Have we forsaken all business ethics?

 https://kashmirreader.com/2021/03/06/have-we-forsaken-all-business-ethics/

In this day and age of chaos – political, social, economic, and spiritual – what is much needed and highly valuable is business ethics, which have gone for a toss. It can very well be gauged that as much as man is surrounded more and more by problems, dilemmas, and confusion on multiple fronts by the day, those who ought to have ethically worked towards easing the stress are actually the ones who make it more oppressive. There is this monstrous rush for becoming overnight millionaires and billionaires. Yes, it’s a world where ends justify means. People set out to become Ambani and Bill Gates and least care about the way that would lead them there. When we delve deeper into this mind-numbing rat race, we find that we have our social, political, and above all, our educational system contributing to it.

We build outrageous pressure on our children and youth right from the word go. Their career ladder is all that matters to us as parents, and subsequently to them as students, for which the first step is a stellar scorecard. Here the focus is on statistics and not on substance. We just wish to produce money-minting machines out of our beloved children. Lest it offends some readers, I must admit that there are exceptions, but few and far between.
We are least bothered about instilling in them true values of humanity, which would eventually make this chaotic world a relatively safer place. I often seem to think about this issue. Being in my thirties, I tend to make an introspection of sorts as to what really changed over the past few decades. Coming from a farmer family background, I recall that in the not-so-distant past (1990s), we wouldn’t spray so many pesticides and insecticides on the ubiquitously grown apples here (in Kashmir). Now, we don’t spray these chemicals under scientific supervision and recommendation. The companies mill out medicine after medicine and ethics take a backseat. Do we care how much these chemicals harm other fauna and flora and the surrounding environment? What do we feed our children in the name of hygienic food? How much do business ethics play a part when we think about all the marketing and end products targeted at children? In today’s world of cut-throat online shopping competition, business ethics and social responsibility have nosedived deeper into the oblivion. We have those quick-fix body building formulae, weight management techniques, tricks to regaining hairline, and many other suchlike businesses aimed at luring people into becoming addictive users rather than well-informed customers.
The prices of all products have particularly skyrocketed during this unnerving pandemic period, pushing the common man against the wall. The prices of generic medicines have gone up and there seems to be no checking and controlling agency to see to it whether all this is being done ethically or otherwise. You visit a doctor and you will see more MRs (medical representatives) than patients queuing up to meet the doctor.
The governments of the day seem to have no or little authority over the agencies that instead of serving the interests of people are subservient to their capitalist bosses. That’s what’s currently taking place in India. Farmers have been protesting for months now against the new farm bills that allow private players to not just hoard the hard-earned agricultural produce but also boss over the price control mechanism. At the receiving end of all this injustice, whether in the form of untimely and unethical inflation or the common man getting peanuts for his agricultural produce, is the common man himself. Democracy and its values have been thrown to the winds. If a huge chunk of population is demanding the laws to be rolled back, then is not it democratically unethical to impose upon farmers these legislations? The government of the day should give in to the demands of the people. Doesn’t democracy mean ‘government of the people’?
There needs to be a foolproof mechanism in place to keep check on unethical business practices. There do take place some checks in cities where there is ample media presence, but the rural areas remain godforsaken in this regard. Social media is a medium to draw attention to issues, but it is amateurish at the end of the day and not everybody is willing to put themselves at risk in a place where snapping of internet remains the order of the day. If we are to progress as a nation and stay abreast with changing times, we must focus on people-centric policies rather than those one-percent, capitalism-centric policies that make the rich richer and the poor poorer.

The writer is a teacher by profession. anjum.valley@gmail.com Anjum Husain

Holy Birth anniversary of Muhammad Mustafa (pbuh)

By Anjum Husain The Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is undoubtedly the most miraculous, the most sublime, the most beautiful character to ever have graced or will ever grace this mortal world. In fact, any number of adjectives glorifying him will appear to be less as we go along defining and describing this ‘perfect role model for mankind’ (Holy Quran 33:21). The responsibility he shouldered would make a common person give up in a matter of days. The supreme and refined character that the Holy Prophet(SAW) displayed for 40 years before having made his Prophethood public laid the basis for a personality that was admired not just by his closest in the household like Hazrat Khadija(RA) but also by his enemies who couldn’t help referring to him as ‘the truthful (Al-Sadiq) and the honest (Al-Amin). Hazrat Khadija(RA) was the most pious of women in the Hijaz even before she embraced the belief system put forth by her husband, the Holy Prophet of Islam Muhammad Mustafa (SAW). She had everything going for her in life, a life full of worldly riches and luxuries. Her trade caravan used to dwarf the caravan of all other Quraysh businessmen put together. Yet, it took her no time to decide that she was going to spend her life with the chosen one by Allah. She would closely monitor the dealings of the Prophet (SAW) in business and other affairs. Thus, she laid the basis as to what should be the criteria of marriage. Not riches, not fame and name but the purity of heart, honesty and truthfulness. This however runs contrary to contemporary norms in our society. Today boys haven’t so much of a stress on them to prove themselves as epitomes of a refined character but it’s the other way round. ‘And verily you are upon a great moral character.’ (Holy Quran 68:4). ‘Verily Allah has sent me to complete the noble qualities of the morals (Akhlaaq). (Hadith). These and numerous other verses Holy Quran and sayings of the Messenger of Allah(SAW) himself stand testimony to his being the personification of a very refined and sublime human character to be emulated in letter and spirit by his(SAW) followers for all times to come. Every aspect of the Prophet’s life is inspirational, not just for Muslims but for the entire humanity. It’s not possible to enlist many or deliberate upon them in one go. An objective analysis of his (SAW) pious life would lead us to the lofty alleyways of attaining nearness to Allah and respect and dignity from around people. A very vivid example striking my mind is the famous event of migration to Madinah from Makkah, the twin holy cities and famous sites of pilgrimage of Hijaz which is now known as Saudi Arabia . When the migrants led by Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) reached Madinah, the sheer imagination of the incredible bonds of brotherhood he forged between the dwellers of Madinah and the immigrants from Makkah is just amazing , to say the least. It was an unprecedented event in the history of mankind. The Prophet(SAW) established a system that would bring together Muslims of two different cities and different tribes, races and ethnic backgrounds. It was no mean feat for a person who was only a few months old in this city and who should have expected a confrontational attitude from the citizens of Madinah, much like what had made him migrate from Makkah, underpinning the preaching of a new religion and thus challenging the status quo. In the bad old days of Arab tribal enmity and prejudices, this brotherhood was truly revolutionary. It gave the Muhajirs (immigrants) a chance to rebuild their lives in their new home, while creating a deep bond of love and affection between Muslims of two very different cities. This was very exemplary from the Holy Prophet of Islam (SAW) and this event holds very many lessons of unity, fraternity and brotherhood in Islam and Muslim society, in particular, and humanity , in general. I wouldn’t shy away from stating that such an act looks next to impossible in today’s so called progressive, liberal and enlightened world. Muslims of this age need to reflect upon this event which not only helped those who were almost without shelter and penniless to find new homes and livelihoods but this bond of brotherhood helped lay a strong basis of a Muslim society which had at its heart the spirit of selfless altruism and sacrifice. Our religious and social fabric looks to be in shambles and they only way to salvation is to pick up the lessons from the unparalleled model put forth by the Prophet (SAW) and revisit the lost yet glorious era of Islam and model the future of our societies and individuals lives on the blueprint prepared and practices by none other than the Holy Messenger of Allah (SAW) himself.

Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and Unity of the faithful !

By: Sheikh Anjum Husain 31-December-2015 It goes without saying that with the advent of the divine light of the Prophet (SAW), the noblest concepts and values were born. The darkness of ignorance shied away when the beam of enlightenment rose from the holy land of Makkah. The day of descent of Allah’s beloved Prophet (SAW) on this earth is definitely the greatest day in the history of mankind. The Prophet (SAW) initiated a movement that helped humanity to achieve individual and spiritual perfection on one hand and social reforms and moral elevation on the other hand. Isn’t it miraculous to see a person revolutionising the world in a short span of 23 years with no compulsion or coercion but using weapons of “mercy (rahmat), example (uswah), compassion (raham), good strategy (hikmah) and a welcoming address (Mau’izat al Hasanah). Who can parallel the achievements of the Prophet (SAW)? Of course none ever has and none ever will achieve even a percentage of the Prophetic (SAW) accomplishment. Since the first moment, the divine message materialised in the character of the Prophet (SAW) and then in the souls and actions of those who believed in this message. The message of Islam harmed and confronted Jahiliyya (the pagan Arab culture). Irrespective of the school of thought we may belong to, we feel proud to be a part of the ummah of the Prophet (SAW). His exalted personality and the holy book of guidance are the divine unifying forces for the entire Muslim ummah. The Prophet’s (SAW) pious life has been set as the best example for us. The Quran says: “There is certainly for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often.” The Prophet (SAW) is to be emulated by all of us. He is the pivot of our salvation. If we claim to be his followers, we must be united in our thoughts and actions. Our role model is the same Prophet (SAW). When we as Muslims are following the same light of guidance, when our paths are same, when our means are same, when our goals are same, it defies sense to be divided on peripheral issues. Or worse to emphasise on mundane issues while marginalising the core beliefs and principles which are common to the entire Muslim nation. The commonalities (i.e., belief in Oneness on Allah, The Prophethood of His Messenger (SAW), the holy book of guidance, the Qibla, the practices of prayers, Hajj, etc) are certainly much bigger and magnanimous than our differences. The Quran would help us to better understand the point. The holy book of guidance says: “Muhammad (SAW) is the messenger of Allah; and those who are with him are strong against Unbelievers, (but) compassionate amongst each other. Thou wilt see them bow and prostrate themselves (in prayer), seeking Grace from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure. On their faces are their marks, (being) the traces of their prostration. ” (48:29) What is being stated right after the point that “Muhammad (SAW) is the messenger of Allah”, is that his companions, his followers are strong against the disbelievers. It’s the trait of believers that they assume great power and strength against the infidels (the enemies of Islam). How are we to be so powerful, how can we be defensive against the enemies of Islam! Only by being united in our thoughts, beliefs and actions. The enemy is common to all of us. In today’s world filled with imposed wars on Muslims nations, with injustice, with the neo-colonialist agenda of a few apparently powerful countries to shake the supreme edifice of Islam, it becomes incumbent upon all Muslims to ponder upon this beautiful verse of the Quran. Against the above listed common enemies, united we stand and divided we fall. The only way to realise the strength needed to tackle this common enemy is for Muslims to join hands with each other from East to West and from North to South. Why is Islamophobia (a term defining hatred against Islam and Muslims) gaining currency with each passing day? Isn’t it the result of the weakening bonds amongst Muslims? The birthday of the Prophet (SAW) should not be an occasion of fruitless celebrations. We must use this occasion to adopt a covenant with Allah that we will make efforts to strengthen the Muslim nation. Our victory and progress lies in a united Muslim ummah. The response to our common enemy should be also common. And that common response is unity. We can take numerous lessons from the pious life of the beloved Prophet (SAW) to tackle issues facing Islam and Muslims. When the Prophet (SAW) migrated to Medina from Makkah, how did he unify Muslims? He made Muslims brothers with each other. Why can’t we follow this example in today’s so-called enlightened world? Imagine what would have been the degree of love and brotherhood which the Prophet (SAW) successfully developed amongst Muslims. We need that brotherhood again in today’s world. We so badly need it. Those bonds must once again be revived today. Going back to the above-mentioned verse, another characteristic spelt out by the Quran for the faithful is that they are compassionate amongst themselves. Let us ponder for a moment and ask ourselves that how far does this characteristic hold good for us today. An honest reflection should make us realise that the compassion, which the Quran talks about is absent in our daily lives. If we are to be the followers of the Prophet (SAW), we have to develop compassion for each other. We have to build the environment of love, harmony, peace and justice to achieve the high station of being with the Prophet (SAW). This is the qualification of being a believer. Having been born to Muslim parents does not make us believers. We have to acquire qualities of a true believer as stated explicitly by the Quran. And then when we become believers in letter and spirit, the Quran would calls us ‘brothers of each other’. “Surely the believers are none but brothers unto one another, so set things right between your brothers, and have fear of Allah that you may be shown mercy.” (49:10) This brotherhood is the manifestation and symbol of unity. Lets pledge to stand firm and united against the divisive voices bombarding us from all sides in today’s turbulent times. Let us not be deceived by half-baked ideas put forth in Islamic hues by the enemies of Islam. Let us know the beauty of our religion and strive for peace and unity. May Allah the Exalted make our steps firm, guide our hearts, help us join hands in unity and bring our hearts closer to each other. —The author is a member of Muslim Unity Council, J&K chapter. Feedback:anjum.valley@gmail.com

Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and Unity of the faithful !

By: Sheikh Anjum Husain 31-December-2015 It goes without saying that with the advent of the divine light of the Prophet (SAW), the noblest concepts and values were born. The darkness of ignorance shied away when the beam of enlightenment rose from the holy land of Makkah. The day of descent of Allah’s beloved Prophet (SAW) on this earth is definitely the greatest day in the history of mankind. The Prophet (SAW) initiated a movement that helped humanity to achieve individual and spiritual perfection on one hand and social reforms and moral elevation on the other hand. Isn’t it miraculous to see a person revolutionising the world in a short span of 23 years with no compulsion or coercion but using weapons of “mercy (rahmat), example (uswah), compassion (raham), good strategy (hikmah) and a welcoming address (Mau’izat al Hasanah). Who can parallel the achievements of the Prophet (SAW)? Of course none ever has and none ever will achieve even a percentage of the Prophetic (SAW) accomplishment. Since the first moment, the divine message materialised in the character of the Prophet (SAW) and then in the souls and actions of those who believed in this message. The message of Islam harmed and confronted Jahiliyya (the pagan Arab culture). Irrespective of the school of thought we may belong to, we feel proud to be a part of the ummah of the Prophet (SAW). His exalted personality and the holy book of guidance are the divine unifying forces for the entire Muslim ummah. The Prophet’s (SAW) pious life has been set as the best example for us. The Quran says: “There is certainly for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often.” The Prophet (SAW) is to be emulated by all of us. He is the pivot of our salvation. If we claim to be his followers, we must be united in our thoughts and actions. Our role model is the same Prophet (SAW). When we as Muslims are following the same light of guidance, when our paths are same, when our means are same, when our goals are same, it defies sense to be divided on peripheral issues. Or worse to emphasise on mundane issues while marginalising the core beliefs and principles which are common to the entire Muslim nation. The commonalities (i.e., belief in Oneness on Allah, The Prophethood of His Messenger (SAW), the holy book of guidance, the Qibla, the practices of prayers, Hajj, etc) are certainly much bigger and magnanimous than our differences. The Quran would help us to better understand the point. The holy book of guidance says: “Muhammad (SAW) is the messenger of Allah; and those who are with him are strong against Unbelievers, (but) compassionate amongst each other. Thou wilt see them bow and prostrate themselves (in prayer), seeking Grace from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure. On their faces are their marks, (being) the traces of their prostration. ” (48:29) What is being stated right after the point that “Muhammad (SAW) is the messenger of Allah”, is that his companions, his followers are strong against the disbelievers. It’s the trait of believers that they assume great power and strength against the infidels (the enemies of Islam). How are we to be so powerful, how can we be defensive against the enemies of Islam! Only by being united in our thoughts, beliefs and actions. The enemy is common to all of us. In today’s world filled with imposed wars on Muslims nations, with injustice, with the neo-colonialist agenda of a few apparently powerful countries to shake the supreme edifice of Islam, it becomes incumbent upon all Muslims to ponder upon this beautiful verse of the Quran. Against the above listed common enemies, united we stand and divided we fall. The only way to realise the strength needed to tackle this common enemy is for Muslims to join hands with each other from East to West and from North to South. Why is Islamophobia (a term defining hatred against Islam and Muslims) gaining currency with each passing day? Isn’t it the result of the weakening bonds amongst Muslims? The birthday of the Prophet (SAW) should not be an occasion of fruitless celebrations. We must use this occasion to adopt a covenant with Allah that we will make efforts to strengthen the Muslim nation. Our victory and progress lies in a united Muslim ummah. The response to our common enemy should be also common. And that common response is unity. We can take numerous lessons from the pious life of the beloved Prophet (SAW) to tackle issues facing Islam and Muslims. When the Prophet (SAW) migrated to Medina from Makkah, how did he unify Muslims? He made Muslims brothers with each other. Why can’t we follow this example in today’s so-called enlightened world? Imagine what would have been the degree of love and brotherhood which the Prophet (SAW) successfully developed amongst Muslims. We need that brotherhood again in today’s world. We so badly need it. Those bonds must once again be revived today. Going back to the above-mentioned verse, another characteristic spelt out by the Quran for the faithful is that they are compassionate amongst themselves. Let us ponder for a moment and ask ourselves that how far does this characteristic hold good for us today. An honest reflection should make us realise that the compassion, which the Quran talks about is absent in our daily lives. If we are to be the followers of the Prophet (SAW), we have to develop compassion for each other. We have to build the environment of love, harmony, peace and justice to achieve the high station of being with the Prophet (SAW). This is the qualification of being a believer. Having been born to Muslim parents does not make us believers. We have to acquire qualities of a true believer as stated explicitly by the Quran. And then when we become believers in letter and spirit, the Quran would calls us ‘brothers of each other’. “Surely the believers are none but brothers unto one another, so set things right between your brothers, and have fear of Allah that you may be shown mercy.” (49:10) This brotherhood is the manifestation and symbol of unity. Lets pledge to stand firm and united against the divisive voices bombarding us from all sides in today’s turbulent times. Let us not be deceived by half-baked ideas put forth in Islamic hues by the enemies of Islam. Let us know the beauty of our religion and strive for peace and unity. May Allah the Exalted make our steps firm, guide our hearts, help us join hands in unity and bring our hearts closer to each other. —The author is a member of Muslim Unity Council, J&K chapter. Feedback:anjum.valley@gmail.com

Juvenile Justice in Kashmir

Juvenile Justice Act
The announcement by chief minister is a welcome step
Sheikh Anjum Husain
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah acknowledged the need to revamp the Juvenile Justice Act and bring it at par with that of India is a welcome move. The announcement will certainly serve as a breather for the young boys of the state as also for their families who often go through a painful ordeal.
They will be spared the agony of embarrassment in the society and the uncertainty of the future of their children. We hope the modified law will be drafted taking into account every aspect of this complex age. It's a layman's analysis that the turmoil over the years has had an indelible impact on every citizen of this state. The young and impressionable minds of the youth have been worst hit. Even the Army has admitted that the unfortunate happenings over the past few decades have rendered J&K a polarized region which needs fresh initiatives to usher in peace and harmony. Compassion, empathy, peace and harmony have no alternatives and to bring these things into currency in our state all the stakeholders of this vexed issue must delve deep into a common man's mind. What goes on in his/her mind when the fate of the state hangs in the balance even after over sixty years of no change on the ground level! Where does a common man see the future of his children in this region? He certainly doesn't want to die a brooding man leaving his kith and kin in the hands of 'uncertainty'.
Author resides at Sofipora, Pahalgam and can be mailed at anjum.valley@gmail.com

Juvenile Justice Act
The announcement by chief minister is a welcome step
Sheikh Anjum Husain
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah acknowledged the need to revamp the Juvenile Justice Act and bring it at par with that of India is a welcome move. The announcement will certainly serve as a breather for the young boys of the state as also for their families who often go through a painful ordeal.
They will be spared the agony of embarrassment in the society and the uncertainty of the future of their children. We hope the modified law will be drafted taking into account every aspect of this complex age. It's a layman's analysis that the turmoil over the years has had an indelible impact on every citizen of this state. The young and impressionable minds of the youth have been worst hit. Even the Army has admitted that the unfortunate happenings over the past few decades have rendered J&K a polarized region which needs fresh initiatives to usher in peace and harmony. Compassion, empathy, peace and harmony have no alternatives and to bring these things into currency in our state all the stakeholders of this vexed issue must delve deep into a common man's mind. What goes on in his/her mind when the fate of the state hangs in the balance even after over sixty years of no change on the ground level! Where does a common man see the future of his children in this region? He certainly doesn't want to die a brooding man leaving his kith and kin in the hands of 'uncertainty'.
Author resides at Sofipora, Pahalgam and can be mailed at anjum.valley@gmail.com

Kashmir's youth and Inclusive development!

At a critical juncture
By: Anjum Husain
The youth of the state continue to be harassed through humiliating laws. Faizan Rafiq Hakeem is a case in point. He and his family had to bear the mental agony viz-a-viz his date of birth. It doesn't behove a mature society to put its younger lot through such a mental torture that could have far reaching consequences.
Owing to pressure from Amnesty International, which has even called on the authorities to modify juvenile justice system, Faizan was released. But the question is whether he is completely free now? Hasn't this incident scarred his psyche for long? His conscience will remained chained in what he had to go through at such a tender age. The incidents of this kind will certainly have impact on the general youth of the Kashmir who often see themselves at the receiving end. It's not always for politicians or bureaucrats to decide upon the laws which would keep our state in order. As the Dogra certificate issue has proved, politicians only look for and think of ways and means to 'divide and rule' people. How come we have an ordinance coming into effect which has not only no constitutional backing but which has created a vast schism between various communities of our state? Besides, the general masses so far have failed to get the crux of the matter. The government has not come clean as to what these certificates are aimed at. Neither has there been welcoming feedback from the very people whom the ordinance is supposed to benefit.
What is happening around the world especially in the Middle East has a lesson for us. At these crucial junctures, it holds no ground to push forth such policies as would alienate the general public. We would rather focus on inclusive development and prosperity of the state with selflessness and doing away with vested interests.

Feedback at anjum.valley@gmail.com

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