Ignore Judgements Passed On Social Media, Concentrate On Empowerment, Islamic Scholar Tells Muslims

Amid the reported communal attacks on Muslims in some parts of India, the increasing number of success stories of Muslims come across as a collective relief for the community. The muslim community has been making a strong attempt to come out of the stigma while contributing to India's overall progress. The efforts made by the community were recently discussed and recognised In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia during an event organised by the International Journalists Fraternity Forum (IJFF).

The panelists, coming from various backgrounds - including journalists, academics, businessmen - shared their thoughts on India's diversity and how it can be used as a strategic asset to build a global image of the country.

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The key speakers. of the event included Zafar Sareshwala, former chancellor of Maulana Azad National Urdu University, and founder of Taleem-o-Tarbiyat - Educational Initiative for the Underprivileged; Malek Raees Ahmed, Director Anjam Group KSA, who is a key member and speaker at multiple Power and Energy platforms for Renewable Energy; Shaykh Mohammad Rahmani, President of Abul Kalam Azad Islamic Awakening Center, and Chancellor Jamia Islamia Sanabil, New Delhi.

They spoke extensively on a range of topics related to India's national politics, highlighting the progress made by the community in India, as well as the steps taken by the government for their welfare. They also addressed the problem of social media propaganda against India.

Islamic scholar Shaykh Rahmani, said that collaboration and coexistence with non-Muslims is essential, and both parties must ensure each other's rights. He emphasised that it is a basic Islamic principle to honour every single human being, including non-Muslims, and that the rights of non-Muslims should be talked about more often, which is unfortunately being ignored.

"Indian Muslims should take Moulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first education minister of India who founded premier institutes like IIT, as their role model."

He urged Indian Muslims to focus on empowering women's education for the betterment of their worldly and religious lifestyle.

He also expressed the concern about the influence of social media celebrities, who pass judgments on critical issues without verifying their information. He warned that such people should not be followed, as they sit in closed rooms and do not have the necessary expertise to provide accurate information.

Zafar Sareshwala, said that there is a significant section of Hindus who wish for the progress and success of Muslims. He emphasised that nobody has stopped Muslims from appearing in the UPSC exams, and they have the freedom to pursue their career aspirations.

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Sareshwala stressed that when it comes to addressing issues faced by Muslims, including political empowerment and security, it is important to prioritise what needs to be addressed first.

The panellists also spoke about India's place in the world order, with many international conferences taking place, especially the G20. They highlighted how India is a country of peace and tolerance for all nations of the world.

IJFF

IJFF¡¯s KSA President Dr. Ashraf Ali emphasised the importance of being a responsible Indian citizen living in Saudi Arabia. He stressed the need to never tarnish the image of the country and to always represent India in a positive light.