Currently Browsing: General
Oct 4, 2011
Posted by Mohammed Ali in General, Sufi Comics | 0 comments
Sufi Comics: Hijab of the Eyes
We live in a world where modern man is seen as nothing more than a glorified animal whose purpose is to maximize his sensory & sensual pleasures. It’s a world where we’re constantly bombarded with images of sexuality, and lowering the Gaze has become uncool.
Is “seeing” nothing more than processing of photon particles? Is beauty only in the external world of form? The External world is just a tiny reflection of Real beauty. Real beauty lies is in recognition of the formless.
To recognize Real Beauty, one should be careful of what they see ’cause the Eye is a window to the Soul. What we see changes who we are, and who we are reflects what we choose to see.
“There is nothing more gainful than lowering one’s gaze, for the sight is not lowered from things, which Allah has forbidden unless the witnessing of majesty and glory has already come to the heart.” ~ Imam Jafar Al-Sadiq (as).
May 18, 2011
Posted by Mohammed Ali in General, Sufi Comics | 2 comments
In the last few month, the 40 Sufi Comics book was reviewed in the Media (Newspapers & Blogs). Thank you to all of you who took out the time! If any of you would like to write a review of the book on your Website or Print Media, get in touch with us with your address and we’ll ship you a free copy of the book anywhere in the World.
Television
IBN-TV, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania did a talkshow on Sufi Comics
Print Media
Marathi Newspaper Mumbai
Hindustan Times – Mumbai
DNA – Mumbai
Mid-day – Mumbai
http://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/2011/oct/181011-Mumbai-guide-Life-in-a-comic-book.htm
The Hindu (Using Comics to explain Islam)
The Indian Express (Breaking the ice through comics)
Islamic Voice (Sufi Wisdom served with great elan)
Deccan Chronicle (Dervish duo’s comic relief)
Hindustan Times (Sufi stories in comic format)
Online Media
“Comics and graphic novels have come a long way. Once seen in India as a clever ploy to make children read history and mythology, it is now viewed as one of the coolest literary forms there is, with a steady following amongst the old and the young. Taking the form a step ahead, Bangalore based brothers Mohammed Ali Vakil and Mohammed Arif Vakil have complied 40 comic strips, titled 40 Sufi Comics, in the form of a book that visually depicts the teachings of Islam.” Sufi Comics trying to help people understand Islam by Shweta Sharma
“Graphic novels have a cult-like following from the very young, to the academically wise. Who knew they could teach you spiritual, or Islamic life lessons?” Muslimness.com: Behind 40 Sufi Comics – India’s Muslim Blogging Brothers by Zaufishan Iqbal
“The art was beautiful, so the teachings. Each story taught a moral value, and had verses from the Qur’an and traditions with special notes from the artist. 40 Sufi Comics is actually a collection of illustrated eternal truths of life.” - Comic Addicts: Sufi Comics by Nishkarsh Chugh
“One of the great beauties of this work is its suitability for all audiences and ages. An 8-year-old child, a 55-year-old adult, or an open-minded non-Muslim – indeed almost anyone – will enjoy and benefit from this material.” - Islamic Insights: Sufi Comics Book Review by Diana Beatty
“The subjects that they have chosen include Love, Knowledge, Ethics, Spirituality, Mother, Prayer, God et al. Alongside, there are translations of relevant verses from the Quran and quotes from the Prophet and other teachers.” - Citizen News: Philosophy can be fun by Pushpa Achanta
“A short comic is a preferable medium these days for many to read and assimilate new subjects. One can go back to it as often as one wants because they are not boring, They convey esoteric philosophy in simple language and cartoons without compromising on content or quality.” - ChummaChumma: 40 Sufi Comics by Gopal S.
Apr 8, 2011
Posted by arif in General | 2 comments
9 April 2011, 11:50 AM
OMG! What Euphoria. People were in tears. I was in tears. Was busy helping out so couldn’t manage to take many pics of the celebrations. Thanks to Girish, for coming in the nick of time and helping out with these pics. With this parting shots I am signing out. This is Arif Vakil, having opened my fast, reporting live from Freedom Park, Bangalore India.
Mein Lal is liye pehna hon, kyon kay meri Shaadi hai.
Mein nay Desh say Shaadi ki hai
Hum Honge Kamyaaab…
Well said Girls. Couldn’t have put it better myself.
Balle…Balle..Jai HO!
Bharat Mata ki….
Jai!
That’s me after almost 48 hours of fasting. I have never felt more energised!
9 April 2011, 6:44 AM
Wow! What a marathon. We did it. Late last night, we heard the news that all demands have been accepted and that Annaji shall break his fast next morning. As of now, we’ve all woken up groggy with a hangover from last night’s late-discussion and celebration. Some pics from last night and today morning.
*Yawn* Do I have to get up.
Ashutosh, Indra and Sumit, three who have entered their Fifth Day of Fasting.
“We’re going to open our fast only after Anna Hazare Does.”
News X gets an early interivew, before the official announcement.
Smashing Headlines.
And again and again and again…
Apr 7, 2011
Posted by arif in General | 5 comments
8 April 2011, 8:12 PM
We just had the most amazing Candle light Vigil. Never have so many diverse people been taken to the streets in Bangalore for a common cause. If you ask me, I think we’ve got 5,000 people. The energy, the spirit, it’s…it’s… I don’t know I’m speechless.
A Protestor displaying his placard
Overwhelming crowd! The little lights you see till the end are
candle lights. Yes they do continue all the way to horizon.
India Against Corruptions, youngest supporter
Close up!
Gali Gali mein Shor Hai. Mera Neta Chor Hai!
Yes, But Unity will Kill Corruption!
8 April 2011, 3:18 PM
The crowd has marginally thinned, but the spirit is just as strong. Here are pics of the last few hours
Here are pics of volunteers who are making the show go on 24/7.
We were just loudly and actively joined by the bar association
8 April 2011, 12:24 PM
The very politicians that we are standing up against, have come with their entourage, banners and musclemen. We couldn’t stop them and so they’re having their time in the limelight.
8 April 2011, 11:39 AM
The Crowd has just exploded here. Sitting on the stage, it seems the crowd reaches horizon. Kanada Superstar Upendra just came here.
8 April 2011, 10:14 AM
As of now there are porbably 200 people here now. The car parking lot has been cleared as we expect a large number today. We are sure to touch 10,000 today, it may even reach 50,000. TV reporters have started coming and are now a common sight here at Freedom Park. Some pictures from now
Several have joined the Hunger-strike
A movement supported by all ages and all classes
——————————————————————————————
8 April 2011, 12:05 AM
Yesterday the crowds starting leaving 10 Pm. However volunteers stayed well till 2 AM planning and strategising activities and events for the next day. Today our target is to have 10,000 individuals gathered at Freedom Park. Here are some pics from behind the scenes, after the crowds left.
Volunteers working overtime to design Badges for Supporters to wear
Those on Hunger Strike calling it a night.
Apr 7, 2011
Posted by arif in General | 3 comments
Starting today I have joined the hunger-fast at Freedom Park, Bangalore. I’m doing all that I can to stop corruption in my country. Please join the movement. It’s our movement. Those who’ll benefit will be us and our children. If we don’t, then we have no right to complain. One has to pay a bribe here to get one’s birth certificate, property registered, even to file an FIR with the Police Station. Here’s your chance to do something about it. If you are in Bangalore, just come to Freedom Park today to show your support. If you are in any other city in India, join the support movement there. Jai Hind.
**************************************************
“Inqilaab Zindabad!”
“Pass karo, pass karo, Bill Humara Pass Karo”
“Down Down Corruption!”
‘Bharat Mata ki … Jai”
“Vande Mataram”
The atmosphere is just electric. Slogans of “Inqilaab Zindabaad!”, “Down, Down, Corruption” and my favourite, “Pass, Karo. Pass Karo. Bill Humara, Pass Karo” is echoing through Freedom Park. The movement that Anna Hazare has certainly started crossed it’s tipping point. There is no turning back. The bill will certainly be passed now.
Here is a glimpse of Freedom Park today:
Page 2 of 1712345...10...»Last »
