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

http://www.risingkashmir.com/news/at-a-critical-juncture-8592.aspx?sms_ss=facebook_at_xt%3D4d5412f369437e23%2C0

Bahrain Unrest and Saudi intervention

While as Saudi troops sneaked into Bahrain through the causeway to this island nation,I wonder what is in store for Bahraini people in general who have taken to streets demanding political reform and it's majority shiite community in particular.It's for sure that the HUMAN RIGHTS in Bahrain will go for a toss. Saudi Arab's military intervention is going to wreak havoc on the poor people whose only fault is that they want to have the essential right of choosing their own leaders who govern their state.It's so dumbfounding that in the 21st century, when the world has come of age, some people still hold on to the archaic, cruel and brutal dictatorships and monarchies. Why should there be a privileged few who decide the fate of the majority of under-served people? Is it a divine right for some family to rule the world? It's a pity that while in case of Libya and Egypt the world did comparatively respond to those revolutions, people did take out solidarity marches and voiced their support for people who wanted/ want democracy to be the system in place. But in case of Bahrain, the world is yet to wake up and take note.
Now that Saudis are in Bahrain, beaming into TV cameras with victory signs. How could suppressing the voice of millions by calling in neighboring military and imposing 'state emergency' be termed as victory.
This is a call to all human rights defenders of the world to look into what people of Bahrain are going through. And they are not resorting to violent forms of protests, they are not armed, they don't pelt stones, they are not anti-king, they are not even (what cynical media would have u believe)entirely shiite protests. They go bare-chested before the king's men to shoot them. They are ready to sacrifice but they want their future generations to live a life of dignity. I have seen heart-wrenching photographs of mothers preparing their young sons for this 'sacrifice'.Have a look at the image attached herewith.
World, please take note!

Adding insult to injury!

Adding insult to injury
Dear Editor,
The Deoband VC's remarks on Gujarat massacre are certainly going to rub salt on the wounds of Muslims not only of that state who had to go through unnerving pain of loosing their loved ones but all those who felt their anguish and cried over the unfortunate event their own way.
The VC's words if not ill-intentioned are purely ill-thought out. He might have expected a healing touch through his remarks but he perhaps forgot that what he opined about were not scribbling on a blackboard which should be dusted off but real wounds on the hearts and minds of all human beings. Human beings I mean. If such a heinous crime is endorsed by such a reputed person and that too from the office of one of the highest seats of religious education in India then God help all the victims of injustice and suppression. Modi was not let in by western countries after learning about his 'credentials' and here we stand ready to forget one of the darkest chapters of modern Indian history. Forgiveness is certainly a divine trait but huge question and exclamation marks hover over the debate that the Deoband VC has stirred. What of the 'gravity' of the crime. Loot, rape, plunder, arson and murder of about 2000 innocents of minority community, weren't these crimes enough for the man in charge of the state to be tried in a court of law? The VC would have done well if he had called for an impartial inquiry into the incident in addition to his advice to Gujarat Muslims. Otherwise, Muslims had moved on themselves and were not crying hoarse over their fate that prompted him to give the uncalled for 'healing touch'.

Sheikh Anjum Husain
Sofipora, Pahalgam
anjum.valley@gmail.com



LINK: http://www.risingkashmir.com/news/adding-insult-to-injury-6130.aspx

Unrest in Egypt!

Unrest in Egypt
Sheikh Anjum Husain
The popular uprising against the dictatorial and suppressive rule of embattled President Hosni Mubarak in Egypt is a good sign of people having come of age with regard to their political rights. The shout has found echo in other regional parts like Sudan, Tunisia, Ivory Coast etc.
The revolt must be taken as 'writing on the wall' by other kings, dictators and neo-imperialist governments which have thrust themselves on people against their will. According to the reports, people in Egypt have not been provoked by unemployment, inflation or other socioeconomic problems but it's primarily the lack of human dignity and rights that made them take to streets and call for removal of Mubarak. People can live on a meal a day instead of two but a life without basic human values is not acceptable to them. People of Kashmir too have been living sans any respect for their life. They have been fighting for their rights not 'jobs and economic packages' for over 60 years. Yet, even after so long with lives of thousands of innocents having been lost, peace still eludes this part of the globe due to sheer apathy of the governments that were and are in power today. The fate of a people can't be hung in the balance forever. PEACE is without any alternative or replacement. It must have its way and that too not tomorrow or the day after but NOW. The authorities must wake to the realities that are being witnessed around the world today. Let not myth, force, rigidity and suppression but truth, cooperation, harmony and friendship be the way to lasting peace in our part of the globe. May peace prevail in Egypt and people of the country have the government of their choice.
Author resides at Sofipora, Pahalgam and can be mailed at anjum.valley@gmail.com


LINK: http://www.risingkashmir.com/news/unrest-in-egypt-5918.aspx

Unrest in Egypt!

Unrest in Egypt
Sheikh Anjum Husain
The popular uprising against the dictatorial and suppressive rule of embattled President Hosni Mubarak in Egypt is a good sign of people having come of age with regard to their political rights. The shout has found echo in other regional parts like Sudan, Tunisia, Ivory Coast etc.
The revolt must be taken as 'writing on the wall' by other kings, dictators and neo-imperialist governments which have thrust themselves on people against their will. According to the reports, people in Egypt have not been provoked by unemployment, inflation or other socioeconomic problems but it's primarily the lack of human dignity and rights that made them take to streets and call for removal of Mubarak. People can live on a meal a day instead of two but a life without basic human values is not acceptable to them. People of Kashmir too have been living sans any respect for their life. They have been fighting for their rights not 'jobs and economic packages' for over 60 years. Yet, even after so long with lives of thousands of innocents having been lost, peace still eludes this part of the globe due to sheer apathy of the governments that were and are in power today. The fate of a people can't be hung in the balance forever. PEACE is without any alternative or replacement. It must have its way and that too not tomorrow or the day after but NOW. The authorities must wake to the realities that are being witnessed around the world today. Let not myth, force, rigidity and suppression but truth, cooperation, harmony and friendship be the way to lasting peace in our part of the globe. May peace prevail in Egypt and people of the country have the government of their choice.
Author resides at Sofipora, Pahalgam and can be mailed at anjum.valley@gmail.com


LINK: http://www.risingkashmir.com/news/unrest-in-egypt-5918.aspx

Iceberg that is melting in River Nile!

Ice berg that is melting in the Nile
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The popular revolt in Egypt against the authoritarian president Hosni Mubarak is exemplary in many ways. One can't help saluting the unity, courage, steadfastness and forbearance of Egyptian people. I wonder if the uprising is so intense against an Egyptian who ruled them for 30 years, what would be the case had it been a question of foreign occupation. Mubarak is presently being widely and frequently described in the world media, social and political circles as a rubber-stamp and puppet president who during the course of his dictatorial rule, cared more for the US and Israel than for his own countrymen. Most of the western countries especially the US and its allies who invaded Iraq and Afghanistan on the pretext of democracy have ironically but not surprisingly maintained silence over the happenings in Egypt. This clearly speaks volumes about their double-standards. The entire Egypt taking to streets against Mubarak is in a way a democratic election or referendum whereby people wanted him out of power. Why doesn't the West support this democratic movement? What one gathers by the embattled president's holding on to power for many days after the protests broke out is the fear of 'where to go?'. Would his mentors (read the US and Israel), whose foreign policy has always been 'use and throw, be able to provide him a safe haven? Why the US and Israel wanted him to stay is that the ice-berg they built over the decades in the East and that's feeding the rivers of their interests is in danger. And Egypt could be just the tip of this ice-berg that seems to be melting in Nile.
Sheikh Anjum Husain
Sofipora Pahalgam
anjum.valley@gmail.com

LINK:http://greaterkashmir.com/news/2011/Feb/15/ice-berg-that-is-melting-in-the-nile-16.asp

President Obama's India Visit

On a business trip

Sheikh Anjum Husain

Dear Editor,
It was an open secret that Obama meant business and he undoubtedly hit the iron when it was hot. The politically correct Obama chose to touch down first off in India's financial capital Mumbai and right away struck the cord with the country business tycoons.

Thereby he made it clear that the primary objective of his visit is to wrap as many business tie-ups as possible. His party back home got drubbed in the recently concluded mid-term polls and he ascribed this dismal performance to the US economy saying, “The economy did us in." While addressing the Indian parliamentarians he draw huge applause from the political geeks who were seen elbowing each other for that 'ultimate' Obama touch that would possibly turn them into golden politicians and secure their political careers till infinity. They cheered him longest and the loudest when he uttered that he welcomes India's preparedness for a seat in the UN Security Council. How long would the 'preparation' take is a different matter altogether. The US earlier in the year had indicated that India must solve the vexed Kashmir issue and then only dream of a seat in the UNSC. In his speech in the parliament it was not a U-turn on US' stand on the issue but another way of saying the same thing. It would be interesting to see how long India ignores the K issue. Although PM Manmohan Singh did recently say that India was not afraid of the K word then what makes the largest democracy of the world keep mum on it time and again. India subjects talks on Kashmir to Pakistan eliminating terrorism from its territory but why hold Kashmir as a political shield. Over a hundred innocent deaths from June this year were not perhaps enough to move India into taking the issue up with all stakeholders. People are fed up with intermittent strike and curfew calls now and this is what India wanted. To see the uprising die its own death India chose to adopt silence and delay tactics. But the people of Kashmir are aware of their rights and won't take things lying down. Peace is to be brought by way of peace only and no economic package or change of political dispensation is ever going to make up for the same.
Sheikh Anjum Husain
Sofipora, Pahalgam
anjum.valley@gmail.com
http://www.risingkashmir.com/news/on-a-business-trip-3516.aspx

This image speaks a lot about the human right's in this country. India might be fast on course to become an economic power to reckon with but the dignity and value of humans is skidding fast in the opposite direction. The security personnel have turned into 007s making full use of the 'license to kill'. And things don't stop there, they misbehave with the dead bodies as is evident from the image above. They would have done well to let the body of the woman lie where the bullet(s) hit her instead of carrying it in an inhuman way. Animal rights are more recognized than those of humans. One wonders what makes security personnel shed their human side; a weapon in hand and a camouflage uniform or the orders from the higher-ups? The matter is of grave concern this time as the dignity of Indian women is at stake. It would be of interest to see how rights activists in India and abroad take on this issue.


*(For Amnesty International's "DEMAND DIGNITY CAMPAIGN")

Don't get carried away!

Don't get carried away!


Sheikh Anjum Husain
Even though a cross section of writers in Kashmir showed their optimism on a part of Indian Premier's speech at SKUAST's convocation, we have little reason to cheer and celebrate.
The revelation of proceeding with Pakistan on issues like trade, cooperation, porous border etc are ill-timed considering the happenings on ground here. Dr Singh's hints were seconded by India's foreign secretary Nirupama Rao as she gears up to visit and talk to her counterpart in Islamabad. The agenda for talks does include a range of issues but all these seem to be aimed at showing the world community that all is well between the two countries viz-a-viz the vexed issue of Kashmir. Or worse still this is to divert attention from the killings of innocent boys and violation of human rights.
New Delhi and our own government seem to be least concerned with how the Kashmiri people (mostly teenagers) are being treated by ham-handed army and police. What good does improving people to people contact across the border hold when people are treated worse than animals?
Little wonder that they are out to wipe out a generation of our's. India boasts of Kashmir being it's crown and inseparable part (atoot ang), but isn't it a sort of tragicomedy that the so-called crown is being beaten to smithereens every now and then by those who are meant to guard it? Kashmir has been kept in the boiling cauldron for over six decades over LoC and now they want to fuel the fire by giving us a porous border. Is that a solution? We must not get carried away!
Author resides in Sofipora Pahalgam and can be mailed at anjum.valley@gmail.com
LINK: http://www.risingkashmir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=24378&Itemid=44

Israel's illegal construction in and around Gaza

Of Talks

The world community needs to pull its act together to put pressure primarily on Israel to back off from its proceedings on the new constructions in the disputed territories

Sheikh Anjum Husain

The Obama administration seems to have woken up to its long overdue promise of reaching out to the Muslim world by showing its anger at Israel continuation with its settlement projects in and around East Jerusalem. An expression of this unhappiness over Israel Premier Netanyahu’s remark that he will not block the construction projects was George Mitchell, US envoy to West Asia, cancelling his visit to the Jewish state. The crisis has proved to be a setback to the peace talks between the two neighbours with US playing the role of a mediator. This new US-Israel frustration elicited a bitter response from no other than the US secretary of state Hillary Clinton calling it an “insult” on part of Israel. Nevertheless, all this is just a semblance of what an aggressive state like Israel deserves given its track record of breaching international laws and treaties. Israel has in fact been a pampered child of the US with successive governments extending full support to its reprehensible behaviour and endorsing its suppressive tactics. When a country like Iran, which time and again states that it needs uranium enrichment to meet its civilian energy requirements, has been facing economic sanctions for so long, why play a double-standard policy with Israel? Why doesn’t US raise economic and military barricades viz-a-viz an international criminal state? The world community needs to pull its act together to put pressure primarily on Israel to back off from its proceedings on the new constructions in the disputed territories. Both the warring neighbours must be brought on the talking table to settle the dispute once and for all. The United Nations especially has a role to play and that’s what it is meant for.

Like Kashmiris, the people of Palestine have been suffering for decades bearing the brunt of sins they didn’t commit. In a leading daily of J&K India, Pakistan and Kashmir were aptly described as three idiots drawing the analogy from Amir Khan starrer movie “3 idiots”. India and Pakistan resumed the so called dialogue (dialogue or a mock talk?) last month after the ill-fated 26/11 to the pleasure of optimists.


India again has worn the delaying tactics mask and subjected the resumption of composite dialogue to the condition that Pakistan, the biggest terror victim at present, first takes care of India’s concerns of terror. Thus creating a lose-lose-lose scenario for all the three idiots! This continuing strain in Indo-Pak relations and will prove to be detrimental to peace in the region in the long run as it would egg terrorists on and they will construe it as a success of their evil designs. India has its economic might and a rising superpower status at stake while Pakistan has everything from the lives of its citizens, its economy and the already explosive polity at stake. And as for Kashmir (J&K), young boys who only might have dreamt of a career, a successful life et al continue to fall victims to bullets and unceremoniously enter graveyards when they should be attending schools and colleges.

Feedback at anjum.valley@gmail.com

Of Talks,Hope and Despair

http://www.risingkashmir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=21000

Of Talks, Hope and Despair

Sheikh Anjum Husain

Every time India and Pakistan announce fixtures for bilateral talks, hope and optimism is rekindled in the hearts of Kashmiris.
Unfortunately, past experience has also taught us that these ‘talks’ do not go beyond lip service to one of the most complex issues of the earth. Now before the foreign secretaries of both countries could sit across the table, incidents of terror in both states have plagued the goodwill gesture. To the pleasure of those who indulge in these heinous acts, the politicians and media on both sides let the shadow of terror fall on the so-called confidence building measures thus creating more room and atmosphere for terror.


Talks or no talks, terrorists have their way. Then why should the two warring nations let gory incidents hijack the milieu of resolving their outstanding issues? Talks have remained just talks and have not yielded any fruitful results in the past gradually turning hope into despair. Over 60 years on, there have been no serious attempts to pull this crises ridden state out of the quagmire.

People who take charge of the issue from time to time come and go earning name and fame for themselves from Kashmir issue and nothing else.
The frustration of the people of Kashmir could be gauged by the fact that religious bodies like Jamiat AhiHadtih found itself compelled to write to foreign secretaries of India and Pakistan.We are striving to live in a global world where a pins’ drop in the east finds its echo in the west. So time has come for both nations to honor their commitments and not shy away from it just to fulfill their vested interests and keep the issue on boil. Need of the hour is that both India and Pakistan get not only all parties to the dispute on the talking table but those also who champion democracy in the world- US, UK, representatives from China, Gilgit-Baltistan, all neighboring countries, Pakistan administered Kashmir and not to forget the poor Kashmiri people who have been bearing the brunt of the dispute for so long for no fault of theirs. Only then can the dialogue be termed meaningful and the attempt as result-oriented.

The writer can be reached at anjum.valley@gmail.com

We are the most tolerant people!

If the state forces are trying to kill protests, they undoubtedly are dismantling the institution of democracy Sheikh Anjum Husain The killing of another teenager in the heart of Srinagar city ironically was preceded by India’s defence ministry’s statement that time was ripe for the state police to be given far greater responsibility, particularly in major towns, in tackling the threat of terrorism. It could be argued that the suspended police official’s intention was not to fatally hit 15 year old Wamiq Farooq Wani with the tear gas shell that eventually ended his family as well as his own dreams and aspirations. But one wonders if the state police are guided by some level-headed mechanism of dealing with a mob or that they just rely on their spurt-of-the-moment reactions and have their own way! A top-notch police official talking to a US based radio said that orders have been issued to police to shot tear smoke shells in air only so that they loose their intensity midway. But recently smoke shells have been used to severely injure or kill the protesting youth. It’s not that protests are unique to this conflict ridden state only, but they are the voice and expression of democracy. And if the state forces are trying to kill protests, they undoubtedly are dismantling the institution of democracy. When the likes of Inayat and Wamiq succumb to atrocities of gun-trotting men, public anger is bound to rise. If these were rare incidents, the unruly shape that protests often take here could be termed undemocratic and unhealthy for overall progress of the state. J&K in general and Kashmir valley in particular has been a witness to such incidents day in and day out. Under these circumstances how can police or some other agency ask elders to advise their youngsters to stay away from protests? How else would the sandwiched people of the state vent their feeling other than protest against the terror unleashed upon them? I would still describe Kashmiri nation as the most tolerable on earth. The way people in other parts of India react to the drop of a hat is not ‘agitational terrorism’ and if poor Kashmiris protest the unjustified killings of Wamiq and Inayat they are bracketed as unruly. Hardliners of Mumbai have been cornering people of north India for quite some time now. They thrashed an MP from north in the state assembly. Imagine the aftermath of an incident like that of Wamiq Wani happening in Mumbai! Need of the time calls for well-laid out rules for our police personnel to be formulated to deal with protesters. General public too must exercise restraint and refrain from indulging in provocative acts as the state police are from amongst us and they too are humans. May sense prevail! Feedback at anjum.valley@gmail.comanjum.valley@gmail.com

KARBALA: MISSION AND THE MESSAGE

KARBALA: MISSION AND THE MESSAGE

Karbala is the institution where humanity learns how to stand up to the enemy of truth. Karbala gives us hope and courage that howsoever strong and war-equipped the enemy is, it could be defeated not by numbers but by a strong resolve and unwavering belief in Allah and his revelations. IMAM HUSAIN (A.S.), along with his 71 companions which include his six month old infant Ali Asghar on one extreme and 80 yr old Habib ibn Mazahir on the other, defeated the huge army of Yazid. While setting off from Madina Imam made his intentions clear in a will he handed over to his brother Muhammad Hanafiya. It was not to fight Yazid to get the throne of the empire over which the khalifah ruled. Imam mission was to reawaken the spirit of Islam and rekindle the Islamic conscience which was nearing extinction by the conduct of Yazid. Justice and morality were gradually being destroyed by the greed for land and power of those who had become rulers. Qur'an insists that distinction can be accorded by piety alone. Imam wrote, “My mission is to reform the Muslim community which I propose to do by AMR BIL MA'RUF AND NAHYA ANIL MUNKAR, inviting them to the good and advising them against evil. It is not my intention to set myself as an insolent or arrogant tyrant or a mischief maker". The sole cause for which Imam Hussain set out from Madina was to perform his duty to of enjoining good and stopping against evil to the ummah which had not only apathetically accepted the evil that had been flowing from the court in Damascus but, sadly, begun to emulate it. The inevitable consequence of this would have been a total destruction of all Islamic values. Imam offered his blood before he would endorse a person like Yazid to hold the reigns of the Islamic government. Imam couldn’t bear silent witness to Islamic values being swept away by evil, the same value which was the fruit of Prophet Muhammad’s (SAWW) efforts.

Prophet too has said of Husain, “Husainu minni wa Anaa min-al Husain” that Husain belongs to me and I belong to Husain. It must not be taken as just another saying but giving it a thought this statement houses in it a great concept. The cause that Muhammad (SAWW) championed was saved by Husain at Karbala. Question might be asked as to what makes Husain’s sacrifice great? World has seen way bigger combats than Karbala in which hundreds of thousands of innocents were killed. Then why eulogize and that too at such a heightened level the battle of Karbala? The answer is that the cause was great that makes the sacrifice great. There is no greater cause to fight for that offering one’s life for Islam. And Husain did that like no one did, has done or will ever do henceforth. When Hur and his army stopped Imam from going to Kufa, and Hur told Imam that his order from Ibne Ziyad was to ask Imam for Bai'at to (vote for) Yazid, Imam refused to declare Bai'at to someone who was only serving his own ends and not of Islam. Hur said that such an attitude might cost Imam his life. Imam replied: "Are you threatening me with death? Death is many thousands of times better than the dishonor of Bai'at to an enemy of Islam. Do you not see that truth is not being practiced and falsehood is not being prevented? I see death as a blessing and life with tyrants as the most disgusting state one can be in." Zillat ki zindagi se izzat ki maut behtar hai. No wonder that Yazid thought of Imam’s Bai’at important for him to run the government because he very well knew that with Husain alive his evil tactics could not flourish.

Hur has been an eye-opening character in Karbala. He was a commander of Yazid’s army till the morning of Ashura. When Hur set out of his camp for ablution for morning Namaz with some water he heard children from Husain’s camp crying for water. These cries changed the mind of Hur and he started moving to and fro in uncertainty. His nears asked him the cause of disturbance. Hur said, “I find myself dangling between Jannat and Jahannum”. Within moments Hur left for Husain’s camp and offered his life to Imam and Islam. Some historians report him to earn the distinction of being the first martyr of Karbala.

In a letter which he addressed to the people of Kufa Imam wrote: "An Imam is one who judges by the Holy Qur'an, upholds justice, professes the religion of truth and dedicates himself to obeying Allah and His Prophet." At Karbala, facing the army of Yazid, Imam Hussain addressed them as follows:"Remember that when you see a ruler who does what has been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, who indulges in sins, who oppresses the people he rules, and you do nothing to stop such a ruler, before Allah you are as guilty as he is." He went on to add:"My parents did not raise me to submit myself to an evil tyrant. I am your Imam and it is my duty to tell you that you have surrendered the freedom of your mind to the evil ways of Yazid. If you do not care for Islam, and do not fear the Day of Judgment, at least do care for that precious gift from Allah, the freedom of your spirit!!” Yazid on becoming Khalifah had declared, “Hashemite played with the throne, but no revelation was revealed, nor was there a true message!". This one statement speaks volumes about his character and unfortunately there are people around in today’s world who side with him and seek respect and forgiveness for him. They overlook the fact that he fought against the grandson of Prophet (pbuh) who he had given the honor of being ‘head of the youth of paradise’.

Karbala mission didn’t end with the martyrdom of Husain on the evening of Ashura but it took on a new beginning from thereon. Husain’s courageous sister Hazrat Zainab and son Imam Ali Ibn Husain along with other ladies of the camp were made captive. But Zainab did the remaining job that was to expose the evil masquerading in Yazid and propagate the true Islamic teachings. When Zainab reached Kufa, she addressed people with fury words: "Praise to Allah and may the blessing of Allah be upon Muhammad and his progeny. O people of Kufa, you are hypocrites and deceitful. You feign to be sorry for the death of my brother and his companions. May you always shed tears. I find nothing in you but flattery, evil acts and thoughts, pride and spite and ill will. By Allah! You deserve lasting sorrow instead of joy. Shames on you, your hands are colored with the blood of the son of the Holy Prophet (SAW), the one who was your sole refuge in case of adversity. By your evil act and disloyalty, you incurred the wrath of Allah against you. No one will intercede with Allah for you." Her furious words provoked people of Kufa to avenge Husain's martyrdom. I fear no one but Allah. Make whatever evil plot you can. Blazes are waiting for you in the hereafter. You'll bee accountable to Allah for your atrocities." Today’s woman can imbibe a wealth of good character from this great lady of Islam. The Muslim women should read more about the hardships which faced the great women of Islam understand and practice the patience that characterized the life of Zainab (s.a.), and teach their children the value of these acts.
Men alone cannot win independence and prosperity, neither can women. Together, and under the banner of Islam, they can achieve success.

We mourn the martyrdom of Husain as Muharram begins. But we must ensure that we do it as per the teachings of Islam. We must not indulge in practices which defame Islam and present it in a despicable way. Islam is not a religion of traditions and customs. We must mourn the way Zainab and Imam’s son Zainul Abidin did after Karbala. The mission was and should be to uphold the message of Islam in letter and spirit as propounded by our Holy Prophet (SAWW). The focus should be on unity in diversity. Heartfelt salute to Karbala martyrs.