locations in the tropics are favoured over those in middle or high latitudes.
"For Islamic calendar purposes, the sighting must be made with the unaided eye," argues Moulana Syed Yusufuddin Al Madani, president of Sunni Ulema Board. There are two opinions on the sighting of the moon. The first is Ittehadul Matale (unity of the crescent). According to this opinion, when a new crescent moon is declared as sighted, in any part of the world, that declaration could be used as the basis of local declarations for the start of the Islamic month, at other parts of the world. The other equally valid opinion is Iktelaf-ul-Matale (different crescents) which acknowledges that there could be different days on which the crescent moon is first sighted in different parts of the world and consequently the start of the Islamic month could be on different days, he points out.
"We do not follow Pakistan or Saudi Arabia or any other country. If the moon is sighted in any part of India, we will start our new month. Our report is that there has been no moon sighting on Tuesday," says Moulana Qubool Pasha Shuttari, secretary of Ruhiyat Hilal Committee.
What these Islamic scholars overlook is that the visibility of the young lunar crescent depends on sky conditions and the location, experience, and preparation of the observer. The moonrise in Hyderabad was at 6.40 am on Tuesday and so there's no scope for its sighting.
Denying the charge that the Muslim clergy in India do not follow scientific system of moon calculations, Siasat Urdu daily editor Zahid Ali Khan, says "how can the Mullahs hide the moon to postpone the holy month. If it is visible it will be visible for all. Sighting of the moon by naked eye is a must."
Wednesday, 6 July 2005
Owais Raza Quadri brings message of love from Pakistan
2005
By Syed Akbar
"We do not see anything different in India. Everything here is like in Pakistan. People here are affectionate, friendly and God-fearing. Even in culture we do not find any difference. The land must have been divided into India and Pakistan. But our hearts continue to be one," observes internationally renowned Islamic singer Muhammad Owais Raza Quadri.
Quadri and his five-member delegation from Pakistan are currently in Hyderabad to perform at a couple of places including the MIM headquarters Darus Salam. The Pakistan delegation visited India to attend the Urs celebration of Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti at Ajmer. After the Urs, they came to the city on invitation from local Muslim leaders.
So moved was Quadri and his team by the hospitality they received in Hyderabad and earlier in Ajmer and Delhi that they offered a special supplication (du'a) for the progress and prosperity of India and better ties between the two neighbouring nations.
Though Quadri is visiting Hyderabad for the first time, he is quite a popular figure in Muslim homes thanks to his melodious performances on QTV, an Islamic channel telecast from London. Thousands of his audio and video cassettes are sold every month in the city. Quadri has endeared himself to the devout with his rhythmical "Allahu Allahu". He mostly sings Naat (hymns on Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad).
"I do not feel that I am outside Pakistan. It had been a week since I entered India and my interaction with people showed that borders cannot divide hearts, love and affection," Quadri pointed out.
Information Minister Muhammad Ali Shabbir hosted lunch in honour of the visiting delegation. Later, they called on Chief Minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy at his residence.
By Syed Akbar
"We do not see anything different in India. Everything here is like in Pakistan. People here are affectionate, friendly and God-fearing. Even in culture we do not find any difference. The land must have been divided into India and Pakistan. But our hearts continue to be one," observes internationally renowned Islamic singer Muhammad Owais Raza Quadri.
Quadri and his five-member delegation from Pakistan are currently in Hyderabad to perform at a couple of places including the MIM headquarters Darus Salam. The Pakistan delegation visited India to attend the Urs celebration of Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti at Ajmer. After the Urs, they came to the city on invitation from local Muslim leaders.
So moved was Quadri and his team by the hospitality they received in Hyderabad and earlier in Ajmer and Delhi that they offered a special supplication (du'a) for the progress and prosperity of India and better ties between the two neighbouring nations.
Though Quadri is visiting Hyderabad for the first time, he is quite a popular figure in Muslim homes thanks to his melodious performances on QTV, an Islamic channel telecast from London. Thousands of his audio and video cassettes are sold every month in the city. Quadri has endeared himself to the devout with his rhythmical "Allahu Allahu". He mostly sings Naat (hymns on Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad).
"I do not feel that I am outside Pakistan. It had been a week since I entered India and my interaction with people showed that borders cannot divide hearts, love and affection," Quadri pointed out.
Information Minister Muhammad Ali Shabbir hosted lunch in honour of the visiting delegation. Later, they called on Chief Minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy at his residence.
Tuesday, 28 June 2005
Imrana case: Hyderabad muftis differ with their counterparts in the North
A wife continues to be wife even after she is raped by a close relative or an outsider and sexual assualt on a woman will not nullify her wedlock
2005
By Syed Akbar
Hyderabad, June 28: A wife continues to be wife even after she is raped by a close relative or an outsider and sexual assualt on a woman will not nullify her wedlock, says a noted city mufti.
Reacting sharply to a fatwa (religious decree) issued by Darul Uloom, Deoband, against a woman raped by her father-in-law, Mufti Muhammad Omar Abedin told this correspondent that a victim of rape would continue to enjoy all legal rights as a wife, since she is not at fault. The Deoband fatwa declared that the woman was illegal for her husband and he should divorce her.
"Islam is silent on the issue. There's no reference in the Holy Quran or in the Hadith (sayings of the Holy Prophet). The common opinion among Islamic scholars is that a victim of rape should not be denied her rights. In case of rape, the woman is not a fault. The issue is quite different if she commits adultery", observes Mufti Omar, who is also the general secretary of the Centre for Peace and True Message.
Dealing with the rape case of housewife Imrana, Mufti Habibur Rahman of Darul Uloom held that since she was raped by her father-in-law she had become "haram" (prohibited) to her husband Noor Ilahi. The fatwa ironically comes in the wake of Imrana's decision to live with her husband.
According to Mufti Omar, scholars adhering to Shafai and Maliki schools of Islamic jurisprudence do not nullify a wedlock even if the rapist is a close relative. Imrana's case falls under this category. Even in the Hanafi and Hanbali schools, the opinion is divided.
He also found fault with some scholars referring the case to the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board. "How can they refer it to the board. The issue invoved is of Islamic jurisprudence and nothing to do with the personal law", he pointed out.
The Mufti denies allegations that Islam is anti-woman. Muslim women are allowed to do "tawaf" (circumambulation) around the Holy Kaba in Mecca along with men. They are also allowed inside Masjid-al-Haram, Islam's holiest shrine. Same is the case with the Prophet's mosque in Madina. There is no bar on women offering prayers in mosques and many mosques in twin cities have provided special facilities for women.
Referring to the Nikahnama, he said since marriage is an agreement between man and wife, all that is agreed upon at the time of Nikah will hold good.
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