KARACHI, March 26: All the issues being faced by the Muslim Ummah today could be resolved if we have 50 people amongst us of the calibre of Hazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Barelvi. Imam Raza Barelvi was not only bold in raising the voice of truth but also reformist whose writings were aimed eliminating disorder from the society. Even if the Ummah follow his teachings today, most of the problems could be solved.
These tributes were paid to Imam Raza Barelvi (RA) by foreign scholars at the 26th Annual Imam Raza International Conference, presided over by Pro-Vice Chancellor of Karachi University Prof (Dr) Akhlaq Ahmad, held on Saturday in a local hotel where scholars presented papers on different aspects of the life and works of Imam Raza Barelvi.
Kuwait’s scholar and ex-minister Al-Syed Yusuf Al-Syed Al-Hashim Al-Rifai, who was the chief guest on the occasion, recalling the great contribution of Imam Raza Barelvi in spreading the message of Islam stressed the need not only to recall his teachings but also to practise them as salvation of Ummah was in practising the teachings of Islam.
The Imam is a good example of love for the Prophet and practising his teachings, he pointed out and said that only a genius personality of the calibre the Imam could guide the Ummah whether the globalisation, which had turned the world into a village resulting in knocking the western culture and civilization at our doors should be rejected.
Likewise, he said, another issue which called for immediate attention was relations with the West. He said that the West had been terming Muslims terrorists but they did not stop desecrating Holy Qur’an and indulging in cartoon like blasphemy acts.
The Kuwait scholar made it clear that if the West did not stop hurting feelings of Muslims, there could be no peace in the world as always there would be someone to challenge their blasphemy actions.
He said that Muslims were terming each other infidels. Who would determine the right path, had there been Imam Barelvi he had demonstrated courage by taking the upright stand, he said.
He regretted that Muslims had left Palestine alone where Zionists were grabbing Al-Quds and there was no one to reach for the help of Palestinians.
Prof Dr Akhlaq Ahmad, in his presidential speech, referred to the contribution of the Imam in the field of economy by recalling his four point’s economic reforms which he presented in 1912 for strengthening economic conditions of Muslims. These reforms based on four points in which he had asked Muslims of the subcontinent to pay attention on the promotion of their religion, avoid indulgence in spent thrift in functions, Muslims should have dealings with Muslim traders and introduced Muslim Banking system on the Islamic principles.
He said that the first doctorate degree on Imam Barelvi’s works was awarded by the Karachi University and the university was open to assist and help those students keen to work for MPhil and doctorate.
He said his works and teachings if followed could also help even now to resolve pressing problems of today and Pakistan could be strengthened.
Another scholar from Syria Prof Dr Shahbuddin Furfoor said that Imam Raza Barelvi was known in Muslim world as Shaikh-ul-Islam who was not against studying philosophy and other worldly disciplines of learning provided they were used to protect religion and subservient to the religious disciplines.
Scholar from Syria Ahmad Samar Al-Qabani said that the works of Imam Raza Barelvi was so extensive that even after 80 years of his passing away had still a name as Shaikh-ul-Islam whose teachings required to be transferred to the coming generation so that they could benefit.
In his welcome address, President of Idarai Tahqeeqat-i-Imam Ahmad Raza International Syed Wajahat Rasool Qaderi said that Imam Ahmad Raza Khan, who was an institution in himself being well versed in more than fifty branches of learning, had a vision for Muslims to take them out from inactive life to the dynamism of Islam. He said that the Idara had published over 100 books during last 15 years and now working to set up Imam Ahmad Raza Digital Library and build Imam Ahmad Raza complex with all facilities for research scholars in the initial stage and later on upgrade it into a university.
Prof (Dr) Ahmed Quaderi from the University of Karachi, Prof Saleem Jundran from Punjab University, Allama Ateeq Munawwar from Birmingham, Prof Dr Dilawar and Dr Mumtaz Ahmad Sadidi Al-Azhari from Faisalabad University also spoke. Dr Majeedullah Quaderi conducted the proceedings.
