Latest news with #Quran
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
She died in my arms: Poonch mourns lives lost in Pak shelling
She died in my arms: Poonch mourns lives lost in Pak shelling POONCH: Shells screamed through the early morning darkness of May 7, tearing through homes and lives in Poonch district, close to the LoC in J&K. At Sukha Kattha, a cluster of small homes on a mountainside, Javid Iqbal's five-year-old daughter Mariyam lay in his lap, her stomach ripped open by shrapnel. 'She died in my arms,' he said on May 30, showing her photo, voice choked. His eight-year-old daughter Iram Naaz was wounded too. In another part of the district, at Jamia Zia-ul-Uloom, a 52-year-old seminary that doubles as a boarding school, Qari Mohammad Iqbal had just started his day. A shell exploded near an under-construction building beside his room, sending metal splinters flying. Four students were wounded. Qari Iqbal, a 46-year-old Quran teacher, was declared dead on arrival at the district hospital. As bombs rained on Poonch for three days, 14 civilians lost their lives, including students, religious teachers, shopkeepers, homemakers, and former soldiers. Over 65 were wounded — many with life-altering scars. Panic spread faster than the blasts. Families fled, streets emptied, The district fell silent under fear. 'Not even in 1965 did we witness this kind of bombardment,' said Zulfikhar Ali, a shopkeeper in Poonch town's main market. 'Everyone who could afford to leave, left.' From May 6 night to May 10, five shells landed outside BJP functionary Pradeep Sharma's home. 'It began at 1.45 am and didn't stop for days,' Sharma said. 'Doctors worked tirelessly, but if we had ventilators, we might have saved six to eight more. We need a trauma hospital here, a govt medical college.' Sharma said 80% of Poonch fled by May 10. He demanded bunkers for every household and government jobs, not just for families of the dead but also for those wounded in the shelling. 'Thirty-five of them have lifelong wounds,' he said. 'They're living with trauma too.' Amid loss and grief, another wound cut deep — one of defamation. Hours after Qari Iqbal's death, Delhi-based news channels flashed his photo on screen, calling him a Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist killed in Operation Sindoor. At Jamia Zia-ul-Uloom on May 30, his brother Farooq Ahmad sat quietly, his face sunken. 'We were already mourning, and then we got WhatsApp forwards. Friends asked, 'Why are news channels calling your brother a terrorist?' He had a beard and a Muslim name. That was enough for them to brand him something he wasn't. Even in death, he was humiliated.' Authorities moved quickly. Poonch police and district officials called the reports 'baseless and misleading'. Legal action was threatened against any outlet or person spreading false claims. Both CM Omar Abdullah and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi visited the Jamia and were briefed about the slander. Nazira Kousar, a mother from Poonch, rushed through falling shells to the hospital on May 7. Her 14-year-old son had been wounded at the seminary. 'Nothing could stop me,' she said. 'He survived, but now hides under a blanket, afraid to go outside. My husband has liver disease. We can't afford treatment.' She came back on May 30, hoping someone would listen. On May 31, Union home minister Amit Shah handed job appointment letters to the next of kin. Dalbir Singh, who lost his brother Ranjit Singh, a grocery shop owner, received one. 'He never married. He was calm and lovable,' Dalbir said. 'I feel the sky has fallen on us. I just want this to end.' At least five members of the local Sikh community died, including former Army officer Amarjeet Singh, homemaker Ruby Kaur, and neighbour Amreek Singh. A gurdwara wall was damaged in the shelling. As Poonch recovers from three days of unrelenting fire, scars remain — carved in stone and memory.
Saba Yemen
2 hours ago
- General
- Saba Yemen
Capital Secretariat… Conclusion of summer activities at central correctional facility
Sana'a - Saba: The General Administration of the Central Correctional Facility in the Capital Secretariat organized on Saturday an event marking the conclusion of summer activities and courses for inmates in 1446 AH. The event was attended by the Deputy Secretary of the Capital for the Education Sector, Mohammed Al-Banous. Scholar Hamoud Sharafuddin, a member of the Scholars' Association, praised the efforts of those overseeing the summer courses at the facility, highlighting their significant role in the success of these programs designed for inmate graduates. He emphasized the importance of these courses in enhancing their Quranic knowledge. Sharafuddin pointed out the significance of summer programs in nurturing minds and bodies while protecting them from misguided ideologies. He commended the fruitful lessons and activities the inmates received, which will reflect positively on their knowledge and behavior as a valuable educational outcome. He affirmed that these courses and the great initiatives of the summer centers for Quran memorization increase awareness among inmates, praising the large turnout of participants from the Central Correctional Facility in the Capital Secretariat. For his part, Brigadier Yahya Salah, Director of the Central Correctional Facility, commended the inmates' engagement in the summer programs. He urged all inmates to continue their rehabilitation, stay connected to God's guidance, and participate in Quran recitation circles, given their positive impact on behavior and enlightenment. Speeches by participants in the summer courses also highlighted the inmates' level of benefit across various aspects during the program, which helps shape and define their future path. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (Local)
India Today
a day ago
- Health
- India Today
Fact Check: Did a Kerala college mandate Quran reading before major events? Here's the truth
Amid the Karnataka government's move to form a special task force to tackle communal violence in districts like Mangalore, Udupi, and Shivamogga, a circular from Kerala has gone viral on social media. The circular, allegedly from a medical college in Kerala, mandates the recitation of the Quran at the start of all major campus circular mentions that major events such as convocations, annual days, and induction ceremonies should begin with a Quran recitation and that no other prayer song should substitute it. An X user shared the circular claiming that secularism in India was under threat because of shared this notice with hashtags like 'Breaking news'. The archives of two such posts can be seen here and here. India Today Fact Check found that the viral circular is not recent. It was issued by the Azeezia Medical College Hospital in Kerala's Kollam in 2019 and was retracted the very next day due to ProbeOne can clearly see that the date mentioned in it is April 18, 2019. A subsequent keyword search revealed that it was shared by many social media users in 2019. This makes it clear that the notice isn't recent at Times of India published a detailed report about this circular and the ensuing backlash on May 1, 2019. It said that the notice was withdrawn on April 19, 2019, just a day after it was issued, and the medical superintendent who issued it was removed from his post following the to The Times of India, Dr Hashim Azeez, the director of the Azeezia Group of Medical Institutions, clarified that the circular was issued without the concurrence of the management. He said that the college management did not impose religious restrictions on students and teachers, adding that their general practice was observing a silent Dialogues, a medical and health news platform, also reported the same information in its article about the incident at the time. The issue regarding the circular was reported by other websites as it's clear that an old circular, which was retracted by a Kerala medical college the day after it was issued, was falsely shared as InTrending Reel Want to send us something for verification? Please share it on our at 73 7000 7000 You can also send us an email at factcheck@
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- General
- Express Tribune
The problem of evil
Listen to article If God is omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent and omnibenevolent, how does He allow the existence of 'evil', such as suffering, natural disaster, sin or immorality. This question has challenged theologians and philosophers through the ages. A classic example is of a baby deer burning in a forest fire, and the question why God did not save it. This is like putting God in man's shoes. The question is, are the life and working of a creator-engineer and the washing machine he creates same? Can a constructed robot designed to follow a code of conduct demand the same code from the scientists who made it. Certainly, God is capable of creating many worlds free from all evil, corruption, hurt; His own abode and the Heavens He has promised the good-doers are such worlds. But this present world, of the Earthly life and the Universe that bounds it, is specially designed as a 'test' for humanity. Though it may seem to be boundless in time and space, it is really a speck in God creative space. And it is evident that this design has elements of construction and destruction, of life and death, of systems within systems within systems. And inevitably it has elements of good and evil so that humans may choose between them with their freewill. The Quran says, "We will surely test you with things of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient" Al-Baqarah (2:155). So, for those who have goodness in their hearts, hardships, pain and loss will push them towards the better choices like of patience, perseverance, sacrifice, altruism, and trust in the greater good. Therefore, man is not in a position to question the morality of God, because He is in a fundamentally different and unknowable matrix: "Vision perceives Him not, but He perceives the visions; and He is the Intricate-Knower" Al-Anaam (6:106). Therefore, regarding the baby deer burning in a forest fire, only Allah knows what matter belies between Him and the fawn and how He saves it from undue pain; we are not in a position to ask. On the other hand, whatever immorality is committed by humans resonates in his/her own life, in his/her community and their generations. Every human act has repercussions. So, the Quran says, "Whatever affliction befalls you is because of what your own hands have committed. And He pardons much" Ash-Shura (42:30). An-Nisa (4:79) further clarifies this by saying, "Whatever good befalls you is from Allah, and whatever evil befalls you is from yourself." Human perception is finite and prone to misjudgment in the face of Divine Wisdom, Who does not deny justice but has deferred ultimate justice for the final day of judgment. In Asrar-e-Khudi, poem 5, titled 'Dar Biyan Aynke Asal Nizam-e-Alam Az Khudi Ast', Iqbal elaborates that God is the beholder of the ultimate and absolute khudi (ego), and the material world is the remains of the secret doings of the ultimate khudi. Khudi creates the 'other' or 'evil', to realise itself and its goodness. Evil emerges from His creative power only so that He can crush it down. As in Al-Anfal (8:8), "that He may make-true Truth and falsify Falsehood, distasteful though it be to the criminals." Iqbal says that the design of the universe is extravagant and so much goes through the stages of destruction for the creation of new beginnings and new meanings. And only with the duality of opposing realities is created the copious mural of being and becoming; of self-realisation and self-actualisation; of challenge, agency and action. The Quran also gives a hint of evil as being part of the grand design of God's creative power, when it talks of the Tree of Zaqqum, "For We have truly made it a trial for the wrong-doers. Lo! it is a tree that springs in the heart of hell" As-Saaffat (37:63, 64). And is it possible that it is the same tree that was given an opening in the garden where Adam and Eve were stationed and of which God had ordained Adam not to come close to nor taste of it, yet if Adam would not have tasted from the evil tree, the story of mankind would not have begun. The purpose of life on Earth would not have commenced, there would be no test, no trial, no tribulation. And mankind would not have been shifted through the sieve that would separate the vain from the humble; the self-loving desirous from the oft-giving altruist; the gluttonous genocide-approvers from the planet-friendly saviors of humanity; the lovers of corruption and malice from the lovers of goodness and piety. Nor would humanity be able to actualise its love or hate for the Creator and source of all goodness, God! Therefore, instead of judging God, upon the seemingly present physical evil, for which there may be justification hidden to us for reasons, humanity should concentrate upon moral evil of which it may itself be guilty of. And if humanity would indeed believe truly upon God and tread the good path He has identified for us, perhaps then He would defer the present 'evil' and ordain for the present world only copious growth and prosperity, like He promised the people through Noah and said, "I ask you to seek forgiveness from your Lord, He is the oft-forgiving. He will send rain to you in abundance. And will aid you with wealth and sons, and will make for you gardens and make for you rivers" Noah (71;12). And even though Noah remained among his people for 'a thousand less fifty years' Al-Ankabut (29: 14) before the flood came, they ridiculed him, scolded him and plotted against him, and in place of the love of God, they said " forsake not Wadd, nor Suwa', nor Yaghuth and Ya'uq and Nasr" (71:23). So, evil is not in the heart of God, it is in the heart of hell; only the hearts of humanity do not shudder of its very thought, rather humanity embraces it in its hearts, in place of the love of God. "He will not be questioned as to that which He doeth, but they will be questioned" Al-Anbiya (21:23).
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘Patriotism a unifying force': Jamia joins hands with Association of Indian Universities for a nationwide youth pledge
In a display of collective resolve and patriotic fervour, Jamia Hamdard University in Delhi on Tuesday joined hands with the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) to take part in a nationwide youth pledge under the banner 'Yuva Shakti, Bharat Ki Shakti – One Youth, One Nation, One Resolve' at an event. Held simultaneously across five regions of India, the event was marked with what the university described as 'a powerful expression of the resolve and aspirations of India's youth.' At Jamia Hamdard, the pledge ceremony brought together a large gathering of students, including National Cadet Corps cadets and National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers, who reaffirmed their commitment to national unity, civic responsibility, and the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat, a self-reliant India. 'This event transcended a mere ceremonial gesture,' the university said in a statement Thursday. 'It underscored the belief that patriotism is a unifying force, shared equally across regions, institutions, and communities, and that the future of Bharat lies in the hands of its empowered youth.' The proceedings at Jamia Hamdard began with a recitation from the Quran, the Islamic holy book , followed by a welcome address by Prof. Reshma Nasreen, Dean of Students' Welfare. The ceremony was presided over by Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) M. Afshar Alam, and featured a cultural invocation and the singing of the National Anthem before the formal pledge was taken. Prominent dignitaries in attendance included Dr Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General of AIU; Prof. Himani Sood, Pro-Chancellor of Chandigarh University, and Chandan Choudhary, MLA from Sangam Vihar. The university hosted the event under the theme 'Rashtra Pratham.' Alam, in his address, hailed the national push toward Viksit Bharat by 2047 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He called on students to embody the spirit of unity and empowerment, highlighting the crucial role of youth and women in nation-building. He drew attention to the courage of women officers in the armed forces, specifically lauding 'exemplary women leaders such as Col. Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh for their valiant roles in Operation Sindoor.' Reaffirming the university's commitment to inclusive values, Prof. Alam said, 'We are proud to stand with AIU in shaping our nation's youth as the conscience-keepers of Bharat.' The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Sarfaraz Ahsan, Registrar (Officiating), who underscored the university's message and mission — 'to empower our youth, to strengthen Bharat and to stand united in purpose and spirit.'
