KARACHI, March 18: The role of Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Barelvi in the renaissance of Islam in the subcontinent was highlighted at the 27th international conference on his person, teachings and service to Islam and Muslims.

The conference was organised by the Idara Tehqeeqat Imam Ahmad Raza here on Sunday.

A former Sindh governor Lt-Gen (r) Moinuddin Haider, Pro Vice Chancellor of the Karachi University Dr Akhlaq Ahmad, Dr Ghulam Jabber Shams Misbahi (from Mumbai, India), Dr Ashfaq Jalali, Sahibzada Wajahat Rasool Qadri, and others spoke on the occasion.

They said that the Imam rendered valuable service to the Ummah when it was passing through a crucial period (1856– 1931), particularly in this subcontinent where Muslims had lost their empire. On the other hand, Khilafat was breathing its last and Islamic states were facing dismemberment.

They noted that Muslims in the subcontinent were subjected to oppression by English rulers, who were promoting Hindus and pitting them against Muslims.

In such a situation, Imam Ahmad Raza created awareness among Muslim of the subcontinent and the world. He wrote extensively to encourage Muslims to face the challenges of the time and prevent further disintegration of the Ummah.

Imam Ahmad Raza also put in great efforts to persuade Muslims of India to acquire modern day education to compete in the world in the fields of Science and Technology, besides all other disciplines.

They said that Imam Ahmad Raza never accepted gifts, presents, donations etc from the then rulers, Nawabs, Rajas or the British rulers, etc. He strongly believed in the two-nation theory and always stressed on Muslims’ unity.

The speakers noted that Imam Ahmad Raza enjoyed command over the Arabic language and literature and several of his books are described as masterpiece of Arabic literature and treasure of religious teachings.