July 20
Institute of Islamic Culture and Civilization (IICC), on Sunday organized a felicitation event for the recently appointed faculty members in the discipline of Islamic Studies at Higher Secondary, College and University level at Kothi Bagh higher secondary srinagar. The event started off with the welcome address by the director of IICC, Zahoor Ahmad Shah who introduced the importance of Islamic Studies discipline and how it can play an important role in shaping an ethical and multidisciplinary normative framework to engage with diverse issues of our society.
Prof. G. N. Khaki, Head Department of Islamic Studies, Centre for Central Asian Studies, University of Kashmir highlighted the responsibility of Islamic Studies faculty and how this discipline not only is seen as a medium of employment but equally makes us more responsible teachers and positive trend setters in our society. The second lecture was delivered by Prof. Hamidullah Marazi, Dean Social Sciences and Head Department of Religious Studies, Central University of Kashmir revisited the intents of this subject and how this discipline can create a value-centric engagement and the multidisciplinary nature of this discipline can become an inalienable part of any discipline of knowledge.
Prof. Abdul Rashid Bhat, Head Department of Islamic Studies, University of Kashmir spoke about the pedagogical problems faced by the subject and how we can enhance and tread a path to shape our engagement vis-à-vis taking due consideration into the challenges to the subjects coming from the worldwide academic institutions. Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, talked about the scope of Islamic studies discipline and how the discipline has emerged as one of the most reputed and respected subjects, opted by thousands of students across the state, country and widely received by western academia.
After the Resource Persons delivered their speeches, the felicitation ceremony was held and all the appointed faculties in higher secondary, college and University were felicitated and presented with mementos and certificate of appreciation. Dr. Afroz Ahmad Bisati, Head Department of Islamic Studies, Islamic University of Science and Technology talked about the idea of knowledge of Islam and how asking questions remain at the epicenter of Islamic thought, and engaging with our tradition, and looking at how we can create a result oriented education system is the primary responsibility of Islamic studies student, researcher and faculty. It is equally important to shift from legalist engagement with Islam to value-oriented engagement with Islam.
Dr. Showkat Hussain Dar, Faculty, IUST, talked about the recent development in the field of Islamic studies and how Muslims have come up with new literature manifesting the existentialist epistemological framework of Islam. He also congratulated the Institute (IICC) for organising this event and suggested to introduce the alternate literature produced by Muslim scholars. Dr. Gazanfar Ali Khan, Maulana Azad Urdu National University, talked about his humble contribution and engagement with Islamic studies discipline. He also talked about the role of MANNU in uplifting and disseminating knowledge through urdu medium. Dr. Shakeel, MANNU congratulated the Institute of Islamic Culture & Civilization for organizing this event and working for this subject. He equally congratulated the recently appointees in Islamic studies discipline. He highlighted the role and responsibility of Islamic studies department and faculty members for promoting the Unitarian vision of Islam.
Dr. Ghulam Nabi Falahi, another speaker reminded the audience of considering the Quranic diversity, and how pluralism is embedded and considered an inalienable part of Islamic tradition. He also talked about the growth of Islam in European world and how the message of Islam is traversing across territorial boundaries. Taking due cognizance of the latest developments and the unrelenting growth of Islam has opened the doors of Islamic studies across the globe.
The event concluded with the vote of thanks from Nazir ul Islam, General Secretary, IICC to the professors who joined us for the ceremony. He also congratulated the recent recruits in the higher education department and also the participants who participated in the programme.