SEMINAR ON SHAH-I-HAMDAN BEGINS AT KASHMIR UNIVERSITY

Srinagar, Mar 13 (Only Kashmir): A 3-day international seminar on “Shah-I-Hamadan `s contribution to learning and society” organized by Shah-I-Hamadan Institute of Islamic studies began here at Kashmir University on Tuesday.

Prof M A Sofi while emphasizing the need for developing a scientific temper amongst young students and scholars in tune with the teachings of Quran and Sunna’ said that it has become very important in modern times to acquire oneself with contemporary idiom based on scientific outlook . He said the teaching of our great Sufi saints like Shah-I-Hamadan are in complete harmony with Quran and Sunna`h.

Calling upon the scholars, academicians, teachers and theologians of Islamic literature to spread the message of Islam and of revered Sufi saints with basic ingredients of character building, communal harmony, peace and brotherhood, Professor Sofi said “The success of social reformation lies in strengthening the character of the society and not in claiming superiority over one another.”

While informing the participants and scholars about the steps taken by the government of TajikistanIn in preserving the rich legacy of Shah-I-Hamadan Ambassador, Republic Of Tajikistan, Saidbeg Saidov who was chief guest during the inaugural session said “The republic of Tajikistan owes a great debt to the saint and to pay humble tributes to his rich contribution to art, culture, religion, crafts all over the world particularly in Central Asia and the India-subcontinent, one of the districts in Tajikistan has been named after Shah-I-Hamadan. He said that every year scholars in various Universities of Tajikistan bring out their research and PhD on various themes and dimensions of Shah-I-Hamadans life and works and international conferences are being held in the country to propagate the teachings and philosophy of the revered saint.

Announcing that the Republic of Tajikistan intends to sign an MoU with the Shah-i-Hamdan Institute of Islamic Studies Kashmir University, Saidov said “Our government aims to sign a MoU with the Islamic studies department of KU in educational and cultural exchange hopefully in 2014 . In recognition of the work done by the great saint in reforming the Muslim society, art and culture ,the republic of Tajikistan is celebrating 700th year in memory of Shah-I-Hamadan who emerged on the Islamic scene and visited to various places of the subcontinent including Kashmir Valley in 1372.” He said.

Speaking during the inaugural session, Director, Iran Culture House, Delhi Dr. Ali Dehgahi who was guest of honour on the occasion said “ Shah-I-Hamadan belonged to the whole world and not to any particular place or region and his message was very clear that humanity is not bound by language and geographical barriers.”

While delivering his key note address during the inaugural session of the 3-day seminar ,former Dean faculty of social science and renowned historian Prof. Muhammad Ishaq Khan said “ we must try to inculcate ethical and novel ideas of spiritual teaching in our young boys and girls so that they come to know about the rich contribution of our Sufi saints in revitalizing our society.” Prof Ishaq Khan delved on the historical role of Shah-I-Hamadan in introducing Islam in Kashmiri society .

Prof. Aziz –ud-din ,Dean , Faculty of Humanities and languages Jamia Milia Islamia, Delhi while lamenting over the lack of attention being given to include the teachings of Shah-I-hamdan in the curriculum. (OK)