Aligarh: This year, 11 students from Madrasatul Islah, Saraimir, Azamgarh, secured admission in various courses at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). The Alumni Association of Madrasatul Islah (Aligarh branch) organized a reception ceremony at the Idara Uloom al-Quran Conference Hall, under the chairmanship of Dr. Zaki Kirmani to honour these students.
On this occasion, Professor Abu Sufyan Islahi delivered a thought-provoking lecture on the theme “The Aligarh Movement and Aligarh Traditions.” He shed light on the origins, achievements, and contemporary relevance of the Aligarh Movement. In his talk, he referenced books and writings of renowned figures like Mukhtar Masood, Rasheed Ahmad Siddiqui, Zakir Ali Khan, Zilley Ahmed Nizami, Iqbal Shafi, Nawab Saeed Chhatari, and Riazur Rahman Sherwani to familiarize the students with the legacy of Aligarh. Professor Islahi highlighted Sir Syed’s national consciousness, religious zeal, and contributions to the community, emphasizing that Sir Syed was a pioneer of intellectual biography who set the tradition of responding to opposition through the pen, a quality even noted by Allama Shibli. Prof Islahi congratulated the successful students and urged them to embrace the traditions and culture of Aligarh.
Despite his advanced age, Professor Ishtiaq Ahmad Zilli graced the occasion to encourage the students. In a brief speech, he illustrated the despair among Muslims after the 1857 revolt and highlighted the relevance of Sir Syed’s efforts in that context. He remarked that had Allama Shibli not joined Aligarh and benefited from Sir Syed’s library, he might not have attained the intellectual stature he enjoys today. Professor Zilli further noted that Allama Farahi’s profound engagement with the Quran began during his stay at Aligarh. He congratulated the students and urged them to make the most of this opportunity. Professor Abdul Azim Islahi, Secretary of Idara Uloom al-Quran, also extended his congratulations, encouraging the students to hone their talents and elevate them further.
In his presidential address, Dr. Zaki Kirmani described Sir Syed and Maulana Syed Abul A’la Maududi as the outstanding personalities of the 19th and 20th centuries, respectively. While discussing their movements, he touched upon the reasons for their partial setbacks. Dr. Kirmani emphasized that Maulana Maududi’s greatest achievement was initiating a movement for understanding the Quran and bringing it closer to the everyday lives of Muslims. On this occasion, the Alumni Association of Madrasatul Islah (Aligarh branch) presented commemorative tokens to all the admitted students.
