Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Mauritius: Freedom from Slavery
Sunday, February 4, 2018
Inner Peace in A Troubled World
A World of Dizzying Inequality
Yes, turn to HIM, The Saviour, The Healer, The Protector, The Merciful. He offers all the remedies. Without fees. Without an appointment. He only asks us one thing: to think of HIM at all times. He is here to listen to us. All we sick people have to do is to have unreserved faith and piety. Believe in Him, in His remedies, in His miracles. Are we ready for this?
Monday, October 23, 2017
The Rohingya Exodus and India's Policy
Mr. Siraj, a refugee from the Rohingya community, was one of the Panelists, sharing a searing testimonial of what it means to be a refugee, being forced to abandon one's people and livelihood behind to escape injustice and oppression in the land. He spoke of a time when his grandfather and others of that generation and before could work and live as common citizens in Myanmar with all legal rights and civil protection available to all other citizens in the country, pointing to the enormous change in the fortunes of Rohingyas from being 'citizens' to 'stateless persons' in Myanmar. Two journalists on the Panel- Mr. Prashant Tandon and Mr. Akhlaque Usmani- shared their perspectives on the problem, reflecting on the Rohingya community's travails in recent decades as well as on the debate currently on the issue in the Indian media and government circles.
As a student of international law and justice, this writer had the pleasure and privilege of chairing the programme that included a lively opinion-sharing, question-answer session with the audience. In that public conversation, one could argue that international law considerations are potentially important on three distinct sets of issues and concerns in the context of the present problem from the standpoint of (i) ensuring accountability of the perpetrators of the crimes against humanity in Myanmar; (ii) providing immediate humanitarian relief and assistance to the victims of the forced displacement; and (iii) the duty/responsibility/obligation of States like India to receive refugees even in the absence of a national refugee law.
Thursday, October 19, 2017
On Spirituality and Social Service
Sunday, September 10, 2017
Surah Al-Ma'un: A Commentary
This chapter deals with the meaning and
real way of praying Allah. We need to have a firm conviction and attention during
our prayer; we need to have a practical mind and a sincere will by helping
others. It is with an absolute sincerity and not with an arrogant mind as a way
to show-off that all Muslims need to demonstrate whenever they are
accomplishing their devotions and charities. All devotions/ acts of worship
shall be rendered vain if we do not put all our heart, soul and conscience
towards their fulfilment. We have to perform our prayer with sincerity,
understanding and a spotless (clear) concentration.
Verses 2 &3:
Ara aytallazii yukazzibu bid Diin. Fa zaalikallazii yadu-‘ul yatiim -
Have you seen him who denies the Judgment (to come)?
Then such is the one who repulses the orphan (with harshness);
The word “Diin” here
means: (1) Judgement Day, taking responsibility in the moral and spiritual
worlds, for all deeds which men accomplish, or (2) Faith, religion, the
principles of good and evil in spiritual matters which are very often in
conflict with egoistic desires and personal preferences (of people).
It is those who reject faith or the subsequent responsibility who treat the weak ones with contempt and it is them who lead their lives with egoism and arrogance. Allah loves us all. Why should we then have contempt for the weak and poor?