User:Owais Al Qarni/29

15:11, 7 December 2024

Rahman, Hafizur

In recent times, the popularity of Arabic language has increased in India on account of the desire to strengthen relations with Arab countries and the success of experiments done in the field of practicing the Arabic Journalism these countries. Due to this, the idea of issuing an Arabic fortnightly newspaper strck in the minds of the authorities of „ JameiyatUlema-e- Hind‟ in order to represent itself in the Arabic speaking countries.(201)

So they started to issue this fortnightly newspaper under the name and title of al-Kifah(الكفاح ) in January 1973 from Delhi. Wahid al-Zaman Kiranvi and Altaf al- Rahman Azmi were appointed its chief editor and editor respectively. The newspaper published on its first page news regarding the „Jamieyat‟ and its various activities followed by the news and essays from Arab countries then in the last a page was fixed from the dictionary for the raising generation. It contained eight pages of medium size.16 IMPORTANCE OF THE NEWSPAPER: The newspaper bore undeniable importance in the field of propagating the Arabic language in the Arab world, for it was blessed with expertise of such a great scholar like Wahid al-Zaman Kiranvi to monitor it and to write in it, so it research to a great height in fame, output and appearance among the other periodicals. It also bore the grandeur when it was published by the said Jameiyat but, after sometime it lost its previous tremendous role. No body need to say that it had played an important role in training the perfect taste of Indian Muslims for learning the Arabic language in order to enable them for its speaking and writing. The publication of the newspaper has some specific features. A list of some of the published articles is presented here as follow:  Muslims and the challenges of the modern era.  Factors of spreading Islam in India.  Muslims in Spain.  Jerusalem and its history.(202)

Role of Dar al-Uloom Deoband in propagating the Islamic culture  Islam and the Arab world.  Islam at present in India.  Jameiyat Ulema-e- Hind and the Arab issues.  The economic system in Islam.  Islam a religion as well as a civilization.  The teaching of Islamic and Arabic Sciences in India  A glance over the history of Islamic Dawah mission in India.  Growth of the science of Hadith in India during the slave era.  The family system in Islam.  Islam and problems of the spouses.  From the testimonies of Shah Wali Allah Dehlawi. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE NEWSPAPER: The founder of newspaper founded it aiming multi-disciplinary purposes. A few of the aims and objectives of the newspaper are noted down below:  To introduce various activities of the Jamieyat Ulema-e-Hind in the Arab world. No need to reiterate that this was the main for which the newspaper was started to be issued.  To discuss and present the circumstances of the country and to study them with perspectives of the Jamieyat.  To publish Islamic articles.  To participate in the propagation of the Arabic language in the country.(203)

Arabi, Zikrullah

Before discussing the newspaper *Al-Kifah*, I find it fitting to briefly talk about the *Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind* and its services and efforts. This association, called the *Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind*, was established by distinguished scholars and Muslim leaders in November 1919. Its first president was Mufti Kifayatullah, and it included prominent figures such as Sheikh Mahmood Hasan Deobandi, Sheikh Anwar Shah Kashmiri, Sheikh Hussain Ahmad Madani, Sheikh Hafizur Rahman Seoharwi, Sheikh Fakhruddin, and Sheikh Syed As'ad Madani (may Allah have mercy on them), among others.

This association is an Islamic party that was politically active before the country was freed from the clutches of British colonialism. The association made great sacrifices in the cause of struggle and resistance. It called for Indian unity and opposed the idea of establishing a separate state for Muslims, and it continues to oppose the division of India.

The association had been publishing a weekly newspaper in Urdu since 1925, named *Al-Jamiat*. Later, the officials of the *Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind* came up with the idea of issuing a semi-monthly Arabic newspaper. Thus, they launched a newspaper named *Al-Kifah* in January 1973 from Delhi, with its main office in Deoband.

The position of editor-in-chief was held by the eminent Arabic scholar and writer Wahiduzzaman Kairanwi. Subsequently, Altafur Rahman and later Muhammad Muzammil Qasmi took on the role of managing editors. The newspaper featured Islamic literary articles, reported on the activities of the *Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind*, and provided news from Arab countries. Its publication ceased in December 1987. (115)

• • Objectives:**

The newspaper *Al-Kifah* aimed to introduce the activities of the *Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind* in various fields of life to the Arab world and beyond. It sought to discuss and study the political and social conditions of Indian Muslims from the perspective of the association. Furthermore, it aimed to publish Islamic topics and contribute to the dissemination of the Arabic language in these regions. (1)

• • Position in Journalism:**

This newspaper played a prominent role in spreading the news of the *Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind* and its significant activities, alongside publishing scientific and literary articles and news from Arab countries. It was authored by writers and scholars from Darul Uloom Deoband.

The newspaper deserves to be regarded as one of the most important Arabic periodicals and among the finest magazines and newspapers in India and beyond. It held great significance in the field of contemporary Arabic journalism, promoting the Arabic language in the Indian subcontinent, advocating for Islam, and calling for a return to faith-based principles.

The newspaper earned admiration and recognition for its bold coverage of sectarian unrest, orchestrated conspiracies against Muslims aimed at their violent suppression and eradication, and the Indian government's bias in favor of the malicious elements behind these plots. It presented these issues and challenges in Arabic with clarity, transparency, and detail.

Below are some article titles published in various issues of the newspaper:

- The Family in Islam - The Economic System in Islam - Islam and Marital Problems - Insights from Shah Waliullah Dehlavi (116)

• • Literal Translation:**

5. The Study of Islamic and Arabic Sciences in India 6. A Look at the History of Islamic Preaching in India 7. Islam: A Religion and Civilization 8. The Flourishing of the Science of Hadith in India during the Mamluk Era 9. Muslims in Spain 10. Jerusalem and Its History 11. Muslims and Contemporary Challenges 12. Factors Behind the Spread of Islam 13. *Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind* and Arab Issues 14. Islam Today in India 15. Islam and the West 16. The Role of Darul Uloom Deoband in Spreading Islamic Culture (1)

Rahman, Abdur

• • Magazine "Al-Kifāḥ":**

It is a biweekly magazine issued by one of the most prestigious Islamic organizations in India. This magazine is considered the voice of the *Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind* and was first published in 1974 AD. Its editorial was headed by the esteemed scholar and writer, Professor Wahid al-Zaman al-Kairanawi, may Allah have mercy on him.

Professor Zubair Ahmad al-Faruqi speaks about *Al-Kifāḥ* magazine and the contributions of writers and literary figures who are keen to publish their articles in it:

• "Although this newspaper and the organization supervising it have no official connection with Darul Uloom, the vast majority of contributors to the newspaper and members of the organization itself are scholars and alumni of Darul Uloom. We find the same group of writers and literary figures, led by Badrul Hasan al-Qasimi and Abu Bakr al-Ghazifuri, continuing to contribute to this newspaper with their articles, most of which focus on religious and reformative topics."(81)

The magazine Al-Kifāḥ was concerned with issues of great importance to the Islamic community in India. It focused on the significant sacrifices of the scholars of Deoband in the struggle against British colonialism and on strengthening understanding and connections between us and our Arab brothers to discuss Islamic issues.(82)

Nadwi, Sarwar Alam

This newspaper served as the voice of the Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind in the Indian subcontinent, an organization with a history of glorious achievements and immense sacrifices in the struggle for national liberation and firm opposition to the partition of India.

• • A Brief History of the Jamiat Ulama:**

This Islamic organization was established on December 25, 1919, to resist British rule and work toward the restoration of the Turkish Caliphate, which had been abolished by the British. It also aimed to counter the apostasy movements sown by the colonial government. The organization was led by an Islamic political party under the leadership of Mufti Kifayatullah, followed by the great Islamic freedom fighter Sheikh Mahmud Hasan, titled "Shaykh al-Hind," who played a prominent role in the independence struggle. His efforts led to his imprisonment by the British in Indian, Maltese, Turkish, and Arab prisons. He was succeeded by Sheikh Hussain Ahmad Madani, Sheikh Hafizur Rahman Seoharvi, and Fakhruddin (may Allah have mercy on them).

Among the key responsibilities of this organization were the propagation of Islamic teachings and culture among the Muslim population, alongside its ongoing struggle to uphold the truth, defend Muslim causes in India and abroad, revive Islamic heritage, and address other Islamic matters. It has a rich history of these blessed endeavors in the past that history will never forget.

• • Reasons for Publishing the Newspaper:**

Recently, with the focus turning toward Arab countries and the growing trend to strengthen ties with them, its officials conceived the idea of publishing a newspaper in the Arabic language. The purpose was to strengthen relations with the Arab world, address issues facing the Islamic and Arab worlds, expand the scope of the Arabic language in India, share important information about the Islamic world, and introduce the conditions and religious activities of Indian Muslims to the Arab-Islamic world.(242)

• • The Publication of the Newspaper and Its Objectives**

With these goals and purposes in mind, the officials of the Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind launched an Arabic biweekly newspaper titled *Al-Kifah*. The editorial leadership was entrusted to Professor Wahiduzzaman Kiranwi, while its management was under the supervision of Professor Altafur Rahman Azmi.

The first issue was published in January 1973 with significant ambitions. It was initially supervised and headed by Professor Wahiduzzaman until its leadership was transferred in the ninth year to Professor Mazammil Haq Husayni Qasmi, who had previously served as an assistant to the newspaper before assuming its leadership. The newspaper continued its efforts to instill correct beliefs, spread the Islamic spirit in society and among Muslims, revive Islamic heritage, disseminate Islamic sciences, and promote the Arabic language in India.

Additionally, it paid great attention to political issues and the problems of the Muslim community locally and globally, focusing on education, culture, civilization, economics, governance, and other matters. It addressed issues such as Palestine, Afghanistan, Turkey, and other Islamic countries. The newspaper also raised awareness about humanitarian sacrifices worldwide. However, it ceased publication in December 1987 due to unfavorable circumstances.

• • Contents and Approaches**
• Al-Kifah* consisted of eight large-format pages. Most of the time, it featured news about the Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, its activities, and its initiatives, which was the primary objective of the newspaper — to inform the Arab world about the organization's work.

This was followed by news from the Islamic and Arab worlds, global events, armed attacks, and acts of violence against Muslims in India and beyond. It included scholarly and literary articles, profiles of prominent Indian figures associated with the organization, such as Sheikh Mahmud Hasan and Sheikh Hussain Ahmad Madani. A long series of articles titled *A Brief Biography of the Late Sheikh Hussain Ahmad Madani* was a notable feature.

The final pages often included a dictionary for beginners to promote the Arabic language in India. Additionally, it featured samples of beautiful Arabic calligraphy.(243)

Here are the main topics published by the *Al-Kifah* newspaper on its pages. The articles and thoughts were presented in an elegant style that reflected its journalistic approach and methodology. It played a significant role in this field, positioning itself as a sound Islamic religious newspaper of considerable importance.

Professor Zubair Ahmad Farooqi contributed to its content. As for the newspaper's policies, as evidenced by its publications, they appear to focus on promoting the activities of the Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind at various levels, highlighting the multifaceted relationships between India and Arab countries, and supporting Islamic and Arab causes. It paid particular attention to the conditions of Muslims in India specifically, as well as those in other parts of the world generally.

• • Its Importance**

Due to these objectives and characteristics, *Al-Kifah* was greatly appreciated by Arabs and was mentioned in their magazines and newspapers, such as *Huda al-Islam* (Vol. 27, Issue of 1983, published by the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Oman), *Manar al-Islam* (published by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Awqaf of the United Arab Emirates), and *Islamic Studies and Research* (Issue 13, 1983, published by the Association of Islamic Universities).

It also received praise from individuals, including Professor Abu Bakr Muhammad Saeed Hassan from Dhofar, Oman, who wrote: "The newspaper *Al-Kifah* is one of the beloved Islamic newspapers. It clarifies for us meaningful concepts and resolves ambiguous inquiries. It presents purposeful Islamic topics and clear, beneficial religious information to enrich the culture of the Muslim individual, enabling them to understand their Islamic religion."(244)

• • The Culture of the Muslim Individual to Understand Their Islamic Religion**

On behalf of the youth of Salalah, I thank you for this dedication. What I hold in my heart cannot be expressed by words, but I have written these lines as a token of our sincerity and appreciation for you and everyone who contributes to its publication. I wish you and your newspaper success and prosperity.

Professor Mahmoud Abda Ghanem from Medina wrote: "You have made commendable and successful efforts to develop and revive the Arabic language in lands far from the birthplace of divine revelation and Islam. We welcome your noble services toward Islam and Muslims in India and beyond."

Sheikh Muhammad Ibrahim Al-Awaid from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia wrote: "It is our pleasure to write to you, praising your esteemed magazine and the efforts of those working with you. May you continue, by the blessing of Allah, on the path of spreading Islam and elevating its word. May Allah be with you."

• • Contributors and Publications**

Most often, contributions to *Al-Kifah* were made by writers from Darul Uloom Deoband and its graduates, who also wrote in Arabic for various Indian and Arab magazines. Among them were Professor Badrul Hasan Qasmi, Professor Abu Bakr Al-Ghazi Puri, Professor Altafur Rahman Azmi, and others. The magazine also published articles and reflections by Arab writers.

• • Selected Publications**

To document the articles and discussions featured in the newspaper, the following are some of its published topics:

- *"So Reflect, O People of Vision"* by Anwarur Rahman Al-Bijnouri, June 1979 - *"Islamic Jurisprudence in India until the Mughal Era"* by Professor Nisar Ahmad Farooqi, August 16, 1978 - *"The Struggle Movement of Sayyid Ahmad Shaheed"* by Professor Muhammad Yousuf (Pakistan), October 19, 1978 - *"Is There Readiness to Engage in Battle?"* by Altafur Rahman Azmi, November 20, 1987 - *"The Greatest Political Blow to Israel"* by Professor Ihsan Abdul Quddus, November 22, 1978 - *"Islam: Action and Struggle"* by Muhammad Abu Shahba, January 2, 1979 - *"Islam and the Challenges of the Era"* by Dr. Abdul Munim An-Nimr, February 3, 1979 - *"These Englishmen and Their Story of Islam"* by Ismail Wadi, November 22, 1982(245)

1. **Muslim Indonesia Facing Colonial Missionary Schemes** / Jalal Al-Qasimi, 23/9 December 1982 2. **How Islam Entered China** / Jamal Al-Din Sayyid Muhammad, 1-2/10 January 1983 3. **The Afghan Nation Rejects Oppression and Slavery** / Abu Bakr Al-Gharifuri, 6/10 March 1983 4. **The Story of Islam's Spread in Korea** / Salih Mahdi Al-Samarrai, 2/11 January 1984 5. **Muslims in Indonesia** / Dr. Mar'i Madkour, 11/9 May 1984 6. **Muslims in the Continent of Australia** / Quoted from *Islamic World News*, 11 February 1984 7. **The Ultimate Ideal for Humanity** / Nisar Ahmad Farooqi, 3/6 February 1979 (246)

Alangadan, Anees

This newspaper was established at Darul Uloom Deoband and was published from the city of Delhi. It is a biweekly newspaper founded by Wahiduzzaman Kiranawi in 1973.

Its first issue appeared in January of the year 1973. Its founder assumed the position of editor-in-chief. *Al-Kifah* is considered the voice of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, the Islamic political party established in November 1919, which made significant sacrifices for India’s independence. This party opposed the partition of India. Altaf-ur-Rahman Azmi later took over as editor-in-chief, followed by Muhammad Mazammil Qasmi. The publication of this newspaper ceased in December 1987.

This newspaper was dedicated to publishing news about Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind and its major activities, in addition to news about Arab countries, as well as scientific and literary articles written by contributors from Darul Uloom Deoband. It also focused on publishing a glossary for young readers on its last pages. It consisted of eight medium-sized pages, and often the writers for *Ad-Dai*, another publication, contributed their articles to *Al-Kifah*, despite the fact that *Al-Kifah* had no official connection with Darul Uloom Deoband.

Among the most important objectives of *Al-Kifah* was to highlight the activities of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind in various fields of life in Arab countries and beyond. Most of its articles revolved around Islamic topics, Arab and Islamic issues, as well as the conditions and affairs of Indian Muslims. Like other Arabic newspapers and magazines in India, this newspaper was also keen on promoting the Arabic language in this region.(219)

Islam, Habib Shahidul

In order to achieve better relation with the Arab countries, the Indian Muslims got inclined to Arabic language. The responsible of Jamiat-eUlama-e- Hind decided to launch a fortnightly magazine to introduce the aims and targets of Jamiat across the gulf countries. For this purpose, a fortnightly magazine by the name of Al- Kafah was launched in 1973 from Delhi and its editor was Altafur Rehman A’zmi. The magazine contained 8 pages of medium size.(85)

Aim and objectives of Al-Kafah: 1. To introduce the aims of Jamiat-e-Ulama-e-Hind in the Arab countries 2. To publish the events occurring here from the viewpoint of Jamiat 3. To publish Islamic articles 4. To endeavor the promotion of Arabic language and literature in India(86)

The importance of Al-Kafah cannot be denied because of the contribution of Maulana Wahiduz Zaman Keranwi. The magazine reached higher rank of the ladder of progress. It had a different status when it was published on behalf of Jamiat-e-Ulama-e-Hind. Later it did not sustain due to certain reasons but it played a vital role in promoting Arabic language in India.(86)

Daisy, Ahmed

In order to achieve better relation with the Arab countries, the Indian Muslims got inclined to Arabic language. The responsible of Jamiat-eUlama-e- Hind decided to launch a fortnightly magazine to introduce the aims and targets of Jamiat across the gulf countries. For this purpose, a fortnightly magazine by the name of Al- Kafah was launched in 1973 from Delhi and its editor was Altafur Rehman A’zmi. The magazine contained 8 pages of medium size.(103)

Aim and objectives of Al-Kafah: 1. To introduce the aims of Jamiat-e-Ulama-e-Hind in the Arab countries 2. To publish the events occurring here from the viewpoint of Jamiat 3. To publish Islamic articles 4. To endeavor the promotion of Arabic language and literature in India(103)

The importance of Al-Kafah cannot be denied because of the contribution of Maulana Wahiduz Zaman Keranwi. The magazine reached higher rank of the ladder of progress. It had a different status when it was published on behalf of Jamiat-e-Ulama-e-Hind. Later it did not sustain due to certain reasons but it played a vital role in promoting Arabic language in India.(104)