Faculty of Theology
THE FACULTY OF THEOLOGY :
The classes of Theology were started during the life time of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the founder of the Institution. He constituted two committees of Sunni and Shia Scholars to frame the curriculum. Maulana Abdullah Ansari, Son-in-law of Maulana Qasim Nanotvi the Founder of Darul Uloom Deoband was appointed as the first Nazim-e-Deeniyat and Jafar Ali as Mudarris for Shia Theology. Later on this developed into the Department of Shia and Sunni Theology and finally became teaching Faculty in 1944. Maulana Habeebur Rahman Khan Sherwani was the first Dean of the Faculty of Theology.
Since, its inception the teaching of Theology was operating from Jama Masjid of Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh. In the year 1961-62, it was shifted in Wilayat Manzil constructed by Deputy Habibullah Khan in 1912. A small Mosque was also built inside the premises of Wilayat Manzil in December, 1918.
The Faculty premises known as Wilayat Manzil is an endowment, donated to the University in 1920 by the owner, Deputy Habibullah Khan, who was the President of the Students’ Union in 1889 and he received his B.A. degree in 1892 from the Muhammadan Anglo Oriental College. Deputy Habibullah Khan was appointed Naib Tehsildar of Atrauli in Aligarh District.
The Faculty of Theology is not only the oldest, but also unique in many ways. This is the only Faculty in Indian Universities, where Sunni and Shia Theology is taught, graduate, post-graduate and doctorate degrees are awarded in Sunni and Shia Theology. These two departments not only provide teaching and research facilities, but also manage religious life of the campus. The two symbolise Sunni-Shia integrity is a living manifestation of Sir Syed’s vision of Muslim integrity and brotherhood.
The Faculty of Theology has a rich history. It had outstanding and world famous scholars like, Maulana Abdul Lateef Rahmani, Maulana Sulaiman Ashraf, Prof. Saeed Amad Akbarabadi, Allama Ali Naqi Naqvi, Mufti Hafeezullah, Prof. Taqi Amini, Allama Mujtaba Hasan Kamoonpuri, Professor Fazlur Rahman Ginnori and Professor Maulana Kalbe Abid. They had hundreds of books published in various languages. Even, now we have faculty members having academic excellence, who authored numerous scholarly books and research papers published in different languages in International Journals. They have participated in religious and Inter-faith conferences in different countries and delivered invited lectures in the overseas institutions.
Faculty of Theology offers the following courses :
1). B.A. Theology
2). M.A. Theology
3). Ph.D
4). Certificate in Qirat
5). Diploma in Qirat
Faculty of Theology also provides social and religious services. It manages Mosques in the campus and maintains the University Graveyard as well as issues religious advisory for social responsibility.
