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Why did science disappear from the Muslim world?
When a supreme external force takes control of a nation with the goal of exploiting it in every way possible, then there is no chance for local talent to be nurtured and to shine. What is more, the constant indoctrination about the superiority of the invaders over the locals and the denigrating, discounting, and denial…
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Shillong – A place in the clouds
Summer in Hyderabad has temperatures in the high 40’s Celsius while Shillong is a mist covered heaven, so the invitation was most welcome. Money, as always, was in short supply and so I traveled by third-class train. I took the East Coast Express which I had to catch at Vijayawada on its way from Chennai…
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Who is a Hyderabadi?
Black granite outcrops dotted the land, culminating in Banjara Hills, which was the high point. This ridge sloped down the other side to the plains before rising again, a sharp, steep granite wall on top of which sits Golconda Fort. This part of the Deccan Plateau was characterized by huge granite rocks balanced apparently precariously…
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Last of the Generation
Monsoon began always on June 7, and we went to buy fish as it was believed that it was good for health to eat fish on the day the monsoon set in. My father would take us to the Monda Market in Secundrabad, and we would gingerly tiptoe through the slush of the fish market,…
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Of dogs and boys
I believe that the commercialization of medical care and education are the two major causes of social corruption and breakdown of values in our society. How we were unable to transfer the wonderful values we grew up with to our own children, remains a mystery to me. It is not that there were no corrupt…
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Hyderabadi Nostalgia
We did not have telephones. Only those with ‘pull’ could get a phone. For ordinary mortals, a phone connection took fifteen years to materialize. If you paid Rs. 15,000 (an absolute fortune) you would get a telephone connection in three to four years. We had to either go to the post office to make a…
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Half a century of memories
That morning, I was sitting on the steps leading up to the front door, lost in my grief that I would never see Aunty Mohini ever again, when someone came up behind me and said, ‘Yawar, I think I know what Mohini meant to you. Will you allow me to take her place?’ I looked…
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We thank You
By a future that looks dark, promising a dawn very bright, By our values, our compassion, our courage, by Islam, By those who lift us when we fall and fight for us when we can’t, By knowing You, loving You, thanking You and worshipping only You, We know You O! Allahﷻ by Your Bounties, uncounted.
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Should Muslims Vote?
YOU MUST GO TO VOTE. Whether it is raining or not, whatever be the situation, you MUST GO AND VOTE. Remember this is the only opportunity that you have in a democracy to be heard, to influence your own future and to protect yourself from those who wish to hurt you. Remember, a party is…
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Rasoolullahﷺ the best role model for today
He conquered his enemies not by killing them but by killing enmity. That is the biggest lesson for all humanity today which is mired in misery and suffering thanks to mutual hatred. Forgive and start afresh, a society based on mutual respect and acceptance. That is the message of Prophet Muhammad (May he be blessed).…