The outrage, though justified, is long overdue!

Far from being a lion in winter, Bal Thackeray is increasingly displaying signs of dotage and the petulance that accompanies it.And like the once powerful lion that has been vanquished by a younger and far stronger rival he finds himself increasingly bereft of support or adulation.Stung by the humiliating losses in the recent elections in Maharashtra, he has once again adopted a strategy that can only appeal to the lumpen elements(of whom there are many)in his party.A policy that admittedly paid dividends in the past but one that reeks of desparation now.

What prompted Thackeray latest shenanigans?To those of you who are unfamiliar with the game of cricket, India has a player who is held in awe and reverence.His name is Sachin Tendulkar and recently he completed twenty years playing test cricket;a singular achievement by any standards.Now Sachin like any intelligent sportsman has done all that is needed to maximize his earnings.And part of his strategy has been to stay away from anything controversial.No one can blame him for with annual earnings in excess of USD 50 million, he is smart to do nothing to jeopardize his income.A few days ago, Tendulkar made what by any yardstick is an absolutely benign statement.He stated that though he was a proud Maharashtrian he was an Indian first.But Bal Thackeray who has never been known for making a sane or rational argument immediately pilloried Tendulkar stating that the latter had besmirched Marathi pride!The derision that greeted this outrageous decree was near unanimous and Thackeray has been left licking his wounds.

As much as I share the concern of the rest of us, I must confess that I am not only bemused but more importantly disappointed that it took so long for the people of this country to express their outrage, for Thackeray is guilty of far more heinous crimes than this.Right from the days he targeted South Indians in Matunga, his brand of politics has been responsible for violence and mayhem.And the bitter truth is that the Muslim community has been victimized more than anyone else.

Where was the outrage when he orchestrated the riots in Bhiwandi which were started to destroy the economic livelihood of Muslims?Except for a courageous few, there was shameful silence and complicity, when the goons of the Sena and the members of the police colluded to systematically attack, rape and murder Muslims in the riots in Bombay in 1993.Why has no action been taken on the basis of the SRIKRISHNA report which clearly mentions those responsible for the buthchery in Bombay?Time and again Thackeray has exhorted his followers to attack Muslims but still no action has been taken.In an interview with Anita Pratap and published in TIME magazine in 1992, Thackeray stated that Muslims in India should meet the same fate as the Jews in Nazi Germany.And yet there was no outrage!I would have been proud if these incidents had provoked a brave and spirited response;had that happened the pogrom in Gujarat may have been prevented or at the very least the Butcher of Gujarat brought to justice.

And finally, shame on you Bal Thackeray for cynically trying to exploit the name of Sunil Gavaskar.Gavaskar, if you remember, was the man who single handedly and courageously saved the Muslims in his apartment complex from slaughter at the hands of the Sena goons.Your brand of politics is anathema not only to him but to all decent people.Lest you forget, let me remind you that dotage, like everything else finally leads to death.Pray that when that happens GOD shows you the mercy that you denied your hapless victims.

Accentuate the positive!

There is a growing tendency in our Ummah to criticise others for their perceived failures.The net result is that we are riven by dissension and are growing apart.This is a genuine problem and one that needs to be tackled if we are to face the challenges and the threats posed by our enemies.I am all for healthy debate and dissent;all I ask is that we keep it civil.Taking this concept one step further, I have decided to briefly state what I admire and like about a few organisations and the people associated with them.I must hasten to add that all these movements are based in India.

1 JAMIAT-E-AHL-HADEES - A strong and uncompromising commitment to the principles of Tawheed, strict adherence to The Quran and the Sunnah, and a concerted effort to steer the Ummah away from the perils of Shirk and Bidah; all these and more have endeared this group to me. One of the few organisations whose mosques invariably allow women to pray and participate in other functions.Its leaders are very knowledgeable and can hold their own against the best.

2 JAMAAT-E-ISLAMI - It is a matter of regret that this band of dedicated volunteers gets a bad rap in the press but I have been fortunate enough to come across many of its members and can state with no hesitation that they are moderate, well educated and dedicated to the concept of inter faith dialogue and community outreach. Add to this, their constant focus on helping the less fortunate sections of society and you have an organisation that is an asset to India.

3 TABLIGHI JAMAAT- Again, a group that many other Muslims really do not understand.On the whole consists of gentle and decent individuals whose aim in life is to help Muslims understand the fundamentals of our religion. I have watched them work tirelessly among fellow Muslims , exhorting them to perform Salah and fast among other things, and am aware that the lives of many non practising Muslims witnessed a dramatic change for the better.Kudos to them for their efforts.

4 ISLAMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION- Headed by the dynamic Dr Zakir Naik, this Foundation deserves full credit for taking the message of Islam to our non muslim brethren. Has done a lot to convince our fellow countrymen that Islam is a religion of peace and seeks to dispel misconceptions, myths and lies about our wonderful faith. Responsible for starting modern Islamic schools in urban centres and inspiring others to do the same. Thanks to them, we have access to high quality Islamic television programmes on PEACE TV. They have proved that hard work, dedication and sincerity lead to success.

And finally, a word of appreciation for the many anonymous volunteers, workers and philanthropists in our community who tirelessly work for the betterment of our Ummah with no expectation of any reward except the Pleasure of Allah Wa Subhan Wa Taala.

May Allah Subhan Wa Taala grant each one of us the Hidayah to love each other, to cover our Brothers' faults and to forge a strong bond of unity.Ameen.

The importance of Zikr

Zikr means the rememberance of Allah Subhan Wa Taala and can be done very easily.There are many simple things that can be recited and for which there is great reward.

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah said, "He who recites after every prayer: Subhan Allah (Allah is free from imperfection) 33 times; Alhamdu lillah (praise be to Allah) 33 times; Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greatest) 33 times; and completes the hundred with: La ilaha illallahu, wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa `ala kulli shai'in Qadir (there is no true god except Allah. He is One and He has no partner with Him. His is the sovereignty and His is the praise, and He is Omnipotent), will have all his sins pardoned even if they may be as large as the foam on the surface of the sea.'' (Muslim).

Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet said, "I love repeating Subhan Allah , Walhamdu lillah , wa La ilaha ill-Allah, wa Allahu Akbar (Glorified is Allah, all praise is due to Allah, and there is no God but Allah, Allah is the greatest) more than all that the sun shines upon.'' (Muslim and Tirmidhi).

There are many other forms of Zikr that are simple and can be easily memorised.All that is needed is a little effort on our part.Let us resolve to keep our tongues moist with the remeberance of our Creator.Inshallah, our lives will change for the better.

my first post

Assalamu alaikum!

After a long hiatus, I have decided to return to the world of blogging. Hopefully, I will be regular and blog on issues confronting the Ummah.

There is much that I have to say and not all of it can be easily reduced to words. I shall make a sincere effort nonetheless; this I promise.

As I blog from the city of Madras(somehow I still cannot call it Chennai;it will always be Madras to me) I remind myself that Muslims in India face certain unique challenges. My endeavour in the months to come will be to offer my perspective on this and other issues.

I look forward to your support and encouragement.

Jazak Allah