Postal Registration No : TN/CNI GPO / 051 / 2012 to 2014

National Unity Communal Amity Cultural Identity Social Justice Rule of Law Dignified Democracy

THE TIMES OF LEAGUE

Issue - 8 Ramalan 1433 August - 2013 Pages - 8 Monthly Price : Rs. 10/Annual Subscription : Rs. 120/-

Volume : 3

DMK Chief Karunanithi pleads for Muslim Unity

he DMK Chief Dr. Kalingar Karunanithi strongly pleaded for the unity of the Muslims to scare away their adversaries. Addressing an Ifthar Party organized by the Tamil Nadu branch of the Indian Union Muslim League in Hotel Imperial, Chennai on 25.7.2013 the octogenarian lamented over the fragmentation of the Muslim Community under the various Muslim parties in the State. He advised that all Muslims should unite to face their political opponents and he asked them to act jointly to defeat the nefarious design of the fascist forces. He listed the various benefits enjoyed by the Muslim Community during the DMK rule in the State. He briefly mentioned the schemes implemented by his Government for the cause of the Muslims such as Ulama pension, Urdu Academy, Quaid-e-millath Memorial, Meelad Holiday and 3.5 reservation exclusively for the Muslim within the BC Quota. He lashed out at the attitude of the previous Jayalalitha Government canselling the Meelad Holiday. He said that he raised the first voice in the State to condemn the Babri Masjid demolition. He exhorted the Muslim Community to study and learn the growth of Muslim League, understand the great sacrifice made by its leaders for the cause of the community. He said that Dr. Kalinger was the instrumental for bringing up the U.P.A. Govt. in the

TN IUML Ifthar Party

Centre in 2004 and he pleaded that Kalinger to continue this legacy in the forth coming parliamentary Election in 2014. M.K. Stalin the DMK Party Treasurer addressing the Ifthar party stated that his party would always support the cause of the Muslims whether in power or out of power. The Ifthar party was presided over by the party All India General Secretary and the State President Prof. K.M. Kader Mohideen. The party State General Secretary K.A.M. Mohammed Abubacker welcomed the gathering. DMK dignitaries Durai Murugan, Rahmankhan, S.H. Palani Manickam, T.K.S. Elangovan and

Mohideenkhan grace the occasion. Prominent Muslim Leaders from various walks of life including Muthavalies, Ulamas, Business Stalwarts attended the Function. The presence of the huge Muslim gathering in the Ifthar party was a clear indication that community favours the continuation of the DMK - IUML Alliance in the State. The party Treasurer M.S. Shajahan proposed vote of Thanks.

July - 2013

THE TIMES OF LEAGUE

Voters feel Muslims are implicated in terror cases

In a stinging rebuke to Indians security establishment, a dominant section of the nations voters feel that Muslims are falsely implicated and framed in terror cases. This is a key finding of CNN IBNThe Hindu Election Tracker Survey, conducted by the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), across 18 states of the country. When asked whether Muslim youth were being falsely implicated in terror cases, 41 per cent of the voters either fully or somewhat agreed with the assertion. Among them, 40 per cent were Hindus, and 56 per cent Muslims. When the Muslim demographics was broken down further, 53 per cent rural Muslims and 62 per cent urban Muslims said that the young of their community were being wrongly framed. One-fourth of the overall respondents, however, disagreed with the statement. Twenty-five per cent of the Hindus, and 24 per cent of the Muslim respondents, did not think Muslim youth were being implicated wrongly. Among Muslims, 26 per cent rural Muslims, and 21 per cent urban Muslims, disagreed, confirming a pattern where more urban Muslims appeared to feel that individuals from the community

were framed wrongly. Over one-third of the total respondents, 34 per cent, did not offer an opinion. The findings add credibility to the claims of human rights organisations, who have alleged that in an increasing number of cases, right after an incident of terrorism, young Muslims are picked up, arrested without sufficient evidence, charged, and suffer long years of imprisonment as under-trials before an acquittal comes their way. Analysts have often flagged this as a factor contributing to alienation among a section of the community.

Responding to the findings, National Commission of Minorities chairperson, Wajahat Habibullah, told The Hindu, The commission has been very concerned about this and taken up the matter on several occasions. It is good to have the figures in black and white and this will make our work in getting justice for those who have not got justice easier. Mr. Habibullah cited the Mecca-Masjid bombing case, where 22 persons were kept in prison on fabricated confessions, and Malegaon case, where 9 persons were imprisoned for six years, before being finally acquitted as proof of this trend. Courtesy : The Hindu, Chennai. July 25, 2013

How to stay fit while fasting and feasting

who fast during Ramadan often end up overeating leading to weight gain, acidity and digestion problems. Experts say one must follow a proper diet plan, avoid fried food and red meat and exercise regularly. A. Arun Kumar, fitness head at Snap Fitness India, shares a few workout and nutrition tips for happy and healthy fasting and feasting during the holy month. Recommendations: - Do cardio exercises like walking or cycling. It helps burn calories and improves stamina. - One can go for low intense resistance training before Ramadan. It helps maintain muscle strength. - Do warm up and stretching exercises. Full body stretching helps improve flexibility and also in detoxification. - You can do mat exercises also like free squats, abs and push ups. - Yoga and meditation help in detoxification. - Low intense group exercises help burn calories also its fun as you exercise with others.

Those

Workout for at least 20 to 40 minutes.

- Dont exercise when you are fasting. One should exercise either before Sehri (meal before dawn) or after Iftaar (meal after sunset). - Dont do high intense exercises like high speed running, stepper and heavy weight lifting as it can lead to joint or muscle injuries and complications like low blood pressure, hypoglycemia and dizziness Diet recommendations: - Eat food items like grains, barley, wheat, oats, millet, semolina, beans, lentils, bran, green peas, apricots, prunes and almonds. - - - Avoid big meals and eat slowly. Drink prune juice to avoid digestive problems. Drink at least 35ml of water.

- Avoid deep fried food and red meat as it causes acidity and digestion problems. - Have proper protein intake after exercise. - Diabetic patients should be more careful and avoid hypoglycemia (low sugar level in blood).

August - 2013

Muslims in Bhutan
By: T. Zayn al-Abidin

THE TIMES OF LEAGUE

Hidden deep in the Himalayan Mountains, Bhutan is a small Kingdom located between China and India. With a population of a little over 1,800,000, Bhutan is the only country in the world that has Mahayana Buddhism as its official religion.
5% are Muslim The origin of the people of Bhutan can be traced back to Nepal, Northern Burma, Northeast India and Tibet. The majority of the people are Buddhist and 5% are Muslim. Other minority religions include Hinduism and Christianity. In response to the destruction of the giant Buddha statues in Afghanistan earlier in the year, monks, farmers and school children all asked the question Why? The emotion they felt was clearly pain. In previous years, when thousands of Shiah Muslims from the same region were slaughtered by the Taliban, they said nothing. The country has magnificent scenery of huge mountain peaks and lush valleys, ecology and wildlife. In 1627 a Jesuit priest, Father EstevaoCacella, journeyed through the region and studied the religion of the Bhutanese people. It was said that they are very critical of the Muslims and Muslim is a word they use to describe a very bad man.

Grand Mosque in Bhutan

King of Bhutan colour of the sky. He also showed another painting of the sky with a square house in the middle where God supposedly lives, according to him. It is generally believed that God is infinite and that therefore he is everywhere. A few years ago when the Dalai Lama visited Australia, when asked the question: Do you believe in God?, his response was: I cant say that there is a God and I cant say that there isnt a God. Maybe the Bhutanese and the Tibetans have different ideas. And Allah says in the Quran: Praise belongs to Allah, Who hath created the heavens and the earth, and hath appointed darkness and light. Yet those who disbelieve ascribe rivals unto their Lord. (6:1)

The Western media has been extremely successful in extending this concept beyond the borders of Bhutan. No other religion is represented in the media, other than Islam, in the irrational concept described, such as on the SBS World News and CNN, where there is constant reference to Islaaaamic rebels, Islaaaamic terrorists, Islaaaamicbadguys ...etc. The SBS in Australia does not continue its description of criminals by virtue of religion, such as: Buddhist bag snatcher for example, Catholic rapist for example, Hindu bank robber for example. The media has a lot to answer for in inciting hatred towards Muslims in general.

Worship Only One God It was also discovered that the people of Bhutan worship only one God and have well madeimages of himthe King showed an image of one whom he called God, which was made of yellow metal. It was very well made, simple and artistic, which he held between his hands, and with a vase of water, he told that the water was the symbol of how God washes our souls from sin. He also showed a painting of what he called God, on dark blue cloth. When it was remarked that the cloth was a strange colour, he explained that God (to him) was painted thus, not because He was of that colour, but because His abode was in Heaven and therefore, He was portrayed in the

Let Sunnah Be Our Way!

The next day my Arab neighbors were going for umraI was invited for the send off, though a Hindiya. My heart yearned to send across something, For our beloved Prophet Muhammad ( ) who gave us everything. All day through, I racked my mind - only time rolled by ; Finally, a bottle of perfume was apt, thought I To be sprinkled in the vicinity of the holy tomb. Quick I realized my folly oh my! Had not Allah made His Messenger the essence of all aroma! Sweet- smelling were even the droplets of his sweat & saliva Did not the gentle breeze carry his heavenly odour? That people said, he had walked past louder! My inner voice opened my eyes Follow him alwaysThats the hadiya at its best. Let Sunna be our way.

By : Prof. M. Fathima Zohara

August - 2013

THE TIMES OF LEAGUE

Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006

STEP STONE TO COMMON CIVIL CODE

The framers of our Constitution have kept in mind the importance to be given to the minorities in upholding their personal laws. They have specifically made the freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion a fundamental right. Practice and Propagation of religion is not possible without abiding by the personal laws of the particular religion. Article 25 of The Constitution of India has given this fundamental right to Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion. 25. Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion (1) Subject to public order, morality and health and to the other provisions of this Part, all persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practice and propagate religion (2) Nothing in this article shall affect the operation of any existing law or prevent the State from making any law (a) regulating or restricting any economic, financial, political or other secular activity which may be associated with religious practice; (b) providing for social welfare and reform or the throwing open of Hindu religious institutions of a public character to all classes and sections of Hindus Explanation I The wearing and carrying of kirpans shall be deemed to be included in the profession of the Sikh religion. Explanation II In sub clause (b) of clause reference to Hindus shall be construed as including a reference to persons professing the Sikh, Jaina or Buddhist religion, and the reference to Hindu religious institutions shall be construed accordingly. Before the independence of India, even the British rulers felt the importance of the right to be given to Muslim community to freely profess, practice and propagate their religion by giving the right to enforce their personal laws as the The Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act was enacted in the year 1937, which is still in existence. Section two of the said Act reads as follows: Application of Personal Law to Muslims Notwithstanding any custom or usage to the contrary, in all questions (save questions relating to agricultural land) regarding intestate succession, special property of females, including personal property inherited or obtained under contract or gift or any other provision of Personal Law, marriage, dissolution of marriage, including talaq, ila, zihar, lian, khula and mubaraat, maintenance, dower guardianship, gifts, trusts and trust properties, and wakfs (other than charities and charitable institutions and charitable and religious endowments) the rule of decision in cases where the parties are Muslims shall be the Muslim Personal law (Shariat). So, it is clear that professing and following the personal laws is the fundamental right of the Muslims as enshrined by the Constitution of India in Article 25. The Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act-1937 is also still in existence and says that in the cases of marriage the rule of decision in cases where the parties are Muslims shall be the Muslim Personal law. Article 251 of Mullas Principles of Mohamedan Law says that every Mohamedan of sound mind, who has attained puberty, may enter into a contract of marriage. The explanation to the said Article says that puberty is presumed,

- ADVOCATE V. JEEVAGIRIDHARAN
in absence of evidence, on completion of the age of 15 years. Even in Tyabjis Muslim Law under Article 27, is mentioned that a girl reaching the age of puberty can marry without the consent of her guardian. Article 268 of Mullas Principles of Mohamedan Law says that the marriage will be presumed, in the absence of direct proof, by mere fact of acknowledgment by the man of the woman as his wife. Article 90 of Tyabjis Muslim Law also says that a marriage is to be presumed on the acknowledgment of either party to the marriage. As such, it has to be held that under Mohamedan Law a girl, who has reached the age of puberty, i.e., in normal course at the age of 15 years, can marry. Without taking any of these aspects into account The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 has come into force which is mainly targeting the marriages being solemnized under Muslim Personal Law i.e. Shariat Law. Under the said Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 the word child means a person who, if a male, has not completed twenty one years of age, and if a female, has not completed eighteen years of age. Section 3 of the said Act says that every child marriage is Voidable at the option of the contracting party. This clearly indicates that a child marriage even under the so called secular laws is not void ab initio but voidable at the option of the contracting party who was a child at the time of marriage. Interestingly, this is also in consonance with the principle under Muslim law where a minor has the option of annulment of marriage on her attaining the age of majority / puberty. The principle is well-known and is commonly referred to as the option of puberty or khiyar-ul-bulugh. This clearly indicates that the marriage of a child is not void but voidable. So, it is clear that a Muslim girl who has attained puberty i.e. 15 years can marry and such a marriage would not be a void marriage. However, she has the option of treating the marriage as voidable, at the time of her attaining the age of majority, i.e 18 years. But in contrary, Section 16 of the same Act has given enormous unfettered powers to the Child Marriage Prohibition Officers. The said officers in Tamil Nadu are particularly targeting the marriages of Muslim girls solemnized asper Shariat law. They show the provisions of this Act and prevent the marriages if the bride is below the age of 18 years. The relatives of the bride and bride groom are being harassed and illtreated indiscriminately. They are even dragged to Police stations as criminals. This has created unrest and unsecured feeling among the minority Muslim community throughout the State of Tamil Nadu. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 does not have any exception to the Muslim marriages solemnized under Shariat law. As already mentioned above, professing and following Personal law is a fundamental right enshrined in our Constitution of India. The Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act still exists and holds good which clearly says that in the cases of marriage the rule of decision in cases where the parties are Muslims shall be the Muslim Personal law (Shartiat). While so, The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, in the present form, without any exception to the Muslim marriages solemnized under Shariat law, is unconstitutional and against the provisions of existing laws. Besides, it also raises the fear of Common Civil Code poking its nose in the minority affairs. Therefore it is high time to unite and raise our voice demanding to bring in appropriate amendments into the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 exempting the Muslim marriages solemnized under their Personal Law (Shariat) to safe guard our fundamental rights.

August - 2013

THE TIMES OF LEAGUE

Mr. E. Ahamed, MOS External Affairs Palestine visits Masjid Al Aqsa to offer Juma prayers. also he visits the Tomb of Moulana Mohamed Ali Jowhar in Al Aqsa mosque.

SOCIAL NETWORKING IN ISLAM

In this modern era, we are constantly being bombarded by unhealthy and unethical media (videos and photos). So therefore, if you witness such matter, quickly scroll away without having a second look! Many would assume and treat that lowering ones gaze only applies in real life, but thats not the case- it applies on the net life too (and the fact is, it is a much harder challenge). And remember, this law does not only applys to men, but to women as well. With that, Brothers: Try looking away and not stare at Sisters profile pictures or female entertainers on that screen of yours! And Sisters: Watch out for those Korean pop stars and male models on your screen, too! Related verses from the Quran: - Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their private parts, that will make for greater purity for them. Indeed Allah is well acquainted with all that they do [An-Nur 24:30] - Verily, the hearing, and the sight, and the heart, of each of those ones will be questioned (by Allah) [Al-Isra 17:36] Related hadith: - Narrated by Abu Hurairah (r.a.): The Prophet (s.a.w) said : Allah has written the very portion of Zina which a man will indulge in. There will be no escape from it. The Zina of the eye is the (lustful) look, the Zina of the ears is the listening (to voluptuous songs or talk), the Zina of the tongue is (the licentious) speech, the Zina of the hand is the (lustful) grip, the Zina of the feet is the walking (to the place where he intends to commit Zina), the heart yearns and desires and the private parts approve all that or disapprove it. [ Bukhari & Muslim] 02: SubhanaAllah, how wonderful is the Internet? It has millions and millions of information, and with some few clicks, you are ready to collect and obtain your desired data or information. But hold up! NOT everything on the net is believable or LEGIT! Thats why, dear Brothers and Sisters, do not simply believe what you see or read. Look up for more information, do second or third readings, ask your local Ustad or Sheikh to authenticate Quranic verses or hadiths, or enquire from related Organizations or Support Groups. Dont be afraid to ask! Related verse from the Quran: - Therefore, if there is a difference of opinion among you in any matter, refer it back to Allah and His Prophet, if you do believe in Allah and the Last Day [AnNisa 4:59 03: How careful are you online? Perhaps youre (kinda) new to a certain social network site, and youre on the mission to search, Befriend, Follow or Subscribe new friends or trends, or even influences and inspirations! But hold your horses and excitement! Be cautious of those you befriend, follow and subscribe to! They might lower your morale (from pressure) or worse, lower your Deen. Related hadith: - The Prophet (s.a.w.) said A person is upon the Deen of his close friend, so look to whom you befriend [Abu Dawud] 04: Every Muslim should take this matter seriously, for the consequences of spreading false news or fitna are gravely devastating! It would not only hurt yourself, but it would hurt others as well. In this modern era, sin is easily accessible- and worse, Fitna is EVERYWHERE! People can easily talk and spread bad rumours about others, so be wise and do not be involved in the Fitna Circle. Remember, every click countsand Allah the Al-Mighty Knows. If you are doubtful of that source, leave it. Related hadiths: - The Prophet (s.a.w.) said Whoever fabricates lies against me, let them assume their abode in Hellfire [Bukhari & Muslim]

MSF in London - Members of Muslim Students Federation in Greenwich University Campus Medway

August - 2013

THE TIMES OF LEAGUE

Indian Union Muslim League and KATCHATHEEVU

The problem of Katchatheevu, which was once a State concern, has become a nation-wide apprehension fringing on the sovereignty of our motherland. Certain countries are strategically protected by natural barriers and India is one of such countries. The towering Himalayas on the northern convex and the mighty oceans in the South have forbidden intruders. Yet the ceding of a small island in the Indian waters which was of trivial importance to appease certain political issues, is now posing considerable threat to Indian sovereignty. The consequence of that act has gained monstrous proportions over the last four decades, creating anxiety and a feeling of insecurity in the southern part of India. This is a story of the tea parliament to oppose the move to relinquish Katchatheevu to Srilanka. Katchatheevu is an uninhabited island located about ten miles north east of Rameswaram on the Indian side and nine miles south from Delft Island on the Sri Lankan side. It has an area of 285.20 acres and is one mile and 300 yards at its widest. It has no permanent population and does not possess any economic wealth. But the sea waters surrounding it is rich in marine life, especially prawns and it has been the favorite fishing place from time immemorial for Indian fishermen from the districts of Ramanathapuram, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur and Nagapattinam, who used the island as a resting place while drying the fishing nets. Sheriff Sahib clearly stated that Sabha MP, Madurai Sheriff Sahib spoke emphatically, time and again, in the Parliament not to give up the island to Sri Lanka .He clearly stated the serious consequences and the pitiful plight of Tamil Nadu fishermen in Indian waters. He was persistent as the isle was situated in his constituency. There is record of the lengthy debates & his speeches that took place during his tenure as a parliamentarian in the Parliament Library at New Delhi. Thus it was the IUML that fought to retain Katchatheevu from the beginning. A gist from the parliament records: Details of the Debate and events that took place on 23.07.1974 about the 1974 Agreement in the Indian parliament SHRI P.K.Mookiah Thevar : The division of India has cost the life of Mahatama Gandhi. It is not a part of Tamil Nadu but it is a part of the holy land of India. You are betraying. On behalf of the constituency and on behalf of the Forward Block, I walk out. SHRI MUHAMMED SHERIFF (Periakulam): Even on the 1st April 1965, I produced sufficient records in this House to show that Kachchativu belongs to the Raja of Ramnad. Government has failed to go through those records. I was the elected representative of that constituency here previously. It is a shame on the part of the Government that they have not consulted the people of the place and the Chief Minister of the State. We condemn this action of Government and along with my friends, I also walk out in protest. (Shri.P.K.M.Thevar and Shri. S.M. Muhammed Sheriff then left the House). Indian Union Muslim Leagues present party leadership is dynamic & distinguished, both at the National and Tamil Nadu State level, playing a diplomatic role along with its illustrious political partners at the centre and at the state. Katchatheevu has become a burning problem now, particularly involving the sentiments & safety of the Tamils and its fishermen. The party has faced many challenges in the past, be it before or after independent India. The time has come to rise up again in unison to uphold the cause of our nation. In the serenity of the Indian Ocean, Lies the Sovereignty of our Nation. Get back Katchatheevu! Get back peace!! - Mr. Ahamed Riaz., M.B.A.,

Sheriff Sahib was a charismatic and prominent Indian Union Muslim League leader from Madurai groomed by Quaid-e-Millath Mohammad Ismail Sahib .The most fondly remembered personality for his honesty, simplicity, philanthropy and secularism. He was a zealous social worker, professor, lawyer and a politician. As the first elected

cup bubbles becoming a threatening cyclonic storm ! There are so many debates, petitions, rallies, political agendas & genuine patriotic sentiments running high in order to retrieve Katchatheevu which was categorically ceded to Sri Lanka by the agreements signed by India & Sri Lanka during the years 1974 & 1976. But many would not know that it was the Indian Union Muslim Leagues first elected parliamentarian from Tamil Nadu, Late. Janab.S.M.Muhammed Sheriff Sahib, the then representative of the Ramanathapuram Constituency (1967), who produced clear documentary evidences that Kachchatheevu belonged to India and spoke vehemently in Parliament that it should not be given to Sri Lanka and the consequences in such a turn of event. He retrieved the documents under dangerous conditions from the underground cellars of the Ramanathapuram Sethupathi Maharaj and produced them to Shrimathi Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India. IUML was the first political party in

from the time of ancient Tamil Sangam Kings and whether during the reigns of King Sethupathy of Ramanathapuram, or East lndia Company or the British rule or even after independence, Katchatheevu island has always remained a part of Tamil Nadu. There are many more evidences and data to establish that Katchatheevu Island and the surrounding marine area belongs to Tamil Nadu. The islet has been leased out to a line of Maracoir families of Ramnad District. Thus there are enough concrete evidences to prove Katchatheevu is ours, he declared. Our honorable leader Quaide-Milleth Late.Mohammed Ismail Sahib, the first President of the Indian Union Muslim League and the Party had a very unique way of functioning with grace and diplomacy. At the same time when it came to upholding the dignity of the Muslims and Indian sovereignty, the party was strong and worked incessantly. The same spirit was ingrained in every party worker and S.M.Muhammed Sheriff Sahib was not an exception.

Muslim League MP from Tamil Nadu in independent India from Ramanathapuram and Periakulam constituencies, he played a vital role in many committees. During Emergency rule in Smt. Indira Gandhis period, he was the advisor to the Governor on the legislation of Tamil Nadu. He gave moral lectures to prisoners in jails and arranged for Jumma prayers to be conducted regularly in Madurai Central Prison. He was a close associate of Sayyid Abdur Rahman Bafaqi Thangal, C.H.Mohammed Koya, Panakkad Shihab Thangal, Ebrahim Sulaiman Sait, G.M.Banatwalla, A.K.Rifayee & Siraj-ul-Milleth Abdul Sammad, and the bosom friend of Nagore E.M.Hanifa, Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed and B. S. Abdur Rahman. He was a powerful speaker in many Indian languages. As Propaganda Secretary of the IUML, he strengthened, expanded and ignited the spirit of the League from grassroot level. Having produced clear evidences to the Indian government, Indian Union Muslim Leagues first Lok

August - 2013

THE TIMES OF LEAGUE

Converted Guantanamo guard presses for inmates rights

2003, army specialist Terry Holdbrooks was just another guard on duty at the U.S. Cuban Guantanamo Bay prison, where many illegal combatants in the Global War on Terror are incarcerated. As part of his day-shift duties he escorted prisoners to and from interrogations and monitored them in their cells to ensure they were not slipping notes to each other. But with his night-shifts being slow, he ended up spending many hours sitting cross-legged on the ground, talking to detainees through the metal mesh of their cell doors. And then something changed. After a series of life-altering conversations with Detainee 590, Moroccan inmate Ahmed Errachidi, Mr. Holdbrooks converted to Islam and took the name Mustafa Abdullah only to lose his friends, receive violent threats, and being

Around

labelled a race traitor online. However none of this shook his faith and Mr. Abdullah has come out with a self-published account of his experience at Guantanamo, titled Traitor? He also travels the length and breadth of America accompanied by Khalil Meek, a co-founder and Executive Director of the Texas-based Muslim Legal Fund of America, raising money to support the legal defence of U.S. Muslims accused of vague crimes or placed on no-fly lists and other

restrictions under the increasingly broad anti-terrorism provisions. Where does his passion for this cause come from? Not only conversations with inmates that showed their enduring faith but from the atrocities that he said he had witnessed committed at Gitmo. The long list of such acts that Mr. Abdullah describes supplies further context to the hunger strike that more than 100 of the inmates in the prison went on this year. While President Barack Obama promised to close down Guantanamo even in his 2008 campaign run, he has thus far failed to deliver on that and in January this year the State Department said that it would be shuttering the prisoners resettlement office despite 86 inmates there being cleared for release. For Mr. Abdullah, his time at the prison changed the very course of his life. After returning to the U.S. he

said he spent years trying to drink away memories of Guantanamo, and ended up being honourably discharged from the Army in 2005 for generalized personality disorder.At that point he decided to renew his commitment to Islam and ended his reliance on drinking, smoking, and drugs to cope with his feelings about his Guantanamo experience. Finding discipline in prayer, he said, Islam teaches you that if you see an injustice in the world, you should do anything within your power to stop it. His feelings about Guantanamo are however unequivocal and he argues that it would be wrong if he sat by and allowed Gitmo to continue to exist or let people think that Islam is Americas greatest enemy. I may have become a Muslim, but I am not a traitor, Mr. Abdullah said. Courtesy : The Hindu, Chennai June 9, 2013

Muslim inmates call off hunger strike in WB as jail authorities accept demands for Sehri & Iftar
Muslim jail inmates of the Berhampur Central jail in Murshidabad called off their strike on the evening of 24 July as their demands for sehir and iftar during Ramadan were accepted by the jail authorities. Muslim jail inmates of the Berhampur Central jail of Murshidabad, West Bengal were on hunger strike as they are not provided Iftar and Sehri and were not allowed home food either to observe Roza (fasting). More than 1000 Muslim inmates were reported to be on hunger strike from Monday evening. To grab the attention of the local people, they reportedly threw an appeal letter, stuck to an aluminum plate outside the boundary of the jail Monday night. Jail inmates are generally served two meals inside Berhampur Central jail - lunch at 12 noon and dinner at around 6pm in the evening. Jail authorities, led by DIG (prison) BiplabDasgupta talked with the inmates and it was agreed that at evening they will be served both the meals so that they can keep one meal for sehri (meal to be had at dawn) as there is no arrangement inside jail to cook food so early. Distrcit Magistrate of MurshidbadRajib Kumar infromed media that the stalemate at the Berhampur Central jail has been resloved. The letter then reached the office of the local MP of Berhampur and Union Minister AdhirRanjanChowdhury. He then spoke to the Director General of Police (Prison) BiplabDasgupta at Monday night itself. Although Dasgupta immediately flung into action and reached the jail, the stalemate still continues. Although Chowdhury has not made the whole content of the letter public, local sources said the inmates have argued that although in jail, being citizens of a secular country they expect freedom to observe their religious practices. There are about 1500 Muslim inmates in Berhampur Central jail, and according to unconfirmed reports, most of them are on hunger strike demanding sehri and iftar. According to reports, there is no arrangement by administration for sehri and iftar, and when some inmates tried to make their own, they were tortured. They have hence demanded from the authroties to make arrangements for sehri and iftar. AdhirRanjanChowdhury told TCN over telephone, some one found a food plate attached with the letter near the boundary of the jail. He added that he has talked with talked to District Magistrate of Murshidabad and he expects that the matter will be soon resolved. About 2200 inmates are currently lodged in the Berhampur Central jail, most of them are under trial and more than 80 percent are Muslims. As the news spread, all political parties jumped in to reslove the matter.

The Indian Union Muslim Leagues Successful Observation Of Hartal and Black Day In Murshidabad District, West Bengal against State Government conspiracy in holding Panchayat Elections During Holy Month Of Ramadan.

August - 2013

Published : 4th of Every Month.

Use media to spread the faith, says Indian preacher

The Hyderabad-based Islamic Academy for Comparative Religion (IACR) has been working for the past 15 years to spread the message of Islam in India, removing misconceptions about the divine religion and bringing followers of different religious faiths closer to promote communal harmony. IACR is also working to confront the massive campaign of missionaries in Andhra Pradesh to convert Muslims into Christianity, said Asifuddin Muhammed, president of IACR. The missionaries have been exploiting poverty and economic difficulties of Muslim families, he told Arab News. He called upon all Muslim organizations in the state to set out a joint strategy to protect the Islamic faith. Not only the poor, but also many educated and rich Muslims including doctors and engineers have been converted to Christianity, he pointed out. Muhammed, who holds MBA and LLB degrees, introduces himself as a student of comparative religion. He was inspired by the dawah works of Sheikh Ahmed Deedat and Dr. Zakir Naik. As a result of his organizations work across Andra Pradesh, hundreds have embraced Islam. IACR has a special section for women. Muslims in India are facing a serious challenge from Christian missionaries, he said, adding that the missionaries have been receiving full support from politici ans. In some remote districts of Andhra Pradesh, especially coastal areas, as many as 1,000 families are being converted every year. We have documented proof for that, he said. Missionaries have six TV channels in the state while Muslims do not have even a single one, Muhammed said, emphasizing the need for launching a television channel as early as possible for the propagation of Islam, with the support of Muslim businessmen and philanthropists. IACR intends to hold a series of lectures and workshops in various districts after training some 700 preachers, each of them taking the message to at least 50 people in a year. This will help 35,000 nonas TV channels and newspapers to remove the misconceptions about Islam and its Prophet. Many non-Muslims have responded favorably after reading the book, saying they never knew that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a multifaceted personality known for his kindness and tolerance. He pointed out that a substantial number of Muslims are not interested in listening to Islamic lectures, including Jumah sermons, a reason that makes them ignorant about their religion and easy prey to missionaries. Other religions spread their message through films, TV serials, dramas and other attractive programs. We should also follow the same methods to make Islamic teachings more popular and appealing, he explained. According to IACR, there are many reasons for the growth of Christianity in the state: The support of prominent Christian politicians, negligence of Muslims toward their poor, Muslims are not well organized and lack good

THE TIMES OF LEAGUE

By P.K. Abdul Ghafour

network and capable scholars. We have lot of Muslim businessmen, professionals, engineers and doctors but we dont have a vision to bring these resources together to make an impact and change our situation to the better, the president said. IACR is not associated with any Muslim groups and tries to bring together all Muslims on the basis of Islamic principles, he added. Speaking about strategies to be followed for the propagation of Islam in the country, Muhammed said: We have to address individual and regional concerns about our religion by removing their misconceptions, and change the general feeling that Indian Muslims are not patriotic. Some fascist forces try to create a fear psychosis among the Hindus about Muslims in order to provoke them to attack Muslims and we have to deal with such situations in a reasonable and convincing manner.

Muslims to receive the message of Islam every year, he said. Well also establish a network to take care of Muslims all over the state. If any person needs any kind of help including money or medical aid well provide them, Muhammed said. More Islamic lectures are to be given in Telugu being the language spoken by the majority, especially in the remote areas of Andhra Pradesh. Quranic Arabic course is a unique program being held by our organization to teach Arabic as a language to schoolchildren as seriously as math and science, Muhammed said. IACR has designed a set of books and trained several teachers for the purpose. The nine-year course will help students understand the Quran and Hadith without any translation. IACR has published a book on Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), compiling what has been stated by prominent dignitaries like Mahatma Gandhi, George Bernard Shaw, Thomas Carlyle, Leo Tolstoy and Michael Hart about the last prophet. The book quoted Gandhi as saying: I wanted to know the best of life one who holds today an undisputed sway over the hearts of millions of mankindI became more than ever convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life. It was the rigid simplicity, the utter selfeffacement of the Prophet, the scrupulous regard for pledges, his intense devotion to friends and followers, his intrepidity, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in God and in his own mission. The organization intends to distribute copies of the book among media persons, politicians and other influential people as well

The Times of League - English Monthly - R.Dis. No. 1765/10 published by Mohamed Ismail on behalf of Muslim League Publication Trust, published at 36, Maraikayar Lebbai Street, Mannady, Chennai - 600 001 and printed by K.A.M. Muhammed Abubacker at Madras Media Press No, 36, Maraikayar Lebbai Street, Mannady, Chennai - 600 001. Editor : Prof. K.M. Kader Mohideen,