LETTERS AND OPINIONS

I thank you aapa for your motivational words that truly inspire us all. Your struggle for learning will always make us realize how blessed we are to get a good education now. You are an inspiration to all of us. -Lubna (Chennai) Her story is a great example to me. She put in tremendous efforts in learning the religion of Islam and in spreading the true message of the Quran. -Saira Rafi (Chennai) Though I am a member of CPS, I always felt disappointed as I could not take the cause of the mission further. After reading Farida aapa’s interview, I have converted my disappointment into greater conviction. I have understood that I have to patiently work foremost on myself by developing intellectually and spiritually and wait for an opportunity to serve in the way of God. -Saliha (Hassan) Prof. Khanam struggled hard for quality education. Her ready-to-learn and courageous attitude led her to learn from opportunities one could never realize were even there. These points gave me the motivation to continue my struggle in my pursuits in both the fields of secular as well as religious education with faith in God that He will provide me the opportunities. -Javeriya Iram (Raichur) Reading Farida aapa’s interview made me realize that one should not complain even in dire situations. With the right planning, one can achieve great targets. I was thinking at this age, there is nothing much I could do. Now I aspire to study more and to involve my family in my intellectual pursuits. -Mazherunnisa (Bengaluru) Saraimir is my hometown. The conditions described in Farida aapa’s interview are more or less still the same. Girls’ education is just as difficult today. Aapa’s inspiring story is the result of her grit, determination and the special grace of God Almighty. The most important and biggest task in Farida aapa’s whole story was to come to Delhi from Azamgarh. It was a big deal then, and it is still a challenging task for a girl from a village in Azamgarh to venture out of the village all alone. Even married women are not allowed to travel alone. In Sha Allah, this story of aapa will be a beacon for the women of my native village. -Mirza Omair Azmi (Azamgarh) Dr. Farida Khanam’s interview in the March issue of Spirit of Islam has many lessons: • Contrary to popular tradition, aapa’s travelling alone on such a long journey in the 50s shows that when you believe in your goal, you