Latest news with #WisdomIslamicOrganisation
New Indian Express
25-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Un-Islamic or intolerance? Debate on Sufi songs hits discordant notes
KOZHIKODE: A Salafi group has lashed out at the growing popularity of Sufi songs in Kerala, branding them un-Islamic and the major source of moral degeneration among the youth. 'Sufi songs that destroy the religion' was the most recent topic of discussion on Proof Point, the online platform of the Wisdom Islamic Organisation, where Salafi scholars talk on current issues. The scholars asserted that many un-Islamic ideas are being smuggled into Sufi songs in the name of artistic expression. 'Organisations such as the Samastha and the Jama'at-e-Islami are promoting it by arranging special sessions at their programmes,' Shuraih Salafi said during the discussion. He said Sufism is the tool developed by Shias to destroy Islam from within. They are promoting a spirituality that is prohibited in Islam and the Sufi claim that there is no difference between Allah and the individual amounts to 'shirk' (polytheism). 'The popularity of Sufi songs has seen the emergence of new musicians. They are being promoted as representatives of Islam because they appear in Islamic attire,' Salafi said. 'On the other side, youths are running after rappers. Thousands are jostling to listen to people who do gimmicks on stage, without even proper dress,' he said. 'They don't get the beauty...' Speaking to TNIE, Sufi musician Nazar Malik said Salafis cannot understand the beauty of Islam because they practice a dry religion. 'I think the Wisdom group started their attack on Sufi music by playing one of my songs at their conference in 2022, without my consent. The song was on Imam Hussain, the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad. Salafis are intolerant even to the family of the Prophet,' Malik said. 'Karbala, where Imam Hussain was murdered, was the theme of many songs of the Muslim families of Kerala. Many virtues of traditional Islam have disappeared with the advent of the Salafis,' he said. Malik said his music is his spiritual expression and no one has the right to oppose it. 'The Salafis attack us ideologically in places where they have no majority and no power. They would have done something else if they had power in Kerala. Even without power, they destroyed a dargah at Nadukani in Malappuram.' He said Sufi musicians have done nothing harmful, unlike the Salafi preachers, whose irresponsible speeches have become an easy tool for those attacking Islam. 'On the one hand, you see the Sangh parivar coming out against Vedan, the rapper. Here, Salafis are jumping on us,' Malik added.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Police halt anti-drugs event, draw ire
Kozhikode: A controversy has erupted over the interruption of a student meeting organized by Wisdom Islamic Organisation (WIO), aimed at addressing various issues including substance abuse , after the police claimed the event went past the 10pm limit. The incident took place at WIO's Kerala Students' Conference held in Perinthalmanna on May general secretary TK Ashraf said that after an unexpectedly large number of students turned up for the meeting, much time was lost in making the necessary arrangements for the same which pushed the event beyond the time limit. "Since there was a strict instruction to stop by 10pm, we precisely arranged the schedule for the speeches. But the programme extended by about three minutes. By then, the police had been called. We responded respectfully, stating that the closing speech would conclude shortly. However, an officer pushed through the tightly packed crowd of female students, climbed onto the stage and began yelling at the speaker. The time then was 10.06pm and just three minutes were left for the speech to conclude. As soon as this was conveyed, we stopped the programme immediately," Ashraf said. "When law enforcers lose their discretion in handling matters, it drains the very essence of the law," Ashraf added. Ashraf said that it is extremely condemnable that events aimed at protecting the new generation from anarchy and substance abuse are met with intolerance, while programmes where often drugs are consumed go unchecked even past IUML national general secretary PK Kunhalikutty condemned the police action and sought to know the govt and police's stance on drug abuse. "What should we understand from the high-handedness shown by the police at the recent anti-drug event held in Perinthalmanna?" he DCC president VS Joy said that the high-handedness displayed by Pinarayi Vijayan's police is something this state will not tolerate.
The Hindu
11-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Boost Kerala's education standards to stem student exodus, says meet
A mega students meet organised by the Wisdom Islamic Students Organisation at Perinthalmanna on Sunday (May 11, 2025) underscored the need to elevate the State's education standards to match global benchmarks. The meeting pointed out that improving the State's standards could potentially reduce the outflow of students seeking education abroad. The meeting expressed concerns that removing medieval Indian history from textbooks would be detrimental to the nation's heritage and identity. 'It is an anti-national act,' the meeting pointed out. The meeting stressed the importance of incorporating moral education into the curriculum to address the modern-day challenges being faced by the campuses. It also suggested establishing anti-drug squads on campuses to curb substance abuse and violent behaviour among students. Teachers should play a role in fostering compassion and kindness among students, the meeting demanded. The other demands raised by the meeting were restoration of minority scholarships and making campuses research-friendly. Hundreds of students from across the country attended the conference. Saudi Embassy Attache Shaikh Badar Nasir Bujaidi Al Anasi inaugurated the conference. Mr. Anasi urged students to uphold truth and integrity and to remain steadfast against misinformation and falsehoods. He emphasised the importance of the student gathering, highlighting the need for truth and authenticity in a time when falsehoods are prevalent. Wisdom Islamic Organisation State president P.N. Abdul Latheef Madani presided over the function. E.T. Mohammed Basheer, MP, Najeeb Kanthapuram, MLA, former MLA V.T. Balram, Wisdom Islamic Organisation secretary T.K. Ashraf, Wisdom Youth State president Tajuddin Swalahi, general secretary T.K. Nishad Salafi, Wisdom Students State president Arshad Al Hikmi, general secretary T. Mohammed Shameel, Quran scholar Kunhimohammed Parappur, Faisal Moulavi, Haris Bin Salim, C.P. Abdullah Basil, Shahabas K. Abbas and Safwan Barami Al Hikmi spoke.
