Main to paida huee Bharat mein mohabbat  ke liye

Sab ba-ratte hain magar apni zaroorat ke liye

Jab bhi aata hai  election tho maiN yaad aati huN

Warna phir sab ke damagon se nikal jaati huN

Aye watan meri tabaahi ki katha bhi sun ley

Ek majboor se thoda  sa gila bhi sun ley

That is a takeoff on Allama Iqbal’s ‘Shikwa’ by Talib Khundmiri, Hyderabad’s best-known poet, to illustrate the pathetic condition of Urdu. A dying language, on the wane, bleak future – the list of doomsday predictions is endless. Equally long is the line-up of lip-sympathisers and chest beaters – ever ready to champion the cause of Urdu.

Over the years Hyderabad has witnessed any number of movements and agitations to secure Urdu its due, the objectives always tainted by political expediency.  But now the city is seeing a selfless and constructive programme to protect and propagate the language. Of late a silent but concerted effort is underway to swell the ranks of Urdu readers. From just 10 Urdu teaching centers in 1994 to 800 in 2023, the transformation reflects a monumental shift driven by dedicated efforts. It also underscores a remarkable evolution in Urdu teaching accessibility and outreach. Now Urdu is being taught to whosoever is interested. No age restrictions, no fee and no ulterior motives. The singular aim is to increase the abiding interest in Urdu.

This trail blazing work is taken up not by the Urdu Academy, any voluntary organisation or any educational institution. It is the country’s premier Urdu newspaper and Hyderabad’s popular daily, Siasat, which is spreading Urdu literacy. Many believe Siasat has a vested interest in imparting Urdu learning as it wants to protect is future readership.

“It is not to safeguard our readership but to teach Urdu as a mother tongue to Muslims and also to those interested in it that we have taken up this task,” is the oft repeated remarks made by the late Zaheeruddin Ali Khan, Managing Editor, Siasat.

The Abid Ali Khan Educational Trust, which is spearheading the programme, has taught Urdu to more than 10 lakh persons till date, says Siasat News Editor, Amer Ali Khan.

It was after the death of Abid Ali Khan, founder –editor of Siasat, that his family decided to launch a social service activity to perpetuate his name. An Educational Trust was formed in 1993 befitting the stature of the veteran editor who created and nurtured many institutions during his lifetime. The Siasat family was concerned that Urdu, a language with rich history, was slowly fading away due to overwhelming influence of modernity. They recognised the urgency to pass on this cultural gem to the generation next. Their efforts have paid off. Siasat has succeeded in rekindling a sense of pride among people about their heritage.

Initially the idea of imparting Urdu did not find many takers in the Siasat office itself. After giving an advertisment asking those interested in Urdu’s promotion to come, the management arranged about two dozen chairs in a hall. But the response took everyone by surprise. People came in droves and wanted to know what scheme was being launched. They were not prepared to listen to speeches but wanted action. That showed the innate desire of people to learn Urdu.

Of course, Siasat was ready with its plans. Departing from the conventional method of teaching, the phonetic system was adopted for faster learning. The Urdu primer, developed with the help of Raziur  Rahman of Dawn Education Society, proved very effective. Each word in the book is spelled in Telugu, English and Hindi language – making it easier for learners.

The Trust teamed up with private schools in the city and supplied the reading materials, including Urdu primers, pencils, rubbers, notebooks and black boards. A token amount towards conveyance of teachers was also given. The tie up with Siasat proved very beneficial to schools as they got lot of free publicity. The number of students on their rolls increased substantially.

To start with 10 centres were set up in the summer of 1994 and within a few days another 35 were opened to cope up with the demand. That year 4,947 students, including 556 women and some street children, passed out the Urdu Dani examination. Next year along with Urdu Dani, examination was held to the next course – Zaban Dani. A total of 15,366 students passed out.  Later another advanced course, Insha, was added. The good response from districts forced the Trust to open 44 centres in the then combined State of Andhra Pradesh.

The course material prepared by the Trust received so much appreciation that the Delhi Urdu Academy copied it. In Bombay, cine star, Dilip Kumar, opened an Urdu school in Dharavi slum. NRIs also evinced interest and soon Urdu learning centres were set up in Dubai, Kuwait, Jeddah, Riyadh, London and Chicago. Today the Trust has its teaching centres all over the country. This year 87,000 candidates appeared for the Urdu exam conducted by the Trust at 479 centres in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra. In the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad alone 340 exam centres were set up. Many of those who took the exam were from English medium schools.

t is not just neo-literates, but also University professors, doctors, professionals, housewives, who are learning Urdu. There is definitely an awakening among Muslims to learn their mother tongue as much of the Islamic literature is available in Urdu language. Among non-Muslims, the desire to learn Urdu is driven by the flavour of its poetry.

Zaheeruddin, who personally looked after the Trust activities, had no doubt that the future of Urdu is bright and that it is going to survive.

In teaching it is the method and not the content that is important – the drawing out, not the pumping in. This perhaps is the reason behind the runaway success of the Urdu teaching programme launched by the Trust.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in Siasat.com portal.

Dated August 30,2023

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A journalist. A Telangana protagonist. A regular figure at protest meetings. A pensive figure at conferences. A concerned citizen whose heart beats for the poor. A secularist to the core. A force to reckon with. Sure.

That gives a word picture of Zaheeruddin Ali Khan, former Managing Editor, The Siasat. In his 62 years, he was more than just a friendly, smiling face. He epitomised the essence of selflessness and compassion. He touched many lives, particularly of Muslim boys and girls, struggling for quality education. In his later years he took on the mighty Wakf mafia and showed by example what protection and conservation really means. Quiet, firm, and unrelenting. His passing away has brought the curtains down on a multifaceted career.

As I sit down to pen a few words about my friend of 30 years, I am at a loss for words. Zaheer Bhai, as he was affectionately called, was so talented and versatile that it is impossible to describe all his traits. But suffice it is to concentrate on just one aspect: his love and care for the well-being of the community. More than a journalist he was a social worker – a true humanitarian. He espoused causes that are not essentially part of a newspaper job. He went the extra mile to help people, especially during times of strife. Zaheer sab was there to lend a hand, be it the Gujarat massacre, the Mumbai riots, or the Bihar floods. He raised money through the Siasat Millat Fund and mobilised resources to help the affected. He was always at the forefront, ready to ease pain and suffering. This compassionate trait earned him a special place in the hearts of people. His innate sense of empathy touched countless lives and brought a ray of hope to despairing souls.

Zaheer Sab’s philanthropy was not limited to just emergency situations. He was always ready to support the needy and destitute. People made a beeline to his office for all sorts of things. Some would come to him seeking a job, some for educational support, and few others for help in corrections to Aadhaar cards and things like that. He lent an ear to everyone patiently and did the best he could.

For him, education was the master key to success. He believed it to be the best investment one could make. And all through his life, he tried to open the doors of opportunities through education to the poor and underprivileged. Women empowerment was a cause dear to his heart. Realising the difficulty the community faced in marrying girls in view of rising dowry demand, Zaheer bhai came up with the idea of ‘Do-ba-do’ (face-to-face) programme. This unique programme helped many families find a suitable match for their daughters without having to run around.

Though I knew Zaheer bhai for a long time, I drew close to him after my retirement from The Hindu newspaper. He wanted me to write for Siasat.com, a news portal set up by him. After initial hesitation, I agreed. He interacted with me on a day-to-day basis discussing story ideas. Like many others, I was touched by his boundless energy and infectious smile. I met him at a book release programme at the P.S. Telugu University on Saturday evening. We chatted together. But I never knew that it would be our last meeting.

The love and respect commanded by Zaheer bhai was evident from the huge turnout of people at his funeral prayers at the Shahi Masjid on Tuesday morning. Rest in peace Zaheer bhai. Your efforts to transform lives will continue to have a ripple effect.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in Siasat.com portal.

Dated August 8,2023

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Gummadi Vithal Rao, popularly known as Gaddar, did not want folk arts to languish, particularly his brand of ballad singing… He is no more. But his folk songs and the revolutionary message they carry would continue to move souls.

Balladeer Gaddar, who passed away the other day, was a folk singer par excellence. He cast a spell on the audience when he got into the rhythm. A hush would descend as he stepped onto the stage in the typical Telangana shepherd outfit, a red turban rakishly tied on the forehead. As he sang in a rustic voice to the accompaniment of ‘dafli’ and jingling anklets, one couldn’t help but indulge in rhythmic tapping of foot.

His way of singing attracted not just the rural folks but urbanites too. City youth who go bonkers on the Western music and swing to a different beat are also fascinated by Gaddar.

During the 1990s, the revolutionary ballad singer set up a performing arts school by name ‘Prajakala’ to impart training in bhavam, raagam and talam. He also co-founded the Jana Natya Mandali, the Telugu cultural troupe of the CPI-ML. The legendary poet-singer played a significant role in reviving the Naxalite movement in Andhra Pradesh.

His school of art

Gummadi Vithal Rao, popularly known as Gaddar, did not want folk arts to languish, particularly his brand of ballad singing. Therefore, he decided to preserve and propagate the folk musical form among the talented persons under his direct patronage. He had his own way of teaching. He would invite experts to talk on different topics of current interest and then ask the students to pick an idea and develop it into a song and skit. Of course he was there to fine-tune the whole thing.

This reporter had the opportunity to interact with Gaddar and visit his institute in 1998. Folk art lovers came from far off places to the school set up by him in Venktapuram locality of Alwal. Many of them liked music, both Western and Hindustani, but it was the folk songs that held a special appeal to them.

“Folk arts are taught at the Telugu University but none can teach you the style and technique which Gaddar used to great advantage”, says an artist.

He was shot at once

Those days Gaddar used to keep a low profile ever since he was shot at in April 1997. As such those who came to learn the folk art preferred to remain anonymous as they were afraid of rubbing the law on the wrong side. Gaddar himself was concerned about the safety of his pupil. “I am teaching pure folk arts and not the PWG ideology here. Anyone can come and see for himself”, he remarked.

Gaddar was not surprised by the sudden explosion of interest in folk arts among urbanites. He knew the tremendous power his songs wielded when he got into the rhythm. “There is no better medium to touch heart strings”, he often said.

The maestro just did not give instructions but accompanied the learners step by step. Often he would pause to help them get the words right. A perfectionist to the core, he was not satisfied until the learners picked up the traditional beat, steps and accent and tried to do a la Gaddar.

What is special about his songs?

Well they are all deeply rooted in tradition and form the essence of the socio-political and cultural milieu of the region. He had a song and dance for every occasion. The diverse influences and upheavals felt in the geographical boundaries of the State are all reflected in his ballads.

The balladeer is no more. But his folk songs and the revolutionary message they carry would continue to move souls.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in The Siasat Daily

Dated August  7,2023.

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 People should be made aware of the pitfalls ahead, says author Aakar Patel during the release of Vidveshapu ‘Vishwaguru’.

The ‘divisive agenda and authoritarian rule’ of the Modi government pose a threat to democratic values and the secular fabric of the society. If left unchecked, it will push India to a perilous position.
These views were expressed by several prominent speakers at a book release function here on Saturday August 5. The relentless assault on minorities — particularly Muslims — and political opponents are undermining the democratic institutions. “These issues should be openly discussed and people should be made aware of the pitfalls ahead,” said noted writer, Aakar Patel, who released the book Vidveshapu ‘Vishwaguru’ (world teacher of hatred).
The book authored by Veekshanam editor N Venugopal is a collection of editorials written by him in his Hyderabad-based Telugu journal over the last nine years – contemporaneous with the Prime Minister, Narender Modi’s rule. The 80–odd editorials are a running commentary on the Sangh Parivar’s regime and expose each and every policy of the Modi government.
The programme held at the Potti Sriramulu Telugu University was presided over by Zaheeruddin Ali Khan, managing editor of The Siasat Daily. A number of writers, intellectuals and concerned citizens turned up for the programme.
The book cover, which has a diptych image of Hitler and Modi, indicating the connection between the fascist regimes, didn’t go unnoticed. Khan criticised the anti-minority stance of the Modi government and said what happened in Manipur was a shame. He cautioned people against the dangers of majority fundamentalism.
The RSS ideology, he said, would ultimately ruin the country. BJP was on a slippery wicket. It tried everything under its quiver in Karnataka and still failed. Fundamentalism would not last long. Khan congratulated Venugopal for the timely book and wanted it translated into English and other languages.
Katyayani Vidmahe, literary critic and former professor, Kakatiya University, spoke at length on the book. The scathing editorials lay bare the nefarious agenda of corporatisation going hand in hand with communalisation and militarisation. A whole lot of issues like religious intolerance, demonetisation, ghar wapsi, Rafale deal, CAA-NRC, love jihad, hijab controversy, bulldozer culture, killing of Planning Commission, media sell out are all discussed threadbare in the book. It also exposes the ‘ji huzoor’ culture of the Modi regime with corporate.
Speaking on the occasion, Aakar Patel, referred to the symbols of authoritarianism in front of the country and said large parts of the state appeared to be acting as a tyranny, particularly against civil society, activists and political opposition. Hindutva doesn’t have any positive agenda. It doesn’t address the social and economic problems of Dalits and Adivasis. It primarily pursued an anti-minority agenda, particularly against Muslims. For the first time, there is no Muslim chief minister, minister, MP or MLA of the ruling party. He accused the Modi government of targeting minorities through law. “Muslims are the only community for whom divorce is a criminal act while for others it is a civil offence. We should understand the harassment and more harassment of Muslims and combat it,” he remarked.
Akunuri Murali, former IAS officer and convenor, Social Democratic Forum, described Modi as ‘Hitler plus’ and called for delinking religion and religious politics. While religion was fine, religion politics was dangerous, he said. He accused the BJP regime of helping corporates to loot the country at the cost of quality education and quality health care.
Murali further criticised the false propaganda that Hindus will become a minority by 2040 and Muslims emerging as the majority community. “These bogus figures should be exposed and people told the reality,” he said.
Venugopal said Prime Minister Modi was the reason for his writing the book. He wanted to expose the ‘Mann ki jhooti baat’ told by Modi through his radio programme.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in The Siasat Daily

Dated August 6,2023.

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 Gurugram: Police personnel outside Anjuman Mosque which was set ablaze in the Sector 57 area, in Gurugram district, Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023. Some people in the crowd opened fire at the people present in the mosque as the violence that erupted in neighbouring Nuh district spread to Gurugram over an attempt to stop a Vishva Hindu Parishad procession. (PTI Photo)

Muslims are at the receiving end yet again. The sudden surge in communal violence and targeted attacks have put the largest religious minority in the country in a precarious situation. The gunning down of three Muslim passengers, including the RPF Assistant Sub-Inspector, Tika Ram Meena, in the Jaipur-Mumbai train at point blank range by an RPF constable, Chetan Singh, has sent shock waves through the community. Close on its heels comes the killing of a young Imam following an attack on a mosque in Gurugram by an armed mob – indicating a distressing pattern of targeted attacks against minorities.  These incidents are a clear pointer to the growing anti-Muslim sentiments in a section of society. It also shows what unchecked stoking of anti-Muslim hatred can lead to.
What is shocking is the unprovoked attack and communal remarks made by the RPF constable while shooting down the Muslim. Images going viral on social media are both disturbing and distressing, to say the least. While the gruesome killings have evoked all-round condemnation, the Hyderabad MP, Asaduddin Owaisi, has termed it a case of a ‘terror attack’. The Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) has dubbed it a politically inspired hate crime.  Shockingly there is no official statement till now. The motive behind the dastardly attack also remains a mystery. Silence and inaction on the part of the government, many feel, only encourage such communal bigots.
 “Chetan Singh is a hot-headed man given to altercation. He just lost temper and shot his senior then fired at whomever he saw”, remarked a senior RPF officer by way of explanation.
If the communal rant of the accused, Chetan Singh caught in the purported video clip is to be believed then the minorities who want to live in India have no choice but to vote for ‘Modi and Yogi’. In other words, what it means is that one would have to pay a heavy price for not towing the saffron party line.
“Chetan Singh could not have made himself clearer. He declared India a Hindu nation by saying that if you want to live in India, you must support the Hindu supremacist politicians Narendra Modi and Yogi Adityanath,” says Rasheed Ahmed, Executive Director, IAMC.
He also condemned the reign of terror let loose by the supremacist mob in Haryana where Maulana Saad, an Imam, was killed and Muslim-owned businesses were vandalized and torched.
The train tragedy and the attack on a mosque in Nuh, Haryana, have sparked fear and panic in the community. The silence of the government on these issues only adds to the distress, raising questions about its stance on communal harmony and the safety of minority communities. It is crucial to address the underlying factors that fuel such hatred and discrimination, including social, political, and economic factors. Leaders ought to condemn such acts unequivocally and work towards fostering a more inclusive and tolerant society.
The attack on the Jaipur-Mumbai train has not only caused loss of precious lives but also raises questions about the safety of railway travel. Ensuring the security of passengers, regardless of their religious or ethnic background, is essential to restore public confidence in the transportation system.

The silence of the government in the face of these incidents has left many in the Muslim community feeling marginalized and unheard. It is imperative for the government to address these concerns promptly and transparently, demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding the rights and security of all citizens.

With the parliament elections scheduled next year, there are concerns that the recent surge in communal violence may be a prelude to attempts at polarizing the electorate. Political parties must refrain from using divisive tactics and instead focus on promoting unity and social cohesion. The protection of minority rights is a fundamental aspect of a thriving democracy, and any attempt to exploit communal tensions for political gains must be condemned.

The frequent bouts of violence against minorities, particularly Muslims, many feel, is the result of invoking anti-Muslim feelings in the name of nationalism. What follows is the spate of communal tensions relating to beef lynching, hijab controversy, halal, bulldozer justice, and now UCC. All these issues have communally polarised the environment and threaten to tear apart the country’s unique syncretic social fabric.  

Not long ago the RSS chief, Mohan Bhagwat stated that the Indian Muslims are the happiest lot in the world. But nothing can be farther from the truth given the pall of gloom that has descended on the community and the panic that has gripped it.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in The Siasat Daily

Dated August 3,2023.

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Hyderabad: Muslim devotees during the 'Bibi Ka Alam' procession on the tenth day of the mourning period of Muharram, which marks the day of Ashura, in Hyderabad, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022. (File photo)

What does Hyderabad and Mysore have in common? No prizes for guessing. It is the fervour and zeal with which they observe Muharram and celebrate Dussehra. While Hyderabadis go all out to mark the triumph of truth over falsehood, the Mysorians do the same to commemorate the victory of good over evil. Both the events draw huge crowds and culminate in long-winding processions. Another common factor is the use of elephants to carry the historic relics. While in Mysore a decorated pachyderm carries the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, in Hyderabad a caparisoned elephant transports the Bibi-ka-Alam on Youm-e-Ashoora, the tenth day of Muharram.
Well, the similarities between the religious rites of the two faiths end here. However, in Hyderabad Muharram, which marks the commencement of the new Islamic year, has both religious and historic significance. Particularly, Azadari (mourning), the highlight of Muharram is a subject by itself. The practice of public display of grief and lamentation is as old as Hyderabad. Charminar, the city’s most famous icon, is believed to contain many Shiite symbols, including an ‘Alam’ (copy of battle standards) in its stucco work. Qutb Shahi rulers, who were Shiite themselves, built a number of Ashoor Khanas (places where Alams are installed and mourning done) and funded the religious activities. The Asaf Jahi dynasty, which succeeded them, continued the tradition since its rulers, although Sunni married Shiite women.

Bibi Ka Alam on an Elephant during a Muharram procession, in

 Hyderabad on Friday. Pic:Style photo service.

Qutb Shahi influence

Such was the influence exerted by the Qutb Shahis that even the Rajas and Maharajas of their time wholeheartedly took part in Muharram rituals and organised Majlise Azadari (mourning sessions). Not just this. Their flags also carried the image of Zulfeqar, the sword of Hazrat Ali, so important in Shia Islam. As for Hyderabad, the Qutb Shahis procured rare relics like the piece of the wooden plank on which Syeda Fatima, the Prophet’s daughter, was given her final ablution. This important relic, which reached Golconda during Abdullah Qutb Shah’s period, is now enclosed in the Bibi ka Alam. Similarly, a tauq (shackle) placed around the neck of Imam Zain al Abideen when he was taken prisoner by the Yazeed army, now forms part of the Alawa-e-Sartauq Mubarak situated at Darulshifa. Another important relic is the Naal (war helmet) belonging to Hazrath Imam Hussain, grandson of the Prophet. It is popularly known as Naal-e-Mubarak. This Naal is believed to have broken during the battle of Karbala. Passing through several hands it reached Bijapur during the rule of Yusuf Adil Shah and from there it came to Golconda during the reign of Ibrahim Qutb Shah. There are many such historic remnants which are displayed for public viewing during Muharram in Hyderabad.

The tomb of Mohd Quli Qutb Shah, Hyderabad’s founder, 

in the Qutb Shahi Tombs complex. (Photo: Siasat)

200 Ashoor Khanas in Hyderabad

There are more than 200 Ashoor Khanas in greater Hyderabad, including 140 in the south zone. All of them come alive once the new moon is sighted. Badhshi Ashoor Khana at Patharghatti built by the city founder, Mohmmed Quli Qutb Shah, is the oldest one. Other prominent Ashoor Khanas are Bibi ka Alawa, Alawa-e-Khadme Rasool, Aza Khana Zehra and Husaini Alam Ashoorkhana. During Muharram they reverberate with azadari (mourning) and seena-koobi (chest beating) as the zakareen (orators) narrate in minute detail the events leading to the battle of Karbala which resulted in the martyrdom of Hazrath Imam Husain and 72 others.

The Ashoor Khanas used to serve as a hub of socio-cultural activity during the Qutb Shahi period and were responsible for the evolution of ‘marsiya’, a form of elegiac poem which commemorates the martyrdom and valour of Ahle Bayt, the family of Prophet. It was during the Qutb Shahi period that the art of making Alam started in Hyderabad and then reached North India where it is called ‘Tazia’. One Nizamuddin and his family are believed to have pioneered and perfected this art. There is a lot of meaning and message in the way the Alams are designed. A keen observer can decipher the motto of triumph of truth over falsehood in the design, it is said.

The Alam in the Naal-e-Mubarak Ashurkhana in Hyderabad. 

(Photo: Siasat.com/Md. Sibghatullah Khan)

Hyderabad’s historic Badhshahi Ashurkhana displaying all of its 

Muharram Alams. (Image: Abinaya Sivagnanam)

During the Qutb Shahi times the Badshahi Ashoor Khana was decorated with 10,000 lamps placed in 10 rows from the first day of Muharram. The Sultan used to personally visit the Ashoor Khana in the evening attired in a black dress and kindle a row each night. The 6th and 7th Nizam also took active interest in Muharram rites and visited the Ashoor Khanas.

Though foodstuffs have no religious significance, certain victuals like Dum ke Roat, Qubooli and Doodh ka Sharbat have got associated with Muharram. The month of mourning sees many Shia and Sunni households preparing these dishes. Of late Roat has come to represent Muharram as Haleem does Ramzan. Irrespective of faith, people are seen consuming this flat crunchy biscuit. Serpentine queues can be seen before bakeries. Subhan Bakery in Nampally witnesses huge footfalls all through Muharram – more so on the tenth day.

                                                   Dum Ke Roat (Photo: Bushra Khan/ Siasat.com)

The present wet spell is no dampener to the Shia devotees. All their programmes are going on as per schedule. “We are using waterproof to protect the Alams from rain”, says Syed Hamed Husain Jaffery of Shia Youth Conference. Meanwhile all is set for Youme Ashoora, the high point of the month on Saturday, when the historic Bibi Ka Alam is taken out in a procession. Other Alams also join and the procession culminates at Masjide Ilahi at Chaderghat. For this year the organisers have procured an elephant, Madhuri, from Kolhapur in Maharashtra for carrying the Bibi ka Alam on Saturday.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in The Siasat Daily

Dated July 29,2023.

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The world is at its wit’s end and worried too. Justifiably so.

Despite efforts to target and suppress Islam and its followers, both are growing exponentially. Particularly in Europe, more and more Muslims are taking up public spaces. Their social clout and political influence are on the rise, although it is way behind their numbers. They also have representation in Parliament though not in proportion to their population. The bottom line is: Muslims are very much a part of the West and a force to reckon with.

Scotland’s Hamza Haroon Yousaf, Somali American, Ilhan Omer, Netherlands’ Ahmed Aboutaleb, Pakistani descent  Sadiq Khan. Do these names ring a bell? Well, they are all Muslims and have made a mark in world politics on the sheer strength of their merit. They hail from different countries and backgrounds but what is common among them is exemplary leadership skills, resilience, an optimistic attitude, and a never-say-die spirit.

                                                                                 

                                                                                      Ilhan Omar

Though they can be counted on fingers, Muslims are slowly getting noticed in the European political scene and are in a position of authority in different spheres of life. The recent event of a Scottish Muslim priest blessing King Charles and Queen Camilla tells it all. Dr. Sayed Razawi, Chief Imam and Director General of the Scotland Ahlul Bayt Society, is perhaps the first non-Christian in British history to bless the king in a prayer meeting. Sending benedictions on the royal couple, he prayed that the King and Queen will be empowered by God with his wisdom.

This is not withstanding the anti-Muslim prejudice, ideological conflicts and negative stereotyping of Muslims in the media. Even as skeptics cry hoarse, there is widespread participation and integration of Muslims in European life. On their part the Muslims have become more organized and are learning to live in a plural society as a minority community. In countries like Britain, Germany and France a good number of them are successful entrepreneurs and professionals – enjoying social clout. Most of them are politically active too as they are getting elected to local, regional and national political bodies.

Before the rise of the West, Muslims were the torchbearers of knowledge for a thousand years. Science, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, philosophy and arts flourished in their domain. If the European renaissance started in Spain the credit should go to the works of Muslim scholars and intellectuals. But they fell behind and lost this preeminent position due to lack of vision among the ruling elite. This is a story by itself. “However, with the dawn of the 21st century, there is a troubled awakening, a tempestuous assertion, a search for a soul, and the beginning of the quintessential quest”, writes M. Jamal Haider, an academic researcher, in his book – In the Name of the Lord.

Post 9/11 there is an eagerness among Muslims both in the US and Europe to assert their ‘Islamic identity’. More and more women are now taking to wearing headscarves while men are seen donning skull caps and beards. They are also now more regular in their mosque attendance notwithstanding pressure to conform to Western values. This is not all. Many European streets now have shops with signboards in Arabic and Eastern languages. But many feel in the decades to come the Western values might erode traditional Muslim beliefs.

Changing landscape in Europe

The 20th century saw the European landscape changing as Muslims with robust birth rates started immigrating. From Turkey to Germany, from North Africa to France, from Indonesia to Holland and from the Asian subcontinent to Britain millions of Muslims have shifted. In recent years asylum seekers, mostly Muslim, have migrated from the war torn Syria, Iraq, Palestine and other predominantly Muslim countries to Europe. The civil war in Somalia also forced a good number of Muslims there to flee to Holland and Scandinavia. Some of them have made a second migration to the United Kingdom.

According to a report from the Pew Research Centre, a nonpartisan fact tank Muslim share of the population throughout Europe has grown about one percentage point a decade – from 4 percent in 1990 to 6 percent in 2010. And this pattern is expected to continue. By 2030 Muslims are projected to make up 8 percent of Europe’s population. Estimates show that there were 44 million Muslims in Europe in 2010. They now account for 10 percent of the French population, the largest in the Western world. Other European countries with a significant Muslim population are Germany (5.4 percent), Netherlands (5%), Belgium (4.0%) and Sweden (2.3 percent). Even if migration is completely stopped in the future, which is unlikely, Muslim population is still expected to grow due to high fertility rates among the current Muslim residents of Europe.

With their migration, religious and cultural differences have come to the fore. The question of living together has become a challenge in some countries. Jonathan Sacks, the Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom sees it differently. In his book, The Dignity of Difference, he bats for reconciling hatreds. The difference, he says, is not something to be feared but to be welcomed.

Many wonder whether Libyan leader Muammar Gadhafi’s prediction will come true. He had remarked famously that “Allah will grant Islam victory in Europe without swords, without guns, and without conquest and turn it into a Muslim continent within a few decades.”

Given the demographic shifts, there is no need to take this statement with a pinch of salt. Islam is the fastest-growing religion in Europe. And so are its followers.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in The Siasat Daily

Dated July11 ,2023.

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