HT FROM ‘SLAVE OF PERIYAR’ TO ‘SLAVE OF ALLAH’

HT FROM ‘SLAVE OF PERIYAR’ TO ‘SLAVE OF ALLAH’

Written by

T. AZEEZ LUTHFULLAH

Published on

August 10, 2022

Veteran scholar and orator Professor Periyar Dasan has embraced Islam. Now he is Professor Abdullah. His homecoming would be celebrated in a big way throughout the Tamil speaking world.

The news of conversion of Professor Periyar Dasan is a booster to the Muslim community. The information energised and enthused confidence among the youths. It has emboldened the faith in Allah.

Professor Periyar Dasan’s real name is Seshasalam. He was born in a saivite family in Agaram village, erstwhile North Arcot District of Tamil Nadu. His father is said to be a close friend of Maraimalai Adigalar. When he joined Pachaiyappas College in Chennai, Periyar EVR the legendary Dravidian leader visited his college. On that occasion he wrote a poem felicitating Periyar EVR. Periyar read it with keen interest and congratulated him but remarked, “The poem is good, but you have mentioned your name as Seshasalam. It sounds like a name of an Iyer – Brahmin. Seshasalam then and there changed his name to Periyar Dasan, meaning “Slave of Periyar.”

Now after four decades this “slave of Periyar” has transformed himself into “slave of Allah”.

The community now hopes that Professor Abdullah would serve the Islamic cause in a big way. The professor aspires to translate Haykal’s book Road to Makkah. Haykal’s book is on the life history of Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless and greet him). No doubt, the professor has come a long way to reach this point.

The million dollar question is what made a staunch atheist like Periyar Dasan turn towards his Creator? What is the turning point? The following is the answer he gave to Makkal Urimai, a Tamil weekly:

‘Poet Tannan Moosa came with his book, Soundharya Muthirai, and asked me to write a preface for it. It was the turning point in my life. I wrote preface for the book. Afterwards, I asked myself many times, “Why did he choose me to write preface for his book?” I called the revered poet. He came to meet me along with S.N. Sikkander of Islamic Foundation Trust and some other friends. They explained the salient features of Islam. I read many books regarding this. I started reading the Qur’ān daily for five hours. Then I got convinced that God exists! Afterwards I completely avoided delivering speeches on atheism. Mustafa of Rahmath Charitable Trust had brought seven volumes of Sahih Bukhari in the Tamil language. He used to invite me for the book release functions. His gesture made me think more. I used to wonder why these gentlemen invite me in spite of my atheistic background. I had good relationship with A.K.A. Abdus Samad, M.A. Abdul Latheef, Kaviko Abdur Rahman, M.H. Jawahirullah, and some other Muslim personalities. I continued my search to acquaint myself with the Truth. Most of them were not aware what I wanted to know.’

He said, ‘As I wanted to embrace Islam in the holy land; I came here. My greatest desire was to visit Makkah and Madinah. I planned accordingly. After embracing Islam I contacted my wife who is in Chennai. She was shocked. I told to her: “There is no need for you to embrace Islam. I embraced Islam as I liked it. But, my only wish is that I want you to be my companion in the Day of Judgment. Please ponder over it.” She called me after a couple of minutes and said she would take the decision after consulting with our son.’  Professor Abdullah’s wife is also a professor of psychology.

“Throughout his life Periyar Dasan has been a staunch atheist. He used to criticise each and every religion. His criticisms were blunt and aggressive. I used to hear him patiently. I allowed him to pour out fully. Then I presented our version in a humble way,” opined Poet Moosa.

He embraced Buddhism a couple of years back. He has translated a book on Buddhism into the Tamil language. He had worked many years in the department of psychology in Pachaiyappas College. He is a gifted speaker and his speeches were full of wit and wisdom. He speaks naturally without any inhibitions and pretensions. He has got a vast circle of fans. He has acted in an award winning film on female foeticide Karuthamma. He used to chair many discussions telecast by various TV channels.

I remember the day when I first saw him addressing an Eid Milan gathering or Seerah programme organised by the Vaniyambadi unit of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), two decades ago. The memory of Vaniyambadi programme has etched in my memory because it was the first time wall posters of the function were pasted all over the town. The name Periyar Dasan in bold letters made a lasting impact in my mind. And now here comes the good news. Allah is Great!

Strangely, my mind is filled with the memories of Valampuri John now. He too, was a legendary Tamil orator and prolific writer. He penned a mesmerising book Nayagam yengal Thayagam – Prophet is our motherland, on the life history of Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless and greet him). It was written in poetic form and was very enchanting.

He also wrote another book on Islam, Islam – indha mannukketra markkam, Islam – the most apt religion of this land. He lavishly praised Islam. One could not forget his speech in the South India Conference of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind held at Bangalore in 1999. Maulana Ejaz Ahmed Aslam translated his speech into Urdu. We exactly do not know whether John embraced Islam or not. I met him during his last days when he was recuperating from his disease in Porur Ramachandra Hospital. He had become very thin. His eyes, cheek, chin… Oh! It was very pathetic. He was seeing death with his own eyes. We were there to see him and for iyadat. He poured out his feelings. He said many things which are very confidential. Suddenly he trembled and requested us to read the verses of the Holy Qur’ān and blow over him. “Yenakku Odhi oodhi vidungal”! – Please recite verses of the Holy Quran and blow over me, he said. In our group K.M. Siraj Ahmed was the eldest. He recited Ayats and duas and blew them over him. John broke and cried silently. Tears rolled over his thin, bony face. I could not forget that scene till this date.

Dr. K.V.S. Habeeb Muhammad was with us. He consoled him and uttered words of comfort. We returned with a heavy heart. We prayed for him. H. Abdur Raqeeb was our Ameer-e-Halqa then. When he came to know about it, he literally packed up Maulana Qutbuddeen Ahmed Baqavi Sahib to Porur along with Arifullah to pray and offer spiritual solace for Mr John.

The ways of Allah are strange indeed. He is the One who guides. It is His choice.