‘Work needed to change mindset of European states about Islam, Muslims’

SRINAGAR (SANA): Vice Chancellor of University of Kashmir Prof Riyaz Punjabi urged scholars the other day to work together to change the “not-so-friendly” perspective of the European nations about Islam and Muslims.

Addressing academics, scholars and students at a national-level seminar on Arabic language and literature, he said, “When Europe was in utter darkness, people turned towards Arabic language to safeguard their knowledge. It was through the efforts of the Arab scholars that the great renaissance in Europe became possible.”

Prof Punjabi, however, said the European scholars accepted and assimilated Islamic knowledge without “even properly acknowledging their original beneficiaries.” “They have even distorted the names of many scholars,” he said.

The 4-day seminar titled “Contribution of Kashmir to Arabic language and literature,” is organized by the varsity’s Department of Arabic.
Prof Punjabi said there was need to work together and change the “not-so-friendly” perspective of the European nations about Islam and its people. “It is here that the scholars have a role to play in removing all the misconceptions about the religion,” he said, adding Kashmir had contributed immensely to the promotion of Arabic language and literature. He said the scholars must visit the libraries in Kashmir to have a first hand account of their contribution.

In his keynote address, noted Arabic scholar, Prof Zubair Ahmad Farooqui from Jamila Milia Islamia University, New Delhi, asserted that Kashmir continued to be a seat of learning and excellence for long now.

“The arrivals from Iran, Turkey and Central Asia brought to the Valley not only the new concerns about the changing paradigms, but also initiated the process of higher learning,” he said, adding, “Amir Kabir Mir Syed Ali Hamadani, Mir Muhammad Hamadani, Sheikh Yaqoub Sarfi, Bulbul Shah and others helped in the upliftment of Kashmir and Kashmiris socially, culturally.

They infused the new spirit of learning and made the minds more inquisitive for attaining more and new knowledge,” he said.

He said the Arabic scholars had contributed immensely to every branch of learning, including literature, jurisprudence, economics, crafts and arts. “We need to mention the contribution of old Madarass established by Islamic scholars and rulers alike to promote the dissemination of Islamic studies,” Prof Zubari added.

The Chief Guest, Dr Ibrahim Muhammad Al-Badshan, Cultural Attaché, Royal Embassy, KSA, New Delhi, acknowledged the contribution of the Department of Arabic in promoting Arabic language and literature in the region despite being at a significant distance from the Arabic-speaking lands. “Kashmiris scholars are well known for their contribution in various fields of knowledge from the past. The seminar is expected to generate enough illumination to overcome the frozen environment around,” he said, adding, “Kashmiris and Kashmir is known to Arabic world not only through the products like like Shawls and Saffron, but also through the manuscripts containing wisdom and intellectual discussions on the various facets of life.”

In his welcome address, the Head, Department of Arabic, said illustrious personalities like Anwar Shah Kashmir, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Allama Sona-ullah belonged to Kashmir and contributed in a big way to the development of Islamic knowledge and studies.

He said Kashmir produced such personalities who changed the methodology and approaches to Islamic studies. The department, he said, had made significant contribution to the understanding of Islamic studies.

Dr Salahuddin Tak, senior assistant professor, Deptt of Arabic, conducted the proceedings and presented the vote of thanks.

Mufti Azam Kashmir, Mufti Bashir-ud-din Farooqi was present at the function besides a galaxy of Islamic scholars, and university faculty.