Dr Zakir Naik's talk on Qur'an and modern science pulls crowd in Saudi Arabia

safia@coastaldigest.com (Agencies)
February 3, 2014
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Riyadh, Feb 3: Thousands of people representing different religious backgrounds across Asian, European and American countries attended internationally renowned orator on Islam and comparative religion Dr Zakir Naik's talk on Qur'an and Modern Science at King Fahd Cultural Center in Riyadh.

“The Qur'an was never meant to be a book of science. Instead, its accurate verses direct us to reflect on God's glory,” said Dr Naik, while presenting a series of scientific truth mentioned in the Qur'an.

The event was organized by the World Association of Muslim Youth (WAMY), and supported by the volunteers of IRF and WAMY.

Dr Naik, President of India-based Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) and head of Dubai-based Peace TV network, said, “There are more than 6,000 verses in the Qur'an of which1,000 speak about science.”

Quoting some of the verses, Dr Naik presented the accurate description of embryonic developmental stages, how the roots of the mountains are like pegs anchoring the earth's crust, how a natural barrier exists where two oceans meet, waves occur in layers in the ocean's depths and heaven and earth were first joined together before being split apart and that heavens emerged from gases and dust that characterize nebulas as stars are forming which are all as described in the Qur'an.

“Through this event, WAMY serves to present Islam to non-Muslims in its purest form and as a complete system and way of life. We are pleased to have Dr. Naik addressing the huge gathering in the Kingdom today,” said Mohammad Kareemullah, event manager.

Over 2,000 non-Muslims also participated on special invitation in the event that included cross-questioning sessions on Islam and inferences about scientific evidences referred to in the Qur'an.

Dr Naik, who has delivered more than 2,000 public lectures across the world, including some 225 in Saudi Arabia alone on comparative religion, clarifies Islamic viewpoints and clears misconceptions about Islam, using the Qur'an, authentic Hadith and other religious scriptures as a basis, in conjunction with reason, logic and scientific facts.

He is popular for his critical analysis and convincing answers to challenging questions posed by audiences after his public talks.

Special arrangements were made for women with a separate play area for the children of attending mothers.

The talk was preceded by Qur'an recitation by Al-Hasan Al-Hazi and its English translation rendered by Muhammad Quraishi.

Sheikh Yousuf Idris of Knowledge International University was the moderator for the program. Dr. Saleh Al-Shamrani, WAMY's Dawah section director, Ahmed Ismail, secretary, and Abdullah Reddy, project manager were also present at the event.

The program was supported by Jumuah Magazine, Darussalam Publications, Al-Huda Publications, Al-Wafi Program, Teaching Arabic Language and Islamic teaching for non-Arab students under Sultanah Jaliat and United India International School.

Free books on Islamic guidance including 5,000 Qur'an translations and Tafseer Al-Qur'an in different languages from WAMY, Islamic propagation centers of Rabwa, Rowda, Sanaya and Sahee International were given to non-Muslim and Muslim attendees.

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Agencies
March 28,2025

Udupi: Deputy Commissioner K. Vidya Kumari has directed officials to expedite land acquisition for designated industrial zones in the district to facilitate new industries. She issued these instructions during a meeting at Rajatadri on Wednesday.

Lands have been identified across various taluks for industrial development. The DC emphasized that KIADB must acquire these lands and ensure essential infrastructure—electricity, roads, and drainage—to attract industries and generate employment.

A total of 77 acres of private land has been acquired and compensated, including 31.2 acres in Kerebettu village, Hebri taluk, and 45.7 acres in Shivapura village. However, approval for 36.5 acres of government land is still pending. She instructed the forest department to assess whether this land falls under an eco-sensitive zone.

For the Belapu Industrial Area, the DC urged officials to accelerate minor land acquisitions for road expansion and commence construction at the earliest. She also mandated rainwater harvesting systems for all units in the Miyaru Industrial Area to tackle water scarcity.

Currently, 22 export-based units operate in the district. The DC encouraged further promotion of exports and an increase in their number.

The meeting was attended by Joint Director of Industries Nagraj V. Naik, KIADB Development Officer Srinivasa Murthy, Small-Scale Industries Association District President Harish Kunder, Deputy Director of the District Industrial Center Seetharam Shetty, District Skill Development Officer Arun B., and others.

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News Network
March 18,2025

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Tuesday tabled a Bill in the Legislative Assembly to introduce a 4 per cent reservation for Muslims in public contracts.

The Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was tabled by Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil.

On Friday, the Cabinet approved an amendment to the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (KTPP) Act, reserving 4 per cent of contracts for Muslims in civil works valued up to Rs 2 crore and goods/services contracts up to Rs 1 crore. This proposal was announced by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the 2025-26 Budget, presented on March 7.

Currently, Karnataka provides reservations in civil works contracts for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) at 24 per cent, Other Backward Classes (OBC)–Category 1 at 4 per cent, and OBC–Category 2A at 15 per cent.

There had been demands to include Muslims under Category 2B of the OBCs with a 4 per cent reservation.

The BJP has called the Karnataka government’s move to provide a 4 per cent reservation for Muslims in government contracts an "unconstitutional misadventure" and vowed to oppose it at all levels, including challenging it in court, until it is revoked.

The Bill presented on Tuesday further amends the KTPP Act, 1999, to implement the proposal outlined in the 2025-26 budget speech, according to its statement of objects and reasons.

The Bill aims to address unemployment among backward classes and promote their participation in government construction projects, reserving up to 4 per cent for individuals in Category 2B (Muslims) for works valued up to Rs 2 crore.

The Bill also provides for reservations among Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes in the procurement of goods and services, excluding construction works, in notified departments, for contracts valued up to Rs 1 crore.

It encourages their participation in such procurement to the extent of 17.5 per cent for persons belonging to SC, 6.95 per cent for those belonging to ST, 4 per cent for Category 1 of OBC, 15 per cent for Category 2A, and 4 per cent for Category 2B (Muslims).

The Bill stated that the proposed legislative measure involves no additional expenditure.

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News Network
March 18,2025

Udupi, Mar 18: In response to concerns over the potential cancellation of the Mangaluru-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express due to low passenger occupancy, Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary has proposed extending the service to Mumbai instead of discontinuing it.

MP Poojary met Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and urged him to consider the extension, highlighting the benefits it would bring to commuters and the economy. The minister promptly directed railway officials to ensure the train service is not discontinued and to explore the feasibility of extending it to Mumbai.

A detailed report on the economic significance of Mangaluru and Udupi was also presented, stressing the necessity of the train's extension. Additionally, a request was made to introduce a sleeper Vande Bharat train between Mangaluru and Mumbai in the future.

Expressing gratitude to the minister for his prompt attention and assurance of support, MP Poojary welcomed the positive response and reiterated his commitment to improving railway connectivity in the region.

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