Srinagar, Oct 7: His deep longing to join Madina University in Saudi Arabia remained unfulfilled. A year before he could have actually seen his cherished dream of entering the prestigious university come true, Muhammad Iqbal Malik of Tangmarg was killed in police and CRPF firing on a procession on September 13 that was protesting the alleged desecration of Quran in the US.
 Though from a modest background, Iqbal, a teenager, was a brilliant student all through his academic career. He had passed his matriculation in first division and 10+2 with distinction. The burning desire to attain a degree in Islamiyat had led young Iqbal to pursue his further academic career informally and focus more towards fulfilling his great desire.
 “In 2009 he applied for passport. After receiving it in May 2010 he at once applied for admission in Madina University, Saudi Arabia,” recalled his father Bashir Ahmad Malik, a Class-IV Government employee.
 Iqbal passed first and second year of BA as a private candidate while pursing Islamic Studies formally in Salfia College Srinagar. His chaste character and deep Islamic thinking had convinced his hometown elders to place on him the onerous responsibility of performing as Khatib in Jamia Tumberhama Tangmarg. According to locals, he also regularly led congregational prayers during Ramadhan.
 “Perhaps he would have left for Saudia Arabia to chase his noble dream, but we insisted him to first complete the final year of BA this year here,” his father said.
 Recalling the fateful day when Iqbal’s chest was pierced by the bullets of police and paramilitary forces, his father said: “He had a passion for Islam. When he heard about the Quran burning incident, he felt restless. He joined the peaceful protest in the town against the sacrilegious act. But the paramilitary and police personnel sprayed bullets on the people in which he got killed.”
 Iqbal was the hope of his family that consists of his parents, brother and three unmarried sisters who are studying in Aisha Sidiqa Shariat College, New Delhi. He had his dream dear than everything. “But now his dream lies buried with him,” said his father.
 He however hastened to add that even if he could not realize his dream, “We believe he must have won a lofty place in the heavens.”
 Iqbal has been named as Shaheed-e-Tangmarg in his hometown.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 7 Oct 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 7 Oct 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 8 Oct 2010 00:00:00 IST