Postal Registration No : TN/CNI GPO / 051 / 2012 to 2014

National Unity Communal Amity Cultural Identity Social Justice Rule of Law Dignied Democracy

THE TIMES OF LEAGUE

Volume : 3 Issue - 7 Shaban 1433 July - 2013 Pages - 8 Monthly Price : Rs. 10/Annual Subscription : Rs. 120/-

Strong Indo-Sri Lanka Relation Essential for Mutual Benet

- Sri Lankan Minister Naseer Ahamed
relation between India and Sri Lanka is essential for the mutual benets of both the countries, said the Sri Lankan Minister and the Vice-President of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Naseer Ahamed in a reception hosted in his favor by the IUML in the party head quarter in Chennai on June 26, 2013. The Sri Lankan Minister for Agriculture and Industries was received by the party National General Secretary Prof.K.M.Khader Mohideen and other ofce bearers of the party.In his welcome address Prof.K.M.Khader Mohideen said that Sri Lankan Muslims served as a good model for the Indian Muslims and both the countries maintained good neighborly relation between them. The long standing problems between India and Sri Lanka were getting solved and all the problems would be

Strong

solved sooner with mutual trust and understanding. Recently Islam phobia had been created in Sri Lanka and it was heartening to see that the Muslim Ministers in the Island were forthcoming in their action to defuse the tension. Muslims in Tamil Nadu ,He said were ready to co-operate Sri Lankan Muslims in all possible

ways. He said though Muslims of both the countries were separated by the boundaries of their nations, they were strongly tied by their hearts. The Sri Lankan Minister in his reply stated that he was very much moved by the love and affection showered on him by the members of the party. He said as Prof.

Khader Mohideen was a guiding factor to the Indian Muslims so was Ravoof Hakeem, the President of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress for the Muslims of the Island Nation. The Sri Lankan Muslim Congress always strived hard to strengthen the relation between India and Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress he said not only ght for the rights of Muslims but for the entire Tamil minority community. He suggested that the Muslim business community in Tamil Nadu should seize the plenty of business opportunities available in the eastern Sri Lanka and he was ready to help them in all possible ways. The party state General Secretary K.A.M.Abubacker, Qaide-Milleth International Peeravai Co-ordinator M.Abdul Rehman M.P. the party Treasurer M.S.A. Sha jehan and other ofce bearers attended the function.

Congress alone is capable of providing a stable Govt. at centre

Since Muslims adopt the forget and forgive policy after every communal riot India remains united Prof.K.M.Khader Mohideen communal riot India would have been disintegrated long back. In his brief press meet he

- Prof.K.M.Khader Mohideen
party that is ready to subscribe to the principles of Indian constitution and declares its intention to rule the country in accordance with the principles enshrined in the constitution upholding the principle of democracy, secularism and social justice is welcome. In the present political scenario Congress party alone is capable of providing a stable government in the centre and the IUML remains as a partner in the congress led UPA government. In the state of Tamil Nadu IUML continued to remain in the DMK led alliance. Alliance with DMK historical

(Continued Page No.4)

strongly stated in a press meet in Ramanathapuram when a correspondent asked him whether his party would forget and forgive the mistakes of Modi and support him for the post of prime minister. He further said that had Muslims retaliated for each and every

answered questions on various subjects. IUML concerns with the system not with the individual IUML is concerned with the system that should rule this country and the party does not give importance to the individual. Any July - 2013

IUML Leader Prof. K.M. Kader Mohideen Congratulates Mrs. Kani Mozhi on her winning Rajya Sabha Election.

THE TIMES OF LEAGUE

NIA junks cops Malegaon blast theory

Were Muslim Youths Framed by Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad?
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has debunked the Maharashtra anti-terrorism squad theory on the 2006 Malegaon blasts and said that the prime conspirator, Shabbir Masiullah, was taken into custody by the Mumbai crime branch before the blasts occurred. The NIA also said Zahid Majeed, whom the ATS had named as one of the accused who planted the bombs, was not present on the spot but was in Yavatmal during the time of the blasts. The ATS had arrested nine Muslim youth for planting the bombs and charged them under attempt to murder and also invoked the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). While seven of the nine men were released on bail after serving over ve years in prison, two are still incarcerated as they are accused in the 7/11 Mumbai local train blasts as well. In its chargesheet, the NIA said its investigations showed the entire conspiracy was hatched and carried out by Hindu terror operatives. It said the four bombs used to kill 31 people were assembled at Sarvasampann Nagar in Indore and transported to Malegaon in state transport buses by Manohar Narwaria, Ramchandra Kalsangara, Dhan Singh and Rajendra Chaudhary. Of the four, Kalsangara alias Badal Yadav is absconding accused. The NIA, however, hasnt invoked MCOCA against the Hindu terror operatives, making it easy for the accused to get bail. places in India, the chargesheet said. The NIA said the bombs were manufactured by Kalsangara, Dhan Singh, Sharma and Hakla

The NIA said Manohar Narwaria alias Sumer Thakur, Chaudhary, Dhan Singh and Lokesh Sharma along with Kalsangara, Sandeep Dange and Amit Hakla had done a reconnaissance of Malegaon thrice. They were making preparatory acts to commit terrorist acts by arranging and imparting training in operating re arms and assembling bombs at Bagli, Devas (MP), in 2006 to a group of persons, to commit terrorist act at various Muslim religious

during June and July 2006. The third recce of Malegaon was done on September 1, 2006, the spot was nalized and the accused decided to plant four bombs. A day before the blasts, Kalsangara, Singh, Narwaria and Chaudhry started from Indore with bombs in state transport buses and reached Malegaon next morning. Four bombs were kept in two metallic boxes covered in two bags, the chargesheet said. Courtesy : The Times of India Chennai - June 22, 2013

Muslim groups oppose Bengal panchayat polls during Ramadan

polls slated to be held during Ramadan, Muslim organisations Sunday took out a rally in the city and submitted a memorandum to the State Election Commission (SEC) demanding the elections not be held during their holy month. Members from the Muslim community irrespective of political afliation gathered to make an appeal to the (SEC) to ensure that the panchayat elections are not held in month of Ramadan, said Mohammad Ayazul Haque, the convenor of the rally. According to a Supreme Court order, the panchayat polls are slated for July 11, 15, 19, 22 and 25 while Ramadan begins from the second week of July.

With the West Bengal panchayat

Hundreds of people holding posters and shouting slogans marched to the SEC ofce where they submitted the memorandum to SEC chief Mira Pande. We met Pande but she said that she was unable to do anything as the polls were held as per a directive of the Supreme Court, added Haque. Several other Muslim organisations have threatened to move the Supreme Court in case the polls are held during Ramadan. We would urge the SEC to ensure the elections are held either before the month of Ramadan or after it. If they do not consider our demands, we will move to Supreme Court, said

Mohammad Qumaruzzam, general secretary, All Bengal Minority Youth Federation. Political parties, including the Congress and Left Front, have expressed their displeasure over the scheduling the polls during Ramadan and blamed the Trinamool Congress government for it. Congress leader Abdul Mannan even said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee should publicly apologise for inconveniencing the Muslim population. The state government though had expressed it desire to approach the apex court seeking the polls are concluded before Ramadan.

July - 2013

THE TIMES OF LEAGUE

Mohalla Jamath pivot for Muslim Unity

TN IUML Executive Committee Meeting

Nadu IUML Executive Committee was held on June 26, 2013 under the president ship of the party leader Prof.K.M.Khader Mohideen in the party Head Quarter in Chennai. The following resolutions were passed by the Committee. The meeting passed a resolution expressing condolence to the Uttrakhand ood victims and for the demise of The Tamil daily Thinathanthi Director S.P.Sivanthi Adithanar, Dr.Se Mu, Hameed Abdul Khader ,former president of Sathak Trust and poet Nagoore Saleem..The meeting passed the following resolutions.

Tamil

of muslim women from the educationa institutions to defeat the nefarious design of Mrs.Badar Sayed and to protect and uphold the principles of Shariath. Decided to conduct state wide conferences to enlighten the Muslims on the Islamic Marriage laws.

Mohalla Jamaath Conference

mohallas. The committee decided to organize a State level Mohalla Jamaath Confernce in Chennai. MSF Work shop The committee accepted all the decisions taken by the MSF in its meeting on June 23, 2013 and decided to submit an appeal to all the district collectors pressing the following demands. 1To provide

Muslim students to perform their Friday congregational paryer.The Committee granted permission to MSF to conduct Work Shop on August,31 and Sept.1, 2013 in Nidur in Nagai district Tamil Nadu.

Strengthening the party in Chennai

In order to strengthen the party in Chennai two separate

Ramzan Service
Decided to instruct all the wings of the party to expedite their work to get rice from the govt. for iftiyar preparation, collection of tra rice, orderly performance of Taravi prayer . conducting of iftiyar party, and distribution of zakat and charity to the deserving Muslims. Islamic Marriage Enlightenment Conference The Committee condemned the deliberate act of Mrs.Badar Sayed in ling a suit in Madras High Court against The Kazi Act with the ulterior motive of encouraging the introduction of common civil code. The party solicits the co-operation

by setting up the baithul maal, and Shariah courts in each and every

Mohalla jammath is the pivot for the unity and integrity of the Muslim community. Hence resolved to strengthen the Mohalla Jamaat with the co-operation and guidance of learned Ulemas and

education loan in the beginning of the every acdemicf year. 2.To waive the interest to the education loan. 3. To set up minority student hostels in all the major cities in the state.4.To grant permission to the

committees each for North and South Chennai was constituted . Three months period was xed to complete the work . The following members attended the meeting.

Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) called an emergency meeting Sunday and criticised state Congress president Ramesh Chennithala for his antiIUML remarks. Chennithala earlier Saturday said that the IUML was a party that would always extract more and more from the Congress and would eventually become a liability for the party. IUML is the second-biggest constituent of the Congress-led ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) and also the government in Kerala. IUML leader and Lok Sabha member E.T. Mohammed Basheer said after the meeting: The United

The

Muslim League slams Chennithala for remarks

statement. He said he had only aired what former Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president C.K. Govindan Nair had stated many years ago. Not pleased with the events, the IUML has called another meeting of its leaders Thursday to take stock of the situation and assess Chennithalas statements. Sources in the IUML said that Ahmed Patel, secretary to Congress president Sonia Gandhi, has asked IUML chief Panakad Hyderali Shiyab Thangal not to take any hard decisions. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who is facing the heat after one of his staffers was sent to judicial custody Saturday for having links with a con-couple, said the media had twisted Chennithalas statement. The IUML is an integral part of the UDF and the Congress will never do anything to afict pain on its allies, Chandy said. Chennithala fell out with the IUML ever since they poured cold water on his eagerness to become deputy chief minister. However, he seems to have some support from the Congress. State Power Minister and Congress leader Aryadan Mohammed, who has a long-standing strife with the IUML, said: It is now that you (Chennithala) are the real president of the Congress.

Ramesh Chennithala Democratic Front (UDF) is one for all and the Congress has the responsibility to keep it going. The Congress can decide if it needs to go ahead. We will make our stand clear shortly. To mollify the IUML, Chennithala issued a clarication soon after his

July - 2013

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(Continued from Page 1)
The alliance with DMK is not just an electoral understanding but it is a historical alliance based on the close proximity of principles between the Dravidian party and Islam. IUML does not like to dictate which party should or should not be included in the DMK alliance. However the party will oppose if any party with similar nomenclature of IUML is included in the DMK alliance. Law and order problem in Tamil Nadu The law and order problem in Tamil Nadu could not be tackled by the police alone. People should be taught the values of life and fear of God should be instilled in the minds of people. Muslims during their Friday sermons in the Mosques are taught the dangers of alcoholism ,drugs and are advised to adhere the principles of morality and virtues in life. Katcha thievu problem The IUML former MP , late Madurai Shariff was a pioneer in solving the Katcha thieve problem. He collected various datas regarding the katcha thieve from the government departments and submitted to the central government for action. His efforts helped the government to take the necessary initiatives on katcha thieve. Condolence to Uttrakhand ood victims IUML expresses its condolence to the bereaved families of Uttarkhand ood victims. The party blames the Utterkhand government for its failure to provide adequate facilities to thepilgrims.The party has announced Rs.100000 to the Prime Ministers relief fund. Rameswaram safer pilgrim centre Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu is the safer pilgrim centre and the state government should take all initiatives to provide adequate facilities to the rRameswaram pilgrims. Two more rail services from Chennai and Madurai should be provided to cope up the pilgrims rush to Rameswaram. The Ramanathapuram district president Varusai Mohamed, district asst.secretary Mohamed yacoob and The Times of League Asst. editor K.T.Kizer Mohamed were present in the Press meet.

THE TIMES OF LEAGUE

U.P. State Executive decides to complete the State Organisational Eelctions in October 2013
The U.P. State Executive met at Meerut on 9.6.2013 in the residence of Janab Iqbal Ahamed Advocate. Moulana Kansar Hayat Khan, the State President presided over the meeting. Dr. Mateen Khan, the General Secetary welcomed the gathereing Janab Khorram Anis Omer, the National Secretary was present in the meeting as the Central observer. The meeting was attended by the following members. 1. Iqbal Ahmed Advocate 2. S. Shakeel Mian 3. Mohd Ilyas (Sate Vice President) 4. Ishrat Husain Advocate (State Secretary) 5. Mohd Uwais Advocate (State Secretary) 6. Nawab Masoom Alam (State Secretary) 7. Mohd Ateeq (State Secretary) 8. Dr. Mukhtar Rana (Distt. President Aligharh) 9. Hamid Ali (City President Aligarh) 10. Mohd Arif Rehber (Agra) 11. Vakeel Ahmed (Najibabad) 13. Zameer Hasan (Najibabad) 14. Mohd Wajid (Loni, Ghiziabad) 15. Irfan Ansari (President Loni, Ghaziabad) 16. Mohd Israr (City President Moradabad) 17. Jamal Alam (City Gen. Secretary Moradabd) 18. Mohd Farhan Khan (Moradabad) 19. Mohd Rizwan Khan Advocate (MYL Moradabad) 20. Molana Muqeem Qureshi (Distt. President Sambhal) 21. Dr. Kaleem Ashraf (Distt. Gen. Secretary Sambhal) 22. Zia Ashraf (City President Sambhal) 23. Haz Naim (City President Meerut) 24. Mohd. Qasim (City Gen. Secretary Meerut) 25. Mohd Zubair (MYL Meerut) 26. Shakeel Ahmad (Aligarh) 27. S.M. Tafseer (Aligarh) 28. Maulana Dilshad (Aligarh) 29. Riaz Ali (Agra) 30. Sa-adat Ali (Agra) The meeting decided to expedite the organisational work as per the July - 2013 schedule given below : The membership compaign will be completed before 30th September 2013. The primary and district units elections shall be completed in October 2013. The State Ofce bearers elections should be conducted immediately after all the districts elections are over. A committee of the following was constituted to monitor the organisational elections. Janab Mohamed Uvais (Convenor) Janab Ishrat Husain (Moradabad) Janab Mohamed Ilyas (Bynor) Janab Dr. Mukhtar Rana (Aligarh) Janab Nawab Masoom Alam (Agra)

5th Anniversay of Banathwallah Observed in Gulbargha

IUML Membership campaign on full swing in the State of Punjab

THE TIMES OF LEAGUE

M. Abdul Rahman MP., Addresses the MSF meeting in the party Head Quarters on June 23,2013
E. Ahamed Minister of State for External Affairs Exchanging an Agreement for Educational Exchange Programme between Indian and Lebanon with H.E. Professor Hassan Diab, Minister of Education & Higher Education.

IUML Karnataka State Executive Meeting Karnataka State IUML

Executive met under the presidentship of Janab M.S. Inamdar on 29.6.2013 at Fakhare Hall Kotwal Galli, Belgaum. The State Ofce bearers along with special invitees participated in the meeting. The State General Secretary Dastagir I. Agha wlecomed the Executive Mebers and gave a brief report of the party activites during the period after the last Executive Meeting. The meeting condoled the heavy loss of lives of the pilgrims due to the Himalayan Tsunami in Uttarkhand. It appreciated the army for the rescue and relief work done on a warfooting. It was decided that the party organisational work should be started from the grassroot level and that the State ofce bearers election should be completed within two monts time.

Signature Campaign by Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) for reservation of Muslims in Central & State Government Services as per population, held at Al Noor Masjid, Batla House, New Delhi on 28.06.2013. Mr. Khorrum Anis Omer, Delhi State President & National Secretary, Dr. M.S. Ahmed, Delhi State Gen. Secretary, Mr. Javed Ahmed, Delhi State Secretary, Mr. Imran Aijaz, South Delhi District Convenor, Mr. Asif Ansari, Youth League Convener, Mr. Asif Iqbal, Mr. Modassirul Haq, Mr. Asar Alam, Mr. Mohd. Uzair, Mr. Rashid are seen in the picture.

Effort Never Fails

Copy of the letter written by M. Abdul Rahman MP to the Prime Minister appealing for the release of two indian prisioners in Kuwait. July - 2013

Reply by The Joint Secretary (Gulf) stating the suspension of the death sentence of Indian Prisioners

THE TIMES OF LEAGUE

Ramadan and Fasting

The Month of Ramadan Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, may be 29 or 30 days long. An Islamic month begins with the sighting of the new crescent in the western horizon, immediately after sunset. Muslims look toward the western horizon for the new moon on the 29th day of Shaban, the eighth month. If the new moon is sighted, Ramadan has begun with the sunset but fasting begins with the next dawn. If the new moon is not sighted on this 29th day, Muslims complete 30 days of Shaban and Ramadan begins the following day. Muslims fast because Allah has commanded them to do so. However, they may also think about the benets of fasting which may include developing control over hunger, thirst and sexual urges, training to be a good moral person and testing sincerity to the Creator. During the fast, Muslims may conduct their business as usual. However, in the Muslim countries working hours are shortened by a couple of hours a day and the hours are changed to make the work comfortable. The fast is broken immediately after sunset usually by eating dates and drinking water or juice. However, any lawful food or drink may be used to break the fast. This is followed by the Maghrib salah (after sunset prayer) which is followed by a complete meal. After a brief rest, Muslims go to the mosque to offer the Isha salah (night prayer) and then a special night prayer, called taraweeh.

by Dr. M. Amir Ali, Ph.D.

fast-breaking and meals. People in the neighborhood send fruit, food and drinks to the mosque the atmosphere is that of a friendly pot luck dinner every evening of the month. Well-known philanthropists of the Muslim community nd themselves surrounded by the needy people and Islamic workers for donations. Zakat, a wealth purifying tax, and donations are given at this time of the year since many Muslims wish to take the opportunity of multiplied rewards from Allah. Eid al-Fitr observances.

Itekaf or Seclusion
The practice of the Prophet Muhammad(S) was to spend the last ten days and nights of Ramadan in the masjid (mosque). Following his practice, it is considered a community duty that some people go in Itekaf (seclusion) in a neighborhood masjid. The people in Itekaf spend their time in various forms of dhikr (remembrance of Allah), such as doing extra salah, recitation and study of the Quran, study of the Hadith, repetition of some phrases of praise and glory to Allah, exhorting each other to be good through obeying Allah and His Messenger(S). Since people in Itekaf are not permitted to go outside the masjid except for emergencies, they sleep in the masjid and use available facilities of the masjid. The food for the people in Itekaf is provided either by their own families or people in the community. Itekaf is terminated, generally, at the declaration of sighting of the moon or the end of the month of Ramadan. For busy people a shorter version of Itekaf is allowed, such as one night, one day or a few days. Sadaqat al-Fitr In general, any material help extended to the poor, needy and to those who ask and are deserving is called Sadaqah. Sadaqat al-Fitr, which is also calledZakat al-Fitr, is the obligatory material help extended to the poor of the society before the Eid prayers, preferably to be given early enough for the poor to prepare for the celebration. In North America, the estimated amount is $5 to $8 to be given on behalf of each member of the donors family, including infants.

The Signicance of Ramadan and Fasting

Allah says in the Quran: O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain God-consciousness. (2:183) In the month of Ramadan the Quran was revealed, a book of guidance with proofs of guidance distinguishing right from wrong. Therefore whoever of you is present in that month let him fast. But who is ill or on a journey shall fast a similar number of days later on. Allah desires your well-being, not your discomfort. He desires you to fast the whole month so that you may magnify Him and render thanks to Him for giving you His guidance. (2:185) Accordingly, the month of Ramadan is called the month of the Quran. Therefore, Muslims have tradition of reciting Quran frequently in this month.

Laylat al-Qadr
This is the night of the Qadr. The term Al-Qadr has been frequently translated as the power. A better translation may be the value or the decree because Allah says the value of this night is better than one thousand months, a lifetime of over eighty-three years. Allah sends His decrees in this night. This is the night when the Quran was revealed. Allah says in the Quran: We have indeed revealed this (the Quran) in the Night of Value (or Measure). And what will explain to you what the Night of Value is? The Night of Value is better than a thousand months. Therein come down angels and the Spirit (the angel Gabriel) by Allahs permission with all decrees. (That night is) Peace until the rising of the dawn. (97:1-5) The Night of Value is a gift to mankind from Allah. However, it is not clear which night is Laylat alQadr. Some reports by companions of the Prophet(S) allude it to be the 27th night of the month of Ramadan, but many more sayings point to any of the odd date nights during the last third of the month of Ramadan. According to authentic teachings of the Prophet Muhammad(S), Muslims are advised to spend the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th nights of Ramadan in worship and doing good works to assure ndingLaylat al-Qadr. A portion of the Muslims stay up all night in prayers and good works, however, the Prophet(S) and his companions used to sleep at least one-third of the night. In Muslim countries, the 27th of Ramadan is a holiday to enable people to rest during the day after all night of worship. Schools are closed from the 27th of Ramadan through the 2nd of Shawwal (5 to 6 days) to combineLaylat al-Qadr and

Taraweeh
This nightly congregational salah (prayer) is performed after the Isha salah. Traditionally, a Haz of the Quran, a person who has memorized the whole Quran (in Arabic), leads the prayer. He recites the Quran in small portions, in proper sequence, every night and completes the recitation of the whole Quran before the end of the month of Ramadan. Every Muslim who attends such prayers regularly gets the opportunity of listening to the whole Quran in a month. If a Haz of the Quran is not available, the Muslim who has memorized the most in a group leads the prayer and recites according to his ability. In the absence of a Haz some Muslims hold the Quran in the hand during their salah and read from it. Many Islamic scholars cite the sunnah(way) of the Prophet(S) that he always prayed during the night alone in his apartment whether it was Ramadan or not and same was the habit of many of his great companions.

Sawm or Fasting
Sawm means a fast that begins with dawn and ends with sunset. Muslims rise before dawn, eat Sahur (pre-dawn meal) and drink liquids for the preparation of sawm. Eating and drinking stops at dawn. During the day no eating, drinking or sexual activity is allowed. In addition, a Muslim must adhere to the moral code of Islam very strictly as failure violates the requirements of fasting. Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the deeds of worship required of all Muslims who have attained puberty. Women who are having their menstrual period or who have not fully recovered from childbirth postpone the fast until they are completely out of their special conditions. In addition, those who are ill or in travel may choose to postpone their fast.

Eid al-Fitr
The end of the fasting month is celebrated on the rst of Shawwal, the 10th month, which follows Ramadan. Traditionally, on the 29th of Ramadan after sunset, people go out in the open looking for a new crescent in the western horizon where the sun sets. If the crescent is sighted, the end of Ramadan and Eid are declared. If the crescent is not sighted, Ramadan is extended by one day. On the day of Eid, people take a bath or shower in the early morning, eat breakfast, wear their best clothes, apply perfume and proceed to the place of Eid

Ramadan Generosity
The month of Ramadan brings many blessings multiplied manifold for those who do good. During this month people are more generous, more cordial, more friendly and more ready than other times of the year to do good work. The poor and the needy receive food, clothing and money from the well-to-do in the community. Many people go to the mosque in the neighborhood for

July - 2013

THE TIMES OF LEAGUE

Muslims in Sikkim
Few days back, an important work took me to Sikkim, the small State
that nestles between the peaks of the eastern Himalaya. While staying at the capital city Gangtok I came across a small majid close by the city bus-stand. Near the masjid I met two bearded Muslims running a big paan shop. I talked to one of the Muslims at the paan shop, named Mohd. Rauf, to know more about the Muslims in the State. Rauf said he came to Gangtok from Bihar in the early 70s in search of livelihood. He was later joined by his brother, who also works at the paan shop. I inquired about the settlement of Muslims in Gangtok and other parts of Sikkim. He informed me that there is no indigenous Muslim population in the State. All the Muslims in Sikkim came from outside, mainly from Bihar, UP and West Bengal in search of work. Around 80 per cent of the Muslims are from Bihar, while the rest are from West Bengal and UP. There are around ten thousand Muslims in the capital city. There are also Muslims in Rangpo, Ranipool, Rinnak, Rangili, Jothang, Namchi, Gyalshing, Mangan, Simtam, etc. In all, there must be around twenty thousand Muslims in Sikkim. As the State Government does not allow outsiders to buy land here the Muslims and in fact all the outsiders stay in rented houses. I have also been staying in a rented apartment with my brother all these years, Rauf said.

By Dr. Syed Ahmed

Muslims here in Gangtok. However, there are quite a large number of Tibetan Muslims in Kalimpong. They are all wealthy businessmen. There are another 8 more masjids in different parts of Sikkim. There are also prayer houses for other religions too. There is a Gurudwara at Deorali near Gangtok town. I came here to work as Imam few years back. I get ve thousand rupees per month. The masjid is managed by public subscription. We have organized a body called Anjuman-e-Islamia, Gangtok, to manage the masjid and the Muslims here. It is a registered body. The jurisdiction of the Anjuman is xed from Tadong to Vajra, Balwakhani and Chandmari to by-pass. There is no madrasa here. The Muslims have realized the need of having a madrasa. We have started the construction of the madrasa building here in the masjid complex, the Imam added.

Majority of the Muslim population are temporary migrant workers. Many of these Muslims engage in construction works. The rich local population engages skilled constructor workers and manual labourers for the construction of their residential buildings. The State Government too engages these people for building roads, ofce building, dams,

The masjid at Gangtok

Sikkim is renowned for its scenic beauty, rich ora and fauna and ethnically varied population. The State with an area of 7096 sq. km. has a population of just around 6 lakh. The 8586 meters high Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world, dominates the skyline of Eastern Sikkim. Sikkim has more than seventy Buddhist monasteries, the oldest dating back to the 1700s. The State has 660 species of orchids. And it is famous for the mask dance performed by Lamas in Gompas. Majority of the States population are of Nepali ethnic origin. The native Sikkimese consist of the Bhutias, migrated from the Kham district of Tibet in the 14th century, and the Lepchas, who probably entered Sikkim from Tibet well before the 8th century and brought Lamaistic Buddhism. Migrant resident communities include Biharis, Bengalis and Marwaris. Hinduism is the States major religion (61%), followed by Buddhism (28%) and Christians (7%). The minority r e l i g i o u s communities, consisting of Muslims, Sikhs and Jains form almost two per cent of the States population. Courtesy : Two Circles Net. The author at the masjid

Md. Rauf and his brother at the paan shop

constructing roads on the hills, etc. Many Muslims also do petty business. They open small shops. Some Muslims are popular here as tailors. A few early Muslim settlers are working as Government employees, mainly as teachers and policemen. Some have also married the local women, Rauf added. Later I entered the masjid complex and talked to the Imam, Maulana Asgar Ali, who hails from Madhubani in Bihar. The Imam further informed, There is only one masjid in Gangtok. This area is called Apar Arithang. There are around six to seven thousand Muslims here. The masjid was constructed in 1942-43. It was then constructed with wood. It is said that a wealthy Tibetian Muslim from Ladakh, named Sabila Sardar had acquired the land for the masjid from the local ruler. The descendants of Sabila Sardar still live in Gangtok. One of his grandsons named Saeed is running a big shop at the MG Road. There are very few Tibetan

July - 2013

Published : 4th of Every Month.

THE TIMES OF LEAGUE

Interfaith dialogues brings Muslims and Jews closer

Last Sunday a Muslims- Jews interfaith dialogues took place at the Lawrence Height Community Center, North York, Toronto. It was organized by Jews-Muslims Dialogue (MJD). Approximately Twenty members from both communities took part in this dialogue. It was round table discussions held at two different tables. It was unique in the sense that no speeches and no questions and answers took place. Simple discussions in a friendly and very cordial manner. The discussions were slated to be held to discuss what are the three values that Jews and Muslims share/ What proportion of attendees in your circle are secular versus religious? What things can we do to enhance harmony in Canada and abroad? What are Muslims and Jews attitudes toward pictures of the prophets and God? And what stereo types Muslims have of Jews and vice versa? In one group in which Firoz Khan, Afzal Khan, Zameer Patil, Abdul Hai Patel, Tariq Khan, Co-chair o MJD and Qasim Abbas represented Muslim side and on the other hand Simon, David,
congregation while pronouncing takbeerat, saying, Allah is the Greatest, there is no deity but Allah and all praise belongs to Allah. Muslims pronounce takbeerat in their homes, in the street and at the place of congregation while waiting for the leader, the Imam. It was the practice of the Prophet Muhammad(S) to hold Eid prayer congregations in open grounds. Following the practice of the Prophet(S) Muslims are advised to hold Eid prayers in open grounds. In the Muslim countries with warm climate there are designated Eid prayer grounds. However, in North America Muslims rent halls at convention centers or major hotels. The Imam rises at the appointed time, leads the prayers and delivers akhutbah (sermon). At the end of the sermon, people supplicate, greet, embrace and congratulate each other for the successful completion of Ramadan and ask Allah for the acceptance of their efforts in His obedience. During the day, people visit each other and children may receive gifts. In some countries, people go

Tanya, Lyla and others represented Jews side. It was observed that many participants were to acquire the knowledge of the other religion. Firoz said that the teachings of Islam, Christianity, Judaism and for that matter all religions are similar. Both religions teach respect to elders, not speak the untruth, not to indulge in adultery and not to kill. Unfortunately members of both religions in actuality deviate from the real teachings in their day to day life. Qasim Abbas supported the views expressed and said that name of Moses is mentioned in holy Quran more than prophet Muhammed. Muslims also consider and treat Moses as one of the messengers sent by God. He said in Islam there is no compulsion. One participant wanted to know why Muslims convert others to Islam. She was replied that no one is converted to Islam by force. Those who come to the fold of Islam do so of their free will and choice. Abbas said that some Muslims deny the Holocaust but the majority believe it has happened and Jews suffered

a lot. He said that Muslims are divided into many sects and groups and wanted to know whether the same is there in Jews too. He was told by a participant that yes the same thing is prevalent among Jews too. There was no moderator and everyone felt strongly that there should be moderators to conduct the discussion so that the time is not lost in discussing other unrelated and unspecied matters. Despite the absence of any moderator the dialogue took place in a very disciplined and cordial manner. At the end David and Firoz thanked participants and appeal to bring more people to the next dialogue to be held after summer. Firoz Khan said that this kind of dialogues should be held frequently as they help to understand each other and help enhance harmony.

for picnics and other gatherings. In addition, special Eid celebrations may be arranged at work or in social settings. Essentially, Eid is a day of thanks to Allah, and also a gathering of family and friends.

Umrah or Minor Hajj in Ramadan

There is a report from Prophet Muhammad(S) saying that performing Umrah in the month of Ramadan is equal to performing a major or complete Hajj. Hajj is a pilgrimage to Makkah. Hajj is the enactment of some of the trials and tribulations of Prophet Abraham(A), his wife Hajirah (Hagar) and his oldest son, Ismail(A) (Ishmael). Hajj includes the sacrice of Ishmael, represented by the sacrice of an animal, such as a ram, goat, sheep, cow or a camel. Complete Hajj lasts for ve days but Umrah is completed in a couple of hours. Umrah is only a small part of the Hajj. An animal sacrice may be offered at the completion of Umrah. Umrah may be performed anytime during the year but it has special signicance in Ramadan. Hajj is performed only during the 8th and 13th days of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar.

The Times of League - English Monthly - R.Dis. No. 1765/10 published by Mohamed Ismail on behalf of Muslim League Publication Trust, published at 36, Maraikayar Lebbai Street, Mannady, Chennai - 600 001 and printed by K.A.M. Muhammed Abubacker at Madras Media Press No, 36, Maraikayar Lebbai Street, Mannady, Chennai - 600 001. Editor : Prof. K.M. Kader Mohideen,