The Perils of A Prank: April Fool and Muslims

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Mushtaq Ul Haq Ahmad Sikander

Come April and social media, email groups and instant messaging groups are abuzz with the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) that playing pranks, jokes and commemorating April 1st as Fools Day is antagonistic to Islam. It has been rendered synonymous with deception, lying and deceit. The Muslims are cautioned that if they indulge in pranks on this day, they will be committing some grave sin, to the extent of Kufr(disbelief). The day has been declared Haram (forbidden) for Muslims who are chastised of the grave sins associated with the Day. So whosoever is trying to play pranks is imitating the Kuffar and thus their end will be similar to that of infidels. The same yardstick has been applied to Valentine’s Day and Women’s Day too. Maybe in the coming decades we will witness the branding of book day, environment day, human rights day, aids day, labour day, national days, the days associated with saints as Kufr too.

The self loathing obsession of Muslims with everything new, innovative and ‘western’ is killing the very soul of Islam. Different conspiracy theories have been put forward about the decline of Muslim rule in Spain and how April fool a Judo-Christian innovation was instrumental in that. Instead of introspection and self reflection about the real causes of muslim decline, passing the buck to some conspiracy helps reinforce the muslim mindset that whole world has joined hands to destroy Muslims. So April fool too is that divisive plan of the infidel enemies who want the annihilation of Muslims and Islam from this world.

The real spirit of Islam and its values have been lost in the tantrums of conspiracy theories and declaring everything haram (forbidden). Muslims today are among the most consumerist people who have the ‘added privilege’ that they produce the least. Muslim world contributes the least when it comes to the production of knowledge, technology and inventions. Instead of trying to understand the lacuna and voids for these structural problems, Muslims are always ready with a conspiracy theory to shift the blame to a real or virtual enemy in order to absolve them from any blame.

The lack of democracy, nonexistent human rights, dictatorships, non prevalence of accountability and transparency are the characteristic features of most muslim countries. The institutional denial of justice to minorities, women and endangered ethnicities dominate the reports of leading human rights organizations about the muslim world. To add insult to injury, the elites and ruling clique are massively corrupt, authoritarian and ruthless. The Islamic values of justice, mercy, egalitarianism and philanthropy are practiced very little by the muslims. Further there is no social or religious movement emphasizing about the restoration of these principles and values of Islam that form its core and spirit. Instead all energies are focused on declaring the Muslims as kaafir and Kufaar as inheritors of hell.

The self imposed position of God’s soldiers or duty men has denied Muslims an opportunity to implement and practice the values of Islam. The concept of salvation in Islam is individualistic and each person has to work his way through good deeds. But when one assumes to be God’s soldier then focus shifts to the other. So they are more concerned about who will be doomed to hell with their self assumed role of guardian of the fate. For these ‘soldiers of Allah’ everything new particularly cultural, theories of rights, alternate discourses or commemoration of days that they consider harmful is not allowed. April Fool’s Day is categorized in such a dominion.

A small prank, a joke conducted in a lighter vein cannot be tolerated as the whole edifice of Islam and Muslims is threatened. The logic for such a stance is legitimized by quoting verses of Quran and sayings of Holy Prophet (pbuh) out of context that demonizes Islam as an intolerant religion that cannot tolerate laughter, pranks and is threatened to the extent that those who indulge in it are chastised through grave warnings about the gravity of their sin (read pranks). This intolerant image and practice of Islam is quite alien to what I have understood as Islam.

It is true that lying, deception and concocting falsehood are grave sins in the eyes of Islam because they have second or third party harm. They divide people, create wedges and give rise to misconceptions that lead to hatred and violence. So these vices are abhorred and shunned in Islam. But to declare April fool and the pranks associated with it synonymous to these vices is far too exaggerating the issue.

The emphasis that is given on not taking part in April Fools pranks, if similar encouragement had been laid on practice of speaking truth without the context of April fool, a number of issues would have been resolved. The Islamic value is speaking truth, regarding which most muslims are ignorant and non practicing. But when it comes to April Fool even the most non practicing muslim assumes the role of moral pundit who has the divine sanction of saving the people from celebrating a non muslim day.

The abomination of Muslims with small issues, superficial understanding and artificial exaggeration has rendered them oblivious to the real issues that have left them redundant to contribute anything positive to the contemporary civilization. This false romanticism with Islamic texts that instead of being plural and inclusive have been made a source of hatred, exclusion and ‘othering’ needs to be stopped. A small prank, light joke will not break the principles of Islam but will help us to enjoy a few moments of relief in the present violent times. So folks take some time, to play some pranks maybe our old acquaintances and estranged relations are renewed once again.

 

M.H.A.Sikander is Writer-Activist based in Srinagar, Kashmir

Wailing Valley, Bleeding Humanity

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News Kashmir Exclusive

The age in which we live can only be characterized as one of barbarism. Our civilization is in the process not only of being militarized, but also being brutalized. Alva Myrdal

In  present day world   ,  every  human-being   is supposed to be a global  citizen, so the logic demands we  must learn to  behave in accordance with the international citizenship : because  present  is a mixture of little bit  past and  more optimistic   future.

Presently the situation of Kashmir is totally in contrast to what can be termed as normal and rationale as bloodshed has ruined the peace and solace of Kashmir.
All the sane  things seem to be overlooked in Kashmir by all concerned ideologies and stakeholders as humanity stands battered and bruised badly here on account of the unabated cycle of violence and counter violence from all sides having its roots in the unaddressed Kashmir conflict.And despite facing unprecedented destruction , kashmiris continue to have relentless faith in spirit of humanity and are pained by every sad episode of violence that takes away with it scores of precious human lives.

 

Over the last few months violence seems to be reinforced itself in a destructive way .A number of militants, civilians and also security forces have   got killed in encounters especially in the South Kashmir region.

The pulse on ground is how the stakeholders are failing to learn that it is theprecious human blood that is poured on earth and it means unending suffering of his family. Many voices opine that the response from the state which otherwise should have taken lead in solving conflict has been even more inhumane. Heart-wrenching stories are all alike around Kashmir – mothers wailing over their dead sons or wives mourning over their husbands killed have become norm.

 

Clearly, the latest cycle of tremendous violence in the troubled valley is a stark reminder that more than seven  decades after independence of both India and Pakistan, the disputed territory of Kashmir remains as volatile as ever and the mood on ground zero clearly indicates that that until a permanent solution to the Kashmir crisis is found, normalization of ties between Pakistan and India will not be possible and peace can also be not achieved , and ultimate sufferer is mostly common kashmiris. For the time being, humanity in Kashmir is under attack.

Raees Ahmed, a youth states – “Due to unabated violence Kashmir is suffering. The list of countries and cities disintegrating or unraveling because of violence, economic and political turmoil, lack of food and civil unrest is growing. Human violence is a very important subject at this particular moment in time. Violence has ‘always’ been a basic part of human nature and we have a lot to be ashamed of and in Kashmir humanity is in great distress due to this ugly never ending cycle of violence. We need to take collective efforts to end this violence.”

RED SOUTH

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NEWS KASHMIR EXCLUSIVE

 

Recently, the South Kashmir region witnessed mayhem as about 13 militants , four civilians and three army men died in three encounters with District Shopian bearing worst brunt of the violence . The people of Kashmir  observed a complete shutdown against the killing for four days . Scores of civilians received injuries in these protests with a boy from Kangan getting killed.

During these days to maintain law and order the authorities places strict restriction in parts of Srinagar city including at the Old City. The Mobile internet was also snapped in many part of the valley including in north and south areas of Kashmir, with South witnessing complete lockdown.

This level of mayhem and bloodshed in South Kashmir has pained humane hearts and reduced entire Kashmir to mourning .

While talking to The News Kashmir ‘ ‘Mir Imran, a human Rights Defender stated -” The situation of entire Kashmir is worrisome but it is disastrous in South Kashmir as entire areas of South Kashmir have been marred by bloodshed, killings and blinding. The government and the entire security machinery should try to look to means of having ceasefire with local militants  so that precious lives can be saved .The pain, lava that has now engulfed South Kashmir since many years can burn the entire region down. The heavy bloodshed that took place in South Kashmir on April 1 has rattled entire Kashmir valley and something should be done to break this ugly cycle .”

Many a voices are disappointed that such harsh nature of situation in South Kashmir puts entire 2018 year prospects of being peaceful under huge question marks.

Bilal Bashir Bhat, a Journalist states –

 

“On a larger level March ending pressure boosts the possibility of celebrations of Fool’s day that falls on April 1 as such people play pranks and jokes to breathe a sigh of relief, however, in Kashmir the people on this particular day were busy in counting the dead bodies in South Kashmir causing mayhem in Valley amid high expectations of a sound and prosper Financial year.

March the month of expectations had in Kashmir seen much bloodshed and April the month of hope has started too on a bloody note with the killing of seventeen Kashmiris including thirteen militants and excluding three Army personnel.”

The situation in South Kashmir is definitely a serious cause of concern with more and more youth embracing gun out of box solution is the need of hour.

 

Airport boom in India

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The significance of airports in development of a nation is paramount. Airports play a considerable role in economic development, and the most important cargo they move is people. Airports are much more than places to catch planes, attend an in-transit business meeting, or do some duty-free shopping; they are among the largest investments a city and region make.

On the otherhand, Efficient logistics is critical for countries like India to harness trade and facilitate greater & faster integration with both the domestic as well as world economy. Keeping all this in mind 56 new airports will become functional in the next few years, Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Shri Suresh Prabhu said at the two days Global Logistics Summit being held in New Delhi.

The Minister further said that by bringing all the stakeholders together it will create the right platform to improve logistics and connectivity which are vital for increasing intra-state and international trade flows.

As a matter of fact, Indian logistics industry is estimated at around US $ 215 billion in 2019-20, growing at over 10 % annually. In the last decade or so, significant improvements in Railways, Roads, Highways, Inland Waterways, Aviation, Ports and Coastal Shipping have taken place. India has improved its ranking in the Logistics Performance Index (prepared by the World Bank) from 54 in 2014 to 35 in 2016. To keep up with the growth in demand for logistics services, it is important to develop a consistent approach to logistics across infrastructure, services and different modes of transportation.

Definitely the prospect of seeing many airports in future in India has raised hope of fast economic growth in the country .

Paper Title: Qur’anic approach to the Psychological basis of Human Personality development

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BY Nayeem Ahmad Bhat

 

Qur’an has a strong sense of Human Personality Development. Qur’an adorns human ‘Aqaliyya (mentality) & Nafsiyya (disposition) which act as backbone of human personality. Qur’an directly addresses suluk (conduct) that indicates human elevation or decline. Qur’an explicitly discusses psychological role of all Anbiya (prophets), especially of Muhammad (SAAS) in shaping and rejuvenating human personality & propounds “Tazkiya-e-Nafs” i.e., (purification of mind) as a key philosophy of Islam as Qur’an mentions “It is He who has sent among the unlettered a Messenger from themselves reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book and wisdom – although they were before in clear error“.[1] This paper is an effort to identify the Qur’anic approach to the psychological basis of human personality development and urges Muslim Psychologists/psychiatrists to make thoughtful perusal of psychology which is concealed in theological, ethical, mystical, philosophical and medicinal books of primitive Muslim asset and construct it as per contemporary requirements to attain liberation from western psycho-emotional domination.

Key words: Quran, Personality Development, Suluk (conduct), Tazkiya-e-Nafs (Purification of mind), Western domination.

 

Introduction

Personality development is an absorbing theme in psychology. Although it is hard to confine the term “personality” in a universal definition, but plainly personality can be defined as “the collection of external cum internal & acquisitive (intellect, thinking, knowledge etc) cum non-acquisitive (natural attributes i.e., color, race, physical appearance, mental ability etc) personality attributes”. These attributes possess both permanent & non-permanent nature i.e., attributes get modified momentously which segregate one human being from another in every matter. Likewise the term “development” is “to promote both the types of attributes upto an appropriate level”. The most ideal, perfect, optimal personality possessing divine attributes is Hazrat Muhammad (SAAS). Muhammad (SAAS) has given us the divine guidance (Qur’an) to develop our personalities. The crux of Qur’anic teachings is to improve & promote human personality ethically to keep balance between spiritual & material life. The famous Irish Clinical psychologist Ian Roberson identifies psychological basis of human personality attributes in trilateral sense, Firstly, Cognitive components (thoughts, creed, understanding, memory etc), Secondly, Emotional components (love, fear, resentment, jealous, proud etc) & Lastly, Behavioral components (skills, innate potential, ability etc)[2] Qur’an addresses straightforwardly these components of personality development which have essentially a crucial role in keeping balance between the material & spiritual life. Same has been discussed under the following headwords to provide an extensive Qur’anic account in the aforesaid psychological basis of human personality development.

 

Cognitive components of Personality

Qur’anic teachings are based on truth, justice, moderation & beautiful combination of this world and hereafter. Human being is the recipient of Qur’an. Therefore, his personality development is the central idea of Qur’an. The Qur’an says, “Should not He Who has created know? And He is the Most Kind & Courteous (to his slaves), the Well-Acquainted (with everything)[3].

   

 Tawheed (monotheism)

The Qur’an vehemently exhorts the subscription of monotheism & escape from polytheism. Aqeedah of Tawheed (monotheism) is an integral part of human disposition which determines the relation between God & human being. Qur’anic concept of personality is God-centered, emphasizes God as the ultimate source of all promotion & development. The Qur’an says, “It is He (Allah) Who is the only Ilah (God to be worshipped) in the heaven & the only Ilah (God to be worshipped) on the earth. And He is the All-Wise, All-Knower”.[4] Qur’an has extensively highlighted the influence of monotheism on human personality in terms of Love of God, fear of God, kind-intention, gratitude, purity, patience, generosity & repentance.

   

 Risalah (prophecy)

Risalah (prophecy) is an essential part of Islamic faith. Therefore, the whole duteousness is dependent on this part of faith. We believe in Allah, prophets, hereafter, divine books, predestination or we are inclined towards a particular Qur’an-centered worldview; it is integrally based on the creed of Risalah (prophecy). The basic concepts of prophecy are explicitly mentioned in Qur’an.

  • Every Ummah had a prophet (Guide)

The Qur’an says, “For every Ummah (community), there is a guide”[5]

  • Prophet bestow humans with their wisdom

The Qur’an says, “and we gave each of them (Dawood & Suleiman) Hukm (right judgment of affairs & prophet hood).”[6]

  • They (prophets) convey divine message to human beings

The Qur’an says, “And verily, we have sent among every Ummah (community), a Messenger (proclaiming); Worship Allah alone & avoid Taghut (all false deities).”[7]

To believe in Risalah, one achieves a corpus of reference to differ truth from false. Human personality get pragmatic guide to implement all the elements of faith seems to be idealistic. It is impossible to cherish, promote & develop ones personality unless & until there is a guide in the form of Rasool (prophet) who acts as a role-model for whole humanity to be conferred with the divine spark i.e., Hidayah.

 

  

 

  Eschatology (Aakhirah) or Hereafter

This element of faith also has deep & stiff influence over human personality & its development. Aqeedah of Aakhirah consists of various parts;

  • Everything in this universe is mortal

The Qur’an says, “We created not the heavens & the earth & all that is between them except with truth, & for an appointed term”.[8]

  • There will be new life after the day of judgment

The Qur’an says, “On the day when the earth will be changed to another earth & so will be the heavens, & they (all creatures) will appear before Allah, the One, the Irresistible.”[9]

  • Worldly life is essentially a preface of life hereafter, this life is temporary, incomplete, test-home & life hereafter is home of retributory (Dar ul Amal).

The Qur’an says, “And the life of the world is only amusement & play! Verily, the home of the Hereafter—that is the life indeed (i.e. the eternal life that will never end), if they but knew.”[10]

The belief in Aakhirah let everyone to become a responsible human being. It prepares one to obey the orders of Allah, refraining from His prohibitions, doing good deeds, thus, attaining the consent of Allah, that is, by leading a complete Islamic life to promote personality development.

 

Other Cognitive components

 

    Intelligence

Intelligence is a natural spark found in human disposition & it can be promoted upto a suitable level if used properly, the Qur’an says, “it is He Who brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers when you knew nothing; & He gave you hearing & sight & intelligence & affections, that you may give thanks to Allah.”[11]

One should apply all the methods & exercises to gain more & more intelligence to promote personality development.

 

     Maturity

It comes from experiments & is not specified to age. Intelligent people do experiments, scientists do experiments, and one can remove faults from experiments to attain maturity. The Qur’an says, “He shall speak to the people in childhood & in maturity. And He shall be (of the company) of the righteous”[12]

 

     Scientific temper

There are only two ways enhance this temper i.e. observation & experiment. Muhammad (SAAS) used to supplicate for the augmentation of knowledge. Observation & experiment help us to increase the scientific temper & attitude. The Qur’an says, “Do they not observe the birds above them, spreading their wings & folding them in? None can uphold them except Allah.”[13] Quran adorns the scientific attitude provided that, proud shouldn’t dominate ones psyche.

 

              Confidence

To strengthen ones confidence & credibility, encouragement & suggestions are needed. The Qur’an says, “He replied, “I saw what they saw not: so I took a handful (of dust) from the footprint of the Messenger, & threw it (into the calf): thus did my soul suggest to me”[14]

 

     Love of Justice

It is necessary to justice (put everything in its proper place) if one needs to promote ones personality. Justice is so emphasized & injustice is so vehemently discouraged that even religious opponents aren’t exempted. The Qur’an says, “O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to for dealing, & not the hatred of others (religious opponents) to you make you swerve & depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: & fear Allah. ”[15]

 

               Success dedication

If the dedication is lost personality development will become monotonous. One should ponder over divine scheme & assume that both failure & success are two faces of life. But one should always be dedicative as the Quran says, “The man can have nothing but what he strives for.”[16]

 

 

Emotional components of Human personality

Emotions can have a great role in decorating ones personality. A man has to respond psychologically to various interactional elements. Therefore emotions necessarily should be in control to promote personality.

 

     Sexual desire

Sexual lust is quite natural tendency in human beings like thirst & appetite. If one loses control over sexual desire, it can lead to indecency, sexual problems & ailments. Homosexualism & Lesbianism, Bestiality, Paedophilia, Trans-sexualism, Exhibitionism, Sadism & Masochism are some disorders & problems one can face in uncontrolled lust. The Qur’an says, “And don’t approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality & is evil as a way.”[17]

 

     Offence & Wrath

This personality component is generated when a man faces hindrance in his target & can have frequent disadvantages. The Quran guides us to have control over wrath, it says, “Who spend (in the cause of good) during ease & hardship & who restrain anger & who pardon the people – & Allah loves the doers of good.”[18]

 

     Frustration

It is caused when having no alternative while losing a target. Having extreme desire & hope on others increases frustration. Quran has commanded us to despair not of His mercy, it says, “Say: O my servants who have transgressed against their souls! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah: for Allah forgives all sins.”[19]

 

Love and Aversion

The two important aspects of life play key role in personality development if reach at extreme level can pave the way for unexpected dangers. These emotions have to turn to right direction for promotion of personality development i.e. moderation. The Qur’an says, “And those who, when they spend, do so not excessively or sparingly but are ever, between that, (justly) moderate.”[20]

   

        Fear & Apprehension

The Qur’anic supervision in this matter is quite commendable that one should fear Allah in order to His gratification to promote his personality. The Quran says, “And if they had believed & feared Allah, then the reward from Allah would have been better, if they only knew.”[21]

 

        Curiosity & Perplexity

An important tendency of human personality is perplexity, when a man is unable to explain anything clearly, it leads to curiosity. Optimistic curiosity can enhance aptitude & increase knowledge. Pessimistic curiosity is very disastrous for individual as well as for society. The Qur’an says, “O believers! Avoid suspicion as much as possible: for suspicion in some cases is a sin: And spy not each other behind their backs.” [22]

     

       Patience & Gratitude

Every human being confronts misfortune, calamities & comfort both in hard times & good times in life respectively. Patience & gratitude have great influence on our personality as Qur’an commands us to have patience in hard times & be grateful in blissfulness, it says, “Who say, when afflicted with calamity: “To Allah we belong, & to Him is our return”[23]

 

       Behavioral components of personality

Behavioral components in human personality consist of particular practices, skills, methods, abilities, aptitudes & competence which decorate human personality. Quran has never emphasized stagnant, weak (morally), disabled (in character) personality.

 

Aptitude

Human beings have particular aptitude to perform any task. To suppress this aptitude, problems would arise & our personality can choose unnatural methods to explore this world if not applied the divine guidance to promote ones personality. The Qur’an says, “Say, “Everyone acts according to his own disposition: But your Lord knows best who it is that is best guided on the way.”[24]

 

Creativity

Creativity helps one to create new ideas to live. Unfortunately, creative thinking is discouraged in our society. There are three elements of creative thinking: (1) Originality & Novelty, (2) Ability & (3) particular purpose. The Quran says, “And similarly, we awakened them to question each other”[25] Quran adorns creative thinking by questioning to reach at reality; hence, creativity promotes ones personality.

 

Responsibility

This aspect of human personality is significant if one wishes to uplift his image before others. Society will never accept the inefficient nature of man. To promote ones personality, one has to be responsible in every matter. The Qur’an says, “O you who believe, upon you is responsibility for yourselves.”[26]

 

Skills

To live a luxury & tense less life, skills have importance economically on ones personality. To promote ones personality, one should utilize all the skills to explore one’s tendencies. Qur’an has used this term for the skills of Qaum e Samud, it says, “And you carve out of the mountains, homes, with skill.”[27]

     

       Team Spirit

It is said, “Only the teams can win.” Undoubtedly, man cannot stand alone. To perform a big task, one may not possess all the competencies. Combined effort is adequate for promotion of one’s personality development. The Qur’an says, “Help you one another in righteousness & piety. Help you not one another in sin & rancor.”[28]

 

 

   Conclusion

The crux of this research paper is the Qur’anic approach that we relinquished to promote human personality. In this matter Quran provides basic foundations as it directly addresses the basic problems of philosophy when we talk of purpose of life. Now the question arises, despite having divine guidance (Qur’an), why Muslim societies are demoralized, declined, unsatisfied & socio-ethically paralyzed?  Apparently, this is a multidimensional problem, but the core & essential cause is having no pragmatic approach to Qur’anic teachings & themes in terms of individualism. This paper appeals;

  • To reorganize modern education & curriculum on the basis of Qur’anic themes.
  • To instigate the ideological education of teachers along with technical education.
  • To add moral education as basic theme to the curricular & co-curricular activities.
  • To teach Muslim psychology at every stage of education, from schools to the universities.
  • To make Arabic language compulsory at every stage to have access to primary sources of Muslim psychology.
  • To make critical analysis of western concept of psychology.
  • To establish sectors of Occidentalism in universities.

 

Bibliography

  1. Al –Qur’an
  2. Dr Mohammad amin, Islam aur Tazkiya Nafs, new A’wan printers, Lahore
  3. Amin Ahsan Islahi, Tazkiya Nafs, Faran Foundations, Lahore
  4. Ashraf Ali Thanvi, Tarbiyat al-saalik, Maktaba Zakariya, Karachi
  5. Mohammad Yusuf Islahi, Qur’ani Ta’limat, Islamic publications limited, Lahore
  6. Dr Zafar Afaq Ansari, Nafs i Insani ke Qur’ani Tasawurat, Aalami Idara, Islamabad
  7. Rafeeq Ja’far, Nafsiyat ka irtiqa’ Izhar sons, Lahore
  8. Barbara Englar, theories of personality, Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, 1979
  9. Jung C.G., Modern man in search of soul, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, New York, 1933
  10. Moinul Haq, Islamic thought & movement, Pakistan historical society, Karachi, 1979

 

 

 

(The writer if Research Scholar Shah I Hamadan Institute of Islamic Studies Kashmir University

And can be reached at Email: nayeemahmadb1177@gmail.com)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[1]Al-Qur’an, 62 Surah al-juma’ah, verse no. 02

[2] Robertson, Sociology, p:115

[3] Al-Qur’an, 67 surah al-mulk , verse no 14

[4] Al-Qur’an, 43 surah al-zukhruf, verse no 84

[5] Al-Qur’an, 13 surah al-ra’d, verse no 07

[6] Al-Qur’an, 21 surah al-anbiya, verse no 79

[7] Al-Qur’an, 16 surah al-nahl, verse no 36

[8] Al-Qur’an, 46 surah al-ahqaf, verse no 03

[9] Al-Qur’an, 14 surah al-Ibrahim, verse no 48

[10] Al-Qur’an, 29 surah al-ankaboot, verse no 64

[11] Al-Qur’an, 16 surah al-nahl, verse no 78

[12] A-Qur’an, 03 surah aal-imran, verse no 46

[13] Al-Qur’an, 69 surah al-mulk, verse no 19

[14] Al-Qur’an, 20 surah Taha, verse no 96

[15] Al-Qur’an, 05 surah al-maidah, verse no 08

[16] Al-Qur’an, 53 surah al-najm, verse no 39

[17] Al-Qur’an, 17 surah al-isra, verse no 32

[18] Al-Qur’an, 03 surah aal-imran, verse no 134

[19] Al-Quran, 53 surah al-zumar, verse no 39

[20] Al-Quran, 25 surah al-furqan, verse no 67

[21] Al-Qur’an, 02 surah al-baqarah, verse no 103

[22] Al-Qur’an, 49 surah al-Hujurat, verse no 12

[23] Al-Qur’an, 02 surah al-baqarah, verse no 156

[24] Al-Qur’an, 17 surah al-isra, verse no 84

[25] Al-Qur’an, 18 surah al-kahf, verse no 19

[26] Al-Qur’an, 05 surah al-maidah, verse no 105

[27] Al-Qur’an, 26 surah al-shu’ara, verse no 149

Embracing Gun

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News Kashmir Exclusive

The romance of youth towards gun in valley is the latest worry of distraught parents in Kashmir . A news featured recently in Economic times titled as – Every third day, a youth takes up arms in Kashmir valley. This suggests the grave nature of the problem.
In a worrying development , The son of senior separatist leader Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai had also joined militancy last Saturday.
Sehrai’s son Junaid Ahmad Sehrai, who had done MBA, had gone missing from the home on Friday and next day his picture with an AK-47 rifle had gone viral on social media. He has joined the biggest militant group Hizbul Mujahideen.
Sehrai is a close aide of senior separatist leader and had recently taken over a chairman of Geelani’s party, Tehreek-e-Hurriyat.
Meanwhile, three youth , all hailing from south Kashmir’s Pulwama district have gone missing since last week.
According to the voices of sanity, it is a worrying trend that how violence is having glamour power for the youth and also the increased bloodshed is taking the most toll on the youth of Kashmir. The images of youth holding gun and the same appear on the social media and go viral within no time .

Mushtaq Ul Haq Ahmad Sikander, an eminent political analyst stated – “
The political status quo, militarization of public spaces and institutional denial of justice has driven youth to the wall, with desperation and disillusionment looming large. The state, government along with resistance leadership has failed to inspire them to see beyond vicious cycle of death, violence and martyrdom. Add to it the inspiration of transnational violent movements like Isis and Al Qaeda that have inspired a fringe element of youth towards establishing an idealist concept of an Islamic state. The daily humiliation, state violence, police harassment and denial of dissent are contributing factors that drive youth to take the extreme plunge of taking arms against the state.”
Fathers lifting coffins of their dead sons, mothers world getting destroyed due to death of son in conflict situation and weeping sisters and near, dear ones are the outcome of prolonged violence in Kashmir with these scenes now becoming worryingly a nutshell.
What is needed a proper counseling to youth , end of injustices and atrocities and a dialogue process on all burning issues.

Booming Silk Production

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Silk production is key component of Indian economy and has been the integral part of our civilization. The exquisite products of silk form the pride of the country at global markets.

In a heartening development, India will be self-reliant in the production of silk by 2020, said the Minister of Textiles Smriti Zubin Irani in a media interaction . The Union Cabinet’s decision approving the Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk Industry will help increase the production of Bivoltine silk (high quality) by 62 percent by 2020. The Minister further said the aim of the government is to increase the number of people engaged in the silk sector from 85 lakhs to one crore in the next three years. She said, 50 thousand people will be trained in this sector. Smt. Irani told media that an inter- ministerial committee of related ministries will be set up under the Textiles Ministry to disburse a sum of Rs. 1000 crores for development of Research & Development.

On the otherhand, Seed production units will be equipped and strengthened, besides increasing the production capacity to cater to the increased demand for silk in the future. Elaborating further the Minister said that under Digital India, web-based solutions will be provided to farmers engaged in seed production and other allied activities. Farmers and seed producers will get all subsidy by Direct Benefit Transfer.

The minister informed that market development is a very important area and 21 cocoon testing centres are being set up in the main silk producing states of the country. Apart from this, 19 basic silk seed farms, 20 silk worm seed production centres, 131 chawki rearing centres and 500 acres of land is being set aside for improved varieties.

But Worryingly  in Kashmir once the booming silk production is crashing .

Red Spring

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Rameez Makhdoomi

Spring is the season of optimism, freshness and seen everywhere a season that enthuses life in things after a long winter. Many have opined that spring is surely the best season of the year. Most of the people love this season and in Kashmir flowers blossoming, rainfall, snow melting, beautiful gardens represent Spring. It is the favorite season of poets.

Painfully enough, In Kashmir the Spring 2018 has started with death and pain.  As on Sunday night, 4th March the parents were over the moon with joy  that tomorrow their kids will get first day of schooling after long winter break, Kashmir got bruised by a sad news   that during a late night shootout at Shopian in south Kashmir resulted in the killing of two local militants and four civilians travelling in two vehicles. The Army stated  it retaliated after its check post was fired at from a car, in which the Militants and their associates were killed. Their families and local insist that killed civilians were innocents who had nothing to do with Militancy.

Amid versions and counter versions what was clear that Spring started in Kashmir on deadly note raising fears once again of an unpredictable summer.

 

Bilal Bashir Bhat, a young Journalist stated –

“ Spring is the season of hope and is seen as the season that gives life to everything. Unfortunately on a painful note the Spring in Kashmir has started on a disastrous tone with killings and pain writ large over the situation of Kashmir. Scores of young ones have lost their life at the onset of Spring in Kashmir on account of prevalent volatile situation. The grave nature of situation has ensured that summer season having a peaceful start hopes and vibes have received a setback . Kashmir political dispute should be amicably settled to give masses a healing balm and end this misery .”

Again the hopes were dashed, after the killing of three militants and two among them locals in South Kashmir Encounter on Sunday Night , 11 March , with one of them hailing from Buchpora Ahmednagar area, the soura and its adjoining areas observed shutdown for three days and Kashmir life was brought once again to grinding halt.

The bleak scenario calls on all the stakeholders to ensure that issues of Kashmir are solved in an amicable manner so that Kashmir does not see further pain and death, and all forms of destruction comes to an end.

I stand informed by the media first as a speculation then as a fact : Haseeb Drabu after sacking

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News Kashmir Desk

Former Finance Minister Dr Haseeb Drabu this evening issued a statement to press as he was sacked for his statement calling Kashmir a social issue .

The complete details are as under:

 

“Even as I issue this statement, I have no formal or even personal communication either from the government or from the party about my being dropped from the Cabinet on 12th of March. I stand informed by the media first as a speculation then as a fact.

 

I deem it necessary to set the record straight.

 

On the PHDCCI Speech:

 

The speech I delivered on the 9th of March 2018 focussed on a thought that has been on my mind: the role of civil society in resolving the issue of Kashmir.

 

Speaking to a select gathering of Ambassadors and industrialists, who could be possible investors in peace in J&K, I tried to make the point that Kashmir was not only a political issue to be resolved by the nation state of India and the successive governments at the centre and the state, but that there is a social issue that needs to be resolved at the level of the civil society.

 

It was made in the larger context of how our society has been ravaged and has impaired real-life situations and sensibilities especially of the youth. As an example, relevant to the Ambassadors present, I quoted the case of the travel advisories of various countries, in this context, which may be politically induced but on ground are effectively acting as a social boycott of Kashmiris. This, I said, in turn engenders a political thinking that is isolationist.The need as such is for civil society institutions to get involved and make interventions in their areas of influence to resolve the social issues pervading our society.

 

There have been innuendoes that I said this or was made to say this with an ulterior motive. The fact is that it is a long-heldbelief and I have repeatedly said it that the engagement with Kashmir should be at various levels. When I was the Chairman of the J&K Bank, I used to lament the fact that while as around 40% of shareholding of the bank was with Foreign Institutional Investors, not a single Indian Institution was invested with the bank.

 

For the record, on 14thJune 2014, I delivered a keynote address in Srinagar along the same lines. An abridged version was published on 18th June, 2014 in Greater Kashmir. Only a few days back, I spoke at the Indian Econometric Conference and asked the researchers to show me a single research they would have done in J&K. I called it the “Apathy of the Academia”. The same is true for engagement at the levels of individuals, intelligentsiaand trade & commerce. Those who heard my speech or care to read it dispassionately will know that when I was talking about our aspirations and the efforts at self-discovery, I was in fact nuancing the very stand of the People’s Democratic Party before a very select audience

 

To the best of my understanding and knowledge, this in no way goes against the articulated and stated political position of PDP. Nor does it dent its image. It is, in fact, very much a part of the PDP’s political philosophy and agenda of reconciliation.

 

As for my understanding of the political ideology of PDP, it is based on my drafting of various election manifestoes, the aspirational agenda, and the all-important Self Rule document, which Mufti Sahib involved me in. Indeed, the terms and conditions based on which the current PDP-BJP alliance was formed, the Agenda of alliance, was drafted under his guidance.

 

On the Party statements and action:

 

The sequence of events that unfolded is as follows: I delivered the speech at the PHDCCI event on 9th of March in the evening.

 

On the 11th of March 2018on my return from Delhi, I saw a press statement of the Vice President, Mr Sartaj Madni, asserting that resolution of the political problem of J&K is the core agenda of the PDP and asking me to retract the statement I had reportedly made in Delhi.

 

By evening a letter from Mr.A R Veeri, Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee was delivered at my residence. It asked me to explain my statement which ‘has caused a serious dent to the image of the party.’ I called VeeriSbbut he was probably unable to take my call. He had later called back as I saw a missed call from his number.

 

Next day morning I spoke to Veeri Sahib and he suggested that I should talk to the Party President and the Chief Minister. I called the CM residence in New Delhi and was told that CM was busy and would call me back in 10 minutes. That call never came. By early afternoon I called up the CM residence and sought an appointment. Even as I was waiting for it, it was reported on the website of the Daily Greater Kashmir that the CM had decided to drop me from the council of ministers and had written to the Governor to this effect. I finally got a call to meet the CM at 7.15 pm.

 

The decision to drop me did come as a surprise but what was shocking was the manner and method of communicating it. While I understand and accept the decision of the Party, to take to media before talking to me, was painful. I was not accorded the opportunity to explain the context and the content of my speech.

 

Notwithstanding this, I am very grateful to Mufti Sahib and Mehboobaji to have been given the opportunity to contribute in whatever small way I could in accomplishing the Party Patron’s vision of addressing the distressing situation in and around Jammu and Kashmir which has jeopardized the security, peace and prosperity of the people of the state and imperilled stability in the subcontinent.

 

My association with PDP dates to those years when I wasn’t even formally into politics. The rapport I enjoyed with its late founder and patron is something that I would cherish all my life. The unflinching confidence that he always reposed in me and the relationship of trust that we shared is my source of strength to endure this situation.

 

Not for nothing did he entrust me with the task of negotiating with the BJP and make me the pointsman for thealliance which was later continued by Mehbooba ji. Every single meeting, discussion and negotiations were done with the knowledge and consent of the Patron and the President.

 

If there is one thing that I feel very proud of in my political stint in Kashmir till now, it is that I was Mufti Sahib’s Finance Minister. My association with Mufti Sahabdates back to 2003 when he appointed me as an Economic Adviser to the government headed by him. It was Mufti Sahab who inspired me and indeed persuaded me to join the politics as according to him politics provides the best instrument to serve the people and bring change in their lives.

 

When I was asked by the Party President to contest 2014 Assembly elections from Rajpora constituency, it was an honour and I was overwhelmed by the support extended by the people of the area to PDP’s inclusive and progressive policies resulting in my maiden election as an MLA from the area. I assure the people of the area that I will continue to work for them. I am very grateful to them for their love and affection.

 

I must thank Mehbooba ji for reposing trust in me which helpedthis Government to set offso many pioneering initiatives in the specific area of public expenditure management and generally in the fronts of economic development. I bear no ill will against anyone. That’s simply not my way of being.

 

I am committed to work for the welfare of the people of the state in whatever capacity I am in now. At a personal level, for me and my family, it is Dejavu! And since God has been kind to me there is no reason for me not to trust in his benevolence this time round. I stand by my choices, political or otherwise. And firmly believe that he knows best!”

 

JKYJA Observes 6th Anniversary

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Srinagar, 05 March: Jammu and Kashmir Young Journalists Association
(JKYJA) is observing its 6th anniversary today. It was on this day in
2012 that the working body of young journalists from the state was
constituted. JKYJA is the first association of young working
journalists.

The idea of forming an association that takes care of the young
journalists in the field came about as a result of difficult situation
that the young scribes face in conflict ridden Kashmir, said the
founding President  Ajaz Ahmad War.

“It is an extremely difficult job for young, unprotected journalists
to work in a conflict zone like Kashmir and their limb and life are at
risk,” said War. “While all the journalists are equally susceptible to
the vagaries of conflict, the younger generation is more prone to be
at the receiving end. So, it was mandatory for us to form a body of
young working journalists, so that their problems and grievances could
be addressed.”

JKYJA Vic President Bilal Furqani said that the formation of such an
organization was the need of the hour and it is meant to take care of
the requirements of young journos and address their problems.

General Secretary of the organization Rameez Makhdoomi said that JKYJA
is doing an exemplary job and raises various issues at different
platforms to address the grievances of young scribes.

At a function held at the head office, Organizer Majid Kapra impressed
upon the members to strengthen the body further, so as to guarantee a
better future for young journos.

Treasurer Bilal Bhat urged the need to make the association more
vibrant by organizing various activities across the state.