By Salman Sultan, TwoCircles.net Special Correspondent,
Azamgarh : Dr. Ebraheem Mohammad Al-Batshan, Cultural Attache, Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia visited Darul Musannefin Shibli Academy to know about Academy activities, in particular, its collection of manuscripts (Arabic). He was received at Babatpur Airport, Varanasi by Professor Ishtiaq Ahmad Zilli, Director Darul Musannefin Shibli Academy. Though the flight from New Delhi got delayed by one hour, Professor Zilli along with distinguished guest reached in time for the program after Asr Prayer (4 pm) with sufficient time in between for refreshment and lunch.
Dr. Syed Salman Nadvi, son of Maulana Syed Suleman Nadvi R.A., first Secretary of Shibli Academy was to preside over this special function at the Academy but he got held up in Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow and traffic jams. In his place Maulana Taqiuddin Nadvi, member managing committee, Shibli Academy presided who fortunately found time to come to the Academy after a long time.
Mr. Abdur Rahman Abbasi ‘Qamar’ (Computer Operator, Shibli Academy)
Mr. Abdur Rahman Abbasi ‘Qamar’ recited verses from holy Quran after which Professor Zilli welcomed the guests and gave the reason of establishment of this unique Academy by Allama Shibli Nomani R.A. He very nicely depicted the pathetic condition of vanquished Muslims after the first war of independence (1857) and the constant attack of Orientalists on their religion. He further elaborated the great work done by Academy as per the wishes of its founder and highly praised dedicated Scholars who lived on pittance to author authentic researched books. He mentioned priceless publication of more than 200 books in the Academy and indicated turning of a new leaf in Academy’s almost a century old life. Professor Zilli thanked Dr. Al-Batshan for taking time out of his busy schedule and praised his quality of head and heart.
Professor I.A. Zilli, Director Shibli Academy
After formal introduction of Dr. Al-Batshan, M.A. and Ph.D. in Arabic Literature, served in different Universities as teaching faculty (Asstt. And Associate Professor) in Saudi Arabia and abroad (Indonesia), authored eleven research articles and books, attended courses in Language program (English and Malay) and refresher/training courses in Phillipines, Pakistan, Nigeria, Indonesia and Riyadh and member of different committee and Association, he was invited to address the gathering. Dr. Al-Batshan addressed in Arabic which was later briefly translated by Maulana Sarfaraz Islahi, Madarsatul Islah, Azamgarh. Dr. Al-Batshan told about his interest in Arabic manuscripts available in India which he would, Insha’Allah, not only preserve but digitize and make a Library in his office in New Delhi. He promised to donate extra copy, if available, of all books in his Library to Darul Musannefin Shibli Academy.
Dr. Ebraheem Mohammad Al-Batshan
In his presidential remarks Maulana Taqiuddin Nadvi (founder of Jamia Islamia, Muzaffarpu, Azamgarh) thanked Dr. Al-Batshan and told about his own interest in Manuscripts and collection of books.
Professor I.A. Zilli, Maulana Taqiuddin Nadvi, Dr. Ebraheem Mohammad Al-Batshan
Professor Zilli, Director thanked one and all for coming over to hear the learned speaker and sought their encouragement for the future development of this internationally renowned Academy which Alhamdolillah has passed the difficult phase. He also thanked Dr. Al-Batshan for the earlier donation of books and for this kind gesture of donation of extra copy of books available in his Library to Shibli Academy.
Dr. Salman Sultan conducted the proceedings.
Looking at the Manuscripts in Academy Library
In the Academy Museum (L-R): Maulana Sarfaraz Islahi, Dr. Al-Batshan, Dr. Fakhrul Islam(member Shibli Academy), Professor Zilli
In spite of paucity of time Dr. Al-Batshan took great interest in knowing details of Library, Museum and spent some time going through Arabic Manuscripts of the Academy.
Dr. Salman Nadvi Saheb ultimately arrived when Dr. Al-Batshan was about to leave for Madarsa Salfia, Varanasi where he had to address a seminar the next day.
Dr. Salman Nadvi sitting with Professor Zilli (extreme right) and Dr. Ilyas Azmi on his left