LETTERS AND OPINIONS
Prof Farida Khanam’s interview published in the March 2021 issue of Spirit of Islam received many comments from the readers. Some of them are presented here. The feedbacks have been edited for consistency, clarity and brevity. Some of the comments were in Urdu which have been translated into English. A gift package has been despatched to all of them.
Aapa’s contribution to the mission is paramount. She has been translating Maulana’s works for more than 40 years. Because of her tireless efforts, today we have a body of Islamic literature available in English. Without English books, the CPS mission would not have been a global mission. -Dr. Saniyasnain Khan (New Delhi)
Farida Aapa is truly an inspiration and motivation to me and all women. Through her sheer dedication, hard work and focus, she has lived every word of her father’s teaching: Starve the problem and feed the opportunity. By accepting her role in the CPS mission, she has carried it forward so impressively. -Asra Masood (Bengaluru)
By reading aapa’s inspirational story, I am glad to inform you that I’ve regained my spirit to serve humanity by spreading the words of Almighty. I plan to make the best use of my time for my personal development and to gain the Quranic wisdom so that I can inculcate it in my upcoming generations. I also wish to inspire the present youth around me to ponder over their creation and the creation plan of Almighty God. -Ayesha Kausar (Telengana)
Reading about aapa’s journey from an ordinary village to being such an integral part of the CPS mission is very inspiring. Keeping aapa’s life ahead of me, I shall take baby steps towards educating myself and my family. I am not now afraid to fail but inspired to try once more. I will read, read, read and acquire knowledge and have intellectual discussions with my family. -Subia Kausar (Bengaluru)
From Farida aapa’s story, I learnt a very valuable lesson that one should make the best use of the available opportunity. One should not waste precious time waiting for the right moment. It is a wrong approach to keep waiting for big opportunities. God will make a way for you if you are sincere and give your best. -Tazain (Bengaluru)
I thank you aapa for your motivational words that truly inspire us all. Your struggle for learning will always make us realize how blessed we are to get a good education now. You are an inspiration to all of us. -Lubna (Chennai)
Her story is a great example to me. She put in tremendous efforts in learning the religion of Islam and in spreading the true message of the Quran. -Saira Rafi (Chennai)
Though I am a member of CPS, I always felt disappointed as I could not take the cause of the mission further. After reading Farida aapa’s interview, I have converted my disappointment into greater conviction. I have understood that I have to patiently work foremost on myself by developing intellectually and spiritually and wait for an opportunity to serve in the way of God. -Saliha (Hassan)
Prof. Khanam struggled hard for quality education. Her ready-to-learn and courageous attitude led her to learn from opportunities one could never realize were even there. These points gave me the motivation to continue my struggle in my pursuits in both the fields of secular as well as religious education with faith in God that He will provide me the opportunities. -Javeriya Iram (Raichur)
Reading Farida aapa’s interview made me realize that one should not complain even in dire situations. With the right planning, one can achieve great targets. I was thinking at this age, there is nothing much I could do. Now I aspire to study more and to involve my family in my intellectual pursuits. -Mazherunnisa (Bengaluru)
Saraimir is my hometown. The conditions described in Farida aapa’s interview are more or less still the same. Girls’ education is just as difficult today. Aapa’s inspiring story is the result of her grit, determination and the special grace of God Almighty.
The most important and biggest task in Farida aapa’s whole story was to come to Delhi from Azamgarh. It was a big deal then, and it is still a challenging task for a girl from a village in Azamgarh to venture out of the village all alone. Even married women are not allowed to travel alone. In Sha Allah, this story of aapa will be a beacon for the women of my native village. -Mirza Omair Azmi (Azamgarh)
Dr. Farida Khanam’s interview in the March issue of Spirit of Islam has
many lessons:
• Contrary to popular tradition, aapa’s travelling alone on such a long
journey in the 50s shows that when you believe in your goal, you should act with total dedication; you should not be overwhelmed
by the negative traditions of society.
• In Delhi, when aapa could not live with her father, a family supported
her, and treated her like a family member, arranging free tuition.
The lesson we learn from this incident is that apart from parents,
society should also be aware of the needs and difficulties of the
nation’s future and be ready to help the members of society.
• Failure in the exam should not break your resolve. You should
start preparing again, without harbouring any complaints against
anyone.
• Unlike ordinary graduates, aapa was not content just to get a
degree. She set herself the goal of learning high-quality English.
This passion for continuous learning set her apart from other
degree holders.
• Maulana’s forcing aapa to pursue a specialization in English instead
of Persian at the right time shows that courage, determination and
ability are not enough to succeed; it is equally important to be
aware of the needs of the time. -Principal Ansari Naeem Ahmed
(Mumbai)
Dr. Farida Khanam’s interview appears like a historical piece spanning over sixty or seventy years. It is a spiritual journey that she started at the age of thirteen from Saraimir, Azamgarh.
Her story is the reflection of society and an outline of the paradigm shift in the way women’s role in society is envisioned. It describes how the perception of women in society has moved from negative to positive. The role of a woman in society is as important in the sphere of religion as in mundane affairs. Prof. Khanam’s personality is a practical model to emulate. -Dr Shabbir Ahmad Parray (Kashmir)