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{{Short description|Indian Arabic magazine}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Infobox magazine
| title = Al-Kifah
| image_file = Cover of Al-Kifah, May 1984.jpg
| image_alt = Black & White cover
| image_caption = May 1984 cover
| editor = [[Wahiduzzaman Kairanawi]]
| category = [[Politics]], [[Foreign policy]], [[Islam in India]]
| frequency = Biweekly
| publisher = [[Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind]]
| founded = 1973
| firstdate = October 1973
| finaldate = December 1987
| country = India
| based = [[Delhi]]
| language = Arabic
}}
'''''Al-Kifah''''' ({{langx|ar|{{nq|الكفاح}}}}) was a biweekly Arabic magazine, founded in 1973 under the editorship of [[Wahiduzzaman Kairanawi]]. Published by [[Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind]], it served as a mouthpiece for the organization, addressing the challenges faced by [[Islam in India|Indian Muslims]]. The eight-page publication aimed to raise awareness of these concerns among a wider Islamic audience, especially in the [[Arab states of the Persian Gulf|Gulf countries]]. Though ''Al-Kifah'' had no official affiliation with [[Darul Uloom Deoband]], it regularly published articles from writers connected to the institution's Arabic publication, ''[[Al-Daie]]''. The magazine ceased publication in 1987.

== Initial efforts ==
After [[Indian independence movement|India's independence]] in 1947, Indian Muslims faced significant challenges, with the [[Partition of India|partition]] and communal tensions weakening their collective identity and livelihoods.{{Sfn|Qamruzzaman|2001|p=123}} The [[Arab world]], focused on Pakistan, often overlooked the Muslims in India, considering them a small, marginalized group with little influence. In response, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind sought to reshape perceptions by launching ''Al-Kifah'' in October 1973, aiming to address misconceptions, educate Indian Muslims, and highlight the organization's role.{{Sfn|Qamruzzaman|2001|p=123}} Led by Wahiduzzaman Kairanawi, who managed the magazine single-handedly for several years, ''Al-Kifah'' was distinguished by its presentation and non-commercial approach, maintaining a focus on the community's religious and social needs.<ref>{{Cite thesis |last=Qamruzzaman |first= |title=Maulavi Wahiduzzaman Karanvi his contribution to Arabic language and literature in India |degree=PhD |publisher=Aligarh Muslim University |url=https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/jspui/handle/10603/57789 |language=ar |archive-url=https://archive.org/details/HindustanMainArbiZubanAdabKayFaroghMainMaulanaWaheeduzamanKiranviKaKirdar |archive-date=30 March 2019 |year=2001 |page=125 |location=India |hdl=10603/57789}}</ref> The magazine was later edited by Altafur Rahman Azmi and Muhammad Mazammil Qasmi before ceasing publication in December 1987.<ref name=":AA">{{Cite thesis |last=Alangadan |first=Anees |title=Relocating Arabic Language And Literature With Reference To Arabic Journalism In India 1950 To 2000 |publisher=[[Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala]] |year=2014 |location=India |page=219 |language=ar |hdl=10603/30548 |degree=PhD |url=https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8443/jspui/handle/10603/30548 |hdl-access=free |via=Shodhganga |access-date=29 November 2023 |archive-date=29 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129050821/https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8443/jspui/handle/10603/30548 |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Ideological focus ==
The magazine, while primarily political, covered a wide range of topics, including religious discourse, philosophy, [[Global studies|global affairs]], and scientific and cultural developments.{{Sfn|Qamruzzaman|2001|p=124}} Launched during the [[History of the Indian National Congress|Congress government]]'s tenure in India, it aimed to address misconceptions in Arab countries regarding the status of Indian Muslims, highlighting their role in society and occasionally critiquing government policies.{{Sfn|Qamruzzaman|2001|p=124}} A large portion of its content focused on the Jamiat's programs, travels, and activities.<ref name=":HR">{{Cite thesis |last=Rahman |first=Hafizur |title=Arabic journalism in India with special reference to Sayed Muhammad Al Hasani : a study |access-date= |degree=PhD |publisher=[[Gauhati University]] |url=https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/10603/342127 |language=en |pages=202 |year=2020 |location=India |archive-date=17 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217145140/https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/10603/342127 |url-status=live }}</ref> Special editions included a commemoration of [[Faisal of Saudi Arabia]] and a [[Centenary Celebration of Darul Uloom Deoband|centennial issue]] for Darul Uloom Deoband, each spanning 132 pages.{{Sfn|Qamruzzaman|2001|p=125}} Content was presented by writers such as [[Nadeem al-Wajidi]] and occasionally featured works by Arab authors.{{Sfn|Qamruzzaman|2001|p=125}} Published in a large-format eight-page layout, the magazine included specialized sections on topics like political terminologies and ''Ta'liqaat al-Suhuf'', presenting technical insights and commentary on global news, alongside samples of [[Arabic calligraphy]].<ref>{{Cite thesis |last=Nadwi |first=Sarwar Alam |title=Development Of Arabic Journalism In India After Independence |url=https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8443/jspui/handle/10603/57825 |hdl-access=free |via=Shodhganga |publisher=[[Aligarh Muslim University]] |degree=PhD |year=2000 |location=India |page=243 |language=ar |hdl=10603/57825 |access-date=29 November 2023 |archive-date=26 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126024641/https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8443/jspui/handle/10603/57825 |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Academic notability ==
Academics have analyzed this magazine's efforts, emphasizing its linguistic, cultural, and thematic significance. Qamruzzaman from [[Aligarh Muslim University]] regarded it as a distinct initiative and an independent movement in Arabic journalism, marked by Kairanawi's innovative approach and wide readership.{{Sfn|Qamruzzaman|2001|p=123}} Anees Alangadan from [[Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala]] highlighted its alignment with other Indian Arabic magazines in promoting Arabic language and culture.<ref name=":AA" /> Abdur Rahman of [[Jawaharlal Nehru University]] noted its focus on Islamic issues, including the role of [[List of Deobandis|Deobandi scholars]] in anti-colonial efforts and developing connections with the [[Arab world]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Rahman |first=Abdur |date=2018 |title=Contributions of the Scholars of Darul Uloom Deoband to the Development of Arabic Journalism in India |url=http://aldebal.com/index.php/aldebal/article/view/43 |journal=Aldebal |language=ar |volume=3 |issue=1 |pages=82 |issn=2415-5500 |access-date=9 December 2024 |archive-date=7 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907204130/http://aldebal.com/index.php/aldebal/article/view/43 |url-status=live }}</ref> Hafizur Rahman from Gauhati University emphasized its reputation among contemporary Arabic periodicals for its quality content and cultural relevance.{{Sfn|Rahman|2020|p=202}} Zikrullah Arabi from [[Maulana Azad National Urdu University]] considered it an important publication in the context of Arabic journalism in India, engaging with Islamic and cultural themes while promoting Arabic language education.<ref name=":ZA">{{Cite thesis |last=Arabi |first=Zikrullah |title=Contribution of Darul Uloom Deoband to Arabic Journalism With Special Reference of Al-Die (Monthly Magazine) and Comprehensive Catalogue Upto 2013 |access-date=29 November 2023 |degree=PhD |publisher=[[Maulana Azad National Urdu University]] |url=https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8443/jspui/handle/10603/337869 |language=ar |pages=116 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126024643/https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8443/jspui/handle/10603/337869 |archive-date=26 November 2023 |year=2019 |location=India |hdl=10603/337869 |url-status=live}}</ref> Sarwar Alam Nadwi from [[Aligarh Muslim University]] reflected on its role in spreading Islamic ideas, reviving heritage, and supporting Arabic studies.{{Sfn|Nadwi|2000|p=243}} Ahmed Daisy and Habib Shahidul Islam of [[Gauhati University]] acknowledged its role in advancing the Arabic language during its publication under the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, despite its later decline.<ref>{{Cite thesis |last=Islam |first=Habib Shahidul |title=The Role Of Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulema In The Field Of Arabic Journalism In India A Study |access-date=29 November 2023 |degree=PhD |publisher=Department of Arabic, [[Gauhati University]] |url=https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8443/jspui/handle/10603/114360 |language=en |page=86 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129050739/https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8443/jspui/handle/10603/114360 |archive-date=29 November 2023 |year=2014 |location=India |hdl=10603/114360 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite thesis |last=Daisy |first=Ahmed |title=Development Of Indo Arabic Literature And The Contribution Of Dr Sayeedur Rahman Al AZmi Al Nadwi To Al Baas Al Islami |url=https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8443/jspui/handle/10603/93172 |hdl-access=free |via=Shodhganga |publisher=Gauhati University |year=2015 |location=India |page=104 |language=ar |degree=PhD |hdl=10603/93172 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208183533/https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8443/jspui/handle/10603/93172 |archive-date= 8 Dec 2023 }}</ref>

== Transnational appeal ==
The magazine received recognition in the Arab world for its focus on Islamic, cultural, and political issues, particularly those concerning [[Islam in India|Indian Muslims]]. Publications such as ''Huda al-Islam'', published by the [[Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs (Oman)]], ''Manar al-Islam'', published by the UAE's [[General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments]], and ''Islamic Studies and Research'', published by the [[League of Islamic Universities]], acknowledged its content.{{Sfn|Nadwi|2000|p=244}} Several newspapers also reprinted its articles, expanding its reach and increasing awareness of Indian Muslim issues among Arab audiences.{{Sfn|Qamruzzaman|2001|p=126}} Individual responses, including those from Abu Bakr Muhammad Saeed Hassan of Oman and Mahmoud Abda Ghanem of [[Medina]], emphasized the magazine's efforts in cultural enrichment and the promotion of Arabic language studies.{{Sfn|Nadwi|2000|p=245}} Similarly, Muhammad Ibrahim al-Awaid from Saudi Arabia commended its role in Islamic scholarship and in developing connections between Indian Muslims and the broader [[Muslim world|Islamic world]].{{Sfn|Nadwi|2000|p=245}}

== See also ==
* [[Magazines of Darul Uloom Deoband]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Deobandi Arabic magazines]]
[[Category:Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind]]
[[Category:Arabic-language magazines]]
[[Category:Biweekly magazines published in India]]
[[Category:Conservative magazines]]
[[Category:Propaganda newspapers and magazines]]
[[Category:Magazines established in 1973]]
[[Category:Magazines disestablished in 1987]]
[[Category:Defunct magazines published in India]]

Al-Kifah - Revision history

LavadaDonald013 at 21:16, 31 March 2025