Aboobacker Nizami gets Doctorate

Calicut: Mr. Aboobacker Nizami Kalaranthiri, a famous sunni dignitary and Markaz Public Relations Secretary gets doctorate from the University of Calicut, Kerala. His research was on the topic '' the contribution of Imam Sa'adudheen Thafthazani (R) to the Arabic Literature, Rhetoric and Eloquence" under the guidance of Dr. N.A.M. Abdul Khadir, Calicut University. Mr Nizami is well known in Kerala for his organisational, writing, speaking and linguistic skills as he was endorsed a lot of designations like  the Chairman of Face Public School Calicut, Secretary of Guidance Public School, Thiruvampadi, Calicut, Director General of Right Path Foundation, Secretary of Public Relations, Markaz Calicut, State Councillor of Sunni Students' Federation, Guest Faculty of MDS College Vennakkode Calicut and so on.

He is the first one who gets the doctorate among those who completed Da'wa Course from various Islamic Da'wa Colleges allover India. He is the first student of M. D. S. Da'wa College Vennakkode. After completing his study from there he went to Jamia Nizamiyya, Hyderabad and there did Graduation in Islamic Theology and Arabic literature. Before that, he had possessd a Graduation in English Literature from the University of Calicut. His Post Graduation was in Arabic Literature from the University of Calicut. After it he joined Markaz for higher study, research in Arabic literature, that is an equivalant to Post Graduation. Then he joined with Calicut University Arabic Department and did Master of Philosophy Degree.

Born in Kalaranthiri, Koduvally in Calicut district as the son of Mr Ahmad Kutty and Asiya Beevi, he completed his preliminary study from his native and joined MDS College Vennakkode from where he got inspirations of Mr. Basheer Faizee Vennakkode who is a dynamic personality of Muslim Kerala.

His famous teachers are Abdul fathah Ahsani Al Kamily, U.K. Muhammedali Musliyar, Basheer Faizee Vennakkode, Ponmala Abdul Khadir Musliyar, Mufti Khaleel Ahmad, Nellikuth Ismaeel Musliyar, Shaikh Aboobacker Kanthapuram.

His wife is Mrs. Lubaba D/o Abdul Hameed darimi Vennakkode and Fathima Beevi Velimukk. He has a son named Muhammed labeeb Abdullah and daughter fathima Lubna. 08/08/2010

Kashmir: No cruelty towards innocents,

Says Kanthapuram to minister

Media asked to play objective role

RIYADH: The recently convened “Media Dialogue,” organized by the Risala Study Circle (RSC) Riyadh zone, highlighted the dangerous tendency of the media in India to be the final word and urged journalists to correct injustices to the wider community. S. Sharafuddin, managing editor of Risala Weekly and Pravasi Risala monthly, both published in Kerala, expressed the anxiety of Muslims and other downtrodden communities feel due to discrimination in media and education.
The media have ignored Muslim issues and problems, and operate solely for the interests of higher castes, he said, adding that this will result in the decay of our democratic system. The media should not act as self-appointed judges, it should uphold the dignity and freedom of citizens, he said. The dialogue was presided over by Muneer Kodungallur. Participants included Arshul Ahmed (Chandrika Daily), Naser Karakkunnu (Kairali TV), Najeem Kochukalunk (Madhyamam Daily) and Shihab Kottukad. ARAB NEWS 25/06/2010

Abu Dhabi Police, Indian Paper sign MoU

on cooperation with Indian Community

Abu Dhabi, Jun 13th, 2010: The General Headquarters of Abu Dhabi Police and Siraj Malayalam, an Indian newspaper issued in Dubai, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on media cooperation between the two sides. Present were Major General Khalil Dawood Badran, director general of the Finance and Services at Abu Dhabi Police and Al Sheikh Abu Bakr Musliyar Kanthapuram, head of Siraj Publishing Group. The MoU was signed by Lt. Col. Khalid Al Shamsi, deputy director of the Department of Technical and Security Information Affairs on behalf of Abu Dhabi police, while MKM Abbas, editor incharge of Siraj paper, signed on behalf of the Indian paper.

Badran welcomed the agreement, stressing that the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is keen to boost cooperation with India. He added that the paper plays a role in educating the Indian community in the country about laws and regulations, especially in the security and police fields. For his part, Kanthapuram said the Indian community is the biggest community in the country, adding that light will be shed on police awareness message, especially the efforts of the ministry of Interior to deal with violators of the residency law through provision of correct information. WAM

Kerala daily signs MoU with Abu Dhabi police

Dubai, Jun 14 (PTI): Malayalam daily Siraj has signed an MoU with Abu Dhabi police under which awareness messages from the law enforcement agency, particularly about residency laws, will be sent out to its readers. The Kerala based Siraj daily, which also brings out an edition in Dubai, has agreed to act as a media conduit with the Indian community in the UAE. According to a statement released on Sunday, Al Sheikh Abu Bakr Musliyar Kanthapuram, head of Siraj Publishing Group, and Major General Khalil Dawood Badran, director general of the Finance and Services at Abu Dhabi Police were present during the signing of the UAE. M K M Abbas, editor-incharge of Siraj Malayalam, signed on behalf of the Indian paper. Badran welcomed the agreement and stressed that the UAE is keen to boost cooperation with India.

Former Kerala Wakhf Board chief passes away
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Syed Fazal Pookkoya Thangal, a noted Islamic scholar and former chairman of the Kerala Wakhf Board, died in the northern town of Kozhikode early Tuesday at the age of 81. Thangal was the president of Marqasu Ssaquafathi Ssunniyya - a leading Islamic center of learning in Kerala - a position that he held for a long time and until his death. He was also president of the state’s prominent Islamic bodies such as Maunathul Islam Sangham, Ponnani and Mishqal Masjid, and was associated with a large number of institutions, including the Kerala Haj Committee.
Born to Syed Mohammed Jifry Thangal in 1928, Syed Fazal had participated in India’s freedom struggle against British rule that ended in 1947. His association with Sunni organizations in the area started as the city unit president of the Sunni Yuvajana Sangham.
His ancestors migrated to Kerala from Hadhramaut in Yemen three centuries ago and played an important role in propagating Islam in south India. The family’s Jifry House functioned as the seat of the Sunni movement before establishing its headquarters in Kozhikode.
Syed Fazal died at around 4 a.m. at a private hospital. His funeral took place at a cemetery close to his ancestral home on Tuesday evening. He leaves behind a wife, seven sons and a daughter.
Leaders of the Sunni movement, including Kanthapuram AP Aboobakr Musliar, who cut short his visit to Cairo to return to India, reached Jifry House to pay their last respects. ASHRAF PADANNA | ARAB NEWS, Jeddah 11/05/2010

Fasal Pookkoya Thangal dies
Kozhikode: Syed Shihab Ali Jifri alias Fasal Pookkoya Thangal, president of the Markazu Saqafathi Sunniyya at Karanthur and senior vice-president of the Sunni Vidyabhyasa Board, died yesterday. The burial took place at 6 pm at the Kuttichira Jifri Maqam in Kozhikode. Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar led the janaza prayers at the Jifri House. Born in 1928, Faslubnu Muhammed Shihab Ali Jifri was an active freedom fighter. He has been in the public field since 1962. He served as the chairman of the state Waqf Board from 1990 to 1994. He also served in various positions such as the senior vice-president of the Sunni Vidyabhyasa Board, supreme council member of the SYS, vice-president of the Ma’oonathul Islam Sabha and the Tharbiyathul Islam Sabha, Hajj Committee member, etc. He was one of the founding leaders of the Karanthur Markaz which was established at Karanthur in Kozhikode in 1978. He is survived by wife and eight children. TwoCircles.net 12/05/2010

Press Release by Muslim Scholars of All Major Mainstream Juridical Schools

March 31, 2010

“We condemn the recent criminal terrorist attacks, perpetrated against brothers and sisters in Islam and in Humanity, in Iraq, Moscow, and Dagestan. Islam absolutely upholds the sanctity of human life, and no grievances, even when legitimate, can ever be used to justify or legitimate such murderous and evil acts. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families, and our condolences to the Iraqi and Russian peoples and their religious and political leaderships.”

Signatories

Sheikh Abu Bakr Ahmad Al-Milibari, Secretary General of the Ahl Al-Sunna Association, India

Dr. Ahmad Badr Al-Din Hassoun, Grand Mufti of Syria

Dr. Ahmad Abd Al-Aziz Al-Haddad, Mufti of Dubai, UAE

yatollah Hussein Muayad, Shia Authority, Iraq

Dr. Hamdan M. Al-Mazroui, Head of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Sheikh Hamza Yusuf, Director and Founder, Zaytuna Institute, California, USA

Sheikh Rawi Ayn Al-Din, Chief of the Council of Russian Muftis

Dr. Aref Ali Nayed, Director, Kalam Research and Media, Dubai, UAE

Sheikh Abdal Hakim Murad, Sheikh Zayed Lecturer in Islamic Studies, Cambridge University, UK

Allamah Sheikh Abd Allah bin Mahfouz bin Bayyah, Vice President of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, and President of the Global Centre for Renewal and Guidance

Dr. Abla Kahlawi, Dean of Islamic and Arabic Studies, Al-Azhar University (Women‟s College), Egypt

Sheikh Professor Dr Ali Gomaa, Grand Mufti of the Republic of Egypt

Al-Habib Ali Zain Al-Abidin Al-Jifri, Founder and Director, Tabah Foundation, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Sayyed Ali al-Hashimi, Advisor to the President for Judiciary and Religious Affairs, UAE

Sheikh Ali Evteev , Mufti of Northern Russia

Dr. Farouk Hamada, Religious Advisor, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court

Al-Sharif Muhammad al-Alwini, Chairman of Brussels Academy for Islamic Sciences

Dr. Bassam al-Zain, Preacher, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court

Sayyed Muhammad bin Muhammad al-Mansour, High Authority of Zeidi Muslims, Yemen

Dr. Muhammad Rashid Qabbani, Grand Mufti of Lebanon

Prof. Dr. Allamah Shaykh Muhammad Sa'id Ramadan Al-Buti, Former Dean, Dept. of Religion, University of Damascus, Syria

Sheikh Muhammad Abd Allah Kgarachai, Head of the Society of Dawah and Education in Russia

H.E. Sheikh Dr. Mustafa Ceric, Grand Mufti and Head of „Ulema of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sheikh Mukaddars Bibarsov, Mufti of Volga

Sheikh Nafigulla Ashirov, Muslim Spiritual Directorate (MSD) of the Asiatic Part of Russia

Indian atheist embraces Islam

RIYADH: A well-known Indian psychotherapist embraced Islam on Thursday. Dr. Periyadarshan, who has changed his name to Abdullah, told Arab News Friday that Islam is the only religion in the world that follows a book directly revealed from God. He said that as a student of comparative religions he believes books of other faiths have not been directly revealed to mankind from God. He said the Holy Qur’an is still in the same format and style as it was revealed to the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) from Almighty Allah. Dr. Abdullah is a visiting professor at the University of California in Los Angeles. He also acted in the famous Tamil film “Karuthamma” about the killing of newborn baby girls in some remote villages in India. The production received national award from the Indian government. “I was well known in India for my atheist theology and later I became to realize that religion is the only way out for human beings both in this world as well as in the hereafter,” he said.

Dr. Abdullah will be performing Umrah on Saturday on his first visit to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Arab News Jeddah 13/03/2010

‘Regionalism will destabilise country’

Thrissur: The All India Jamiyyathul Ulama general secretary Kanthapuram A. P. Aboobacker Musliar has said that ideologies that promote regionalism will destabilise the country. He was speaking after inaugurating the State conference of Al Isaba, comprising select members of Sunni Students’ Federation, here on Saturday.

“Islam has been widely misunderstood and there is a tendency to dub all Muslims as terrorists. In this context, a Muslim youth movement that stands for peace and human development is relevant,” he told thousands of Al Isaba members who assembled on the Sakthan Thampuran ground.

Al Isaba should channelise the creative energy of youth for the development of the country, he said. The meeting declared that the Al Isaba would form a youth brigade of about 5,000 volunteers for social service in rural areas of the State. Tens of thousands of members from 486 sectors of the SSF across the State participated in the conference. The meeting was preceded by a rally. THE HINDU 14/02/2010

SSF Activist Assaulted

Bantwal (Dakshina Kannada district): A Five member's gang assaulted and severely wounded a Sunni Students’ Federation (SSF) activist in a murder attempt near Maripalla on Saturday.

He is identified as Isaak, a resident of Perimar near Maripalla. EK- AP conflict in Perimar Madarasa is said to be the reason behind an attack.

Bantwal Rural Police have registered a case against Hameed, Naushad, Mada Haneef, Imran and Ajeem, all residents of Maripalla on the basis of a complaint given by a relative of the seriously injured Isaak.

He was hacked with swords near a shop in Maripalla. A few days back a group had attacked his house and damaged it. EK group members are said to be behind the incident.

Police have registered as an attempted  murder  case. Coastal Digest 17/01/2010

Sunni Youth Society holds National Islamic Meet in Delhi

New Delhi: The Sunni Youth Society, a prominent youth group of Ahle Sunnat wal Jamaat, held its National Islamic Convention 2009 in New Delhi today with eminent personalities from the dominating section of the Muslim community attending and addressing the daylong program.

The theme of the convention was Message of Humanity. The theme was selected “not only to strengthen the roots of communal harmony in the country but also to teach our youth about the secular and rich traditions of our country,” said Sunni Youth Society. “The message of every religion is same and each religion tells to live with peace and harmony. This message which is very much relevant in this scenario where everyone is trying to prove his religion as best one, SYS (Sunni Youth Society) is rising with a slogan to spread the message of humanity,” the group said.

The program presided over by Syed Muhammad Ashraf Miyan Jilani, president, Spiritual Foundation of India, was addressed by various renowned spiritual personalities including Sheikh Aboobacker Ahmed, chief patron of Sunni Youth Society and General Secretary, Jamiat Ulema (Kerala), Syed Shah Shameemuddin Ahmed Munami, Sajjad Nasheen of Khanqah Munamiah (Patna) and Dr Abdul Haleem Azhari, national president, Muslim Students Organization.

Sheikh Aboobacker Ahmed said that Muslims are in good condition in India but what has now become disturbing for some years is that the community is being blamed for terror attacks in the country.

Hussain Ashraf Jilani (England) said that Islam has no affiliation with terrorism and extremism. Yet Islam is blamed for terrorism. So now it’s our responsibility to track down the terrorists to clean the image of the religion.

Talking on issues concerning Muslims in India, Sheikh Aboobacker said lack of a consensus leadership is the biggest problem of the community. On the main reason for lack of unity in the Muslim society, the sheikh said there is no difference in the basics.

There are thousands of madrasas being run in the country by Ahle Sunnat wal Jamaat. When Sheikh Aboobacker was asked for his stand on the proposed Central Madrasa Board, he said: If the government wants to help madrasas financially and see modern subjects like English and computer being taught at madrasas and has no intention to interfere in their religious syllabus, we can support the proposal. Otherwise, there is no way to support it. TCN 18/10/2009

Madrasa Board: Kanthapuram wants Govt. assurance  

Kozhikode, Saturday, October 17, 2009: Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, general secretary, Samastha Kerala Sunni Education Board said before giving a go ahead to the ‘Madrasa Board ‘ the government should assure that it would not meddle wit the affairs of Islam believers. Aboobacker Musliyar said, the Union Human Resources Minister Kapil Sibal has guaranteed that the central government would not interfere in the Madrasa education, if other modern subjects like are also included in the syllabus.

Earlier a meeting between Union Human Resources Minister Kapil Sibal and Muslim MPs held on 3rd this month had ended inconclusive. According to government a Central board for madarsa education would help ensure minimum education standards in the teaching of non-religious subjects in these seminaries. The proposal has been opposed by the community leadership amid fears that it could increase government interference in madarsas. However, official sources clarified that the affiliation of madarsas to the proposed board will be voluntary.

With the help of MPs and community leaders, the government hopes to break the deadlock on the controversial subject, which has been delayed for over three years.

Sea of humanity at Swalat Nagar

Mass Iftar held in the evening | Pledge to serve humanity

MALAPPURAM: The Swalat Nagar at Melmuri near here turned into a sea of humanity on Wednesday evening as thousands of Sunni believers gathered there anticipating the blessings of Lailathul Qadr, the holiest night of the Hijra year. The prayer meeting, organised by the Ma’dinu Ssaquafathil Islamiyya as part of its Swalat anniversary, is billed as one of the largest Muslim gatherings across the globe. The evening witnessed a mass Iftar on the Ma’din grounds as hundreds of people who came from distant places broke their fast at the call of Magrib prayer by the azan from the minarets of the Ma’din Grand Mosque. The organisers claimed it to be the largest mass Iftar in the country.

Several dignitaries, including Inspector-General of Police (north zone) B.S. Mohammed Yasin, District Superintendent of Police M. Patmanabhan, M. Ummer, MLA, and Malappuram municipal chairman Kiliyamannil Yakoob, attended the mass Iftar. The day’s programme began with an Ihthiqaf jalza (staying in mosque) in the morning. Hymns of Badr Maulid were chanted, followed by a special prayer after Zuhar at midday.

Poem recital

Qasidah Burdah, a poem by Hasan-al Busairi extolling Prophet Mohammad, was recited in the afternoon. As the sun began to dip, chorus of Thasbeeh rose from the Ma’din grounds. A mass Janaza prayer, Thasbeeh and Awwabeen prayers followed the mandatory Magrib prayer. The crowds began to swell by the time the Ishah, Tharaveeh and Vithr prayers were held. A.K. Abdul Hameed, programme convener and former chairman of the State Haj Committee, welcomed the gathering. Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar, general secretary of the All India Jamiyyathul Ulama, inaugurated the function. Sayed Ali Bafaqui Thangal led the inaugural prayer.

Sayed Abdurahman Al Bukhari, president of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, presided over the function. He led the Nariyyath Swalat, Naseehath, and the prayer. Sayed Umerul Farooq Al Bukhari made the introductory remarks for the Haddad Ratheeb. Sayed Husain Shihab Atakoya Thangal and Sayed Yousuful Bukhari led the prayers that followed.

Sayed Ibrahim Khaleel Bukhari, chairman of the Ma’dinu Ssaquafathil Islamiyya, delivered the keynote address. Tens of thousands of people chorused as Mr. Bukhari administered a pledge to serve humanity.

Traffic diverted

The prayers went late into the night as people continued to flow to the Ma’din grounds. Traffic along National Highway 213 between Malappuram and Valluvamburam was diverted. A strong police force was posted along the way to control the crowds.

As many as 10 grounds were prepared to accommodate the people. Six of them were exclusively for women. Extensive parking arrangements were made. Over a lakh food packets were distributed for dinner. THE HINDU 17/09/2009

Lack of faith is the cause of all problems, says Kanthapuram

MALAPPURAM: People’s indifference to righteousness and lack of faith in God are the reasons for the world’s problems, said Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar, general secretary of the All India Jamiyyathul Ulama. He was inaugurating a prayer gathering at Swalat Nagar, near here, on Wednesday evening.

He said that the light of virtue would be visible to the humanity only when people purge their minds of bad thoughts. By asking people to fast in Ramzan, Islam attempts to achieve this goal, he said.

Kanthapuram called upon the people to embrace tolerance as a basic tenet for virtuous life. Quoting the Koran, he said that if anyone took the life of another without justice, it was equivalent to taking the lives of the entire humanity. “This is the best message of tolerance,” he said.

Delivering the keynote address, Sayed Ibrahim Khaleel Bukhari, chairman of the Ma’dinu Ssaquafathil Islamiyya, called upon the people to return to the fundamentals of respecting the elders.

“Without respecting and loving your parents, teachers and elders, you can never aspire to win in this life and the next,” he said. He said Ramzan was giving the message to eradicate evil qualities like enmity, envy, and greed.

“Love should replace those qualities,” he said. He called upon the people to show mercy to fellow beings. “Only then God will show His mercy on you,” he said. THE HINDU 17/09/2009

Thousands took oath to serve humanity at Malappuram Ramadan gathering

The Swalat Nagar at Melmuri near Malappuram in Kerala turned into a sea of humanity on Wednesday evening as thousands of Muslims gathered there anticipating the blessings of Lailathul Qadr, the holiest night of the Hijra year. The prayer meeting, organised by the Ma’dinus Saquafatil Islamiyya as part of its Swalat anniversary, is considered as one of the largest Muslim gatherings across the globe.

According to the report published in The Hindu, the evening witnessed a mass Iftar on the Ma’din grounds as hundreds of people who came from distant places broke their fast at the call of Maghrib prayer by the azaan from the minarets of the Ma’din Grand Mosque.

The organisers claimed it to be the largest mass Iftar in the country, writes The Hindu.

Several dignitaries, including Inspector-General of Police (north zone) B.S. Mohammed Yasin, District Superintendent of Police M. Patmanabhan, M. Ummer, MLA, and Malappuram municipal chairman Kiliyamannil Yakoob, attended the mass Iftar.

The day’s programme began with an Itekaf (confining inside the mosque) in the morning followed by the noon and afternoon prayers. A mass Janaza prayer, Tasbeeh and Awwabeen prayers followed the mandatory Maghrib prayer. The crowds began to swell by the time the Ishah, Tarawih and Vithr prayers were held.

A.K. Abdul Hameed, programme convener and former chairman of the State Haj Committee, welcomed the gathering. Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar, general secretary of the All India Jamiatul Ulema, inaugurated the function. Sayed Ali Bafaqui Thangal led the inaugural prayer.

Sayed Abdurahman Al Bukhari, president of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, presided over the function. He led the Nariyyath Swalat, Naseehath, and the prayer.

Sayed Umerul Farooq Al Bukhari made the introductory remarks for the Haddad Ratheeb. Sayed Husain Shihab Atakoya Thangal and Sayed Yousuful Bukhari led the prayers that followed.

Sayed Ibrahim Khaleel Bukhari, chairman of the Ma’dinu Ssaquafathil Islamiyya, delivered the keynote address. Tens of thousands of people chorused as Bukhari administered a pledge to serve humanity.

As many as 10 grounds were prepared to accommodate the people. Six of them were exclusively for women. Extensive parking arrangements were made. Over a lakh food packets were distributed for dinner, reports The Hindu. ummid.com 17/09/2009

Scholar decries terrorism

INDIAN Islamic scholar Shaikh Aboobacker Ahmed, who arrived in Bahrain on an invitation from the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, attended the inauguration of the Bahrain Kerala Sunni Jama'ath.

The scholar, known as Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliar, was invited to attend the Holy Quran Contest on Friday. He also attended the inauguration ceremony of the 30th anniversary of the Bahrain Kerala Sunni Jama'ath, which was held at the Indian School, Isa Town. Addressing the meeting, he said terrorism was a major threat to the Islamic community. "Islam advocates peace and it is totally against terrorism, the allegation of terrorism on Muslims should be condemned," he said. Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs chairman Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa inaugurated the event and was presented with a memento by Shaikh Ahmed.

He also distributed prizes to winners of the Quran Digest Course examination conducted by Sunni Jama'ath. Meanwhile, Shaikh Ahmed highlighted the mission of the Sunni Cultural Centre, which was established in Calicut, India in 1978, at a Press conference at the Ruru Tower behind Grand Mosque, Juffair. The scholar, who is the centre's General Secretary, said it supports and teaches orphans Islamic culture. Of the 30,000 graduates of the centre, 6,000 students have become Islamic scholars. Gulf Daily News, Bahrain 08/09/2009

Islam does not condone suicide bombings

K. Abdul Majeed I Arab News

JEDDAH: Aboobacker Ahmed, general-secretary of the All India Sunni Jami’athul Ulema and Jamia Markazu Ssaquafathi Ssunniyya, strongly condemned the recent attempt to assassinate Prince Muhammad bin Naif, assistant interior minister for security affairs. Aboobacker, who was in the Kingdom to perform Umrah, delivered the condemnation while speaking to journalists in Jeddah after performing Umrah on Tuesday. “Suicide bombings are unacceptable because of two reasons — they kill people unjustly and cause self-destruction, which are strictly forbidden in Islam,” said Aboobacker. He added that attacks against the rulers of a country are undoubtedly against the basic tenets of Islam. He also said that Ramadan is the month of love and peace and that the true advocates of Islam should forward a message of peace instead of barbaric attacks.

“The Muslim youth should be subjected to special awareness campaigns against the dangers of getting involved in extremist and deviant ideology as part of the fight against international terror,” he said. He also stressed the importance of praying for international peace in the holy month. Answering a question about the current global recession, Aboobacker said it is clear that the modern economic system crashed because it is based on usury, which is strongly condemned by the Holy Qur’an. “Islam has put forth an economic system that is free from interest. We should make efforts for an interest-free economic system,” he added.

Jamia Markazu Ssaquafathi Ssunniyya, is a socio-cultural foundation that works to provide the younger generation with Islamic and secular education. The organization has been functioning since 1978 and runs 26 institutes in Calicut, Kerala. 03/09/2009

‘Mercy Key to Human Existence’

Ahmed Shaaban

DUBAI — Lacking mercy is the main reason behind all the evils and problems of society.

This was stressed by eminent Keralite scholar Sheikh Mohammed Faidi on Thursday night at the Social Guidance and Reform Society as part of the cultural programme of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award.

 “Mercy is one of God’s inseparable attributes. He even gives priority to His mercy than His anger as Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon him) said. Allah is the Most Gracious and Most Merciful. Therefore, all human beings should show this great trait to each others and even to animals,” Sheikh 
Faidi said.

“Ignoring this vital quality has resulted in deep disputes, murders, crimes and corruption.”

Sheikh Faidi then said unless the employer shows mercy to his employee, it will never be good for both parties.

“Also, the parents showing no mercy towards their children have led many of them to drug addiction. They would have rather mercifully befriended them, and helped them learn the right knowledge that protects them against such evils,” Sheikh Faidi said.

“It is also the duty of Muslim scholars to enthusiastically enlighten the youth, teach them about their religion, and show them the right way to paradise.”

Sheikh Mohammed Faidi is a professor of Hadith at the Sunni Culture College in Kerala. He has written many Islamic articles and books in Malayalam. He is also a popular lecturer in Kerala. Khaleej Times 05/09/2009

Award for Kanthapuram

Kozhikode: The Shaik Muhiyudheen Abdul Khadar Jeelani Award for 2009 was presented to Sunni leader Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musaliyar at a function held at Kayalpattanam in Tamil Nadu on Friday. 08/08/2009 THE HINDU

Unfortunate: Kanthapuram

Kochi: Muslim organisations have sent strong signals of opposition to the Delhi High Court verdict on homosexuality. Sunni leader Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar said that the verdict was unfortunate and the legalisation of homosexuality was not only an issue that affects the Muslim community in the country but also a social issue.

“The government should have held discussions with religious organisations before repealing the controversial Section- 377 of the Indian Penal Code which criminalises homosexuality,” he said. ENS 03/07/2009

Kochi: The Delhi HC order is a challenge to humane values, moral thoughts and health science, said Kanthapuram AP Aboobaker Musliyar, national general secretary, Sunni Jam’iyathul Ulema. It will lead to grave diseases and social anarchy, he added. TwoCircles.net 03/07/2009

Kanthapuram seeks end to mistakes in textbooks

KOZHIKODE: Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, general secretary, Samastha Kerala Sunni Education Board, has warned that mistakes that appear continuously in books and study aids hurting religious sentiments will lead to serious repercussions. 

In a statement here on Sunday, the Musliyar said that mistakes in books and study aids prepared by committees under the Education Department were unacceptable. To view these only as errors and suspending the officials responsible could not be justified. He said the government should be ready to handle the education sector with more responsibility as it determined the future of lakhs of students. A screening committee of religious scholars should be formed to avoid mistakes in lessons with a religious content. Such lessons should be prepared through discussions with the committee. Otherwise, religious harmony in the State would be ruptured. 

He said it would be dangerous even if only one copy of the book with mistakes was distributed. The tragedy of it would continue further. THE HINDU 22/06/2009

Massive Protest against Talibani Wahabi Terrorism

NEW DELHI: Several Muslim organisations on Tuesday came together to protest the “Wahabi Talibani terrorism” in Pakistan which they blamed for the recent killing of India-born Mufti Sarfaraz Naeemi in Lahore and several other scholars. Most of the participants in the protest at Jantar Mantar were Barelvi Muslims or Sunni Muslims with Sufi leanings.

Raza Academy, Muslim Students Organisation of India (MSO), Islamic Education Board of India, All India Qazi Council and New Age Media Centre were some of the organisations which carried out the protest. “We came together to protest the ongoing killings of Sunni scholars by the Wahabi Talibani terrorists in Pakistan. The killing of Mufti Sarfaraz Naeemi of Jamia Naeemia is enough to reveal their agenda against moderate majority Sunni Muslims,” said Shahnawaz Warsi, the chief of MSO.

 Other leaders said they refused to acknowledge the Taliban because of its inhuman and unIslamic activities. “We declare them terrorists and a bunch of dacoits,” they said in a statement, adding that the Pakistani government must punish those responsible for these killings.

“We support the Pakistani government in its war against these terrorists. Terrorists are nothing but enemy of Islam and have presented their distorted version of Islam,” said convenor Syed Modi. The leaders also condemned the decision by Taliban to demand religious tax (jiziya) from Sikhs and said Taliban posed a potent threat to India. 

“We also want the Indian government to provide adequate security to Ajmer Sharif Urus. These terrorists may cause damage to the place,” said another leader. Times of India 17/06/2009

Competition hots up in Malayalam print media

The competition in the Malayalam print media in the UAE is getting more intense as the South Indian language newspapers have started attracting the readers with special incentives, gifts and promotions.

The Malayalam newspapers published from the UAE/GCC are also taking out their internet editions to encourage readers to buy hard copies instead of reading the free web editions. For the first time, a free Malayalam weekly Calicut Times has been launched in the UAE market on an experimental basis.

Nissar Sayed, Editor-in-Chief, Siraj Malayalam newspaper, said: "We are engaged in a marathon campaign to increase annual subscription. Our cover price of Dh1.5 per copy is the lowest in the industry as all others are selling at Dh2. As part of our successful completion 1,000 days by Siraj in the UAE. We are offering a discount of Dh100 for new subscribers plus gifts like electronic products, watches, gold coins and air tickets."

He said the advertisement revenue for all Malayalam newspapers is down. He said major newspapers – the Malayalam News, the first Malayalam newspaper published by the Saudi Research and Publication Group in the region and Deepika, a 100 years old Malayalam newspaper, have closed their Dubai editions a few years after launching the UAE editions.

Other experiments such as the Arabia Weekly and Arabia Evening newspaper too closed after a few years due to high cost that could not be met with advertisement revenue. "Thank God and our readers that Siraj has completed 1000 days in Dubai. We hope Siraj will not end up like Malayalam News, Deepika or Arabia."

The launch cover price of Dh1 was increased to Dh1.5 and the internet edition was pulled out to attract more readers to buy hard copies. "Our target is to get 5,000 new subscribers during the current campaign. We have set up 50 readers forums in different emirates and those who bring maximum subscriptions are rewarded with gold coins and air tickets.

He said the launch of free weekly newspapers such as Calicut News will not affect the mainstream Malayalam dailies. Siraj has four editions in Kerala – Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Calicut and Kannur. It is also considering editions in Qatar and other GCC countries, where there are many readers of the Malayalam newspaper. Gulf Madhyamam too is delaying its internet editions to increase newspaper circulation.

KM Abbas, Editor-in-Charge of Siraj said the newspaper is also conducting media seminars in each emirate with the help of reader's forum.

Abbas, who is co-ordinating the 1,000 days campaign in different emirates said: "In order to get relevant news from various emirates, we have appointed voluntary citizen reporters who are not working for money. We have a good team of reporters network throughout the UAE and other Gulf countries."

He said Risala, a Malayalam weekly published from Calicut, will also be launched in the UAE soon. EmiratesBusiness24/7  08/06/2009

Kanthapuram seeks ideological referendum  

MALAPPURAM: All India Jamiyyathul Ulama general secretary Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar has challenged the opposing Sunni group for an ideological referendum.

Addressing a meeting organised by the Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS) here on Saturday, Mr. Aboobacker said that no false propaganda would dishearten the Sunni activists.

“Those who are wishing to see the Sunni groups draw swords are living in a fool’s paradise,” he said.

He condemned the attempts by some sections to portray the Sunnis as dishonouring the Thangal family of Panakkad. “We will never work to vilify the Sayed family of Panakkad. We honour them instead,” he said.

E.Sulaiman Musliar, Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama vice-president, inaugurated the conference. Ponmala Abdul Khader Musliar, SYS State president, presided over the function.

Sayed Yousuf Koya Thangal led the prayer. Perode Abdurahman Saqafi, SYS State general secretary, presented the topic of the conference.

Sayed Ibrahim Khaleel Bukhari, chairman of Ma’dinu Ssaquafathil Islamiyya, Melmuri, was the chief guest at the function.

C.P. Saidalavi, SYS State secretary, welcomed the gathering and P.M. Mustafa, SYS district general secretary, proposed a vote of thanks. THE HINDU 07/06/2009

SSF stages march

MALAPPURAM: The Kerala State Sunni Students Federation (SSF) took out a march to the District Collectorate here on Thursday demanding restoration of powers to impose prohibition to local self-government bodies.

The march was in solidarity with the ongoing indefinite agitation conducted by the Kerala Prohibition Council raising the same demands. Sadik Saqafi, SSF State president, inaugurated the march. Addressing the marchers, P.K.M. Saqafi, Sunni Yuvajana Sanghom district vice-president, said all the arguments raised by the anti-prohibition lobby were hollow and false. Zainul Abideen Thangal, SSF district president, presided over the function. Iyyacheri Kunhikrishnan, Prohibition Council State general secretary; spoke. THE HINDU 29/05/2009

Terrorism won’t succeed, says Kanthapuram

KOCHI: Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliar, All-India general secretary, Sunni Jum Iyyathul Ulama, on Sunday strongly opposed terrorism in all its forms and said it cannot find a place in India where secularism and democracy are deep-rooted. Addressing the Hubbu Rasool Conference at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here, he said that any effort made to tamper with the secular and democratic fabric of the country would be strongly dealt with. He said that Islam led the ignorant from darkness to the light. Sunni Jam Iyyathul Ulama, state president, Thajul Ulama Sayed Abdul Rahman Al Bukhari Ullal Thangal led the prayer. KPCC general secretary M I Shahnawas, V K Ibrahimkunju MLA and A M Yusuf MLA attended the conference. ENS 02/03/2009

No change in stand, says Kantapuram

‘Always ready for unity of the Sunni organisations’

Court formed to deal with family, Wakf issues

KOZHIKODE: Kantapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, general secretary of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, has said that the organisation’s stance is to support those candidates who are useful for the country. Mr.Kantapuram was talking to reporters after a meeting of the supreme council of the Ulama here on Saturday. He said there was no change in the political stand of the organisation.

Political affiliation

When asked whether that meant supporting the LDF as had been done last time, he said it did not necessary mean that. “Samastha does not support any political party. It will take a stand as and when the time comes,” he said. Mr. Kantapuram said his organisation was always ready for unity of the Sunni organisations. The organisation had a non-political stand on the issue. “Unity does not mean merger.”

Unity proposal

His organisation had put forward a unity proposal that retained the existing Sunni organisations and institutions. Replying to a question, he said he did not so far receive any proposal either orally or written from Muslim League State president Panakkad Syed Mohammedali Shihab Thangal for Sunni unity. A Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama Maslahath Court was formed for finding a solution to the marriage, divorce, family and Wakf issues as per the guidelines of the Constitution and Islamic Shariat. A seven-member Supreme Council, comprising Ulama president Sayyid Abdurahiman Albukhari Ullal as chairman and Mr. Kantapuram as general secretary, was elected to the court.

An 11-member committee with A.P. Muhammed Musliyar as convener was also elected for the conduct of the court. THE HINDU 01/02/2009

Muslim leader warns against meddling in Shariah

Ashraf Padanna I Arab News I Jeddah

KOZHIKODE, Kerala: Sheikh Aboobacker Ahmad alias Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar who heads the Markazu Ssaquafathi Ssunniyya, one of the leading Islamic institutions in India, has urged the Muslim community to resist any move to amend India’s Muslim Personal Law that is based on the tenets of Shariah. Delivering the keynote address at the grand 31st Anniversary Conference and 14th Convocation of the Markaz at Karanthur on the outskirts of this northern Kerala city, he said Islamic Shariah is timeless and nobody would be allowed to dabble in its basic tenets. “It is the decree of Allah, the Almighty. Islamic Shariah is built on the edifice of the Holy Qur’an, Prophet’s Sunnah and the perception and perspectives commonly shared by scholars all over the world. No government, commission or any other system can change or alter it. It is unalterable, perennial and fit to survive all the time and it will withstand the challenges of all ages,” he said. The Kerala Law Reforms Commission has recently recommended a slew of changes in the Muslim Personal Law, including conditions for allowing polygamy, limits to having more than two children and succession rights. Kanthapuram said it was the ulterior motive and calculated ploy of certain people having vested interest to spread the canard that Islamic principles are outdated and should be revamped.

“It is aimed at desensitizing the Muslim community,” he said. “Government, judiciary and the media should not give in to this vicious propaganda. It’s only the prerogative and privilege of religious scholars to issue a fatwa and give the final word on issues of Islamic Shariah. Nonreligious people are advised not to interfere in the religious matters and wreck the prevailing communal amity in the country”. The scholar, who heads one of India’s leading Islamic institutions, warned against the malicious attempts to take the community for a “materialist ride by reorienting and reshaping the religious principles, mores and beliefs to suit their vested interest”. A number of scholars and leaders from India and abroad, including Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi, Kerala Assembly Speaker K. Radhakrishnan, Kerala Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Industry Minister Elamaram Kareem, Forest Minister Binoy Vishwam, and former ministers Aryadan Mohammed and K.E. Ismail also addressed various sessions of the three-day meet that concluded Sunday with a marathon public meeting that lasted for 12 hours. 20/01/2009

Call to the faithful

Religious matters: Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar speaking at the valedictory function of the 31st anniversary and 14th convocation of the Markaz Ssaqafathi Ssunniyya at Karanthur in Kozhikode district on Sunday. THE HINDU 19/01/2009

Ahamad urges Muslims to cultivate talents

Arab News

KOZHIKODE: Muslims of India should cultivate talents capable of facing the challenges of the modern age, said State Minister for Foreign Affairs E. Ahamad. He made the remarks while inaugurating the Institute of Human Resources Activation and Management (IHRAM) at Markazu Ssaqafathu Ssunniyya at Karanthur near Kozhikode.

“Muslims cannot turn a blind eye to the technological revolution that is taking shape around the world. Muslims were in the forefront of all scientific movements in the good old days; regaining that position is our historical responsibility,” Ahamad said. “The community should make many leaps and bounds in order not to be left behind in the world of knowledge. We should think ahead of the world tomorrow and today we should prepare a team to take up the challenges tomorrow. This needs combined efforts by all concerned,” the minister said.

Markazu General Secretary Kanthapuram Aboobacker Musliyar presided over the function. Markazu President Syed Fazal Shihab Al-Jifri inaugurated the website of IHRAM. Syed Fazal Jamalullaili, Syed Ali Bafaqi, Kerala Haj Committee Chairman professor A.K. Abdul Hameed, Markaz Manager C. Muhammad Faizee and other dignitaries were present. Markaz administrator A.P. Abdul Hakeem Azhari proposed the vote of thanks. 08/01/2009

‘ Unity a must to fight terrorism’

K. Abdul Majeed | Arab News

JEDDAH: Indian Muslims should unite and fight against terrorism, a prominent Islamic scholar from Kerala told Arab News during a recent visit to Saudi Arabia. “The only way to wage a war against terrorism is through unity,” said All India Jamiyyathul Ulema Secretary, Sheikh Aboobacker Ahmed alias Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar. He welcomed the recent interfaith dialogue initiated by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and termed it “a good step at a time when Islam was widely misunderstood by followers of other religions.” “The move will go a long way toward forging an understanding among different religions,” Aboobacker said. “The enemies of Islam portray the religion as one of terror and killing. But it should be effectively disseminated that Islam is against terrorism, injustice and killing,” he said. Aboobacker recalled the Prophet’s declaration on the day of Hajjatul Wida that killing innocents and usurping others’ wealth are forbidden acts. Aboobacker was among those who attended an interfaith dialogue hosted by Qatar recently.

 He said terrorism had become the most important issue facing the country and so a special session of Markazu Ssaqafathi Ssunniyah is to be held during the center’s 33rd anniversary celebrations from Jan. 16 to 18. Islamic scholars from different parts of the world are likely to attend the program. Markazu, Aboobacker said, plays a major role in imparting moral education to the society. He pointed out that about 300 Kashmiri students who are the victims of terrorism are now studying in Markazu. They will return to Kashmir after their education with the message of love, brotherhood and patriotism. Meanwhile, Aboobacker Ahmad was awarded the first Islamic heritage award in New Delhi on Dec. 29. The award has been given to Aboobacker in recognition of his contribution to the Islamic thought and service for Muslims.

The award — comprising Rs25 lakhs and a memento — was presented by Union Minister for Parliamentary and Overseas Affairs Vayalar Ravi. From the prize money, Aboobacker donated Rs2 lakhs to the families of the police officers killed in Mumbai terror attacks. 03/01/2009

Muslims urged to utilize media to counter smear campaign

JEDDAH: A senior journalist from Kerala has called for serious efforts to counter the smear campaign against Muslims in India and worldwide. Speaking at the inauguration of a six-month journalism course in Jeddah at the weekend, Kassim Irikkur, news editor at the Madhyamam daily, said: “Now is the time for some of the best in our community to take up journalism as a mission.”

The six-month journalism course being organized by the Jeddah unit of Risala Study Circle is Kassim Irikkur’s brainchild. Irikkur, who has been active in the field for the last 20 years, felt Muslim media professionals needed to work on creating successful grassroots campaigns to correct the mainstream media’s negative perceptions of Islam. “This tendency in the media to associate all acts of terrorism with Muslims is deplorable. More often than not, it is deliberate. One way to counter this is to have our own people, well qualified and well trained, to undertake the task of informing others about the deception that is being played by the media,” Kassim Irikkur said, adding, “Let is be clear: We don’t just need engineers and doctors, we need journalists too.” Risala Study Circle is the student wing of Samastha Kerala Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS). The group draws inspiration from All-India Sunni Jamiyyathul Ulema General Secretary Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar. The RSC’s latest initiative is aimed at raising awareness among Muslims of the importance of media. SYS Kerala state secretary Muhammad Paravoor said extremism had no religion. “Recent findings have proved that those who were maligning Muslims were the ones indulging in anti-national activities,” he added. Siraj Wahab of Arab News, who inaugurated the course, said if Muslims were to become successful journalists, their primary concern should be objectivity. “We may belong to any school of thought but our primary concern as journalists should be to uphold truth, only then will people listen to us, only then will they understand our point of view.” P.M. Mayan Kutty of Malayalam News, Risala Study Circle Chairman Kabir Saqafi, SYS Saudi National Committee President Syed Habeeb Al-Bukhari, SYS Kerala state secretary Majeed Kakkad, Naser Anwari, Muhammad Ali Faizy Waynad and Najeed Kodungalloor also addressed the gathering.Arab News 22/11/2008

Muslim group seeks action against army officers with terror links

KOZHIKODE, Kerala: The Kerala-based All-India Sunni Jamiyyathul Ulema has called for tough measures to stop extremist elements infiltrating into India’s security forces. “Anti-national and fanatic elements have intruded into the army and it has made serious dent in the security of the country,” AISJU general secretary Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar said while inaugurating a huge anti-terror rally here on Wednesday evening. “It’s really shocking that the terror links have even reached the security forces.” He said it was unfortunate that the anti-national forces operating from the overseas soil draw support from within the country and called upon the people to be vigilant against such forces, but the government should also do its part impartially. “Those who have learnt the tenets of Islam could never ever indulge in activities that encourage killing of innocent people, including women and children. Terrorism has no religion and it’s anti-Islam,” he said. People would support efforts by the government against the terrorism. “We reject the claim of the extremists that they were indulging in such activities to protect the interests of Muslims and Islam. Nobody has entrusted them with this,” Musliyar said. He also condemned efforts by a section portray Muslims as extremists.

Expressing concern over reports that youths from Kerala are involving themselves in extremist activities, he said it was unfortunate that such activities were being deliberately linked to religious institutions. “All four Malayali youths killed in Kashmir had a criminal background and they were not religious persons. The Muslim community takes it seriously,” Musliyar said. “Every effort will be made to maintain unity among all sections.” The police have arrested several youths here as part of investigation into the death of the four youths in Kashmir allegedly in a “shootout” with security forces. However, the police are yet to identify the “terror” outfit they were linked to, who their recruiters were or how they reached Kupwara district in Kashmir where they were killed and buried after their relatives refused to claim their bodies. “Whoever indulges in acts of terrorism must be isolated and the people should be allowed to live in peace,” Musliyar said, adding that his organisation planned to hold mass conventions across the state to spread the message of secularism. “It’s our duty to stop people belonging to any community from engaging in such activities”. Gulf Times, Qatar 14/11/2008

Muslim religious body in Kerala calls for eschewing violence

Kozhikode (PTI): Expressing concern over reports that youths from Kerala are involving themselves in extremist activities, a Muslim religious body on Tuesday gave a call for eschewing violence and maintain amity. `It is disturbing to note that our state has also come under terror cloud now and every effort will be made to maintain unity among all sections', Samastha Kerala Jam-Iyyathul Ulama General Secretary, Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musaliyar told reporters here. As part of its continuing endeavourto maintain peace, the religious body would hold a meeting here on November 12 to create awareness among people belonging to all communities against the dangers of extremism, he said. `Whoever indulges in acts of terrorism must be isolated from the mainstream and the people should be allowed to live in peace', he said, adding that the outfit also planned to hold mass conventions across the state to spread the message of secularism. To a specific query that all the four suspected terrorists hailing from the state and killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir recently belonged to minority community, he said `it is our duty to stop people belonging to any community from engaging in such activities'. Asked if the Muslim outfit National Development Front was involved in fundamentalist acts, he said it was for the government to ascertain the activities of such groups. 05/11/2008

Don't brand Muslims as terrorists: Ibrahim

Mangalore Oct 13, 2008: "There are about 20 crore Muslims in India and if about 100 persons are involved in terrorist activities, why do you brand all Muslims as terrorists?" questioned former minister C M Ibrahim. Speaking to media persons here on Sunday, he said that Islam never encourages terrorism and there is no link between Islam and terrorism. Flaying the arrests of innocents, Mr Ibrahim warned that there are all possibilities of such people turning a criminal after they were released. He also flayed the police for conducting repeated narco-analysis tests on same persons (especially when the police fail to get any evidence), and said that there are records to prove that the repeated tests have serious mental imbalance on the person. He also appealed to the media to give equal publicity when a person arrested on some charges is released after he is proved innocent. Speaking on the occasion, All India Sunni Scholars’ Federation General Secretary A P Aboobakker Musliyar Kanthapuram sought to know how a religion is responsible if some persons have done some mischief. Stating that terrorism is an enemy of humanity, he called upon the youth to fight against evil forces. At the same time, he regretted that Muslims are made scapegoats in the name of Jehad. He also urged the authorities concerned not to arrest the innocent youth in the name of “suspected terrorists."

Islamic Cultural Centre Chairman Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi regretted that Muslim terrorists who are hardly about 100 in number were bringing disgrace to a population of 20 crore Muslims in India. “Their indiscriminate killings of innocents are polarising the whole society. Consequently, the Muslims are losing their jobs and finding it difficult to get houses for rent," he said and added that more depressing fact is that they tarnish the image of Islam by misquoting the holy text.

Kanthapuram deplores burning of textbooks

‘Do not take up agitations which malign the community’

MALAPPURAM: All India Jamiyyathul Ulama general secretary and Islamic scholar Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar has warned the people against taking agitations out of bounds. Inaugurating a meeting organised by the Samastha Kerala Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS) here on Thursday, the Sunni leader said that any agitation for any cause should be justifiable and productive. “No agitation should be allowed to lead to a situation where the name of a community is maligned,” he said referring to the ongoing agitation against the controversial Class VII social sciences textbook.

On teacher’s death

Deploring the burning of textbooks by the activists of the Muslim Students Federation (MSF) and the violent incidents that led to the death of James Augustine, headmaster of ALP School, Valillapuzha, during a cluster training programme at Kizhisseri, Mr. Kanthapuram said that those incidents had brought shame on a section of the community. He called upon the society to transcend political and religious boundaries to fight all kinds of immorality. Mr. Kanthapuram demanded that an investigation be launched into the alleged bribing of Lok Sabha members during the confidence motion moved by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. The incident has brought shame on the country, he said. Samastha Mushawara member Sayed Husain Shihab Thangal presided over the function. The Hindu 25/07/2008

Media should play a constructive role

JEDDAH: The media has a duty to report news conscientiously and ensure human values are safeguarded. This was the conclusion of a media seminar organized by Risala Study Circle, the Gulf unit of the Kerala Sunni Students Federation (SSF).

Participants at the seminar, which was organized to mark 25 years of the publication of their weekly organ Risala, said the fourth estate has a duty to culturally, socially and politically guide society.

N.M. Muhammad Sadique Saqafi, SSF's Kerala state committee vice chairman, delivered a paper on the Media's Role in Creating Social Awareness in Society.

Society also has the duty toward correcting the media when it deviates from its objectives. The media should correct society when it deviates from its values. It is a two-way role, he said. He added that the media should not hide facts. The media should stick to facts and report news objectively without any fear and favor, he said.

The seminar was inaugurated by Siraj Wahab of Arab News who praised the positive role that Sheikh Aboobacker Ahmed (alias Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar), secretary of the All India Jamiyyathul Ulema, is playing in improving the condition of Muslims in India.

We need people like him to open channels of communication with people of other faiths to check the campaign against Islam, Wahab said. He further paid tributes to Keralite Muslims for taking a lead at a time when Indian Muslims were experiencing difficulties. Muslims in the rest of India will forever remain indebted to the Muslims of Kerala for providing religious, cultural and political leadership, said Wahab. There is a leadership crisis in the north but the south, and especially Kerala, has through dozens of quality newspapers and periodicals highlighted Muslim issues in a positive and constructive way, he added.

Speakers at the seminar, which was well attended, also included Ibrahim Shamnad of Madhyamam daily, Usman Irumpuzhi of Amrita TV, Rafiq of Thejas Daily and freelance journalist Kunhi Mohammad Anchchavidi. 13/07/2008

Kerala school book triggers protests

Kozhikode, June 13 (IANS) A social studies textbook for Class VII in Kerala has sparked protests, with some saying it is promoting atheism and others questioning its treatment of national leaders. Both the Kerala Students Union (KSU), which is linked to the Congress party, and the Sunni Students Federation (SSF) are up in arms against the book issued by the education department.

The SSF says that the second chapter of the book promotes the idea that there is no need for religion.

“The government does not promote any religion using public funds. The same way the government should desist from propagating irreligious ideas,” said Syed Muhammed Turab Thangal, the state president of SSF.

The SSF is also offended by the portrayal of Vakkom Abdul Khader Maulavi, a Muslim social reformer of the early last century, as a renaissance leader. The KSU’s grievances are over the portrayal of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. “There is no mention of important people from Kerala like Ayyankali, Sree Narayana Guru and Chattambi Swamikal. The book has a picture of Gandhiji, but a disfigured one at that,” said Hybi Eden, the state president of KSU.

The KSU Wednesday burnt pages from the book. On Thursday, the SSF held state-wide protest marches.

Kashmiri Students Bee Line To Kerala For Free Education

KOZHIKODE : Hundreds of Kashmiri children orphaned by the over decade-long militancy in the State have been making a bee line to the city to avail of free education at "Markaz," one of the biggest Islamic institutions of learning in the country. Over 4,600 km away from Kashmir, the Markaz has emerged as a refuge and seat of learning for the children from the militancy-hit districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

It all began with the visit of Kanthapuram A P Abboobacker Musaliyar, the head of the Markaz and a prominent religious head from Kerala, to Kashmir in 2002 during which the then Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed requested to him to permit the orphaned children to get educated in his institution, which catered to destitute children from different States.

Musaliyar agreed to Sayeed's request and threw open the doors of his host of Murkaz-run educational institutions at Kasnthur here which offered a range of courses like degrees in arts, nursing, lab technicians, electronics, electrical, fitting and plumbing, driving, handicrafts, stitching, designing and painting besides religious courses. While the first batch of 254 children arrived here from Kashmir in December 2004, it has now become a regular journey for the kids to follow suit their elders with a fresh batch of 30 children landing here on June 1.

"No doubt, it is a new lease of life for them and they are excelling not only in education but also in other activities like sports," says Mahar Jeelani, Assistant Superintendent at the 'Kashmiri Bhavan', set up at the Markaz six months ago exclusively for Kashmiri students. Coming mainly from the districts of Kupwara, Shopain and Pulwama in the Valley, hit hard by militancy, the children did not feel at ease initally being so far away from their homes. "But, their attitude and approach soon changed as they found they can move around freely even after sun set unlike in Kashmir," Jeelani, also the first Kashmiri teacher at Markaz, said.

Admitting that some students were sent back as they could not adjust to the climatic and cultural changes, he said a majority of them, however, enjoyed the facilities and wanted to make a career for themselves. "We are teaching them mainly to be patriotic as they are from a State that has witnessed so much of militancy," Jeelani said, adding three Kashmiri students secured distinction in the SSLC examinations last year. The children have also excelled in co-curricular activities. They lifted the sub-junior State boxing title in 2006, while another group of children had come out with a CD comprising a series of scintillating songs titled 'Kashmiri Gulisthan', he said.

"The students from Kashmir are extremely talented which only shows that had the State been free from violence, the rate of literacy would have risen considerably," Jeelani said. Says Mubasheer Amin from Kupwara, who joined Markaz as a fifth standard student two years ago: "I could not get education in my home town due to disruptive activities and my family was also too poor to feed me".

Adopted by Markaz, Amin is now quite conversant in English and can also chat in chaste Malayalam, with local students offering him good support. "There are several unidentified terrorist hideouts in my area forcing my parents to send me here," says Amir Shareef Baba, an SSLC student, who hails from Shopain, recently carved out of Pulwama District.

For Mohammad Imran Bhatt, a class X student, whose father was shot dead in front of his eyes, Kerala is a better place to live. "I feel Kerala is better than my home. I want to complete my education and settle down here," he said, adding Markaz also encouraged him to promote his cricket skills. Markaz or 'Markazu Ssaquafathi Ssunniyya', meaning Centre for Sunnis strictly adhering to the tenets of Islam, has about 20 schools across the State and also abroad. The Markaz here has 1,500 students. Like the Kashmiri Bhavan, it has also started a 'Canada House' at Punur in Koduvally near here where besides Canadians other foreigners are also imparted education.

While Markaz does not charge fee from economically weaker sections and also offer them free food and accommodation, it charges nominal fee for boarding from the 'well-to-do' ones. Though Markaz does not enjoy State or Central grants, it receives substantial funds and donations from within and abroad, mainly the Gulf. Offering admission only to those belonging to the Islamic community, its teaching faculty, however, comprises members from other communities also. Besides providing school education upto Plus Two, Markaz also runs an Arts College and helps its students to pursue higher education in collaboration with several leading companies like ITC. (PTI)  12/06/2008

Govt Asked to Implement Sachar Panel Report
Arab News

NEW DELHI — All India Sunni Jam’iathul Ulama General Secretary Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi on Tuesday and requested him to table the Sachar Commission report in Parliament and allocate the required funds for its implementation in the next budget. He also urged the prime minister to allow the establishment of a university for expatriates in Malabar as part of the implementation of the Sachar Commission report.

Kanthapuram said that the backwardness of Muslims portrayed by the Sachar Commission could be rectified only through proper allocation of funds and giving directions to state governments to implement the proposals. The Muslim leader said remittances from the Gulf is the backbone of the country’s economy. As 63 percent of the Gulf expatriates are from the Malabar region, it is imperative on the federal government to build the proposed NRI university in Malabar, he argued.

He also informed the prime minister about the unhappiness of Indian Muslims on the country’s growing ties with Israel, which constantly violates international laws and conventions and massacres innocent Palestinians who fight for their legitimate right for a homeland. He said signing defense agreements with the Zionist state and opening facilities in Sriharikota to launch Israeli spy satellites are against India’s independent and neutral foreign policy followed from the time of Jawaharlal Nehru. Kanthapuram urged the prime minister to refrain from forging improved ties with Israel. The prime minister assured Kanthapuram that he would consider his demands. 16/02/2008

Hostel opened for Kashmiri students

Kozhikode: An exclusive hostel for Kashmiri students residing at the Markazu Ssaquafathi Ssunniyya (Sunni Cultural Centre) at Karanthur here was inaugurated on Monday.

United Arab Emirates Ambassador to India Abdullah Ebrahim Alzoy Alshehhi inaugurated the hostel, Emirates House. Over 200 out of the 10,000 students from different parts of the State are undergoing education at the Markazu. The Red Crescent funded the project.

The construction of the Emirates House incurred an expenditure of Rs.75 lakh. The three-storeyed building has an office on each floor, canteen and staff room. Apart from hostel rooms, there is a conference hall. A rest room on the roof top, computer lab and library and reading room are the other facilities.

In his keynote address, Markazu general secretary Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musaliyar said all the students from Kashmir were provided food and shelter for the past three years. Four years ago, the then Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mufti Mohammed Sayeed had approached the Markazu to impart education to the students from the economically poor families in Kashmir, he said.

The Relief and Project manager of Red Crescent Abdullah Ali El Hoosni was the chief guest on the occasion. Mementoes were presented to Mr. Hoosni and Mr. Alshehhi. Minister for Industries Elamaram Karim inaugurated the Handicraft Training Centre at the centre. T.K. Hamsa, MP, offered felicitations. Markazu administrator M.A. Hakkim Azhari, president Sayyid Fasal Shihab Jifree, vice-president Sayyid Ali Bafakhi Thangal, and others spoke. 22/01/2008

Kanthapuram's plea to help NRIs

Decline in value of U.S. dollar

Kozhikode: Sunni leader Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musaliar has appealed to the governments at the Centre and State to come to the help of middle-class Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who are in serious financial trouble because of the decline in value of U.S. dollar and the sharp increase in price of rice and other essential commodities in their home State. Inaugurating a convention of NRIs here on Thursday, Aboobacker Musaliar said people in the State who were dependent on remittances from their relatives abroad had also been badly affected by the price rise.

The Sunni leader, who is also the general secretary of All India Sunni Jam Eyyathul Ulema, expressed concern at reports about problems facing Haj pilgrims. He urged Air India authorities to ensure availability of Zumzum holy water for the pilgrims and take other measures for the Hajis to have a hassle-free pilgrimage. The convention adopted a resolution welcoming the announcement that foreign airliners would be allowed to operate from Calicut airport and the Chief Minister's decision to visit Gulf countries for a first hand feel of Non-Resident Keralites' problems. Syed Ali Baffakki Thangal presided over the convention. 13/01/2008

Scholar Calls for Drive Against Extremism

K. Abdul Majeed, Arab News

JEDDAH: A prominent Indian scholar has called for an effective campaign to counter extremism and suicide attacks.“Suicide bombings are against the basic principles of Islam. They are anti-Islamic. We need to enlighten Muslims about the negative effects of extremism,” Sheikh Aboobacker Ahmed alias Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, secretary, All India Jamiyyathul Ulema, told Arab News.“Muslims should be taught that Islam does not approve of killings,” the scholar said, adding that the Ummah should whole-heartedly embrace the message of unity and solidarity “that is so beautifully conveyed through Haj.”

Sheikh Aboobacker said that all communities should promote the spirit of love, cooperation, harmony and brotherhood. He underlined the importance of preaching love among people, “particularly when the world is facing terrorism and atrocities.”He also reminded Muslims that their actions must be motivated by the love of Allah and His Messenger Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Sheikh Aboobacker urged Muslims to refrain from activities that might create misunderstandings among non-Muslims about Islam. He said extremism and suicide attacks would not resolve any of the problems faced by Muslims. He said it was wrong to blame all Muslims for the evil activities of a few individuals. “Miscreants are found in every society but the entire society cannot be held responsible for their misdeeds,” Sheikh Aboobacker said. He accused the media of tarnishing the image of Islam by generalizing wrong actions of a few. Sheikh Aboobacker commended the Saudi government for the excellent arrangements that culminated in a very peaceful and smooth Haj.

Sheikh Aboobacker is also the general-secretary of the Markazu Ssaquafathi Ssunniyya, a non-profit educational institution based in Calicut, Kerala. According to the scholar, the Markaz plays an important role in the reawakening of Muslims in Kerala by imparting religious and secular education simultaneously. The institution offers shelter to a large number of destitute children, especially orphans. “Providing care to the helpless and needy is the thrust of Markaz activities,” he added. A total of 8,000 students are studying at the Markaz including 1,500 orphans. They come from different parts of India, including Kashmir and Hariyana.Sheikh Aboobacker said the material and moral support from the community helped the institution reach its present level of excellence. The Markaz runs 25 institutions including Shariat College (that teaches Qur’an, Hadith and Fiqh), English-medium schools, orphanages (for both girls and boys), arts and commerce college, college of technology and Tahfeezul Qur’an College. “Preparations are under way to launch professional courses such as MBA, BBA and D. Pharm,” he said. The Markaz also runs a number of polyclinics and hospitals aimed at helping the poor. Markaz’s website www.markazonline.com can be accessed for more information. 31/12/2007

Restore peace in Nandigram, Sunni group tells Centre

Kozhikode (PTI): Holding the Left Front government in West Bengal responsible for the violence in Nandigram, a leading group of the Sunni sect on Friday urged the Centre to play an `active role' in restoring peace and normalcy in the area.

"At the first instance, the Buddhadeb Bhattacharya-led Government is to be blamed for all the happenings there... but subsequently the Centre also failed to intervene effectively in ending the violence and restoring peace", All-India Sunni Jamiat-Ul-Ulema General Secretary, Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musaliyar told reporters here.

"The Governments (State and Centre) should remember that they are playing with the lives of innocent people, who have no protection to return to their homes", he said, adding the Bengal Government should realise that the state cannot progress by endangering the interests of minorities.

Stating that the Centre had sufficient powers to intervene in such a sensitive issue, Musaliyar said when the state Government failed to restore normalcy, the Centre should not have delayed its action.

Referring to the Sachar Committee recommendations, he said the matter should be discussed in the Parliament and better benefits ensured to the minorities.

"The Centre should not go back on its assurances (to implement the report) fearing opposition from certain quarters', he added. 24/11/2007

Sunni Cultural Centre opens school in Kashmir

Kozhikode (Kerala), With teachers from Kerala, a Muslim cultural centre here has set up a school in Jammu and Kashmir 's Rajouri district where hundreds of needy children in the violence-hit region are provided education.

The Sunni Cultural Centre (Markazus Saquafati Sunniyya) has been running the school in Rajouri district of Jammu for a year. It also sponsors some 500 school children in Kashmir Valley. The school, which is recognised by the state government, is from classes 1 to 8 and follows the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) syllabus. The teachers from Kerala teach Mathematics and English, said Abdul Hakkim, joint secretary of the organisation. It all started when the then Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed invited the cultural centre to help impart education to needy children in the state, where thousands of kids have been left deeply scarred by the relentless separatist violence. According to Hakkim, the school doesn't focus just on violence-affected children but on the needy in general.

'We decided to take up this (educational venture) just to bring back to school those children who have been affected by various issues there,' Hakkim told IANS. 'The ( Jammu and Kashmir) government has extended all support and we run the school in Rajouri with teachers from Kerala and other states in North India,' Hakim said. The centre is planning to open an orphanage in the summer capital Srinagar by next year. 'We have also decided to increase the number of sponsorships in Kashmir Valley from the present 500 students,' said Hakkim, who frequently travels between Kerala and Kashmir.

Founded in 1978 by Kanthapuram Aboobacker Musliyar, the centre works for leadership qualities of Muslims in general. It has been trying to improve the quality of education among Muslims with the help of Arab and other Muslim countries. Its centre in this city has more than 8,000 students, including 1,500 orphans, as well as students from Kashmir. 'There are more than 300 students here from various districts in Jammu and Kashmir and also from Haryana. The expenses for this centre are raised through donations from our well wishers all over the world,' said Hakkim. 20/11/2007

Work for long lasting peace: Kanthapuram Abubacker Musaliar

Friday, November 09, 2007

KANNUR, Kerala: Expressing anguish over rising intolerance towards humanity and the recent spurt in violence in the state, the Samastha Kerala Sunni Yuvajana Sangham today asked people to rise above petty politics and work for long lasting peace in the trouble prone areas.

"It's time we stop the tendency of indulging in ruthless violence on fellow human beings in the name of petty politics, taking into consideration the trauma and agony of the affected families and the victims who either lose life or are forced to lead a painful life," All India Sunni Jam-Iyyathul Ulema General Secretary Kanthapuram A P Abubacker Musaliar said.
Taking the law into one's hands and killing of fellow human beings, either in the name of politics or religion could never be justified and people should strive to work for peaceful co-existence and foster love and brotherhood among one another, he told a press conference.
Expressing concern over the recent spurt in clashes in parts of Kannur district, he said the law and order situation would collapse if the authorities concerned did not take timely action to restore normalcy.
Abubacker said his organisation was ready to extend all help to bring back normalcy in the trouble-torn areas of the state.

SYS Unveils Plan to Help Poor

K. Abdul Majeed, Arab News, Jeddah

JEDDAH, 15 September 2007 —The Jeddah unit of Kerala-based Sunni Yuvagana Sangham (SYS), an organization that stresses on social and economic development, announced Rs.2,500,000 in aid for the poor and needy at a press conference here.

The unit set aside this budget for the current year following a meeting of its office-bearers here.

The aid will be used to provide tools and equipment for workers free of charge while a portion of the budget has been set aside for education, medical treatment and schemes that assist in marriages of poor youths.

The SYS also plans to give Rs.500 every month to each of some 140 destitute families in Kerala besides giving sewing machines to 50 poor families. They also plan to meet the educational expenses of meritorious students and give scholarships to poor students studying in religious institutions.

The office-bearers also finalized the statement of accounts for last year highlighting the areas of aid given from the Rs.2,000,000 amount spent. The money was used to construct houses for poor families and fund marriages. Construction of three housing units has been completed and work on 10 houses are in progress.

A three-month campaign is currently on highlighting the need to curb social evils that affect family values. A welfare committee has been set up to help people facing various problems here. Cheroor Abdullah Musliyar, Mohammad Ali Faizi, Abdurahiman Malahiri, Abdurrab and Abdurazak Karinkallayi attended the press conference. 15/09/2007

Markaz Conference Concludes in Kerala
Mohammed Ashraf, Arab News, Jeddah

KOZHIKODE, 13 February 2007 — The 29th anniversary and 13th convocation conference of the leading Islamic institution Markazu Ssaquafathi Ssunniyya came to a close at its campus in Karanthur village 14 kilometers away from here Sunday.

Dr. Omar Abdullah Al-Kamel, eminent scholar and leading businessman from Jeddah, inaugurated the concluding session, which was presided by Syed Abdurrahman Al-Bukhari of Ullal, a well-known Islamic scholar.

Eight hundred and fifty young scholars and 78 memorizers of the Holy Qur’an, who passed out from the Markaz institutions, received their academic certifications.

Sheikh Abu Bakr Ahmed, secretary-general and the driving spirit of the Markaz, delivered the convocation address in the presence of former federal minister C.M. Ibrahim and leading NRI businessmen M.A. Yousuffali and Galfar Mohammed Ali.

Leading politicians, businessmen, scholars and social workers attended various sessions of the three-day conference that began Friday. An exhibition on Islamic history and artifacts held in the city also attracted huge crowds from across Kerala and the neighboring states.

National Integration

While inaugurating the national integration meeting, Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan said blaming and harassing a particular community in the name of terrorism was a set back to national integrity.

“Persons bearing Muslim names are being harassed in Mumbai and other places. The same trend was seen in Marad near Kozhikode where religious fundamentalists unleashed terror by not allowing hundreds of people to stay in their homes just because they were Muslims,” the chief minister said referring to the aftermath of 2003 communal riots in Kerala’s fishing hamlet.

He said the government would take steps to enable people of all religions to live together. There were however instances of state governments directly and indirectly supporting the actions of communalists. Muslim extremist groups had also unleashed terror in the name of defense.

He said followers of both religions should come forward to isolate communalists and terrorists in their respective religions.

The chief minister said he was for implementing Rajinder Sachar Committee’s report that has found majority members of the Muslim community socially, financially and educationally backward.

“The case is a bit different in Kerala. But the government has to pool in all resources to change the backwardness of Muslims in North India,” he said.

Markaz Memorandum

In a memorandum to the chief minister, Sheikh Abu Bakr Ahmed said most of the provisions in the new law calling for compulsory registration of all marriages were impractical and requested that a final decision in this regard be taken only after discussions with Muslim scholars.

Clear discussions should take place regarding the issue of minority status for institutions run by the community.

Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi inaugurated the get-together of Kerala expatriate workers in the Gulf. Sheikh Abu Bakr Ahmed chaired the session in which former education minister E.T. Muhammed Basheer and representatives of the expatriates spoke.

Opposition leader Oommen Chandy inaugurated the minority conference while Congress party’s State unit president Ramesh Chennithala opened the conference on minority education.

Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the history seminar in which Forest Minister Binoy Viswam and legislators Aryadan Mohammed, P.M.A. Salam, C.P. Mohammed and M.K. Premnath and several politicians spoke.

Addressing the convocation conference, Sheikh Abu Bakr Ahmed said the Markaz has become a center of hope and expectation for orphans, destitute and the poor.

He said the Indian government should strongly resist the encroachment of Israel against Masjid Al-Aqsa. “We want the government to detach all the diplomatic relationship with Israel which has presented only tortures and sufferings to the Muslim world so far. The world should stand together to resist the Israeli savagery,” he said while lauding the Saudi efforts to reconcile warring Palestinian factions.

He also wanted an end to the exploitation of Kerala workers in the Gulf by the state-run airline companies and asked the government to take immediate steps to provide affordable air travel services.

Call to isolate communalists

Do not target one particular community, says Chief Minister

Staff Reporter the HINDU

KOZHIKODE: The 29th anniversary and 13th convocation ceremony of Markaz Ssaquafathi Ssunniyya (Sunni Cultural Centre) concluded at Karanthur near here on Sunday.

Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan inaugurated a national integration meeting organised in connection with it. Mr. Achuthanandan said blaming and harassing a particular community in the name of "terrorism'' was a set back to national integrity.

He said persons bearing Muslim names were being harassed in Mumbai and other places. The same trend was seen in Marad also. Religious fundamentalists unleashed terror by not allowing hundreds of people to stay in their homes just because they belonged to the Muslim community in Marad, he said.

The Chief Minister said the Government would take steps to enable people of all religions to live together. But those in the Government were resorting to violence. There were instances of State Governments directly and indirectly supporting the actions of communalists. Muslim fundamentalists had also unleashed terror in the name of defence.

These attacks and counter attacks and propagation of hatred became a threat to unity, Mr. Achuthanandan said.

He said followers of both religions should come forward to isolate communalists and terrorists in their respective religions.

Communalism cannot be resisted by another type of communalism, he said.

"Putting an end to social backwardness is necessary. The Rajinder Sachar Committee has found that majority members of the Muslim community are socially, financially and educationally backward. The case is a bit different in Kerala. However, the Government has to pool in all resources to change the backwardness of Muslims in North India," Mr. Achuthanandan said.

The steps recommended by the committee should be implemented there, he said. The Chief Minister lauded the role played by Markaz in promoting education.

The Chief Minister also inaugurated the `Sneha theeram' project, for the destitute, of the Sunni Cultural Centre on the occasion.

Markaz Ssaquafathi Ssunniyya general secretary Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar said the reasons for terrorism were illiteracy and unemployment. Mr. Aboobacker Musliyar also presented a memorandum of the organisation to the Chief Minister. It asked the Government to prevent `distorted minds' from indulging in kindling communal hatred. It called for immediate steps to bring down the spiralling prices of essential items in the State.

Most of the provisions in the new law calling for compulsory registration of all marriages irrespective of caste, creed or religion were `impractical and cruel.' The organisation requested that a final decision in this regard be taken only after discussions with Muslim scholars.

Clear discussions should take place regarding the issue of minority status for institutions run by the community. Industrialist M.A. Yousafali; Manjalamkuzhi Ali, P.T.A. Rahim K.T. Jaleel and U.C. Raman, MLAs, spoke on the occasion. 12:02:07:Mon

National integration meet held

Staff Reporter, THE HINDU

KOZHIKODE: The 29th anniversary and 13th convocation ceremony of Markaz Ssaquafathi Ssunniyya (Sunni Cultural Centre) concluded at Karanthur near here on Sunday. Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan inaugurated a national integration meeting organised in connection with it.

Mr. Achuthanandan said blaming and harassing a particular community in the name ``terrorism'' was a set back to national integrity.12:02:07:Mon

Emigration Act to be amended  

Staff Reporter, THE HINDU

KOZHIKODE: Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said here on Saturday that the Emigration Act, 1983 would be amended.

The Minister was inaugurating an NRI meet organised in connection with the 29th anniversary and 13th convocation ceremony of Markazu Ssaquafathi Ssunniyya (Sunni Cultural Centre) at Karanthur. He said the Act would be amended with prominence given to ensure protection of jobs of NRIs and to control the recruitment agencies. A bill in this regard will be presented in the next session of the Parliament.

He said changes would be made in the People's Representative Act to ensure voting rights for NRIs. The new legislation proposes to include all Indians who possess a valid Indian passport in the voters list.

He said the Union Government was signing agreements with various foreign countries to ensure job protection for NRIs. The Government wanted to make this sector corruption-free as well as simplify laws. It was also proposed to introduce a special welfare scheme for NRIs, the Minister said.

Mr..Ravi said the Government was bound to adopt a humanitarian stand towards Gulf Malayalis who contribute more than 40 per cent of foreign revenue to the country.

Markazu general secretary Kantapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar presented a memorandum of various problems of NRIs to the Union Minister. A.K.Abdul Hameed, Kerala Haj Committee chairman, presided. 11:02:07:Sun

Islam is against all kinds of terrorism'
Former Kuwaiti Minister opens Markaz anniversary celebration

Staff Reporter

KOZHIKODE: Syed Yusuf Hashim Rifee, former Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Kuwait, inaugurated the 29th anniversary and 13th convocation ceremony of Markaz Ssaquafathi Ssunniyya (Sunni cultural centre) at Karanthur, near here, on Friday.
At the inauguration, Mr. Rifee said Islam was against terrorism and its aim is to build unity among all human beings. Delivering the keynote address, Minister for Water Resources N.K. Premachandran said imperialist forces were bent on destroying Islam by arraigning it as the accused in the name of terrorism. People of all countries should unite against imperialist forces. One should attempt to introduce Islam by scrupulously following rules mentioned in the Koran.
He said Islam never used force to make others accept its philosophy. Observing that education had become a thing being denied to the common man now, Mr. Premachandran said the Koran attached great importance to education. According to the Koran, education was as important as air for breathing.
Syed Ali Bafakhy Thangal, vice-president, Markaz Ssaquafathi Ssunniya, presided over the function. Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, general secretary of the cultural centre; Syed Swabahudheen Rifayidi from Baghdad; M.P. Veerendrakumar, MP; M.V. Shreyamskumar, MLA; and K.K. Ahmed Kutty Musliyar, general convener, reception committee; spoke.
Earlier, hundreds of people participated in a procession taken out from Kunnamangalam to the venue at Markaz. Mr. Thangal hoisted the flag at the venue.
The three-day anniversary and convocation event, which began here on Friday, is witnessing a series of programmes. International religious leaders and representatives from various political parties are participating.
Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi will inaugurate an expatriates' get-together at noon on Saturday. Minister for Industries Elamaram Karim will be the chief guest. The former Ministers E.T . Mohammed Basheer and K. Muraleedharan will participate.
Communist Party of India (Marxist) State secretary Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate a history seminar at 2 p.m. Minister for Forest Benoy Viswom and T.K. Hamza, MP, will participate. Leader of the Opposition Oommen Chandy will inaugurate a minority conference at 4 p.m. Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Ramesh Chennithala, and P.P. Koya, Lakshadweep MP, will speak.
Minister for Local Self-Government Paloli Muhammed Kutty will inaugurate the education conference at 7 p.m. An all-India students' meet will be held at 8 p.m. Delegates from various parts of India will speak on different topics.   10:02:07:Sat

Markaz Conference Draws Huge Response

Mohammed Ashraf, Arab News

KOZHIKODE, 10 February 2007 - A three-day conference marking the 29th anniversary of the founding of Markazu Ssaqafati Ssunniyya, an Islamic educational and cultural institution popularly known as Sunni Markaz, began at Karanthur, 14 kilometers from Kozhikode, yesterday.

Thousands of people reached the Markaz Complex in a procession where Syed Fazal Shihab Al-Jifri hoisted the flag.

President M.A. Abdul Qader Musliyar opened the conference while Water Resources Minister N.K. Premachandran delivered the keynote address. Souvenirs and other books published in connection with the conference were distributed at the function. M.P. Veerandrakumar, the Janata Dal (Secular) lawmaker, was the chief guest.

Top political leaders led by Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi and prominent NRI businessmen will attend different sessions of the conference. Dr. Abdullah Omar Kamel, an eminent scholar and a leading businessman from Jeddah, Shaikh Ali Al-Hashmi from UAE, former federal minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader C.M. Ibrahim, M.A. Yusuffali of Emke group and Dr. P. Muhammed Ali of the Galfar group will speak at the concluding session tomorrow.

Sheikh Aboobacker Ahmed, secretary-general of the Markaz, said he has plans to start courses in engineering, traditional health sciences, nursing and business administration.

Overseas Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi will open the conclave of the expatriates today.

Tomorrow, Maulana Mufti Mutheeurrahman will inaugurate an international conference on Muslims which will be presided over by Dr. Ibrahim Rifayi and Sayyid Habeeb Zainul Abideen Ali Al-Jifry from Yemen will deliver the keynote address. Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan will inaugurate a conference on national integration under the chairmanship of Kanthapuram Abu Bakr Ahmed.   10:02:07:Sat

All set for Markaz anniversary fete

Kozhikode : All arrangements have been made for the 29th anniversary and 13th convocation ceremony of Markaz Ssaquafathi Ssunniyya (Sunni Cultural Centre) which is scheduled to begin at Karanthur here on Friday.

The three-day anniversary and convocation event will witnesses a series of programmes participated by international religious leaders and representatives from various political parties, Markaz president Sayyid Fazal Shihab Al Jifry and general secretary Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, told a newspersons here on Wednesday.

The formal opening of the anniversary will start with the visit (Ziyarath) at the resting place of the leaders of the Markaz at 2 p.m. on Friday. A procession would be taken out at Kunnamangalam town at 3 p.m.

Sunni Education Board president M.A. Abdul Qadir Musliyar will inaugurate the programme at 4.30 p.m. Minister for Water Resources N.K. Premachandran will deliver the keynote address. M.P. Veerendrakumar, MP, will be the chief guest on the occasion.

Reception committee chairman Sayyid Ali Bafaqi Thangal will chair the session. Souvenirs and books will also be released at the inaugural session. A.P. Muhammed Musliyar Kanthapuram will inaugurate the spiritual congregation at 7 p.m. Moulana Shakir Noorani will deliver the keynote address. Spiritual leaders from India and abroad will participate in the Dikr Majlis at 7.30 p.m.

A management representatives' meet and an ideology conference will be held at two different venues on Saturday. P.P. Muhyudheen Kutty Musliyar Parannur will inaugurate the management representatives' meet while Ponmala Abdul Qadir Musliyar will inaugurate the ideology conference at 9 a.m.

Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi will inaugurate the "Expatriates Get-together" at noon. Minister for Industries Elamaram Karim will be the chief guest. Former Ministers E.T. Mohammed Basheer and K. Muraleedharan will also participate. Chairman of the Kerala Haj Committee A.K. Abdul Hameed will preside over the session.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) State secretary Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the history seminar at 2 p.m. Minister for Forest Benoy Viswom, T.K. Hamsa, MP, Aryadan Muhammed, P.M.A. Salam and C.P. Mohammed, MLAs, will participate at the session.

Leader of the Opposition Oommen Chandy will inaugurate the minority conference at 4 p.m. Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Ramesh Chennithala, P.P. Koya, MP, will speak at the conference.

The education conference will be held at 7 p.m. Minister for Local Administration Paloli Muhammed Kutty will inaugurate the conference. Dr. Sayyid Muhammed Ameen of Aligarh University will take part in the programme.

The All India Students Meet will be held at 8 p.m. Delegates from various parts of India will speak on different topics.

The International Muslim Conference will be held on Sunday. Moulana Mufti Mutheeu Rahman from Bihar will inaugurate the conference at 8 a.m. Sayyid Habeeb Zainul Abideen Ali Al Jifry from Yemen will deliver the keynote address.

Saquafis meet and alumni meet will be held at various stages at 10 a.m. Chief Minister V.S.Achuthanandan will inaugurate the national integrity conference at 11 a.m. Kanthapuram A.P.Aboobacker Musliyar will chair the session. Kozhikode Mayor M. Bhaskaran will also participate.

Shaikh Ali Al- Hashmi from United Arab Emirates will inaugurate the public meeting at 5 p.m. Kanthapuram A.P.Aboobacker Musliyar will deliver the convocation address. Thajul Ulama Sayyid Abdurahman Al Bukhari will preside over the function. 09:02:07:Fri

Sunni centre holds mass marriage

Special Correspondent, THE HINDU

KOZHIKODE: Markaz Ssaquafathil Ssunniyya, the Sunni cultural centre in Kozhikode, has organised the marriage of 29 orphaned and destitute women as part of the programmes in connection with its 13th convocation ceremony to be held from February 9 to 11.

This was announced here on Saturday. The marriages were held in two sessions. Fourteen were held in December at the Markaz Majul Family and the rest on Friday at the Markaz Maranchatty Girls orphanage in the presence of Sunni leaders and religious leaders.

Sunni leader Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musaliar inaugurated the mass wedding programme at a function presided over by Markaz president Fazal Pookoya Thangal on Friday. George M. Thomas, MLA, was the chief guest

The Sunni cultural centre has been taking take care of orphaned women. Nearly 700 destitute and financially backward girls are studying at the Markaz Girls orphanage, which was founded in 1994. Expenses for their food and clothing are met by the centre.

Besides the convocation ceremony, the 29th anniversary of the Sunni Markaz Centre would also be celebrated from February 9 to 11, it was announced on Saturday.   31:01:07:Wed