Lessons to be learnt from the success stories of Janab C Abdul Hakeem Sahib and Moulana M A Jameel Ahmed Sahib

"Our forefathers like Mr. C. Abdul Hakeem Sahib who were not so much educated have done a lot for the educational upliftment of not only Muslims but also non-Muslims. But, unfortunately it is not the case with us – the present generation who are well educated and at the helm of affairs– in comparison with them, of course with some exceptions. It is our duty to recapture their spirit and zeal for the betterment of the community and country," said P. K. Shabbir Ahmed in a function organized by The Tamil Nadu Chapter of the Federation of Muslim Educational Institutions in India (FEMEII) held in Chennai.

When I read these words in a report of the event by V M Khaleelur Rahman in Two Circles I was pleasantly surprised. I have been contemplating in similar lines for the past few years. Especially after the demise of Moulana M. A. Jameel Ahmed, the General Secretary of Islamic Foundation Trust (IFT). Moulana Jameel Sahib too was not a graduate or to put in the words of P K Shabbir Sahib 'not so much educated'. But with his hardwork, vision and foresight he achieved much more than the brothers who have taken his mantle now. In terms of achievements and accomplishments his successors with higher educational qualifications and those at the helm of affairs stand miles and miles behind Moulana M A Jameel Ahmed Sahib.

Why is it so? What made Janab C Abdul Hakeem Sahib and Moulana M A Jameel Sahib click? Is it because 'old is gold'? We have to find an answer. Perhaps the answer lies in the following words of Allama Iqbal:

Kabhi aey, Naujawan Muslim! taddabur bhi kiya tu ney?

Wo kya gardon tha tu jis ka hai ik toota hua tara

Tujhey uss qaum nay pala hai aaghosh-e-mohabbat main

Kuchal dala tha jis nay paon main taaj-e-sir-e-dara

(Meanings: Taddabur = To think; Gardon = Sky (Simile, group of Prophet (PBUH) and his companions here); Qaum = Nation (Muslims here); Aaghosh-e-Mohabbat = Caring protection; Kuchal = Trample; Taj-e-sir-e-dara = Royal crown)

Janab P K Shabbir Ahmed is the most sober person I have ever met. He is cool, calm and committed activist with a mission. He is the moving spirit behind Organisation of Muslim Educational Institutions and Associations of Tamil Nadu OMEIT for the past few decades. He is a man of few words. But when he choses to talk he delivers words of wisdom.

Photo of P. K. Shabbir Ahmed : courtesy : Ko Shafee Ahmed