# Al-Raid

Al-Raid (Arabic: الرائد) is a biweekly Arabic magazine published by Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, with a central focus on the Muslim community in India and their circumstances. Established in 1959 by Rabey Hasani Nadwi and further developed by Saeed-ur-Rahman Azmi Nadvi, Wazeh Rashid Hasani Nadwi, Abdullah Hasani Nadwi, and others, the magazine aims to spotlight articles and research conducted by its own students. It was initially established under An-Nadi Al-Arabi but later transitioned to Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, reflecting the principles of Al-Baas El-Islami and its distinctive viewpoints.

## Origins and evolution

Established by the Press Committee of An-Nadi Al-Arabi in July 1959, with Rabey Hasani Nadwi as its founder, the publication initially consisted of four pages. It expanded to six pages by July 1963 and further increased to eight by 1965. The magazine, fully controlled by students from Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, aimed to assert their literary and journalistic sovereignty. The editorial team, including Muhammad Ziyaul Hasan, Masoudur Rahman, and Muhammad Iqbal, operated under the title "Al-Raid of An-Nadi Al-Arabi at Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama."
In October 1960, with issue 8/7 in its second year, Editor-in-Chief Shafiqur Rahman Nadwi's name appeared on the front page for the first time. The fifth-year issue in January 1964 revealed Saeed-ur-Rahman Azmi Nadvi's name under Supervisor. By July 1964, Rabey Hasani Nadwi was acknowledged as the General Supervisor. From the eighth year in 1966, he assumed the role of responsible supervisor, ensuring the newspaper's continuity.
In February 1974, during its fifteenth year, the arabic magazine, now under the presidency of Rabey Hasani Nadwi, Vice President Saeed-ur-Rahman Azmi Nadvi, and Editor-in-Chief Wazeh Rashid Hasani Nadwi, continued its distribution. From the sixteenth year, July 1974, it was published by Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama without the Press Committee of An-Nadi Al-Arabi. The magazine maintained its format, introducing Abdullah Hasani Nadwi as Editing Secretary from the twenty-first year in 1979.
In 1984, Rabita al-Adab al-Islami emphasized the importance of Islamic literature, prompting Al-Raid to publish a supplement in 1989 under the supervision of Rabey Hasani Nadwi, the General Secretary of the association. Editing and preparation were undertaken by Abdul Noor Al-Azhari Al-Nadwi and Mahmoud Al-Azhari Al-Nadwi.

## Approach and execution

The publication contains articles in literary Arabic tailored for novice learners of the language. It serves as an initial journalistic platform for students studying arabic language and literature. The primary aim of the magazine is to encourage Islamic journalism. Submissions to the magazine come from students affiliated with Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama and various madrasas, covering news related to Muslims residing in India and beyond. An-Nadi Al-Arabi, representing Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama's students, operates under the umbrella of Nadwatul Ulama. It functions as a literary and cultural Arabic association where students refine their skills through diverse activities such as writing, oratory, and Arabic journalism. Additionally, the association has a specialized Arabic library for reading purposes.

## Academic reception

The publication has been recognized by scholars from various academic disciplines. Abdul Samad, a researcher at the University of Madras, considers it a notable source of Arabic journalism, citing its bi-monthly publication as an important feature. Farid Uddin Ahmed from Cotton University highlights its role in promoting Islamic teachings and addressing misconceptions in India. Habib Shahidul Islam, a scholar at Gauhati University, notes the magazine's influence within the Islamic world, including its reach into Arab countries. Anees Alangadan from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, praises it for its balanced approach, avoiding conflicts. Sarwar Alam Nadwi, a scholar at Aligarh Muslim University, points to its contribution to shaping interest in classical Arabic education. Zikrullah Arabi of Maulana Azad National Urdu University observes its impact on fostering interest in Arabic among younger generations. Jubailiya from the University of Calicut commends it for its unique journalistic approach and its role in the development of both Arabic and non-Arabic newspapers in India. Nayab Hasan Qasmi, author of Darul Uloom Deoband Ka Sahafati Manzarnama, describes its language as clear and accessible. Hafizur Rahman from Gauhati University affirms that the publication entered Arabic journalism with high standards and exemplary practices, while Obaidur Rahman from the University of Calcutta notes its admiration among both Indian and Arab readers. Sheeba Rehman from Aligarh Muslim University recognizes its ideal role in Arabic journalism and literature both in India and internationally.

## Global perspective

Several scholars from the Arab world have commended it, including Ishaq Al-Farhan form Jordan, Abdelhamid Hamouda, a member of the Youth Literature Association in Egypt, and Afeef Muhammad bin Ali from Algeria.
It has also received recognition from scholars outside the Arab world. Abdul Jalil Hussein, Director of the Muslim World League in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, noted the writings of the columnist Abul Hasan Ali Hasani Nadwi and appreciated its coverage of issues like Christian missionary work in Indonesia and political developments in Arab countries. Dhiya al-Din Khalil, Chief of the Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of Central Asia and Kazakhstan, also expressed approval of the publication.