A review of English publications
By Kashif-ul-Huda, TwoCircles.net
This is the third year of our review of periodicals published by Muslim in India. The idea is to have a yardstick that can be used to measure the quality of publications by readers and also people associated with these magazines.
The year saw Muslims in India on the edge because of bomb blasts, encounters, and arrests and harassment of the community in the name of combating terrorism. Muslim media bravely challenged the perceptions and reports circulating in the “mainstream” media and raised questions on the claims by the government agencies.
In the publication scene, 2008 saw launch of two new magazines – Covert, a political fortnightly by M J Akbar and monthly Islamic magazine Islam, Muslims, and the World by Dr. Javed Jamil. Akbar launched his magazine in May after being removed from the Asian Age newspaper.
The Nation and the World, which had a disappointing run all these years, not surprisingly, started publishing a notice that second issue of December will be its last issue. But interestingly enough, it survived and first few issues under the new resolve show improvement at least in terms of paper quality and look of the magazines.
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Now let’s review individual publications. Publications are given a full, half or no moon awards in five categories. So according to our criteria maximum a publication can get is five moons.
The First moon is for the publication quality, cover, design and paper, just the overall look and feel of the magazine. The Second moon is for magazines which mostly use original articles in their publications and do not copy and paste from articles floating around online. The Third moon is for the overall quality of the articles, how well the writer engages the reader, addresses the issue, and what kinds of issues are covered.
Advertising continues to be the major source of revenue for any publication, even if it has good subscription figures. For a publication to stand on its own feet it is important that it doesn’t depend on the charity from some wealthy individuals but funds its expenses from the advertising revenue. It is possible that some of the magazines are financially viable through subscription dues but in the absence of any way for me to check that, I will award a fourth moon on how much advertisements they have.
Finally the fifth and most important moon is for community news. If a magazine claims to be for Indian Muslims it should have room for the community news that does not find a mention in the major media.
Magazines are listed in alphabetical order below:
Covert: 
= 4.0
Published: Fortnightly
Subscription: Rs. 1000 for 3 years
http://www.covert.co.in/
Covert positions itself as a mainstream publication and not focused on Indian Muslim issues. Therefore, their coverage of Indian Muslims is weak but they do write on important issues affecting the community as well as the nation.
Editor MJ Akbar has been able to gather a number of well known personalities, writers, and journalists that adds value to his magazine.
Eastern Crescent: = 4.0
Published: Monthly
Annual Subscription: Rs. 150/ USD 30
http://www.markazulmaarif.org/ec_index.asp
EC is a young publication led by Editor Maulana Burhanuddin Qasmi. Some of the writers are graduates of his English academy that is run for madrasa graduates. Topics covered are current affairs and issues relevant to Muslims. Thankfully they do not do familiar anti-US and anti-Israel articles and keep the focus on Indian issues or general Islamic topics.
Islam, Muslims, and the World
Published: Monthly
Subscription: Rs. 250/ USD 60
[email protected]
Since it just came out in December, this magazine will be reviewed for this year.
Islamic Voice: 
= 3.5
Published: Monthly
Annual Subscription: Rs. 170/ USD 15
http://www.islamicvoice.com/
2008 saw change of guards at IV, Maqbool Ahmad Siraj quit as the editor of this magazine and Associate Editor Nigar Ataullah was promoted to the position of the executive editor.
The most annoying part of IV is two or three pages wasted on people’s reaction to “Discover Yourself” workshop conducted by IV owner Sadathullah Khan. It would have been better if Mr. Khan wrote some articles to help people who can not attend his workshop instead of shamelessly promoting it in every issue of the magazine.
Past few months saw a drop in original articles carried by IV and therefore we are taking away their half moon. Still, IV is a complete magazine for the Muslim family with a special section for children as well.
The Milli Gazette: = 3.0
Published: Fortnightly
Annual Subscription: Rs. 240/ Euro 35
http://www.milligazette.com/
The Milli Gazette launched its much anticipated epaper version which will help it to regain its original position of much referenced Indian Muslim site.
Quality of articles and scope of news coverage have improved at MG from previous years. Cartoons by Yusuf and ‘Speaking Out’ column by Nilofar Suhrawardy continue to be a major plus point for MG.
“Community News” section is now 4 pages and provides a snapshot of community events but it has a North Indian bias when it comes to the selection of the news. “Newsmakers” section documents the achievements of the community. Letters published in the MG provides good idea of circulation and impact of MG in the community.
Unfortunately, in our scale they score only 3.0 but MG is playing a crucial role in the community and they should be recognized for that.
Muslim India: = 1.5
Published: Monthly
Subscription: Rs. 200/USD 12/Pound 12
http://muslimindiamonthly.com/
After restarting in 2007 it seems that “Muslim India” has ceased publications once again.
Nation and the World: = 1.5
Published: Fortnightly
Subscription: Rs. 325/ USD 75
[email protected]
http://www.nationandtheworld.com/
Not much to say about this magazine, with Seema Mustafa joining the magazine as one of the three editorial consultants, we hope this year will be a better year for NATW. Saiyid Hamid should also think about putting a succession plan in order so that a younger generation can take over the leadership of this magazine.
Radiance Viewsweekly: = 3.5
Published: Weekly
Subscription: Rs. 400/ USD 85
http://www.radianceweekly.com/
There was nothing new to report for 2008 for Radiance. Veteran journalist Soroor Ahmed writes two pieces for each issue of Radiance and they are always a treat to read. Other articles are also worth reading and cover various issues but somehow it seems that Radiance lost their focus in 2008.
Young Muslim Digest:
Published: Monthly
Subscription: Rs 150/ USD 25
http://www.youngmuslimdigest.com/
With site of YMG is not updated and I have not seen any issue of the magazine for this year, therefore, unable to review it.
Previous reviews:
http://www.twocircles.net/2008may28/indian_muslim_media_2007.html
http://www.twocircles.net/2007jul07/indian_muslim_media_2006.html