THE FACULTY OF THEOLOGY :
The classes of
Shia and Sunni 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 Scholrs to frame the syllabus.
Maulana Abdullah Ansari, Son-in-law of Maulana
Qasim Nanotvi the Founder of Darul Uloom Deoband was appointed as the first
Nazim-e-Deeniyat. Later on this
developed into the Department of Shia and Sunni Theology and finally became
teaching Faculty in 1944. Maulana Habeebur
Rahman 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, was 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 unity is a living manifestation of Sir
Syed’s vision of Muslim unity and brotherhood.
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 also provides social and religious services. It manages Mosques in the campus and maintain the University Graveyard.
