Mansooruddin Faridi/New Delhi

“We live under the ambit of the Constitution but we imbibe only what is beneficial to us and ignore the rest. There can be no greater injustice than this. Let us all exercise the right to be Indians; this will be the greatest justice we do to ourselves.” Professor Iqtidar Muhammad Khan, Dean of the Department of Humanities, Jamia Millia Islamia, said this at a function of the Khusro Foundation at the World Book Fair.

Khusro Foundation launched three books at the program attended by prominent intellectuals, experts in education, human rights and women's rights activists.

Presenting his opinion of the book'The Concept of Justice in the Religions of the World', Prof. Khwaja Abdul Muntaqim said being Indians it’s only fair that we adopt the Constitution as the best citizen guide.

He said that the book has mentioned the common aspects of all the religions of the world. “This common thing is the belief in the essence of God -called religion. Besides another common part of all religions is justice.”

“Since I am here as an Islamic scholar, I know that the Quran has repeatedly said that Allah Almighty is just and loves those who are just. It’s repeated. Its author has mentioned many incidents regarding the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) whether he has referred to the last sermon or other events, from which we know the status of justice in Islam, along with this, Hinduism and Christianity were also discussed, about seven or eight religions have been mentioned.”

Professor Iqtidar Muhammad Khan speaking at the Khurso Foundation book release

Prof Iqtidar further said that even if one leaves aside religion, any institution without justice will be destroyed, be it a religious institution, a political institution, or a social institution. If any institution deviates from the path of justice, its decline is inevitable. Justice may be delayed, it may take some time but it will not be spared - it is clear that justice is very important.”

Dr. Syed Mubin Zehra, Department of History, Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, Delhi University, shed light on the book 'Muslim Women - A Manifesto for Change' by Dr. Muhammad Maroof Shah. She appreciated the author of the book and his enthusiasm for its idea.

She said, “I have been working on women's rights and equality for many years, while the United Nations believes that it will take several hundred years to realize the dream of gender equality. I also believe that until we succeed in this goal, we should not sit still. This is a long journey and a long struggle is also necessary. I believe that undoubtedly women are very backward among Muslims, but this gender issue is a common issue.”

She said, “Our constitution gives us rights, provides constitutional guarantees, my request is that stakeholders should take advantage of this constitutional guarantee of women's department, we will also have to take the initiative in this matter, help each other.”

She said the change is inevitable. For example, Jamia Millia Islamia had its first woman Vice Chancellor in )Dr Najma Akhtar). Even JNU also got this honour. Another example is Aligarh Muslim University which also is headed by a woman.

Chairman of National Book Trust Yuvraj Malik said that the initiative taken by the Khusro Foundation was laudable as the subjects of all the s books are challenging and important.

Professor Khwaja Abdul Muntaqim, while shedding light on his book ‘The Concept of Justice in World Religions’, said that the title of this work is self-explanatory, although all religions have almost the same point of view on the delivery of justice, however, every religion and every school of thought has its own standards regarding how justice should be delivered.”

Covers of the three books published by the Khurso Foundation

The concept of justice in Hinduism is based on Hindu principles of law. These include sacred legal literature related to Hindu religious traditions, Vedas, Upanishads, Mahabharata, Gita, Ramayana, Sutras Puranas, etc. The basis of these principles is a deep and inseparable relationship with the term Dharma in Dharmashastra, which is presented in the Vedas, Prana Smriti, etc. In this regard, he has taken the ancient Indian philosophy Vasudhayva Kutumbakam, meaning the world is one family, and it is believed that there is no possibility of injustice being done to anyone, since according to this assumption, the world is one family and the world is considered its children.

‘Ek Jahan Ek Khandan’, shed light on the objectives and importance of his book. He said that the stories in this book are not just a source of entertainment, but an attempt to shake the hearts and minds of children and explain to them the important principles of life. Such characters and incidents have been presented in these stories, which will not only make children realize their responsibilities but will also teach them that people of every religion, every caste, and every gender are equal in society. Hatred or prejudice against anyone is against humanity. An attempt has been made to give the message to children through this book that violence is not the solution to any problem, but every problem can be solved only through dialogue and brotherhood. Ek Jahan Ek Khandan’ reminds us of the basic principle that is the result of our civilization, Vasudhya Kutumbakam (the whole world is one family).

 This has also been taught in Islam. “All creation is the family of Allah.” The aim of both is that this world is like a family, and the best person is the one who works for the welfare of this family and establishes peace on earth. He added that when children understand that the whole world is like a family, a sense of compassion, respect, and brotherhood will develop in their hearts for others. This feeling will mold them as a citizen who will be useful not only for their family and community but also for the entire country and the world.

Muhammad Ali Shah added that today's era feels the need for such books that do not only give information to children but also provide them with an opportunity to think and develop their ideas. "Sara Sansar Ek Parivar is a small effort in this direction."

Muhammad Ali Shah Shoaib added that the idea of ​​writing these stories came to me when I felt the growing trend of violence and prejudice among children. I thought why not write some such stories that can make children understand the importance of humanity, brotherhood, and love? Each story in this book has been written with the aim that children can understand the feelings of unity and equality in society by reading it.

Scene at the launch of Khusro Foundation books at the World Book fair

Today's era needs such books that not only give information to children but also provide them with an opportunity to think and develop their ideas. Ek Jahan Ek Khandan’ is a small effort in this direction. It has included such stories that will instill in children's minds that there is strength in unity and hatred only creates weakness. Through these stories, an attempt has been made to teach that no one should be considered inferior based on one's religion, color, caste, or gender.                                                                                                     ]

Dr. Muhammad Maroof Shah highlighted his book ‘Muslim Women – A Manifesto for Change’, which highlights the issues of Muslim women.

He said that many books have been published on women’s rights and other issues and this trend will continue because these issues are still unresolved and despite so much discussion, many people lack clarity on the basic points. There is a very contradictory thinking on many issues related to Muslim women, with different schools of thought accusing each other of deviating from Islamic teachings or imitating colonial rulers. Many books provide details on these issues, mention historical and religious references, or express regret over the situation, but fail to explain or offer any clear plan of action.

This book is based on suggestions obtained through extensive dialogue with women from different sectors of women and different walks of life. The views of prominent women writers on women's issues and male thinkers who support women's rights have also been included in it, whose views have been widely accepted. He added that this book, avoiding adopting any ideological position, has only presented a few suggestions that can be considered and further structured for better practical results. Given the lack of space, only a few issues have been selected out of dozens of issues so that by focusing on a few basic issues, practical steps can be initiated for them.

This book is an attempt to review the current problems and present solutions. Women will have to fight for their rights and this struggle is not difficult. A few years of focus and small steps can bring about the desired change in every woman and every individual.

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This book is a call to action for Muslim women of the world, especially Indian Muslim women. Muslim women have to be beacons of light and also play a role in the liberation of the oppressed in other communities.