# Al Ameen (newspaper)

Al Ameen is a Malayalam language newspaper with a prominent place in the history of the Indian independence movement, particularly in the Malabar region of Kerala. It was first established by Mohammed Abdur Rahiman in 1924 as a platform to support the Indian National Congress and the Khilafat Movement while also addressing issues of Muslim reform in Malabar. Over the years, it became a significant voice for freedom and social justice.
The newspaper was initially published as a tri-weekly and later became a daily in 1930. However, it faced multiple interruptions in its publishing history due to its political stance, including being banned by the Madras government in 1939 for supporting India's non-cooperation in World War II. Despite these challenges, the spirit of Al Ameen has continued through several phases of revival.
In 2024, on the centenary of its founding, Al Ameen transitioned to a fully digital format, marking a new chapter in its storied history. The digital edition of the newspaper was launched on 23 November 2024, coinciding with the death anniversary of its founder.

## History
### Foundation and early years (1924–1939)

Al Ameen was founded by Mohammed Abdur Rahiman in 1924, with the first issue published on 12 October, coinciding with Prophet Muhammad's birthday. The newspaper was established in response to the political needs of the time, particularly to support the Indian independence movement and the Khilafat Movement. Rahiman's vision for Al Ameen was to provide local news while also covering national and international issues, with articles drawn from various languages including English, Arabic, Urdu, and Tamil.
The newspaper initially began as a tri-weekly and later became a daily in 1930. Al Ameen was known for its sharp critique of British colonial rule, which led to it being targeted by the authorities. In August 1930, the Madras government confiscated the newspaper's press, though publication resumed later that year. Financial difficulties led to the newspaper temporarily returning to a tri-weekly format. By March 1939, Al Ameen resumed publication as a daily once more.

### Ban and suspension (1939)

In September 1939, the Madras government banned Al Ameen for its vocal support of India's non-cooperation with the British during World War II. This was a significant turning point in the newspaper's history, as the ban effectively halted its publication until its revival in later years.

### Revival and digital transformation (2024–present)

After decades of dormancy, Al Ameen was revived in 2024 in digital form, marking a new chapter in its history. This initiative was spearheaded by Abdul Bais P, an academician, journalist, and author of the book Al Ameen: Pathravum Pathradhiparum (Al Ameen: Newspaper and Editors). Published in 2019, the book chronicled the rich history of Al Ameen and its founder, Mohammed Abdur Rahiman, highlighting the newspaper’s role in the Indian independence movement.
During his research for the book, Abdul Bais P met Veekshanam Mohammed, who held the registration rights to Al Ameen. Despite his efforts, Mohammed was unable to relaunch the newspaper. Recognizing the cultural and historical importance of Al Ameen, Abdul Bais P collaborated with Mohammed and proposed a digital revival to adapt the publication to modern media consumption.
This collaboration led to the relaunch of Al Ameen as a digital platform on 23 November 2024, commemorating the death anniversary of its founder. Abdul Bais P assumed the role of Managing Editor, guiding the digital transformation alongside Veekshanam Mohammed as Managing Director and Ummer Gurikkal as Chairman. The revived Al Ameen now operates through its official website, alameennews.in.
The digital edition continues the legacy of Al Ameen, addressing contemporary social, political, and cultural issues while upholding the principles of justice, equality, and freedom that defined its early years.

## Legacy and influence

Throughout its history, Al Ameen has been recognized for its bold stance on political and social issues. In its early years, it was a key player in the Indian independence struggle in the Malabar region. Its support for the Khilafat Movement and advocacy for Muslim rights in India were pivotal in shaping public opinion and activism.
The newspaper's modern revival continues to honor this legacy by providing a platform for independent journalism that advocates for social change and community welfare. The centennial edition is a testament to the enduring relevance of Al Ameen in today's media landscape.