Need to change Europe’s ‘not-so-friendly’ perspective of Islam, Muslims: Prof Punjabi

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4-day seminar on Arabic language and literature begins at KU

The Kashmir University vice-chancellor, Prof Riyaz Punjabi, on Wednesday urged scholars to work together to change the “not-so-friendly” perspective of the European nations about Islam and Muslims. Addressing academics, scholars and students at a national-level seminar on Arabic language and literature, he said, “When Europe was in utter darkness, the people there resorted to Arabic language to safeguard their knowledge and It was through the efforts of the Arab scholars that the great renaissance in Europe became possible.” Prof Punjabi, however, said the European scholars accepted and assimilated Islamic knowledge without “even properly acknowledging their original beneficiaries.” “They have even distorted the names of many scholars while they refer to them,” he said. The four-day seminar titled “Contribution of Kashmir to Arabic language and literature”, is organised by the varsity’s Department of Arabic. Prof Punjabi said there was need to work together and change the “not-so-friendly” perspective of the European nations about Islam and its people. “It is here that the scholars have a role to play in removing all the misconceptions about the religion,” he said, adding Kashmir has contributed immensely to the promotion of Arabic language and literature. He said the scholars must visit the libraries in Kashmir to have a first hand account of this contribution. In his keynote address, noted Arabic scholar, Prof Zubair Ahmad Farooqui from Jamila Milia Islamia University, New Delhi, asserted that Kashmir continued to be a seat of learning and excellence for long now. “The arrivals from Iran, Turkey and Central Asia brought to the Valley not only the new concerns about the changing paradigms, but also initiated the process of higher learning,” he said, adding, “Amir Kabir Mir Syed Ali Hamadani, Mir Muhammad Hamadani, Sheikh Yaqoub Sarfi, Bulbul Shah and others helped in the upliftment of Kashmir and Kashmiris socially, culturally. They infused the new spirit of learning and made the minds more inquisitive for attaining more and new knowledge.” He said the Arabic scholars have contributed immensely to every branch of learning, including literature, jurisprudence, economics, crafts and arts. “We need to mention the contribution of Old Madarass established by Islamic scholars and rulers alike to promote the dissemination of Islamic studies,” Prof Zubari said. The Chief Guest, Dr Ibrahim Muhammad Al-Badshan, Cultural Attaché, Royal Embassy, KSA, New Delhi, acknowledged the contribution of the Arabic Department in promoting Arabic language and literature the region despite being at a significant distance from the Arabic-speaking lands. “Kashmiris scholars are well known for their contribution to various fields of knowledge from the past. The seminar is expected to generate enough illumination to overcome the frozen environment around,” he said, adding, “Kashmiris and Kashmir is known to Arabic world not only through the products like like Shawls and Saffron, but also through the manuscripts containing wisdom and intellectual discussions on the various facets of life.” In his welcome address, the Head, Department of Arabic, said illustrious personalities like Anwar Shah Kashmir, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Allama Sona-ullah belonged to Kashmir and contributed in a big way to the development of Islamic knowledge and studies. He said Kashmir produced such personalities who changed the methodology and approaches to Islamic studies. The department, he said, has made significant contribution to the understanding of Islamic studies. Dr Salahuddin Tak, senior assistant professor, Deptt of Arabic, conducted the proceedings and presented the vote of thanks. Mufti Azam Kashmir, Mufti Bashir-ud-din Farooqi was present at the function besides a galaxy of Islamic scholars, and university faculty.