CPS NEWSLETTER
Mr Khurram Qureshi’s Report on Meeting with Imam Mohammed Sualeh at Saigon Central Mosque
On January 13, 2025, I met with Imam Mohammed Sualeh at the Saigon Central Mosque in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The mosque, built in 1935 by Indian traders, is one of the earliest mosques in the country. Situated in the heart of the city’s prime downtown tourist hub, it attracts both worshippers and curious visitors seeking knowledge about Islam.
During the meeting, Imam Sualeh expressed great interest in introducing the Word of God. He agreed to assist by distributing Quran translations and other supporting literature to those interested in learning about Islam.
In the attached photo is Brother Iskemaat, the owner of a Turkish restaurant located opposite the mosque. He also showed enthusiasm for the initiative and expressed his willingness to display and distribute the Quran translations at his establishment.
Jesuit theology students Manish, Basil, and Prakash from Vidyajyoti Institute of Religious Studies in Delhi shared insights on Maulana Wahiduddin Khan’s peace mission at the CPS International Centre, New Delhi, on February 8, 2025.
The students highlighted Maulana’s ability to address modern challenges through dialogue, emphasizing the enduring significance of his message, aligned with the Quranic call to “work with one another in promoting goodness and piety.” (5: 2)
Joseph Victor Edwin SJ, a Theology professor at Vidyajyoti, noted Maulana’s teachings stressed coexistence for humanity’s wellbeing. Having mentored the students, he praised their diligent engagement with his work.
Goodword Books and CPS International at the World Book Fair
Goodword Books and CPS International participated in the World Book Fair at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The event provided an opportunity for visitors to explore the works of Maulana Wahiduddin Khan, Dr. Saniyasnain Khan, and many other esteemed authors.
The organizations set up their stall at Hall No. 6, Stall V-06, where attendees engaged with a wide range of books on Islam, spirituality, and moral education. As part of their initiative, complimentary copies of the Quran were distributed in various languages, attracting significant interest from visitors.
CPS International-Goodword at the International Kolkata Book Fair
CPS International-Goodword (Kolkata chapter) participated in the International Kolkata Book Fair, held from 28 January 2025 to 9 February 2025 at Boimela Prangan, Karunamoyee, Saltlake, Kolkata.
The stall, located at E-13, showcased a diverse collection of books on Islam, spirituality, and moral education. Visitors had the opportunity to explore the works of renowned authors and engage in meaningful discussions.
The event saw an enthusiastic response, with many attendees showing keen interest in the literature on display.
CPS Hyderabad Team at the Peace Camp
The CPS Hyderabad team participated in a Peace Camp organized by the Karuna Shree Foundation in Hyderabad from January 14-17, 2025.
Representing CPS, Maulana Fayyaz Umri and Siraj Umri engaged with participants from diverse nationalities, fostering discussions on peace and spirituality. They also took the opportunity to gift books to attendees, facilitating meaningful one-on-one interactions.
Members of CPS International Kolkata chapter attended 3 days Faith Based Reconciliation (IFBD) Workshop from 20- 22 February 2025. Peace literature was gifted to the participants and President of IFBD, Rev. Brian Cox and Regional Director Mr. Ramazan Khan. One of the participants said, ‘It feels so good to see and touch the Quran.’
~Ms Shabina Ali, Kolkata Team
Quran Stall at MSI Royal Function Hall, Raichur
On the occasion of Amjad Bhai’s niece’s marriage ceremony at MSI Royal Function Hall, Raichur, on 31st December 2024, the Raichur CPS team set up a Quran stall to distribute Islamic literature.
Many guests showed a keen interest in the Quran distribution work, and numerous visitors took copies of the Quran and Maulana Wahiduddin Khan’s English books.
~Zaheeruddin Khaja, CPS Raichur
Shivakumar, a retired English professor (b. 1952), is proficient in English and Tamil and has translated several renowned literary works. His latest translation, Salman Rushdie’s Knife (April 2024), was launched at the Chennai Book Fair on 8 January 2025, drawing significant attention. The book reflects Rushdie’s thoughts after the 12 October 2022 assassination attempt on him.
At the launch, Hafiz Iqbal Ahmed Umri represented CPS Chennai, presenting Maulana Wahiduddin Khan’s book on blasphemy to Shivakumar, the publisher, and other dignitaries. A week later, Shivakumar called Mr Kullu Nadeem, remarking, “This book is truly worth reading, full of intellectual discussions.” He invited the team to his home.
On 17 January 2025, at 11 a.m., our team visited his residence, where he warmly welcomed us. We gifted him more of Maulana’s books, and during the discussion, he said:
“I once thought all Muslims shared a rigid mindset, lacking tolerance and freedom of expression. But after reading this book, I realised that some Muslim leaders have guided their communities wisely over time.”
Khateeb Israrul Hasan Umri elaborated on Maulana’s unique stance, particularly his opposition to the fatwa against Salman Rushdie, which he deemed un-Islamic. Shivakumar was visibly surprised by this perspective.
Notably, he finished the book Blasphemy in just two to three days, showing his keen interest. When asked about his belief in God, he politely said he did not, citing the world’s hardships as evidence of God’s absence. However, he emphasised that he never engaged in propaganda or debate on the matter.
In response, we gifted him Maulana’s book God Arises.
~Faiz Ahmed Qadri, CPS Coimbatore
New Year: A Spiritual Opportunity for CPS Visakhapatnam
By the grace of the Almighty and under the guidance of Maulana Wahiduddin Khan Sahab’s teachings, CPS Visakhapatnam Chapter utilized the New Year as a spiritual opportunity to share the message of peace and spirituality.
The outcome was remarkable. Amandeep Khare, a cricketer from Raipur, visited the stall as a tourist and was pleasantly surprised by our work. He wholeheartedly accepted spiritual literature as a New Year gift, showing great interest in the message.
As Maulana Wahiduddin Khan once said, “Opportunities to convey the message of peace and spirituality are numerous, so every CPS member should become a programme maker.”
Indeed, this experience reaffirmed our faith that God is always with us to help and guide.
~Aayesha Yusra , CPS Visakhapatnam
With immense gratitude to God, I am delighted to share the wonderful news of our four dedicated team members—Tazain, Ameena, Ayesha, and Qudsiya—who recently conducted a workshop at Manahil school in Bangalore under our project Peace Promotion in Muslim Societies.
The workshop was organized for outgoing SSLC students and covered the following topics:
- The Importance of Informal Education (Quran, Hadith, and supporting literature) alongside formal education.
- Career Choices Within the Framework of Islam
- Health, sleep and responsible use of social media.
- An Introduction to CPS and Its Work.
Prior to this, the school’s principal and staff had received our literature and were introduced to our work. Upon learning more about us, they readily welcomed the idea of hosting the workshop.
Although the event was kept low-profile, its impact was significant. Each student was gifted a Quran translation and other valuable literature. Inspired by this experience, the workshop was conducted in three more schools. The names of these schools are Niswan, Hafeeziya, and Noor Ahmed.
May God accept our humble efforts in His way. This programme instilled in us renewed hope that these young minds will grow into pillars of strength, carrying forward our peace mission.
~Fathima Sarah, Bangalore Chapter Head
