According to a media report, the JNU cancelled the permission for the discussion on a book authored by its former president of student’s union Umar Khalid. The JNU said, in a statement, that the booking of the auditorium had been cancelled because full facts about the programme had not been disclosed.
The book “Fractured Communities: Adivasi Histories & the Politics of Powers” deals with Adivasi histories, resistance and struggles related to, ‘Jal, Jungle &Jamin’. There is nothing unconstitutional or illegal in the book.
It is to be noted with displeasure that the same university extended space and whole-hearted cooperation on campus for ISKCON events (a Hindu rightist religious organisation) while denying a venue for the book discussion. This is double standard of the university administration.
The university’s decision is an attempt to suppress academic discussion and dissent. Its double standards should be condemned in the strongest terms. It seems that JNU has bias towards its ex-student leader and soft corner for ISKCON.
Farooq AbdulgafarBawani
Rajkot, Gujarat, India
Pilots Dope Test
According to recent reports, two more Air India’s pilots have repeatedly tested positive in dope tests, which is deeply concerning. This follow the earlier case involving the captain of an Air India flight on the Phuket-Delhi route, who was reportedly found to have traces of Marijuana in his system. The authorities are still awaiting the results of further test in that case. There is also a concern thatrepeated testing and proceduraldelays could potentially become a means of prolongingthe matter rather than ensuring swift action.
This issue is extremely serious because the lives of hundreds of passengers can be put at risk by pilots who operate aircraft while under the influence of drugs or other intoxicating substances. Suchnegligence cannot be taken lightly. The authorities shouldtherefore complete the necessary investigations as quickly aspossible.If the allegations are proved, strict action and appropriate punishment should be imposed on such irresponsible pilots. Otherwise, this dangerous and potentially criminal behaviour may continue.
Chowdhry Nisar Ahmed
Noorullahpet, Ambur T.N.
No Place of Dargahs in Islam
A Dargah is a grave of a Muslim saint arranged and decorated for worship and fair. Visitors give donations and contributions to it, expecting Allah’s pleasure needed for redemption in the hereafter and fulfilment of some worldly hopes, thereby earning huge money for it. There is no dearth of dargah set up by some Muslims with this commercial motive, especially in India and Bangladesh.
It is not permissible in Islam for a Muslim to visit a place, expecting Allah’s pleasure except the House of Ka’abah in Makkah, Masjid-e-Nabawi in Madinah and Masjid-e- al-Aqsa in Jerusalem (Sahih Muslim). Based on the Hadith, we can reasonably conclude that a Muslim can’t visit a dargah orkhanqah, expecting Allah’s pleasure save and except those three Masjids in Makkah, Madinah and Jerusalem. This is ordained in Islam aiming to maintain a Muslim’s attraction and duty towards these three Masjids intact forever.
In Assam there is a famous dargah at Hajo, popularly known as “Powa Makkah” meaning one-fourth of Makkah. Traditionally it is assumed that one-time visit to Powa-Makkah equals one-fourth of Haj in Makkah and four-time visits to it equal one Haj in Makkah. And it is thus attracting many people to its fairs often held every year. Many visitors are seen placing wreaths, and offering Sajdah on the grave of the saint. These acts are considered Shirk (polytheism) in Islam.
The Qur’an warns: “Lo! Allah forgiveth not that a partner should be ascribed unto Him. He forgiveth all (sins) save that to whom He wills. Whoso ascribeth a partner unto Allah (Shirk), he hath indeed invented a tremendous sin.” (4:48. 116.31:13). Prophet Muhammad ﷺsays: “Remember! The graves of earliest prophets were turned into the place of worship. Be careful! Don’t do it, I have forbidden you to do it. O my Lord! Don’t make my grave a place of worship and fair.” Further he adds: “Curse to those women who go to the graveyard, make it the place of worship and kindle lamps therein.” The Qur’an announces: “Despite their belief in Allah, many of them ascribe partners unto Him.” (12:106).
To keep self and others refrained from Shirk is the highest form of Ibadah as the Shirk is considered an unpardonable major sin in Islam.
Muhammad Abdus Samad
Ambari,Dhupdhara, Assam