Extension Lecture by French Historian at Department of Philosophy, AMU
Aligarh : French Historian and scholar of Islamic mysticism Dr. Alexandre Papas (French National Centre for Scientific Research, Paris) discussed various aspects of Sufi studies and scholarships in the European landscape emerging from the early 20th century.
Delivering an extension lecture on “The Contribution of Sufi Studies to Inter-religious Dialogue” at the Arts Faculty Lounge, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Dr. Papas familiarised the audience with the Sufi tradition especially in the Western world.
The lecture was organized by the Department of Philosophy, AMU.
Denoting the French academia on Islamic Philosophy and mysticism, Dr. Papas exhibited some of the reputed journals and works specialising in the contribution of Sufi and Islamic philosophies.
Going deeper and beyond the development of Sufism, he said “this tradition is not confined only to Islam and could be traced both in Christian, Japanese and Chinese traditions”.
Dr. Papas also extended thanks to the Department of Philosophy for inviting him to speak at AMU. He acknowledged the academic contributions of the Department in the field of Islamic Philosophy and highlighted the importance of the Arabic and Persian manuscripts preserved in the Maulana Azad Library of the University.
Earlier, Dr. Aquil Ahmad, Chairperson, Department of Philosophy introduced the theme of the lecture, and the French speaker.
He also highlighted the academic contributions of the Department in various fields. Discussing the theme of the lecture he referred to the legacy and contributions of French and German Orientalists, especially Garsi-da-Tasi and Anna Mary Schimel, and also emphasised the need for inter-religious dialogues between civilisations and religions to develop communal and global harmony.
After an interactive session with the guest speaker, Prof. Latif Hussain Shah Kazmi delivered the concluding remarks. He emphasized on the philosophy of love and serving humanity. Exemplifying both Allama Iqbal and Sartre’s existentialism, Prof. Kazmi stressed on the need for an active Sufi culture for the betterment of humanity.
In his presidential remarks Prof. Arif Nazir, Dean, Faculty of Arts highlighted the significance of inter-religious discourse and the contribution of Sufism and Bhakti movement in India by citing various Hindi, and Sanskrit literary works.
On the occasion, Dr. Alexandre Papas along with the other delegates Julia Trouilloud and Amal Benhagoua from the French Institute in India, and French Embassy were felicitated by Prof. Arif Nazir.
The newly published book titled “Social Psychology of Erich Fromm: A Philosophical Analysis”authored by Dr. Naushaba Anjum, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, was also released during the programme.
Dr. Naushaba Anjum proposed the vote of thanks while Dr. Shahidul Hoque conducted the proceedings.
After the programme, the French delegates visited the manuscript section of Maulana Azad Library and the University Mosque.