Seminar at MANUU pays homage to Sri Lankan victims

Hyderabad: There is no justification for so called Islamophobia based on a deliberate mischievous misrepresentation of contemporary Islam and Muslims. Islamic Studies as a branch of Social Sciences can play a vital role in removing misconceptions and misunderstandings about Islam and Muslims. Eminent Scholar, Prof. Abdul Ali, Former Head, Dept. of Islamic Studies, Aligarh Muslim University expressed these views today. He was delivering the keynote address in the inaugural of two day National Seminar "Islamic Studies: Concept, Present Scenario and Future".

Department of Islamic Studies, Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) is organizing the seminar in collaboration with Henry Martyn Institute (HMI), Hyderabad. Participants of the seminar paid homage to the Sri Lankan victims of recent terror attack by observing two minutes silence in the beginning of the seminar.

Dr. Mohammad Aslam Parvaiz, Vice-Chancellor in his presidential address observed that recent massacres of worshippers in New Zealand and Sri Lanka have increased the importance of the topic of the seminar. Islam is confined to rites & rituals, he complained. Quoting extensively from the Holy Quran, he highlighted the parameters set by the Holy book to lay the foundation of a Society based on communal harmony and peaceful co-existence. Dr. Aslam Parvaiz asked the scholar to revise the Syllabi of Islamic Studies and make provision for interface study with other branches of Social and Natural Sciences.

Rev. Dr. Packiam T. Samuel, Director, HMI in his address as Chief Guest, spoke about the history and evolution of the Institute and its approach towards Islamic Studies. The institute has shifted its focus on Inter faith dialogue and peace building.

Another well know Scholar, Prof. Iqtidar Mohd. Khan, Former Head, Dept. of Islamic Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia in his address as guest of honour, expressed his pleasure over the unique theme of the seminar but rued the fact that Muslims, despite increase in their numerical strength, has been on decline in terms of progress and development. Speaking about the importance of Madarsas he described them as citadel of patriotism and indigenous culture.

The wall magazine prepared by the students of Dept. of Islamic Studies, MANUU and three books, two written by Dr. Packiam Samuel and one by Mujtaba Farooq, Research Scholar, were also released on the occasion.

Earlier, Prof. Mohd. Fahim Akhtar, HoD & Director, Seminar, delivered welcome address and introduced the theme. Dr. Mohd. Irfan Ahmad, convenor propsed vote of thanks. Dr. Shakeel Ahmad, Assistant Professor conducted the proceedings.

Large number of eminent Scholars, Professors, Research Scholars and Students attended the inaugural.