better light a candle than curse darkness
Number 8, August 2008
Publisher: Bihar Anjuman
Website: www.biharanjuman.org
Chief Editor:
Manzurul Haque, Patna
Editor:
Md. Shamim Ahmad, Mumbai
Assistant Editor :
Vacant
Graphics Designer:
Seraj Akram, Riyadh
Editorial Communication:
Email: bakhabar@biharanjuman.org
Contact:
Tel: +91-612-2250578, Mob:+9304472842
BaKhabar is your own News Magazine. Share your information and articles with community members...Editors
Publishers Note:
Bihar Anjuman does not guarantee the originality and accuracy of any information, interpretation, opinion, or view presented in this newsmagazine. The views and opinions expressed in this online magazine are strictly those of the author and do not necessarily reflect that of Bakhabar. Bihar Anjuman, however, reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication for reasons of clarity and space.
Interfaith dialogues
by Nisaar Yusuf
After 11 Sept 2001, Islam has become a global brand name. All of a sudden the world is focused on Islam and Muslims. Many Muslims are very skeptic about this attention; some are even uncomfortable when fired by questions at work places and at airports etc. But for a Muslim who is passionate about Da'wah, this is an opportunity to promote Islamic values and show the world the peaceful vision of Islam.
In simple terms, interfaith dialogue means inviting people to Islam - Da'wah. It is for the first time in the history of Muslims that the non-Muslims worldwide are urging us to speak up in interfaith dialogues. Wallah, it is an amazing thing that has happened to us. In other words the Non-Muslims are urging us to invite them to Islam. Their politicians, their bishops, their rabbis, all of them want Muslims to engage in interfaith dialogue. I say Da'wah was never so warmly welcomed before this.
Following career opportunities are clearly there in the field of Da'wah - 1) Public speaking, 2) TV anchor, 3) News editor, 4) Writer, 5) Journalist, 6) Administrator of a Da'wah Center, 7) Producer and Director of Islamic programs and 8) Trainers in Da'wah work. And if you observe carefully, all of these careers require passion besides a professional approach. I tell you, almost all of us, can fit into any of these careers if we dedicate a couple of hours every day in the field we love to expertise. In this way we could build a parallel career in interfaith dialogue.
Have we ever thought why the West is ahead of us in propaganda? Because there are hundreds of well organized debate websites where Western students learn debating skills and gather important information. There are also debate tournaments in their campuses. We have to admit that debating in TV and media is the buzz word today. It is turning professional. And these students will be debating with us tomorrow when they grow up. Many of them would be growing up with false information against Islam but through debating skills they may prove themselves to be true at least for time being.
It is due to lack of effective skills in conducting dialogues that some of our youths get frustrated and become disputers. Instead of arguing in a gentle manner they get into disputes. In some cases it also happens that some of us start mocking at the deities of others, thus foreclosing any option of a healthy debate. Let us review what the holy Quran has to say on these subjects:
Note them down and argue with them in ways that are most gracious (Surah Nahl ch 16: 125). 
....more in page-5
The Murder Most...
I am sure this kind of socially useful measures will also give rest and peace to the departed souls, whose lives were wantonly plucked by a vandal hand. It is also our Islamic duty to struggle in the way of good and we should not absolve ourselves of all social responsibilities.
Md Enam Khan is the convener of Patna Chapter of Bihar Anjuman.(enam200@rediffmail.com)