July 2011 Final Pages.indd - World Memon Organization Pakistan ...

JULY 2011 Volume No. 53 Issue No. 634MEMON COMMUNITYJOURNEYTHROUGHTHE TIME

JULY 2011Volume No. 53Issue No. 634Registration No. SS-0384 Join Hands6 Editorial18 In Prejudice21 Community News22 Education - The Importanceof Technical Education25 On Morals28 Reality29 Fruitility31 Humour33 Medical Science38 Health Corner39 TIPS41 Religion44 Thought Provoking46 The Learning Curve48 Lighter Moments7 Journey through the time50 Memon QuamnaBhutkalma dokio53 Insaafna Tarazivanidhandi khoti na namay54 Seva anay Sahiri - NazMangroli56 Iqbal anay Memon58 Khajoor59 Khoosi ja tahevar60 Hey mijhi quamja leader61 All India Memon JamatFederation

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FROM THE DESK OF THE EDITORThe journey through timesThere are several theories about the origin of the Memon Community. One of the theories claim that the originof the Community dates back to the fourteenth century when in Sindh, (now in Pakistan), lived a Hindu communityknown as ‘Lohanas’. In 1432 , a large number of Lohanas were converted to Islam and became wellknown as “Momins”. The word means believers and this name was subsequently evolved into the word “Memons”.Another theory of the origin of the community is the occupation of Sindh by Muhammad Bin Qasim. His forceshad two columns – Mymenah the right wingers and the left wingers. Some of the right wingers stayed in Sindh andstarted to be known as Memons evolved from the word ‘ Mymenah’.The new Muslim community was distinguished by great religious zeal and piety. Even today this feature is the charactersticof the Memon community. The reputation of being pious Muslims which has been attached to the MemonCommunity, contributed greatly to their commercial success. When a Memon moves to a locality, his first action wasto build a mosque. In Karachi alone, one can find many mosques carrying the name of Memon as a prefix. On thewhole, the Memon Community is a God-fearing and religious minded Community and is always admired and respectedfor its distinct business acumen.The Memon traders or professional businessmen of those days had a unique system of organization and management.Many well known Memon business firms had hundreds of branches spread all over the country and abroad.When none of the present day communication technology was available, they had evolved a system which kept theHead Offices of these firms in constant touch with all the branches. Apparently, these firms were owned by one familybut they had evolved a system of what one may call a contributory and participatory management.Some people, with their own axe, often try to malign the community as hoarders and profiteers. But it is a matter ofcommon knowledge about our ancestors that quite often they even did business when the gunny bags or bardana usedfor packing of the commodity was the only profit left for them. They believe in high turnover and small profits forover all success of the business. Many Management Gurus of today advocate this strategy.Mostly, Memons are found in large numbers in the bustling business cities of Karachi, Mumbai, Surat, Chennai,Dhoraji and Hyderabad in South Asia. The well-to-do and rich families have spread their business in Pakistan, India,Sri Lanka, Nepal and various parts of Europe and Africa.More so, since business acumen, vision and farsightedness run in Memon’s blood, they were immediately rewardedand their business flourished with the passage of time.To highlight the history of Memons and their religious and cultural life of that time, it is sincerely intended to attemptto mention the unity and the great struggle for identity and subsequent triumph in spite of the forces of evil.Their achievements provide a source of inspiration to succeeding generations.After 400 years of wandering and search of a true permanent home, the Memons had finally set roots. Their arrivalin different parts of India heralded a new beginning, a life of plentiful and abundance of fortunes.The World Memon Organization (WMO) is the international umbrella organization of the Memon community, representingthe entire Memon community spread across the world and addresses the key issues faced by the communityat the global levels.The WMO, serve the needy humanity providing them with shelter, scholarships to the deserving children of theMemon community who are unable to meet their educational expenses, financial help to those who intend to starttheir own business, and so on. WMO believes, true happiness begins with the feelings of doing something for someoneselflessly without expecting anything in return.Allah has created us with a heart of compassion. He wants us to be compassionate, loving and caring to our fellowhumans. When we feel the pain of others and try to relieve them in any capacity no matter how humble, we are onthe path of happiness.If we see towards the future we can feel that we will have to face new challenges of industrialization and technologyin the near future. Our business will require modern know-how and skills. Our real aim is to provide higher andprofessional education to Memon youth but at the same time to keep them business-minded.At any time, we should not forget that service to mankind is service to God.Pir Muhammad A. KaliyaChief EditorMemon Alam6MEMON ALAM JULY 2011

JOURNEY THROUGH THE TIMEMEMON COMMUNITYJOURNEYTHROUGHTHE TIMEHistory Of the MemonsA Hameed Tayyab SuriyaCall it religion or morals, education orcraft, trade or industry, or service tohumanity, whatever field you nameit, the Memon Community, having excelledin each field, is settled in every part of theworld.Various books have been written on thehistory of this Community. To name a few:Abrazul Haq, Memon History, The Historyof Kutch & Makran, Bombay Gazetteer,The Preaching of Islam, Musalmans ofGujrat, the origin of the Lohana Community,Sindh Gazetteer, Kutch & BombayGazetteeer, The Muslim Community ofIndo-Pak Sub Continent, The History ofthe Memon Community, The origin of theMemon Community and the Memoirs ofthe Memon Community. Besides, on morethan 25 Internet websites, the history of theMemon Community has been projected. Allthe said books and websites throw amplelight on different aspects of the MemonCommunity’s history. While various books/articles have been written and researchdone on Memon history, one thing is forsure, that is, that the majority of the authorsagree that the origin of the Memon Communitydates back to the ancient “Lohana”Community.Though the history writers hold differentopinions, yet the large number ofMemons living in Sindh, Gujrat, Kathiawarand Kutch believe that they had embracedIslam under the guidance of some GodfearingSaint who had conferred the titleof “Momin” on the Memons. This title of“Momin”, with years of usage and passageof time, came to be known as “Memon”.It is pertinent to mention that the majorityof the Memons agree with the “finding”of Syed Ameeruddin Nuzhat about theMemon Community which was publishedin his book, Abrazul Haq” in the year 1873.Mr. Ismail Amreliwala’s book on “MemonHistory” published in 1913; Mr. IshtiaqHussain Qureshi’s book on “The MuslimCommunity of Indo-Pak Sub-Continent”,published in 1962; Mr. T.W. Arnold’s famoustreatise on “The Preaching of Islam”,and Mr. James Campbell’s “Bombay Gazetteer”also narrate the same story about theMemons which was written in the aforesaidbook “Abrazul Haq”.According to the said findings of SyedAmeeruddin Nuzhat, 700 persons belongingto the Lohana Tribe embraced Islam underthe guidance of Saint Syed YousufuddinQuadri in the year 1424 A.D. (824 Hijra).Mr. Zakaria Hashim, the renownedMemon writer, in his book “Tazkira-e-Memon Qom” published in 1998, hasvery forcefully debated and has furnishedsufficient evidence to prove that the recollectionabout the Memon Community givenin the aforesaid book “Abrazul Haq” trulyestablishes the root of the said Community.All contemporary writers now agree on theorigin of the Memon Community in theancient “Lohana Tribe” of the Indian Sub-Continent.Early history of theMemon CommunityBefore embracing Islam, the Memonsbelonged to the Hindu Lohana Tribe, whichhad 84 branches, spread over a vast area.Reverend Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani, inhis last days, had advised his son, SheikhTajuddin to go to Sindh for preachingIslam. Sheikh Tajuddin could not make it,but, some time later, reverend Syed YousufuddinQuadri from Iraq, came to Sindhin 1421 A.D. At that time, Thatta was thecapital of Sindh and the ruler of Thatta wasMarkab Khan.On the advice of Markab Khan, he settledin Thatta and started preaching Islam.It is here that reverend Syed YousufuddinQuadri launched his mission and withina very short period succeeded in invitingvarious families of the Hindu Lohana Tribeand their leaders within the fold of Islam.Members of the tribe were enlightened with“Islam” in the years 1424-1425 A.D.Sardar Seth Sunder Jee and Seth Humrajwere respected members of the royal courtof the ruler of Sindh. They were the sonsof Sardar Seth O.G. Bin Manek Jee. FirstMEMON ALAM JULY 2011 7

JOURNEY THROUGH THE TIMEof all, Seth Manek Jee, who was the Chiefof 700 Lohana families, embraced Islam onthe hands of reverend Syed YousufuddinQuadri. Following him, his sons, O. Jee andRo Jee; and after that, Seth Ro jee’s sons,both Seth Sunder Jee and Seth Humraj,came under the banner of Islam. Walkingon the foot-steps of their leaders, 700families belonging to 84 different branchesof the Lohana Tribe, also embraced Islam.Reverend Syed Yousufuddin Quadri conferredon them the title of “Momin”, which,with the passage of time, came to be knownas “Memon”.When 700 families of the Lohana Tribein Thatta embraced Islam, the remainingHindu leaders of the Tribe and their followerswere extremely worried. They assembleda big congregation under the orders oftheir religious mentors, Joshi Tekmul, JoshiMalmul and Joshi Nandmul and announcedthat those spouses and daughters of thenewly converted Muslims of the LohanaTribe, who were, at that time, living withtheir Hindus Parents and grandparents,would not be given back to the new Muslimsfor fear of their conversion to Islam.Besides, they declared social and economicboycott of the new Muslims so that theremight be no trade or social interaction withthem. Such decision of the Hindu LohanaTribe had created numerous difficulties andproblems for the new Muslims. One couldimagine the plight of those new Muslimsvis-à-vis their unfortunate Hindu relativeswho did not witness the torch of Islam.There might have been many sisters anddaughters of the new Muslims who wouldhave been forcefully married with theHindus. There might have been many girls,who, even after embracing Islam, wouldhave remained in the custody of the Hindus.What wrath would have fallen on them?Thus, one can imagine all types of perplexedsituations which could have arisen atthat time.Briefly speaking, in the backdrop of suchagonizing, tormenting and disturbing situations,and the fact that the Lohana Hinduswere far stronger and greater in numberthan the newly converted Muslims, they(Muslims) perhaps were left with no choicebut to migrate to some other place. Theydiscussed the matter with Reverend SyedYousufuddin Quadri, who advised them toleave Thatta. The new Muslims then movedto a place called “Veryah” which is not veryfar off from Thatta.Having settled in Veryah in 824 Hijra,about 600 families of the new Muslims thenmigrated to District Hala, Kathiawar, in theprovince of Gujrat and made it their permanenthome. At that time, that is, during 858to 866 Hijra, Jam Sangar was the ruler of8Sindh and the economic and cultural conditionsof the province had very much deteriorated.It won’t be out of place to mentionthat about 100 families of the new Muslim,including their women folk, who had settledin Veryah, and for some reasons could notmigrate to Kathiawar in Gujrat remainedin Veryah until 1947 Hijra. The first Chiefof the Memon Community was SunderJee who had been given the Islamic nameof “Adam” by the Reverend Saint. He hadsettled in a place called MaujVeryah, nearThatta. A house had also been constructedfor him there.Seth Adam and his son Markan, whoseIslamic name was Ruknuddin, passed theirwhole life in Mauj Veryah. However, one ofRuknunddin’s son’s by the name of KunaSeth, had migrated to Kutch in 1442 A.D.,on the invitation of Raja Rao-jee Khaingarjee,the ruler of Kutch. At that time, Kutchwas a vast space of arid and unpopulatedland. Raja Rao-jee had invited Kuna Sethto Kutch on permanent basis with a view toinhabiting and developing the barren land.After the migration of 600 families of thenew Muslims from Veryah to Kathiawar(Gujrat) in 858 Hijra, 100 such families hadremained back in Veryah. Members of mostof such 100 families then migrated to Kutch(Kathiawar) in 947 Hijra along with ChiefKuna Seth. Migration on a small scale, thencontinued from one place to another and,with the passage of time, small settlementsof the Memon Community could be foundscattered all over Kutch and Gujrat. Thus,on the basis of distance and territorialjurisdiction, the Memon Community gotdivided into various sub-tribes.The division of the MemonCommunityDuring 858 to 866 Hijra, that is, during thereigning period of Jam Sangar in Sindh,600 families of the Memon Communityhad migrated from Veryah (Sindh) to Hala(Kathiawar) and had permanently settledthere. During their long association withHala, they came to be known as HalariMemons or simply Halai. Then, in 947Hijra, when most of the remaining Memonsin Veryah migrated to Kutch, they came tobe known as Kutchi Memons. Later, whensome families moved from Kutch to OkhaBunder and settled there for good, they too,after a time lag, came to be known as OkhaiMemons.In 1535 A.D., that is, during the secondphase of migration from Veryah (Sindh) toKutch, some Memon families had moved tofar flung areas in the South of Sindh wherethey had adopted agriculture as their profession.Because of this permanent associationwith Sindh, they came to be knownas Sindhi Memons. Though the Memonssettled in Southern Sindh had never calledthemselves as Sindhi Memons and hadalways called themselves as Memons only,yet, because of the adoption of territorialtag with the names of other Memon Communities,such as, Halai Memons, KutchiMemons and Okhai Memons, they preferredto call their Memon brethren settledin Sindh as “Sindhi Memons”. And that iswhy the Memons settled in Sindh are stillcalled “Sindhi Memons”.Divisions created in the Memon Communityon the basis of territorial residence tooka permanent shape with the passage of time.It is, therefore, but natural that differences inthinking, intelligence, wisdom and planningcrept-in clandestinely and un-knowingly.Besides, because of variation in residence,culture, education, civilization and modernization,different tribes or branches of theMemon Community came to be recognizeddifferently from one another.It appears that passing life under a group(Jamat) created on the basis of territorialdomicile of fore-fathers is the inheritedquality of a Memon and the practice continuesun-interrupted even to this day. Theresult of this territorial division manifestsitself in the form of diverse thinking. Atthe initial stage, the Memon Communityhad been divided into four branches suchas Halai Memons, Kutchi Memons, OkhaiMemons and Sindhi Memons. However,when a further subdivision took place in theHalai Memon Communities of Kathiawarand Gujrat, the whole Memon Communitywas bifurcated into smaller fragments, hereand there.Further sub-division of theHalai Memon CommunityIt so happened that whenever ten to twentyMemon families settled at a place, theyformed a Group (Jamat) and named it aftertheir principal place of origin, such as,Okhai, Halai, Kuchi, etc… In this way, alarge number of Groups (Jamats) were createdfrom Kathiawar to Gujrat. And, withthe passage of time, this number kept onincreasing, with the result that apart fromHalar, smaller settlements of the MemonCommunity could be seen scattered at faroff places. Initially, those Memons whohad settled in Halar were called Halari andthey were associated with the central bodyof the Halar Memon Jamat but when themembership of the locally constituted unitsincreased in due course of time, they alsoassumed importance. Nevertheless, theycontinued to be called as Halari Memons.Though the members of the MemonMEMON ALAM JULY 2011

JOURNEY THROUGH THE TIMECommunity belonging to various territorialunits or Jamats have traveled to faroff places in Indo-Pak Sub-Continent andhave settled there during different periodsof time, yet where-ever they settled, theyformed a small unit or jamat and named itafter the place of their orgin. For Example,Kutchi Memon Jamat, Karachi; KutchiMemon Jamat, Bombay, etc… However, thedoors of such smaller jamats were alwaysopen for other members of the MemonCommunity for any assistance or informationthey required. They could also obtainany help from the various affiliated units ofthe jamat and take part in different socialactivities as a regular member of the jamatwould do. Kutchi Memon Jamats have,until now, adopted this policy of mutualtrust without any discrimination. But, insharp contrast, Memon Jamats of Kathiawarand Gujrat secluded themselves for thebenefit of the local membership only whichresulted in the segregation of Halai MemonCommunity into various sub units or jamatsAs time passed along, one could see smallerlocalized units of the Memon Communityin every nook and corner of Kathiawar andGujrat. Though it is not possible to give thenames of all the places where such localizedunits had been established, yet in view ofthe importance gained by them on the basisof their population, the names of some suchfragmented units are as follows:-1)Alya Bara 2)Upleta 3)Amreli 4)Ahmedabad or Amdawad 5)Oona-mahal6)Baroda 7) Bhaonagar 8)Punj-mahal 9)Poor-bunder 10)Palanpur 11)Tarsai 12)Juddun 13)Jetpur 14)Junagadh 15)Jamnagar16)Dhoraji 17)Dhuwan 18)Bantva 19)Rajkot 20)Rana vao 21)Surat 22)Sardargarh23)Kodinar 24)Kutiyana 25)Keshod26)Kupronj 27)Gondal 28)Manavadar 29)Meesana 30)Morbi 31)Nausari 32)Namoo33)Wasavar 34)Veraval 35)Vanthli 36)Pardhari37) Jodia.Conditions of the HalaiMemon Community:The members of this community had beenscattered all over Gujrat & Kathiawar insmaller settlements. In those days, after thedeath of Aurangzeb Alamgir, the Marwarshad usurped power and they had made thelives of the residents of the area miserable.This was the time when the lives of theMuslims of Gujrat had also been extremelyperil.What was most troublesome was thefact that all means of communication byroads and sea had been made unsafe anddangerous by the Marhata robbers on theroads and the Sakna, English and Marhatabandits on the high seas.Day by day, the economic condition ofthe province of Gujrat was getting frombad to worse. There was no manufactureor trade worth the name. The oppressionand cruelty of the Marwari money-lendershad gone all time high. They left no stoneunturned in bringing the Muslim traders,manufacturers and agriculturists to the pointof utter ruination.The residents of Gujrat, having beeneconomically shattered, had fallen in deepfinancial crisis. This was an extremelysensitive period for the survival of the HalaiMemon Community. They could have beencompletely wiped out the scene. Nevertheless,they organized themselves and continuedto face the odds with courage, patience,endurance, fortitude and hard work. Theyengrossed themselves in their inherited professionsand even financial deterrence couldnot stagger them away from their determinedpath. Although the foreign trade hadalmost gone extinct and the local trade wasin the hands of the Marwari money-lenders,yet the Halari Memons did not loose heartand remained steadfast in not relinquishingtheir profession. They kept on trading, evenon a very small scale.A memon trader of those days wasunique in every respect. He himself or hisrepresentative would travel to far off placeswith Trade Caravans for doing business;or else he would purchase articles from thelocal brokers for onward movement to otherplaces of demand. Transactions worth lakhsof rupees were made. Traveling from onevillage to another or distant cities on horses,donkeys, or even bullock carts for supplyinggrain or other edibles of demand was thespecialty of none but a Memon trader. Tradingeven in those days was done on a prettylarge scale, worth millions of rupees, butsuch traders were few and far between.During the reign of Shah Alam-II, from1167 to 1221 A.D., when the whole ofGujrat had come under the sway of theMarhattas and they had assumed legalcontrol over the lands, peace was restoredgradually. Prosperity and affluence couldbe seen emanating from the faces of thepeople. However, the severe blow which theMemon Community had received at thehands of the Marwari money-lenders andthe Marhatta robbers, took a long time toheal. They, nevertheless, kept on strugglingand striving to regain the past glory. Duringthe rule of the British regime, there was nochange in the administrative setup of variousprincely states within the Province ofGujrat. However, in so far as the administrativepowers of the rulers of the stateswere concerned, they had been significantlycurtailed while the English agents appointedthere wielded wide powers.In the beginning of the British rule, themembers of the Memon Community werecomparatively more affluent than others.A large number of wealthy traders couldbe seen making their presence felt in theSociety. However, they still had a long wayto go before reaching the apex in trade.That time was not very far away. The luckof the Memon Community eventually tooka turn for the better and the Communityentered the golden era of progress, prosperity,exuberance and happiness. That was thebeginning of the last days of the British rulein India. That era of progress and prosperityof the Memon Community continues to thisday. It is relevant to clarify that the MemonCommunity mentioned above comprised ofall the Memons settled in different parts ofKathiawar and Gujrat in smaller settlementsand had become famous by the local namesof the areas they had chosen to reside in.Conditions of the OkhaiMemon CommunityThe untoward, adverse and unfavorableconditions which the Halai Memon Communityhad to face immediately after thedeath of Aurangzeb Alamgir, the sameunseemly conditions were stored in fate forthe Okhai Memons as well who had settledin the Okha Bunder area. Though OkhaBunder did not fall directly under the reignof terror of the Marhattas, yet during theiradministrative control of the area, theyhad imposed 1/4th levy on all agriculturalproduce and income; and they committedall sorts of atrocities and arson to collectsuch levy. It was during this ominous periodthat the financial condition of the OkhaiCommunity had gone from bad to worse.They continued to remain in financial straitsfor quite a long time.During the earlier days of the rule of theBritish regime in India, the members of theOkhai Community had made significantstrides forward in commerce and trade,which had given birth to a group of prosperousand wealthy businessmen. But themajority of the Okhai Memon Communityhad belonged to the middle class.It would not be out of place to mentionthat from the very beginning, there was thismutual feeling of discipline, decorum andunity amongst the members of the OkhaiMemon Community - not only in theirsocial interaction with each other but alsoin the field of commerce and trade. Thismutual integration brought about tremendoussuccess, progress and opulence in allwalks of life. However, blind reliance oneach other, without taking any precautionarymeasure for countering unforeseencontingencies, brings about devastatingMEMON ALAM JULY 2011 9

JOURNEY THROUGH THE TIMEresults. This is exactly what happened andthe Okhai Memon Community found itselfin deep financial crisis for quite sometime. Itwas during the last leg of the tenure of theBritish regime in India that some businessmenof the Okhai Community had achievedgreat affluence. Up to that time membersof the said Community had traveled to faroff places in India and had settled therefor doing business. Besides, wherever theysettled, they preferred to be called by theiroriginal name Okhai and did not adopt thelocal names. Before the partition of theIndian Sub Continents, many of them hadalso migrated to Karachi and had made ittheir permanent home. However, some ofthe wealthy Okhai families are still living inIndia and are whole heartedly engaged incommerce and trade.Conditions of the SindhiMemon Community:During the reign of the Mughal Emperorsin India, the members of the Sindhi MemonCommunity had, in large number, settled inThatta. At that time, Thatta was the maincenter of trade in the South of Sindh. Themembers of the Sindhi Memon Communitytook keen interest in both commerce andagriculture. In 1147 A.D., while MohammadShah ruled over India, the Chiefs ofthe Kulhora tribe forcibly annexed the provinceof Sindh. Mohammad Shah immediatelyissued them a Royal Charter to takeadministrative control of Sindh. In 1182,the condition of Sindh had utterly deterioratedbecause of rampant lawlessness andstrife all over with the result that Thatta asthe center of commerce and trade had beencompletely destroyed. It was also becauseof the said external aggression that an acuteshortage of edible goods took place andeventually the province of Sindh was caughtin the grip of a worst famine of the time.Many villages and towns had reached theverge of extinction. Naturally, the membersof the Sindhi Memon Community livingthere could not escape the onslaught.They were financially ruined. As a lastresort, therefore, they gave up “trading”and started tilling the lands for survival.Abandoning commerce and trade had itsown repercussions and the Sindhi MemonCommunity, in contrast with other MemonCommunities, could not regain the sameprosperity in business for quite some time.Thatta, at that time, had almost goneextinct. Residents of the area, therefore,migrated to surrounding places wherethey could find some land and water togrow something to eat. In due course, theymanaged to make small agricultural farms,here and there to make a living. Some such10families of the Sindhi Memon Communityalso migrated to a place between Thatta andKarachi, called it Memon Goth” and settledthere for good. Even at present, the “MemonGoth” is known by the same name anda large number of Sindhi Memons are stillliving here.Sindh in those days was under theclutches of very big landlords who hadlarge tracts of land, measuring thousands ofacres, under their control. These landlordsor “Jagirdars” as they were locally calledwielded great power and authority, asrulers would over their conquered lands.They had a large number of servants whotilled the earth and their position vis-à-visthe landlords was that of “subjects”. Insharp contrast with such big landlords, themembers of the Sindhi Memon Communityused to cultivate their small land holdingsthemselves and it was only through hardlabor that they earned their living. Even tothis day, the members of the said communitycultivate their lands themselves. It iscustomary in Sindhi Memon Culture to findall men, women and even children takingactive part in tilling the lands. It would notbe out of place to mention that the majorityof the Sindhi Memon Community is nowprosperous and some of them even ownlarge tracts of land. They are known to haveachieved success in agriculture through hardwork and perseverance. Moreover, a sectionof this community is highly educated anda number of them are employed with thegovernment both at the upper and lowerlevel of the bureaucratic structure.Conditions of the KutchiMemon Community:During the harrowing days of death anddestruction in Gujrat, the area of Kutch remainedcomparatively calm and peaceful asit did not come directly under the barbariconslaught of the Marhattas. The membersof the Kutchi Memon Community, settledin Kutch, were, therefore, spared of theagony which the other members of theMemon Community like Halai and Okhaihad gone through. These Kutchi Memonswere mostly businessmen by profession.However, some found more profit andbenefit in agriculture and they switched overto that profession. Besides, there were somewho ventured to carry on both the professionsat the same time.As discussed earlier, the members of thisCommunity had migrated from Veryahto Kutch on the invitation of the ruler ofKutch, Raja Rao Saheb Khaingar and theyhad settled in Bhuj, the capital of Kutch.The businessmen belonging to this Communityhad, therefore, the honor of receivingthe patronage of the Raja Rao Saheb, andthey practically had the monopoly overtrade in the entire Kutch region. The KutchiMemon Community, at that time, wasengaged in commerce and trade on a verylarge scale and they had all the tranquilityand peace to enjoy. Unfortunately, however,the havoc of famine struck broughtuntoward miseries to the lower and middleclass sections of the Kutchi Memons. But,at the same time, it was very heartening tonote that prosperity and felicity returned tothe masses with the same swiftness as thecalamity struck in the first place.The ruler of Kutch ruled over the territoryindependently and without anyinterference from others though he paidvery little in taxes to the Administrator ofthe Province of Gujrat. Basta, Rakhpootand Mandvi were the famous sea-portsof Kutch from where the Kutchi Memontraders traveled far and wide on boats andships for exporting and importing goods.They were also lucky to visit the newlyacquired British settlements for doingtrade with them.During World War-I, the Kutchi Memontraders had amassed wealth beyond anyproportions. By that time, Kutch had becomea big center of trade. It had assumedthe position of a Free Port in India whereall goods, exported or imported, werereleased without imposition of any duty ortaxes, whatsoever. The result was that Kutchbecame a big center for trading in foreigngoods and people from all over India camehere to purchase such goods at cheaperprices or to exchange them with goodsbrought from other parts of India. Suchexchange of goods was known by the nameof “barter trade”.Memon Community’smigration within theIndian sub-continent andto foreign lands:With the exception of a few families of theMemon Community who were living indifferent parts of Sindh, almost the wholeof the Community had settled in the areassuch as Kutch, Kathiawar and Gujrat. Theywere fruitfully engaged in manufacture andtrade in all such places and were passingtheir days happily. In the second half of the19th Century, a few families of the OkhaiMemon Community, because of draughtand famine in Okha Bunder had movedto Karachi and made it their permanenthome. Between 1830 and 1845 A.D., a largenumber of Memons of the Sindhi MemonCommunity had migrated to Africa. Moreover, by the end of the 19th century, theMEMON ALAM JULY 2011 10

JOURNEY THROUGH THE TIMEMemon Community had moved to Burma,Far East, and even South Africa.During 1868-69, when Kutch, Kathiawarand Marwar had fallen under the gripof a devastating famine, many people hadthen moved over to Karachi for permanentsettlement. In the same period,thousands of Kutchi Memons had alsomigrated to Karachi for making it theirpermanent home. In those very days, i.e.in 1870, members of the Kutiyana, PoorBunder and Upleta Memon Communitieshad also gone to Sri Lanka for establishingtheir business there.During 1899-1900 A.D., when faminehad again engulfed Kutch & Kathiawar,many people had been forced to leavetheir homeland to move to Karachi. Alarge number of Okhai Memons had alsomigrated to Karachi during the same periodof time.At the end of the First World Warin 1818, the Indian Sub-Continent hadexperienced a period of worst economicdepression. That was the time when manyMemon families were left with no choicebut to migrate to different countries aroundthe world.In 1935 A.D., when the British Governmentseparated Sindh from the BombayPresidency and made it an independentProvince, Karachi was named as its Capital.In those days a significant number of educatedSindhi Memons came to Karachi andsettled here permanently. In 1947 A.D., withthe partition of the Indian Sub-Continentinto Pakistan and India, the members of theMemon Community belonging to variousterritorial units, migrated to Pakistan fromfar off places in India and settled in differentcities, towns and villages in Pakistan.The vast majority preferred to settle inKarachi, while others moved to placessuch as Memon Goth, Thatta, Hyderabad,Mirpur Khas, Badin, Matli, Talhar, TandoAdam, Nawab Shah, Sukkur and Shikarpur.A part from Pakistan, Memon Communityis found in all countries of the worldand at some places they are in significantnumber to have their presence felt.In Bangladesh, a large number ofMemons are living in Dhaka, Chittagong,Khulna and Sylhet. In India, apart fromMumbai, they have made Pune, HyderabadDeccan, Mysore, Bangalore, Madras andCalcutta their homes. Lots of Memonshave settled in Colombo, the capital of SriLanka. Besides, many of them had migrated,centuries ago, to far off places, suchas Middle East, Aden, Saudi Arabia, Basraand Baghdad.In various places in Africa too, you canfind members of the Memon Community inlarge number, fruitfully engaged in business,particularly in Cape Town, Natal, Transol,Zinjibar, Nairobi, Mumbasa and MauritiusIsland. In Europe also, you can find themin England, Germany and France. Manyof them have settled in Canada and NorthAmerica as well.Thus, sprawled all over the world, themembers of the Memon Community havegained fame because of their unique civilization,sharp business acumen, adherenceto religion, philanthropy, and above all,their selfless devotion and service to humanityat large.Role of Memon CommunityIndependence MovementBut it was not only trade and businessin which the members of Memoncommunity participated. They tookequal interest in independence movement.During Khilafat Movement many notableMemons contributed huge amounts ofdonations. The name of Mr. Omer Subaniand Ahmed son of Jan Mohammad Chotaniwere prominent among these donors.When Subash Chandra Bose announcedthe formation of Azad Hind Fauj in 1944,Mr. A. Habib Haji Yusuf Marfani madehuge contributions for the cause. He wasappointed Chairman of supply Board of theCouncil of Indian Liberation Army. Mr. A.Sattar Palwala and Mr. A. Latif Admaniwere other prominent members of thecommunity who actively participated in themovement. Mr Admani was later arrestedby British Government and sent to jail.Many Memons also actively contributed &participated in Reshmi Roomal movement.Gandhi Groomed As ALeader By A MemonIt might be news to many, that a Memonbusinessmen played important role for providingan opportunity to Mahatma Gandhiin becoming a leader.Mr Luis Fischer, the author of ‘the life ofMahatma Gandhi’ one of the well knownbiographies of Gandhi, writes that whenMohandas Karamchand Gandhi returnedfrom England after doing his law in London,he started practice in Rajkot with thehelp of his elder brother, but Mohandaswas a complete failure as a lawyer in Rajkotas well as in Bombay when he could notutter a word during petty cases in court. Atthis junction, a Memon from Porbandar,Gandhi’s hometown, Mr. Dada AbdullahSeth, who had settled in South Africa, offeredhim retainer ship on an annual stipendof Pound Sterling 105.00 for looking afterhis court cases in Durban. Mr. Gandhiaccepted the offer and landed in Africa.He spent full year in the service of DadaAbdullah Seth who did his best to groomhim as a good lawyer. During this periodGandhi witnessed the atrocities of whitesagainst Indians and other colored peopleand started participating in agitation againstthese atrocities. Later on he decided to stayin South Africa and lived there for 20 years.This changed the life of Mohandas KaramchandGandhi who became prominentpolitical figure.Role of Memons inPakistan MovementWhen Pakistan movement was started, theMEMON ALAM JULY 2011 11

JOURNEY THROUGH THE TIMEtion and Adamjee Foundation launchedDawood & Adamjee Prizes for Literature.Both the prizes were being awarded to bestbooks of fiction and non–fiction natureand were administered by Pakistan WritersGuide. The prizes were considered as a matterof great honor by literary circles. ThesePrizes were discontinued in 1971.Contribution to Health careBut education is not the only field in whichthe Memons serve the community at large.They have established a number of hospitalsand dispensaries.Some of them include:Kutiyana Memon HospitalBantva Khidmat Committee HospitalMemon Medical HospitalUsman Memorial HospitalKathiawar HospitalHussaini HospitalBantva Anis HospitalPatel HospitalMemon Medical ComplexBagh-e-Halar HospitalSuleman Dawood Dialysis andThe famous Memon CharitableHospital Hyderabad.In addition to these, there are scores ofdispensaries. At all these hospitals & dispensaries,the treatment is provided at nominalcost and even free to deserving cases.Memons in ProfessionsToday Memons can boast of thousands ofprofessionals in law, medicine, and professionalaccountancy, Information Technology,Engineering Architecture and Teaching.The Memon Professional Forum theorganizer of this conference is a body ofthese professional. Most of these professionalshave excelled in their professions andare known through out the country. Manyare practicing their professions and othersare occupying senior positions in business,industry and banking.Mr. Kasim Parekh, Ex-President of MetropolitanBank was once Governor of StateBank of Pakistan.Dr. A. Ghaffar Billoo was the dean ofMedicine in Karachi University.Dr. A. Majeed Memon was the principalof Dow Medical College.Mr. Jan Mohammad Memon was thefirst Vice Chancellor of Sindh first MedicalUniversity.Many of our professional brothers haveserved as judges of Superior Courts, othersoccupied senior positions in Bar Associations,Income Tax Bar Association, andInstitute of Engineers & Institute of ProfessionalAccountants. Prominent amongthem are Mr. Yusuf Adil, Mr. Abdul QadirMemon, Mr. A. Razzak Diwan and Mr.Abdul Wahid Tejani. Mr. Pir MohammadKalia and Mr. Ashraf Bawany headed theprofessional institutions of Chartered Accountants& Cost & Management Accountantsof Pakistan. Mr. Pir Mohammad Kaliawas also President of Institute of GeneralSecretaries and South Asian Federation ofAccountants. Mr Moin A. Fudda a MemonProfessional headed Overseas Chamber ofCommerce.Contribution of communityto Pakistan’s economyAccording to Enterprising Philanthropists”by Mr. A. Sattar Parekh, immediately afterpartition two books were written, one by Dr.Rajindra Parshad, the first President of Indiaand Dr. Ambedkar, the author of IndianConstitution. Both the authors predicted thenon-viability of Pakistan. Even Mr. Nehruhad predicted that Pakistan would never beeconomically viable and will ultimately seekre-union with India. It was this thinking,which led India to withhold Rs. 55 crores,which was Pakisani, shares in the assets ofBritish India.Soon after establishment of Pakistan,Quaid-e-Azam called upon the Memonsto move to this young country throughSir Adamjee and Mr. Yusuf Haroon. Theatrocities of forces, which occupied Bantva,Manavadar and Kutiyana, also forced theMemons of these areas to shift to the newlyborn Pakistan. Stephen R. Lewis, in hisbook ‘Pakistan’s Industrial and Trade Policies’says:It is wonder that Pakistan’s economysurvived at all in the early years. Why didit survive? It was because of the entrepreneurskills of Muslim community who hadmigrated to Pakistan from their originalhomeland in India and prominent amongthem were Memons. If Pakistan beatthe economic odds then a great deal ofcredit goes to the Memons. Nobody couldhave predicted it and while in later yearsit became fashionable to decry the dominanceof the Memons in Pakistan’s businesscommunity. The fact is that without suchdominance Pakistan’s economy may neverhave developed.Using the capital brought by them fromIndia and blending it with their businessacumen and entrepreneur skills, the Memonsstarted working for the development ofPakistan. The beginning was made with establishmentof trading firms with branchesin various places in East & West Pakistan.Then they moved into industry. A journeystarted towards setting of up industries indifferent fields until the process was stoppedby nationalization of industries in 1971.Prominent Industrial GroupsYou can fill in pages & pages for describingthe achievements of these enterprisingphilanthropists. The world largest jute Millswas build & run by Adamjees. The SouthEast Asia’s largest paper mill was being runby Dawood alongwith world’s first plant toproduce viscose yarn from Bamboo. Dawoodset up the first urea fertilizer factory,the only paper board mill, the only woolentextile mill, the tractor assembly plan, oneof the largest bank-Muslim CommercialBank and the largest Insurance Companythe Adamjee Insurance Company, MuhammadSteamship Company - the OrientAirways, the predecessor of PakistanInternational Airlines, one of the two localpetroleum distribution campanies DawoodPetroleum Ltd were all set up and run byMemon Entrepreneurs.Dawood Group of Industries receivedthe First Presidential Export Trophy forlargest exports from Pakistan. Many groupsand companies received Export Trophiesfor largest export in their respective sectorssubsequently. The little known Yunus BrothersGroup received Federation’s ExportTrophies for largest export in textiles forSEVEN consecutive years.A part from building industries, the communityhelped the building of institutions,which were essential for a growing economy.Mr. Yusuf A. Haroon, Mr. MuhammadAli Rangoonwala, Mr. A.K. Sumar,M. Ahmed Abdullah, Mr. A. Rehman HajiHabib, Mr. Usman Kandawala, and Mr. A.Majid Bawany one after the other headedthe Karachi Chamber of Commerce &Industry. The Karachi Stock Exchange wasfounded with Mr. Yusuf A.Haroon, as it’sfirst President followed by Mr. Kasim Dada,Mr. Ahmed Dada, Mr. Latif A. Jamal, Mr.Bashir Jan Mohammad and others. TheStock Exchange still has Memon Presidentslike Mr. Yasin Lakhani, Mr. Arif Habib etc.Mr. Mohammad Ali Rangoonwala headedthe Federation of Chamber of Commercefrom 1951 to 1966. Memons took activepart in formation of RCD Chamber ofCommerce and International Chamber ofCommerce as well.The government was also aware of thetalent and business acumen of Memonbusinessmen. When the first unit trust NationalInvestment (Unit) Trust was foundedin early sixties, the renowned industrialistMr. Ahmed Dawood was appointedas Founder Chairman of the Trust. Hecontinued to occupy this position for severalMEMON ALAM JULY 2011 13

JOURNEY THROUGH THE TIMEyears. Similarly Mr. Abdul Wahid Adamjeewas appointed as Chairman of PakistanIndustrial Credit and Investment Corporationpopularly known as PICIC. This wasthe only development Bank in Pakistanat that time. Both the institutions madevery significant contribution for industrialdevelopment in the country. Throughout theperiod when the two Memon industrialistsheaded these institutions, they remained inrobust financial health and were consideredas exemplary institutions in the countryand abroad. The signs of decay, which weare seeing in these institutions, now, cameafter bureaucrat replaced the heads of theseinstitutions.The creation of Bangladesh broke theback of the community. Adamjee JuteMills, Kanaphul Paper Mills, KanaphulRayon Mills, Adamjee Particle BoardPlant, Dawood Shipping Company, AhmedBawany Textile Mills and scores of otherindustries were nationalized in Bangladeshwithout any compensation. At home i.e. inWest Pakistan, Muslim Commercial Bank,Adamjee & Central life, Insurance Companies,Dawood Petroleum Ltd and scores ofother institutions were nationalized underthe socialistic policies of Peoples PartyGovernment.Gustar F. Papneek, an American Researcher,who has written several books onPakistan, which have been published byHarvard University, conducted a surveyin 1959 and found that Memons had 26.5shares in Muslim firms in Pakistan althoughthey were only 0.16% of the population ofPakistan.According Mr. A. Sattar Parekh in his‘Enterprising Philanthropists’ among thelisted companies in Karachi Stock Exchangein 1954, the investment by Memons was48.33%, other Gujrati communities 17.7%and rest 34.60% . According to him: ‘TheProfits that the Memons made out of business,trade and industry were ploughed backin Pakistan for starting new enterprises.The figures of investments by the Memonsupto 1971 were: Insurance 13% Banking13% Cotton Textile 26% Woolen Textiles72% Synthetic Textile 50% Jute 33% Cement45% Chemical 45% Paper & Board29% Vegetable Oil 18% Miscellaneous 27%During the same Year taxes paid by theMemons were Rs. 691.30 million, being27% of the total taxes.Twenty two families& memonsThe Soviet writer Sergey Levin describesthe contribution of Memon Communityin more detail in the Book ‘Soviet ScholarsView South Asia’. - Instead of describingthe contribution of the Memon communityin the economic development of Pakistan inmy own words, I will take liberty to quotebelow from this soviet writer extensively.After the formation of an independentof Pakistan in 1947, tens of thousands ofMemon immigrated to the new state fromIndia, and other countries, and transferredtheir capital there.At present Pakistan has become the chiefcenter of entrepreneurial activity for theMemon bourgeoisie. In the 1960s about150,000 Memons, or approximately halfof the community, were living there. Truethe Memons were then only 0.16% of thepopulation of Pakistan, but the proportionof them among the Pakistan bourgeoisie,especially the upper bourgeoisie, was muchhigher. Every fourth private factory or plantin Pakistan belonged to the Memon. TheMemon leaders formed the most powerfulgroup in the Pakistan monopolistic bourgeoisie.Specially, the nucleus of the latter,as Pakistan regards consists of 22 monopolisticfamilies, seven of which are Memons:These are the commercial, industrial andfinancial magnates widely known in Pakistanand beyond its borders, the Adamjees,Dawoods. Bawanys, Karims, Dada, Haroons,R.H. Ghani and the Rangoonwala-Bengali group.The Adamjee are known above all asthe “jute kings”. Before Bangladesh wasformed, they owned the Adamjee JuteMills, the largest jute company, not onlyin Pakistan, but also in the world. By1971, 35.000 workers were employed in itsmills in East Bengal. At the same time theAdamjees also controlled about 20 othermajor industrial, commercial, and financialcompanies, and numerous enterprises,which they operated in various spheres ofthe Pakistan economy.More than 50,000 people have been employedin enterprises directly controlled bythe Adamjees alone, and the assets of theseenterprises reached at least 2.25 billion rupeesin 1966-1967. the Adamjees occupiedthird place in amount of assets among themonopolistic groups in Pakistan.The Dawood concern has been characterizedby exceptionally high growth rateduring the last few years. Its owners, in contrastto the Adamjees, were not large-scaleindustrialists when Pakistan was formed.Before the events of 1971-72, there were20 companies in the Dawood concern. Themajority of them were among the largest inPakistan. The basic industrial companiesof the concern were: the Dawood CottonMills, Burewala Textile Mills and the LawrencepurWoolen and Textile Mills in WestPakistan, the Karnaphuli Paper Mills, theKarnaphuli Rayon and Chemical (productionof artificial fibers and other syntheticmaterials) in East Bengal; the DawoodMines for coal extraction; and the DawoodJute Mills ( they began to construct a largemill in East Pakistan). In cooperation withthe American Hercules firm, the Dawoodshave organized a company, Dawood HerculesChemicals, which is building a hugeartificial fertilizer plant near Lahore. In addition,the Dawood concern founded petroleumand steamship companies a few yearsago, and the former had already succeededin developing trade in oil and petroleumproducts throughout Pakistan by 1971.The philanthropic “Dawood Foundation”is also essentially a major financialenterprise. By the end of 1968, the assets ofthis fund were over 50 million rupees andwere chiefly invested in the securities ofvarious companies. (The Dawood Collegeof Engineering and Dawood Public Schoolwere established by this Foundation besidesmany other education institutions in Westand then East Pakistan).In addition to the seven families formingpart of 22 families, there should beincluded in the monopolistic leadershipof the Pakistan bourgeoisie about anotherdozen families or groups of major Memonindustrialists who have continued toserve as partners in Pakistani and foreignenterprises, and have themselves occupiedprominent positions in some industry.These are: the Dadabhai, 17 companiesin Pakistan and one in India; the JafferBrothers, 16 companies in Pakistan, twoin England, one in India, and enterprisesin Kuwait and Arabian principalities onthe shores of he Red Sea; Haji AhmedHaji Hasham Kath (tobacco and sugarindustry); Husein Ebrahim Jamal (textile,sugar industry. tube-rolling mills); thePakolawala; and others.This is the story of past. Althoughtoday many of our community membershave moved to professions and startedoccupying senior positions in nationaland multinational companies as seniorexecutives. We still have our share in businessand industry. Three of large cementplants, the largest urea fertilizer company,many large textile spinning. weaving andfinishing mills, sugar plants and score ofother industries are still owned and run byMemon businessmen.14MEMON ALAM JULY 2011

JOURNEY THROUGH THE TIMEThe spread ofgenerationsA Hameed Tayyab SuriyaMemons are an ethnic group who tracetheir roots largely to Sindh, Kutch andKathiawar in South Asia, and are sometimesseen as transitional between the threeregions. Memons predominantly adhereto Sunni Islam . Historically Memons area mercantile community (and are generallyreferred to as a business community inPakistan and India).HistoryTraditionally, the name Memon is anadaptation of Momin (Arabic: ) meaningfaithful. This was used when this communityconverted to Islam.Before embracing Islam, the Memonsbelonged to the Hindu Lohana Tribe. SethManek Jee, who was the Chief of 700 Lohanafamilies, embraced Islam on the handsof reverend Syed Yousufuddin Quadri.Walking on the foot-steps of their leaders,700 families also embraced Islam. ReverendSyed Yousufuddin Quadri conferred onthem the title of “Momin”, which, withthe passage of time, came to be known as“Memon”.LanguagesKathiawadi Memons speak an unwrittenlanguage called Memon, a mixture of Sindhiand Kutch which belongs to the IndicNorth-Western Zone family of languages.While the Sindhi and Kutchi languages arespoken by both Muslims and non-Muslims,Memoni refers exclusively to the vernacularof the Kathiawadi Memons who arepredominately Sunni Muslims that migratedfrom Sindh to the neighbouring regions ofKutch and Kathiawar in Gujarat severalcenturies ago. In stress, intonation, andeveryday speech, Memoni is very similar toSindhi, but it borrows vocabulary extensivelyfrom Gujarati, Urdu and lately English.Like most languages of the Indian subcontinentthe sentence structure of Memonigenerally follows subject–object–verb order.In Pakistan, Memoni has adopted manyUrdu words and phrases. Sindhi Memonsspeak Sindhi, while Kutchi Memons speakKutchi.Role of the JamaatMemons generally tie to their respectivelocally societies called “Jamat”, literallymeans congregation, which are generallyestablished for the betterment and socialwelfare of its members which may includeissuance of marriage license, matrimonialdispute resolution, adaptation and enforcementof the rules and guidelines againstcertain undesirable customs, establishhealthcare and education centers, providevarious facilities for the community needand also financial support and housing forthe poor and needy members and sometimenon-members. The jamat of Memonscommunity which generally refer to theirancestral village or town.Memons worldwideMemons migrated from Sindh to Kutch,and later to Kathiawar (Kathiawad) andother part of Gujarat. Memons spreadthroughout the Indian Ocean in the 19thcentury, but most Memons lived in Kathiawar,prior to the independence of Pakistan.Many later settled in Pakistan. Today, theyare scattered throughout India but majorityof them live in the port city of Karachiin Pakistan, with significant communitiesin the United Kingdom, Canada, USA,Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, UAE, Saudi Arabia,Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia, SouthAfrica, Malawi, Kenya, Mauritius, Singapore,Australia and Burma. In Karachitoday there is a community of Memonpeople from Bantva and their descendantsknown as Bantva Memons and people fromOkha know as Okhai Memon. Also anotherprominent category is Halari Memon whoworks under the banner of Halari MemonGeneral Jama’at.Memons are known for their involvementin business and philanthropy, with Memonshaving played a major part in the buildingof Pakistani industry, an increasing numberof Memons are turning to professional occupations.Owing to their tradition of management,Memons are a prosperous community. Theyhave built vast business legacies and a highpercentage of Memons around the worldbelong to the upper-middle class.Memon in PakistanAll Pakistan Memon Federation is thecentral body of the Memon community ofPakistan. At present 56 social jamats andeducational, youths and other organizationsof Kathiyawari Memon residing inKarachi and other cities are affiliated withit. Each member organization is a registeredbody with a formal constitution and itsown particular fields of activities. All theorganizations have their equal number ofrepresentatives on the Council and the Managingcommittee of the Federation, fromwhom its office-bearers are elected. Now aSupreme Body of prominent communityleaders has also been nominated to provideadvice and guidance at the high level. TheFederation, commands a considerablemoral force, provides the highest forum fordiscussion and guidance about the matterswhich concern the community as a wholeand also try to solve the common problem,such as denationalization of schools at thehighest government levels.Memon In IndiaAll India Memon Jamat Federation(AIMJF) was established in the year 1971as an Indian umbrella organisation in orderto unite all Halai Memon Jamats, Organisations,Institutions, & Associations. The purposeof the AIMJF is to act as the centralMemon organisation representing the entireMemon community throughout India,promoting the advancement of Education,MEMON ALAM JULY 2011 15

JOURNEY THROUGH THE TIMEHealth, Housing, Economic Upliftment,unity, welfare and well-being of all Memonsin all aspects of life.The governance of the AIMJF rests withthe Central Co-Ordination Committeerepresenting its Office Bearers.Memons in Sri LankaMemons first arrived in Sri Lanka duringthe 1870s as traders. Initially the Memontraders resided in Sri Lanka temporarily forbusiness purpose, however, after independenceof India and Pakistan in 1947,many settled in Sri Lanka along with theirfamilies. In the 1980s they numbered to thetune of 7,000. The Memons of Sri Lankaconstitute a small but important minoritycommunity in the island, numbering a mere7000 persons in a nation of over 20 million.Their contribution to the national life of thecountry has nevertheless been significant.They have contributed immensely tothe economic life of the country, not onlyas importers and traders of various essentialgoods, but also as manufacturers andexporters of high quality garments that havetoday become a major source of foreignearnings.They also have their own member of parliament,the Hussein Bhaila who presentlyserves as Deputy Minister of Plan Implementationunder the UPFA Governmentand is in charge of all matters connectedwith the implementation of the MahindaChintanaya, President Mahinda Rajapaksa’svision and aspirations for National DevelopmentProgramme.Memons in East AfricaThe first Sindhi Memon settlement inZanzibar is believed to have been made byMr. Haji Suleman Ebrahim. He came in adhow belonging to Salim Bin Ali, acquireda house and opened a trade. In two otherdhows came Mr. Esmail Kaderdina Kadernani,Mr. Siddik Nurmohamed Nurani,Mr. Fakirmohamed Harun Harunani andtheir families. The two pioneering firms ofMr. Esmail Kadernani and Siddik NurmohamedNurani were established.The dates of these events are not knownbut it is believed that they took place duringthe reign of Seyyid Said Bin Sultan whoreigned from 1804 – 1856 and made Zanzibarcapital in 1832.By about the year 1869, there was quitea sizeable settlement of the Sindh Memonsthere about 20 households; Necessities likethe mosque with a Minaret and a cemeterywere later built. They had formed a jamaatwhose Patel (President) was the Late Mr.Omar alias Bachoo Abdullatef Nurani,When Tanganyika was ceded to the GermanEast African Company, the Memons16gradually migrated to Mombasa and bythe time the first world war had come to anend, all of them had abandoned Bagamoyo.The mosque they had built there still existsand is in use. From their base of Bagamoyosome adventurous Memons organized tradingexpeditions into the hinterland. Theypenetrated progressively further into theinterior and eventually reached and madea permanent settlement in Mwanza andBukoba. Notable among these businessmenwas one of our elders the late Mr.Omer Abdulkarim (The son of AbdulkarimPambriwalla)Some other Nasserpuria Memons hadmade smaller settlements at Sadani, Angazijaand Madagascar. By the turn of thecentury almost all Nasserpurias had movedfrom other settlements and made Mombasatheir home. When this had happened,building a mosque was found absolutelynecessary. So the families residing in Mombasabought a plot where they built the“MEMON JAMIA MASJID” in 1880 anda ‘JAMAAT KHANA’ in 1883. Prior to thatNamaaz was being prayed at Masjid Munara,which still exists. The famous minaretwhich stands in the rear quarter of theJamia Masjid was built by Mr. MohamedHaji Kassam Harunani in 1908.This well known personality of MohamedHaji Kassam Harunani had cometo Zanzibar in about 1869, and later settledpermanently in Mombasa in about 1872.The passage of time saw a further influxof Memons into Mombasa. This necessitatedthe expansion of the Jamia Mosque.Our present mosque is a result of the fourthtime expansion carried out in 1989.Dar-es-Salaam Memon Jamat is a unifiedregistered body of Memons residing inTanzania mainland. It came into existencein 1970 after being registered with the Registrarof Societies as a charitable society. TheJamat comprises mainly of Cutchi Memonswhose grandparents first landed on the islandof Zanzibar during the years 1900 and1910, and later on, after the 1964 Revolution,migrated to Dar-es-Salaam and othernearby towns of the East African coast.Memons in South AfricaAn estimated 16,000 people of KathiawadiMemon descent live in South Africa.Religious practices Memons mostly followthe Hanafi school of Sunni Islam althoughsome are known to follow other Sunnischools such as the Maliki and Shafi`ischools.Memons in USAThe Cutchi Memon Jamat of North America(CMJNA) was founded in 1992, andwas determined by the US Internal RevenueService to be a tax-exempt organization.Chicago Memon Association (formerlyMemon Association of America) wasincorporated on December 16th, 1982under the laws of State of Illinois, USA asa non-profit and community organization.It was established with a mission to bringall Memons from all walks of life under oneroof in Chicago, IllinoisMemons in CanadaThe origins do not depict the destination.From humble beginnings in the parch landsof INDIA and PAKISTAN to the truenorth and one of the coldest countries inthe world. While generations have elapsed,the route has not been direct. It has comefrom India and Pakistan and via Mandviin Cutchh and then to East Africa, more soMombasa , where the community has flourishedand blossomed having establisheditself firmly.Memons in UKThe Memon Association UK has grownsince its formation in the early seventiesfrom a body with modest activities such asthe observance of a few religious functions,to an association that now cultivates andpromotes an ever-widening involvement inMuslim and community issues on a muchwider scale.The Memon community sees itself ashaving such a primary identity with sharedinterests, relations and values over a widespectrum. Like the universal Muslim communityof which it is a part, the Memoncommunity is a community based on faith.Indeed, the word ‘Memon’ comes from theArabic ‘Mu’min’, meaning ‘believer’ andwhich was given to our forbears who firstconverted to Islam.It is a matter of privilege and honor thatthe Memon community has been in theforefront whenever there is a call for helpwhether from relief organisations or fromindividuals suffering hardship. It is part ofits history that they are closely linked withproviders of humanitarian assistance. Compassion,generosity, self-help and integrityare on the list of priorities for the MemonAssociation.The Memon Centre, will continue to beof tremendous benefit to the local community,particularly the youth and women, aswell as to the larger community in the UK.It is a focal point for visitors from overseaswho are in need of information and adviceon health, business, social contracts andother matters. It remains the Association’saim to promote contacts and work closelywith organisations and institutions havingsimilar aims and objectives both in the UKand overseas.MEMON ALAM JULY 2011

IN PREJUDICEThe Occupation ofBantva & KutiyanaAbdul Razzaq ThaplawalaBantva and Kutiyana, presently a partof the Indian Province of Gujarat,were the home towns of big businessmagnates of the Memon Community inthe subcontinent before partition. Whenthe Muslim League decided to launch itsown English language daily and constituteda press fund in 1940, the Quaid-i-AzamMohammad Ali Jinnah visited Kathiawarwhich included the states of Junagadh andManavadar to collect funds. Bantva was asmall town with a population about 20,000at that time, but the Quaid-i-Azam not onlyvisited this town but stayed there for threedays to make the collection from individualbusiness magnates: It is said that 90 percentcontribution to the Muslim League pressfund was made by the Memon communityof Kathiawar.At the time of Partition, Bantva waspart of the princely state of Manavadar. Itsrulers were indecisive about joining eitherof the two newly created dominions. TheMuslim residents of Bantva, who mainlybelonged to the Memon community organizeda big public meeting in early September1947, demanding accession of Manavadar,including Bantva, with Pakistan and formeda delegation to meet the rulers of Bantvaand Manavadar.The delegation consisting of dignitariesof Memon community met the darbars ofBantva and Khan of Mandavadar on September9, 1947.On the persuasion of the subjects of thestate, Manavadar announced its accession toPakistan on September 25, 1947. This wasnaturally not acceptable to the Indian governmentwhich sent two companies of itsarmed forces to Bantva under the commandof Col Himmayat Singhjee on October 3,1947.The invading forces took over all governmentoffices and declared Bantva a part ofthe Indian union. On the same day, Sardargadh,a neighboring town of Bantva, wasalso occupied. Manavadar was occupied onOctober 23, 1947, and the rulers were arrestedand taken away first to Jamnagar, and18then to Rajkot.Night time curfew was imposed in Bantvaimmediatedly after its takeover. Muslimswere prevented from sacrificing cows onEid-ul-Azha and also from offering EidPrayers in the main Eidgah.Before the occupation of Junagadh Stateon November 9, 1947 the 8th Sikh Regimentreached Kutiyana on November 7,1947. More forces jeeps also joined the Sikhregiment on November 8, 1947, to occupyKutiyana. Many Muslims of Kutiyana laiddown their lives.On November 10, 1947, the population ofKutiyana was attacked by army personnel.They broke into houses and took away currency,jewellery, valuables, clothing etc.In the meanwhile, uneasy calm prevailedin Bantva whose residents knew that theywere the next target. Valabh Bhai Patel,the then interior minister of India andothers made inflammatory speeches whileaddressing a public meeting in Junagadhon November 13, 1947, against Muslims,in general, and the Memon Community ofBantva, in particular.The speeches added fuel to the fire andthe population of Bantva was attacked inmidnight of November 15, 1947. The attackersmainly consisted of farm laborersof adjoining villages. They broke open thedoors of houses with their axes and tookaway everything which they could lay theirhands on. No Mulsim could help his fellowMuslim brother because Muslims were notallowed to come out of their homes by thecurfew enforcing army. The cries of helpfrom men and women raised still ring loudand clear in the ears of this writer, in spiteof my young age at the time.The entire population of Bantva was ina state of shock and helplessness. Theyleft their houses and shops with all theirbelongings, and migrated to Pakistan byships through Okha port and Bombay.About 90pc of their population of Bantvaand Kutiyana left their birthplace within thenext 15 days.As a result of the atrocities committedin Bantva and Kutiyana, the Memons fromother towns and cities including Dheraji,Jetpur, Gondal, Upleta, Mangrol, Jamnagar,etc, realized that it was no longer safefor them to continue living in their hometowns,too. A majority of them, therefore,migrated to Pakistan. They were helped insettling down in Karachi and other towns ofSindh by the Memon Relief Committee inKarachi.The migration of the Memon communityfrom Kathiawar proved to be a blessing indisguise for Pakistan’s economy. Using thecapital brought by them from India andblending it with their business acumen andentrepreneur skills, the Memons worked forthe development of Pakistan. The beginningwas made with the establishment of tradingfirms with branches in various places inEast and West Pakistan. Then they movedinto industry. A journey started towardssetting up of industries in different fields,making Pakistan a viable economy.Immediately after partition, two bookswere written. One by Dr Rajindra Parshad,the first President of India and Dr Ambedkar,the author of the Indian Constitution.Both the authors predicted the non-viabilityof Pakistan. Even Mr. Nehru had predictedthat Pakistan would never be economicallyviable, and will ultimately seek reunion withIndia. It was this thinking which led Indiato withhold Rs 55 Crores which was Pakistan’sshare in the assets of Brithish India.What role did the Memos play to provethat these predications by Indian leaderswere nothing but false hopes can be judgedby the following quotation by Stephen RLewis who wrote in his book, Pakistan’sIndustrial and Trade Policies. ‘It is a wonderthat Pakistan’s economy survived at all inthe early years.Why did it survive? It was because of theentrepreneur skills of the Muslim communitywho had migrated to Pakistan fromtheir original homeland in India, prominentamong them were the Memons. If Pakistanbeat the economic odds, then a great deal ofcredit goes to the Memons.’MEMON ALAM JULY 2011

IN PREJUDICELast days ofJunagarhAbdul Razzaq ThaplawalaThe month of November, 1947 was amonth of tragedy for the newbornstate of Pakistan as India occupiedtwo states which had legally and formallyacceded to Pakistan as part of the schemeof Partition. These states are now located inthe present Gujarat province. The JunagarhState was surrounded by Indian Territory,but it has a long coastline with a welldeveloped part for easy access to Karachi.The month will be particularly rememberedby the Memon community as one in whichthey faced one of worst tragedies in thecommunity’s lifetime.The community in general, and themembers of the community from Bantva,Kutiyana and Junagarh had to abandontheir birth places and migrate to Pakistan inNovember 1947.Yousuf Abdul Gani Mandvia, a boldjournalist of high caliber and writer ofmany books on pre-partition Indian politics,was present in Jungarh during the last daysof its occupation. The following chronologicalaccount of these days is based on one ofhis books in Gujrati, published in Karachiafter he migrated to Pakistan after servingthree years’ imprisonment in Junagarh imposedon him by the Indian occupation forcesin Junagarh, The following informationis based on Mr Mandvia’s Gujrati booksand about the happenings in Bantva andKutiyana the home of some of big businessmagnates of the Memon community. Thisinformation is based on Tarikh-i-Bantva byAziz Kaya.The Junagarh Government conveyedits consent to accede to Pakistan as earlyas August 12, 1947. This decision waspublished in Dasturul Amal of JunagarhState on August 15, 1947. The instrumentof accession was, however, formally signedby the Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnahon September 15, 1947 and accordinglythe accession was notified in Gazette ofPakistan and Dasturul Amal of Junagarhstate on that date. V.P. Menon, the secretary20of the state department of the Governmentof India rushed to Junagarh on September17, 1947, and met Shah Nawaz Bhutto, theChief Minister of Junagarh. Mr Menoninsisted that he had brought a message fromthe Indian Government and will like todeliver the message to Nawab Saheb only.Shah Nawaz Bhutto showed his inabilityto arrange a meeting with Nawab Saheb,as he was not feeling well. Mr Menonexpressed his displeasure over this refusalbut finally conveyed the message of theIndian Government to Mr Bhutto, insistingthat Junagarh should withdraw its accessionto Pakistan. Mr Bhutto told Mr Menonthat the accession was now complete andaccording to international law, only theGovernment of Pakistan can talk on thesubject. Mr Menon left after threats of direconsequences.Mr Menon immediately went to Bombayand called a meeting of Saamar Das Gandhi,a journalist of Rajkot, and his accompliceswho were already present in Bombayaccording to a pre- arranged scheme. Heunfolded the scheme of Arzi Hukumat(provisional government) to them.On September 25, 1947, a meeting washeld in Madhav Garden of Bombay wherethe formal announcement of the formationof Arzi Hukumat of Junagarh was made.Saamar Das Gandhi was nominated as Presidentof the provisional government and someof his colleagues were declared as ministerswith various portfolios, and took oath of theirrespective offices. Saamar Das Gandhi wasthe son of Lakshmi Das Karamch Gandhi,brother of Mohan Das Karamchand, thefather of Mahatma Gandhi. He was not aresident of Junagarh State.Immediately after announcement of theProvisional Government, the ministers of theprovisional government proceeded to Rajkotand occupied Junagarh House. The IndianGovernment acted as silent spectator,As a part of the preparation for occupationof Junagarh, the Kathiawar DefenceForce was formed by the Government ofIndia with Brigadier Guru Dayal Singh asCommanding Officer and with its headquartersin Rajkot. Three war ships wereanchored at the port of Porbandar. Asquadron consisting of eight Tempest aircraftwas stationed at Rajkot and additionalcompanies of the Indian Armed Forceswere deployed at Rajkot. The Indian aircraftstarted flying over the Junagarh territory atvery low height to harass the public.On November 8, 1947, Shah NawazBhutto sent a letter to Nilam Butch, the provincialhead of the Indian Government inRajkot, requesting him to help in restoringlaw and order situation in Junagarh to stopthe blood shade of the innocent citizens.Harvey Johnson took the message to Rajkot.The head of the Indian administrationimmediately rang up V.P. Menon in Delhiand read out the letter of Shah NawazBhutto to him. Mr Menon immediatelyrushed to the residence of Pandit JawahirLal Nehru and explained the situation. Afterconsultation a formal order was immediatelydrafted and a notification was issuedannouncing the take over of Junagarh at therequest of the Chief Minister of Junagarh.The notification promised a referendum indue course. Shah Nawaz Bhutto left Junagarhfor Karachi on the night of November8, 1947. On November 9, 1947 the IndianAir force sent several sorties to fly at a lowheight on the Junagarh. Soon thereaftercolumns of Indian tanks armour vehiclesand jeeps carrying Indian solders enteredthe state of Junagarh. At 6pm on November9, 1947, Captain Harvey Johnson and ChiefSeretary, Mr Gheewala, a civil servant ofJunagarh State, formally handed over thecharge of the state to India.Junagarh was occupied on November 9,1947, but two days before this occupation,the 8th Sikh Regiment reached Kutiyana.More forces consisting of 40 trucks and50 jeeps also joined the Sikh regiment onNovember 8, 1947, to occupy Kutiyana.MEMON ALAM JULY 2011

COMMUNITY NEWS2nd mosque built in JapanKOBE mosque 1935 NAGOYA mosque 1936I got this rare photo of 1936, 2nd mosque built in NAGOYA City (from one of our past president of KOBE mosque, who is nowabout 83 years old and is in bed for last 2 years, but i was lucky to get this ONLY photo from him. Our Kobe mosque was built byour MEMON brothers in 1934/35 and this NAGOYA mosque was built in 1936. This Nagoya mosque was built by our Turk Muslimbrothers, who came to Japan after Russian revolution, and were spread in OSAKA, KOBE, NAGOYA, and TOKYO, and all they werestateless but after few years latter TURKEY Govt. gave them citizenship and issued Turkeys passport in Japan, and almost all theTurk brothers left Japan during 2nd War, so no body knows what happened to that Nagoya mosque, either destroyed by USA bombardmentor Japanese govt destroyed to make roads and buildings to make NEW JAPAN, even our past President has no address orin which ward mosque was located. So now, I have asked Pakistan, Turkey, and Indonesia ambassadors, to request Nagoya prefectureto find out the fate of that 2nd mosque in Japan. During 2nd war all our Memon brothers left Kobe and gave managementof Kobe mosque to our Turkey brothers. AL HAMDOLLIAH, now we have about 70 mosques all over the Japan,and INSHA-ALLAHmay increase in future.MEMON ASSOCIATION IN JEDDAH: The Memon Association in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, felicitated Mr. Haji Anis Arfa and Dr. NasirFulara at a Luncheon party. On the occasion, to honor these special guests, the President of the Association Dr. Iqbal Moosani,Ahmed Abdullah Karim, Nasir Ibrahim, Asif Lala, Mansoor Shivani, Kalim Ahmed, Arif Memon and other guest s were all present.MEMON ALAM JULY 2011 21

EDUCATIONThe Importance ofTechnical Education &Vocational TrainingMuhammad Yakoob GazianiC.E.O. at LORD Institute of TechnologyThere is an ever increasing requirementof skilled human resourceglobally and the opportunity forPakistan to increase remittances throughhuman resource export. The world isexperiencing major changes in patterns ofproduction and trade as well as dramatic innovationsin Technologies. With the adventof new technological age, basic skills willnot serve the purpose. Industry requires newworkers trained on the different types of latestequipment and machines which demandvarious types of skills.Changes in the nature of work, thetechnologies of production, and in standardsfor manufacturing and agriculture havepedagogical and educational prerequisites.The competitive situation is affecting modesof production. In a more competitiveeconomy, productivity, quality and flexibilityare more important for the success ofproduction, linking the process of technicaland vocational education to real work andmarket situations.Technical Education & Vocational Training(TEVT) in Pakistan:In Pakistan during 1947, it was inheritedan inadequate system of Technical Education& Vocational Training (TEVT) for industrialdevelopment. There were only twoengineering colleges, a few vocational institutesand not a single polytechnic instituteto fill in the communication gap betweenengineers and skilled workers. It cannot bedenied that for the development of industrya complete engineering team is needed,comprising semi-skilled and skilled workers,technicians and engineers, therefore, technicaleducation is given due importance in theTEVT System in the world.In the latter part of the fifties therefore,two polytechnics and a Pakistan SwedishInstitute of Technology started functioning.Later on more polytechnics and technicaltraining college, commercial institutes,vocational institutes were established. Now22there is a moderate network of polytechnics,Government Vocational Institute (GVI’s),Apprenticeship Training Centre (ATC’s),Technical High Schools, Commercial Instituteand Engineering Colleges throughoutthe country. But the output of all institutions,even today, makes only a minority ofthe total work force.Keeping in view the technologicalchanges and to keep pace with the policiesand priorities of the Government of Pakistan,the Ministry of Education is makingconcerted efforts to restructure the TEVTsystem in the country. Various TEVT institutionsare managed by different organizationsof the Government:Various TEVT institutions are managedby different organizations of the Government.Each institution has its own objectivesand the training programs reflect awide range of contents, structures, durations,entry qualification and modes oftraining. Training programs prepare for avariety of jobs in the labor market –fromindustrial to agricultural related work,urban to rural, local to overseas employment,labor intensive to high technology.Courses range from 4 months to 2 years forcertificates issued by the Boards of TechnicalEducation, the National Training Board,Trade Testing Board or the training agency.Curricula, instructional methods, instructorcompetencies, physical facilities and equipmentvary from institution to institution.However, education systems, economic andlegal environments as well as political andadministrative parameters vary from countryto country and even within countriesKeeping in view of the above, there areVocational Training Institute setups oncommunity level, among the best facility isin Korangi No. 5, Karachi, is the MemonIndustrial & Technical Institute (MITI).What is MITI?Memon Industrial & Technical Institute(MITI) has been setup under the auspicesof World Memon Organization (WMO) toimpart vocational training in various disciplines.The fast-track training courses offeredare tailored to help unskilled people/youth to learn skills to expand their earningopportunities with respect and peace. Thiswill also lead to develop trained manpowerto cater the needs of local industry and alsofulfilling the ever increasing demand of highlevel of competency and professionalismin international job-market of skilled andsemi-skilled workers.Who is behind MITI?WMO is an international NGO having 7Chapters (branch offices) throughout theworld and is very actively working to lookafter the Memon community, globally.The WMO Pakistan Chapter, the WMO-PC, is operating in the country since2002 and has started myriad of programsto organize the community and to bringrelief to suppressed and downtroddenMemons. However, WMO-PC conceivedthis project, the MITI, as a non-profit organizationfor developing human resourceof less- privileged class, coming fromany group or community or religion. Thefundamental purpose of this institute isto serve the humanity and promoting theenvironment of skills’ learning.The idea was surfaced in April 2007 whenthe delegates from India, who were presentin Karachi to attend the 5th Annual GeneralAssembly Meeting of World Memon Organization- Pakistan Chapter (WMO-PC),got in contact with the City Nazim, Mr.Mustafa Kamal, and conveyed the desireof WMO to establish a vocational traininginstitute in city on the lines of Ebrahim BawanyIndustrial Training Institute that wasrunning successfully under the auspices ofIslamic Study Centre at Baroda, India andwas amongst the highly honored institutionsof state.MEMON ALAM JULY 2011

EDUCATIONMITI Facility:WMO-PC has started this project in collaborationwith CDGK and the City Nazimgot inspired by the idea and agreed to moveahead in this regard, various sites offeredby the City Government, which judiciouslydecided upon accepting the Korangi CivicCentre-III, free-of-cost on 15 years leaseagreement, a four level building withconstructed space of 136,000 square feet,situated on Plot No.ST-1/8, Sector 36-A,Korangi 5 1/2, Karachi.WMO-PC has spent several million rupeesin providing state-of-the-art facilities atMITI with the entire funding from WMO’sinternational donors. The Civic Center hasnumber of rooms of assorted size and capacitywhich needed to be adapted to makethe available space fit for specific needs ofvarious disciplines. Hence, the committeemembers collectively visited the site manytimes to figure-out the best utilization ofavailable space. The ensuing decisions wereimplemented by demolishing of a few wallsof upper ground level. This has provided16 workshops of an average size of 60x30feet and 16 classrooms of an average size of30x30 feet where a batch of 30-50 studentscould attend practical and theory classes.Courses are offered forBoy’s Wing:All following courses are of 4- Monthsduration, 3 hours class, 6 days a week.Morning Session (9am – 12pm), Afternoon(2pm – 5pm) and now introducingfrom September 2011 Evening Session(6pm -9pm).Monthly Fee Rs. 500 and Registration feeRs. 100 (Valid for all courses)(Total fees for 4 Month duration coursebecomes Rs. 2100 only).1. CNG Kit Installation & EFI tuning2. Generator Operator/Technician3. Air-conditioning & Refrigeration4. Welding (Gas & Electric, TIG, MIG)5. Industrial Electrician6. Home UPS Installation & Repairing7. Mobile Phone repairing in collaborationwith United Mobiles8. General Electrician9. Motor Winding10. Lift Technician in collaboration withArdent Elevators11. Auto Electrician in collaboration withThall Engineering12. Auto Air-Conditioned in collaborationwith Thall Engineering13. Auto Mechanic (Diesel & Petrol) TechnicalSupport by Master Motors14. Plumbing15. Motor Cycle repairing in collaborationwith Suzuki.16. Computer Hardware Repairing.17. English languageNew Courses for boy’swing are under process:3-Months Courses, 2 Hours, 5 Days aweekMonthly Fee only Rs. 10001. Computer MS-Office2. Auto CAD3. Graphic Designing4. Animation5. Video Editing6. 3D Studio Max7. Web DesigningFuture Directions:From early 2011, MITI is geared to introducethe following new courses for whichthere is a great demand:1. Auto body Work & Refinishing2. Wood Working3. Aluminum Fabrication4. Machining Turning & MillingCourses are offered in LadiesWing:All following courses are of 4-Months duration,2 hours class, 6 days a week:Morning Session (9am – 11am and 11am– 01.00pm), Afternoon (3pm – 5pm).Monthly Fee Rs. 300 and Registration feeRs. 100 (Valid for all courses)1. Sewing & Cutting2. Beautician Basic Level3. Beautician Advance Level4. Embroidery (Hand, Machine)5. Cooking and Baking6. Fine Arts7. Textile Designing8. Interior Decoration9. Computer MS-Office10. Computer Graphics11. English Language12. MehndiAt present in boys wing 900+ student gotadmission in current session (May – August2011) and in Ladies wing 2500 + studentsgot admission in current session for theabove mentioned courses.Hijama Therapy, an Exclusive Course atMITI:Hijama Therapy was formally openedby Haji Jan Muhammad Yaqoob Gandhi(ARY). The Hijama Therapy is the Islamicway of treatment which is becomingpopular in various parts of the world. Thestudents would be trained in this therapy bythe qualified and experienced teachers inthis field. The above course is offered forboth genders.The Aims and Objectivesof above courses:These short courses will immensely help indeveloping semi-skilled workers who canperform 1st level of support function in a relatedfield. Such trained resource is in highdemand in the industry and are preferredover a raw hand person. The employer doesnot need to train a person on his valuableand sophisticated asset.What a learner willachieve:After going through the training, an unskilledperson moves onto the next level ofskilled or semi-skilled worker. Vocationalskill acquired from the institute shall greatlyadd value to a person’s earning capabilityand opens up avenues to make more moneyeither by self-employment or being employedwith an organization on better terms.Affiliation andCertifications:MITI is affiliated with TTB (Trade TestingBoard). The Trade Testing Board Sindh,Karachi, established in 1962, under NationalVocational Training Project Phase-II,according to National Training Ordinance,1980, amended 2002 Government of Pakistan,as an institution of Provincial TrainingBoard Sindh, working under directorate ofManpower & Training, labor department,Government of Sindh, Karachi.MITI is also affiliated with City & GuildsInternational, which is incorporated in Londonby Royal Charter in 1878 and whichhas affiliation of over 300 Technical andVocational Training Institute in over 100countries in the world. In the near future,City and Guilds UK Certification will beoffered for selected courses at MITI.Jobs opportunities forMITI Student’s:At MITI a special department has been creatednamed as Industrial Relationship Department(IRD) which has prime functionis to introduce MITI passing out studentsto relevant industries in Karachi and getupdate with their present requirement anddemands for Skill workers.MITI has the Job Notice Board whichis located on the ground level in MITIbuilding, the IRD people at MITI collect allthe job advertisement appears in the dailyrenowned newspaper and then put all thesejob information on job notice board to facilitatethe MITI student’s and they help theMEMON ALAM JULY 2011 23

EDUCATIONstudents, how to apply for a particular job,how to write an application, preparation forinterviews, etc.The IRD people at MITI get in touchwith the recruiting agencies / companiesfor outside Pakistan jobs and facilitate theMITI student’s in that segment also. Thereare few examples in the past, we proudlysay that most of our MITI students are presentlyworking in different part of the cityindustrial estates and very few are in Singapore,Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia.If you need more information in thisregards, please visit MITI website: www.wmomiti.com.And also see my Interview in MemonOnline HAQ TV channel in Memon Language,available on a Youtube.com http://youtube/TYI5cOry1fI.Memon Community andMITI:In last, but not the least, I would like to takethis opportunity to appeal all memon communitiesand especially to memon parentsthat kindly pay the visit to MITI with yourfamily, friends, near dear ones to explore thebest vocational training setup. Admissiondoes open in January, May and September3- Sessions, every year. After completing,this course will add the value to your kidsbasic skills, utilizes the best time in learningthe different technology and they are alsoprovided with better job opportunities, butunfortunately, regrets to say, that at presentthere are only less than 5 percent memonsare enrolled in the above mentioned MITICourses program, which is very unfortunateand depressing situation for the WMO community,who had created this infrastructurefor memons, to enhance and widened theirscope of technical education and also tohelp less privilege memon people, but thereare no such response has yet seen, norfound any progress in this segment. Now,it is our duty to promote MITI activities24among our communities and also prepareothers to come forward.WHY? The Memon Community is lackingin Technical Education & VocationalTraining.Conclusively, there are reasons, from mypoints of view, which are as follows:1. MITI is too far from the city.2. MITI is for poor and less privilege peopleonly.3. Short Courses means certificate, has novalue.4. Practical work, physical work and withbear hands.5. Regular daily basis classes for 3 hours.We, all memon communities, regrettablyhave not understood the scope and facilityavailable at MITI. We are probably feelingthat MITI project is the training setup forpoor and less privileged people only, thenhow can they send their children to MITI asthis will change the values of their family inthe society, status and so forth, etc.One more concern is the distance;MITI facility is in Korangi No. 5, anddue to this many families are not sendingtheir kids due to being far. However,this is not a problem. In our religiontoo, it is clearly emphasized and thereis one Hadees Shareef also, that if youwant to learn hard and would like totake more education, then you can goto even China or any part of the world.I hope you have heard about the FASTcomputer institute, located on MainNational Highway, and CBM Institute,located at Korangi Creek, also far fromcity, but there are many students aregoing there. But MITI is in the city and,if few kids get together and make onestation then the area community withthe help of WMO will arrange the transportationto-n-fro to MITI.In all technical fields certificate’s / diploma’sare the secondary requirement, thefirst thing what any organization look in to,are the technical abilities, trade skills andcapabilities of the person, to see how muchstrong in it and then the documentationcome after.MITI course contents are designed as80% practical and 20% theory. Due to thisapproach, all the workshops at MITI havebeen designed and fabricated in such a waythat student can easily accommodate himselfin learning the technology more practicallywith his own hands and on regular3-hours daily basis classes, programmed toenhance their skills and expertise to professionalism.There are special visits arranged by theworkers of WMO for Memon Families,Schools and others, to introduce MITI, butregrettably, the results are not satisfactoryand reasons are many.Many families think that if their son willbe get admission in an engineering, medical,CA, MBA etc, he will earn good money &value in society, But this is not true for allmemons, because not all the memon familiescan afford to do the same, as mentionedabove. The middle and lower class has theopportunity to get trained at MITI and startearning after 4 months and that way theirpresent earning will get better and if theytake more expertise during job and persistentin the job, they are promoted and startto earn more better.Recently, Mr. H.M.Shahzad (Chairman,MITI and ASC, WMO) had announced formemon community to provide discount inmonthly payment fees and also the lumpsum amount pay to students for transportationexpenses to-n-fro to MITI. In case, ifsomeone is not able to pay the fees, thenWMO will also provide the scholarship fora complete course, but unfortunately, noresponse yet, in this segment.I hope after reading this article, memoncommunities will take special interest andwill take necessary action to take part in aform of group to pay a visit to MITI facilityalong with their family, friends and willtry to influence the mind of their childrento take advantage of this huge project ofWMO-MITI, created, implemented andprogressing ahead in operation for allMemon Communities and as well as for thepeople of Pakistan, in greater extent.My endless efforts for the development,improvement and betterment of mankindby providing state of the Art TechnicalEducation and Vocational Training scopeof work at MITI project, will continue andit would be a prolonged relationship withWMO – MITI as a Technical Adviser onvolunteer basis, Inshallah.May Allah give us the Strength & Courageto serve the nation better, Jazzakallah.MEMON ALAM JULY 2011

ON MORALSA Revert Story to RememberMy name is Cassie, I am 23 yearsold. I graduated as a qualifiednurse this year and was given myfirst position as a home nurse.My patient was an English gentleman inhis early 80s who suffered from Alzheimer’s.In the first meeting the patient was given hisrecord and from it could see that he was aconvert to the religion of Islam, therefore hewas a Muslim.I knew from this that I would need to takeinto account some modes of treatment thatmy go against his faith, and therefore try toadapt my care to meet his needs. I broughtin some ‘halal’ meat to cook for him andensured that there was no pork or alcohol inthe premises as I did some research whichshowed that these were forbidden in Islam.My patient was a very advanced stage ofhis condition so a lot of my colleagues couldnot understand why I was going to so mucheffort for him, but I understood that a personwho commits to a faith deserves that commitmentto be respected, even if they are not in aposition to understand.Anyway after a few weeks with my patientI began to notice some patterns of movement.At first I thought it was some copiedmotioned he’s seen someone due, but I sawhim repeat the movement as particular time;morning, afternoon, evening.The movements were to raise his hands,bow and then put his head to the ground. Icould not understand it. He was also repeatingsentences in another language, I couldn’tfigure out what language it was as his speechwas slurred but I know the same verses wererepeated daily.Also there was something strange, he didn’tallow me to feed him with my left hand {I amleft handed} Somehow I knew this linked tohis religion but didn’t know how.One of my colleagues told me aboutpaltalk as a place for debates and discussionsand as I did not know any Muslims exceptfor my patient I thought it would be good tospeak to some live and ask questions. I wenton the Islam section and entered the room‘True Message.Here I asked questioned regarding therepeated movements and was told that thesewere the actions of prayer, I did not reallybelieve it until someone posted a link of theIslamic prayer on youtube.I was shocked.A man who has lost all memory of his children,of his occupation, and could barely eatand drink was able to remember not only actionsof prayer but verses that were in anotherlanguage. This was nothing short of incredibleand I knew that this man was devout inhis faith, which made me want to learn morein order to care for him the best I could. Icame into the paltalk room as often as I couldand was given a link to read the translation ofthe Quran and listen to it.The chapter of the ‘Bee’ gave me chills andI repeated it several times a day.I saved a recording of the Quran on myiPod and gave it to my patient to listen to, hewas smiling and crying, and in reading thetranslation I could see why. I applied what Igained from paltalk to my care for my patientbut gradually found myself coming to theroom to find answers for myself.I never really took the time to look at mylife; I never knew my father, my mother diedwhen I was 3, me and my brother were raisedby our grandparents who died 4 years ago, sonow it’s just the two of us.But despite all this loss, I always thought Iwas happy, content. I was only after spendingtime with my patient that felt like I wasmissing something. I was missing that senseof peace and tranquility my patient, eventhrough suffering felt.I wanted that sense of belonging and a partof something that he felt, even with no onearound him.I was given a list of mosques in my areaby a lady on paltalk and went down to visitone. I watched the prayer and could not holdback my tears. I felt drawn to the mosqueevery day and the imam and his wife wouldgive me books and tapes and welcome anyquestions I had. Every question I asked at themosque and on paltalk was answered withsuch clarity and depth that could do nothingbut accept them. I have never practiced a faithbut Always believed that there was a God; Ijust did not know how to worship Him.One evening I came on paltalk and one ofthe speakers on the mic addressed me. Heasked me if I have any questions, I said no.He asked if I was happy with the answers Iwas given, I said yes. He asked then what wasstopping me accepting Islam, I could not answer.I went to the mosque to watch the dawnprayer the imam asked me the same question,I could not answer.I then went to tend to my patient, I wasfeeding him and as I looked in his eyes I justrealized, he was brought to me for a reasonand the only thing stopping me from acceptingwas fear.... not fear in the sense of somethingbad, but fear of accepting somethinggood, and thinking that I was not worthylike this man. That afternoon I went to themosque and asked the imam if I could saymy declaration of faith, the Shahadah.May Allaah inspire us to begrateful for having been guidedto Islam, the greatest blessing inour life, and keep us firm uponthis perfect deen (religion) untilthe yaqeen - certainty (death).Ameen.He helped me through it was I was shownhow to walk and guided through would Iwould need to do next.I cannot explain the feeling I felt when Isaid it. It was like someone woke me up fromsleep and sees everything more clearly. Thefeeling was overwhelming joy, clarity andmost of all.... peace.The first person I told was not my brotherbut my patient. I went to him, and before Ieven opened my mouth he cried and smiledat me. I broke down in front of him, I owedhim so much. I came home logged on topaltalk and repeated the shahadah for theroom. They all helped me so much and eventhough I had never seen a single one of them,they felt closer to me then my own brother. Idid eventually call my brother to tell him andalthough he was wasn’t happy, he supportedme and said he would be there, I couldn’t askfor any more.After my first week as a Muslim my patientpassed away in his sleep while I was caringfor him. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajayoon.He died a peaceful death and I was the onlyperson with him.He was like the father I never had and hewas my doorway to Islam. From the day ofmy Shahadah to this very day and for everyday for as long as I live, I will pray that Allahshows mercy on him and grant him everygood deed I perform in the tenfold.I loved him for the sake of Allah and I prayeach night to become an atoms weight of theMuslim he was. Islam is a religion with anopen door; it is there for those who want toenter it.... Verily Allah is the Most Merciful,Most Kind.* Note * Our sister Cassie passed awayOctober 2010 Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhirajayoon, after she gave dawa to her brother,who had accepted Islam. Elhamdulileh.May Allah swt grant sister Cassie ParadiseAmeen Ya Rabb!“When you sit with People of the Dunya(This World), you become a drop in theirocean, but when you sit with People of theAkhira (The Hereafter), the dunya becomes adrop in your ocean.”MEMON ALAM JULY 2011 25

ON MORALSRepent the daybefore you die…Ruqayyah, an affluent young girl,born with silver spoon in her mouthsat waiting impatiently at the doctor’sclinic to get the results of a medicaltest. She was in a hurry as she had to attenda party that evening and feared she may belate for her appointment with the hairdresser.She never thought the result would beanything important. It was just a precautioninsisted upon by her family. She had neversuffered any serious illness, apart from theodd ache in her limbs. Then, it was her turnto see the doctor. She hurried inside to getit over with as quickly as possible. She wassurprised to see the doctor look sad andconcerned as he asked, “is this yours?” sheanswered, “no, it is my daughter’s.” shewanted to know the truth and thought thatperhaps he would hide the truth, if she toldhim it was her own. He asked her to have aseat, so she sat feeling somewhat afraid. Shegazed at him anxiously as the doctor lookedsadly at her and said, “You seem to be aneducated girl. You understand the natureof life.” he stopped talking, and she beganto tremble. She asked, “what do you meandoctor?” the doctor said, “the result indicatesthat there is Leukaemia.” he lookeddown at his papers and remained silent.Ruqayyah had to ask him to give hermore information. She cried in fear, “is itcancer?” he did not look at her, but a cloudof sadness covered his face. It was as if hewas sentencing her to death. She said in abroken voice, “I am finished then.” the doctorknew then that she had lied, but it wastoo late to hide the truth. He looked kindlyat her and said, “I am sorry for you, I amreally sorry. Why did you lie? Anyway lifeand death are matters within Allah’s power.Many sick people live long and manyhealthy ones die. “Ruqayyah felt as if she were drowning,as if a hard fist was cruelly squeezing herheart. She tried hard to regain her strengthand said, “I do apologize. Thank you doctor.”the doctor encouraged her saying, “be26strong and optimistic. Medical science isconstantly progressing. Some of today’sincurable sicknesses can be cured tomorrowI still have hope. Leave me your telephonenumber I can refer you to a specialist” Sherepeated the number automatically withoutknowing what she was saying. Feeling greatshock and bitterness, she again thanked thedoctor and left.The world around had changed and shewas totally oblivious of her surroundings.At home she kept the truth to herself. Shedid not know how to share it. Anyway,everyone was busy with their own festivitiesprior to Ramadhaan. Her mother asked,“have you been to the doctor? Why didnot you go to the hairdresser?” it was justa by-the-way question, needing no answer.She briefly said, “I am not going to theparty!” She went into her room and lockedthe door. She stretched out on her bed fullyclothed and listened to her family’s voices,as if they were coming from a farawayplace. The wind seemed to her to be afuneral sad tune, lamenting her approachingdeath. The bedroom seemed strange to heras she would be leaving it soon. Tears beganto flow. What about the house? It would notremember her. She was just a guest. Otherswould take her room and soon forget her.She tried to cry but tears did not help. Shelooked around her in pain. Those curtainsimported from Europe, would stay after her.It would not have mattered if they had beenmade of the roughest fabric, she wouldleave them for others. She wished she hadnot troubled herself for such things. Hersporty car for which her dad paid over amillion had no use in her life. She wishedshe had used her time and energies for moreuseful things, which could have been helpfulto her in her difficulty. She wondered,“What is useful to me?” she was young,beautiful and rich with everything her heartcould desire.Could anything help her and save herfrom death? She had no need to work, herfather was stinking rich and she was theonly child. She had it all, but could it saveher from death? An idea struck her. Shehurried to the phone while everyone wasaway. She dialled the doctor’s number andasked eagerly, “if I travel abroad can I finda cure?” he said, “there is nothing newabroad. It is a waste of money, but we canarrange for the best of oncologist to attendto you.” She put the phone down and sat ona nearby chair.Her wealth would not change matters.She walked through the house’s rooms asif saying her farewells. She paced the smallgarden just outside her room and lookedat the trees. She whispered, “I wish thesetrees knew I am leaving them, those stones,walls...I wish these doors knew my handswill soon no longer open them. I wish thoseflowers knew the meaning of my departure.Will they remember my days in their company?What about these seats, I used to reston. Will they miss my presence? Will theybe ready for someone else to settle on them?My writing desk felt my writing in tears andin smiles; does it know I am leaving? I wishI had known I was leaving , then I wouldnot have cared so much for this life. I wouldnot have felt proud and arrogant… had Iknown I were a guest in this world I wouldnot have been cheated or tempted by its luxuries…had I known this I would have beenaware that leaving a simple life is easierthan leaving a luxurious one…I would nothave kept in the company of those so calledfriends who enticed me to pursue a lifefulfilling my base desire, of causing me todo prohibited acts, of making me forget myCreator Allah. I would definitely not haveengaged in those futile actions that had nobenefit for me in the life to come.Had I lived a simple and pure life, Iwould not have found it difficult to crossfrom this world to the next. My “friends”are now enjoying the party…how often Ilonged for such parties, how much I caredfor fashion and hairstyles! Can they helpMEMON ALAM JULY 2011

me now?” I wished I had donned the hijaaband dressed modestly. I wished I had notgroomed myself daily aiming to arouselust in the opposite gender. Oh Allah how Iwish my nights were spend in worshippingyou instead of partying till dawn and mydays were spent in obedience to you insteadof living an aimless life… Oh Allah.Ruqayyah threw herself down on the nearestchair as if she had realized a truth previouslyunknown to her. She said, “what shallI take with me? Nothing but the shroud andmy deeds. What kind of deeds will go withme on my long journey? Nothing! Yes, nothing!”she remembered her friend Umaymah,who used to advise her and guide her to theright path of Allah. She used to remind herof the Qur’anic verse: ...and make provision,for the provision is the guarding of oneself.[al-baqarah:239].I had never considered the importance ofgood deeds and a pure life except on somerare occasions. Now I am in need of suchdeeds to present to Allah. I would standto give account, but what would I say?How could I expect Allah’s mercy when Idisobeyed His Orders? How could I ask forforgiveness when I never even thought ofobeying him in my life’s affairs? I wishedI had read the Holy Qur’an instead ofall those cheap romance novels. I wishedshe had gained some knowledge of Islaminstead of reading film-star magazines andfrequenting useless chatrooms. Oh how Iwished I spent time with Umaymah’s familyat the Ladies Taalim program insteadof the cinema. Oh Allah how I wished mypretty and dainty feet would have got tiredin standing in prayer instead of wearingaway the dance floor at the most exoticnight clubs.She continued wishing she had donefew things, and not done other things. Shewished she had not angered this person orthat, and had never lied or gossiped aboutanyone. She wished she had not been proudand despised the poor. She said, “I wish Icould start my life all over again to make-upfor my errors and to obey Allah’s orders.I worshipped my desires and ignored myCreator. I wish I could live for a while tomake up for my sins.” she took out a letterof her ex-boyfriend Abdulla which he wroteto her when ending their relation. She wasreally fond of him but after spending afew days in the Path of Allah he made uphis mind to lead a pure life and abandonsin. Abdulla wrote to her: …how much Imay be fond of you but My Creator Allahadmonishes me in the Qur’an when Hereminds us: Say: “O my Servants who havetransgressed against their souls! Despair notof the Mercy of Allah: for Allah forgives allsins: for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.(Quran az-Zumar : 53) and Allah also says:Has not the time come for the hearts ofthose who believe to be affected by Allah’sReminder?(al-Hadeed : 16) and until whendeath overtakes one of them he says: sendme back, my Lord. Haply I may do good inthat which I have left. By no means! It is amere word that he speaks, and before themis a barrier until the day they are raised.(surah al-muminun: 99)She dropped the letter which was alreadysoaked with tears that flowed profusely fromher powder blue eyes and in a desperatetone she said, “Oh Allah, I do mean it..Ido regret … I promise to be faithful to Younow and forever Oh Allah…Oh Allah …Forgive me…I do mean it.” tears burst fromher eyes. She cried bitterly in repentance,not pain. Then and there she pledged toobey Allah in all his Orders if she lived abit longer. She made promises one after theother …never to sin, never to disobey Allaheven if her “friends” tempt her, to give upevil company, to lead a pious and noble life,to dress modestly and from this day on towear the hijaab, to kind respectful, to readher salaah, to fast in Ramadhaan, to joinUmaymah in Taleem and list went on andon until with exhaustion and mental fatigueshe fell into a deep slumber.She dreamt of a tunnel of darkness withlight at the end it…it was scary there wereall vicious animals in this tunnel that wereabout to attack her and no way of escaping,she prayed to Allah and promised to obeyHim if He protects her. A soldier dressedin a white robe with beautiful turban on hishead appeared. He was riding a stallion andhad a spear in his hand. He attacked thosevicious animals ferociously and they wereall killed or disappeared. The tunnel thanappeared full of light and she ran to theend where she witnessed the most beautifulgarden her eyes had ever seen. As she wasabout to enter..she woke up with the loudmusical tone of her cellphone. Her pillowwas soaked in tears as she said, “Helloooo?”someone said, “can I speak to Miss Ruqayyah?”she knew the speaker. It was thedoctor. She said, “yes, speaking.” the doctorsaid cheerfully, “I don’t know how to say it,I feel so embarrassed..” She hastily replied“ speak , just speak, say what you have tosay!” He in a joyous tone said “ congratulationsmy daughter! There is nothing wrongwith you. Thank Allah!” she was stunnedwith surprise. She did not know what to say.“no disease? How? You are joking, doctor!”the doctor said, “May Allah protect me Iam not joking. I have just got an apologyfrom the analyst. He explained that therewas a mix-up with the names. Your namewas written instead of someone else. I haveyour medical reports here in front of me.You are quite well. Be thankful to Allah mydaughter.” excitedly she said, “thanks be toAllah, thank you doctor.” she put the phonedown, feeling as if she was newly born. Sheknew she was safe for a while, but deathwould certainly come one day. She had notime to waste. However long she lived shewas a guest.The first thing she did was to performher prayer, which she had neglected fora long time. She promised Allah to obeyHis Orders and to follow the beautiful wayof Prophet Muhammad (peace be uponhim),to pray, fast, and stick to wearingmodest clothes. She would also give upwhatever Allah had forbidden. In order notto forget this, she wrote the Qur’anic verseson a placard and hung it on the wall. On theother side she wrote a wise saying: “repentthe day before you die. Because you do notknow when you will die, then always berepentant.”All around her were stunned at theamazing reformation in her life, she wasthe girl who used to turn heads where evershe was …now she was a modest and piousMuslimah, a role model and inspiration formany a young Muslimah’s to lead a piousand noble life…and oh yes it was not longbefore Abdulla who was now Mufti Abdullaasked her to be her lifelong companion …which she happily agreed to….May Allahbless them in their marriage!Lesson: Life is short and we never knowwhere and when it’s going to end ...it couldbe today or even tomorrow. Let not Satandeceive us that we have a long time left.As Muslims we made a bargain withAllah (subhana wa ta’ala) in which we soldour lives and our wealth in exchange for lifein Paradise. (Al-Quran 9:111)A young woman came to the Messengerof Allah(peace be upon him) and asked,“Who is the most intelligent among mankind?”The Messenger of Allah (peace beupon him) replied, “The most intelligent ishe who remembers death often and preparesfor it well.”Such people who prepare for their deathare the wisest and also the most fortunatebecause they will achieve the highest successin the Hereafter. We should not leave fortomorrow what can be done today becausethere may not be a tomorrow. Moreover weshould focus on pleasing our Lord so thatour sins may be washed away and we maybe included among Allah’s special people onthe Day of JudgmentAllah will indeed test those whom Heloves:”When Allah wishes good for someonehe will test him.” (Al-Bukhaari)Sincerely Repent now and prepare ourselvesby doing virtues deeds for the life thatis eternal …..MEMON ALAM JULY 2011 27

REALITYMother’s Sacrifice duringthe Japan EarthquakeThis is a true story of Mother’s Sacrificeduring the Japan Earthquake.After the Earthquake hadsubsided, when the rescuers reached theruins of a young woman’s house, they sawher dead body through the cracks. But herpose was somehow strange that she knelton her knees like a person was worshiping;her body was leaning forward, and her twohands were supporting by an object. Thecollapsed house had crashed her back andher head.With so many difficulties, the leader ofthe rescuer team put his hand through a narrowgap on the wall to reach the woman’sbody. He was hoping that this woman couldbe still alive. However, the cold and stiff28body told him that she had passed away forsure.He and the rest of the team left this houseand were going to search the next collapsedbuilding. For some reasons, the team leaderwas driven by a compelling force to goback to the ruin house of the dead woman.Again, he knelt down and used his handthrough the narrow cracks to search the littlespace under the dead body. Suddenly, hescreamed with excitement,” A child! Thereis a child! “The whole team worked together; carefullythey removed the piles of ruinedobjects around the dead woman. Therewas a 3 month old little boy wrapped in aflowery blanket under his mother’s deadbody. Obviously, the woman had made anultimate sacrifice for saving her son. Whenher house was falling, she used her body tomake a cover to protect her son. The littleboy was still sleeping peacefully when theteam leader picked him up.The medical doctor came quickly to examthe little boy. After he opened the blanket,he saw a cell phone inside the blanket.There was a text message on the screen. Itsaid,” If you can survive, you must rememberthat I love you.” This cell phone waspassing around from one hand to another.Every body that read the message wept. ” Ifyou can survive, you must remember that Ilove you.” Such is the mother’s love for herchild!!MEMON ALAM JULY 2011

FRUITILITYThere’s custardin my appleFruits in one way or the other areindispensable to us in our daily lives,being essential to our health. Likeother fruits, the custard apple is nutritiveand curative, though the fruit itself is notso very pleasant in appearance. The custardapple, or Sharifa (in Urdu) and Ramphalor Sitaphal (in Hindi), is native to the WestIndies (though some trace its roots to India),and was introduced to tropical Africa in the17th century. It is found widely on the eastcoast of Malaysia, Southeast Asia and thePhilippines.The fruit is round, globose, reticulatedand packed with an aromatic white, sweet,pulpy matter which covers numerous hardcoated black pointed seeds that are oblongin shape. When unripe the sharifa is hardand firm. Ripening, however, makes thefruit soft and it breaks easily on touch. Theripe fruit can be enjoyed on its own or as adessert; the fruit pulp is also used to makesherbet, ice cream, milkshake and pudding.The custard apple’s leaves, fruit, seedsand roots have many medicinal benefits.It is a source of an extensive list of necessarynutrients: protein, fat, carbohydrates,crude fibre, ash, phosphorus, iron, carotene,thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, ascorbic acid,nicotinic acid and natural sugars. It is agood antioxidant, and flushes out toxic matterfrom the body that can prove hazardousto health. The bark of the tree is used totreat diarrhea and diabetes. A paste of thepounded seeds, and the juice of the leavesapplied locally to the head has the powerto kill head-lice (It would be advisable toavoid its contact with the eyes). The juicefrom the leaves is also used to dress wounds,ulcers, maggot-infested sores, and malignanttumors.The sharifa tree is erect and branched,growing to a height of 5-10 meters. Fruitingstars within two to three years of plantingand the fruit takes two to three months toripen on the tree, blooming twice a year. Itis propagated by the seed and also by grafting;fruits obtained from grafting are betterin quality than from seed-planted saplings.The custard apple is now naturalized inmany tropical areas, such as the Philippines.A regular supply of water, good drainageand soil fertility are to be ensured for thecultivation of the custard apple, although itis moderately drought resistant. It does wellin low lying, deep, rich soil, with an amplesupply of water, organic matter and drainage.It also, however, has the ability to adaptitself to varied soil conditions, so the soildoes not really pose a problem.It is cultivated in many parts of Indiaand also found growing wild in some partsof southern India. In Pakistan, the fruit iscultivated on a small scale by enterprisingfruit growers for their personal consumptionor marketing. In certain seasons, thefruit is heavily latched onto by mealy-bugsand maggots that make the fruit unfit forconsumption or presentation to friendsand relatives. The pest problem can beeasily controlled, if the custard apple treeis sprayed once or twice with the recommendedchemical spray by a plant protectionexpert before it starts blooming.The custard apple, it will be seen, also hasmany economic uses. Industrially, the toxicitycontained in the seeds could also be exploitedto make mild insecticides to controlsmall insect pests like bedbugs, sore insectsand garden pests like aphids and mites.Despite its importance, it still does not havea fruit crop status in Sindh; currently it issuccessfully growing in and around Karachiin residential compounds and in other openplaces. It is understood that research on thecustard apple is apace in Sindh. New andadaptable gerrmplasm may further be importedfrom abroad to accelerate its ongoingresearch. The cultivation of a few trees infruit orchards can be an additional sourceof income to the fruit-grower.MEMON ALAM JULY 2011 29

HUMOURCANADIAN CitizenshipInterviewFirst Class Interpreter !!Canadian Citizenship ApplicationAn immigrant from China is applyingfor citizenship in Canada . Heis to be interviewed by a Canadian immigrationofficer. He does not speak Englishwell and knows nothing about Canada .Therefore, he invited a special translator tohelp him in his interview.Officer: Do you know who was the firstPrime Minister of Canada?Translator: ( in Cantonese) The officerasked you, Where do you usually go if youwant to eat hamburger?Man: (answered to the officer) Oh..... Mc-Donald (the first minister of Canada is SirJohn MacDonald.)The officer nodded his head and then askedthe second question.Officer: Could you tell me which provinceyou’re living in now?Translator: (in Cantonese) The officer justasked you, What is the dirtiest thing in yournose?Man: (replied to the officer in Cantonese)Ah..... Bay See (which means nose dirt inChinese) (The man lives in the provinceof British Columbia , commonly known asB.C.)The officer added a current affair question,“Who is the prime minister of Canadanow?”The translator speaks in Cantonese,“What’s that part of the face below yourlips and above your neck?”Man replied “Har Per”. (which meanschin in Cantonese) (The current prime ministerof Canada is Prime Minister StephenHarper) The officer nodded his head againand asked the final question.Officer: Do you know what your privilegeis when you become Canadian?Translator: (in Cantonese) The officerasked you, How does a dog sounds likewhen it barks?Man: (demonstrated the sound to the officer)...Woe, Woe. (Vote, Vote. One of theprivileges of a Canadian is the right to vote.)The officer told the man that all the questionswere answered correctly, shook handswith him and congratulated him that hehad passed the interview to be a Canadiancitizen.Love Her…Love her …when she sips on your coffee or tea. She only wants to make sure it tastes just right for you.Love her…when she “pushes” you to pray. She wants to be with you in Jannah (Paradise).Love her…when she asks you to play with the kids. She did not “make” them on her own.Love her...when she is jealous. Out of all the men she can have, she chose youLove her…when she has annoying little habits that drives you nuts. You have them too.Love her…when her cooking is bad. She tries.Love her…when she looks dishevelled in the morning. She always grooms herself up again.Love her…when she asks to help with the kids homework. She only wants you to be part of the home.Love her...when she asks if she looks fat. Your opinion counts, so tell her she’s beautiful.Love her…when she looks beautiful. She’s yours so appreciate her.Love her...when she spends hours to get ready. She only wants to look her best for you.Love her…when she buys you gifts you don’t like. Smile and tell her it’s what you’ve always wanted.Love her…when she has developed a bad habit. You have many more and with wisdom and politeness you have all the time to help her change.Love her…when she cries for absolutely nothing. Don’t ask, tell her its going to be okayLove her…when she suffers from PMS. Buy chocolate, rub her feet and back and just chat to her (trust me this works!)Love her…when whatever you do is not pleasing. It happens and will passLove her…when she stains your clothes. You needed a new thobe (kurta) anywayLove her…when she tells you how to drive. She only wants you to be safe.Love her…when she argues. She only wants to make things right for bothLove her…she is yours. You don’t need any other special reason!!!!All this forms part of a Woman’s Character. Women are part of your life and should be treated as the Queen.The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) advised concerning the woman:• Treat the women well.• The best of you are those who are the best in the treatment of their wives.• No one honours the woman except an honorable man. And no one humiliates her or holds her in contempt except one who is evil,vile, wicked and depraved.Don’t wait for that special occasion,take time now to make her feel Special in Every Way!Source: www.eislam.co.zaMEMON ALAM JULY 2011 31

MEDICAL SCIENCERoot benefitsOnion and garlic have been reveredsince ancient times for both theirculinary properties as well as theirmedical benefits. These pungent membersof the lily family, with their distinctive flavorand pungent aroma, are used to enhancemeat and vegetable dishes in cuisines ofAsia, the Middle East and the Mediterranean,whereas their fried, baked or pickledvariants are a versatile delicacy in their ownright. In addition to their use in cooking,both vegetables have been employed fortheir medicinal purposes by more culturesover more millennia than any other plantproduct or substance.Garlic as well as onion is characterized bythe rich content of thiosulfinates, sulfides,sulfoxides and other odoriferous sulfur compounds.The cysteine sulfoxides are responsiblefor giving the bulbs their distinctiveflavor and production of the eye-irritatingcompounds that induce lacrimation. Thethiosulfinates exhibit antimicrobial propertiesthat help fight off bacteria, viruses andfungi though the sulfur compounds in onionare only about one quarter the level foundin garlic, the former is rich in quercetin,a phytochemical which contributes to ahealthy cardiovascular system; the morepungent the onion is, the higher is the levelof quercetin. Quercetin has also been shownto reverse some age-related memory loss.Onion is also loaded with chromium,a trace mineral that helps cells respond toinsulin. As for garlic, clinical experimentshave shown that its regular consumptionhelps improve blood circulation and decreasecalcium deposits as well as depositsof arterial plaque in coronary arteries.Thanks to their potent antioxidant properties,onion and garlic rich diets appear toreduce the risk of colon and esophagus cancers,and may aid in prevention of cancers,of breast, skin and lungs. It is importantto note here that garlic and onion are besteaten raw as cooking, especially for too longor at high temperatures, can effect theircurative properties.Packed with vitamins A, B and C, alongwith minerals such as potassium, selenium,iron, calcium and zinc, these stronglyscented bulbs contain small amounts ofprostaglandins A1and E which help lowerhigh blood pressure and control cholesterollevel. Studies prove that ingesting fourgrams of garlic a day can help maintain normalblood pressure, whereas daily intake ofone clove of fresh garlic for 16 weeks lowerscholesterol by up to 21 percent. Garlic alsoreduces the ability of blood platelets to formclots, thereby reducing the risk of heart attacksor stroke.Another of its most potent health benefitsincludes the ability to enhance the body’simmune cell activity. Moreover, those whoeat a clove of garlic every day have a lowerrisk of stomach and bowel cancers. Twocloves, or more, a day will provide you ashield against flu or help you recover fasterif you get the flu or the common cold.In herbal medicine, garlic is traditionallyconsidered to be not only a reliable remedyfor hoarseness and coughs, but also an effectiveinflammatory to treat small injuries.Just wash the wound with a mixture of onepart garlic juice and three parts of waterand watch it heal. Use raw garlic juice onrashes and bug bites, it stops the itching immediately.For scratchy throat, suck a smallslice of garlic for 10-15 minutes, the juicesliding down the throat will ease the pain.Cut raw garlic and rub the cut edge on toothand gums two to three times a day to stoptoothache.Besides being an excellent worm expeller,garlic also has a soothing effect on thevarious forms of diarrhea. Problems such ascolitis, dysentery and many other intestinalproblems can be successfully treated withfresh garlic and without affecting the beneficialorganisms which aid digestion. Torelieve the symptoms, infuse crushed clovesof garlic in water or milk and sip slowly.Onion, sometimes called ‘garlic’s littlebrother’, also has a long list of medical virtues.It is a powerful antiseptic and a potentsource of folic acid, calcium, phosphorous,magnesium, iron and dietary fibre. Itsantiallergenic properties make it useful fortreating allergy related diseases. Consumedin raw state, onion not only helps to increasethe HDL cholesterol in the blood, butalso clears it of unhealthy fats. It’s powerfulanti inflammatory and anti bacterial propertiescan deliver relief for upset stomachand related gastro syndromes. Its increasedconsumption is believed to lessen the riskinherent in developing diabetes and wardoff infectious bacteria.Onions are a traditional remedy for toothdecay and oral infections: for a germ-freemouth, chew a piece of raw onion for twoto three minutes. Mixture prepared fromequal amounts of onion juice and honeytaken several times during the day facilitatesthe melting of phlegm in a patient sufferingfrom severe cough. It helps break downmucus and prevents its further formation.It is also one of the best preventive potionsagainst the common cold.Many types of onions are high in iron,with red ones having the highest concentrations.Iron helps to maintain the properconsistency and thickness of blood. Onionis also great for skin disorder: to improvethe blood circulation in the skin and to banishwarts, just rub fresh onion slices on theaffected place. Roasted or raw onion tiedto boils dries them up quickly while freshonion juice is a proven instant remedy fornausea.MEMON ALAM JULY 2011 33

MEDICAL SCIENCEPain Cures You CanFind in Your KitchenIndian Grandmas knew it BEFORE the research!Make muscle pain amemory with gingerWhen Danish researchers asked achypeople to jazz up their diets with ginger, iteased muscle and joint pain, swelling andstiffness for up to 63 percent of them withintwo months. Experts credit ginger’s potentcompounds called gingerols, which preventthe production of pain-triggering hormones.The study-recommended dose: Add at least1 teaspoon of dried ginger or 2 teaspoons ofchopped ginger to meals daily.Cure a toothache withclovesGot a toothache and can’t get to the dentist?Gently chewing on a clove can ease toothpain and gum inflammation for two hoursstraight, say UCLA researchers. Expertspoint to a natural compound in cloves calledeugenol, a powerful, natural anesthetic.Bonus: Sprinkling a ¼ teaspoon of groundcloves on meals daily may also protect yourticker. Scientists say this simple action helpsstabilize blood sugar, plus dampen productionof artery-clogging cholesterol in as littleas three weeks.34Heal heartburn with cidervinegarSip 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegarmixed with 8 ounces of water before everymeal, and experts say you could shut downpainful bouts of heartburn in as little as 24hours. “Cider vinegar is rich in malic andtartaric acids, powerful digestive aids thatspeed the breakdown of fats and proteinsso your stomach can empty quickly, beforefood washes up into the esophagus, triggeringheartburn pain,” explains JosephBrasco, M.D., a gastroenterologist at theCenter for Colon and Digestive Diseases inHuntsville, AL.Erase earaches with garlicPainful ear infections drive millions ofAmericans to doctors’ offices every year. Tocure one fast, just place two drops of warmgarlic oil into your aching ear twice daily forfive days. This simple treatment can clearup ear infections faster than prescriptionmeds, say experts at the University of NewMexico School of Medicine. Scientists saygarlic’s active ingredients (germanium, selenium,and sulfur compounds) are naturallytoxic to dozens of different pain-causingbacteria. To whip up your own garlic oilgently simmer three cloves of crushed garlicin a half a cup of extra virgin olive oil fortwo minutes, strain, then refrigerate for upto two weeks, suggests Teresa Graedon,Ph.D., co-author of the book, Best ChoicesFrom The People’s Pharmacy. For anoptimal experience, warm this mix slightlybefore using so the liquid will feel soothingin your ear canal.Chase away joint and headachepain with cherriesLatest studies show that at least one in fourwomen is struggling with arthritis, gout orchronic headaches. If you’re one of them, adaily bowl of cherries could ease your ache,without the stomach upset so often triggeredby today’s painkillers, say researchers atEast Lansing ’s Michigan State University. Their research reveals that anthocyanins,the compounds that give cherries their brilliantred color, are anti-inflammatories 10times stronger than ibuprofen and aspirin.“Anthocyanins help shut down the powerfulenzymes that kick-start tissue inflammation,so they can prevent, as well as treat,many different kinds of pain,” explainsMuraleedharan Nair, Ph.D., professor offood science at Michigan State University .His advice: Enjoy 20 cherries (fresh, frozenor dried) daily, then continue until your paindisappears.Fight tummy troubleswith fishIndigestion, irritable bowel syndrome,inflammatory bowel diseases...if your bellyMEMON ALAM JULY 2011

MEDICAL SCIENCEalways seems to be in an uproar, try munching18 ounces of fish weekly to ease yourmisery. Repeated studies show that the fattyacids in fish, called EPA and DHA, cansignificantly reduce intestinal inflammation,cramping and belly pain and, in some cases,provide as much relief as corticosteroidsand other prescription meds. “EPA andDHA are powerful, natural, side effect-freeanti-inflammatories, that can dramaticallyimprove the function of the entire gastrointestinaltract,” explains biological chemistBarry Sears, Ph.D., president of the InflammationResearch Foundation in Marblehead, MA . For best results, look for oily fish likesalmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel, trout andherring.Prevent PMS with yogurtpain for 50 percent of people strugglingwith arthritis and even fibromyalgia, accordingto Cornell researchers. That’s becauseturmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin,naturally shuts down cyclooxygenase 2,an enzyme that churns out a stream ofpain-producing hormones, explains nutritionresearcher Julian Whitaker, M.D. andauthor of the book, Reversing Diabetes.The study-recommended dose: Sprinkle 1/4teaspoon of this spice daily onto any rice,poultry, meat or vegetable dish.End endometrialpain with oatsplus it’s anti-bacterial, so it quickly destroysthe germs that cause swelling and pain.Just mix 1 teaspoon of salt into each cup ofwater, heat to the warmest temperature thatyou can comfortably stand, and then soakthe affected foot area for 20 minutes twicedaily, until your infection subsides.Prevent digestive upsetswith pineappleUp to 80 percent of women will strugglewith premenstrual syndrome and its uncomfortablesymptoms, report Yale researchers.The reason: Their nervous systems aresensitive to the ups and downs in estrogenand progesterone that occur naturally everymonth. But snacking on 2 cups of yogurta day can slash these symptoms by 48 percent,say researchers at New York ’s ColumbiaUniversity . “Yogurt is rich in calcium,a mineral that naturally calms the nervoussystem, preventing painful symptoms evenwhen hormones are in flux,” explains MaryJane Minkin, M.D., a professor of gynecologyat Yale University .Tame chronic pain withturmericStudies show turmeric, a popular EastIndian spice, is actually three times more effectiveat easing pain than aspirin, ibuprofenor naproxen, plus it can help relieve chronicThe ticket to soothing endometriosis paincould be a daily bowl of oatmeal. Endometriosisoccurs when little bits of the uterinelining detach and grow outside of theuterus. Experts say these migrating cells canturn menstruation into a misery, causing somuch inflammation that they trigger severecramping during your period, plus a heavyache that drags on all month long. Fortunately,scientists say opting for a diet richin oats can help reduce endometrial painfor up to 60 percent of women within sixmonths. That’s because oats don’t containgluten, a trouble-making protein that triggersinflammation in many women, makingendometriosis difficult to bear, explainsPeter Green, M.D., professor of medicine atColombia University .Soothe foot pain with saltExperts say at least six million Americansdevelop painful ingrown toenails each year.But regularly soaking ingrown nails inwarm salt water baths can cure these painfulinfections within four days, say scientists atCalifornia ’s Stanford University . The saltin the mix naturally nixes inflammation,Got gas? One cup of fresh pineapple dailycan cut painful bloating within 72 hours, sayresearchers at California ’s Stanford University. That’s because pineapple is natuallypacked with proteolytic enzymes, digestiveaids that help speed the breakdown of paincausingproteins in the stomach and smallintestine, say USDA researchers.Relax painful muscles withpeppermintSuffering from tight, sore muscles? Stubbornknots can hang around for months ifthey aren’t properly treated, says naturopathMark Stengler, N.D., author of the book,The Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies.His advice: Three times each week, soakin a warm tub scented with 10 drops ofpeppermint oil. The warm water will relaxMEMON ALAM JULY 2011 35

MEDICAL SCIENCEyour muscles, while the peppermint oil willnaturally soothe your nerves -- a combo thatcan ease muscle cramping 25 percent moreeffectively than over-the-counter painkillers,and cut the frequency of future flare-ups inhalf, says StenglerGive your back some TLCwith grapestissues are well-hydrated, they can moveand glide over each other without causingpain.” One caveat: Be sure to measure yourdrinking glasses to find out how large theyreally are before you start sipping, she says.Today’s juice glasses often hold more than12 ounces, which means five servings couldbe enough to meet your daily goal.Heal sinus problems withhorseradishHeal mouth sores withhoneyGot an achy back? Grapes could be theticket to a speedy recovery. Recent studies atOhio State University suggest eating a heapingcup of grapes daily can relax tight bloodvessels, significantly improving blood flowto damaged back tissues (and often withinthree hours of enjoying the first bowl).That’s great news because your back’s vertebraeand shock-absorbing discs are completelydependent on nearby blood vessels tobring them healing nutrients and oxygen, soimproving blood flow is essential for healingdamaged back tissue, says Stengler.Wash away pain (injuries)with waterWhether it’s your feet, your knees or yourshoulders that are throbbing, experts at NewYork ’s Manhattan College , say you couldkick-start your recovery in one week justby drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of waterdaily. Why? Experts say water dilutes, andthen helps flush out, histamine, a paintriggeringcompound produced by injuredtissues. “Plus water is a key building blockof the cartilage that cushions the ends ofyour bones, your joints’ lubricating fluid,and the soft discs in your spine,” adds SusanM. Kleiner, Ph.D., author of the book,The Good Mood Diet. “And when theseLatest studies show sinusitis is the nation’snumber one chronic health problem. And thiscondition doesn’t just spur congestion andfacial pain, it also makes sufferers six timesmore likely to feel achy all-over. Horseradishto the rescue! According to German researchers,this eye-watering condiment naturally revsup blood flow to the sinus cavities, helpingto open and drain clogged sinuses and healsinus infections more quickly than decongestantsprays do. The study-recommended dose:One teaspoon twice daily (either on its own,or used as a sandwich or meat topping) untilsymptoms clear.Beat bladder infectionswith blueberriesEating 1 cup of blueberries daily, whetheryou opt for them fresh, frozen or in juiceform, can cut your risk of a urinary tractinfection (UTIs) by 60 percent, accordingto researchers at New Jersey’s RutgersUniversity. That’s because blueberries areloaded with tannins, plant compounds thatwrap around problem-causing bacteria inthe bladder, so they can’t get a toehold andcreate an infection, explains Amy Howell,Ph.D. a scientist at Rutgers University .Dab painful canker and cold sores withunpasteurized honey four times daily untilthese skin woes disappear, and they’ll heal43 percent faster than if you use a prescriptioncream, say researchers at the DubaiSpecialized Medical Center in the UnitedArab Emirates . Raw honey’s natural enzymeszap inflammation, destroy invadingviruses and speed the healing of damagedtissues, say the study authors.Fight breast pain with flaxIn one recent study, adding 3 tablespoons ofground flax to their daily diet eased breastsoreness for one in three women within 12weeks. Scientists credit flax’s phytoestrogens,natural plant compounds that preventthe estrogen spikes that can trigger breastpain. More good news: You don’t have tobe a master baker to sneak this healthy seedinto your diet. Just sprinkle ground flax onoatmeal, yogurt, applesauce or add it tosmoothies and veggie dipsCure migraines with coffeeProne to migraines? Try muscling-up yourpainkiller with a coffee chaser. Whateverover-the-counter pain med you prefer,researchers at the National Headache Foundationsay washing it down with a strong12- ounce cup of coffee will boost the effectivenessof your medication by 40 percentor more. Experts say caffeine stimulates thestomach lining to absorb painkillers morequickly and more effectively.Tame leg cramps withtomato juiceAt least one in five people regularly strugglewith leg cramps. The culprit? Potassiumdeficiencies, which occur when this mineralis flushed out by diuretics, caffeinated beveragesor heavy perspiration during exercise.But sip 10 ounces of potassium-rich tomatojuice daily and you’ll not only speed yourrecovery, you’ll reduce your risk of painfulcramp flare-ups in as little as 10 days, sayUCLA researchers.36MEMON ALAM JULY 2011

HEALTH CORNERApple ciderApple cider is known around theworld as Mother Nature’s miraclemedicine, a powerful weapon inthe war against aging and disease thatis more effective than many high-pricedprescription drugs. Now experts revealthat when mixed with honey, apple ciderbecomes potent enough to cure cancer,heart disease and other deadly ailmentswhile remaining safe enough to take asan appetite suppressant to lose weight.“Mixing these two healing foods producesamazingly healthful effects,” said Dr.Louis Ducarre of Geneva, Switzerland.The expert’s important new book, NaturalCures, Natural Life, is taking Europe bystorm. “Alone, each is extremely beneficial,but together they are able to overwhelmalmost every health problem thataffects mankind.” Dr. Ducarre says youcan use apple cider and honey for the followingbenefits:ArthritisStir one tablespoon apple cider and one tablespoonhoney into a cup of boiling water.Drink the brew morning and evening toward off arthritis pain. You can also makea soothing salve by combining equal partsof apple cider and honey, stirring well, andapplying directly to aching areas.Bladder infectionsA teaspoon apple cider mixed with ateaspoon honey taken morning, noon andnight should eliminate bacteria responsiblefor causing bladder infections. Add ateaspoon cranberry juice for especially stubborninfections.CancerRecent research indicates apple cider andhoney can dramatically improve cancer curerates. In one study, 387 men and womenundergoing chemotherapy for a varietyof cancers took daily doses of apple ciderand honey and experienced remission ratestwice that of patients who had chemotherapyalone.Canker soresAn ordinary salad with apple cider andhoney dressing will help eliminate cankersores. Eat the dressing on salad twice a day.CHOLESTEROLThe dangerous effects of fatty foods can becontrolled by drinking a hot tea made of38two cups water, two tablespoons honey andthree tablespoons apple cider. Sip the tea atleast twice daily to lower cholesterol levelsand keep them low.ColdsTake one tablespoon apple cider and oneteaspoon honey to eliminate symptoms,often in a matter of hours. The mixture isespecially helpful when your cold is accompaniedby a sore throat.FatigueExperts recommend mixing a half teaspoonof apple cider and a tablespoon of honey ina cup of warm water. Sip as needed.Hearing lossExciting new research demonstrates thatdrinking daily doses of apple cider andhoney, mixed one-to-one, help repair damageto the inner ear and boost hearing levels.Heart diseaseYou can guard against heart disease andprevent the deposit of fatty plaque in the arteriesby dosing yourself with one cup applecider sweetened with a teaspoon of honey.High blood pressureHigh blood pressure and its accompanyingsymptoms disappeared within a month afterpatients in an Italian study began takingregular doses of two parts apple cider mixedwith one part honey.Immune systemYour immune system will function morethan three times as effectively if you regularlyconsume apple cider and honey incombination. Medical research shows thatthe nutrients in these miracle foods boostedthe activities of white blood cells, helpingthem prevent disease by destroying invadingviruses and bacteria.IndigestionA miracle cure for indigestion can be madefrom a quarter-cup apple cider combinedwith two teaspoons honey. Take two teaspoonsof the mixture as needed to settleyour stomach and speed up digestion.INFLUENZADanish studies show that a substance inapple cider is a natural wonder drug whencombined with an equal quantity of honey.A teaspoon of the mixture taken every houreliminates viral symptoms.LongevityYou can live to be 100 and enjoy a healthy,active life by sipping a cup of hot applecider and honey “tea” daily. To make it, mixtwo teaspoons of each ingredient in a cupof water.Skin problemsMix three teaspoonfuls of apple cider with ateaspoon of honey and dab on pimples andother skin conditions each night.Sore musclesRub sore muscles with warm apple cidermixed nine-to-one with honey after toomuch exercise. Repeat each morning andevening until aches disappear.Weight lossYou can take off pound after pound of ugly,excess flab in a matter of weeks by sippingfabulous “diet cocktail” made of five partsapple cider to one part honey. You shoulddrink one cup of this miracle brew beforemeals to speed up metabolism and suppressyour appetite.Energy lossThere’s tremendous evidence that thenatural sugars in honey can improve energylevels significantly. Used properly, thesesugars can help senior citizens and otherswho suffer from common fatigue. Nutritionexperts recommend making a mixture withhalf a teaspoon of honey and an 8 ounceglass of water. Drink this tasty concoctionevery morning about two hours after youwake up.MEMON ALAM JULY 2011

TIPSYou may haveseen some of these...oh well:)Clever ideas worth knowingTake your bananas apart when youget home from the store. If youleave them connected at the stem,they ripen faster..Store your opened chunks of cheese in aluminumfoil. It will stay fresh much longerand not mold!Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom aresweeter and better for eating.Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom arefirmer and better for cooking.Add a teaspoon of water when fryingground beef. It will help pull the greaseaway from the meat while cooking.To really make scrambled eggs or omelettesrich add a couple of Spoonfuls ofsour cream, cream cheese, or heavy creamin and then beat them up.For a cool brownie treat, make browniesas directed. Melt Andes mints in doublebroiler and pour over warm brownies. Letset for a wonderful minty frosting.Add garlic immediately to a recipe if you wanta light taste of garlic and at the end of therecipe if your want a stronger taste of garlic.Leftover snickers bars from Halloweenmake a delicious dessert. Simply chopthem up with the food chopper. Peel,core and slice a few apples. Place them ina baking dish and sprinkle the choppedcandy bars over the apples. Bake at 350for 15 minutes!!! Serve alone or withvanilla ice cream. Yummm!Reheat PizzaHeat up leftover pizza in a nonstick skilleton top of the stove, set heat to med-low andheat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy.No soggy micro pizza. I saw this on thecooking channel and it really works.Reheatingrefrigerated breadTo warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins thatwere refrigerated, place them in a microwavewith a cup of water. The increasedmoisture will keep the food moist and helpit reheat faster.Newspaper weeds awayStart putting in your plants, work thenutrients in your soil. Wet newspapers, Putlayers around the plants overlapping asyou go cover with mulch and for-get aboutweeds. Weeds will get through some gardeningplastic they will not get through wetnewspapers.Re opening envelopesIf you seal an envelope and then realizeyou forgot to include something inside, justplace your sealed envelope in the freezer foran hour or two. Viola! It unseals easily.ConditionerUse your hair conditioner to shave yourlegs. It’s cheaper than shaving cream andleaves your legs really smooth. It’s also agreat way to use up the conditioner youbought but didn’t like when you tried it inyour hair.Goodbye Fruit FliesTo get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a smallglass, fill it 1/2’ with Apple Cider Vinegarand 2 drops of dish washing liquid; mixwell. You will find those flies drawn to thecup and gone forever!Get Rid of AntsPut small piles of cornmeal where you seeants. They eat it, take it ‘home,’ can’t digestit so it kills them. It may take a week or so,especially if it rains, but it works and youdon’t have the worry about pets or smallchildren being harmed!(This will definitely try!!!)Info about clothes dryersThe heating unit went out on my dryer!The gentleman that fixes things around thehouse for us told us that he wanted to showus something and he went over to the dryerand pulled out the lint filter. It was clean.(I always clean the lint from the filter afterevery load clothes.) He told us that hewanted to show us something; he took thefilter over to the sink and ran hot water overit. The lint filter is made of a mesh material.. I’m sure you know what your dryer’s lintfilter looks like.Well .... the hot water just sat on top ofthe mesh! It didn’t go through it at all!He told us that dryer sheets cause a filmover that mesh that’s what burns out theheating unit.You can’t SEE the film, butit’s there. It’s what is in the dryer r sheetsto make your clothes soft and static free... that nice fragrance too. You know howthey can feelwaxy when you take them outof the box ... well this stuff builds up onyour clothes and on your lint screen. This isalso what causes dryer units to potentiallyburn your house down with it! He said thebest way to keep your dryer working for avery longtime (and to keep your electric billlower) is to take that filter out and wash itwith hot soapy water and an old toothbru sh(or other brush) at least every six months.He said that makes the life of the dryerat least twice as long! How about that!?!Learn something new everyday! I certainlydidn’t know dryer sheets would do that. So,I thought I’d share!Note: I went to my dryer and tested myscreen by running water on it. The waterran through a little bit but mostly collectedall the water in the mesh screen. I washed itwith warm soapy water and a nylon brushand I had it done in 30 seconds. Then whenI rinsed it .. the water ran right thru thescreen! There wasn’t any puddling at all!That repairman knew what he was talkingabout!MEMON ALAM JULY 2011 39

TIPSA miracleOnce I was cooking some corn andstuck my fork in the boiling water tosee if the corn was ready. I missed and myhand went into the boiling water....A friend of mine, who was a Vietnamvet, came into the house, just as I wasscreaming, and asked me if I had someplain old flour...I pulled out a bag and hestuck my hand in it. He said to keep myhand in the flour for 10 mins. which I did.He said that in Vietnam, this guy was onfire and in their panic, they threw a bag offlour all over him to put the fire out...well,it not only put the flour out, but he nevereven had a blister!!!!SOOOO, long story short, I put my handin the bag of flour for 10 mins, pulled itout and had not even a red mark or a blisterand absolutely NO PAIN. Now, I keep abag of flour in the fridge and every timeI burn myself, I use the flour and neverONCE have I ever had a red spot, a burn ora blister!*cold flour feels even better than roomtemperature flour.Miracle, if you ask me. Keep a bag ofwhite flour in your fridge and you will behappy you did. I even burnt my tongueand put the flour on it for about 10 minsand the pain was gone and no burn. Try it!BTW, don’t run your burn area under Coldwater first, just put it right into the flour for10 mins and experience a miracle!Envelopes and Stamps!!!Awoman was working in a postOffice in California . One day shelicked the envelopes and postagestamps instead of using a sponge. That veryday the lady found a cut on her tongue. Aweek later, she noticed an abnormal swellingof her tongue.She went to the doctor, and they foundnothing wrong.. Her tongue was not soreor anything.. A couple of days later, hertongue started to swell more, and it beganto get really sore, so sore, that she couldnot eat. She went back to the hospital, anddemanded something be done.The doctor took an x-ray of her tongueand noticed a lump. He prepared her for minorsurgery. When the doctor cut her tongueopen, a live cockroach crawled out!!!!There were cockroach eggs on the sealof the Envelope. The egg was able to hatchinside of her tongue, because of her saliva,which was warm and moist.....This is a true story reported on CNN!Andy Hume wrote:Hey, I used to work in an envelope factory.You wouldn’t believe the....things thatfloat around in those gum applicator trays. Ihaven’t licked an envelope for years!’I used to work for a print shop(32 yearsago), and we were told NEVER to lick theenvelopes. I never understood why until Ihad to go into storage and pull out 2500envelopes that were already printed andsaw several squads of cockroaches roamingaround inside a couple of boxes witheggs everywhere. They eat the glue on theenvelopes.After reading this you will never lickanother envelope or stamp again.Be careful with allsprays...This is a shocking episode thathappened on 13th May 2011 inPune. This may be a good, usefullesson in safety for all of us.A housewife died due to burnssustained in the kitchen. Her husbandtoo was hospitalized for injuries due toburns while trying to rescue his wife.How it happened:The gas stove was on and cooking underprocess. The lady observed some cockroachesnear the sink and grabbed a can40of insect repellent and sprayed it nearthe gas stove, which was on..There was an explosion and in no timethe poor woman was covered in flames,sustaining 65% burns.Her husband rushed in, tried to dousethe flames and his clothes too caught fire.The husband is still in hospital, in theburns ward, still unaware that his wifewas declared dead on arrival.Let us understand:-All insect repellents such as “Hit”,“Mortein” etc. have highly volatile andinflammable solvents.The atomised nano spray particlesspread extremely rapidly and one sparkis enough to ignite this explosive mixturewith oxygen present in air.Did the poor lady realise the hazardinvolved? Apparently not !Please educate your family about thisand spread the word around.... whoknows you may save more than a life...MEMON ALAM JULY 2011

RELIGIONThe Prize Giving“What! Are they crazy?” shoutedFatima, banging the knife on choppingboard hard enough to scatter carrots inevery direction and send the cat racing forthe back door.“What do they think? How can they possibly...”she sighed deeply, and raised theknife for another assault on the choppingboard.“Don’t they realise we have so much workto do? I mean who schedules a prize givingfor the night before Eid.”“But ma...that’s what Moulana(Sheikh)said today. That there definitely is a prizegiving,” whispered Ahmed, coweringbehind a chair in case another barrage ofcarrots was launched.“Which Moulana? And why don’t theythink!” she continued, pausing just longenough to heave another heavy sigh, “Wehave so much to do the night before Eid.Get the kids clothes ready, prepare theplates, layer the biryani...and...this year Eidis by us, so everyone from ninety nine kilometresaround will be here. So is Moulanagoing to come layer the Biryani?”“I think I must phone him. Now! He mustcancel this madness,” she moaned, “Prizegiving before Eid! My foot!”“And who must be there? Must we allcome?”Ahmed lifted head just a little above thechair and said “Ja, ma. He said it’s for everybody.No one should be left out.”“Well I’ll explain to him,” said Fatima,reaching for the cordless phone, “thenmaybe he’ll understand why some people...some people...like me just can’t be there. Wehave work, you know?”Fatima began banging the numbers intothe phone which let out loud beep withevery painful prod.“Gee, Moulana Yusuf!” she began,“What’s this about a prize giving the nightbefore Eid? Whose crazy idea was this? Doyou people know what the night of Eid is?We have so much to do?”Without waiting for answers she continued,“I thought being a Muslim school youwould think about us poor mothers whohave to do EVERYTHING. I mean whodecided that the school should have a prizegiving the night before Eid? So whose grandidea was it?”She sighed deeply and wiped the moisturecollecting in her eye.Moulana to advantage of the brief pauseto squeeze in a word, “Sorry sister, but itwasn’t my idea.”“Then who’s grand idea was this! Whodecided this?” she shouted. The phonenearly slipping out of her hand.“Allah’s idea,” came the almost inaudiblereply.“Moulana! If I didn’t have roza (fast) inmy mouth I would have said such thingsthat would have made your head spin in twodirections. What has Allah got to do withthe school timetable?” cried Fatima, her bigframe collapsing into the nearest kitchenchair, accompanied by more deep sighs anda few moans.“Sister, please listen to me,” said, Moulanataking advantage of the few second ofsilence, “There is a prize giving and it wasat the request of Allah Ta’ala.”Fatima straightened up in the chair andbegan to say something but Moulana continued,“As part of a lengthy Hadith in abook called Targheeb narrated by Ibn AbbasRadiallahu anhuma, the Noble MessengerSallahu alaihi wasalam said that the nightof Eidul Fitr is called Laylatul Jaa’izah –the night of prize giving. And in anotherHadith narrated from Abu Hurairah Radiallahuanhu, Rasulallah Salallahu Alaihiwasalam mentioned that on the last night ofRamadaan Allah Ta’ala forgives the believers.The Companions Radiallahu Anhumenquired if that last night was LaylatulQadr, and the Messenger replied “No, butit is only right that a servant should begiven his reward on having completed hisservice.”“So I explained to the children that justas they want to be honoured at the schoolprize giving and they work hard the wholeyear so they could get an award – AllahTa’ala also rewards those servants of Hiswho excelled during the months of Ramadaanand they are honoured with specialawards for the Aghirah.”Fatima’s faced flushed a bright pink andshe let out a soft moan, “I didn’t know that”“The the night before Eid,” continuedMoulana Yusuf, “is a very important nightand we should at least spend part of it in theworship of Allah. Despite all the other workwe have, we should not lose the blessing ofthis night, because this is a such a night thatwho so ever remains awake on this nightin the worship of his Lord, Allah, his heartwill not die on the day when hearts willdie?”“What does that mean?” enquired Fatimanow curious about this special night.“On the day of Judgement when heartswill nearly die out of fear, this person willbe free of such fear and anguish. Also, thatperson who remembers Allah is like a livingperson and the one who doesn’t is like adead person. So to emphasise – this is a veryimportant night that we often forget becausewe are too busy preparing for the next dayor have already started celebrating Eid.”Fatima stared at the pink slippers on herfeet, “I’m sorry I shouted at you Moulana,but we just have so much pressure with Eidcoming, there is so much to do. But I willhave to make some time for Ibadat on thisspecial night. But why didn’t Ahmed tell methis.”Ahmed now stood boldly away from thekitchen chair, “Because, Ma.....you didn’tgive me chance to explain.”MEMON ALAM JULY 2011 41

RELIGIONThe Day of Eid• BEAUTIFUL HADITH ABOUT EID• SUNNAH ACTS ON EID DAY• TIPS HOW TO SPEND EID DAY• 6 FASTS OF SHAWWAL• MOTIVATIONAL EID STORY• EID MUBARAKBeautiful hadith about eidThe Messenger of Allah Muhammad isreported to have said: “And then the nightof Eidul fitr, the night that is called LaylatulJaa’izah(night of prize giving), comesalong. On the morning of Eid Allah sendsdown the Malaa’ikah to all the lands of theearth where they take their positions at accesspoints of roads, calling out with a voicethat is heard by all except man and jinn,“O Ummah of Muhammad(S.A.W), comeforth from your houses towards a Lord thetis noble and gracious, who grants muchand pardons the major sins.” When theyproceed towards the places for their Eidsalaah, Allah says to the Malaa’ikah: “Whatindeed is the reward of that employee whohad rendered his services?” The Malaa’ikahreply’ “O Lord and Master, it is only rightthat he should receive his reward in full forhis services.” Allah then says, “I call youto witness, O My Malaa’ikah, that for theirhaving fasted during the month of Ramadhaan,and for their having stood in prayerby night, I have granted to them as rewardMy pleasure and have granted them forgiveness.O My servants ask now of Me, for Iswear by My honour and My greatness, thatwhatsoever you shall beg of me this day inthis assembly of yours for the needs of theHereafter, I shall grant you; and whatsoeveryou shall ask for worldly needs, I shall lookat you favourably. By My honour I swear,as long as you shall obey my commands, Ishall cover your faults. By My honour andby My greatness do I swear that I shall neverdisgrace you amoung the evil-doing onesand disbelievers. Depart now from here,you are forgiven. You have pleased Me, andI am pleased with you. The Malaa’ikah anseeing this great reward bestowed by Allahupon the Ummah of Muhammad (S.A.W)on the day of Eidul Fitr become greatlypleased and happy.”Ibadah(worship) on thenight of eidOur Beloved Rasulullah (Salallaho alaihewassallam) said : “The person who staysawake on the nights preceding the 2 Eids occupyinghimself with ibâdah(worship), hisheart will not die on the day when everyone’sheart will perish.” (His heart will notdie during the time of evil and corruption).It could also mean that with the blowingof the trumpet his soul will not becomeunconscious.Sunnah acts on the day of eid:• Wake up early.• Take a Ghusl (bath) before Eid Salaah• Brush your teeth.• Dress up, putting on best clothes available.• Use itr• Eat something sweet before proceedingto the Eid Musallah e.g. Dates etc.• Pay Zakaat-al-Fitr before Salaatul-Eid(on Eid-al-Fitr).• Go to Eid Musallah (Eid Gah/prayerground) early.• Offer Salaah-al-Eid in congregation inan Eid Musallah except when whether isnot permitting like rain, snow, etc.• Use different roads en route to the EidMusallah and back home.• Recite the following Takbir on the wayto Eid Musallah :Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar. La ila-haill-lallah.Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar.Wa-lilahill hamd. (Allah is the Greatest,Allah is the Greatest. There is no godbut Allah. Allah is Greatest, Allah isGreatest. And all praises are for Allah)Tips on how to spend theday of eid:• Keep in mind the pleasure of Allah anduphold Shari’ah at ALL times.• Adorn yourself and your family modestlyin the best of garments (not necessarilynew).• Should Eid be made at my mum or yourmum or whoever/wherever? This requiresMashurah (mutual consultation).Mashurah is a Sunnah of the Messengerof Allah (Sallalaho alaihe wassallam).Try to compromise and accommodateeach other.• Avoid over eating and other festivitiesthat have no benefit.• Visit the poor, needy, orphans, elderlyand sick.• Maintain and strengthen family bonds-Rasulullah (S.A.W) is reported to havesaid, “Anyone who wishes to have hismeans of livelihood enlarged and aprolonged life, should treat his relativeswith kindness.”• Don’t forget the poor and needy Muslimsin all parts of the world in yourdu’as and charity.• Be punctual with our acts of worship onthis joyous day.Six fast of shawwalFasting Six Days of Shawwal After Ramadan:“Like Fasting The Entire Year”The Messenger of Allah (blessings andpeace be upon him) said,“Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows itwith six days from Shawwal it is as if theyfasted the entire year.” [Hadith-Muslim]NB. It is permitted to fast these six daysseparately throughout the month, or consecutively,after Eid al-Fitr. It is prohibitivelydisliked (makruh tahriman) and sinful tofast on Eid day itself.42MEMON ALAM JULY 2011

THOUGHT PROVOKINGBetter youngat 70 thanold at 40Abdul Razzak KothariLOOK at that old junk, Ruby; over60 and still trying to behave young”,exclaimed Rahila, on glancing thereturn of their next door neighbour after hisusual morning walk. Similar sarcastic commentsand other similar gossip have becomethis poor man’s daily routine, offered moreparticularly by the conservative ladies ignoranceof the significance and importance ofexercise in one’s life.It is a common belief that there is an agefor practicing such activities. This theory inthe wider sense is not only incorrect fromthe medical point of view but is also farremoved from the ethics and principles ofmodern health technology. As there is noage limit for acquiring knowledge, so thereis no age bar for physical exercise.To be 70 years young is far more cheerfulthan to be 40 years old. And to beone among these ‘seventy years’ young iseverybody’s wish. Unfortunately, very fewworks to attend this zestful living. Perhapsthis hectic life has made the environmentsunfavorable and prevents us to spare sometime for physical exercise.Usually one experiences the after-effectsof ill-habits acquired during early days, inlate thirties or early forties. This is an agewhen besides constant fear of death, onefaces hazards of imperfect health almost44regularly. As Muslim, we should not let occurrenceof death slip away from our mindanytime. However, at least to keep hailand hearty, in the remaining years of life, iswithin our reach.Early morning or late evening walk isa past-time any body can afford to spare.Waking is one of the oldest forms of exerciseknown to man. But in today’s modernage, we have seen it replaced by everythingfrom the automobiles to other movingsidewalks. Walking is not only a healthyform of exercise but also a unique way ofovercoming fatigue and gaining a betterunderstanding of self and world around.The taste of early morning breathing in anearby park is something which only a personaccustomed to it can enjoy. Not only atthis time of the day, the atmosphere is freshand unpolluted but after a full night’s sleep,the stroller has all the time in the world,vigor and strength to enjoy this lively andfresh environment. Whatever one does atthis time of the day with a smell of dew andoccasional twittering of birds, one fetchesthe time of life and the real zest of existenceno other time of the day can provide.Sedentary life-style, alcohol, smoking,maximum use of salt, sugar and stressfulliving are the factors mostly responsible fora person looking older than his age bothmentally and physically.There are of course, those addictedpermanently to all or some of these habits,yet living a ripe life. True, one comesacross many such individuals, yet livinga healthy life. Just knock at their doors,have a friendly chat and you will see themcomplaining of a number of complicationswhich have made their life miserable. Theyare of course living souls, but their existenceis worse than a dead man. A little change inclimate, food and other natural calamities,make a hell of difference in their life. Theysimply can not adjust themselves to thesecommon and natural changes. Complicationslike indigestion, cold, flue, aching ofbody, etc over take them fast and easily. Allthese years, due to ill health habits, theyhave let their body cells remain weak andfeeble to resist and fight these ailments.Make up your mind and take little timeout of your busy life, give a try at least fora couple of days, leave the bed early in themorning on Moazzin’s call, say Fajr prayersand stroll around in a nearby park. Enjoyand breath fresh air, do some jogging witha little exercise and see the difference foryourself.Remember, there is no substitute for goodhealth.MEMON ALAM JULY 2011

THOUGHT PROVOKINGLongevityis withinyour reachAbdulRazzak KothariHow long you will live? How willyou react when somebody ask youthis question? One day, a year, orup to 60/65 years and so on….. We cannotsay because we all know that it is somethingbeyond human reach and power.Death is certain, but only God knowswhen will it come. Yet before the naturalcertainty attacks, living a healthy life in theremaining years of your life is, of course,within your reach. As wise men say, it ismuch, much better to die in the field thanto depart from this world in the bed. Trulyspeaking, the sick person in bed for a longtime also proves a burden for the rest of thefamily members.When some young and healthy personsuddenly passes away, we hardly acceptsuch an untimely calamity. We take heart attackand similar fatal incidents as one of thereasons, which is not true. Somehow or theother, such unfortunate incidents occur onlyafter giving prior warnings, which we fail toidentify and explain as to how and what wewere feeling.In fact most of the time, such incidentsoccur unexpectedly. We only know, whenfacts of the matter are revealed to us.Warren Bell was a regular jogger and activesportsman. One day while jogging hesuddenly collapsed and passed away. Thenews of his premature death came as shockand proved as a surprise for all. How sucha young, fit and regular sportsman can passaway in the similar fashion? After his death,his family revealed that bell’s father died atthe age of 43 due to sudden heart failure.Bell started to jog when he was 35. At thattime his weight was 95 lbs. He smoked twopacks of cigarettes a day, and therefore wasunder constant warning.America’s Heart Specialist, Dr. RobertPaul, who died at the age of 87 had conductedand prepared a paper after thoroughresearch between heart attacks and heartfailure. He gathered all the relevant data andfed them into the computer. The details whichcomputer revealed were indeed shocking, butat the same time useful. These details can bebeneficial for the readers and can go a longway in determining as to how we will live orwill pass suddenly from this world.Dr. Paul quotes an instance of an activeair force individual with a good flyingrecord. He was enjoying a healthy life untilhe was entrusted with table work for thenext 4 years or so. This sedentary routine affectedhis life greatly. He developed diabeteswhich he controlled by taking medicines.More alarming for him was the fact thatboth his father and uncle died at the agebelow 45.Medically speaking sedentary habits,bulky bellied figure, above average eatingand smoking, late night sleeping are factsmore responsible for premature and suddendeaths. On the other hand, controlledweight, regular exercise and average weightcarry much lesser risk of heart attacks. Thefactors responsible for sudden heart attacksare smoking, high blood pressure, excessiveweight in comparison with height. Rememberthat weight increase after the age of 40,is mostly harmful.Reducing weight through exaggeratedexercise is dangerous. Never reduce weightin this fashion. Instead controlled diet,change in eating habits through cholesterolfreefood is advisable. Consumption of beef,eggs, oily eatable, sweets, butter, etc shouldbe minimized. Chicken and fish can begood proteins replacements.Sedentary habits are the root cause ofmany problems. If one has been suchthroughout his life, suddenly feels of reducingweight through exaggerated exerciseshould give second thought before doingso. First start through walking and with thepassage of time, walk briskly. Then aftersometime, do some light exercise followedby jogging gradually.Dr. Paul is of the opinion that thosehaving diabetes history in the family shouldtake extra precaution. If sugar in a patient isnot controlled, anything can happen. Similarlygout where the quantity or uric acid inthe blood is increased is equally dangerous.Jog or exercise only to an extent whichyour body can conveniently absorb or digest.Also remember that excessive joggingon pavements and other hard surfaces caninjure your ankle and knee joints. Bed andtight shoes also aggravate the problem. Inextreme cases, it can even cause anemia.Brisk walking 40-10 kms, per hour for 20-25minutes, depending upon your cardiovascularfitness, age and the length of time youhave indulged in this habit, is the best andmost convenient thing you can do to avoidheart attacks and many other fatal and nofatalailments.Regular exercise and walking habits cansave your life. Jogging and brisk walking onregular basis are the best past-times in manyAmerican, European and Asian cities.Hurry up before it is too late. Start nowand see for yourself the difference.MEMON ALAM JULY 2011 45

THE LEARNING CURVEA recipe to kill yourMother-in-Law…Oh no!.. that Mother-in Law again!Won’t she ever leave me alone? Mymother-in-law frequently forgetsthat she was once a daughter-in-law! …Amother-in-law made of sugar, still tastesbitter!The battle rages for ages- “Mother-in-Lawvs Daughter-in-Law”. Yet the solution isso simple to end “The War”… Treat eachother with the respect they deserve and youwould have a perfect relationship.A long time ago in South Africa , a girlnamed Miriam got married and went tolive with her husband and mother-in-law.In a very short time, Miriam found that shecouldn’t get along with her mother-in-law atall. Their personalities were very different,and Miriam was angered by many of hermother-in-law’s habits. In addition, shecriticized Miriam constantly.Days passed, and weeks passed. Miriamand her mother-in-law never stoppedarguing and fighting. But what made thesituation even worse was that, according toancient African tradition, Miriam had toobey her mother-in-law’s every wish. Allthe anger and unhappiness in the house wascausing Miriam’s poor husband Musa greatdistress.Finally, Miriam could not stand hermother-in-law’s bad temper and dictatorshipany longer, and she decided to do somethingabout it! Miriam went to see her latefather’s good friend, Mr Hakuna a traditionalhealer and an ex-Sangoma (witchdoctor).Mr Hakuna just recently became aMuslim and changed his name to Haakim.He was made aware that witch-craft (jadoo)is totally prohibited in Islam.Miriam remembers that Mr Haakimused to many years ago sell herbs and muti(magic powder) and was notorious for hisevil mystical powers. She told him the situationand asked if he would give her somepoison so that she could solve the problemonce and for all.Mr. Haakim thought for a while, andfinally said, ‘ Miriam , I will help you solveyour problem, but you must listen to meand obey what I tell you.’Miriam said, ‘Yes, Mr. Haakim, I will do46whatever you tell me to do.’ She was nowdesperate. ‘Mr. Haakim who was now agood Muslim had repented and changedhis former evil ways. He went into the backroom. Miriam could hear the sound ofwater flowing. Mr Haakim was performingwudhu and then took out his Musalla andperformed salaah . After completing hissalaah he lifted and his hands to towards thesky and made dua . Miriam could hear himtalking and using the name Allah. Miriambelieved that he was talking to the “Evil-Spirits” to help him make the deadly potionshe urgently needed to kill her mother-inlaw.Mr Haakim returned in a few minuteswith a package of herbs. He told Miriam,‘You can’t use a quick-acting poison to getrid of your mother-in-law, because thatwould cause people to become suspicious.Therefore, I have given you a number ofherbs that will slowly build up poison in herbody. I will also as a bonus give you a magicalword which you must say and then blowon her food when you are preparing it. Everyother day prepare some delicious mealand put a little of these herbs in her serving.Thereafter say the magical word ‘Bismillah’and blow into the food. Now, in order tomake sure that nobody suspects you, whenshe dies, you must be very careful to beactively friendly towards her. ‘Don’t arguewith her, obey her every wish, and treat herlike a queen.’ Miriam was so happy.She thanked Mr. Haakim and asked himhow much she owed him. He told her thatshe was just like a daughter to him and herlate father was his best friend so he couldnot charge her. Miriam hurried home tostart her plot of murdering her mother-inlaw.Finally she had the recipe she for solong desired.Weeks went by, and months went by, andevery other day, Miriam served the speciallytreated food to her mother-in-law. She neverforgot to blow the magical word ‘Bismillah’into whatever she prepared for her motherinlaw. She remembered what Mr. Haakimhad said about avoiding suspicion, so shecontrolled her temper, obeyed her motherin-law,and treated her like her own mother.After six months had passed, the wholehousehold had changed. Miriam had practicedcontrolling her temper so much thatshe found that she almost never got mad orupset. She hadn’t had an argument with hermother-in-law in six months because shenow seemed much kinder and easier to getalong with.The mother-in-law’s attitude towardMiriam changed, and she began to loveMiriam like her own daughter. She kepttelling friends and relatives that Miriam wasthe best daughter-in- law one could everfind. Miriam and her mother-in-law werenow treating each other like a real motherand daughter. Miriam’s husband Musa wasvery happy to see what was happening.One day, Miriam came to see Mr.Haakim and asked for his help again. Shesaid, ‘Dear Mr. Haakim, please help me tokeep the poison from killing my mother-inlaw.She’s changed into such a nice woman,and I love her like my own mother. I do notwant her to die because of the poison I gaveher.’Mr. Haakim smiled and nodded hishead.. ‘ Miriam, there’s nothing to worryabout. I never gave you any poison. When Iaccepted Islam and became a Muslim I gaveup all evil practices and have completelyabandoned doing or supporting evil. I nowonly obey Allah and Allah’s Last and FinalMessenger Muhammad (may peace be uponhim). In Islam we are thought to be kindand to do good to others.’The herbs I gave you were vitamins to improveher health and the magical word ‘Bismillah’is a word from Allah’s Final Book“The Quraan”. Bismillah means I begin inthe name of Allah(God). This is proven tobe an “all-in-one” remedy. The only poisonwas in your mind and your attitude towardsher, but that has been all washed away bythe love which you gave to her and offcourse the main ingredient was the Help ofAllah. Being relieved and fascinated Miriamthanked Mr Haakim immensely.LESSONS: Treat each other with respect,love and the kindness they deserve and youwill indeed see the best in them. There is awise saying: ‘The person who loves othersMEMON ALAM JULY 2011

THE LEARNING CURVEwill also be loved in return.’ Indeed AllahTa’ala might be trying to work in anotherperson’s life through you.‘A candle loses nothing if it is used tolight another one.’Allah Ta’ala says: “ So whosoever doesgood equal to the weight of an atom shallsee it. And whoever does evil equal to anatom shall see it” Quran (Surah Az Zilzaal)A pious and positive lady once said: “Iwas once blessed with a wonderful mother;I am twice blessed with an excellent motherin-lawand now I’m trice blessed with such alovely daughter-in-law ”There is no perfect Mother-in-Law orDaughter-in Law. It is up to each of themto bring out the best in the other. Don’tdemand and lay emphasis on your rightsinstead be mindful of your duty andresponsibility to the other and Insha Allahyou will see the most beautiful relationshipblossoming.May Allah grant us true happiness in ourhomes and relationships…AmeenTHIS is a perfect picture of a MALE bird trying to get a female to quit talking long enough for him toget a word inWhen a male can’t stand it anymore! Priceless shot!A humble appeal to all the Organisations,Institutions and Jamats of Memon CommunityPlease send us the report of all the public activities of your organisation on your official letter head to the followingaddress, so we could publish them in “Memon Alam”To:The Editor,Memon AlamW.M.O House, 32/8, Street No. 6, Off Kashmir Road,Muslimabad, Karachi Pakistan.MEMON ALAM JULY 2011 47

LIGHTER MOMENTSThe 5-MinuteManagement CourseLesson 1A sales rep, an administration clerk, and themanager are walking to lunch when theyfind an antique oil lamp. They rub it and aGenie comes out. The Genie says, ‘I’ll giveeach of you just one wish.’‘Me first! Me first!’ says the admin clerk.‘I want to be in the Bahamas , driving aspeedboat, without a care in the world.’Puff! She’s gone.‘Me next! Me next!’ says the sales rep. ‘Iwant to be in Hawaii , relaxing on the beachwith my personal masseuse, an endlesssupply of Pina Coladas and the love of mylife.’ Puff! He’s gone.‘OK, you’re up,’ the Genie says to themanager. The manager says, ‘I want thosetwo back in the office after lunch.’Moral of the story:Always let your boss have the first say.Lesson 2An eagle was sitting on a tree resting, doingnothing. A small rabbit saw the eagle andasked him, ‘Can I also sit like you and donothing?’ The eagle answered: ‘Sure, whynot.’ So, the rabbit sat on the ground below48the eagle and rested. All of a sudden, a foxappeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.Moral of the story:To be sitting and doing nothing, you mustbe sitting very, very high up.Lesson 3A turkey was chatting with a bull. ‘I wouldlove to be able to get to the top of that tree’sighed the turkey, ‘but I haven’t got theenergy.’‘Well, why don’t you nibble on some ofmy droppings?’ replied the bull. They’repacked with nutrients.’The turkey pecked at a lump of dung, andfound it actually gave him enough strengthto reach the lowest branch of the tree.The next day, after eating some moredung, he reached the second branch.Finally after a fourth night, the turkeywas proudly perched at the top of the tree.He was promptly spotted by a farmer,who shot him out of the tree.Moral of the story:Bull Shit might get you to the top, but itwon’t keep you there..Lesson 4A little bird was flying south for the winter.It was so cold the bird froze and fell to theground into a large field. While he was lyingthere, a cow came by and dropped somedung on him.As the frozen bird lay there in the pile ofcow dung, he began to realize how warmhe was.The dung was actually thawing him out!He lay there all warm and happy, andsoon began to sing for joy.A passing cat heard the bird singing andcame to investigate. Following the sound,the cat discovered the bird under the pile ofcow dung, and promptly dug him out andate him.Morals of the story:(1) Not everyone who shits on you is yourenemy.(2) Not everyone who gets you out of shitis your friend.(3) And when you’re in deep shit, it’s bestto keep your mouth shut!THUS ENDS THE FIVE MINUTEMANAGEMENT COURSEMEMON ALAM JULY 2011

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JULY, 2011 MEMON ALAM REGISTRATION NO. SS-038