IOS International Conference
“The Legacy of Muhammad Hamidullah and Its Contemporary Relevance”
February 17-18, 2017 at Conference Hall, FTK-CIT, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi (India)
L-R: Ms. Sadida Athaullah, Grand niece of Dr Hamidullah; Maulana Asrarul Haque Qasmi, Member of Parliament; Prof. M. Nejatullah Siddiqui, Former Professor of Economics, King Abdul Aziz University, Riyadh, KSA; Mr. K. Rahman Khan, Former Union Minister for Minority Affairs; Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam, Chairman of the IOS; Prof. Omar Hasan Kasule, Secretary-General, International Institute of Islamic Thought, KSA; Maulana Abdullah Mughesi, President of the All India Milli Council; Maulana Saeedur Rahman Azmi, Chancellor of the Integral University, Lucknow, and Principal, Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulema; Prof. Mohsin Usmani, Former Dean, English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad
A two-day international conference on “The Legacy of Muhammad Hamidullah and Its Contemporary Relevance” was organised by the Institute of Objective Studies at FTK-CIT, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, on February 17-18, 2017. It was inaugurated by the former Union Minister for Minority Affairs, K. Rahman Khan, who stressed the need for popularising the works of Dr Hamidullah in the country as very few intellectuals were aware of his contribution to the study of the Quran and Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). His mastery over several Oriental and Western languages was exemplified by his translation of the Quran into French, which was highly acclaimed by scholars of the West and millions of copies of the translation had been sold so far. Making an impassioned plea for taking his works to the common man, he said that a majority of people were unable to understand his work. “Under such circumstances how could his legacy be taken forward to the younger generation?” he asked. He called for the popularisation of Dr Hamidullah’s works, particularly on Hadith. This was necessary since his works were based on original texts and were well-researched.
Mr. K. Rahman Khan, Former Union Minister for Minority Affairs
Expressing concern over the widening conflict among various schools of thought (masalik) in Islam, he said that this must not come in the way of the spread of the message of Islam. Explaining the conflict, he remarked that it was not Muslims versus other religions, but was within Islam. He asked the ulema to ponder over the issue and asserted that Muslims were living in a denial mode. He said that the time had come when the ulema and intellectuals would have to sit together to forget about differences in order to resolve the conflict for spreading the message of peace and unity as visualised and practised by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Today, the world required peace and the Ummah was duty-bound to foster it, he insisted.
Prof. Mohsin Usmani, Former Dean, English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad
In his keynote address, former Dean, English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, Prof. Mohsin Usmani, expressed dismay over the dwindling level of Islamic knowledge. This void was filled by the great Islamic scholar Dr Muhammad Hamidullah to a great extent. He delivered lectures on the Quran and Hadith, and today he was remembered for his seminal work on them. He was known for his researches on manuscripts more than anything else. He released the bibliography of Islam and proved that the work on Seerah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had begun in his life time.
Prof. Usmani said that Dr. Hamidullah lived in France, but he never sought French citizenship. His simplicity could be gauged from the fact that he lived in a two-room flat and was away from worldly possessions. A bachelor till his death, books were always his companion. He refused to take the highest civilian awards of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and of Pakistan. He belonged to the lineage of great Islamic scholars like Maulana Abul Aala Maududi, and Maulana Syed Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi. Perhaps he was the best of them all. His work on caliphate was remarkable. In his work on caliphate, he suggested a system of governance as was prevalent in Switzerland. Under the proposed system, the chief of the federation of Islamic states would be elected by rotation. Dr. Hamidullah believed that if a caliphate was established, it would ensure unity among Muslim countries. He said that Dr. Hamidullah popularised Seerah among Europeans in their own languages. In fact, he read azaan (call to the faithful for prayer) in the churches of Europe, Prof. Usmani added.
Ms. Sadida Athaullah, Grand niece of Dr Hamidullah
Grand niece of Dr Hamidullah, Sadida Athaullah, who is based in the US, in her speech recollected the days she passed with him in Florida. She joined him in 1981 when she was only 19. Her formal association with Dr Hamidullah began in 1989 with her first literary work. She said that he started preserving his notes and other papers since 1946. He began with the biography of Allama Abdullah Yusuf Ali, who translated the Quran in English. She started collecting his papers and getting them photocopied in 1995. This continued till the middle of the year. In 1961, Dr Hamidullah suffered a stroke while going to mosque. He was kept in hospital for some time and then moved to Pennsylvania, US. He remained completely deaf for a year and due to his physical condition, visitors were not allowed to see him. Then the Turkish scholar, Yusuf Zia Kawakci, who was close to him, came to the US for his help. She informed that Dr. Hamidullah’s book on Seerah in French had been translated into German, and was likely to be released this month. She also informed that the process of cataloging and digitalisation of his works was in progress. Preservation of his works was continuing.
Prof. Omar Hasan Kasule, Secretary-General, International Institute of Islamic Thought, KSA
The Secretary-General, International Institute of Islamic Thought, KSA, Prof. Omar Hasan Kasule held that deen (Islam) did not need to be renewed. It was the Ummah that was renewed. Describing Dr. Hamidullah as a mujaddid, he said that he held the same place as Mujaddid Alf Thani and Shah Waliullah Muhaddis Dehlvi. He added that mujaddids were there to reinterpret the Quran and Sunnah. Dr. Hamidullah’s translation of the Quran was widely acclaimed, he pointed out.
Maulana Saeedur Rahman Azmi, Chancellor of the Integral University, Lucknow, and Principal, Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulema
The chancellor of the Integral University, Lucknow, and Principal, Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulema, Maulana Saeedur Rahman Azmi, briefly touched upon various aspects of Dr. Hamidullah’s life and works. Dr. Hamidullah made Paris his home and devoted his entire life to research. Referring to his work on Seerah, he said that the Prophet (PBUH) was not lettered, but when he was asked to read, the words that he uttered became the finest language of the world.
Prof. M. Nejatullah Siddiqui, Former Professor of Economics, King Abdul Aziz University, Riyadh, KSA
Former professor of economics, King Abdul Aziz University, Riyadh, KSA, Prof. M. Nejatullah Siddiqui held that Dr. Hamidullah embodied simplicity and possessed a personality that was rarely to be found. Recounting his meeting with Dr. Hamidullah, he said that during a visit to him he found him imparting a lesson from the Quran to a neo-Muslim. This amply illustrated his greatness. He suggested that an old project on Dr. Hamidullah pending for approval at the IOS be finalised.
Maulana Asrarul Haque Qasmi, Member of Parliament
Member of Parliament Maulana Asrarul Haque Qasmi laid stress on the intellectual guidance of the Ummah. He urged the IOS to take upon itself the onus to popularise the researches of scholars like Dr. Hamidullah. The Islamic legacy of one thousand and five hundred years could lead the world to a new path and find solutions to the vexed problems of today, he said.
Maulana Abdullah Mughesi, President of the All India Milli Council
President of the All India Milli Council, Maulana Abdullah Mughesi observed that Allah selected chosen ones to work for the betterment of the world. For this, he also selected that land where such great souls were born. Since the caliphate came to an end, it was the turn of Islamic scholars to carry on the work accomplished by the caliphs. Shah Waliullah and Dr. Hamidullah who fell under that category kept the fire of Quranic learning and the teachings of Hadith burning. His translation of the Quran had no parallel. Dr. Hamidullah did not forget the Ummah and it was now the duty of the latter to remember him.
Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam, Chairman of the IOS
In his presidential address, Chairman of the IOS, Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam exhorted the youth to accept the challenges of today’s world and lead the world in the light of the teachings of the Quran and Hadith. Highlighting the activities of the IOS, he said that the motto was, “sit together, think together and work together”. He asked youngsters not to confine themselves to reaction, but do something tangible as an answer to the objections being raised against Islam and Muslims. He pledged support and cooperation of the IOS to any project being undertaken for the benefit of Muslims. On the suggestion that a chair in the name of Dr. Hamidullah be set up in a university in India, he announced that a full-fledged faculty in the name of Dr. Hamidullah would be opened in the proposed International Objective University. He also announced that five scholarships would be instituted by the IOS for those who undertook research on the Quran and Hadith.
Finance Secretary of the IOS, Prof. Ishtiyaque Danish proposed a vote of thanks.
SEVEN BOOKS RELEASED
On this occasion, several books of the IOS were released. These included: Jamal Al Din Al Afghani by Prof. Anwar Moazzam, which was released by K Rahman Khan. Prof. P Koya’s book Empowering Women: Paradigm and Strategies, was jointly released by Prof. Omar Hasan Kasule and Sadida Athaullah. Delhi Urban Swaraj: A Model Proposed for the New Government in Delhi (A report) was released by dignitaries on the dais. Islami Tahzeeb ki Asal Rooh (Urdu) by Ismail Rajhi al-Farooqi, and Bhautik aur Samaj Vigyan mein Shastra ke Purwagrah (Hindi) by Abdelwahab M. Elmessiri were released by Prof. Kasule. A book on Dr. Hamidullah by Shah Faseehuddin Nizami, librarian, Jamia Nizamia, Hyderabad, was also released jointly by the dignitaries on the dais.
DR. HAMIDULLAH’S IMPORTANT BOOKS DISPLAYED
One of the highlights of the conference was the display of Dr. Hamidullah’s important books.
Earlier, the conference opened with the recitation of a Quranic verse by Maulana Ajmal Farooq. While the Secretary General, IOS, Prof. ZM Khan welcomed the delegates, the Asstt. Secretary General, IOS, Prof. Afzal Wani conducted the proceedings.
On the first day of the conference, two business sessions were held in the afternoon.
Business Session-I
The first business session on “Dr. Hamidullah at Jamia Nizamia and Jamia Osmania” was presided over by associate professor and HOD Islamic Studies, MANUU, Hyderabad, Dr. Fahim Akhtar and conducted by Dr. Mohd. Arshad, asstt. prof., Deptt. of Islamic Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia. While the librarian, Jamia Nizamia, Hyderabad, Dr. Shah Mohd. Faseehuddin Nizami spoke on “Jamia Nizamia Aur Jamia Osmania ke Abkari Farzand Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah”, journalist from Hyderabad, Mir Ayoob Ali Khan, presented his paper on “Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah, Hyderabad and his letters”. M. Ziauddin Nayyar of Iqbal Academy, Hyderabad spoke on the theme of the session. Guest lecturer, Deptt. of Islamic Studies, JMI, Dr. Khursheed Afaq focused on “Dr. Hamidullah ki Tahqeeq ka Maiyyar: Ek Jaeza”, senior asstt. prof., Deptt. of Islamic Studies, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Kashmir, Dr Afroz Ahmad Bisati presented his paper on “Prof. Muhammad Hamidullah - A Legacy of Forthright Scholarship in Neutral Nationality”. Asstt. prof., Sunni Theology, Aligarh Muslim University, Dr. Rehan Akhtar spoke on “Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah - Ek Jaeza”. The session was followed by questions and answers.
Business Session-II
The second business session focused on “Prof. Hamidullah and the Islamic Law”. The session was presided over by Prof. Afzal Wani and conducted by Dr Waris Mazahari, guest lecturer, Islamic Studies, JMI. The speakers included: Dr. Fahim Akhtar who spoke on “Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah’s contribution in the field of Islamic Law” and the HOD of Islamic Studies, Marwar Muslim Educational and Welfare Society, Jodhpur, Dr. Shahid Hussain Nadwi, who presented his paper on “Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah Aur Qawaneen-e-Islami”. While Prof. Sanaullah Nadwi, professor of Arabic, AMU read his paper on “Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah (1908-2002) on Hadith Codicology: A Case Study of Sahifah Human Ibn Munabbih (d. 750 AD)”, Dr. Showkat Hussain, senior asstt. prof. Deptt. of, Islamic Studies, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Kashmir spoke on “Socio-Legal Expressions of Muhammad bin Hasqan Al-Shaybani in Prof. Hamidullah’s Outline of the International Islamic Law”. Dr. Md Ayyub Siddiqui Nadwi, asstt. prof., Deptt. of Arab Studies, EFL University, Hyderabad presented a paper on “Islami Qanoon Bainal Mamalik: Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah Marhoom ki Tahqeeq ki Roshni Mein” Gowhar Quadir Wani, a doctoral candidate in the Deptt. of Islamic Studies, AMU, spoke on “Role of Ijtihad in Islamic Law: A Study of Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah’s Views”. Sumaiya Ahmed, Ph.D. scholar, Deptt. of Islamic Studies, AMU focused on “The First Written Constitution in the World: The Perception of Dr. Hamidullah” and Ummer Mohamed Fawas, a Research scholar in the same deptt. read his paper on “The First Written Constitution in the World City State of Madinah at the time of the Prophet of Islam: A Study on Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah’s work”. Ph.D. scholar, Deptt. of Islamic Studies, AMU, Nishat Afroz presented her paper on “Hamidullah’s views and Perception on Ijtihad” Research scholar in the Deptt. of Sunni Theology, AMU, Mohd. Tanveer spoke on “Fiqh Islami aur Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah. Jamsheed Ahmad Sayed, research scholar in political science, University of Kashmir spoke on “The First Written Constitution of the World: An Important Document of the Prophet’s time by Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah”. Dr. Darakhshan Anjum, post-doctoral fellow in the Deptt. of Islamic Studies, AMU read her paper on “Women’s Rights in Islam and Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah’s Contribution”.
The second day of the conference started with the third business session.
Business Session-III
The theme of the third session was “Prof. Hamidullah and Islamic Manuscripts”. The third session was chaired and conducted by Dr. AR Kidwai, director, Academic Staff College, AMU and Dr. Fahim Akhtar respectively. Prof. Yaseen Mazhar Siddiqui, former director, Islamic Research Academy, Aligarh was the first speaker of the session who focused on “Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah ki Ansaab al Ashraaf ki Matni Tadveen: Ek Jadeed Tanqeedi Tajziya”. He was followed by Prof. Abdul Rashid Bhat from SH Institute of Islamic Studies, University of Kashmir who read a paper on “Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah on the Prophet’s Establishment of State: An Approach”.
Dr. Mohd. Arshad, spoke on “Islami Uloom Mein Dr. Hamidullah ki Khidmaat: Khutbaat Bahwalpur ke Hawale Se”, and Dr. Zubair Zafar Khan, asstt. prof. of Islamic Studies, AMU, dwelt on ‘Revisiting Khutbat-e-Bahawalpur: Some Striking Informations”. While Prof. Muzaffar Alam of the deptt. of Arab Studies, EFL University, Hyderabad made his presentation on “Majmuah al Wathaiq al Siyasiyyah lil ahd al Nabawi wa al Khilafah al Rashida: An Analytical Study”, Dr. Mohammad Mushtaq Tajarwi, asstt. prof., Deptt. of Islamic Studies, JMI spoke on “Alwathaiq al Siyasiah: Eik Tajziyati Muta’ala.”
Dr. Mohd. Khalid Khan (Dr. Khalid Omeri), asstt. prof, Deptt. of Islamic Studies, JMI, presented his paper on “Islam ka Siyasi Nizam - Dr. Hamidullah ki Tahreeron ki Roshni Mein”. While Dr Ehsanullah Fahad, asstt. prof. of Theology, Women’s College, AMU, discussed “Khutbaat-e-Bahawalpur (Ek Tajziyati Muta’ala)”, Muhammad Raziul Islam Nadwi, Secretary, Tasneefi Academy, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Delhi, focused on “Saheefa-e-Homam bin Munabbah Tahqeeq ka Shahkar”. Vice-president, Idara Adabe Islami Hind, Delhi, Dr. Tabish Mehdi, made his presentation on “Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah aur Sawaneh Hazrat Ali ibn Abu Talib”. While Mohd. Usama, guest faculty, Deptt. of Islamic Studies, JMI, presented his paper on “Ta-addud Azwaj per Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah ke Afkar ka Muta’ala”. Mohd. Younus Kumar, research scholar, Deptt. of Islamic Studies, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Kashmir spoke on “An outline of the Structure of an Islamic State as Depicted in the Writings of Prof. Muhammad Hamidullah”, and Javid Ahmad Bhat, research scholar of the same institution, dwelt on the “Muslim Conduct of Warfare: A Study of Prof. Hamidullah’s work”. Dr. Showkat Ahmad Dar, a Ph.D. scholar, Deptt. of Islamic Studies, AMU, read a paper on “An Analysis of Hamidullah’s Concept of State in Islam” and Md. Azam Nadwi, a Ph.D. scholar and teacher, Al Mahad-al Aali al Islami, Hyderabad shared his impressions in the paper on “Majmua al Wathaiq wa Siyasiyah lil Ahad an Nabwi wal Khilafa al-Rashida”. Roshan Ara, a researcher in the Deptt. of Islamic Studies, AMU, presented her paper on “Emergence of Islam - Twelve Lectures given by Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah”. Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi, research scholar, Deptt. of Sunni Theology, AMU, spoke on “Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah ki Al Wathaiq as Siyasiah: Ek Naguzeer Tanseef”, while Mohammad Iqbal Rather, senior research fellow, Deptt. of Islamic Studies, AMU, presented his paper on the “Concept of State in Islam: An Appraisal of Muhammad Hamidullah’s Thought”. Talha Nemat Nadwi, teacher, Jamia Imam Ahmad bin Irfan Shaheed, Malihabad, Lucknow focused on “Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah wa Tahqeequl Kitab Seerat Ibne Ishaque”.
Business Session-IV
The fourth session, chaired by Dr. Abdul Azim Islahi, prof., Islamic Economics Institute, KAU, Jeddah, KSA, focused on “Prof. Hamidullah and the Prophet’s Seerah”. The proceedings were conducted by Dr. Showkat Hussain, asstt. prof. of Islamic Studies, University of Science and Technology, Kashmir. While dean, School of Social Sciences, Central University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Prof. Hamid Naseem Rafiabadi touched upon “Dr. Hamidullah as a Biographer Par Excellence”, Professor Emeritus, Deptt. of Arabic, JMI, Prof. Shafiq Ahmad Khan Nadwi centered his discussion on “Prof. Muhammad Hamidullah as a Connoisseur of Prophet’s Seerah (PBUH)”. Dr. Mohd. Anzar, asstt. prof., Deptt., of Arab Studies, EFL University, Hyderabad spoke on “Dr. Mohd. Hamidullah Aur Seerat Nigari” while Dr. Syed Islamuddin Mujahid, associate prof. of Pol. Sc., Urdu Arts College, Hyderabad spoke on “Nabi Kareem SAW ki Siyasi Hikmate Amli, Dr Hamidullah ki Tahqeeq ke Tanazur Mein”. Dr. Arshi Shoeb, Deptt. of Islamic Studies, AMU, dwelt on “Muhammad Hamidullah’s Contribution to the Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)” Similarly, Md. Fasihuddin Nadwi, Sadrul Mudarriseen, Madrsa Misbahul Uloom, Hyderabad presented his paper on “Rasoolullah SAW ka Tarze Hukmarani hi Asre Hazir ke Masail ka Wahid Hal”. Majid ul Islam, research scholar, Deptt. of Islamic Studies, JMI, Delhi, spoke on “Ghazwat ke Maqasid, Rasoolullah (pbuh) ki Jangi Hikmate Amli”. While Mohd. Sohail, research scholar, Deptt. of Sunni Diniyat, AMU concentrated on “Ilme-Hadees Aur Dr Hamidullah”, Syed Abdur Rasheed, research scholar, Islamic Studies, MANUU, Hyderabad chose to speak on “Dr Hamidullah Aur Islami Asaar - Tajziyati Muta’ala”. Hafiz Anas Bilal, research scholar, Deptt. of Sunni Theology, AMU, read his paper on “Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah ki Khidmaat-e-Seerat: Ek Jayeza” and Mudassir Ahmad Dass, Ph.D. scholar, Deptt. of Islamic Studies, AMU, spoke on “System of Education in Prophetic Era: A Study of Hamidullah’s Views”. The other speakers of the session included Ilyas Hashmi Nadwi, sub-editor, Dairatul Ma’arif, Osmania University, Hyderbad, whose topic was “Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah ka Ghair Riwayati Tarze istidlaal Aur Tareeqa-e-Istanbat Seerat Nigari ke Hawale Se”. Mohd. Shadab Khan, research scholar, Deptt. of Sunni Diniyat, AMU spoke on ‘Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah Aur Seerat-e-Nigari”. While Kahkashan Khanam, a Ph.D. scholar in Deptt. of Sunni Theology, AMU presented her paper on “Bahaisiyat Seerat Nigar Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah”. Shaista Rasool, research scholar, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Kashmir, spoke on “Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah’s Contribution to Seerah: A General Survey” and Mohammad Amir, M. Phil fellow, Islamic Studies, MANUU, Hyderabad, expressed his views on “Seerat Nigari Mein Dr. Hamidullah ke Imteyazat”’
Business Session-V
The theme of this session was “Prof. Hamidullah and Translation of the Quran”. While HOD of Islamic Studies, JMI, Dr. Mohd. Ishaque was in the chair, Dr. AR Kidwai, director, Academic Staff College, AMU, presented his paper on “Dr. Hamidullah and Translation of the Quran”. Anas PA, research scholar, Deptt. of Islamic Studies, AMU, focused on “Introducing the holy Quran in Modern Society: A Comparative Study between the Approaches of Malek Bennabi and Dr. Hamidullah”. Ambreen, research scholar, Deptt. of Islamic Studies, AMU read her paper on “Quranic Translation: A Comparative Study between Maulana Azad and Dr. Hamidullah’.
Business Session-VI
The sixth session was devoted to the theme “Prof. Hamidullah and Orientalism”. Presided over by Prof. Ishtiyaque Danish, Finance Secretary of IOS, the session was addressed by Prof. Noor Ahmad Baba of the Deptt. of Politics and Governance, Central University of Kashmir, Srinagar who spoke on “Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah: Lessons for Developing an Islamic Theory of Politics”. Dr. Ata Khurshid, associate librarian, AMU, Aligarh spoke on “Dr. Hamidullah and his Works”. Another speaker was Shakeel Ahmed Hussain, M. Phil scholar, MANUU, Hyderabad whose paper was on “Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah aur Mustashreqeen ka Rad: Ek Muta’ala”.
Business Session-VII
The seventh session of the conference focused on “Prof, Hamidullah on Da’awah and Inter-faith Dialogue’. The session was chaired by Prof. Hamid Naseem Rafiabadi, dean, School of Social Sciences, Central University of Kashmir and the speakers included Dr. Nadeem Ashraf, asstt. prof, Deptt. of Sunni Theology, AMU who spoke on “Mukalma Bainul Mazahib Aur Dr. Mohd. Hamidullah: Ek Muta’ala”. Dr Najmus Sahar, guest faculty, Deptt. of Islamic Studies, JMI, who spoke on Tasawwar-e-aman aur Dr. Hamidullah: Eik Muta’ala”. Muhammad Yaseen Gada, Ph.D. scholar, Deptt. of Islamic Studies, AMU, presented his paper on “Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah on the Principles of Dawah and Behaviour Towards non-Muslims through the Paradigm of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)”. Sajad Ahmad Padday, Ph.D. scholar, Deptt. of Islamic Studies, AMU, spoke on “Peaceful Co-existence in Prophetic Era: An Approach to Dr. Hamidullah”.
Business Session-VIII
The eighth session began with the theme “Human Rights in Islam and Prof. Hamidullah’s Contribution” and Prof. Javed A. Khan director, Centre for West Asian Studies, JMI, presided over it. Dr. Shakeel Ahmad, asstt. professor MANUU, ASCW, Srinagar, who initiated the discussion, spoke on “Hoqooq-e-Insani ka Islami Tanazur aur Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah ki Khidmaat”. He was followed by Jameel Aahmed Milansar, assistant general secretary, All India Milli Council, Karnataka, who threw light on “Human Rights in Islam and Prof. Hamidullah’s Work”. While Zarren Wahab, research scholar, Deptt. of Islamic Studies, AMU, spoke on the “Concept of Human Rights in Islam: Prof. Hamidullah’s Contribution Towards it”, Irfan Jalal, doctoral student, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Kashmir examined the “Protection of Human and Minority Rights in Pax-Islamica: Contribution of Prof. Muhammad Hamidullah”.
Business Session-IX
The ninth session was devoted to “Prof. Hamidullah’s Contribution to Islamic Economics”. It was chaired by former dean, Faculty of Social Sc., JMI, Prof. Naushad Ali Azad. Dr Abdul Azim Islahi initiated the discussion by presenting his paper on “The Legacy of Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah in Islamic Economics”. He was followed by Prof. Javed A. Khan, director, Centre for West Asian Studies, JMI, who spoke on “Economic Ideas of Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah and the Development in Islamic Finance”. While Dr. Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, prof., SH Institute of Islamic Studies, University of Kashmir, presented his paper on “Salient Features of Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah’s Economic Thought: An Appraisal”, Zubair Hamid, a Ph.D. scholar of Deptt. of Islamic Studies, AMU spoke on “Social Insurance in Islam: Positing the Views of Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah”. Dr. Ayesha Siddiqua, post-doctoral fellow of the same deptt. of AMU, discussed “Economic Problems of Modern Society and Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah’s Contribution”.
Valedictory Session
L-R: Prof. Ishtiyaque Danish, Finance Secretary, IOS; Dr. S Farooq, Chairman of Tasmia Education and Welfare Society; Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam, Chairman of the IOS; Prof. Omar Hasan Kasule, Secretary-General, International Institute of Islamic Thought, KSA; Prof. Z. M. Khan, Secretary General, IOS; Prof. Abul Fadl Mohsin Ebrahim, professor emeritus, School of Religion, Philosophy and Classics, University of Kawa Zulu–Natal, Durban, South Africa
The valedictory session was presided over by the Chairman of the Institute of Objective Studies, Dr M Manzoor Alam who, in his address informed that during the two-day deliberations as many as 82 papers were presented, which included 15 by professors and heads of departments, 20 by assistant professors and 37 by research scholars. He added that more than 300 projects had been completed by the IOS, besides the publication of about 345 titles on various subjects. The Institute had so far organised 1,175 national and international seminars in different parts of the country. The Institute was regularly publishing six journals in Urdu and English, including web magazines like Current Affairs, IOS Minaret and Nuqta-e-Nazar. He said that 40 new research projects had been okayed, two of them being recently approved. IOS had also instituted two awards - Shah Waliullah Award and the Life-Time Achievement Award which were given to those who made significant contribution to any specific field. He informed that in April 2017 a conference was planned to be organised in Kolkata, besides another conference in Kashmir in July.
An international conference on the “Role of Women in Making a Humane Society” would take place in Calicut on September 23 and 24, 2017. In addition to this, a conference on “Towards Equality, Justice and Fraternity in Contemporary India: Creating a Better Tomorrow through History and Islamic Studies” as concluding conference to mark 30th years of existence of the IOS would also be organised in the near future. Two conferences on eminent personalities/scholars/mujaddids – one on an international personality and another one on a national personality – would be held this year. For the year 2017, one conference on Dr. Ismail Rajhi Al-Farooqi and another on any other suitable personality/scholar from India will be organised. Sharing his experiences with the audience, he said that he had benefited from the two-day conference. He announced that a special cell on Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah would be created in the IOS to get the works of the great Islamic scholar translated from French into various Indian languages. A committee would be formed to take a decision on the names of translators. He asked the paper contributors to revise their papers and send them to the Institute within one and a half months so that they could be published in the proceedings of this conference. He also requested the participants, especially assistant professors and research scholars, to study the condition of Muslims in India and other countries and send their findings to the Institute.
Prof. Abul Fadl Mohsin Ebrahim, professor emeritus, School of Religion, Philosophy and Classics, University of Kawa Zulu–Natal, Durban, South Africa
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Abul Fadl Mohsin Ebrahim, professor emeritus, School of Religion, Philosophy and Classics, University of Kawa Zulu–Natal, Durban, South Africa, said that he came to know about Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah through his book “Introduction to Islam”. Recalling his meeting with Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah in 1981, he said that the latter had come to the railway station to receive him. He saw for himself the simplicity of Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah who lived in a two-room flat in Paris. He observed that Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah was deeply convinced about the values of economics in India.
Dr. S Farooq, Chairman of Tasmia Education and Welfare Society
The Chairman of Tasmia Education and Welfare Society, Dr. S Farooq insisted that Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah translated the Quran into a language which was not his mother tongue. While translation was a tough job, translating the Quran put a great responsibility on its translator. Though it was the most difficult, he accomplished the job as a linguist. He said that the art of expression, art of earning and the art of living were vital for a successful person. While the Prophet (PBUH) knew the art of expression and made use of that, he was also an expert in business management. The Quran and Hadith taught us how to live a good life. He held that Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah did not earn money but knew about that art. He was perfect in both knowledge and living.
Prof. Omar Hasan Kasule, Secretary-General, International Institute of Islamic Thought, KSA
Prof. Omar Hasan Kasule expressed happiness that so many scholars converged on the conference. While emphasising the need for holding such conferences, he said that work on mujaddidin must be taken up. Prof. Afzal Wani conducted the proceedings.
Prof. Ishtiyaque Danish, Finance Secretary, IOS
Prof. Ishtiyaque Danish made the valedictory address. He said that Dr. Hamidullah should be the icon of the young research scholars of present times. Terming Dr. Hamidullah as the first and last Muslim orientalist and a specialist on early Islam, he said that the entire fraternity of scholars of Islamic studies owes a huge debt for his monumental works on Islamic manuscripts. "Today we need the same vigour, the same passion, the same burning desire to excel and work hard the way Prof. Hamidullah had done, for there is no other way to regain our lost glory", he further said.
Prof. Z. M. Khan, Secretary General, IOS
The two-day international conference concluded after unanimously passing a 13-point resolution. The resolution, read out by Prof. ZM Khan said:
The conference has adopted the following resolutions with a purpose and intention to carry them forward with complete sincerity and commitment:
1. This programme of covering intellectual heritage of prominent scholars may be taken up by the IOS on a regular basis. A special cell may be created to carry out the scheme.
2. The IOS may try to enter into agreements with sister organisations in India and abroad to carry the message forward.
3. IOS may sponsor a scheme to take up research and translation of prominent works in different languages of distinguished scholars. Certain schemes may be drawn to popularise important persons and their works. Case studies may be initiated by inviting experts.
4. Islamic universities may be requested to create chairs in the name of Dr. Hamidullah so that younger generations would be able to understand the correct message and evolution of Islamic thought.
5. Internal conflicts within the Muslim Ummah and differences with others may be eliminated and the approach of accommodation based on Islamic principles may be augmented.
6. Strategies may be developed not with a denial mode, but with utmost positive attitude to create unity of mankind.
7. Indices and encyclopedias on different subjects should be prepared and disseminated with the help of modern technology.
8. A specific chair may be created in the IOS in the name of Dr. Hamidullah to take stock of his works and draw conclusions and help their propagation.
9. Preparation of literature may be made by organisations concerned for youth and women in terms of the spirit of the Quranic message.
10. Seeing that many works of Dr. Hamidullah and other great scholars are out of print, this conference resolves and urges scholars and institutions, including the IOS, to make efforts for reprinting them so these are made available as well as preserved.
11. The Muslim Ummah has produced towering personalities whose writings and messages are relevant in our time also. This conference resolves and urges scholars, institutions and centres of Islamic studies in universities to organise seminars/conferences on such great personalities with a view to highlighting and spreading their universal message.
12. This conference resolves to make arrangements for translating the French works of Dr. Hamidullah into English and Urdu for the benefit of a larger readership.
13. This conference resolves and urges the IOS to make efforts to set up a Dr. Hamidullah fellowship to encourage scholarly works on Islamic manuscripts and classical books.
A view of audience
The conference witnessed participation of scholars, experts and researchers from different parts of the country who took active part in the delibrations. Some of them included: Prof. Aftab Kamal Pasha; Maulana Ateeq Ahmad Bastavi, Lucknow; Maulana Abdul Wahab Khilji; Prof. (Ms.) Haseena Hashia, Dr. Major Zahid Hussain, Chennai; Prof. Mohammad Muqim, Aligarh; Maulana Asghar Ali Imam Mehdi etc.
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As we prepare to observe the 150th anniversary of 1857 events we are once again apt to ask ourselves the same old, unanswered questions: Was it a mutiny, first war of independence, or Jihad for the sake of Islam? William Dalrymple's account clearly shows that it had elements from all the three.