Tiruchy: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Tamil Nadu Zone organised a state-level Conference of Ulama on the theme of ‘The Rise of Ulama is the Strength of the Society’ at LKS Mahal, Tiruchirappalli on Tuesday.
In his presidential address, Ameer-e-Halqua of JIH Tamil Nadu Moulavi M.A. Mohammad Hanifa Manbayee explained the purpose of the conference, quoting the importance of the role of Ulama in the empowerment of society, and the stand of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind.
In the beginning, Moulavi Kabeer recited verses from the Holy Qur’an. Moulavi K.A. Ahmed Muhyiddin Faizi, Secretary of the Ulama Division, JIH-TN, welcomed the gathering.
Moulavi Kanchi Abdur Ravuf Baqavi delivered a keynote address on the theme of ‘The Role of Ulama in a Prosperous India’. Dr. Sheikh Abdul Qadeer Qashifi Qasimi also delivered a keynote address on the theme of ‘Model Mosque – Model Mohallah’.
Moulavi Hafeez Fazil M.A. Syed Ibrahim Anwari, Professor of Faizul Anwar Arabic College and Circle Secretary of Jama’at-ul-Ulama, Kadayanallur District, delivered a special lecture on ‘The Role of Aalim in the Restoration of Society from Moral Decline’. Kovai Moulavi Ismail Imdhadhi, Correspondent of the Hidayyah College for Women, delivered a special lecture on ‘The Constitution of India and the Constitution of Medina’.
Moulavi Nuh Mahzhari, Professor of As-Salam Islamic College-Trichy and translator, spoke on the conference theme ‘The Rise of the Ulama is the Strength of Society’. He pointed out historical evidence of the role of Ulama in the rise of the Islamic community. The power to reform the Muslim society lies with the Ulama. Similarly, the Ulama have a greater responsibility than others to develop the society.
Throughout history, there have been many reformers who have tried to uphold Islam. The Ulama have made many sacrifices and commitments to uplift Islam. They have faced many hardships and persecution. Imams such as Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Shafi, Imam Malik, Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Imam Bukhari, Imam Tirmidhi, Imam Ghazali, Imam Shah Waliullah, Imam Abdul Quadir Jilani, and Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi were notable Islamic scholars. They were also known as reformers. Today’s Muslim society is experiencing decline and problems. The condition of youth is very pathetic. To reform these, Ulama have to go to the field to work. The society needs to be awakened and inspired by Ulama. Masjids should transfer social welfare centres. Every Ulama should become a reformer and strengthen the society, Mouavi Nuh Mahzhari said.
In this conference, nine special resolutions were passed and read out at the Conference. They include that Islamic scholars should prevent social evils; the Ulama should be given their due dignity and freedom; the infrastructure for madrasas should be strengthened, and a library, hospital, counselling centre and public service centre should be set up in mosques; Ulama should convey the right message of Islam in order to defeat the hate campaign against Islam and prepare the Muslim community to establish a loving and harmonious relationship with non-Muslim people; the Ulama should take the lead in forming opinions in favour of Islam; the Ulama should create an atmosphere in which only Shariah-based laws apply to matters such as the division of property, marriage, divorce, etc.; the Government of Tamil Nadu should ban alcohol as a means of preventing the spread of drugs; the rights of religion, and worship, especially the places of worship of minorities should be protected by the Union government; countries should support Palestine in establishing an independent state.
The chief guests presented prizes to winners of the essay contest held as part of the conference. Professor of As-Salam Islamic College, Moulavi Abdul Hasib Baqavi Fazil Devband proposed a vote of thanks. The conference concluded with the Du’a of Principal of As-Salam Islamic College Moulavi Mohammad Siddiq Madani. The convenor of the conference Moulavi B. Mohammad Nasar Buhari convened the conference. Almost 500 Ulama from various parts of Tamil Nadu attended the conference.
