JAIHOON.COM

Preface

The majority of the modern “educated” people are today faced with a religious crisis. Is religion really a fact of life? It might have been one in the past, but does it still remain so in the world of today when science has changed the whole course of life, and when there is no place in it for anything save science and what scientific facts approve of? Does religion represent a genuine need of humanity? Or is it something wholly dependent upon the temperamental constitution of an individual so that one may not believe in it as there is no difference between the two states of belief and unbelief ‘?

Animals in the Glorious Quran - Introduction

by Ahmad Bahjat
This group of animals was mentioned in the Ever-Glorious Qur’an along with another group that included a bird, animal or plant but was actually a miracle of Allah. For example, Musa’s staff that was turned into a snake. ‘Isa’s clay that he had formed and breathed onto it, and it became a real bird by Allah’s Permission. The flocks of birds that Allah (Exalted and Glorified be He) sent to the companions of the elephant to strike them with stones of baked clay.

വിദ്യയും മതാനുഭവവും

ഡോ. അല്ലാമാ മുഹമ്മദ്‌ ഇഖ്ബാല്‍

വിവ: അഷ്‌റഫ്‌

നാം ജീവിക്കുന്ന പ്രപഞ്ചത്തിന്‍രെ സ്വഭാവവും പൊതുഘടനയുമെന്താണ്‌? അതിന്റെ സംവിധാനത്തില്‍ സ്ഥായിയായ വല്ല ഘടകവുമുണ്ടോ? നാം അതുമായി എങ്ങനെ ബന്ധപ്പെട്ടിരിക്കുന്നു? നമുക്കിതിലെയെന്തു സ്ഥാനമാണുള്ളത്‌? നാം വസിക്കുന്ന സ്ഥലത്തിനനുയോജ്യമായ സ്വഭാവങ്ങളെന്തൊക്കെയാണ്‌? ഇത്തരം ചോദ്യങ്ങള്‍ മതം, തത്ത്വചിന്ത, സവര്‍ണ കവിത എന്നവയില്‍ സാധാരണമാണ്‌. കാവ്യതാല്‍പര്യങ്ങളില്‍ നിന്ന്‌ ലഭിക്കുന്ന അറിവ്‌ പ്രധാനമായും വ്യക്തികേന്ദ്രീകൃതമാണ്‌. അത്‌ അലങ്കാരികവും അവ്യക്തവും അനിര്‍വചനീയവുമാണ്‌. മതം അതിന്റെ ഔന്നിത്യത്തില്‍ കവിതക്കുമുകളിലാമ്‌. അത്‌ വ്യക്തിയില്‍ നിന്ന്‌ സമൂഹത്തിലേക്ക്‌ പ്രവഹിക്കുന്നു.

Safety on the road

Servants of Allah, Allah has honored mankind with dignity. He also gave us the right to live. He pointed out that any harm caused to a human being is like harming all humanity. Allah says ‘if anyone killed a person not in retaliation of murder, or (and) to spread mischief in the land - it would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind.’

New Models of Islamic Education in Kerala

It is evident that Mappilas had moved ahead in the past along with the changes in the educational trends of international Muslim community, but with adjustments and accommodations needed in the cultural atmosphere they lived in. An analysis of their pre-20th century history shows that they had developed three kinds of educational systems to impart education at primary, higher and mass levels. Othupallies, better translated as Maktabs or writing schools, served as the schools of primary education teaching the children all the preliminary knowledge about Islam that is compulsory for every individual to know, with a special emphasis on Qur’an recitation. ‘Palli Darses’ or mosque-colleges served as knowledge centres producing religious scholars who could lead the community, teach its next generation and maintain the intellectual tradition intact. ‘Palli’ is the local word for Muslim mosques and Christian Churches, whereas Dars comes from one of the Arabic word for teaching and learning.

മുഖ്യധാരയിലെ ഐക്യം: സമസ്തക്ക്‌ പറയാനുള്ളത്‌

അഭിവന്ദ്യരായ വരക്കല്‍ മുല്ലക്കോയതങ്ങളുടെ അധ്യക്ഷതയില്‍ ചേര്‍ന്ന വിപുലമായ പണ്ഡിത സംഗമത്തിലാണ്‌ ബിദഇകളെ പ്രതിരോധിക്കുന്നതിനായി അഹ്ലുസ്സുന്നത്തിവല്‍ ജമാഅത്തിന്റെ അനുയായികളെ ഒരുമിപ്പിച്ച്‌ ഒരു സംഘടനക്ക്‌ രൂപം നല്‍കാന്‍ തീരുമാനമാകുന്നത്‌. അങ്ങനെയാണ്‌ 1926 ല്‍ കോഴിക്കോട്ട്‌ വെച്ച്‌ സമസ്ത രൂപീകൃതമാകുന്നത്‌.

Outlive crisis by the light of Tawhid : Shihab Thangal

Chandrika Daily, 16 Feb 2002.
It is only a culturally conscious student generation that can lead the future Kerala, said Panakkad Syed Muhammad Ali Shihab Thangal, the state president of Indian Union Muslim League.
He was speaking at the concluding function of MSF Conference (Muslim Student Federation) held at the ‘Cordoba’ city in Kerala.
The responsibility of the […]

To My dear Headmaster

Sayyed Shihab Thangal’s memoir on the headmaster and founding member of MM High School, PV Mohammed Translated by Jaihoon
Madrasathul Mohammadiyya (MM High School) in those days was popular in Malabar and elsewhere due to the combined education of modern and religious subjects.
As I completed my primary education from the DMRT UP school at Panakkad, […]

A Panakkad descendant @ the Cultural Oasis of Arabia

Syed Basheer Ali’s visit to Sharjah
Born in 1971, Syed Basheer Ali Shihab, received his primary education in local school in Panakkad. He was admitted to Farooq college, but later got admission in Aligarh Muslim university for BA commerce stream. After completing his bachelors in commerce, he joined for Law in Trivandrum, the capital city. But […]

Panakkad Sayyid Muhammad Ali Shihab Thangal

The history of Syed Shihab family
The Panakkad Syed family has a separate history of its own. The Syed Ali Shihab who migrated to Northern Kerala from Hadramaut of Yemen is the founder of the Shihab family. He belonged to the 33rd generation of Ahl Bait family of Holy Prophet .
His son Syed Hussein married […]

Clearing the mist of distortion

Exclusive interview with Abdus Samad Pookotur, state secretary- SYS, Kerala. Apr 07 2002
The popular media, both online and offline, has not missed a single opportunity blemish the image of Islam and its followers. The topics range from issues of faith to that of practice. For some time, it was the issues such as polygamy. At […]

Kunhai Musliyar - The Birbal of Malabar

Kunhain Musliyar was the Birbal of Malabar. Birbal was the minister of Emperor Akbar who was known for his mastery of satire. The Musliyar received his education at Ponnani Juma’ Masjid.
He was critical of the superstitions and evils in the society and openly criticized the misdoings of the authorities. There are not much authentic records […]

Unveiling the Veil

“Neither purdah nor education, be it new or old,
Man alone is the sentinel of female’s womanhood
Of the people who did not understand this living truth
The sun has set very soon.”
- Allama Iqbal
Although Eid has lost its previous glory due to the commercialization, it has not affected the sale of purdah. While there is no check […]

Mother’s care @ MeraWatan

Exclusive interview with Sheikh Muhammad Karakunnu, Director of Islamic Publishing House, Kerala, on May 18th 2002
It was in midst of his busy schedule that Jaihoon was given an opportunity to meet face to face with the renowned writer and thinker whom other writers see as their honorable guru.
So here was a dot-com enthusiast
With questions he […]

Thunjath Ezhuthachan : The Father of Malayalam language

Thunjath Ezhuthachan was born around 450 years ago in Malappuram district. The story of his birth is mixed with myths and truths. His real name was Ramanujan and signs of brilliance were evident in his childhood. He traveled extensively in search of knowledge and returned to Thrikandiyur, his birthplace, after mastering the religious sciences.
The privileged […]

PMSA Pookoya Thangal: The dazzling light of today’s daybreak

‘Today is the sound continuation of Yesterday’
The flowers of past used to blossom in Imam’s gatherings. These moments tied present with the past. He was particular that ‘Today was the sound continuation of yesterday’. Today’s daybreak acquired its light from the fading light of yesterday’s twilight. History is not meager tales of past events. It […]

MeraWatan: Not just about trade

“MeraWatan was there when Shah Bandar, the Arabian trader, was the chief tradesman of the Kingdom of Samudiri, the king of Calicut. The flow of petro-dollars gave another dimension to this relationship that was established even during the time of King Solomon. And now in the 21st century, the bond between the sand dunes […]

Genesis and Growth of the Mappila Community

Contributed to Jaihoon.com by Dr. Hussein Randathani. Posted on December 16 2005
The long-standing Arab contact

CH Mohammed Koya: The Architect of Malabar

Architect of Modern Malabar
C.H. Mohammed Koya was the son of Ahmed Musliyar and Mariyumma. He was born on July 15 1927 at Attoli of Calicut district. His father was a countryside doctor and a specialist in Yunani Medicine. The family had to face many hardships in their life.
At high School was his primary experience of […]

Great Ones are grown in the lap of Noble Mothers

[A life sketch of Sayyeda Khairunnisa, the mother of Maulana Syed Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi.]
Maulana’s mother was a hafidhah (committed Holy Quran into memory), a scholar and a poetess. A few of her books, including two poetry collections, have been published. She enjoyed good command over the women of the village and hence led […]

Bringing about change, without causing much rage

[Dr. Farhat Hashmi’s exclusive interview by Abiya Ahmed, Department of English, American University of Sharjah]
Introduction
(by Jaihoon)
Change is essential for the continuity of humanity on earth. And for such a purpose, every society has bred reformers whenever the situation has demanded them.
A quick look through the history of Islamic history reveals to us interesting facts. When […]

Father should complement Mother

Her Highness Jawaher on the Father’s role in building the family structure
Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, has lamented the “receding role of the father” in UAE society, and urged parents to […]

Faith is not about just dressing up

Dr. Princess Sara on the effect of Media on children.
Dr Princess Sara bint Abdul Mohsen Al Saud yesterday said the media is playing a master role in fuelling the “fierce struggle of civilizations” the world is witnessing nowadays.
She also warned Arab youth against adopting alien concepts, which aim to distort their Islamic identity.
Dr Princess […]

Zamzam Cola and Muslim Barbie!

MANAMA, May 21, 2002 (IslamOnline & News Agencies)
Iran’s version of Coke has hit the shelves of Bahrain’s supermarkets as residents of the Gulf kingdom increasingly express their frustration at U.S. policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by boycotting American products.
“There is growing demand for substitutes to American soft drinks, which is what prompted us to import […]

Western sciences came from Eastern Civilizations: Amartya Sen

[An edited excerpt from Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen’s address to the World Newspaper Congress, held between May 26 and 29 in Belgium]
I knew Daniel Pearl a little. He came to a talk of mine in Paris about two years ago, and we chatted afterwards. He knew then that he was soon going to be based […]

Some embarrassing truths!

[ Timesofindia.com, SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2002 AMERICA CALLING, by Nikhat Kazmi]
India. Ah! Bombay Dreams…Bollywood…Lagaan… A.R. Rahman. Pakistan. Yeah! Musharraf aka Busharraf aka our man in Islamabad. This is the stock response you get from the average American when he learns you are from India.
While Broadway already bears posters of Bombay Dreams, the All American […]

Desert Culture and Artificial Superiority

[Coexistence with expatriates, Ali Saad Al-Mousa/Al-Watan, 5 August 2002]
At the end of the last academic year I attended a ceremony organized by one of the university departments, where I work, in honor of an American Muslim professor, who was leaving the Kingdom after spending about 10 years.
On this occasion, I wished him a happy life […]

Then reading to learn, Now learning to read

[Why don’t we read? By Wajeha Al-Huwaider/Al-Watan, Published on 26 August 2002, Arabnews.com]
Several years ago when I was trying to get a job here, I discovered that what I had studied for my master’s degree was a largely unknown subject. Consequently I found it hard to explain what was meant by Reading Management which is, […]

The Cultural Architect marches across cultural boundaries

Sept. 6th 2002.
Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi inaugurated an Arabic calligraphy Exhibition held on the sidelines of the first International Conference on Middle East studies.
Sharjah participated with 30 works of calligraphy the from the museum of Sharjah. The opening was attended by the education minister of German province of Rheinland Pflatz.
He also visited […]

Art: Endeavor to Locate Culture

[by Hoor Al-Qasimi, director, Sharjah international Biennial 6 on behalf of the artists, their curators and their work.]
The sixth Sharjah Biennial hosts have a long history. Venice is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in June this year. Sharjah, over 12 years, has followed the protocols established by Venice, categorizing artists in terms of their national […]

Dr. Sheikh Sultan receives honorary doctorate

Dr Sheikh Sultan receiving the honorary doctorate in London. Picture: WAM
His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has been conferred an honorary doctorate degree in law by the South Bank University of London.
During a graduation ceremony held here yesterday, to mark the graduation of 700 students, […]

‘Let’s Run a Race, but First Let Me Break Your Knees.’

An edited version from the article by by Arundhati Roy, ‘Buy One, Get One Free’ ; Sponsored by the Center for Economic and Social Rights; May 19, 2003. Copyright 2003 by Arundhati Roy
In these times, when we have to race to keep abreast of the speed at which our freedoms are being snatched from us, […]

What went wrong!

Arab Leaders are winning, Mr. Mahboob A. Khawaja, Ph.D., specializes in strategic studies with keen interests in comparative civilizations, change and development, conflict resolution and author of recent publication: “Muslims and the West: Quest for Change and Conflict Resolution”, Maryland, U.S.A. 2000.
There would be “no triumph of folly if there would be no submissive fools”, […]

‘Arabs! Change, or you will be changed.’

Transcript of Shaikh Mohammad’s opening speech @ the Arab Strategy Forum
I wish a warm welcome to our guests.
This forum is held on the first day after the end of the mourning period for our dear departed Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. May Allah have mercy on his soul.
As we resume our official activities and […]

Time Poverty in the Technology Era

[By RICHARD SEVEN, Seattle Times]
Today, the constant pinging of your e-mail can be like the drip-drip-drip of water torture. We’re swimming in doodads and options - text messaging and search engines, Blackberries and blogs, Wi-fi, cell phones that try to do all of the above, and the promise that we haven’t seen anything yet.
We’re […]

Schooling for Failure!

Professor Yusuf Progler, islamonline.net
Measure of Failure
Before we can speak about the failures of modern schooling, in the West or anywhere else, we should consider what it is that schooling has set out to do. This will help us to consider whether or not schooling has failed at anything, or if it has actually succeeded in […]

Tips to a Blissful Marriage

Taken from “Blissful Marriage” by Dr. Ekram & M. Rida Beshir
1) Never go to bed with an unsettled argument; learn to have differences without letting them affect your relationship.
2) Express opinions in a calm and polite way. Do not shout or yell. Learn to
keep your cool even at the most tense moments and learn to […]

Muslim Veil as a Symbol of Cultural Identity

LONDON, 28 October 2006 — I spent seven years of my girlhood heavily veiled — not in a Muslim niqab but in a nun’s habit. We wore voluminous black robes, large rosaries and crucifixes, and an elaborate headdress: You could see a small slice of my face from the front, but from the side I […]

The Cultural Architect honors Arab world

Dr. Sheikh Sultan wins King Faisal Award
The honour of King Faisal Award bestowed on Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Al Qassimi is an honour for the emirate, the country and the Arab scholars the world over.
The Award
The 2001 King Faisal Award was given in recognition of Dr […]

The true psyche of the Malayalee

‘The true psyche of the Malayalee is revealed outside his homeland. At home, he is a creature absorbed in trivial controversies and debates. He endears controversies more than food. The expatriate Keralites show a greater degree of understanding and unity’ says E.T. Mohammed Basheer, the former educational minister of Kerala.
He was speaking at a reception […]

Umar Qazi - Sufi Poet on Horseback

Introduction
In 19th and 20th centuries, India had to bear many sufferings at the hands of British rule. The Indian Muslims fought with full vigor to oppose the British imperialistic designs. They had to face drastic economic consequences as a result. In the anti-imperialistic battle, great leaders who left their marks on history led them.
Umar Qazi […]

Dedication

Throughout my stay in Sharjah for the past 15 years, I have witnessed the bits and pieces of the cultural happenings taking place in the Arab world. Every civilization has to pass through a series of changes, I agree. Yet, there need to be efforts to revitalize the past culture with the same degree of […]

Great Ones are grown in the lap of Noble Mothers

[A life sketch of Sayyeda Khairunnisa, the mother of Maulana Syed Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi.]

Maulana’s. . .

Allama Iqbal’s Biography

Birth
Iqbal was born in the Punjab on February 22, 1873. His ancestors, who were Kashmiri Brahmins, had embraced Islam two hundred years earlier. Iqbal’s own father was a devout Muslim with Sufistic bent of mind.
Primary Education
He received his early education in Sialkot. After passing the entrance examination, he joined Intermediary College. Mir Hassan, a great […]

Life sketch of Shah Waliyullah

Life sketch of Shah Waliyullah

Birth

Shah Waliyullah was born in 1703 AC four years before. . .

Allama Iqbal and Umar Qazi: Two lovers of the Holy Prophet

By Jaihoon, published in Iqbal Review, by Iqbal Academy Hyderabad, Apr 1998. Posted on June 06, 2007
(The author is Chief Editor of Jaihoon.com, a non-profitable initiative delivering innovative and thought-provoking perspectives. He writes frequently on mystic themes and contemporary issues. He lives in the Middle East with his parents, wife and son and has authored […]

Journal Contd: Sep 24

Journal Contd: Sep 24
Around mid-day, I arrived in the house of Dr. Kamal Pasha at Tirurangadi, the aged veteran historian who held a senior post in the Calicut University. He is a popular Islamist and holds strange radical views on topics related to education and society. He shared a lot of facts and judgments on […]

Journal Contd

Today at around 1pm, I left for Hyderabad, my first time ever. Accompanied by two cousins, junior and wife, the train started from Shornur on time. It was gonna be a journey of 24 hours; in the same train. We made sure the camera’s were super charged and our excitement was at its pinnacle. The […]

Transforming solar energy to neural electric impulse on our taste-buds

Jaihoon’s essay on sustenance provided by God for Man.
We live in a calculated world. Our

The Generation Clash

[Transcript of a talk given to Asianet feature program]
Allama Mohammed Iqbal, the Poet of