Jamaat-e-Islami Hind

The Jamaat-e-Islami Hind is the primarily a religious organisation, but it is also an active semi-political organisation that does not contest elections.

History

On the initiative of Maulana Syed Abul Ala Maudoodi seventy-five persons assembled at Lahore in August 1941 and organized themselves into a group, known as the Jamaat-e-Islami. Maulana Maudoodi was unanimously elected as its Amir (President). These persons hailed from every part of India and were drawn from all walks of life. There were among them Ulema (Muslim divines and savants) as well as university graduates, labourers, artisans and professional men. After the partition of India, Maududi moved to Pakistan but a small group of Jamaat activists remained in India and established a separate organisation, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind. Later Kashmir wing got separated and formed Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir. While the Jamaat in Pakistan and Bangladesh are influential and active political parties, the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind does not participate in elections. Yet, it remains one of the foremost Islamic political organisations in the country.

Mission

The Jamaat seeks to build a society in India based on Islam, which it advocates as the only solution to India's social and economic problems. To achieve this, it pursues peaceful and democratic methods of building public opinion. The Jamaat has also worked to influence India's foreign policy to favour Muslim nations and condemn the policies of Israel and the United States. The Jamaat remains a fervent advocate of the independence of Palestine in India. The Jamaat works for the inter communal harmony and opeace and has been instrumental in establishing organisations like Forum for Democracy and Communal Amity ( A forum of distinguished jurists and intellectual belonging to all communities) [http://www.milligazette.com/Archives/15062001/inter.htm] and Dharmic Jan Morcha (A federation of religious leaders from Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christian communities. [http://www.milligazette.com/Archives/15052001/comm-news.htm] It conducts Interfaith Dialogues and Discussions.

The Jamaat has wings of youth, students,and women. Its leadership includes both Muslim Clerics known as the ulama and educated professionals and academicians. Its organisation spreads across mosques throughout India. The Jamaat also maintains religious charities, modern schools and colleges and Islamic schools, known as madrassahs.

Ideology

Outlook on Man, Life and Universe

Islam is the ideology of the Jamaat. Its structure is based on its belief on the three-fold concept of the Oneness and sovereignty of God (Monotheism), the Concept of Prophethood and the Concept of Life after Death. From these fundamentals of belief follow the concepts of unity of all mankind, the purposefulness of man's life, and the universality of the way of life taught by the Holy Prophet.

Oneness and Sovereignty of God

Jamaat believes that this world and everything that is in it has been created by the one God. He alone is the Creator and Sustainer of life in all its forms. Not only this; He is the Ruler and the Sovereign, and Omniscient, possesses the sole prerogative, absolute privilege and unfettered right of giving laws to mankind, through Prophets, to regulate the entire mundane activity of man. He has bestowed upon man all faculties and powers, and provided for his needs in the form of goods and services. It is, thus, the duty of man, who is the vicegerent of God on earth, that he should not only worship God but also live his whole life according to His Law and render allegiance to Him, the Lord and the Sovereign.

Unity of Man

Since all men have been created by the one God, and owe allegiance to Him alone, they are all equal subjects and servants of the Lord. There is no superiority in race and blood. Whoever is God-fearing, pure and pious is the best. Differences of region, race, colour and language do not divide men into separate entities; their essential oneness remains intact. Artificial divisions, geographical or otherwise, are mere matters of convenience. They should not be allowed to stand in the way of mutual understanding, respect and cooperation between man and man. Besides, as the children of Adam (peace be on him), all men belong to the same Family and all are brethren.

Prophethood True guidance as to how to live in this world is among the basic needs of human being. God, Who has provided for every need of man, has not been indifferent to this most pressing need of man. For this purpose, since the dawn of creation, He sent His Messengers, Prophets and Apostles, to guide man to the true way of life. These Messengers appeared at different stages of human history and in different regions of the world. Everywhere they preached the same Message. The Last Messenger of God who bore the Guidance in its most complete and final form was Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him).

Feeding organizations

Students Islamic Organisation (SIO)

Girls Islamic Organisation (GIO)

Solidarity Youth Movement in Kerala

---- Students Islamic Organization of India is an ideological organization working in the country for preparing students and youth for the reconstruction of society in the divine guidance. SIO/GIO finds itself committed to impart genuine knowledge and awareness to students and getting them ready to become torchlight of morality and fighters against evils by reinforcing their own life. The organization will also strive for promoting moral values in educational system and better academic and moral atmosphere in educational institutions and to nurture the talents of students in such a way as to benefit the society. Above all, preference will be given to spread the truths as understood by the organization among the most critical group of civil society

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Controversies

Many controversies have been associated with Jamaat. During Emerrgency Jamaat leaders were put behind bars along with many socialist, communist and right wing RSS and Jan Sangha leaders. In 1992 after the demolitionof Babari Masjid, Jamaat was banned along with RSS, VHP, Bajrang Dal and ISS. Later in 1994 Supereme court lifted the ban refusing to accept the allegations of government.

ee also

*Jamaat-e-Islami
*Maulana Maududi
*Islam in India
* [http://www.jamaateislamihind.org/ Official website]

External links

* [http://www.jamaateislamihind.org/ www.jamaateislamihind.org]
* [http://www.islamvision.org/ www.islamvision.org]
* [http://www.sio-india.org/ www.sio-india.org]
* [http://www.solidarityym.org/ www.solidarityym.org]
* [http://www.khabrein.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=289&Itemid=65 Interview with Jamaat Amir]