Propagating lessons of Oneness, Unity, and Brotherhood
By Haroon Rashid Bhat
In this postmodern phase of human life where Muslim Umma is segregated into various compartments, disgracing, fighting, and demeaning each other. There is the need that we should support every act and philosophy that unite the entire Umma. Let us work for unity.”
One-day Rahmatul Lil Alameen Conference was organized by Hassan Mantiqi Research Academy Awantipora Pulwama Kashmir on 30th October 2022 at Mantiqi Hall. I was one of the invitees there. The rarity of this august gathering was that Dr. Tawseef Ahmad Wani-Director Mantiqi Academy Awantipora invited scholars from various backgrounds. The main aim of the said conference was to highlight the social, ethical, and sectarian division Issues on the global level and their solutions in light of the Seerat-Un- Nabi SAW. Among the prominent speakers, who spoke on Social Etiquette and harmony in Islam was Hujatul Islam Syed Mehdi Ali-Zada religious representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Guest of Honor). In the initial part of his speech, the honorable guest expressed his deep concern about the various contemporary challenges that post-modern society is confronting right now like religious intolerance, discrimination against members of other religions, the intellectual conflict, unnecessary materialist race, and degradation of moral values, ideals, or principles. He also drew the attention of the present-day social evils- drug abuse, poverty, dowry system, gender inequality, illiteracy, etc. in the final part of his inspirational speech, he advised that the only way to bring back the last glory is to revisit the basic religious teachings that are the only way to get rid of this chaotic situation prevailing to our society as a whole. He deliberated upon the significance of Unity among the different groups and sects. His speech remained the most memorable moment of the function as he delivered his elongated speech in Persian followed by the Kashmir translation by Shabir Ahmad Sufi. The speech by Professor G. N. Khaki-HOD Department Of Islamic Studies KU, (Chief Guest); Farooq Ahmad Shah Ex-Director of Information, J&K. Professor Manzoor Ahmad Bhat Ex-Head of the Department of the Islamic Studies University of Kashmir University also rotated around the same subjects. All the aforementioned speakers highlighted the deep-rooted connection between Central Asia and Kashmir. They said, “The connection between central Asia and Kashmir not only developed our land economically, socially, and culturally but also introduced the true picture of Islam. Sufi Saints who arrived from central Asia won over the hearts of Kashmiris on account of their piety and sincerity by employing methods of persuasion, humanity, and discourse. It is our collective responsibility to retain this spiritual ethos and legacy” Masrat Parveen- Assistant Professor Department of the Persian University of Kashmir delivered her speech concerning the status and challenges of female folk in be pre-Islamic, and now. According to her, the forms of exploitation have changed but the fact of the matter they are being still maltreated and harassed in post-modern times. We claim to be modern and well-educated, but our actions are more worst than what had been happing in pre-Islamic times in Arab. So, there is a need to bring change in our attitude and deeds. This paradigm shift is possible only when we adhere the religious ethics with full commitment and sincerity. The other speakers who presented their views on this occasion were renowned professors Ghulam Ali Gulzar Ali Ahmad, Dr. Nazrul-Islam, Peer Zada Nasrul-Ud-Din Sajada Nisheen Astan Alia- Qaymou, Sabit Mohammad Shabir Qumi-Chairperson Peerani Walayat JK, Gh. Ahmad Qurashi- famous author and orator, Moulana Imran Ahmad Gazali, Sheikh Saroos Ali- Chairperson Rehmatan Lil Alameen Foundation JK, Mufti Mudasir Ahmad Qadri Sahab, Moulana Ashraf Ahmad Sahab- the Chairperson Tanzeem-Ul- Madares Sufi JK, Moulana Showkat Sahab main member Mushtaq Memorial Trust. All the speakers emphasized the following points 1) Unity of the Umma and 2) Respect and Adherences of the teaching of Awliya- Allah.3) Religious tolerance 4) spreading the message of peace, love, and humanity across the globe. Besides anchoring the program, Syed Fayaz Indrabi delivered a very influential inaugural speech. The essence of his speech was the importance of unity among Muslim Umma. He urged that we should leave our difference and work for the unity of Umma to achieve our goals. The program concluded with a special Duwa and a brief book release ceremony. The Vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Tawseef Ahmad Wani- Coordinator of the conference. There is a need to organize such joint programs in the future so that good sense prevails. In this postmodern phase of human life where Muslim Umma is segregated into various compartments, disgracing, fighting, and demeaning each other. There is a need that we should support every act and philosophy that unite the whole Umma. Let us work for unity.
Haroon Rashid Bhat is a teacher by profession, can be reached at minamharoon123@gmail.com
