The village of Nirmal Jote in India witnessed an unexpected turn of events on the morning of Eid al-Adha. Residents, who began their day with festive preparations and prayers, soon found themselves in the midst of a rescue operation following a tragic train accident. The collision between a goods train and the Sealdah-bound Kanchenjunga Express resulted in the deaths of at least nine people and injuries to around 40 others. The villagers, led by individuals like Mohammad Momirul, swiftly shifted from celebration to action, embodying the true spirit of Eid through their selfless acts.

As reported by Indian Express, Momirul, a 32-year-old resident, had just returned from offering namaz when he heard a loud crash. Upon reaching the scene, he found the loco pilot of the goods train already dead. Without hesitation, Momirul and over 150 other villagers sprang into action. They organized impromptu rescue operations, using their own vehicles to transport the injured to nearby hospitals in the absence of immediate ambulance services. Many villagers also opened their homes to the passengers, offering them a place to rest and recover from the ordeal.

Among the rescuers was Mohammad Nazrul, who discovered six bodies and helped rescue approximately 35 people. Another resident, Taslima Khatoon, comforted an injured elderly woman who was unable to stand, ensuring she received the care she needed until her relatives arrived. The villagers’ quick response and compassionate efforts not only saved lives but also highlighted the unity and humanity that transcend religious and cultural divides.

The efforts of the Nirmal Jote villagers illustrate how, even in the face of tragedy, the core values of Eid – compassion, charity, and community – shine through. Their actions serve as a powerful reminder that during times of crisis, human solidarity can overcome adversity, bringing people together in the spirit of mutual aid and understanding.

In Pune, another inspiring story unfolded on Eid al-Adha, showcasing a different aspect of sacrifice and compassion. The Muslim Satyashodhak Mandal (MSM), an organization dedicated to promoting modern scientific approaches and democratic values within the Muslim community, launched a unique initiative encouraging Muslims to donate blood and pledge their organs and bodies for medical use after death. This initiative, supported by the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti (MANS) and animal rights activists, marks a significant step towards fostering communal harmony and advancing a scientific outlook.

For the past 15 years, MSM has been organizing blood donation camps on Eid al-Adha, urging Muslims to donate blood instead of sacrificing animals. This year, they expanded their efforts by encouraging participants to sign resolutions for organ and body donation. The response was overwhelming: 34 people donated blood, and around 30 individuals pledged to donate their organs and bodies.

As reported by Indian express, Professor Shamshuddin Tamboli, president of MSM, emphasized that the true meaning of “Qurbani” (sacrifice) lies in contributing to society. By promoting blood and organ donation, MSM aims to save lives and foster a spirit of humanity and communal harmony. Altaphusen Ramjan Nabab, a mechanical engineer and MSM office bearer, highlighted the importance of this initiative, noting that Islam allows for such life-saving acts and that this effort can help dispel misconceptions about Muslims.

The initiative also saw participation from individuals with personal stories of resilience and advocacy. Shrirupa Bagwan, a dedicated MSM member, expressed her joy in donating blood and pledging her body for donation. Nisar Sikandar Bagwan, a father whose daughter faced a triple talaq at a young age, has been a consistent blood donor at MSM’s Eid al-Adha programs for the past eight years. His daughter’s journey from a victim of triple talaq to a law graduate, supported by MSM, underscores the transformative impact of such initiatives on individual lives and the broader community.

The efforts of MSM and the participation of individuals like Nabab, Shrirupa, and Nisar highlight a profound commitment to social reform and communal harmony. By choosing to celebrate Eid al-Adha through acts of donation and sacrifice for the greater good, they are setting a powerful example of how traditional religious practices can evolve to address contemporary societal needs.

These stories are reminders of the potential for religious festivals to serve as platforms for positive change. Eid al-Adha, with its emphasis on sacrifice and charity, provides an ideal opportunity for communities to come together, transcend differences, and work towards common goals. Whether through immediate crisis response or long-term social initiatives, the essence of Eid lies in fostering a sense of shared humanity and mutual support.

Related:

Unity in Diversity: Tamil Nadu’s communal harmony shines bright in a divided nation

From Punjab to Lakshadweep: Heart-warming stories of everyday unity and harmony

Stories of unity in diversity: Inspiring narratives highlight communal harmony amidst today’s polarised world

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Exactly a week earlier on August 5, Kashmir was kayoed in a swift, unethical and undemocratic way. That day will surely rank as one of the blackest days in the country’s history – if not the blackest! In a blatantly unconstitutional and anti-people act, the BJP-led NDA Government abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution. The manner in which was done was autocratic and an onslaught on democracy.

The draconian and secretive manner in which the government pushed a sensitive bill, steam-rolling all opposition, without consulting Parliament, without taking the people of Kashmir into confidence – is clear betrayal of the values embedded in the hearts and minds of most Indians.

Article 370 of the Constitution of India is a self-contained one. It determined how the Constitution of India would apply to the State of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and it also contains clear and specific provisions for the procedure for the abrogation of the Article. The President of India can pass an order under Article 370 (3), removing article 370 only if the Constituent Assembly of J&K recommended the same.

The Constituent Assembly of J&K ceased functioning in 1957, the Supreme Court in its judgement in SBI vs Santosh Gupta (2017) held that the Article 370 has become permanent unless another Constituent Assembly of J&K was constituted. In order to get over this constitutional roadblock, the present regime in New Delhi adopted a devious and unconstitutional route.

Article 370 (1) (d) of the Constitution empowers the President to periodically issue notifications modifying the way the constitutional provisions can be made applicable to J&K. Article 367 of the Constitution of India explains how phrases in the Constitution are to be interpreted. The issue, in case of abrogation of Article 370, was the need for a recommendation by the `Constituent Assembly of the State.’

On August 5, in a devious manner, the BJP-led government introduced a three-step amendment process. In the first step a Presidential Notification under Article 370 (1)(d) was issued amending Article 367 by introducing a new Sub-clause (4) which stated that the expression ‘Constituent Assembly’ in Article 370(3) shall be read as ‘Legislative Assembly of the State’.

The effect was that after this change, Article 370 of the Constitution could be amended removing the necessity to obtain the recommendation of the Constituent Assembly. This is in fact, completely violative of the spirit and the letter of the Constitutional provisions. Besides, adding insult to injury J&K was downgraded to a Union Territory from a state — something unheard of and absolutely humiliating!

For almost a week before August 5 the government was on an over-kill: with surreptitious yet strategic acts ensuring a build- up, which kept the nation wondering but at the same time the people of Kashmir were kept on tenterhooks and in utter darkness.

There was a massive upscaling in deployment of military forces, random frisking of people, the imposition of indefinite curfew, the arrests of former Chief Ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah and other key Kashmiri leaders were arrested; a round the clock curfew with a complete black out in communications, the suspension of civil activity, the sudden evacuation of all tourists and particularly pilgrims to Amarnath, in an attempt to terrorise citizens and bulldoze the aspirations of the people of the state.

Ever since the unconstitutional abrogation of Article 370 the people of Kashmir are still being denied the rights and freedom which are legitimately theirs.

The abrogation of Article 370 has always been part of the DNA of the Sangh Parivar. The BJP election manifesto clearly highlights it – and to their ‘bhakts’ they have made good their promise. Several of them are jubilant and celebrating with unabashed adulation – just as the crowds did for Hitler when he began purging the Jews, the Catholics, the intellectuals, the liberals.

There are however several unanswered questions, which even the most ardent of ‘bhakts’ are unable to answer, on this heinous deed:
 

• Why was it done in such a cloak-and-dagger manner?
• Why were the people of Kashmir, their political leaders and others who matter not taken into confidence?
• Why was the Opposition kept in the dark — and not given the minimum mandatory two days to deliberate on such a contentious issue?
• Why are the people of Kashmir kept imprisoned in their own homes, with a complete blockade on communications and being denied their basic human rights?

The BJP and their ilk know that what they have done is wrong, totally unacceptable by anyone, who has a little common sense, who has some degree of objectivity and sensitivity to the larger issues, concerning India and the whole sub-continent.

Several intellectuals and other eminent citizens of the country have taken umbrage on the abrogation of Article 370 and the way it has been done. Editorials and op-eds not only from India but from all over the world, have unequivocally condemned this draconian act of the Government and the fact that it will greatly affect the peace and stability of the region.
 

Petitions against abrogation of Article 370, media blackout: At this moment, the Supreme Court does not seem to be in a hurry to take up these matters

‘The Telegraph’, of Calcutta, which is well-known for its front-page headlines critical of the Modi regime, likened the August 5 decision, to ‘the Partition’ in big, bold letters. In a hard-hitting article ‘The Ultimate Goal Is a Hindu Rashtra and It Is Now Within Sight’, Sidharth Bhatia, the founding editor of ‘The Wire’, argues that the Sangh Parivar’s dreams are close to being fulfilled and scores of Indians are cheering it on.

Whereas ‘Mumbai Mirror’ (from the Times of India Group) had a strong headline ‘Cloak and dagger that pierced Kashmir’s heart’ reflected its paper’s view on both the decision itself and how it was carried out, without consultation, and while blacking out any news or dissent from the Kashmir Valley.

Pratap Bhanu Menta, the well-known intellectual, in an op-ed in the ‘Indian Express’ (August 6, 2019) entitled, ‘The story of Indian democracy written in blood and betrayal’, writes:

“There are times in the history of a republic when it reduces itself to a jackboot. Nothing more and nothing less. We are witnessing that moment in Kashmir. But this moment is also a dry run for the political desecration that may follow in the rest of India. The way the BJP government has changed the status of Jammu and Kashmir by rendering Article 370 ineffective and bifurcating the state is revealing its true character.

“This is a state for whom the only currency that matters are raw power. This is a state that recognises no constraints of law, liberty and morality. This is a state that will make a mockery of democracy and deliberation This is a state whose psychological principle is fear. This is a state that will make ordinary citizens cannon fodder for its warped nationalist pretensions.”

UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) states, “The fact that hardly any information is currently coming out from the region is of great concern.”

Its spokesperson pointed to the UNHRC’s July 8 report on the human rights conditions in Kashmir, which documented how authorities in India have “repeatedly blocked telecommunications networks to muzzle dissent, used arbitrary detention to punish political dissidents and employed excessive force when dealing with protestors leading to extrajudicial killings and serious injuries;” adding that the latest restrictions “will exacerbate the human rights situation in the region.”

‘The Guardian’ the well-respected news media from the United Kingdom minced no words in an editorial (August 6, 2019) saying:

“Yet the revocation and decision to split the state in two – creating two centrally administered territories in its place – is shocking and perilous.

Several legal experts believe it unconstitutional too. Its abrupt and ruthless manner, with the house arrest of well-known politicians, imposition of a curfew and blackout of the internet and phone lines, will likely lead to protests and inflame the resentment which has underpinned an insurgency which has cost tens of thousands of lives”.

Several national, non-partisan and secular organisations like the Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), and the National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM) have issued very strong statements condemning the abrogation of Article 370.

Anuradha Bhasin, the executive editor of the ‘Kashmir Times’ has filed a writ petition on August 10, in the Supreme Court seeking directions to ensure that the State creates an enabling environment for journalists and all other media personnel in all parts of Jammu and Kashmir to practise their profession.

The petition has demanded that the debilitating restrictions imposed through the complete shutdown on internet and telecommunication services, and severe curbs on the movement of photo-journalists and reporters be immediately relaxed in order to ensure the freedom of the press and media.

Besides, a couple of other petitions have already been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the abrogation of Article 370. At this moment, the Supreme Court does not seem to be in a hurry to take up these matters!

Asiya Syed, is a young Kashmiri currently doing her undergraduate studies in Bombay University. Her parents and relatives live in Kashmir – she has absolutely no communication with them these past days. Asiya is not afraid — she is visible, she is vocal — passionately espoused to the idea and the cause she believes in “I will speak up, no matter what, and I will not keep my identity hidden even if they kill me”. She goes on to add, “Your million forces and communication blockade will not kill an idea!”

Asiya represents that idea of a free, pluralistic, dignified, sensitive India. We the people, should have the courage to unequivocally condemn the bloody betrayal of a people by standing up for Asiya and the Kashmiris now!
—
*Human rights and peace activist/writer, recipient of several international and national honours for his work for human rights, justice, reconciliation and peace. Contact: cedricprakash@gmail.com

Courtesy: Counter View

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Egyptian writer and poet Fatima Naoot was sentenced to three years in prison and a fine of about Rs. 1.7 lakh on Tuesday (January 26) after being held guilty of ‘contempt of religion’.  The jail sentence is to be carried out with immediate effect, though she could appeal from behind bars. The court ruling comes just a day after the fifth anniversary of Egypt’s Arab Spring when hundreds of thousands of men and women had taken to the streets, occupied Cairo’s Tahrir Square, demanding freedom and democracy. 

“I’m not sad about the sentencing as I don’t care about going to jail. I’m sad that the efforts of reformists have been wasted,” Naoot stated in response to her conviction.

The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) has strongly condemned the conviction saying, “The continuous curbs put on freedom of opinion and expression in Egypt, as well as the severe expansion in the use of the ‘contempt of religion’ charge for the prosecution of opinion makers… Such a matter, in turn, makes Egypt one of the most Arab countries that show hostility to freedom of expression as well as press freedom, especially that about 59 journalists have remained in prison so far.”

In a post on her Facebook page and Twitter October 1, 2014, Naoot had criticised the Muslim practice of animal sacrifice during the annual Eid al-Adha (popularly referred to as ‘Bakra Eid’ in India) as the "greatest massacre committed by human beings."

In an article she also wrote in the daily El-Masry El-Youm she had opined: "(It's) a yearly massacre because a good man once had a nightmare about his good son, and although the nightmare has passed for the good man and his son, the (sheep) pay their lives as a price for that holy nightmare."

Eid al-Adha, considered more important that Eid al-fitr which marks the end of Ramzan,   commemorates the willingness of Prophet Abraham to sacrifice his young first-born son Ismail as an act of submission to God’s command; God intervened to provide Abraham with a lamb to sacrifice instead.

During her trial, the outspoken, secularist Naoot had denied insulting Islam. According to Al Ahram Online, she had argued that her criticism was directed at “humans who justified their lust for killing and enjoying the smell of cooking game by attempting to bestow a divine meaning to their actions”.

In late December, popular Egyptian TV host Islam Behery was sent to prison, also on the same “contempt of religion” charge after a court had reduced an earlier five year sentence to one year. Behery was ‘guilty’ of questioning some of the sayings (ahadith, plural of hadith) attributed to Prophet Mohammed. Along with the Quran, most Muslims consider ahadith collections as a primary source of Islamic jurisprudence. However, across the world today a growing number among Muslims consider themselves as ‘Quranists’ and question the authenticity of the ahadith which were compiled over two centuries after the death of the prophet.    

In an article she also wrote in the daily El-Masry El-Youm she had opined: "(It's) a yearly massacre because a good man once had a nightmare about his good son, and although the nightmare has passed for the good man and his son, the (sheep) pay their lives as a price for that holy nightmare." 
 
​Naoot was convicted under Article 98, which states: “Whomever exploits religion in order to promote extremist ideologies by word of mouth, in writing or in any other manner, with a view to stirring up sedition, disparaging, or contempt of any divine religion or its adherents, or prejudicing national unity, shall be punished with imprisonment between six months and five years, or the payment of a fine of at least EGP 500.” 
             
The incarceration of Naoot is sure to lend fresh charge to organisations such as the Council of ex-Muslims of Great Britain (CEMB) which have been campaigning against apostasy and blasphemy and related issues being treated as criminal offences. According to CEMB, “Apostasy and blasphemy are not crimes but basic human rights as are interpreting, mocking, criticising, and renouncing Islam openly and freely.”

A CEMB press release, issued possibly hours before news of the sentencing of Naoot stated, “In 2016, the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain will continue to highlight the cases of those languishing in prisons or on death row for apostasy or blasphemy”. The cases on the CEMB list released on January 26 include:

​Abdulaziz Dauda, also known as Abdul Inyass, an Islamic scholar sentenced to death in Nigeria for blasphemy for a lecture which was deemed to be blasphemous against Islam’s prophet. He was also jailed for 3 years for inciting public disturbance.

​Ashraf Fayadh, a Palestinian poet and artist who lives in Saudi Arabia, has been sentenced to death for ‘apostasy’ for his poetry which the regime claims has questioned religion and spread atheism.
Hesameddin Farzizadeh, 23 year old writer and student who has been sentenced to 7 years in prison, 74 lashes and the death penalty for apostasy in Iran for his book examining the history and questioning facets of Shi’a Islam.

Islam Behery, Egyptian TV host was sentenced to prison for “contempt of religion.”
Mohamed Cheikh Ould, Mauritanian activist and blogger sentenced to death for apostasy for an article he wrote, which the court found was critical of Islam and Islam’s prophet.

​Raif Badawi, Saudi secular blogger and founder of a liberal website sentenced to 10 years in prison and 1000 lashes for apostasy for raising questions about religion and politics.
27 Sudanese Muslims from the Qurani sect, charged with apostasy and disturbing the public peace according to article 126, section 2 of the Sudanese criminal law for considering the Quran holy but believing that the Hadith, sayings and actions of Mohammad, Islam’s prophet, are not authentic.

​Waleed Abu Al Khair, Saudi human rights lawyer (including for his brother-in-law Raif Badawi) was found guilty by a special counter-terrorism court of, among other charges, insulting the judiciary, disobeying the ruler, and harming the reputation of the Kingdom. He was offered a reduced sentence of 10 years if he apologized for his “offences”, but when he refused an appeal judge ordered him to serve the full term…

Fatima Naoot has just made it to the list.

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