Zakat: Economic Upliftment And Dignity To The Poor

The word Zakat means purification. It is also used to express a portion of property bestowed in alms, as a purification of the remainder to the owner. Under Islamic way of life, the wealth of man is a trial .It is distressing to see rich muslims clinging on to their wealth when their brethren are in need.

We should be happy that we have completed 63 years of our Independence. During these crucial years we flourished economically, developed socially and of course advanced educationally. Estimates are being made that during the few coming days India will be among leading economies of the world. One dream of our forefathers, nevertheless, could not come true. Poverty still rules in our country. We do have billionaires but on the other hand it is also a fact that scores of our farmers commit suicide on daily basis owing to burden of debt, depression emanating from failure of crops and panicked by their inability to feed their families owing to the rising prices of essential commodities.

Every government, despite its claim of being pro-aam aadmi, turns out to be favouring corporate world in its schemes. Poor remain poor, rather they became poorer. They protest daily against the anti-aam aadmi policies of the government but why should anyone pay any heed to them.

Every government, despite its claim of being pro-aam aadmi, turns out to be favouring corporate world in its schemes. Poor remain poor, rather they became poorer. They protest daily against the anti-aam aadmi policies of the government but why should anyone pay any heed to them.

The government talks about reducing poverty, but practically it does very little. Equal distribution of the wealth among all citizens is impossible but at least the basic necessities of life have to be provided.

The muslim of today is more knowledgeable of Islam than the muslim of say 50 years ago. There are more hajis every year, more people attending prayers in mosques, more grand mosques and yet when it comes to Zakat a muslim is yet to learn to give.

Muslims have achieved a lot after independence. They have grown in all spheres of life. The hopelessness and fear after partition has given way to honour, pride and dignity at present to many from the community. This has been largely due to the effort by their individual selves. The muslim does not expect any help from the government and this feeling of being entirely on his own brings out the best in him. This is one reason that the muslims have been able to compete with the best and have excelled in many spheres of society. But yet a muslim would say it is due to the grace of God.

The muslim of today is more knowledgeable of Islam than the muslim of say 50 years ago. There are more hajis every year, more people attending prayers in mosques, more grand mosques and yet when it comes to Zakat a muslim is yet to learn to give. Zakat given by him will actually help him in the long run. A muslim, unless he plans to change his religion or the religion of his children in the future, should realize that by giving zakat he is only strengthening his community, to which he belongs and has to interact with and eventually he and his family will benefit from the strong community he has helped build. The poor of the previous years have due to help of zakat become businessmen, government officers in high posts and doctors etc., who in turn are helping members of the their community.

Just before the Independence, when because of the Second World War, prices of commodities had touched the sky, black marketing was the trend, the value of rupee was declining and wealth had confined to some big corporates and businessmen, then finance minister of the Interim Government Liyaqat Ali Khan, had presented a budget which is known as “Budget of Poor”. The budget had directly attacked the pockets of the corporate world and big businessmen who had accumulated wealth by avoiding taxes.

Commonly it is seen that the counties where Zakat is practiced have a less margin of poverty compared to other countries. Even that little poverty can be reduced but sorrowfully all Muslims do not observe this institution as it should be done.

The budget was presented on February 28, 1947. Liyaqat Ali Khan, in the budget proposed the formation of a commission to investigate the wealth accumulated by avoiding tax. He also proposed that above the profit of one lakh at least 25% special income tax be taken. There were some other taxes which directly harmed the interest of rich people and some other schemes benefiting common man.

These proposals were strongly opposed by industrialists and corporate world. In the cabinet, Sardar Vallabbhai Patel created havoc and said that the budget instead of being pro-poor Indians was meant to harm the Hindu industrialists who were the financial supporters of Congress. The budget was given a communal aspect.

Consequently, those who had agreed upon the Interim Government that promised a United India were compelled to accept the two-nation theory.

Actually this budget was based on the theory that wealth is not to remain in some hands. Rather it should keep on changing hands. This is actually the concept of Zakat institution in Islam. It may be the right solution to the prevailing poverty all over the world. Commonly it is seen that the counties where Zakat is practiced have a less margin of poverty compared to other countries. Even that little poverty can be reduced but sorrowfully all Muslims do not observe this institution as it should be done.

In Islam, Zakat occupies a place next in importance only to Iman (belief) and Salaat (prayer). It is also called the third pillar of the religion. Under this obligation, a Muslim possessing nisab or more has to separate once in a year one-fortieth of his/her wealth for the poor, the needy and for other objectives prescribed by Qur’an and explained by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

The association of this word to the religion Islam should not be taken in bad terms. This system of Zakat or other schemes formulated on this pattern will provide a solid solution to poverty.

Zakat—spending money for the cause of poor as an obligation—and Sadaqah— giving money voluntarily in charity—have been applauded by non-Muslims, too, as good characteristics of Islam. Muslims are emphasized to give more importance to considering their Last World instead of the world they have been staying in. Islamic scriptures have that this world should be taken as a means to prepare for the Eternal World. No one in the world is to stay forever, hence, adherents of Islam are taught to live a life of a stranger or a passerby in the world. Instead, of accumulating wealth, except for their needs, Muslims are time and again instructed to shape the Life After Death by giving the rest wealth to their other fellow human beings who cannot earn enough money to meet their expenses. Rich Muslims possessing a certain amount of wealth or more are duty bound to spend from their wealth as an obligation from Almighty the Sustainer to all. This obligation literally refers to Zakat.

Through the obligation of Zakat, Muslims have been trained to help poor and needy of the society. There is a wide gap between poor and rich. Zakat helps bridge this gap. It creates and then strengthens a good relation between the two sections of the society. Rich are bound to help needy ones, and the poor lot helps rich ones fulfil their obligation by accepting alms from them.

In Islam, Zakat occupies a place next in importance only to Iman (belief) and Salaat (prayer). It is also called the third pillar of the religion. Under this obligation, a Muslim possessing nisab or more has to separate once in a year one-fortieth of his/her wealth for the poor, the needy and for other objectives prescribed by Qur’an and explained by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

“Alms (Zakat/Sadaqah) are for the poor, and the needy, and those employed to administer the (funds), for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to Iman), for those in debt, in the way of Allah, and for the wayfarer.” Qur’an (9: 60). Since in madaris many poor and needy students are imparted free education, permission has been granted to pay Zakat to madaris too. While paying Zakat Muslims are instructed to be cautious as there are many inherited beggars who ask for Zakat while they do not deserve it because they are owners of nisab.

Muslims usually prefer the month of Ramazan for paying their Zakat because they believe that in the month rewards for righteous deeds become manifold in this holy month. Ramazan is held by Muslims in great reverence. In the month, Muslims believe more opportunities for carrying out right deeds are made available as a special bounty from God.

Zakat or financial policies on the pattern of Zakat may be a practical solution to poverty and starvation. No wonder if rich people of the world instead of spending on their luxuries give the surplus wealth after fulfilling necessary requirements of life, to starving fellow humans that elimination of poverty not only from Africa but throughout the world will become much lesser.

With the arrival of Ramazan, therefore, Muslims abstain from sinful acts and they try to do as much righteous deeds as possible. Muslims have the belief that the reward for any righteous deed becomes 70+ times more in Ramazan compared to the other normal days.

Through the obligation of Zakat, Muslims have been trained to help poor and needy of the society. There is a wide gap between poor and rich. Zakat helps bridge this gap. It creates and then strengthens a good relation between the two sections of the society. Rich are bound to help needy ones, and the poor lot helps rich ones fulfil their obligation by accepting alms from them.

It is so that the countries where Zakat system is practiced have less poverty ratio compared to other countries where it does not exist. Zakat or financial policies on the pattern of Zakat may be a practical solution to poverty and starvation. No wonder if rich people of the world instead of spending on their luxuries give the surplus wealth after fulfilling necessary requirements of life, to starving fellow humans that elimination of poverty not only from Africa but throughout the world will become much lesser.

In Islamic term nisab refers to 7.5 tola (nearly 81.64 gm) of gold, or 52.5 tola (nearly 612.35 gm) of silver, or value of either of them in cash or jewellery or commercial merchandise. Zakat becomes incumbent only when the person possesses at least the nisab for a complete year continuously.


Zakat also provides the moral and psychological satisfaction that the persons who pay get through their fine gesture. They feel that they are contributing to the building of the society they live in, and making its members happy and contented. By so doing they feel that they are freed from anxiety and confusion.

Islam enjoins on believers a duty of individualistic and collective nature. This is due to the fact that Islam considers individual as an integral part of the total society. Therefore, the individual Muslim happens to have rights and duties towards the society as it has towards him. Moreover duties of the individualistic nature also carry social dimensions. Zakat is a kind of social security/insurance from an individual to the indigents of the society.

Besides Zakat, other charities, called Sadaqah, practiced by Muslims help build a balanced society economically. The places of Muslims’ gathering are often a market place for poor beggars. Especially on Fridays, a long queue of beggars and needy persons, present almost at all mosques, expect something in monetary help from every Muslim offering Jum’a. On the occasion of Eid celebration rich Muslims are asked to help materially their poor brethren to enable them that they, too, enjoy on the day. Muslims’ Sadaqah money has enabled Muslim community to arrange many academic institutions.

According to the economic survey of India 2007-08, the Gross Domestic Savings for the year 2006-07 is: 34.8 % of GDP. Even if we take Muslims to be constituting 15% of the population then around 5.22% of GDP is contributed by Muslims annually as savings. In the year 2006-07, 5.22% of the GDP at current prices comes out to be Rs. 216.4 thousand crore (where GDP at current prices is Rs. 4146 thousand crore in the year 2006 -07). And now, if we calculate 2.5% of the annual savings of Muslims as Zakat, the resulting amount would be Rs. 5.41 thousand crore. If the annual Zakat collection estimate comes out to be an impressive figure of Rs. 5.41 thousand crore, but many people just neglect payment of Zakat. They simply do not pay it. There are some others who pay Zakat but do not bother to calculate the correct procedure is to assess the wealth and possessions and pay the 2 1/2% on it. If the Muslims honestly pay Zakat on whom Zakat is wajib (obligatory). It is the fact that Zakat will be enough to solve the problems of poor.

There has always been poor and rich in the society as the law of nature. A model society is the one where poor also lead a life of peace and easily manage their needs. This will not be possible until the concentration of wealth only to the rich is ended and wealth reaches into the hands of poor too. Zakat is one of the effective means in developing such a society. It keeps the wealth changing hands.

Farhat Ali
farhatjamali@gmail.com

Sangh Parivar And Hindutva Terror Organizations Are Inter-Connected

During the past few months, in connection with the bomb blasts across the country there emerged the names of some people who in past were associated with Sangh Parivar. RSS was quick to disown them declaring that at the time of the incident they were not its members. The writer points out that these extremists had intentionally distanced themselves from RSS under a plan to ensure that the image of RSS is not affected if their terrorism is exposed.

The Hindutva forces, with Vishwa Hindu Parishad on the forefront, created a Hindutva mania all over India in the name of Ramjanam Bhoomi movement. The result of the promise made by them to have the historical Babri Masjid replaced by Ram Mandir was that around Rs 8,000 crore were easily collected for the purpose. It is the beginning point of Hindutva terrorism throughout India.

In the coming days, many extremist outfits came into existence. Their founders were the ex-activists of Sangh Parivar. After the funds were collected for the proposed Ram Mandir Nirman, they parted their way from the Parivar and started their own extremist organizations. Bomb blasts became a routine and Hindutva terrorism surfaced.

A deep study points out that the separation of some hard core Hindutvadis from Sangh Parivar, their formation of sovereign outfits and then the subsequent blasts; all are the part of a well-thought planning: even though the evil face of Hindutva terrorism is unveiled, Sangh Parivar, VHP and Bajrang Dal cannot be blamed for that. Hence, there is no question that their assets, bank accounts, properties and foreign funds will be seized.

A deep study points out that the separation of some hard core Hindutvadis from Sangh Parivar, their formation of sovereign outfits and then the subsequent blasts; all are the part of a well-thought planning: even though the evil face of Hindutva terrorism is unveiled, Sangh Parivar, VHP and Bajrang Dal cannot be blamed for that. Hence, there is no question that their assets, bank accounts, properties and foreign funds will be seized.

It seems that their resignations from their respective parent bodies was a part of a plan. Following their resignation, they began extremist and terrorist activities. This may be taken as proof that Hindutva terrorism is increasing gradually under a plan and internal cooperation.

Notably, the masterminds behind the Hindutva network exposed during last few years had association, in whatever manner, with Sangh Parivar. It seems that their resignations from their respective parent bodies was a part of a plan. Following their resignation, they began extremist and terrorist activities. This may be taken as proof that Hindutva terrorism is increasing gradually under a plan and internal cooperation. The point that a considerable amount from the fund collected in the guise of Ayodhya movement might have been used for financing Hindutva terrorism, should not be ignored. Tragically, the demand for a CBI inquiry into the Rs 8,000 crore fund has been put in cold store. It must be considered again.

The operational method of MOSSAD and Israeli terrorist organizations is deceiving. They have made ‘deception’ their agenda. As a strong tactics of theirs they carry out such deceptive activities. In the same way, the Sangh Parivar, RSS and those related to Bajrang Dal, with Pramod Mutalik, Sunil Joshi and Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur taking the lead, are doing their work. Their separation from Sangh Parivar is nothing but a staged drama to deceive people.


Some of the hard core Hindutva elements, who separated themselves from Sangh Parivar, apparently owing to differences but might be under a plan, may be named as:

Pramod Mutalik: Now chief of Sri Ram Sene, Pramod Mutalik was an active member of Bajrang Dal’s Karnataka unit. He separated himself from Bajrang Dal (was it under a plan?) and established a very extremist organization namely Sri Ram Sene. When in Bajrang Dal, none knew Mutalik. But his extremist activities after the formation of Ram Sene made him a known figure (though for bad reasons). He announced recruiting Hindu suicide bomber squads, arranged camps for the recruitment and then trained them for suicide mission in camps.

His personal assistant Nagraj Jambagi was arrested in blasts that took place in court premises during the Karnataka Assembly polls in 2007 and under a bridge in Bagalkot city of Karnataka. It has also been exposed that Jambagi collected Rs 4o lakh through plundering and theft and then supplied it to Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur. Jambagi was murdered mysteriously in a high security jail.

The name of Pramod Mutalik also surfaced in Malegaon blasts. But the investigations have come to a standstill. Is Mutalik a “Sanghi Puppet” thrown in the terrorism field under a plan? Does he receive secret assistance from the Parivar? Is he being financed by Bajrang Dal, Sangh Parivar or VHP? To get the answer to these questions is the onus of intelligence and police. But it can be easily felt that this responsibility is not given consideration.

Sunil Joshi: A resident of Mahu district in Madhya Pradesh Joshi was an RSS Pracharak. Even while being associated with the outfit his terror activities were recorded. The Madhya Pradesh government accused him of being involved in planting bombs near a mosque during Mahu riots, and outside Bhopal railway station with an aim to target the Jama’ats returning from a Tablighi Ijtema held in Taj-ul-Masaajid. Then Digvijay Singh was the CM of the state. In the following days these cases were closed. Later, Joshi with cooperation of the Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur prepared a dangerous network of Hindutva terrorism. He is said to be the mastermind behind the blasts in Ajmer Dargah, Makkah Masjid Hyderabad and Samjhauta Express. He was killed in the end of 2007.

Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur: In her student life Sadhvi was an active member of RSS students’ organization Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). Therefore, she was very close to many saints and religious leaders associated with Ram Mandir Nirman and Ramjanam Bhoomi movement. Soon she parted way from the RSS and founded a front organization called ‘Jai Vande Mataram Jan Kalyan Samiti’ to recruit extremists.

Among those who joined the outfit were Ramji Kalsangra, Sunil Joshi and Sandeep Dange. They are the alleged masterminds of Makkah Masjid, Ajmer Dargah and Malegaon 2008 blasts. Thakur also did networking with lieutenant colonel Purohit in 2006 and revived Abhinav Bharat, an old Hindutva extremist organization founded by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. Many portfolio holders of this organization are behind bars in connection with the Malegaon blasts.

Experts are of the opinion that many extremist elements earlier associated with Sangh Parivar became separate from the Parivar and then founded terror network. The prominent among them are Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, Sunil Joshi, Pramod Mutalik. Was it done under a well-thought plan to save the funds, bank accounts and properties of Sangh Parivar if Hindutva terror network is unveiled?

The operational method of MOSSAD and Israeli terrorist organizations is deceiving. They have made ‘deception’ their agenda. As a strong tactics of theirs they carry out such deceptive activities. In the same way, the Sangh Parivar, RSS and those related to Bajrang Dal, with Pramod Mutalik, Sunil Joshi and Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur taking the lead, are doing their work. Their separation from Sangh Parivar is nothing but a staged drama to deceive people. It is meant only for protecting Sangh Parivar from the consequences their activities may lead to. So that the accounts, properties and all funds of the Parivar are safe. If the case is not so then:

Why RSS, BJP and Sangh Parivar are protesting over the arrest of Sadhvi? She founded her own separate organization not having any association with RSS. Yet, the sympathy shown by the above mentioned outfits, indicate that she is, in whatever manner, associated with Sangh Parivar.

Why Advani complained to Dr. Manmohan Singh in 2008 that Hemant Karkare was torturing Sadhvi in the name of investigation? Why did Advani pressurize for the release of Sadhvi?

If Sadhvi does not have any relations with the sangh parivar, then why did the Shiv Sena announce a Maharashtra Bandh in her support?

Keeping in mind the above mentioned facts, it is a must to investigate the relations between Sangh Parivar and the Hindutva organizations involved in terrorism. Will anyone listen?

By: Sa’eed Hameed
saeedhameed@yahoo.com

Gujarat Govt Creating Pakistans In India

Unity in diversity is an important aspect of Indian democracy. It was coined by Indian leaders to create an Indian society where all communities lived peacefully together. We dreamt after achieving independence to build our own prosperous nation. But the divisions that are created by hatemongers, in the guise of politicians, are growing deeper among some Indians and our hindering our way to peaceful coexistence.

The Hindu-Muslim unity that set India free from the clutches of British colonialism breathed its last when Pakistan was created. Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Sardar Vallabbhai Patel and other leaders of that time are to be blamed for the Partition. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Gandhiji and nationalist ulama had to only see their dream of a united India crashing. Indians, irrespective of their religions, who had fought shoulder to shoulder against the British, did not feel even a slight hesitation in massacring other fellow Indians. This was not the end.

More problems seem to have been destined for them. Sixty-three years have passed since the partition of India. Yet the wounds of partition have not healed. There has always been an effort to create a mutual understanding between communities so that they could live peacefully but it has lost to the mob mentality of communalists.

In today’s India, citizens are divided in different ways. Dalits even today cannot enter into a Mandir. They have to face humiliation and tyranny only because they were not born in an upper caste! Though the constitution of India provides equal status for all Indians the reality within the communities itself is quite different.

In today’s India, citizens are divided in different ways. Dalits even today cannot enter into a Mandir. They have to face humiliation and tyranny only because they were not born in an upper caste! Though the constitution of India provides equal status for all Indians the reality within the communities itself is quite different.

Then comes the plight of the minorities. They complain of discrimination on the basis of their religion. Muslims, Christians and the Sikhs are the largest religious minorities in India. The Hindus feel that because of their religion they have a stronger reason to be called the sons of the soil and the followers of other religions are not entitled to be the citizens of India. This attitude has always been hidden behind a veil of secularism. The minorities have learnt to live with this discrimination and in spite of it continue to survive and prosper in this country.

Muslims are almost one fifth of India’s population but employment in government or private institutions is never in proportion to their population and this situation is worsening by the passage of time. It is not that the young boys and girls do not aspire to join these services. It has been a result of a campaign to keep them out. Hence, the non-existence of Muslims from key portfolios raises questions whether any unpublicized agenda is on work against them.

Muslims who preferred India over Pakistan were the real patriots. They preferred democracy of India to the Islamic governments of Pakistan.


Muslims who preferred India over Pakistan were the real patriots. They preferred democracy of India to the Islamic governments of Pakistan. The promise made by the constitution of India of equal rights for all has never been achieved. The blame rests on the successive governments who in their zeal for economic development did not pay enough attention to social justice. “Is India divided on religious grounds?”The answer is Yes. It is being exploited fully by politicians of all parties.

Almost in the whole of India, which is proud of its characteristic of being multi¬¬--cultural, multi-lingual and of course multi-religious, there is an invisible line dividing Indians. The divide is due to religion, caste, sub caste, economic status, language, etc. But one state government is on the forefront in promoting this divide and benefitting from it.

This is the state which is called ‘vibrant’ Gujarat. Ahmedabad is today a divided city. When state terrorism killed thousands of Muslims in 2002, humanity was the biggest loser. There was condemnation from all over the world. But the killing of Muslims was a political advantage to the ruling government of Gujarat. Since then it has not lost this advantage it has got over other political parties and continues to strengthen its position by troubling Muslims anyway it possibly can.

Almost in the whole of India, which is proud of its characteristic of being multi¬¬--cultural, multi-lingual and of course multi-religious, there is an invisible line dividing Indians. The divide is due to religion, caste, sub caste, economic status, language, etc. But one state government is on the forefront in promoting this divide and benefitting from it.

More than eight years have passed since the Gujarat riots. The victims are yet to return to a normal life. In Ahmedabad, on one side reside fear and anxiety, helplessness and anger. Walk across Jamalpur, Mirzapur, Dani Limda, Kalopur, Lal Darwaza and other parts of the walled City. Go to Juhapura – one of the largest Muslim ghettos in India. Scratch a little, and people want to talk. An entire community feels under attack, with many resigned to their newfound fate of being second-class citizens. Equal Rights are a dream, and the sense of representation non-existent. What remains strong is the cry for justice, and the knowledge they will not get it – not in Gujarat. Why? “Because”, explains one elder in Shah Alam, “We pray to Allah. That is our transgression.” Hindus and Muslims are divided on religious basis.

What remains strong is the cry for justice, and the knowledge they will not get it – not in Gujarat. Why? “Because”, explains one elder in Shah Alam, “We pray to Allah. That is our transgression.” Hindus and Muslims are divided on religious basis.

There are borders everywhere. A patch of road, a wall, a turn across a street corner, a divider in the middle of a road – this is all it takes to polarise and segregate communities throughout Gujarat. Each town and city now has countless borders, forcibly making people conscious of their religious identity. Me Hindu, you Muslim. Or one could look at it differently: the borders on the ground merely reflect and reinforce the polarisation that has already taken place in the minds of ordinary Gujaratis. Yet nothing prepares you for the certitude on the streets of the other Ahmedabad – in Navrangpura, Vastrapur, MG Road, Judge’s Bungalow Road, Satellite, Vejalpur.

Many Gujarati Hindus think they have the answers to some of the most troubling questions of our times. The majority would say that the problems muslims face are self induced. Others argue

that Muslims themselves are the problem. They look back fondly at the ‘Toofan’, of the 2002 riots, and their thoughts are the same. The Muslims deserved it. They are all bloody Pakistanis and criminals. If we had more time, we would have wiped them out. See, they are crushed and scared. We taught them a lesson. And now, the world should learn from Gujarat about how to deal with the miyas. The one sentiment that is almost wholly absent is remorse.

They look back fondly at the ‘Toofan’, of the 2002 riots, and their thoughts are the same. The Muslims deserved it. They are all bloody Pakistanis and criminals. If we had more time, we would have wiped them out. See, they are crushed and scared. We taught them a lesson. And now, the world should learn from Gujarat about how to deal with the miyas. The one sentiment that is almost wholly absent is remorse.

“They are all bloody Pakistanis and criminals” is not a notion specific to only Gujaratis. Almost all Muslims throughout Indian are thought to be so. Muslims demanded for a separate land and hence they are Pakistanis. It may be argued whether circumstances were created so that Muslims had to demand for a separate land for them. The man behind this demand Muhammad Ali Jinnah had withdrew his demand for Pakistan to agree upon the Interim Government proposed by British Cabinet Mission 1946. This government in which United India was to be administered under three groups— one comprising Hindu-dominated states, one comprising Muslim-dominated states and the third one comprising the states of Assam and Bengal. All the groups would be self-governing except in three central departments— was immensely opposed by Congress leaders while in this way India would have remained Akhand.

During the interim government established for some days—in which also key posts were in the hands of Congressmen: Pundit Nehru held home ministry and common wealth, Sardar Patel held home information, and broadcasting—writes ICS Qudratullah Shihab, the big Congress leaders experienced that with the leaders of Muslim league who had maintained their identity and refused to work under Congress pressure, it was impossible for them to govern on India as per their will. Hence, there was no hesitation to pacify the Muslim community by giving them a piece of land. Notably, the Congress which has always opposed the Partition had eventually agreed to partition plan. However, the whole blame of the partition has been put on Muslims.
They have been treacherous to India and hence cannot be appointed on key government posts. Even before the independence this notion was found.

Notably, the Congress which has always opposed the Partition had eventually agreed to partition plan. However, the whole blame of the partition has been put on Muslims.

If we were to believe the Qudratullah Shihab we will be shocked. In his book “Shihab Nama” before the partition took place, a 6-7 pages catalogue was issued to all Congress Chief Ministers with the instruction to keep it in their personal custody.

The salient features of the catalogue, according to Shihab were, “The partition is almost certain. Therefore, in the states with Congress ministries, Muslims should be sacked from key posts only to be replaced by trustworthy Hindu officers. This should be done specially in the departments of home, finance and information. DIG, SP and in-charge of police stations usually should be Hindus. In the police department and district administration Muslims should be removed from field work and be appointed on harmless official duties. In the police personnel, Muslim police should be disarmed gradually and appointed on ordinary posts in police line and police stations. The state Mounted Military Police should be broken immediately if they comprised of border areas Muslims; the officers and personnel thereof be paid remuneration in proportion to the ending time of their employment. Hindu guards should be appointed to protect the record offices of government treasury, armouries and finance department. Muslims with arms licence be kept under watch. Such emergency schemes be made that the arms of these license can be submitted to the nearest police station. A list of Muslims owners of bus, cars, taxis and trucks be prepared and they kept under intense watch. The license of Muslim fireworks be suspended and their combustible stock be taken in police protection. etc. etc. Every chief minister was given stern instruction to have this plan executed in such a manner that any sense of discrimination against any community be known.”

The planning of such nature seems to have been working in whole of the India. Again to take an example of Gujarat. The story of Gujarat as a whole, then, is a tale of pride and prejudice on the one side, victimhood and alienation on the other. In control of this divisive agenda is the fascist government of Narendra Modi, who happily builds on this evolving social reality, and reinforces it.

The high degree of alienation among Muslims, the stereotypes and discrimination they face, the fact that a substantial section of society is committed to the Hindutva agenda, the absence of justice and accountability, and the continued secession of the state from its basic constitutional obligations – these are all elements that go into making Gujarat, in the very words of the Hindu Right, its laboratory.

In Gujarat, people have to be limited to a certain place. They cannot reside anywhere as per their will. They will sell or purchase any immovable property, but if the collector thinks that the deal has been done illegally, the deal will be scrapped.


In Gujarat, people have to be limited to a certain place. They cannot reside anywhere as per their will. They will sell or purchase any immovable property, but if the collector thinks that the deal has been done illegally, the deal will be scrapped.

Muslims affected during riots or facing atrocities by dominating Hindus cannot leave their houses to shift to a safer locality. Recently the President of India, Mrs. Pratibha Singh Patil approved the Gujarat Prohibition of Transfer of Immovable Property for Protection of Tenants from Eviction from premises in Disturbed Areas Act (Amendment) bill which was passed by the Gujarat assembly in July 2009 and approved later by then governor of the sate Mr. S.C.Jamir.

Though the Gujaratis do not have formally two separate states but practically they have. They are the citizens of one state but their residence, in practical terms, is restricted to only a certain part of that state. Activists see this move as an instrument to further harass Muslims who want to move to safer localities.

The stated objective of this Act is to prohibit the illegal transfer of immovable property in the “disturbed areas” of the state; Ahmedabad and Vadodara. The recent amendment is supposed to pave way to effectively implement the law; earlier despite the existence of the law properties were transferred in contravention to the provisions of the law. The law has been in existence only in Ahmedabad since 1991 when there was Congress government in power in the state but now its area of effect has been increased.

Due to this law, both Hindus and Muslims have to confine themselves to certain areas where they are residing. If often happens that once an area is communally disturbed, the community in minority there wants to leave their houses to reside in a safer locality. But this law and especially the recent amendment makes it a near to impossible task for both Hindus and Muslims residing under constant fear of being misbehaved by the community members dominating their regions.

Though the Gujaratis do not have formally two separate states but practically they have. They are the citizens of one state but their residence, in practical terms, is restricted to only a certain part of that state. Activists see this move as an instrument to further harass Muslims who want to move to safer localities.

Visualize that during riots, in the Hindu-dominated areas Muslims are targeted and only a few families are spared. Due to the Act, no Muslim can easily buy the property of a Hindu. In the future that area where sometime the inhabitants were both Hindus and Muslims will be like a Hindu state. The same situation may occur in Muslim-dominated areas and they will become Muslim states. We Indians will live in a state called Gujarat but at the same time we will have our own Pakistan or Israel.

By: Abdul Hafiz Lakhani
lakhani63@yahoo.com