By TCN News,
Aligarh: Sir Syed Awareness Forum (SAF) organised a symposium on the topic “Importance of Islamic Education in Modern Era”at the Aligarh Muslim University on Tuesday.
Speaking on the symposium, Chief Guest Maulana Tauqir Raza Khan, Advisor, Handloom and Textile Industries (MOS rank), Government of Uttar Pradesh said that religious knowledge of Islam has always been important for Muslims.
Ml Tauqir Raza speaking, Sitting on dias Dr. Shakeel Samdani, PVC Syed Ahmad Ali, and others
In all the ages it has hold a significant position in the life of Muslims. He said that seeking knowledge has been made mandatory for all the Muslims. He further said that he has joined the state government with a view to solve the problems of the Muslims and is constantly trying to work for their redressal.
He stressed that by opposing the government, nothing constructive can be done, and hence he has opted for friendship with them with a view to put forth the problems of Muslims with the top brass of government.
Addressing the symposium, Dean, Faculty of Theology, AMU, Prof. Saud Alam Qasmi said that ‘Madaris’ are the epitome of Islam and it’s our duty to protect and preserve them as well as equip them with modern necessities of life. He emphasised that all round efforts should be made so as to strengthen the curriculum and academic structure of our ‘Madaris’ and try to lead the world once again in academic and scientific fields.
He also said that the journey of Islam has started with the ‘Ilm’ only and Islam has called for unification of ‘Ilm’ with ‘Iman’.
Program Convener, Prof Khalid Zaman Khan while welcoming the guests said that the arrival of Maulana Tauqir Raza in AMU is a positive sign and it’s his honour to welcome a dynamic personality like him.
President of Sir Syed Awareness Forum (SAF) and Senior Faculty at D/o Law, AMU, Dr. Shakeel Samdani said whatever problems Muslims are facing today that is just because of their indifferent attitude towards Islamic thoughts and education. Muslims ruled the whole world till they kept proximity with the Islamic thoughts.
Dr. Samdani said that if we look at the statics available, we will find that the rate of crime is much higher in Western countries, which are supposed to be quite modern in outlook and it can be easily established that Muslim countries are much better than non Muslim countries in terms of prevention of crime and this is evident by the data released by Western countries.
Dr. Shakeel Samdani speaking, sitting on dias Ml Tauqir Raza, PVC Syed Ahmad Ali
He compared the countries like Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, UAE, etc with the Western countries and said that the rate of crime against women, human rights violation, corruption, alcoholism are much lower in Muslim countries as compared to the so called modern Western countries.
He expressed his concern over the vicious circle created due to ‘interest’ imposed IMF and leading industrialised nations on its lending, he said that these interest rates are so high that the borrowing nations are not able to pay the interest amount, what to talk about principal amount, and this is just because of the western teachings.
He stressed that the Islamic teachings are not only relevant and important in Modern Era but will hold its utmost significance till the day of judgement.
Presiding the symposium, Brig (Rtd) Syed Ahmad Ali, Pro Vice Chancellor, AMU, said that Muslim University has always honoured and respected the Islamic teachings and this tradition will go on. He said that the university has opened its gates for the students of ‘Madaris’ and will try to broaden the avenues for them in days to come.
He stated that the university has launched a bridge course for the ‘Madaris’ students, so that they are able to take admission in university easily and if this pilot project will be successful this year, its scope and ambit will be diversified and expanded in the coming years for the welfare of ‘Madaris’ students.
Memento being presented to S. Ahmad Ali (PVC) by Dr. Jarrar and Dr. Shakeel Samdani
He appreciated and launched the efforts of SAF and said that this forum is not only working for the awareness on Sir Syed but simultaneously is having a deep serious insight on national and international issues related with ‘Millat’. He also expressed his happiness over the popularity of the forum among students.
Convener of the program, Prof Khaild Zaman and Coordinator Dr. Jarrar Rizvi presented mementos to the Chief Guest Maulana Tauqir Raza and PVC Brig Syed Ahmad Ali respectively.
Joint Secretary of the forum, Anam Rais highlighted the objectives of the forum. Dr. Obaid Iqbal Asim, Secretary, U.P. Rabita Committee and Dr. Jarrar Rizvi also expressed their opinion in the symposium.
Secretary of the forum, Mansoor Ilahi proposed the vote of thanks and said that the forum will remain committed towards its objectives and will organise more thought provoking programs in coming days.
The symposium was attended by a large number of faculty members, social workers, politicians, students including Dr. Jawed Akhtar, Director, Aligarh Unani College, Adv Anwar Ali, Shoeb Ali, Former Cabinet Member, AMUSU, Ahmar Afaq, Maazul Haq, Tayeb Ansari, Nasar Kazim, Suraj Singh, Mohd Umair Siddiqui, Nabeela Siddiqui, Roshan Alam, Badruddin, Azhar Noor, Syed Farzaz Akhtar, Suhail, Jaideep Singh, Mina Mahmood, Afzal Pathan, Jamal Akhtar Ansari, Mohd Subhan etc.