Al-Baas El-Islami

''Al-Baas El-Islami'' () is a monthly Arabic magazine published by Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama. It was first launched in 1955 by Mohammad al-Hasani under the guidance of Abul Hasan Ali Hasani Nadwi. In 1960, the magazine officially became part of Nadwatul Ulama and has since been published regularly. The magazine focuses on developing linguistic and literary skills among students and is considered the successor to '' Al-Ziya'', the institution's first Arabic magazine. Historically, it has promoted Pan-Islamism, critiqued Arab nationalism and Orientalism, and aimed to make Indian Urdu Islamic scholarship accessible in Arabic. The magazine has had only two editors, beginning with Mohammad al-Hasani and, currently, Saeed-ur-Rahman Azmi Nadvi. Its motto is "Our only slogan is to return towards Islam anew."

Early days and progress

The creation of ''Al-Baas El-Islami'' is closely tied to the mission of Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, which was founded to promote Islamic teachings in religious, educational, and cultural spheres in India. Among its early initiatives was the Arabic magazine ''Al-Ziya'', launched in 1932 but short-lived. In 1954, Mohammad al-Hasani, a figure from Nadwatul Ulama, founded Al-Muntada Al-Adabi, an intellectual organization formed during the rise of Arab nationalism under leaders like Gamal Abdel Nasser. Amid this political and cultural upheaval in the Arab world, al-Hasani proposed creating a magazine to counter Western influence and develop religious and moral awareness. With the encouragement of Abul Hasan Ali Hasani Nadwi and other colleagues, the idea materialized, and ''Al-Baas El-Islami'' released its first issue in October 1955 (Safar 1375 AH), with al-Hasani as editor and Saeed-ur-Rahman Azmi Nadvi and Ijteba Nadwi handling management. Initially comprising 32 pages, the magazine achieved traction in the Arab world, especially in countries like Iraq, Iran, and Libya, where its articles were widely circulated.

In February 1960, the administration of Nadwatul Ulama took over the magazine's publishing responsibilities, with its first issue under their management appearing in March–April 1960 (Ramadan–Shawwal 1379 AH). Mohammad al-Hasani continued as editor until his death on 13 June 1979, after which Saeed-ur-Rahman Azmi Nadvi succeeded him, expanding the magazine to 100 pages. It has remained a platform for addressing Islamic issues, supported by an editorial team that, at one time, included figures like Wazeh Rashid Hasani Nadwi as deputy editor-in-chief.

Focus areas

The magazine describes itself as a platform for promoting Islamic values, supporting intellectual exchange, and encouraging unity and resilience among Muslims. Its foundational mission, outlined in its first editorial, distinguishes it from literary magazines in Cairo and Beirut, which it criticizes for focusing on superficial topics and promoting Arab cultural figures. It presents a clear purpose: to enhance religious and cultural awareness, offer guidance, and strengthen global connections among Muslims.

The magazine's objectives include raising religious awareness among younger generations, developing Islamic thought, and disseminating accurate Islamic teachings. It emphasizes defending Islam from external critiques, addressing harmful ideologies, and countering Western cultural influence. It also seeks to build connections between Indo-Arabic literature, highlight notable Muslim figures, and promote the views of Nadwatul Ulama. Additionally, the magazine aims to revive Islamic heritage, prepare future advocates of Islam, and publish scholarly works without racial bias.

These goals are reflected in articles on contemporary issues, analyses of news relevant to the Islamic world, and discussions defending Islamic movements, such as the Muslim Brotherhood. It gives particular attention to cultural developments in Arab countries and the connections between Arabic educational institutions in India and the broader Arab world. The magazine also seeks to raise standards in Arabic language and literature within India.

Published objectives on the magazine's pages highlight its mission to inspire Islamic and literary interest among youth, guide students in their educational goals, and strengthen cultural ties among Muslim students globally. It also aims to promote self-confidence and faith among Muslim youth, encouraging them to stand against oppressive forces and challenge misrepresentations of their intentions.

Academic reviews

The magazine has been recognized by academics for its role in Arabic journalism and Islamic thought. Wasim Ahmad, a scholar from Jamia Hamdard, noted the magazine's high-quality content and its role in bridging cultural and linguistic gaps between the Arab world and India. Farid Uddin Ahmed from Cotton University emphasized its significance in promoting Islamic thought and the Arabic language, highlighting its growing popularity within a short span of time. Despite facing financial challenges, the magazine has been acknowledged for its intellectual rigor and publication quality. Habib Shahidul Islam, an academic at Gauhati University, observed the magazine's role in connecting diverse educated groups, particularly within Indian-Arab communities. Nayab Hasan Qasmi, the author of ''Darul Uloom Deoband Ka Sahafati Manzarnama'', highlighted the magazine's engagement with contemporary issues such as Arab nationalism, modernity, and atheism while promoting Islamic thought. Shams Tabrez Khan, the historiographer of Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, noted the magazine's intellectual efforts and its reception in the Arab and Islamic world. Zikrullah Arabi, a scholar from Maulana Azad National Urdu University, described its role as pioneering in Arabic and literary journalism in the Indian subcontinent. Sarwar Alam Nadwi from Aligarh Muslim University acknowledged the magazine's role in promoting Islamic pride and awareness. Obaidur Rahman from the University of Calcutta pointed to the magazine's unique blend of traditional Islamic values and modern perspectives, appealing to educated global audiences. Abdul Samad K from the University of Madras highlighted its role in advancing Islamic Arabic journalism, particularly in analyzing global Islamic movements and intellectual trends. Jubailiya P, a scholar from the University of Calicut, reflected on the magazine's founding principles, emphasizing its commitment to Islamic ideals. Sohaib Siddiqi of Aligarh Muslim University commented on the magazine's consistent focus on essential topics relevant to Islamic discourse, while Sheeba Rehman from the same university noted its engagement with issues significant to the Muslim community. Anees Alangadan of Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala remarked on its commitment to producing content of both breadth and depth within Islamic studies.

Global engagement

It has received recognition from intellectuals and dignitaries across the world, especially from the Arab, for its role in Islamic thought and contemporary discourse. Figures such as Abdullah al-Ali al-Mahmoud of Sharjah and Abdul Khayyat of Masjid al-Haram praised its clarity, adherence to Islamic principles, and balanced approach to sensitive issues. Journalist Muhammad Mahmoud Hafiz highlighted its steadfastness in addressing political and ideological challenges of the mid-20th century, while professors like Muhammad Ibrahim Najat and Abdul Qadir Habibullah admired its role in promoting noble values and preserving the authenticity of Islamic scholarship. Organizations such as the Palestine Rescue Center acknowledged the magazine's ability to connect Indian Muslims with Arabic-speaking communities, and Iranian scholar Ali Akbar Sar Jamai emphasized its significance for modern Islamic thought, suggesting its translation into Persian for wider reach. In a retrospective commentary, ''Al Jazeera'' described the magazine as occupying a distinctive position within Arabic-language journalism in both India and the Arab world, citing its efforts to revive Islamic consciousness and its critical stance toward prevailing Arab nationalist ideologies of the time.

Lasting effect

The magazine served as a formative influence in shaping Arabic-language publications at Nadwatul Ulama, establishing a foundation for later works like '' Al-Raid'', which reflect similar literary and cultural perspectives. Its impact on Indo-Arabic literature was the subject of academic study; in 2015, Ahmed Daisy completed a doctoral thesis at Gauhati University titled ''"Development of Indo-Arabic Literature and the Contribution of Dr. Sayeedur Rahman Al-A'zmi Al-Nadwi to Al-Baas Al-Islami"''.

References

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Deobandi Arabic magazines
Publications of Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama
Arabic-language magazines
Monthly magazines
Magazines established in 1955
Literary magazines published in India
Conservative magazines