Seminar on Peace Building, Human Brotherhood and Ilm-e-Maqasid-e-Shariah held

Aligarh : The Department of Islamic Studies, Aligarh Muslim University and Aligarh Interfaith Center, in collaboration with the Humanities Advanced Studies Institute, New Delhi organised a two-day international seminar titled “Peace Building, Human Brotherhood and Ilm-e-Maqasid-e-Shariah”.

The inaugural session was held at the JNMC auditorium that featured eminent scholars, sufis and saints from the country and abroad.

Prof. Ali Mohammad Naqvi, Aligarh Interfaith Center, welcomed the guests and attendees, emphasising that peace and harmony is the basic need of any country, but some self-interested people keep trying to disrupt the peace and unity by taking us away from kindness and moral values.

Prof. Abdul Hamid Fazili, Chairman, Department of Islamic Studies, said the world is facing numerous challenges such as increasing conflicts, rising intolerance, growing social inequality, and a disconnect among communities. These global issues require innovative solutions based on shared human values. “One of the most robust frameworks to address these challenges is Maqasid-e-Shariah, which aims to promote justice, welfare and human dignity. Maqasid-e-Shariah will explain how Islamic teachings can be implemented in contemporary global efforts to promote peace, social justice, and the well-being of all humanity”, he said.

Maulana Syed Salman Husaini Nadvi said the way things are happening today around the globe threaten co-existence in societies, and intellectuals from all religions must unite to promote communal harmony and end hatred.

The chief guest, Prof. Syed Ainul Hasan, Vice-Chancellor, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad emphasised on promoting brotherhood among communities. He said some elements having vested interests are creating bitterness and hatred among the citizens which is spoiling the atmosphere of the country, so we need to remain alert and vigilant against such hate-mongers.

Addressing the gathering, Ayatullah Mahdi Mahdavipour from Iran said the teachings of Islam are based on specific goals and objectives which are compatible with human nature and thought. Among the main objectives of Islamic law are the protection of life and property, the protection of honour and justice, and promotion of brotherhood among communities. “From the point of view of Islam, religiosity is the achievement of moral excellence, and the leaders of all religions should cooperate with each other to strengthen moral values”, he added.

Ayatullah Mubalighi said good conduct and behaviour are among the main goals of Islam and the Muslim Ummah should always preach and practice justice for all, irrespective of religion, gender and race.

Mr. Agha Nawab, Founder, Interfaith University, Qum, Iran said India is a country that best reflects unity in diversity, enabling diverse groups to live in harmony.

Addressing the seminar, Shri Vrajendra Nandan Das said the main cause of suffering in our life is ignorance; that is why people start hating each other. It is necessary to understand the value of peaceful living.

Shri Vivek Muniji said we must unite in spreading the message of love, peace and brotherhood, while Dr. Chandrakitti emphasised the need to sit together to remove misconceptions and mistrust among the communities.

Dr. Bilal Ahmad Kutty conducted the programme, while Dr. Aijaz Ahmed and others helped in organising it smoothly.