Aligarh: The Department of Sunni Theology, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), in collaboration with the Islamic Fiqh Academy of India, successfully concluded its two-day National Seminar on “Study and Research on Islamic Sciences in Contemporary Educational Institutions – Methodology and Purpose” at the Central Hall of the department.
The valedictory session was presided over by Prof. Kafeel Ahmad Qasmi, former Dean, Faculty of Arts, who highlighted the sustained efforts since the early 15th century to showcase the achievements of Arab civilization and its guiding role in Islamic history. He emphasised the responsibility of Muslim scholars and young researchers to respond effectively to Orientalist narratives and adversarial critiques, pointing out that institutions like AMU, Jamia Millia Islamia and Jamia Hamdard must take lead in this intellectual endeavour.
In his keynote address, Padma Shri Prof. Akhtarul Wasey, Emeritus Professor, JMI, stressed the significance of contextual study in Islamic research. He cautioned that a purely textual approach could result in misinterpretation, and lauded AMU’s vision and commitment to addressing modern educational challenges, as envisioned by its founder, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.
Prof. Abdur Raheem Kidwai, Guest of Honour, highlighted the need for rigorous dedication in research, noting that quality scholarship demands sustained intellectual engagement rather than superficial treatment.
Presenting the seminar report, Prof. Mohammad Habibullah, Dean, Faculty of Theology and Chairman of the Department of Sunni Theology, informed that the event featured six sessions. A total of 55 research papers were presented by scholars from across the country, representing a multilingual academic engagement with papers in Urdu, English, and Arabic.
The presentations delved into a wide spectrum of themes, ranging from the teaching and research methodology of Islamic Sciences in Indian universities to contemporary trends and innovative approaches in Islamic Studies. They further highlighted the significance of moral education in shaping modern curricula, the integration of advanced technology into Islamic learning, and the growing scope of comparative religious studies undertaken at the Department of Sunni Theology.
The seminar concluded with several significant recommendations: strengthening practical training in research methodology, promoting scholarship in Arabic and English alongside Urdu, addressing contemporary socio-legal issues, fostering inter-university academic collaborations, utilizing digital resources and technology, and publishing selected seminar papers in research journals or edited volumes. The recommendations were unanimously endorsed by all participants.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Saud Alam Qasmi, former Dean, Faculty of Theology, who commended the contributions of distinguished guests and acknowledged the efforts of Dr. Nadeem Ashraf and Dr. Mohammad Nasir in organising the seminar. Dr. Nasir conducted the session.
Delegates from Kerala, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bihar, Kolkata, Kashmir, Rajasthan, Mumbai, Prayagraj, and Lucknow participated, adding to the national character of the event.
