Literature The first stage of love towards a person begins with a good understanding of him. Reading and listening are the first steps in trying to know. Then, when the will is too much, the letters begin to spread in the heart. One will go and see them and try to capture their choice. This is what all the lovers of the Prophet did for the last fourteen centuries.The branch of prophetic studies that discusses his name, beauty, character, utensils, diet, and way of life is known as ‘Shamailurasul’. His words, deeds, features, descriptions, lifestyle, attitudes, discourses, prophecies, family, lineage, and surroundings had been authentically codified by foregone scholars. There is no single man in this world who was recorded so much without a single sketch or a photo. All the major works of the time were transformed gradually as specific disciplines among religious sciences. ‘Shamailurasul’ is one of the most extensive and celebrated compilations on the description and attributes of the Prophet Muhammed PBUH, the messenger of Allah. Careful crafting and vivid depiction of the Prophet by which a portrait of his blessed physical appearance, habits, worship, daily routines, spirituality and much more is explained to the people. The human body is the first and most natural technological tool bestowed on any man. The prophetic lifestyle and practices give a new dimension to day-to-day life. Those actions transform the body on a metaphysical level. It motivates a man to take care of the soul in the best possible way and thereby cherish man’s relationship with the body. The best and easiest way to rejuvenate the soul is to imitate the lives of the Prophet. There is no other paradigm in history in which the human body can be enlightened to the ultimate truth, and the possibility of ensuring human liberation is inherent.Malabar Foundation for Research and Development at Markaz Knowledge City has published the book ‘The Joy of Imitation&nbsp;of Dr AP Abdul Hakeem Al Azhari, which is a rare of its kind in Malayalam literature about ‘Shamailurasul’. This book is a compilation of narrations of exemplary scholars like Imam Abu Isa Tirmidhi, Qadhi Iyadh, Imam Abu Hamid Al Ghazali, Imam Suyuti, Ibn Hajar al-Haytami, Imam Yusuf al-Shami, Imam Maqrizi, Sheikh Yusuf Nabhani, Sheikh Abdullah Lahji, Ustad Abdul Basir Saqafi Pilakkal, Ann Mary Schimmel, Ahmad Muhammadi and many more. The book is distinguished by its simple language, concise style and portable size. The book has got a wider acceptance among the readers. The first edition has been sold out completely and the publication is intending to have the second edition soon. The educational and moral aspects of ‘Shamailurasul’ works are enormous. On the one hand, they encourage people to virtues, nobility, compassion, justice, honesty, mutual understanding, and on the other hand, strongly condemn, fraudulence, arrogance, envy, slander, oppression, and other negative traits. Indeed, this book will give the reader a novel experience and will be a blueprint for a meaningful life.

A text on the quintessential characters and tempting beauty of Prophet

Passing long eight years since Sayyid Abdurahman Al Bukhari Ullal, laid the foundation stone on December 24th of 2012, Markaz Knowledge city is now being a part of the exemplary modern history, where it marks its position as an epitome of first of its kind an ideal city. Jamia Markaz, under the auspices of veteran scholar and reformer Sheikh Abubakr Ahmed, has been addressing the plights and needs of society, by providing them bread and butter, also taking them to the world of knowledge dissemination and transmission also, in the complete manner of social service. At a time, when knowledge and information were at pace with technical advancement, it was the very need of the time to have such a place where knowledge becomes a lively experience of modelling human life in a particular schema of religious nobility and ethical responsibilities. Markaz Knowledge City is providing a unique model of a space where scientifically blended modern town and knowledge-producing institutions come parallel. The city can be regarded as the game-changer of society’s lacuna where people are difficult to find a space where there is inclusiveness and an ethical way of living, learning and experiencing. Precisely Markaz Knowledge City acts as a supplier of a physical space for an ideal moral life cycle ranging from cradle to the retirement of human life. Spreading over twenty-five acres amid lush greenery in the lap of Western Ghats, Markaz Knowledge city today is an enormous project in south India, located 40 km away from the historic city of Calicut. Markaz knowledge city is regarded as an integrated township providing infrastructure for high-class academic institutions, residential facilities, healthcare and hospitality amenities, recreation, leisure facilities and commercial spaces intended to promote and exhibit this city as a centre of international excellence. Yet to achieve and realize, in the forthcoming successful journey too. No doubt, it will be an oddly satisfying moment for those who rendered their brain and actions in the best possible way, to build each and every block of this city, at this particular point of time, when this city marks its eighth anniversary of foundation. Taking a bird's eye view of the timelines, this city is nearing its full-fledged manner. The first institution to begin was the Unani Medical College, which is the only Unani Medical College in Kerala at present and among the very few colleges in India too. This city is proud to announce the graduation of the first batch of students, in near future. This medical college develops highly motivated medical students who are compassionate; patient-centric with the highest benchmark of clinical skills through path-breaking research under highly qualified supervisors and faculties in best class infrastructure facilities. Meanwhile, this institution provided a unique way for teaching and experience, and the exposure spire with numerous international collaborations also. As an alternative solution in the medical industry, Markaz also has an Unani Medical College hospital working under this project. Addressing the growing demand for wellness treatment and experience, Imtibish Tigris Valley in Markaz Knowledge city will ascend new definitions of hospitality and treatment. Moreover, it was a proud moment when it rolled out the product “WABANIL”, developed by Unani Pharmaceuticals and Imtibish, which is effective as an immune booster in the time of the Covid-19 pandemic. The product received wide acceptance among thousands. Another major footstep in the history of Markaz Knowledge city was the foundation of Markaz Law College.&nbsp;Satisfied after producing a significant number of alumnus who can perfectly preserve the integrity and dignity of the Indian constitution, Law College is further moving forward, by delivering justice to the downtrodden and marginalized societies of this nation. Currently, college is offering three year and five-year courses in Law. For better schooling in the city, Alif Global School provides a world-class schooling facility that delivers the best citizens to the world imparting quality education blended with culture and spirituality with advanced technologies. Alif is providing a unique learning experience for the students in a happy, secure and caring manner with creative and effective integration of technology with reality. Presently the school is providing classes from lower primary to high school level of pedagogy. After a nice reception experience at Istikbal Center at the entrance, the finest feeling of hospitality, Fez Inn hotel welcomes you to Markaz Knowledge city. A four-star facilitated business hotel that provides a peaceful staying experience in fully furnished deluxe and suite rooms, to anyone, especially for the travellers exploring the least travelled paths of Wayanad hills and for the guests who pay a visit to the knowledge city. The facilities are awesomely implemented which will provide a grandiose experience for the people. Fez Inn will also have business desks, tour desks, a restaurant, a cafeteria, kiosks with ample parking facilities. Addressing the need for an excellent arrangement for business and professional events, the city also has a large convention cum exhibition centre near the Fez Inn hotels which will accommodate around two thousand five hundred persons.Expecting to complete in the next two years, the M-tower, which will have the corporate office of Markaz, other commercial and residential spaces, with the magnificent features of south India’s first revolving restaurant, is under development and speedy construction.The centre of attraction, the cultural centre of Markaz Knowledge city is expected to be fully furnished by March of this year. This is a unique marvellous piece of architecture designed in a way that, facilitates the rejuvenation of the cultural capital of the Indian past. This upcoming edifice mainly includes a variety of supportive projects like a heritage museum, research centre, meditation centre etc. Once this is completed this will be perhaps, regarded as the biggest cultural centre built= in India. Another magnificent component of the cultural centre is the Souk, which will define a new economic order. Souk is considered the mercantile culture of the Middle Eastern states. It represents specific normalcy and simplicity of economic needs although it carries an idea of a market and the larger economy. This will portray as a model to realign economic thoughts and possibilities with a more practical and ethic based economic philosophy which is totally different from that of the modern capitalist system. Already the soft launch of Souk has been run at the exhibition centre, in the month of November 2020, where visitors can have a miniature shopping experience. Verily this project will be instrumental in redefining the cosmopolitanism of the historic city of Calicut. World Institute for Research in Advanced Science (WIRAS) in the city will be the modern hub for Muslim intelligentsia. This centre provides opportunity for aspirants to learn Islamic Knowledge with that of modern academics in a highly advanced order. The WIRAS is such a unique footstep toward the creation of a pool of research-minded intellectual hubs in Islamic studies. With more novelty, this plays as an advanced version or apparently, a re-creation of old times’ Dars system where theology and science, logic and rhetoric were taught in the same classrooms. The progenies of this institution will have the potential to make far-reaching ripples in the social and cultural arena of the nation and world as well. Presently this institution provides bachelor's and master’s degrees which are equivalent to the world’s renowned Islamic universities like Al Azhar. Students also have the opportunity to enrol in academic courses which are already available at Markaz Knowledge City simultaneously.&nbsp;Habitus Life School is another institution that addresses the need of contemporary aspirants. Presently Habitus is having a Center for Wellness and Happiness and also a Polyglot Academy where interested people can sharpen their linguistic abilities. Habitus has already completed numerous classes, sessions, webinars etc. and is so glad that various constellations have benefitted from it.To navigate the scholarship further, Malaibar Foundation for Research and Development (MFRD), which is an independent multi-disciplinary research institute in the city, plays a pivotal role. As a premier research platform of Markaz Knowledge City, MFRD coordinates the research-oriented programs of its various institutions by providing them with academic and technological assistance. Since the launching of MFRD, it has led a number of engagements that are academic in nature, by conducting various seminars and conferences on modern issues, concepts and concerns on multi-disciplinary topics.As a green space for women's empowerment, Queens Land under the City offers a comfortable shade for the women's community for their development in all respects. This is a multi-disciplinary education hub that facilitates to impart them the kind of enthusiastic life. The female residents here find real means of emancipation from the crisis that they face in the chaotic modern world. Presently this centre offers graduate and undergraduate courses. The campus is assisted with ultra-sophisticated amenities exclusively for the inmates. As a powerful enterprise for self-reliance, MAZRA (Markaz Alliance for Agro Zero waste and Afforestation) plays a novel role in producing organic nutritious foodstuffs free from poisonous fertilizers or chemical substances that supplements production activities, primarily to meet the domestic demand of Markaz, and the community in general. This project envisages, developing an ethical, sustainable and reproductive attitude towards livestock and agriculture in the human mind for the existence of a healthy universe based on good agricultural practices through training and research. Within a short span of time, various products of MAZRA become today’s best-demanded products in the consumer market spaces. The living area of this green town has grown tremendously during these years. There are enough residential facilities in this city for those who wish to have a life here. One among seven residential towers constructed by Landmark builders has already finished construction and furnishings and handed over to the beneficiaries. Another tower is nearing its completion. Few other towers are in their basic stages of foundation. This residential area of Knowledge city is emphasized in creating a healthy and happy environment, which are essential components of life, to provide all-around well-being for the residents. The apartments are designed to suit the natural grandeur of the surrounding and serene, calm feast of nature, with spacious and adorable living areas. The prime attraction of the residential area, the clubhouse, provides a separate swimming area for gents and ladies, multi-gym, billiards, library and conference halls along with different courts for sports activities.Like unheard melodies are sweeter, there are yet more to come at Markaz Knowledge City. Hill Sinai centre of excellence, AVAAN School of Management Studies, special needs school etc. are few among the unseen. No doubt, that Markaz Knowledge City is going to be a game-changer in modern times. Let us hope for the best.

Eight years of recreating the past

Dr. Muhammed Abdul Hakkim KandiMD, Markaz Knowledge City Jamia Markaz has always surprised its well-wishers with the plethora of first-mover advantages in various horizons of exposure. Markaz, during its past journey through decades, has undergone tremendous support from various groups of people from different sections of society. Targeted at the upliftment of poor and backward sections of the community, Jamia Markaz has successfully brought them to great exposure through creatively blended education, charity and social consciousness. In terms of basic amenities, Markaz Knowledge City/ Jamia Markaz is a self-sustaining integrated township/ institution/ community which provides every facility a person would need in their daily lives. At this juncture, another two milestones namely the legal aid clinic and more facilitated Unani Medical college hospital are at the crossroads of nearing completion and public access. Education plays a pivotal role in society. A sound infrastructure of higher education is crucial for leveraging innovation and knowledge that can be used in high-value services. Similarly, it makes one aware of his duties and entitlements. It is also vital for one to have legal awareness as well. Since many people are not aware of legal education, their rights and entitlements are denied and are exploited at various dimensions in the present-day conditions. Legal aid is one of the integral components of the existence of an orderly society. Unless the poor and illiterate are not legally assisted, they will be denied the opportunity of seeking justice. The focus point of legal aid is on distributive justice, successful execution of welfare advantages and end of social oppression of downtrodden people. Having understood the need and relevance of legal aid, Markaz Law College has an immense track record in providing legal aid to oppressed people, ranging from tribal groups across Kerala to the people of Assam regarding their citizenship issues. Now, this institute has set up a legal aid clinic with good infrastructure and facilities that are open to the public for their legal queries and needs. The compliments from Mr Shaijal MP, honourable secretary to District Legal Service Authority, about Markaz Law college and its allied services were quite encouraging. Similarly, the development of any country is vested in the health conditions of its citizens. For the development of any nation, comprehensive, affordable and accessible healthcare facilities are highly warranted. Health is one of the most important basic amenities when it comes to life at Markaz Knowledge City. As a self-sufficient integrated community, Markaz has been supporting the community with numerous medical services and assistance. Markaz Unani Medical College is the first and the only Unani medical college in Kerala. With ample facilities and modern infrastructure, Markaz Unani Medical College Hospital is getting a new facelift. The wait of the public is nearing an end. With a capacity of 150-bed spaces, supported by the best infrastructure and facilities, along with a special division for research and development by incorporating traditional methodologies of healthcare services, the Unani hospital will open soon to the public. The entire hospital is designed to facilitate the easy movement of patients. Natural sunlight and greenery fill the hospital, making it a happier environment for patients. Technological superiority underpins the ability of human medical resources to deliver their services effectively and safely. The facilities at the Hospital are equipped with the latest, state-of-the-art medical and surgical equipment to ensure patients receive the best possible care. It is also one of the affordable centres to obtain a medical degree which already produced dozens of young doctors for the service of society. Throughout the success story of Jamia Markaz and its ventures, wholehearted support from the public community played a decisive role. We are looking forward to more collective actions that make the journey of the institution to the pinnacle of excellence and benefit a larger radius.

Legal aid and medical assistance: Compassion and care have always been our wings

Dr. Abdussalam MuhammedCEO, Markaz Knowledge City Elements that make Markaz Knowledge city relevant in the age of the Knowledge revolution.With the advent of Information technology, the world is now at our fingertips. When we take Silicon Valley as an example, it was where modern technology got developed and brought forth almost all the technological advantages we enjoy today. As a knowledge hub, Silicon Valley is academically supported by researchers from Stanford University. Research work from Stanford is taken up by Silicon Valley and turned into products and services. The collaboration of both academia and industry has made it possible to transform the whole world into a global village.The advent of Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0) claims the new world order will be completely under the influence of Artificial Intelligence and thus machines will take the place of humans in most of the activities with the least expense. Unprecedented disruptions in the conventional job markets are predicted. Some people may find it weird that, amidst the popularity of information technology, Markaz Knowledge City is being reproduced from a city that had been modelled some one thousand four hundred years ago, regarding its distant past. Many of us do not remember the fact that the Prophet who was born in pre-historic Arabia which was ruled then by mere ignorance, constant tribal rivalries and other social anarchies had turned them the leaders of the world. Following his migration from Makkah, he transformed the place name ‘Yathrib’ into ‘Al Madina’ (The city) and established a full-fledged city. Following this legacy later on there were many Knowledge hubs established across the world, including Baithul Hikmah of Baghdad; to name one of them.began with a noble objective of imparting Knowledge to orphans and the destitute, Markaz has grown far and reached across the Asian sub-continent providing empowerment to the economically challenged people from all walks of life. Now it is busy building Knowledge city as a beacon for bringing back the lost wisdom of human beings. This is in line with the model of transformation from the Dark Age to the golden era established by the holy Prophet thousand four hundred years ago. When the whole world came to a standstill due to the economic crisis which rose from the interest-based banking system, it had to seek refuge in the interest-free banking system Proposed by the prophet centuries ago. Many more examples are there to quote as an example of where the traditions have repeatedly won over modern science and studies. The whole of humanity and the global economy market had come to a halt when covid’19 pandemic began its spread. Modern medical science was literally helpless. When almost all active places were locked down, some laboratories were engaged day and night with the hope of finding a remedy. Even at this moment when we are talking, they haven’t brought a proper cure for such a pandemic that crippled life. People look desperately for peaceful life free from all hassles, and Markaz Knowledge City now emerged as the perfect destination for them. Feelings as a CEOAfter overseeing the long seven years of this city going through tremendous hardships and tumultuous challenges, we feel a mixture of emotions coming up from within. We are very thankful, happy, excited and highly anxious too. While here in the city, the greatest thing is every second of my life are being fruitful and creative. But our job is not done yet. As knowledge is instrumental in bringing happiness to human life, we require all the essences of knowledge to satisfy our stakeholders from various spectrums of life. It warranted a great deal of courage that even after two economic recessions and the economic challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown we are able to move forward constantly with set plans and strategies. We are always indebted to our investors who have dared to keep up with us. While we derived the concepts, they stood firm with us and supported us. Now it has turned into a challenge that as they have trusted us during our turbulent times, we must be there for them when they are in need. Their children's education, their health and their business must be secure within our hands. We have completely put our efforts into researching, reviewing and auditing how to give back the best out-put to our investors and well-wishers. This is the legacy of Markaz. In the beginning, 95 per cent of people thought this project will remain a mere daydream. But we made that dream come true. And then many businessmen asked us whether people will stay here in this hamlet if apartments are built. We could answer those questions too. Again, even those close around us informed their worries about the business potential and shopping opportunities in such an isolated place, but the soft launch of a Mini souk and the crowd that walk-in has further proved that Markaz Knowledge City is an excellent potential business hub too. Along with all these happy signals, as a CEO, I am also a bit worried about many technical challenges that are emanating from the crowd walking into the city from distant places seen across from different states. Ensuring water, electricity, drainage, sanitation, waste management, safety, security and traffic management is going to challenge us technically. That too we may have to achieve sustainable development by protecting the environment in alignment with world sustainable development goals. Apart from this, the visitors must feel at home along with good reception and gentle care until they leave the place. In order to fine-tune this and overcome all these challenges, we need good teamwork, brainstorming discussions and tremendous Home Works which we are already into. Construction and architectural distinctionsUnlike the conventional approach of construction, we had headed with a need and purpose-based approach. At the very beginning, we had to face allegations from the National Green Tribunal on the fragility of the environment due to construction. This has slowed us down for a temporary period which was resolved after a few months. Prior to the commencement of major constructions, we brought many subject matter experts to help us build a modern city with all amenities. The process demanded customizations to incorporate the values and legacy of Jamia Markaz kept up for decades. To satisfy with this we couldn’t find a single architect for the whole project. Later on, we hired many prominent architects who have assimilated certain elements of Mughal, Indian, Moorish, Abbasid and Roman architecture into our edifices. We have even adopted a modern blend of architecture on some of our structures like the golden coloured single roof-dome of the exhibition centre. The cultural centre is a culmination of various architectural blends. Its beauty, when seen from the banks of the water reservoir, can be equalled to that of the Magnificent Taj Mahal when looked at from the banks of the river Yamuna. Alif Global School resembles an ancient Roman structure with a stage that replicates the huge coliseums of Rome. Altogether Markaz Knowledge city presents a unique and aesthetic architectural view to the spectators as well as students and researchers walking in for the research and development. Challenges, Success factors Along with the technical challenges we had mentioned earlier we are anxious about maintaining the morale and cultural standard of the city in accordance with that of its mother institution, Jamia Markaz. As the city becomes fully functional, it is also a challenge to accommodate the growing populace within the planned measures of the city. But we take all these challenges into account and plan all the required measures to run a hassle-free city once it is wide open to the world. Since its inception, there have been rumours and allegations about its establishment and objectives. Some had even mistaken the city for a real estate hoax. We can overcome such allegations easily as we are of the firm belief that we have gone through every legitimate procedure as laid down by the government. Our major success factor is definitely the visionary leadership of Shaikh Abubakar Ahmad, Our Chairman. At this project’s implementation stage, we had to undergo a legal stay of prosecution from the National Green Tribunal and all our works had come to a standstill. Ninety-nine per cent of people believed that this will be the end of the story. Our team was even pushed to a fear that the investors might step back from the project as it was the beginning. We approached him to explain the pros and cons of the current situation for which none will dare to move a step forward. He encouraged us telling to stand firm and move forward with whatever legal actions possible and leave the remaining matters at the disposal of the Almighty who is the ultimate proposer and disposer of plans. Post the great flood-related economic challenges, we again underwent such a turbulent situation, a time when even the government officials left us with not many choices, our chairman transmitted positive energy to us and led us the way. Our Managing Director, Dr. Muhammad Abdul Hakim Azhari who led our team round the clock played a pivotal role in speeding up the project by taking fast decisions at the right times. Dedication and teamwork are other key factors behind its success.

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