Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Mohammad Ishaq

Q: (Ahmad Awwah): Assalamualekum! A: (Mohammad Ishaq): Walekumas-salam.

Q: I have been waiting for so long to interview you for Armughan monthly; Abbi (my father) said you would be here, I am very glad to see you. How are you doing? A: Maulana had told me but I was hesitant actually shy but then he said it would be helpful to others in the field of Da’awah and that I would be rewarded in the Hereafter, so I agreed. Q: Please introduce yourself to our readers.
A: I was born in a village near Tanda-badli town of Rampur district, U.P in a Seeni family on 7th December, 1967. I was named Ashok Kumar. My father Mr. Pooran Singh was a farmer who had but very little education. I passed standard VIII from Junior High School and intermediate from Rampur. From Lucknow I did my diploma in Civil Engineering and got a job in a Private Construction Company. I was a very short tempered guy since my childhood. I had fought with the teachers many a times at school, college and now in the company, it became a routine almost. Tired of it all I left the job. I had two close friends - Yogesh Kumar and Yogendra Singh. We were distant relatives, had studied together. Other than school, we would hang out together for physical training and wrestling as well. When the feud over Ram Janam bhoomi- Babri Masjid started, we joined the Bajrang Dal. We were part of Advaniji’s Rath yatra in Gwalior and walked along for four days. Our family members were very happy with us. Yogesh’s father who was a school teacher gathered our families at his place. He had said to the three of us, “We devote you (brothers) in the way of don’t fear away from sacrificing your lives for the sake of Ram Mandir. You will become immortal.” He tied kerchiefs (angocha) on our foreheads that encouraged us and filled with zest. It was October 30, we joined Karseva. There were tensions in the Mulayam government then, firing took place somewhere and we were arrested before we could reach our destination. Our anger knew no limits, I beat up many constables but they only tried to calm us down saying, “This government is going to fall soon, when we come to power, do what you want.”

In November, 1991, we reached Ayodhya to demolish the mosque; we were not carrying enough warm clothes and stayed in Ashrams, one after another. It quite surprised us that the sadhus (saints) tried to refrain us from attacking the mosque. They dissuaded us as if it were a sin. One of them had said to me, “To tell you the truth, if Ram Chandra ji was alive today, he would never ever let this happen.” We were very angry with such people who advised us to stay away. Finally, it was 6th December, mob had gathered around the mosque and our in-charge had asked us to get set ready, wait for his signal and attack. Uma Bharti shouted the slogan and we all started the assault. Yogesh fell down on the ground and many a men ran over him, when finally he managed to get up with someone’s help he had already fractured his ribs. However we were busy celebrating; we were overjoyed to carry one of the fallen bricks that we carried all the way to home. How they had congratulated us and felicitated us all these years! Q: Tell us about how you embraced Islam?
A: We kind of fulfilled our dreams but deep inside, not only me, but all three of us were very frightened. It was a strange fear that engulfed our whole beings, something very bad would happen to us, I would often get this feeling that a rock of fire is about to descend on us to crush us. And on every sixth of December, the fear would reach greater heights, the day wouldn’t pass by, we never stepped out of the homes on this date out of fear. Last year, I must tell you, it became unbearable as if the day of torment, I was relieved only when it was night and I had lived to see the dawn of December sixth, somehow. On December seventh, the three of us left our homes in the morning for Rampur where I had some important assignments to do. At the Rampur bus station we met one of our college mates, Raees Ahmad. He came up-to us and said, jokingly, “Ashok, it’s your turn now, first you will fall mentally ill and then you will embrace Islam. I asked him to shut up but in turn he took out some copies of the newspaper and read to us- the news of newly revert to Islam, Mohammad Umar and Mohammad Amir. We were frightened and angry at the same time. “I don’t trust Urdu newspapers,” I retorted. He then took out some Hindi newspapers and showed us the two short news stories. I insisted for the details from the Urdu newspapers and hearing it again, we decided to leave for Phulat and inquire why the hell such baseless stories were being published? This can harm our people’s faith (dharma bhrashta), after all.
We reached Phulat at the residence of Maulana Mohammad Kaleem Siddiqui at a time when he had gone to offer Namaz.

We waited with rude questions up in our minds. The moment Maulana came, I began, “How can you send such stories to the papers?” the three of us were very harsh on him, I can recall and to our surprise we found him to be a man out-of-this-world! His replies were sweetened with love, “We are brothers bound by the ties of blood, plus you are my guests today, let us calm down and talk in a relaxed manner. Where have you come from, may I know?” “Rampur, Tanda Baadli” I replied. “All the way to Phulat, in this winter, you must be tired, sit down, have some tea and I will answer whatever you ask. We never sent the story for publishing however, but it is true.” Maulana had just finished the sentence that we again got up in anger, “you want to corrupt our faiths, such lies of Hindus converting to Islam, how can you?” Maulana was calm. He did not insist we believe in what he was saying but instead see it with our own eyes. Mohammad Umar was there in Phulat at that hour and that too with a jamaat of nine reverts- two from Gujarat, three from Haryana, four from U.P. and two of them were sadhus! Maulana sent for Umar and left after saying a few words to him.
There we sat with Umar Bhai, discussing our doubts over tea and other food items. He confirmed to us the news of his and Amir’s Islam. They were among the frontiers in the rath yatra. I could not help but tell him about the haunting fear, every sixth of December. What should we do now? I asked helplessly.
Umar said that these fears and torments were nothing in comparison to those of the Hereafter. The only safe haven is Islam. “Recite the Kalma and enter,” we were told. Three of us decided to move out of the room to consult but Umar Bhai asked us to keep sitting and he himself went out. We had made up our minds and unanimously decided to accept Islam. We called out to Umar Bhai and gave him the good news. “I was supplicating my Lord, the Creator of the universe to guide my brothers and Maulana is doing the same, I must tell him this now,” Umar said this to us and went inside. Maulana came and we recited the Kalma after him. And I don’t have words to describe what I went through while saying those words; as if the cloak of thorns was being taken off from our bodies, the fear was gone, we felt so safe, secure and comfortable in the fort of Islam. I was named Mohammad Is-haq, Yogesh Mohammad Yaqub and Yogender Mohammad Yusuf. The stories of these Prophets were also narrated to us. Maulana told us that when the news had appeared in the papers, many people had expressed their concern and fears. He however was sure that whatever Allah does is for the best. “Now we have three great gifts in your form, congratulations!” he said this and handed over copies of Apki amanat apki seva mein to each.

Q: What followed then? A: We were admitted to the jama’at of reverts which had a Mufti Sb. from Bulandshehar as the Ameer. There were two others teaching totaling upto 15 in number; we stayed in Meerut for a day where three of us got our certificates made. Then our jama’at turned towards Agra and Mathura, where we completed 40 days somehow, since we were new little conflicts with fellow men did occur. So, three of us decided to return back. Yusuf had a dream that night. He saw Maulana telling him, “Look! Consider the ways; your lord has guided you…. And now you are leaving the way that leads to him.” He shared his dream with us. We made our minds to complete 40 days with the jama’at how else would we show our faces to Maulana then? Q: What happened when you returned from jama’at? A: Maulana enquired about my future plans; and he suggested we should not leave for home, right then. But I retorted saying, “religion is our personal choice and what else is right if not to accept what is right (haq). We have to go home and convince our families.” He tried to stop us but in vain.
Reaching our place we found out the conditions had been hit badly by communal tensions. About us it was famous that we had been murdered at the hands of Muslims. But we reached and revealed our Islam, a pall of gloom descended on the whole area. There were panchayati meetings organized again and again. People were coming in from neighbouring villages, far off relatives started pouring in the home, newspaper reporters came but they were bribed and our Islam did not make it to the papers, the way they wanted it on account of fears it would bring harm to the whole society. Our families were pressurized that we revert our steps but Alhamdulillah, we didn’t move an inch, all this oppositionhad made us stronger Muslims and we were firm despite of all the hardships they were causing us to face. Our wives and kids were sent off to their families and eventually we had to leave our houses, three of us together left for Delhi since we were hesitant to face Maulana in Phulat for having ignored his words. We went to
Patna and lived in troubled times, for some days we had to pull Rickshaws even but then everything was well, we saw Prophet Muhammad ( صلى اله عليه وسلم) in our dreams one by one and it gave us such peace of mind that every trouble was gone. It took us long to meet Maulana but today we did see him and it feels so good.

Q: Did you get to meet your family?
A: Only on phone do we get to talk to our mother and brother, sisters never with father, but with time, God willing, all will be well. My wife and children are however at my in-laws’ place, I had sent one of my friends and then there is a muslim lady who had talked to her and told me that my wife is ready to leave everything for me, I need to go and bring her home very soon. With God’s grace, I will. Q: What did Maulana tell you on account of Da’awah work? A: He has appointed us to start working on others who were part of the demolition act, kar sewaks etc. we must pray for them and our families so that God may guide them to peace. I am also planning to go to Calcutta in a jamaat and while I m working and spending time in His service, I would pray and then come back and get to work. Q: Your message to the readers of Armughan? A: I would say Islam is the need of each and every being. One should never judge a man on his actions, just see we were Bajrang Dalis and today we are the same men but (shudders) if we had died our deaths on the same (cries) how we would have been punished. Please don’t judge anyone; if someone is anti Islam, its only because he or she doesn’t know it, has misunderstandings and misconceptions regarding it. The day they are cleared-the clouds of doubt, light flows in. Be a lamp; guide the light home to those in darkness, that’s a duty.

Chaudhry Abdullah

Q: (by Ahmad Awwah): Assalamu-alaikum! A: (by Chaudhary Abdullah): Walekumas-salaam wa rahmatullah!
Q: Every act is destined at a certain time...how often you are talked about, Abbi (my father) quotes you in his speeches; I have been looking forward to interview you for the Armughan magazine, published from Phulat. A: Maulana Ahmad! Armughan stands in no need of introduction. I could not study Urdu but I regularly get it read to me by others. I keep asking Hafiz Idrees and Maulana Wasi to pity us and bring out its Hindi edition. When I talk about it, it seems as if we are going to get it the very next month but I understand it’s difficult to bring out a magazine in a short span. However, I have promised to get them at-least 500 subscribers for the Hindi edition. Q: Inshallah we will get it done very soon. Please introduce yourself to our readers.
A: I was born on sixth of December, 1951 in a village near Phulat to a family of Jaats. My father was a zamindar and an intermediate pass out of the British times. He lived for 101 years and served as the headmaster of the primary school where our former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri had taught. I have also studied in the same school up-to standard eighth. Then went on for education till twelfth from Khatauli. Environment back at home was such that I got into physical training and body building. I used to wrestle in the local arenas and succeeded to earn a name all over U.P and Bihar. I was a dauntless chap since childhood. I and my brothers had inherited the concern for others' well being from our father who always cared for the poor and the weak. He paid their school fees, stood by them in their testing times and was ready for help always. Such feelings grew with me and I had strong sentiments to stand up for the weak for which I even got into enmity with the rogues and murderers. Then the play for power began and I had to group with some wrongdoers whose company affected me and I became infamous in the district. People feared my name, even the policemen! I thus suffered from overweening pride. Some even started collecting cash from the wealthier ones in my name whereas I still sided with the poor and the oppressed. I started the business of property dealing and Alhamdulillah it worked well for me. I got many resident colonies constructed in my name and by the prayers of some poor fellow I had helped, I was very successful in business and 26th December was the day my Lord destined guidance for me. Q: Tell us how you embraced Islam. A: I had helped the poor and my Allah helped me…'I- who was once the master of the rogues!'…..Actually, my anger knew no bounds and sometimes my whole body would start burning, once I went to the doctor and it was found that I suffered from high blood pressure; the illness kept growing. Due to severe pains, I would get myself injected and soon got addicted to Fortwin dosage! Four injections everyday!
Once I went to a doctor's clinic in Khatauli and there was a telephone exchange nearby, your father had booked a call and was sitting, waiting in the clinic when I reached. Handing over the injections to the doctor, I asked him to give me a double dose. Maulana Kalim Siddiqui knew that For-twin can cause ten hour drowsiness to any normal man but I was sitting right there talking after a double dose! He was surprised and showed excess worry and concern towards me as if it was he who suffered. He said to me, "Mr. Chaudhry, you are being cruel to yourself, why do you get these injections?" to which I replied, "My whole
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body pains, it’s unbearable; my anger knows no limits...I have to resort to these every morning and evening." Maulana became restless "four Fortwin a day? You are committing suicide. Didn't you try other treatments? Please stop taking these. And what is it that angers you so much?" he inquired. "Whenever the rich and the powerful intoxicated by excess pride oppresses the weak and the poor, I feel like killing him or killing myself! I'm even being tried in my cases for my activities. As for the injections, I have tried to get rid of the addiction, stayed in hospitals for months, spent lakhs in treatments but to no avail." I had said.
We rolled our conversations and I told him I have guessed he must be from Phulat and telling him that I was a neighbour of his, I told him my name hearing which he said, "Is that you we read about in the newspapers. Allow me a chance, I m inviting you over to Phulat, please come and stay with us, in a month's time inshallah you will get rid of this addiction!" He wanted me to promise and I who was bowled over with the love and concern he had displayed, agreed to do as he said as soon I got some relief from the courts. I could not forget him; his concern haunted me all the way. I even dreamt of him that night; he was crying and saying to me "Mr. Chaudhry! Have pity on yourself” I was awakened and pondered "What kind of a world is this. On one hand there are people who slit other’s throats for their selfish needs and on the other there are those who can’t see others suffering” I spent the night in utter restlessness. Got up early next morning and was watering my plants in the garden when Hafiz Idrees came to the door. He had brought a letter for me and a booklet, from Phulat. I exclaimed, "Phulat! Just yesterday I met a saint from that place in Khatauli and his affection kept me awake the whole night. He handed over the letter to me and I read aloud calling my nephew's attention to it. I keep it with me always (taking a laminated note out of his pocket) see! It reads…."My very beloved brother, Chaudhry sb! Peace be on him who tread the path of truth. I left the doctor's clinic but my heart stayed with you. I could not sleep the whole night, kept thinking of you; I felt as if the injections were causing harm on me. I have read in the holy Qur’an that death will come unto each and every living being, the destined moment can neither be delayed nor preponed. But there is life after death where either you get glad tidings of the heaven or the torments of hell forever and ever. The fire of the hell is more painful and sufferings severe than this world. It is possible that the heard and the scene be untrue but doubtless is the fact that the sayings of messenger of Allah Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam are true. If you die the death of a non believer, the fire of hell awaits you. I hereby beseech you dear brother to embrace Islam and say from the depths of your heart: Ash hadu Allah ilaaha illallah wa ash hadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasulu hu (Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam). (I declare that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, peace be upon him.) Brother! If you don't follow the divine laws and constitution sent by Almighty in His Holy book, then you will suffer in the hereafter, there will be no returning back and nothing but remorse to company. How would you ever know the limits of my restlessness last night. I got up from the bed and supplicated to my Lord, 'O God! This man has suffered to save the poor and weak. He has risked his life for the sake of your creatures, he deserves your mercy and your guidance....’I have faith in Him that He will listen and accept my prayers. Indeed I have a strong feeling that my prayers have been answered. Please send us the good news of your becoming a Muslim so that my heart would get some peace. The last messenger Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam who was sent with this Kalma I m calling you towards has an introduction in the pamphlet I m sending you along. I pray to Allah that you pay heed to my feelings and may Allah keep me and you on the path of guidance and may we meet our deaths on the same, Wassalam, Yours affectionately, Mohd Kaleem, 13 December, 1997.
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Q: What followed?
A: I was reading the letter aloud to my nephew and believe me the love and compassion it reflected enslaved my whole being. I wanted to go up-to Maulana and do as he say but since I had to appear in the court for a very important case, had to meet the lawyers and talk to witnesses, I asked Hafiz Idrees to convey my message to him that I will see him by tonight or tomorrow.
That day I came very late from Muzaffar Nagar and found it inappropriate to visit Maulana, I planned for the next morning. When I reached Phulat at around eleven, he had already left for some place. I went again, 8 or 9 times! Couldn't see him, maybe my love was being put to test. It was only on 23rd December, Maulana returned from Bulandshahar and asked Hafiz Idrees to convey to me that he would be home and I can come over. Again I had three hearings that day, it was late at night but I along with my nephew set out on my motorbike in the chills of the night to meet my benefactor. I reached Phulat and Hazrat Maulana came out in the khanqah to meet, however on my request of privacy, I was taken inside the home where I confessed my love and readiness to accept whatever he asks of me. I proceeded saying "There are two ways of my embracing islam, either I pronounce the shahadah in public and be appointed as a mua’zzin or at some other service in the mosque or I have two wives and children on whom I must work upon, that I can only do once I am free from the court proceedings. I m ready for both conditions and would do as you say! Perhaps you are not aware that I was in-charge of Shiv Sena in the district. On December 13th, having received your letter, I resigned from the post determined to follow your steps the rest of my life."Maulana listened to me all this while and then said, "For the content of my heart, would you not say the kalma before me?" I told him I had already read it in his letter and believed from the depths of my heart. I had even chosen name 'Abdullah' for myself. Maulana highlighted the need of revival of one’s faith every now and then, so I repeated the kalma after him and was named Abdullah which he said is one of the names dear to Allah.
Q: What happened after that?
A: Maulana advised me to learn namaaz and
work on my family members.
Alhamdulillah! In just two month's time my
second wife and her four children have embraced
Islam. I was worried about the court trials but
acting on his advice of salaatul tawba and salaatul
haajat, I have been provided relief. Just two cases
are pending now. Maulana had said “true tawba
(repentance) to God leads to clearing of the sins
from the account; even angels are made to forget."
Q: What about your addiction to those
injections?
A: After accepting the faith, came the month of
Ramzan. Hazrat called me and said, "God has
gifted man with strong will power and
determination. Addiction is haraam in Islam; these
injections are a form of addiction. You must
repent to God and seek His help to be able to fast
in this month. Spend some-time with us during the
last days in a’etkaaf." He encouraged me. I
offered salatul tawba and mustered up the
courage. I had to fight severe pains in the legs and
arms but didn't give up. I had decided to haraam
doings. Due to certain reasons of the court I
couldn’t came for aetkaaf.
Again he sent Hafiz Idrees for me and I came
to Phulat, spent 3 days in the mosque. I have
heard that people of Phulat have critised Maulana
for allowing a rogue in the mosque but
Alhamdulillah all my complaints and questions
were answered when I talked to Maulana. And
finally I got rid of the Fortwin addiction.
Dear Ahmad! Only a month had passed since I
met Hazrat Maulana and I was free from addiction
which I had been trying for over 20 years.
Q: You said you were in-charge of the Shiv
Sena? Didn't you feel like a stranger in Islam?
A: Not at all. I felt as if I was a Muslim by
nature. Everything in Islam is as if it’s in my inner
soul, it's the call of the conscience.
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Q: What about your wife other than the one who embraced Islam? A: She has not as yet accepted. I divorced her and gave her, her share. A son and a daughter live with me in Delhi, as per the suggestions of Maulana; it has helped me in making my faith public. Q: Hasn't Abbi appointed you as a Da’ee?
A: Is it possible? Thanks be to God Almighty, whatever I do, I do it for deen. My brother ran a high school where majority of students were Muslims. I offered him the suggestion of adding Qur’anic studies and Urdu in the curriculum to attract more students from the community. He agreed. Actually, it occurred to me only after I had asked the kids at school to recite the kalma and they couldn't! It pained me and I knew something has to be done about it. My brother too has accepted Islam now and I have named him Abdurrahman, another name dear to Allah! And the school? It more of resembles the Madarsa today, Alhamdulillah. Q: Your message to the readers of “Armughan” A: A man should never be judged by the circumstances he is into. A rogue like me, head of the Shiv Sena… and one more thing let me tell you, "There was a man who had embraced Islam and came to Phulat. Whenever his wife would cry before me, I pitied her and pledged to kill that person and along with him the Maulana as well…" let there be another case piled up against me I had thought. But Ahmad! When I came into the folds of Islam, truly speaking, as if I was a born Muslim, it’s been “IN” me for all the years I lived. All one needs is a loving guide. It’s very true that we Indians are easy prey to affection and true sympathy. Ay I am in love with Maulana, head to toe. He is very right in saying, "plotters against Islam are mere patients and their enmity are cries of pain…one must not hate them but pity them, love them. Love cures all. Please pray for me that i die a momin's death.

Interview of Master Amir

Ahmad Awwah (Q) : Assalamualaikum wa rahmatullah
Mohd. Amir (A) : Walekumassalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuhu
Q: Master Sahab, Abbi had asked me to interview you pretty long ago and what a pleasant surprise you are here today!
A: Ahmad bhai, its been my wish for long. Not for publicity but to be a source of encouragement to all dawah workers I wanted my story to find space in pages of Armughan. The world will be introduced to the kindness of my Lord, when He can guide a culprit like me, there are chances unlimited for the innocent ones.
Q: Please introduce your family.
A: I belong to a village in Panipat district of Haryana. Born on 6th December, 1970 in a Rajput family, my father was an efficient farmer and also served as head master of a primary school. He was a good human being and practiced the religion of humanity. He couldn’t stand oppression of any kind on anyone. Being a witness to the riots of 1947, he would often describe the incidents with pain and grief. “Killing of muslims is a blotch on the face of nation”, he would often say and had helped in rehabilitating the muslims left after the mishap. Even in his school, he would take care of the muslim students and education.
I was named Balbir Singh and studied in the village high school, then went to Panipat for intermediate classes. After Mumbai, Panipat is the next strong hub of Shivsena where its youth wing is ever expanding and lot of school going boys take part in its activities. I too joined under the influence of some friends. There is a lot of brainwashing regarding history of Panipat , against Babar and other muslim rulers. We were literally taught to hate them. When my father came to know about it, he tried hard at making me understand, to keep me away from participating in it. He narrated stories of just muslim rulers, of Aurangzeb and how well he treated the non muslim population. He said that the British had intentionally tampered history to divide the nation, my father also narrated to me gory incidents of 1947 but I didnot understand anything.
Q: While you were in Phulat, once you told us about demolition of Babri mosque, do tell us that incident.
A: The incident was like this- In 1990 when Advani ji set out for rath yatra, I was made incharge of many a important tasks and during those times we were so conditioned to hate the muslims that I took a pledge in the name of Shiva ji that alone would I demolish the building constructed on the site of Ram mandir. Due to my activism in the yatra, I was appointed president of the youth wing of Shiv sena. I went to Ayodhya alongwith my team on 30th October but was stopped by the police in Faizabad. Still I and few others made it to Ayodhya somehow but were late. There was firing and however hard I tried, couldn’t make it to the Babri mosque which infuriated me so much that I said to my fellows, “ In the land of lord Rama, at the place of his birth his devotees are being shot at only because of the Arab leaders; it is better that we die! It is gross injustice against us.” I was so bewildered with anger that I planned to suicide. The country saw various incidents of communal disharmony at several places and I was still thinking of demolishing Babri mosque with my own hands.
I waited and waited till the ill-fated day which I considered a day of celebration in those times. Alongwith a few others I reached Ayodhya on 1st December,1992. one of best friends, Yoginder Pal from a village of Sonipat was with me. His father was a land lord and supported humanitarian causes. Naturally he tried to stop his son from joining us but Yoginder succeeded in resisting.
It was the night before December six and we had reached very close to the site.we had spent the night on terrace of few muslims who lived nearby. I was afraid that we might return empty handed for a second time so tried to hurry up to the place but was checked by the organizer of the group who waited for orders by the seniors. Uma Bharti gave a fiery speech and ignited the karsevaks, I got down from the terrace, with a kudaal in my hand I went straight upto the mosque. Yoginder was with me. As soon as we heard the slogan of “ek dhakka aur do, babri masjid tod do (one more push to demolish the babri mosque)” my wishes were granted and I hammered the kudaal on the dome shouting Jai Ram. Very soon the whole building started crumbling down.
We came down happy and proud. Ram lala was finally placed there and we touched our heads upon it. We carried two bricks to our homes and as a sign of victory showed off to friends in Panipat. Everyone congratulated me and in every speech my name was mentioned. I was the first young Shiv sainik to have attacked the Babri mosque. Once I reached home and narrated to my family I found that my father was very very angry with me. He expressed deep pain and agony and clearly stated that either he or I would stay in that house. “You have demolished the house of God, I don’t want to see your face. Don’t ever come back till I am alive,” I was told. I could have never guessed this would happen, I even shared all the praises and what people were saying so highly of me but all in vain, my father would not listen. He started to move out of the house himself saying the country will be lead to destruction at the hands of such cruel people. I stopped him from leaving and said I myself would not live in a house where devotee of Ram was not paid any respect. I came back to Panipat.
Q: Tell us about how you embraced Islam?
A: Dear brother Ahmad, My Allah is so merciful that He guide me to light of I slam from the depths of darkness of shirk without me even asking for it! He is so great that He showered His mercy on me, me- the tyrant who demolished His Holy mosque.
Q: actually it so happened that Yoginder brought the bricks to his village and announced in the general public that all were invited to urinate (mutradaan) upon the bricks of mosque constructed on Ram janam bhoomi. A large number of people gathered , each one degrading, urinating upon them.
But He, the owner of the house had to show His signs and within four or five days, Yoginder lost his senses. He went completely crazy and started roaming about naked. Lots of people tried various remedies, many a tantriks, sayanay etc were contacted but nothing could help him. His father went about seeking Lord’s forgiveness, giving alms and charity but Yoginder’s condition only worsened day by day. Imagine! The son of a reputed landlord and he even tried to rape his own mother. She was saved by the people and Yoginder was chained. His father, a respected man decided to shoot him and put an end to it when someone suggested the name of a maulana who visited Sonipat Idgah. They went to meet him but it was found out that he visits only on the first of every month and Chaudhry Sahab(Yoginder’s father) was very disheartened. He still tried to find some other who could help him and went to meet a Qazi Sahab, incharge of the madarsa. He too was not available at that time. Some shopkeeper gave him address of the maulana’s residence in Delhi and also informed him of his plan to visit Bawana the day after. He chained his son and took him to Bawana. The imam sahib there was a mureed of your father and had been inviting Maulana Sahab for many days when he finally found time to offer Zohar prayers there and so the program was organized for the day after. The imam said to Chaudhry Sahab that due to uneasy atmosphere before sixth December, many imams and members of madarsa had left for their homes in U.P and many had not returned. Regarding this Maulana Sahab had said in his speech in Sonipat, “If the muslims had conveyed the message and called their brethren towards Islam, introduced them to Allah and the mosque, certainly such incidents would have never occurred. In a way, even the muslims are responsible for the demolition of the mosque. Its time we wake up and start the dawa’ah work, then the ones who demolished the mosque will themselves construct mosques. Our master, Prophet Muhammad sallallaho alayhe wasallam would say at such incidents, “ Allahumma ahda qaumi fa inna hum la ya’lamun (Allah! Guide my people because they know not.)”
Imam of Bawana was under great influence of Maulana’s speech. When Chaudhry Sahab asked him to cure Yoginder’s mental illness, he said he does not do jhaad-phoonk since it involves frequent lies and meetings with women; its no more his job. Imam further added that Yoginder’s illness was a God-sent punishment and not witch craft, he was neither possessed by a spirit but suffering due to his own misdeeds. “You have a chance, when our Hazrat (Maulana) comes here tomorrow, I hope he can offer some solution but there is a condition, I say, if your son recovers you will have to become a muslim.” Chaudhry Sahab agreed.
On Wednesday morning, around 8 a.m Yoginder (wearing nothing and chained) was again brought to Bawana and Maulana Sahab reached as per the program before Zohar prayers. Chaudhry Sahab went straight to Hazrat’s feet and started crying, “Please save our family. I tried to stop him but my son went away with some man of Panipat” Hazrat strictly made him stand up and then listened to the whole story after which he said that by demolishing the house of the Lord of the worlds,the All-powerful, indeed they had done committed a sin; if HE ruins the whole world as its punishment, it wouldn’t suffice. Yoginder alone is suffering the wrath. Somehow we too are responsible for the crime since we never conveyed the message to them. Now it is out of our hands. All we can do is seek His forgiveness. You should also sit here and pray. Concentrate and pray earnestly for His forgiveness and know that there’s none but He who can forgive us. Chaudhry Sahab started to plead instead, “If I were the kinds to connect to Lord why would I see such a day? You are a pious man please pray for me.” Maulana Sahab told him that praying and seeking forgiveness is the only remedy now and he should do it. He proceeded to the gathering and left Chaudhry Sahab alone to pray. Hazrat offered the Zohar Namaz and then for the prayers, he asked every one present to plead to God and seek His mercy for Chaudhry Sahab’s family. The program ended and while proceeding to where Chaudhry Sahab was they all saw that Yoginder had by now covered himself up with his father’s turban cloth. He regained his sanity and was talking normally. Everyone rejoiced to see him. The imam Sahab was very happy and reminded Chaudhry Sahab of his promise. He turned to Maulana Sahab saying, “I am your slave, sell me off wherever you wish; my generations to come cannot repay you.” When Hazrat Maulana came to know of the promise Imam Sahab had asked for, he made him realize the mistake therein and shared his insightful words.
Chaudhry was going inside the mosque when Yoginder called to him, “Pitaji (father), where are you going?” He replied, “I am going to embrace Islam.” Yoginder said that it was he who has to become a muslim now and reconstruct the Babri mosque. Everyone was overjoyed. They were made to do ablution and then recited the kalma. Father was renamed Mohd. Usman and son Mohd. Umar. They returned to their village happy and content. In the small mosque in their village they met the imam who spread the word in the people. The hindus too came to know and some powerful in their meeting decided to kill the two. Someone informed the imam of their plans and he made them flee from the village to Phulat that very night. From ther they left for Jama’at of forty days. Umar went for three other jama’ats and later his mother also embraced Islam. He got married in a good muslim family in Delhi and has a factory there.
Q: Master Amir Sahab! This was the story of Yoginder, what about yours?
A: Actually its difficult to separate mine from his. Consider it the first part and here is the second- “On 9th March, 1993, my father breathed his last due to heart failure. He was in deep agony due to my participation in Babri masjid demolition. He used to say to my mother that he wished he was born in a muslim family; atleast then he would be part of the oppressed class which is better than to be part of the oppressors. He wished that I should not be allowed to take part in his last rites. His body was either to be buried or immersed in waters and not be burnt. The family obliged and I came to know only after eight days of his death. I was left heart broken and overwhelmed with guilt. What I considered a matter of pride the demolition now I started to realize was a crime and I was left in despair and gloom. Evrytime I went home my mother would cry seeing me. She held me responsible for hi s death and accused me. I could not go home.
It was month of June when Mohd. Umar returned from jama’t and met me in Panipat. He narrated his story to me. For the past few months I had been facing an unknown fear as if calamity would strike me from heaven above. Both- the demolition and then my father’s death had deeply affected my heart. Umar’s story aggravated my tensions. He suggested that I meet Hazrat Maulana on 23rd June in Sonipat and stay with him for some time. I made up my mind and reached there, Umar Bhai had already introduced me to him. When I went upto Maulana Sahab I was met with love and compassion. He told me, “if yoginder who acted upon your plans and suggestions can suffer the wrath of God, so can you! And the ones spared in this world are surely to suffer in the hereafter, and what unimaginable wrath that would be!”
It took me an hour to decide that in order to save myself from the punishment of my crimes and the fear that I had of calamity descending from above, I should become a muslim. Maulana Sahab was to leave for a two day tour and I decided to accompany him and my request was granted heartily. We went to Haryana, Delhi, Khurja and then reached Phulat after two days. I had decided by now to enter into Islam whole heartedly. I expressed it to Umar Bhai and he conveyed to Hazrat Maulana. On 25th June 1993, after Zohar prayers I became a muslim and was named Mohad. Amir. To learn Islam, Namaaz etc. I was to stay at Phulat; I had a wife and children so a separate house was arranged for me. I tried to make my wife understand and Alhamdulillah three months later, she too embraced Islam.
Q: What about your mother?
A: I told her that I had become a muslim and she expressed happiness. “it will bring peace to your father’s soul,” she said. The same year she also entered Islam.
Q: What are you doing these days?
A: I run a junior high school where we provide both Islamic and English education.
Q: Abbi was telling us that you do try to revive the mosques (abandoned) in Punjab and Haryana.
A: I and Umar bhai had decided that to repay the big loss of demolition, both of us should not only build new mosques but try to habilitate the old ones where people no more visit. Our aim is hundred. By sixth December 2004, 13 abandoned mosques have been rehabilitated and in areas of Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, Meerut Cantt. and Umar Bhai has constructed 20 new mosques. It is paart of the plan that every sixth December foundation for a new mosque is laid and people start offering prayers in an old mosque that was abandoned. Alhamdulillah! There hasn’t been a single miss since then; hundred is a distant goal however. In the next few months we have some eight mosques coming up, much of the credit goes to Umar Bhai who became source of light in my life.
Q: What do the people of your family think?
A: Other than my mother, I have an elder brother whose wife died four years ago. He was married after me and has four kids; one of them differently abled. Bhabhi was a good wife to him and her death left him deeply aggrieved. My wife took care of his children after her death and brother took grateful note of it. I invited him to islam but due to my past, he didn’t consider anything I said, father’s death had hurt him a lot and he held me responsible for it. I sought my wife’s help. “ our children are grown up. His small kids need your care. If I divorce you and he agrees to marry after becoming a muslim, it would be in the interest of both.” She disliked the liked and wouldn’t approve of it but I insisted and pleaded her to understand the situation, she agreed. Next I went to my brother who got angry at the idea. “where are your kids going to get a mother’s love from? Consider their needs, for their sake, understand please,” I said. He was basically afraid of what people might say so I persuaded with logic and after mutual consent and completion of duration of Iddat they were married. Bhai recited the kalma and they live happily, mine and his children together.
Q: Do you live alone?
A: On Maulana’s advice, I also got married. She is a revert and Alhamdulillah we live happily.
Q: Message for the readers of Armughan?
A: I request each and every muslim to realize his aim in life and convey the message to people, its their amanat (trust). Don’t think of revenge against who appear to hate muslims because I can say from my own experience, if the Shiv Sainiks, the Bajrang dali, hindus knew what Islam is and what mosques are; they would plan construction of mosques, no question of demolition. I can guarantee that even if people like Bal Thackeray ji, Vinay Katyar ji , Uma Bharti, Ashok Singhal knew the true picture of Islam and if they knew its their own religion and is to be their way of life, they themselves would start spending money to construct Babri mosque. Ahmad Bhai! There are very few known for their ill feeling towards Islam but what about those 99 crores – the likes of my father, true humanitarians who hold the principles of Islam dear to hearts. “My father (crying) was a muslim by nature but because the muslims did not convey the message to him, he died an unbeliever’s death. Is it not cruelty on our part? I know it’s a big crime, a sin to destroy a mosque but is it not a greater sin that due to their irresponsible behaviour, my father burns in the hell-fire. Maulana Sahab says and rightly so that muslims are in a way responsible for the demolition. We destroyed the mosque while we did not know but muslims despite of their knowledge are letting people burn in the hell fire. Whenever during the night I think of my father I am deprived of sleep weeks together. I have to resort to medicines then. I wish muslims would realize this pain.
Q: Thank you very musch. Mashaallah, your life is such a testimony of The Lord, Haadi (the Guide’s) grace.
A: No doubt Ahmad Bhai; that’s the reason I wished all this would go into pages of Armughan and may it awaken the muslims, Ameen.
(Armughan Urdu monthly magazine, June,2005.)

Dr. Safia

Asma Zate Fauzain (Q): Assalamu-alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarkatuhu (May peace be upon you and God's mercy).
Dr. Safia (A): Walekum Massalaam Warahmatullahi Wabarkatuhu (May peace be upon you and God's mercy).
Q: Abbi (father), called up from Ajmer and asked me to call you here and talk to you. As you must be aware about the Urdu magazine "Armughan" monthly published from Phulat for the betterment of Muslim brothers and sisters in the field of Dawa'ah, in concern of saving them from hell; in it we publish interviews of people blessed with gift of Islam. Abbi wanted yours for one of the 2005 issues.
A: Actually I was trying to contact Maulana Sb. for the past 15 days. I had both of his Delhi & U.P. mobile numbers but none of them was reachable. Yesterday land line number and insisted me to call and meet you. He said these interviews are playing an effective role in the work of Dawa'ah; I wished I could also contribute a bit to it. You ask me whatever you want to.
Q: Thank you! Firstly introduce yourself.
A: My full name was Saroj Shalini. I was bron on 24th September 1978, in a Brahman family in Mohan Lal Ganj near Lucknow. My father Dr. K.A. Sharma was a professor, he had done M.D. in cardiology, after which he served at Panth Hospital for several years. Ten year earlier he managed to get a transfer in Lucknow near the home. My mother is a home-maker. My father is very Indian in nature and he believes in eastern traditions. That why insisting his family he chose my mother over many Doctors for marriage. I have two brother's both elder to me; one is a reader at B.H.U. I passed my XII with PCB in 1st Division, then cracked PMT and did my M.B.B.S from Lucknow Medical College. Then I did M.D. at Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi in cardiology Department as per my father's wish. Now I am doing M.D. from A.I.I.M.S. and serving in cardiology deptt. At the same time at A.I.I.M.S.
I embraced Islam before one year six months four days two hours ago on 20th May, 2004 Thursday, at 11:00 o clock at Green Park Mosque.
Ques.: Please tell about your embracing Islam in detail.
Ans.: It was June of 2003 when I was on duty at ICCU for children ward I saw one Maulana Sb. visiting a child from Haryana. One of the attendants of the child asked him to recite some verse of the Qur'an and pray for the child's health; his mother came and stood beside her son. Maulana Sb. repeated for the same for the other child as well. Mother of another patient asked for the same one after other Maulana Sb. stood by six children and recite something to them. It's was almost time for round of the head of the department Dr. Tyagi.
I saw him the outside intend the ward and asked Maulana Sb. which is your patient? You visiting every other patient in the ward, and reciting to them something. This is ICCU; there is always danger of spread of infection here.
Maualana Sb. said, all this patients are mine, as our elders have told that all men and women are children of same parents. That's why all patients admitted here are my blood-relatives. The creator who made both of us doesn't like this "yours & mine" at all; and the something which I am reciting to them is nothing but His (The Creator's) own words. He made his truthful slave Ibrahim to speak these words. And Ibrahim is the one on whose name people of India call themselves Brahman (Brahimi). That, "Whenever I falling sick he the creator cure me. You must have observed at daily that you prescribe medicine after keep thinking and the patient dies soon after getting well, and sometime a wrong prescription heal the patient. I was healing something like this for the first time last week, six children of our ward expired four of them were really pretty. They admitted in our ward for two weeks, I too developed an attachment with them; I was very sad on their death. Listening to Maulana Sb. loving words I wanted to hear him some more. I asked him to come to my cabin. He agreed and said to me that you are like my younger sister or my own child and have called me hear out of affection. So here I request you treat every patient of your ward just like your own brother or child and care for them with the same thought. God has given you such opportunity to take part in other grief. You must be well aware of his condition of a mother whose child is so sick that needs to be admitted in an ICCU and those patients came to Govt. Hospital who have nobody of their own. If sympathies with them, even if a bit, then it will result in prayer for you from the deepest corners of their hearts. In the end, he asked my name with great concern, and then said Dr. Shalini! You are my blood sister that why I advise you rather I make a will; and a will is what a person who is going to die say to his children as his last and final words; that you attend enemy patient of your ward considering it to be the highest religious practice. You will be rewarded sympathizing with a patient and his family, far more than for practicing difficult rituals and hardships for several years.
I thanked Maulana Sb. and him to try, He left. After the round of the head, I asked to patient's father, who was from Haryana who that Maulana Sb. was. He said that he is Hazratji; and is a very good man. Thousand of Hindu's have embraced the Islam on his hands. Maulana Sb's words had had their effect on me for quite days. Especially those words that 'all these patient's are mine'; our creator does not like this idea of 'yours and mine' at all. I also experienced that Maulana Sb. recitation had strange effect on the patients. They all recovered and got discharged from the ward.
But as days passed, these things faded from my mind. At Maulana Azad Medical College, I had a room-mate Dr. Reena Sehgal. She was doing M.S. in gynecology at that time; later got employed at Safdurgunj Hospital in the same department. We are quite good friends. One day she invited me on food at her place. We were chatting after the food. She had a Muslim domestic helper who used to cook and all. I asked her why did she kept a Muslim as domestic helper. Couldn't you find someone Hindu? She answered, that this is a very good, faithful girl. Many times she had brought me my purse as it is, after I had dropped it somewhere. This lead to a full-fledged discussion on Muslims. Dr. Reena said that as in our country rather in whole world, anti Muslims ideas are being spread on media, people are more and more embracing Islam. You must be aware of Michael Jackson accepting Islam. We have a young doctor Dr. Balbir in cardiology dept. of our hospital, he too converted to a Muslim, last year, and he wants everyone at the hospital to became Muslim. Once I called him for checkup of a patient; he right away advised me that if I want to escape the fire of hell after death, I should become a Muslim.
This reminded me of the Maulana Sb. who visited my ward; and all of his words. I asked Dr. Reena to introduce me to Dr. Balbir. She asked me to call the next day; then told me that she had called Dr. Balbir to her cabin this Sunday; and I should reach their by 10 O'clock. Next Sunday, I went to Dr. Reena; Dr. Balbir came. He was a young decent guy of whitish complexion. He seemed to be engaged in some deep thinking I asked him, how much time ago did he embrace Islam. He replied 8-9 months ago. I asked him the reason and he told that only Islam is the true religion. It’s the first and the last religion, and without Islam, life after death has no "Moksha" and no salvation, but hell for infinite time. To accept Islam is as important for you as it's for me. I asked him if he also had changed his name. He affirmed that his Islamic name is Waliullah; which means friend of Allah.
I told him that about one year ago, I met a Maulana Sb. in my ward. He said me some words which are still in my heart. He was reciting something to every patients of the ward. I asked him which of the patient he was related to; he told all of them. We are children of same parents, blood relatives. Our creator does not like the idea of "your & mine" at all. Dr. Balbir said that Maulana Sb. is right. These all are words of Islam's and our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ which he said in his last sermon. I asked him if it was available in print, he said yes, each and every words of the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is totally secured and available in print. I will get from someone and give it to Dr. Reena for you.
24 days later Dr. Reena Sehgal gave me that pamphlet which has an English translation of the last sermon of our holy Prophet ﷺ. I was surprised after reading it; especially what was said about women touched me even more. I thought of Maulana Sb. and wished only if I had taken his address. I searched hospital's record files of the patients, trying to get address of that patient from Haryana. I thought if I was able to get his address, I would myself go to his place and get Maulana Sb. address. But I could not succeed.
I developed an urge to read and know about Islam. I called up Dr. Balbir and arranged a meeting. I met him in his ward at Safdurgunj Hospital and asked him to arrange for literature on Islam. Next day he came to my hospital and gave me a small book "Aapki Amanat Aapki Sewa Main" which was in Hindi. He said to know about Islam, this book serve over 100's of books. You just need to read it supposing that a true well wisher is saying these words only to me. When you will read the book you will feel the same. I have accepted Islam on hands of none other than the author of this book. The preface of the book is where the heart of the book lies. You will get to know about the book and its author once you go through it Dr. Balbir told me that he hailed from a Rajput family of U.P. near Delhi. He left after giving me the book and having some tea etc. I read the whole book in just one sitting, in the ward itself. The book reminded me of Maulana Sb. It had made a place of its own in my heart. I called up Dr. Balbir and asked him if he could provide me with some other works of this author; and if he able to arrange my meeting with him, I would be highly obliged.
4 days later, it was 18th of May, Dr. Balbir called me up and told me that if I was able to manage a leave, I could meet the author of "Aapki Amanat Aapki Sewa Main" Maulana Muhammad Kaleem Siddiqui Sb. at Green Park Mosque. I agreed readily we reached there by auto. Maulana Sb. was already there at 10:30 AM instead of 11:00 AM as he had to leave for journey. I was so happy to see him that I can never forget that feeling. The author of "Aapki Amanat Aapki Sewa Main" was none other than the Maulana Sb. who visited my ward 1 ½ years ago and for whom I was searching everywhere. I fell on his knees; he strictly asked to get up and asked me what was I waiting for? Did I still have any doubts in my mind after reading "Aapki Amanat Aapki Sewa Main"?
I went there just to meet Maulana Sb. but could not stop myself and said that I had come only to embrace Islam. Maulana Sb. was very happy and asked me to recite the Kalma immediately. He gave me Islamic name, Safiya Shalini instead of Saroj Shalini (Dr. S. Shalini). He jotted down names of some books for me and asked me learn and perform Nama'az (salaah).
Ques.: Did you announced about your faith then?
Ans.: Maulana Sb. strictly asked me not announce about my embracing Islam. But still I told people, very close to me. Sometime the thought that when Islam is the only truth then why to hide it and keep it a secret? Fill me zest. But then I think that, when I have taken this person, because of which light of Islam reach a dirty me, against all possibilities; as my guides, then I show obey him.
Ques.: Did you tell your friend Dr. Reena Sehgal about this?
Ans.: Not only that I have told her but also me and Dr. Wali-ullah, kept on explaining the truth to her. Thankfully, she too has recited the Kalma. Actually her husband Dr. B.K. Sehgal who does clinic is from a very staunch religious family. On the same time, he has joined Radha Swami's Sat Sangh for two years now. That's why she is suppressed because of him.
Ques.: Are in you touch with Dr. Wali-ullah?
Ans.: Actually Dr. Wali-ullah became a heart patient himself. In his disease gradually the heart becomes weaker and finally we need to arrange for the pace maker. He was in touch with me concerning his disease. I took interest in his treatment. He was married to a government employee. He told her already before marriage that she needs to be a Muslim first; many according to the family rituals. He recited Kalma to her and performed the Nika'ah. But later she could not keep much interest in Islam. His job also came in between. His wife's disinterest towards Islam kept eating him from inside like mute, and he became a heart patient.
When allopath did not work for him Maulana Sb. gave him some Unani Medicine, Khamira etc. by God's grace he recovered. Maulana Sb. advised him to search for a job in Arabian country and call his wife there, so that she gets an Islamic environment. Thankfully he got a good job IN U.A.E. and last month he has called his wife too. His leaving for UAE was solution for his problem, but that made me lonely. Dr. Wali-ullah was working on Dr. Reena's husband that too now came to a hault. I can't take to him that freely.
Ques.: Do your parents know about you converting to Islam?
Ans.: Yes I told my father clearly about it. He did not accept it with open heart but yes, gradually his intolerance is becoming lesser.
Ques.: So you got married?
Ans.: My dad is much worried about my marriage for about 6-7 yrs now. Many good proposals' came from his own students as well. But maybe My Allah had different plans for me and I making MD an excuse, I rejected. So many times, I had asked permission to declare about my conversion from Maulana Sb. but every time he asked me to work on my family silently. When I complained to him about my Nama'az and fasts, he advised me also to leave for Arab country. Ha also talked to Dr. Wali-ullah of some place in this respect. Thankfully I got contract at King Abdul Aziz Hospital in Jeddah; I have also managed to get a leave for two years. I am on prep leave since 3 months.
Dear sister Asma! You have asked me such a question of my marriage that its amusing for you as well, you may aware that a proposal came for you from PGI Chandigarh; he was the only Sherwani wearing Surgeon in the history. But, by destiny you were already betrothed to somebody from Aligarh. Maulana Sb. asked me once, I said there won't be anything better; but at my hand you keep me from declaring my faith and on other this? He said; just tell me if you agree. He talked to Dr. Sa'ad and introduced me to his parents. People from both sides were happy. They called upon a few people and arranged for my Nika'ah. As God wished, Dr. Sa'ad has also applied in the same hospital in Jeddah and he got appointment. He has already left at 6th September already. I pray to God for Hajj this very year.
Ques.: Marrying somebody with a beard and Sherwani, in contrast to your surprising, don't you find strange?
Ans.: Thankfully not at all. I like each and every aspect of Islam right from my heart. Islam is my natural religion. When I came to know that my husband is the only Sherwani wearing Sergeon at his Hospital, I wished I could declare my faith and wear burqa to become the only hija'ab practicing doctor at AIIMS. But Maulana Sb. advises me to first spend 2-4 yrs in Arab. I enjoy even the thought of being only hija'ab practicing doctor at AIIMS. I am sure I will serve as a way for more people to know about Islam.
Ques.: you married without concerning about parents? Won't they be hurt?
Ans.: My nika'ah happened so suddenly. But they agreed when Maulana Sb. told them that this marriage took place without any money, ring, dowry or anything. Concerning the society, Maulana Sb. said that Dr. Sa'ad will leave for UAE then me. It will be taken like this marriage took place there in UAE, thus relatives will have not much problem. Especially, they are glad to meet Dr. Sa'ad. They keep on telling me that I'm lucky to have him as my husband. He looks far better than me. They came to IGI to see him off when he was leaving.
Ques.: Did not you call your family to Islam?
Ans.: Thankfully, I'm working on them; and their distance from Islam is short.
Ques.: Do you want to convey any massage to the Muslims through "Armughan"?
Ans.: I always think that Islam is what this age of science and technology needs. This world has got nothing without Islam. Sister Asma! I'm not reciting any poetry but, I say this by observing this advancing developing world. The cure for the darkness and poverty of this world is nothing but Islam. And Islam is with Muslims. I wonder that why do we people develop a sense of inferiority complex, when we, no one else has the cure for any problem – Islam with us.
We should be thankful and proud and should strive for the betterment of this world.
Ques.: Thank you so much Dr. Safiya Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu.
Ans.: Thanks to you dear! Walaikumasalam Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu.
Armughan
Monthly Magazine
December 2005

Abdullah, Hira's uncle

Questions by Ahmed Awwah: Assalamoalaikum wa-rehmatullahi wa-barakatuhu.
Answers by Abdullah: Walekum Assalam wa-rehmatullahi wa-barakatuhu.
Q: Brother! You must be known that we published a magazine by the name of "Armughan" from Phulat. There has been an ongoing series of interviews of the people who have embraced ISLAM. I want to talk to you with regard to the same?
A: Why do you want to spoil your holy magazine by publishing anything related to a tyrant and wicked like me, (wiping his tear).
Q: Oh no! Dear brother, my father (Maulana Kaleem Siddiqui) has said that your life is one of the miraculous signs of God's power, he wishes that your interview must find place in the magazine.
A: Your father (may God bless him with long life), I consider myself his slave. If it's his command, I subdue, please ask I'll answer.
Q: Please introduce yourself?
A: If I say that since the commencement of this world till today, I'm the most tyrant, the worst and the luckiest man rather beast ever born, then it would be my true introduction.
Q: This is an emotional introduction; tell us about your family background.
A: I was born 42 or 43 years ago in family of cowherd caste in Budhana of district Muzaffar Nagar where majority was of Muslim Rajputs. My family is of very religious Hindu and criminal background. Father and Uncle were kind of leaders of a group. Plundering, oppression, tyranny was my second nature. During the riots of 1987 in Meerut, I & my father stayed to guard & help relatives there. Together we killed at least 25 Muslims; later I joined the Bajrang-Dal under the influence of Muslim hatred. During 1990 I again killed many in Shamli. Those were the times of Babri Masjid case. Again in 1992 I was in Budhana where I killed many Muslims. There was a man who was a true Muslim but infamous rogue and everyone was scared of him. I along with one of my friends shot him dead.
All this enmity I had towards Muslims lead me to one of the most heinous crimes (crying)
I doubt if anyone has ever seen such barbarism & tyranny beneath the sky or over the earth or even thought of it. (Weeping for long)
Q: Tell us about how you embraced Islam.
A: There is Surah by the name of Burooj in the 30th para (section) of the Holy Qur'an. Isn't it? Therein Allah has spoken of people of the ditch of fire that they are perished and destroyed, perhaps its about me, the difference being they're said people of fire; recite it once in Arabic, what does it say?
Q: Recite
A: If we say mercy was sent upon the people of fire, how will it be in Arabic?
Q: Raham Ashabal Ukhdu
A: Yes if the verse would be about me, it would be this Raham Ashabal Ukhdu ………….
Q: Tell us your incident.
A: I'm trying to. But how do I begin with? Even my heart that has grown so hard does not have the courage to narrate this table.
Q: I insist. Maybe it will act as an admonition for others.
A: Sure. The story of my guidance to Islam would give hope to the depressed souls that if the All-Merciful Lord (Arhamar-rahimin) can bless me then why should anyone lose hope?
Listen Ahmed Bhai…
I had an elder brother. Despite all the crimes and the wickedness we shared a strong bond of love. He had two daughters and two sons. I had none; his eldest daughter was Hira. She was extremely sensitive to the limits of craziness. If she would meet someone, it would be extremely of love & fondness and if hate then again reaching the limits. We often doubted if she was possessed. Consulted a few sages but she remained the same. She went to school till Std. VIII. Then, since mature she was to take care of household chose. But she wanted to study further. Without seeking permission, she filled up the high school examination form. Labored for eight days in the farms to earn money for fees and even got the books. She couldn't understand and so started going to the nearby Brahmin's house to seek tuitions from his daughter. Brahmin had a son who was a rogue & dacoit. Nobody knows how she fell in his trap and both of them left for the forest where his band was. She went but soon filled with remorse. The feeling of guilt, earning bad name for the family kept her worried and she shed tears in silence. A Muslim boy from Idreespur was also member of the same gang. One day he saw her crying and tried to find out the reason. She confided in him mistake she had made out of immaturity and lack of understanding. Now that she feared her modesty and family reputation it excessively worried her. The guy took pity on her and asked her to trust him since he was a Muslim “And a Muslim is the one who keeps his promise; I take you as my sister and will protect you now on. I'll try to send you home safely," he said and suggested to all other members that the girl must live here in disguise. So she was given clothes of men and was taken along wherever they went. She observed the Muslim boy to be different from the rest. He was a man of words, would give suggestions of value and when the booty was distributed, he would always keep a share for the destitute. He would always arrange a separate room for Hira and keep an eye lest any of the men would enter. When Hira was trusted and ascertained as a loyal member of the gang, things became casual and easy.
Now the guy somehow sent her to Baron and told Hira that she should reach Idreespur from there and meet his brother. Tell him that I have sent for him. He should come here and tell the gang that Hira has been caught by the police. She did as was told and his brother too came to the jungle and repeated the news. Now he was to go back and send Hira to the police station where she should seek help and tell the story of her being kidnapped by the dacoits in the jungle. When she did so, it was found there was a report already with the Budhana police station of a girl being kidnapped. Lady police officers brought Hira to our village. We kept her at home but it was a matter of reputation. She kept saying she was kidnapped but guarded her chastity. We couldn’t believe her & on the suggestion of an educated relative took her to Budhana Hospital for medical examination. We had pledged that if found guilty of adultery we would kill her and throw in the river. By the grace of Allah, she was found innocent.
We happily returned home but now she used to talk highly of that Muslim boy as a savior and of his being virtuous. She started visiting the Muslims nearby. A girl gave her book "Dozakh ka Khatka aur Jannat ki Kunji". I saw their (Muslims) book in the house and gave her a good beating and warned her of dire consequences. But Islam had left undying impression upon her, illuminated the dark quarters of her heart with its light (nur).
She went to a madarsa along with the Muslim girl and embraced Islam at the hand of some Maulana. She even started learning namaz, since she became a Muslim she felt suffocated in the house where partners' were associated unto Him (the only God). She would keep very quiet now, upset and completely changed from the jolly natured girl that she used to be.
Nobody came to know of her plan and one day she left the house yet again. Some Maulana and his wife left her at Phulat. She stayed at your place Ahmed Bhai for few days you can recall.
Q: Yes! Yes! Hira Baji! Where is she? Such a virtuous being! It's surprising you are her Uncle? Everyone at home is concerned where is Hira Baji.
A: Ahmed Bhai! Yes I'm her Uncle. Your father had named her Hira, the virtuous girl and I'm her killer, the tyrant murderer Uncle…. (Weep).
Q: First of all tell me, where is Hira Baji?
A: I'm telling you, my brother, the story of my cruelty & tyranny. As you already know, Maulana Saheb had sent her to his sister's place where she found healthy and peaceful environment. She called her "Rani Phupho", your mom too was very loving towards her. Rani Phupho treated her nicely and taught her. She stayed there for one & a half year.
Her stay in Delhi and Phulat had made her so faithful that if Qur'an was to reveal again, there should have been some verses about the virtuous martyr Hira.
She loved her family especially her mother. She wasn't keeping well those days. One night Hira saw her mother's death in a dream. She missed her a lot and kept worrying for her fate if she was to die without faith. She started crying so loudly that she woke up the others. They consoled her but after the time being she would again cry and request your father whom she addressed as "Abbi ji" to allow her to go home. He would console her and warn her of the dangers at her place. Her life and her "Iman" both would be at risk. She stayed for a while but again she persuaded. Finally Mualana Sb. had to give in. He made her understand that she was to go only to invite her family members to Islam. If she really loved them, then for the sake of love she should fore most call them to the path of peace and save them from hell fire. Hira told him that her kin hated the very name of Islam, they would never accept it. She told us at home that Mualana Sb. had said that when Allah (SWT) would open up their hearts for Islam, they would definitely hate "shirk" & "kufr". (i.e. association with One & Denying Him) as much as they once hated Islam. He also said, "Even you hated Islam once and now "shirk" irks you just as much. Pray to Allah and promise me that you intend to go home only to save them from the hell fire. If this will be your intention, first of all Allah will protect you and if in case you are hurt, it will be the pains that are "sunnah" (traditions) of Prophet ﷺ. And if your kins kill you, you'll be a martyr. This martyrdom is the shortest way to paradise and I have firm faith that your martyrdom will be a source of guidance for your family members. If you die and your loved ones are guided, it will be deal of benefit."
Maulana Sb. tells us that he asked her to offer two rakats of salah and pray to Allah for guidance and leave home with the intention of Dawah.
She went to Phulat from Delhi and then back home. We were very angry. I hit her with shoes and kicked her enough but she was adamant on her stand on Islam. She did not tell us where she had been but had converted to Muslim faith. We dealt very strictly with her but in turn she would only cry and plead us to become Muslims. Her mother was severely ill. After 2 months, she died, Hira kept asking us to bury her mother since she too had accepted Islam by saying the Kalma, that she had died a believer's death and burning her would be great sin. But how could we bury her? We set her afire. Every day at home, there was a riot. She would be pleading her brothers to become Muslims, sometimes it would be her father. We sent her to her "naani's" (maternal grandmother) place. But her Uncle soon summoned us to take her back. She was "adharmi" (out caste religious). Nobody could handle everyday fights. I went up to the Bajrang Dal members for suggestions and they unanimously decided to kill her. I brought Hira to the village.
One day I went to the shore and dig a five feet ditch. I and my elder brother, both of us took her along saying, "We are going to your "Bua's" (aunt) place." It seemed she had a dream and already knew the plans. She took a bath, wore new clothes and said to us "Uncle! Let me offer last namaaz (salah)." She hurried for namaaz and merrily like a new bride came along with us. We were walking on a strange, out of the city path but she never said a word, when we reached the river, she laughingly asked her father, "You are taking me to aunt's place or to the beloved's?" (cries for long)
Q: (gets water to drink) Please complete what you were saying.
A: How do I? But I have to. I had 5 litres of petrol. Hira's own father and I, her own uncle brought her to the ditch. I pushed her in it saying, "How would you save us from the fire of hell, go and taste the fire for yourself now!" I emptied the petrol can and lit the match stick. My elder brother was standing and crying right there watching it all. Hira's new clothes had caught fire while she stood there in that ditch her arm raised towards the sky, she was crying, "My Allah! You're watching over me na? You love your Hira very much na? You loved the cave of Hira and you love this burning Hira too. I don't need anything save your love."
"O uncle! do embrace Islam, uncle! do become Muslim." (sobs uncontrollably)
I was angered at all this, took my brother by the hand and walked away. Now brother started saying, we should have tried to make her understand yet one more time. I became angry with him too and I remember while we were returning; we heard loud voices of "la ilaaha illallah" coming from inside the ditch.
We thought we had done our job, our duty and came back. Hira's last words had however broken my hardened heart. My brother fell ill, he was traumatized after the incident and it proved fatal. Two days before his death, he called me and said, "Whatever we did during the life time is done but when I die, I want to die on Hira's faith. Go bring some Maulana. I was totally heart broken seeing my brother's conditions, found the Imam of our local mosque and brought him along. My brother repeated the Kalma after him, named himself "Abdur Rehman" and asked me to do his last rites as per the Muslim traditions. Now, this was very difficult for me but considering it as his last wish, I took him to Delhi in the name of treatment & admitted to a hospital. He died there and died in peace. Then I told a doctor at Hamdard about his condition who arranged his burial with the help of some Muslims at Sangam Vihar.
Q: It's surprising indeed! You did not tell about your own story of embracing Islam.
A: The Islam enmity had definitely come down but I was still sad over my brother's death as a Muslim. His death was a testimony that made me believe Bhabhi too had died on the same faith. I thought Muslims had used some magic on our household. One by one each member is leaving our religion so I talked too many experienced men of the field (sayaney etc.). In search of a tantrik, I was once going from Shamli to Oon. The bus was a Muslim's. Driver too was a Muslim. He was playing some Qawwali on the tape recorder. It was some by the name of "Budhiya" that related the incident of our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ meeting with an old woman. She advices him to stay away from Muhammad and how then herself becomes a Muslim. The speaker was just over my head. The bus stopped at Jhinjhana. The Qawwali had changed my mind. The Prophet who has been narrated here can't be a lair, I thought. I got down at Jhinjhana instead of Oon and decided to study Islam. I took another bus to Shamli; it too was playing a cassette, this time a speech by Qari Haneef Sb. of Pakistan on life after death. I had to get down at Shamli but speech hadn't completed. The driver paused it at Shamli bus station. I was getting restless to listen to the rest of it, so I bought ticket to Muzaffar Nagar, the destination of the bus. The speech was complete when we reach Baghra. It brought me very close to Islam. I got down at Budhana road, and got another bus to reach home. Now a Maulana sat beside me. I asked him for some help since I wanted to know Islam. He told me that the person best suited in the area is Maulana Muhammad Kaleem Siddiqui of Phulat, and I should go to him. I took the address and instead of going home reached Phulat. Maulana Sb. wasn't home; he was to reach by morning. For the night, a master Sb. gave me "Aapki Amanat Aapki Sewa Main" to read. The book, its language of love and heart felt kind words made me fall for it. Instead of the morning, Maulana Sb. reached in the evening. After magrib I reached him with the request of embracing Islam. I told him I came to know Islam but having read "Aapki Amanat Aapki Sewa Main" now I want to become Muslim. Maulana Sb. was very happy, it was 13th January, 2000, I recited the Kalma after him, I was named "Abdullah". I stayed there for the night and asked him for an hour of his time. I told him the story of my tortures & barbarism. Maulana Sb. kept crying for long after coming to know of my niece Hira. He told me that she had stayed at his place and his sister's. Maulana Sb. consoled me saying Islam erases the sin of the past but I couldn't be sure such ghastly sin deserved forgiveness?
Maulana Sb. used to tell us that all sins of Pre Islamic days will be forgiven, for peace of your mind you should save some lives if you killed so many in the past. The Qur'an says: Virtues erase the vice.
I try with all my means & efforts to save Muslims dying of illness or accident, I know it's HE who saves but we should try & act. There were riots in Gujarat. Allah gave me a chance. I would party with the Hindus, and then beware the Muslims of their plans. I sent the Muslim villagers away before the mob would reach to them. One incident really gives me peace & hope and that was when I came to know of the plans of burning the Madarsa of Bhav Nagar & you would have heard of it. I informed the Thana Incharge, Mr. Sharma and along with him saved the 400 kids there. All thanks to Allah who used me as His tool in saving those innocent lives. I myself broke that wall & made way for escape just 10 minutes before the mob could reach.
I stayed in Gujarat for three months. My sins are so many that these acts can't equal them. Maulana Sb. told me that there's nothing impossible for Allah, His Grace surrounds all, He decides when & how each would die, He who has guided you has full power over pardoning you too. It consoled me to some extent. He suggested me to join Jama'at & learn Islam. I sought two month's time, went to the village, sold off the houses & lands at cheap rates and bought a home in Delhi. I brought my wife, two nephews & Hira's sister to Phulat for Kalma recitation. It took me an year instead of two months, then I spent time in jama'at. My heart deeply grieves over murdering so many Muslims & innocent Hira. Do I deserve forgiveness?
Maulana Sb. asked me to recite Qur'an and especially Surah Buruj again and again. Now I have almost by hearted it and the translation too. 1400 years ago, Allah had said it & how true! It seems to me its about us: -
085.001 وَالسَّمَاءِ ذَاتِ الْبُرُوجِ
By the sky, (displaying) the Zodiacal Signs;
085.002 وَالْيَوْمِ الْمَوْعُودِ
By the promised Day (of Judgment);
085.003 وَشَاهِدٍ وَمَشْهُودٍ
By one that witnesses, and the subject of the witness;-
085.004 قُتِلَ أَصْحَابُ الأخْدُودِ
Woe to the makers of the pit (of fire),
085.005 النَّارِ ذَاتِ الْوَقُودِ
Fire supplied (abundantly) with fuel:
085.006 إِذْ هُمْ عَلَيْهَا قُعُودٌ
Behold! they sat over against the (fire),
085.007 وَهُمْ عَلَى مَا يَفْعَلُونَ بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ شُهُودٌ
And they witnessed (all) that they were doing against the Believers.
085.008 وَمَا نَقَمُوا مِنْهُمْ إِلا أَنْ يُؤْمِنُوا بِاللَّهِ الْعَزِيزِ الْحَمِيدِ
And they ill-treated them for no other reason than that they believed in Allah, Exalted in Power, Worthy of all Praise!-
085.009 الَّذِي لَهُ مُلْكُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأرْضِ وَاللَّهُ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ شَهِيدٌ
Him to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth! And Allah is Witness to all things.
085.010 إِنَّ الَّذِينَ فَتَنُوا الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ ثُمَّ لَمْ يَتُوبُوا فَلَهُمْ عَذَابُ جَهَنَّمَ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابُ الْحَرِيقِ
Those who persecute (or draw into temptation) the Believers, men and women, and do not turn in repentance, will have the Penalty of Hell: They will have the Penalty of the Burning Fire.
085.011 إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ لَهُمْ جَنَّاتٌ تَجْرِي مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الأنْهَارُ ذَلِكَ الْفَوْزُ الْكَبِيرُ
For those who believe and do righteous deeds, will be Gardens; beneath which rivers flow: That is the great Salvation, (the fulfillment of all desires),
085.012 إِنَّ بَطْشَ رَبِّكَ لَشَدِيدٌ
Truly strong is the Grip (and Power) of thy Lord.
085.013 إِنَّهُ هُوَ يُبْدِئُ وَيُعِيدُ
It is He Who creates from the very beginning, and He can restore (life).
085.014 وَهُوَ الْغَفُورُ الْوَدُودُ
And He is the Oft-Forgiving, Full of Loving-Kindness,
085.015 ذُو الْعَرْشِ الْمَجِيدُ
Lord of the Throne of Glory,
085.016 فَعَّالٌ لِمَا يُرِيدُ
Doer (without let) of all that He intends.
085.017 هَلْ أَتَاكَ حَدِيثُ الْجُنُودِ
Has the story reached thee, of the forces-
085.018 فِرْعَوْنَ وَثَمُودَ
Of Pharaoh and the Thamud?
085.019 بَلِ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا فِي تَكْذِيبٍ
And yet the Unbelievers (persist) in rejecting (the Truth)!
085.020 وَاللَّهُ مِنْ وَرَائِهِمْ مُحِيطٌ
But Allah doth encompass them from behind!
085.021 بَلْ هُوَ قُرْآنٌ مَجِيدٌ
Nay, this is a Glorious Qur'an,
085.022 فِي لَوْحٍ مَحْفُوظٍ
(Inscribed) in a Tablet Preserved!
Ahmed Bhai! Please recite it and ponder over Hira's last screams. "My Allah! You are watching over me na? My Allah! You love me! My Allah? You love your Hira na? Yes my Allah! You loved the caves of Hira and you love this Hira too who is burning in the pit of fire. I have your love and need nothing else….."
Father! (Pitaji) do accept Islam, Chacha (Uncle) do become Muslim. (sobs)
Q: Thank God! You gave in to her prayers, you did as she asked. You are lucky that Allah guided you to light from those depths darkness.
A: How did I obey her? It's her lord, Allah who listened to her prayers and accepted her wishes. A tyrant like me was never deserving of such grace & blessings.
Q: Thank you so much, Abdullah Bhai!
A: Ahmed Bhai, Please do pray that Allah should give me a chance to serve some purpose that would set my heart at peace that would pay for my tyranny. No doubt the Qur'an has remedy for the incurable disease that I suffer from that Virtues erase the vice. That the reason saving those innocent Muslims of Gujarat serves as consolation to me.
Allah Hafiz. (May God keep you in His protective care).
Armughan
Monthly Magzine
February 2005

Tauheed

Questions by : ahmad awwah
Answers by : tauheed

Q: assalamualaikum
A: walaikumaslaam

Q: dear brother I wanted to ask some questions to you for armughan urdu monthly magazine.
A: yes Brother, maulana told me about this. He asked me to stay back for the interview.

Q: please introduce your family background.
A: I was born in the year 1984 to Verma family in Shehvar distt. Of M.P. , I was named Dharmendra. While in school I befriended two muslim brothers – Shehzad and Azad despite of my family being staunch hindus and party to bajrangdal, shiv sena and sanatan dharma.

Q: tell us about how you came into islam.
A: there is a hadith saying that in the course of day and night there is a moment when, whatever you ask for is granted. My story is all about that moment.
I would often accompany those muslim boys to their home and eat with them. Whenever I would dine with them, it was a single plate that three of us shared. We were great friends and very fond of each other.
Once shezad’s father and mine got into a heated argument over some land issue since we were neighbouring farmers. While they were in the midst of the quarrel, Shehzad’s mother said, “you grown ups are fighting so fiercly and these kids, your sons are such good friends.” Addressing my father she said, “your son eats with us , drinks from the same glass of our son”; hearing which my father left for home. But he was not to sit silently. He scolded and beat me up badly saying you have eaten meat, your mouth ought be burnt for it. I retorted in anger saying, “you cannot stop me from going there. I’ll runaway from this house and become a muslim.”
I believe it was this moment that was destined to change my life for ever.
My dad was very angry on my befriending the muslim and so he started narrating stories of mughal emperors, mahmood ghaznavi’s and their tortures and barbarism to him to create hatred in his mind which ultimately bore fruits and he set out to join various anti-muslim schemes and programmes.
The familiarity towards muslims that had developed in my childhood days however did not leave me and wherever I worked I found a muslim friend.
While I was working in Bhopal, I befriended this guy named Waseem whom I would join for lunch and iftaar as well during Ramzan. There were times when people from Jamaat would come and talk on themes of After life , jannat and Dozakh (Heaven and Hell). It really had an impact on me and I would often listen with great interest wearing the handkerchief on my head.
Due to certain reasons I had to leave that job. I went to another factory and as luck may have it, found another friend called Javed who would take me home for iftaar. I would watch him offering Namaz after iftaar. One day, he said to me, : even you will have to die some day, you must also offer namaaz, embrace Islam” , to which I angrily replied that you are feeding me to convert? Javed politely said that it is out of love and I am telling you thing of benefit.
A few days back, I fell terribly ill and had to leave the factory due to long absence. In the same factory was Gita whom I called Gita Didi, meaning it sincerely. When I told her about Javed’s request, she asked me to accept. “islam is the true religion, the girls in my neighbourhood tell me about what will happen after death and they also read to me the interviews of the reverts from the armughan urdu magazine. You must also embrace islam and then do call me in. please don’t forget me my brother.”
I had called Gita didi in Noida where I was now working but my manager did not like it, he took it otherwise and fired me from the job. Gita did had returned to her home but left with me the decision that I had to become muslim now!
I joined another factory and met Sharif. I told him I wanted to become a muslim so he asked me to meet the Imam, when I went to the mosque and saw many people performing wudhu I dared not to enter and sat at the gate for three hours. Next day, I again went there in the evening and waited for the Imam. On knowing my motive of embracing islam he asked me to come on Thursday and then on Friday. Where Jamaat members had come. They asked me , my whereabouts, phone numbers and why I wanted to be a Muslim?
I said just like that. They did not take me seriously, since I had no reasons to explain and I did not like that. I kept asking people where is that Muslims live in large number nearby Noida. I came to know its Okhla and planned to go there. Coincidentally, Jamaat from Okhla came to Noida and my friend introduced me to them as a convert. They took me along for a 40 day Jamaat after my consent which I readily gave since I wanted to become a muslim so desperately. I sold off my watch and gold ring for the expenditure. We went to Sonepat and my companions mistook me for CID because I was habitual of making telephone calls every now and then. They discussed amongst themselves that I should not continue with them. One of them who was mureed of Maulan mohd. Kaleem Siddiqui Sb. Said, “ there is no need to fear when we our doing nothing wrong.” But until Maulana Sb. Himself took the responsibility on phone saying , “please keep him with you as if he was my son and I am responsible for whatever he does”; they settled down and kept me.
I was asked to meet Maulana Sb. In Okhla. The day came after much wait and finally when I met him, I told that nobody has converted me to Islam yet. He explained me the kalma and asked me to recite it. He also gave me a book to read and on my request named me “Tauheed”.

Q: what happened after that?
A: Next day a few people of my district came over and asked Maulana send me along for with them so that we could work on family members. I was sent with them and then one day few people from my village saw me. They came upto me and told me that people in my village knew that I have converted to Islam, we are afraid there may be fight over the issue. They advised me to leave and so I came back to Phulat. There I said to Maulana that I had taken allegiance to live according to the tradition of the Prophet but I have not circumcised which is also a sunnah.
The very next day many of us underwent the operation and except me and another guy everyone healed. The infection was severe in my case and I suffered from fever as well. Some people started relating to me incidents of death in few cases but I was not scared and expressed my desire to die while practicing the traditions of the beloved Prophet.
Soon I was cured and then again took an oath of allegiance.

Q: What about Gita didi?
A: her family wanted to marry her off but she wanted to become a muslim. She went to a lot of people but none helped her out of fear. Her family engaged her to a drunkard and gambler, the marriage was to be ceremonised in the mass wedding. She gave me a call and requested me to take her away. I was free only on Sundays but her marriage was on Saturday. She went around to many muslim men saying she wanted to embrace Islam but nobody paid heed to it and so in the end, she resorted to suicide. She kept saying, “death is a better option than living like this;” and “my Allah Himself will make me a muslim.”
I got to know all this on reaching Bhopal, that Sunday and it’s a wound that would never heal in my lifetime. Just to save my job I did such a crime! May Allah forgive me my sins.

Q: Where did you settle after all this?
A: I was sent to Haryana, kept looking for a job when I got an offer from a factory but which I strongly refused to.
I could starve but not let go off the sunnah of my beloved Prophet.
Then I finally got a job in another factory where by God’s grace and my hard work I was made supervisor. The fellow workers did not like it. One day I found 5 Rupees on the ground and since I learnt from the jamaat I spent time with, one should announce it and let it reach to the one it belongs to, I put up a notice. The fellows provoked the manager and I had to leave the job.

Q: how do you feel after embracing islam?
A: I love everything about Islam, every Sunnah of the Prophet is dearer to me than my life. I have set my hairstyle according to his and love to see it in the mirror.
Once I went to the tailor to get my kurta stitched. He asked me which side do I want my pocket? A hafiz Sb. Was accompanying me at that time I put the question to him and he did not know; I asked Maulana Sb. And he said he would let me know after research. Maulana went for umrah. I gave him a call there and asked him to pray for me and tell me which side to get the pockets stitched? He had asked many a scholars but no satisfactory answer could be found. Till date I have not got my kurta stitched and will not get it done until it falls in line with the tradition of the Prophet.

Q: did you contribute to Da’wah field?
A: Alhamdulillah I have and how do you think its possible that I will not after all I have joined Maulana Sb. I have spread the message to many a fellow workers in the factory and they accepted Islam. Today as well I am traveling to Jhanjhana, there are a few villages. Inshallah by day after I will teach them the kalma. Guidance is His Holy Hand. But He blesses our efforts.

Q: Message for Armughan readers?
A: whatelse? It is for them to interpret the signs of God that when he can bestow someone of the background as mine with so much love of prophet’s tradition, then the innocent people who are a majority in the world, why will they not understand the message of Islam and why will they not love the messenger of Islam? We must keep trying.

A: thank you.