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Kashif

Nawab Sikandar Begum’s Hajj Memoir

by Kashif

Sikandar Begum has the unique distinction of being the first Indian ruler to make the hajj journey. Even with their proclamation of love for Islam none of the Muslim rulers of India went for hajj because it was a long and dangerous travel. Nawab Sikandar Begum went for hajj with a party of about 1000 people of which were mostly women.

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Babur And Sons Of Babur

by Kashif

Thanks to the propaganda of the Sangh Parivar, Babur, founder of Mughal Empire has become a controversial figure in Indian history. Babur was an invader but he was also the founder of a dynasty that gave shape to an India that we are rightly proud of. Be it the architecture, arts, literature, music, or dance, it is difficult to imagine present day India without the Mughals.

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Begin Holi with a Bismillah

by Kashif

History books are full of kings and their battles and we forget people who were not involved in warfare. Much is yet to be written about Sufis and their contribution to India.
Bulleh Shah is a famous Sufi who continues to be popular because of his poetry. Below, I present a poem written by him on [...]

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Milli Gazette: Ten Years Of A Community Newspaper

by Kashif

Milli Gazette has made a name for itself. It is probably the most referenced Indian Muslim publication. It is a must read for any one interested in Indian Muslim affairs.Publishing a community magazine for ten years and that too without much community support and advertising is no mean achievement.

Muslim Women Of Malabar

by Kashif

Malabar Muslim women may be dressed- traditional, modern, or religious- Mappila women cannot be ignored. Until recently, a section of ulama were opposed to women’s education but people’s attitude changed and now the same group of traditional ulama have set up an engineering college with a women’s hostel attached. Times have changed.

Muslim Organizations Of Kerala

by Kashif

Kerala has long history of Muslim organizations. Many organizations were formed during the turn of the last century when community leaders realized that the community was lagging behind in social and economic front.

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History Of Modern Education Among Malabar Muslims

by Kashif

Like Muslims of north India, Mappilas also lagged behind when it came to modern education. It was not until a generation ago that major effort was made to link the community to modern education without losing the religious and cultural identity.

Mappilas: The First Muslims Of India

by Kashif

Cheraman Juma Masjid in Kodungallur is the first mosque of India. It is named after a famous king Cheraman Perumal. Legend has it that King Perumal became Muslim and decided to go visit Prophet Mohammad. He travelled to the Hijaz to meet the Prophet Mohammad. On the way back, King Perumal passed away. Before passing away, Cheraman instructed his companions to go on with the journey and establish a masjid in Kerala.

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The Annual Of Urdu Studies: Urdu Scholarship In English Language

by Kashif

The Annual of Urdu Studies (AUS) was started in 1980 by Prof. C. M. Naim of the University of Chicago, who published it from 1981 to 1990. Three years later, Prof. Memon at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, took over the responsibility of this journal. He has published this journal without a break since 1993. It is an annual publication and has so far published 24 issues. The journal is now facing difficulties and is in need of financial support to keep the publication going.

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Namaz At India Islamic Cultural Centre

by Kashif

India Islamic Cultural Center (IICC) takes your breath away with its beautiful dome, intricate calligraphy and delicate design. With the objective to “promote understanding among the people of different religion and help the promotion of the cause of national integration,” it has quickly become an important institution.

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