Department of Shia Theology

The life and awe- inspiring academic achievements of eminent religious scholar and former AMU faculty member Syedul-Ulama Allama Ali Naqi Naqvi were discussed in a two-day international seminar held under the aegis of the Department of Shia Theology, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).



Addressing the inaugural session at the JNMC Auditorium, the Chief Guest Prof Ainul Hasan (Vice-Chancellor, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad) said, “Syedul Ulama was born in the era of socio-political decline of Muslims. The Muslim world, including Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, and India was facing the onslaught of Western imperialism. At that time, Allama Ali Naqi Naqvi with his intellectual acuity  and rational ability  interpreted theological issues enabling Islamic teachings to live up the challenges thrown open  by the modern world.



Throwing light on the political and intellectual scenario of the late nineteenth century and the first half of the twentieth century Professor Syed Ainul Hasan said that Allama Naqvi pitched for unity and brotherhood. His three hundred books and more than one thousand articles bear testimony to his academic caliber and Ijtehad.

In his presidential remarks, AMU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Tariq Mansoor said, "Allama Ali Naqi Naqvi was a great intellectual whom we became familiar with   during our student days at AMU.

"He had no formal university education yet his knowledge stemming from academic rigour   made him a profound scholar who was recognized globally. His example tells us that having a high academic degree is not enough for a person to be called as educated and good behavior and conduct with intellectual bearings is necessary”, Prof Mansoor emphasized.

The Vice-Chancellor said that great scholars like him have served in the Faculty of Theology of AMU. “It is the responsibility of today's faculty members and students to carry forward his legacy and encourage high academic standards and environment in the Department. The university administration is always ready to provide all kinds of support in this regard”, he said.

Prof. Mansoor further said, “AMU is a unique institution in the sense that modern sciences are taught here along with oriental subjects. This uniqueness can strengthen our reputation and identity with quality teaching and research. There is a need for teachers to take this fact into consideration, neglect trivial matters and spend their energy on greater issues”.

Talking about the inter-faith dialogue, the Vice-Chancellor said there should be peace and tolerance among the followers of different religions. "Commonalities should be highlighted while paying attention to bridging the gulf by putting aside the differences", he stressed.

Professor Mansoor further stressed upon the Shia-Sunni unity and strengthening bonds between communities.

The Vice-Chancellor hoped that people would   emulate Ali Naqi Naqvi.

Earlier, in the opening remarks, Iran's renowned scholar Ayatullah Mahdavipoor said that Syedul Ulama Allama Ali Naqi Naqvi was a visionary mujtahid who was not only knowledgeable in tafsir and hadith but also had command of jurisprudence, theology, philosophy and sociology. He was a distinguished scholar of his times and various scholars from Najaf recognized his contributions.

The guest of honour Dr. Mohd. Ali Rabbani (Cultural Counsellor, Embassy of Iran, New Delhi) said that Syedul Ulama was a great intellectual who resisted the invasion of modernity, imperialism and western civilization and strongly defended Islamic teachings.

"Allama Naqi Naqvi was an expert in various streams of knowledge and he interpreted Islamic teachings with intellectual rationality. He used to emphasize on dialogue and outreach, owing to which he became popular in every circle” Dr. Rabbani said.

Speaking on interfaith relations Dr. Zafar Mahmood (Zakat Foundation of India) said “in the Holy Qur'an, the phrases "Lord of mankind" and "Lord of the worlds" have appeared repeatedly, which tells that mankind is one big family and race, colour, sex and tribe are for identification purposes only”.

He further said, the importance of dialogue and communication has been highlighted in all religions, and the Constitution of India, the United Nations Charter and other international documents have equally given priority to interfaith dialogue and interaction, as the most beautiful plant in the world is love which grows in hearts.

Prof. Syed Tayyab Raza Naqvi (Chairman, Department of Shia Theology and Director of the Seminar) delivered the welcome address and delineated the topic of the seminar.

In the later session, Maulana Safi Haider (Secretary, Tanzeemul Makatib, Lucknow), Maulana Kalbe Jawad Naqvi, Prof. Hakeem Syed Zillur Rahman, Shahid Mehdi (Former Vice Chancellor, Jamia Millia Islamia), Mr. Ali Zaidi (Chairman, Shia Central Waqf Board, Lucknow) and other dignitaries expressed their views.

In the opening session, Dr. Asghar Ajaz proposed the vote of thanks, and Dr. Shariq Aqeel conducted the proceedings.

On this occasion, the translation of Tafsir Majma Al-Bayan, and a book on Syedul Ulama by Dr. Asghar Ajaz were also released.

1. The Department of Shia Theology, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in collaboration with Iran Cultural House, New Delhi today organised an International Seminar on Reason and Religion: Way to Defeat Extremism, Contribution of India and Iran in Development of Kalam-e-Jadid (with special reference to role of Sir Syed as the founder of Kalam-e-Jadid)? at the University Polytechnic Auditorium. The seminar was conducted as a part of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan?s Bicentenary celebrations.

Presiding over the inaugural function, AMU Vice Chancellor, Professor Tariq Mansoor said extremism can be defeated with Sir Syed's vision of tolerance and large heartedness. ?People need to be tolerant towards history and culture of all communities in the world and a special stress should be paid on education of masses,? said the Vice Chancellor.



Talking about women education, Professor Mansoor said that no community in the world can progress without educating their women. "Women make 50 percent of humanity and nations cannot progress if their women are not educated, said Prof Mansoor.

Talking on the importance of knowledge in Islam, Prof Maarif said that a believer in his life must work in harmony with the knowledge he has, otherwise there would be no benefit in that knowledge.

He further said that wisdom, intellect and authority occupy a special place in Islam. "The issue of the authority of wisdom in Islam is certain and since the earliest times until the present, the Islamic civilization has never negated the authority of wisdom; Muslims have always been used wisdom as a source to take discussions," said Prof Maarif.

Dr Ali Dehgahi (Cultural Counsellor of Iran), who attended the function as the chief guest said that to defeat extremism, we need to redouble efforts. He added that Islam aims to build a society in peace, serenity, friendship, collaboration, altruism, justice and virtue. "We need to send across the right message of Islam to the world," he pointed out.

Prof Tauqeer Alam Falahi said that the Holy Quran mentions that all believers are brothers and sisters and if a disagreement appears among them they make peace and correct it. He added that a religious person will avoid what God forbids and will do good deeds at every stage in life.



Earlier during the welcome address, Prof Ali Mohammad Naqvi said that Sir Syed was the founder of 'Kalam-e-Jadid' (New Islamic Theology) and other scholars have followed him. He added that the deliberations in today's seminar will focus on stopping bloodshed and working for world peace with the true spirit of Islam.

Prof Saud Alam Qasmi said that it is imperative to follow Sir Syed's teachings for the betterment of society in general and marginalised sections in particular.

Prof Maulana Kalbe Jawad Sahab deliberated that people, who read Quran can never follow a violent path. He added that this seminar condemns terrorism with the Sir Syed's Kalam-e-Jadid.

Maulana Kalbe Sadiq Sahab said that it is necessary to revisit Sir Syed's teachings and follow his reformist fervour and missionary zeal.

Prof Akhtarul Wasey (Vice Chancellor, Jodhpur University) emphasised that on a closer look at the facts, one can easily make out the importance of the lasting legacy of Sir Syed's message, which has become even more crucial in today's world.

Prof A R Kidwai, Dr Shahid Mehdi (former Vice Chancellor, Jamia Milia Islamia) and Dr Zafar Mahmood were also present on the occasion.

At least two books, 'Sir Syed: Founder of Ilm-e-Kalam-e-Jadid' by Prof Ali Mohammad Naqvi and 'Islami Tehreeqon ke Gusishta Sau Saal' by Ustaad Murtaza Mutahri were also released at the function.

Mr Raza Abbas conducted the inaugural session of the seminar. Maulana Tayyab Raza proposed the vote of thanks.

2.The Department of Shia Theology, Aligarh Muslim University in collaboration with Al-Mustafa University, Iran today organised a National Seminar on 'Hazrat Imam Hussain: The Saviour of Humanity' at the Kennedy Hall Auditorium.

On the occasion, the Key-Speaker of the Seminar, Maulana Dr Kalbe Sadiq Sahib said that since living under oppression is wrong, Imam Hussain refused to pledge alliance to a tyrant ruler.

The Department of Shia Theology, Aligarh Muslim University in collaboration with Al-Mustafa University, Iran today organised a National Seminar on 'Hazrat Imam Hussain: The Saviour of Humanity' at the Kennedy Hall Auditorium.

On the occasion, the Key-Speaker of the Seminar, Maulana Dr Kalbe Sadiq Sahib said that since living under oppression is wrong, Imam Hussain refused to pledge alliance to a tyrant ruler.

"Imam Hussain had said that one of the greatest Jihad is to stand up to a tyrant ruler, and say a word of truth and to live with an oppressor is a crime in itself," further said Dr Sadiq.

He further elaborated that an important lesson to be drawn from the incidents that took place in the battle of Karbala is the concept of ownership of life and giving it to the cause of the Owner.

"Our body and life belong to our Creator, and should be spent on His cause and as we do that, all we are doing is returning it to the original owner," said Dr Sadiq adding that there is a great reward for martyrdom.

He also said that by reading religious books of Hinduism, Sikhism and other religions, he realised that all faiths ask followers to be on the right path and work for humanity and so does Islam. "And this is what Imam Hussain taught people," added Dr Sadiq.

While presiding over the function, AMU Vice Chancellor, Lt General Zameer Uddin Shah (Veteran) said that a galaxy of scholars and spiritual leaders from all faiths are attending this Seminar and this shows that AMU is a secular institution with Muslim ethos.

General Shah added that 'Hussainiyat' is an ideology, which symbolises struggle against corruption and injustice. "The ideology is relevant in today's world as it was earlier and we need to draw lessons from the life of Imam Hussain," said General Shah adding that we need ponder on the sacrifices made by Imam Hussain and implement principles of 'Hussainiyat' in us.

"At the same time, there are traits and characters of all faiths including Hinduism, Sikhism and Christianity, which need to be followed for making a better world," also said General Shah.

AMU Pro Vice Chancellor, Brigadier S Ahmad Ali, who attended the Seminar as a Guest of Honour said that Imam Hussain did not wanted to wage a war against Yazid but instead, he wanted him to follow the righteous path of Islam in establishing peace and justice.

"However, a war was forced upon Imam Hussain, in which a huge army massacred his followers and family members," pointed out Brigadier Ali.

The Pro Vice Chancellor further said that today we can draw lessons from leadership qualities and selflessness of Imam Hussain and his companions. "We also need to draw lessons from Imam Hussain's motivational qualities as he travelled from Madinah to Makkah and to Iraq to deliver message of peace, equality, piety and truth," added Brigadier Ali.

While speaking on the theme of the seminar, Professor Ali Mohd Naqvi, Chairman, Department of Shia Thoelogy said that Imam Hussain uprooted despotism forever till the day of Judgment.

He added that Imam Hussain's martyrdom is a perfect instance of self-sacrifice and it safeguarded Islam and this move institutionalized values in society.

"If Imam Hussein had not accepted this danger, if he had not made a move, if he had not taken action, if his blood had not been shed, if those great tragedies had not happened and if this event would not have been a part of history, the world would not have known the right ways to fight inequality and injustice, "also said Prof Naqvi.

Pointing out what the world thinks about Imam Hussain, Spiritual leader, Swami Swatantranand, quoted Mahatma Gandhi, who once said that 'If India wants to be a successful country; it must follow in the footsteps of Imam Hussain.' He also quoted Rabindranath Tagore, who had once said that 'In order to keep alive justice and truth, instead of an army or weapons, success can be achieved by sacrificing lives, exactly what Imam Hussain did.'

Giani Gurbachan Singh, the 30th Jathedar of Akal Takht,who also attended the seminar recited the famous couplet, 'Qatl-e-Hussain asl main marg-e-Yazid hai, Islam zindaa hota hai har Karbala ke baad' (In the murder of Hussain, lies the death of Yazid, for Islam resurrects after every Karbala). He added that Imam Hussain showed the world that numerical superior army does not count when it comes to the truth against falsehood.

Mr Syed Sibtey Razi, former governor to the states of Assam and Jharkhand said that Imam Hussain had a choice to make as he could have endorsed the oppressing ruler for rewards and luxury, but he refused. Mr Razi added that Imam Hussain replied to Yazid saying that he will never give Yazid his hand like a man who has been humiliated, nor will he flee like a slave. He further said that Imam Hussain told the oppressive ruler of his time that he had not risen to spread evil or to show off and he only desires to enjoin good values and prevent evil.

Meanwhile, Prof Tauqeer Alam Falahi said what Imam Hussein did was an extraordinary feat as the dimensions of his action are far more than what we estimate. He added that Imam Hussain's patience was not limited to enduring thirst or seeing his companions being killed, but it was also in facing influential people of his time, who had become a part of an affluent society and were creating doubts and deviations from the right path.

Speaking on the topic of the Seminar, Prof Saud Alam Qasmi said that Imam Hussain, who has been made as the master of male youth in paradise did not had the desire nor demand for any seat or power except the safety of Islamic religion. He added that no sacrifice in this universe is of equivalent value of the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his family in Karbala as it defined the true meaning of sacrifice for whole humanity and how to fight for rights and against oppressors.

Special Guest, Mr Hujjatul Islam Mohammad Reza Saleh, Chief Representative, Al-Mustafa International University said that people around the world including Indians have imbibed the character of Imam Hussain in their ethos. He added that the world has come to a point, where we need to think on the sacrifices made by Imam Hussain during his life time and draw lessons from Imam's Hijrat (migration) for the cause of Allah.

On the occasion, two books authored by Prof L Ahmad Kazmi and Dr Hayat Amir on Imam Hussain's life were also released.

Professor Abdul Khaliq, Dean, Faculty of Theology delivered the welcome address, while Dr Maulana Asghar Ajaz and Dr Raza Abbas conducted the programme. Mr Fayyaz from Al-Mustafa International University proposed the vote of thanks.

"Imam Hussain had said that one of the greatest Jihad is to stand up to a tyrant ruler, and say a word of truth and to live with an oppressor is a crime in itself," further said Dr Sadiq.

He further elaborated that an important lesson to be drawn from the incidents that took place in the battle of Karbala is the concept of ownership of life and giving it to the cause of the Owner.

"Our body and life belong to our Creator, and should be spent on His cause and as we do that, all we are doing is returning it to the original owner," said Dr Sadiq adding that there is a great reward for martyrdom.

He also said that by reading religious books of Hinduism, Sikhism and other religions, he realised that all faiths ask followers to be on the right path and work for humanity and so does Islam. "And this is what Imam Hussain taught people," added Dr Sadiq.

While presiding over the function, AMU Vice Chancellor, Lt General Zameer Uddin Shah (Veteran) said that a galaxy of scholars and spiritual leaders from all faiths are attending this Seminar and this shows that AMU is a secular institution with Muslim ethos.

General Shah added that 'Hussainiyat' is an ideology, which symbolises struggle against corruption and injustice. "The ideology is relevant in today's world as it was earlier and we need to draw lessons from the life of Imam Hussain," said General Shah adding that we need ponder on the sacrifices made by Imam Hussain and implement principles of 'Hussainiyat' in us.

"At the same time, there are traits and characters of all faiths including Hinduism, Sikhism and Christianity, which need to be followed for making a better world," also said General Shah.

AMU Pro Vice Chancellor, Brigadier S Ahmad Ali, who attended the Seminar as a Guest of Honour said that Imam Hussain did not wanted to wage a war against Yazid but instead, he wanted him to follow the righteous path of Islam in establishing peace and justice.

"However, a war was forced upon Imam Hussain, in which a huge army massacred his followers and family members," pointed out Brigadier Ali.

The Pro Vice Chancellor further said that today we can draw lessons from leadership qualities and selflessness of Imam Hussain and his companions. "We also need to draw lessons from Imam Hussain's motivational qualities as he travelled from Madinah to Makkah and to Iraq to deliver message of peace, equality, piety and truth," added Brigadier Ali.

While speaking on the theme of the seminar, Professor Ali Mohd Naqvi, Chairman, Department of Shia Thoelogy said that Imam Hussain uprooted despotism forever till the day of Judgment.

He added that Imam Hussain's martyrdom is a perfect instance of self-sacrifice and it safeguarded Islam and this move institutionalized values in society.

"If Imam Hussein had not accepted this danger, if he had not made a move, if he had not taken action, if his blood had not been shed, if those great tragedies had not happened and if this event would not have been a part of history, the world would not have known the right ways to fight inequality and injustice, "also said Prof Naqvi.

Pointing out what the world thinks about Imam Hussain, Spiritual leader, Swami Swatantranand, quoted Mahatma Gandhi, who once said that 'If India wants to be a successful country; it must follow in the footsteps of Imam Hussain.' He also quoted Rabindranath Tagore, who had once said that 'In order to keep alive justice and truth, instead of an army or weapons, success can be achieved by sacrificing lives, exactly what Imam Hussain did.'

Giani Gurbachan Singh, the 30th Jathedar of Akal Takht,who also attended the seminar recited the famous couplet, 'Qatl-e-Hussain asl main marg-e-Yazid hai, Islam zindaa hota hai har Karbala ke baad' (In the murder of Hussain, lies the death of Yazid, for Islam resurrects after every Karbala). He added that Imam Hussain showed the world that numerical superior army does not count when it comes to the truth against falsehood.

Mr Syed Sibtey Razi, former governor to the states of Assam and Jharkhand said that Imam Hussain had a choice to make as he could have endorsed the oppressing ruler for rewards and luxury, but he refused. Mr Razi added that Imam Hussain replied to Yazid saying that he will never give Yazid his hand like a man who has been humiliated, nor will he flee like a slave. He further said that Imam Hussain told the oppressive ruler of his time that he had not risen to spread evil or to show off and he only desires to enjoin good values and prevent evil.

Meanwhile, Prof Tauqeer Alam Falahi said what Imam Hussein did was an extraordinary feat as the dimensions of his action are far more than what we estimate. He added that Imam Hussain's patience was not limited to enduring thirst or seeing his companions being killed, but it was also in facing influential people of his time, who had become a part of an affluent society and were creating doubts and deviations from the right path.

Speaking on the topic of the Seminar, Prof Saud Alam Qasmi said that Imam Hussain, who has been made as the master of male youth in paradise did not had the desire nor demand for any seat or power except the safety of Islamic religion. He added that no sacrifice in this universe is of equivalent value of the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his family in Karbala as it defined the true meaning of sacrifice for whole humanity and how to fight for rights and against oppressors.

Special Guest, Mr Hujjatul Islam Mohammad Reza Saleh, Chief Representative, Al-Mustafa International University said that people around the world including Indians have imbibed the character of Imam Hussain in their ethos. He added that the world has come to a point, where we need to think on the sacrifices made by Imam Hussain during his life time and draw lessons from Imam's Hijrat (migration) for the cause of Allah.

On the occasion, two books authored by Prof L Ahmad Kazmi and Dr Hayat Amir on Imam Hussain's life were also released.

Professor Abdul Khaliq, Dean, Faculty of Theology delivered the welcome address, while Dr Maulana Asghar Ajaz and Dr Raza Abbas conducted the programme. Mr Fayyaz from Al-Mustafa International University proposed the vote of thanks.

3.

National Seminar on the Challenges of the 21st Century and Islam was held at the Department of Shia Theology.

 Aligarh (Press Release) Former Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia Prof. Shahid addressing a seminar on “Challenges of the 21st Century and Islam” at the Department of Shia Theology, Faculty of Theology, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). Mehdi said that India is a multi-religious country. Therefore, we must fully respect all religions. He said that the problems facing Muslims today include women's rights, lack of proper guidance for Muslims and non-movement among Muslims in particular.

 He said that of course Islam is a universal religion which has the solution to all the challenges.

 Guest of Honor Aligarh Muslim University Vice Chancellor Prof. Tariq Mansoor said that in today's world we do not see our own shortcomings and shortcomings but blame others while this should not happen. Something else is happening only because of hatred and prejudice, so we should talk to intellectuals of all religions and respect all religions.

 He said that the topic of the seminar was the most important need of the hour and a large scale program should be organized on this topic. Welcoming the guests, Prof. Tauqeer Alam Falahi, Dean, Faculty of Theology, said that the biggest challenge for human beings is that human beings are far from Allah and His Messenger and are oblivious to the Hereafter.

 The honorary guest of the program, Prof. Ali Mahmoor Naqvi said that new problems keep coming up in every era, but we have to face them. For example, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan faced the challenges of the 9th century but the lack of education is important in today's challenges.The program began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Qari Muhammad Azam.

Coordinator of the program, Dr. Hadi Raza, while directing the program, said that unity among the followers of all religions and sects would play a pivotal role in resolving the current challenges.

4.The Department of Shia Theology, Aligarh Muslim University today organised a symposium on revisiting human sciences in the light of Quran. The presentation of papers during the programme was on the title of Quranic Viewpoint on Human Sciences?.

While attending the programme, AMU Pro Vice Chancellor, Brigadier S Ahmad Ali (Veteran) said that the human science is related to the Holy Quran and the laws mentioned in the Quran have universal values. He added that on reading the Holy Quran, people find the religious Book as a complete way of life.

Hujjatul Islam Mohammad Reza Saleh, Chief Representative of Al Mustafa University, India branch, who attended the function as the Chief Guest, informed that Al Mustafa University has 150 disciplines in its curriculum with branches in 70 countries across the world. He added that the officials of Al Mustafa University are working to bring intellectuals of the world together to discuss how the Holy Quran can become the basis of various relevant fields of studies and research taught and instructed in Western and Eastern countries.

Prof Tauqeer Alam Falahi, Chairperson, Department of Sunni Theology, AMU said that the subject of Quran is associated with human beings and how they are suppose to lead their lives. He added that Quran is a way through which a human can find a way to contact with God.

Prof Rashid Shaz said that relation between Islam and science involves scientific interpretations of the Quran and it is evident with scientific research that the Quran mentions nature of the universe, biological development and other phenomena.

Delivering the welcome address, Prof Syed Ali Mohammad Naqvi, Chairperson, Department of Shia Theology, AMU said that there is a great intellectual movement in Iran with a main focus on the re-construction of social sciences. He added that to bring changes, we need to have discussions and deliberations on important issues.

On the occasion, Professor Farhatullah Khan, emeritus professor, AMU; Prof Akbar Hussain; Prof Saud Alam Qasmi; Prof Salah Uddin Qureshi; Dr Hayat Amir; Dr Fayyaz and Dr Mohib ul Haq also expressed their views.

Prof Rashid Shaz and Dr Latif Husain Kazmi conducted the programme