World Arabic Day at AMU
Aligarh : In recognition of the role of Arabic language in connecting people through culture, science and literature, the Department of Arabic, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) observed the ‘World Arabic Day’.
“The annual celebration of World Arabic Day falls on the same day in 1973 when the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted Arabic as the sixth official language of the Organization”, said Prof Faizan Ahmad (Chairman, Department of Arabic) discussing the significance of the occasion.
He added: The World Arabic Day not only celebrates the cultural diversity of the Middle Eastern region and its spoken language, but it also reminds us of the role Arabic has played in promoting and enabling interactions between varied cultures from the Horn of Africa to the Indian coast.
“Arabic has transcended geographical borders and reached far flung lands of Africa, Europe and North America, and that it is, therefore, a truly international language”, said Prof Faizan.
Prof Mohd Sami Akhter said, “As a Semitic language with a rich and vibrant history, Arabic has served as the vessel of intellectual and scientific exchanges during the Middle Ages.
He pointed: “Many historical Semitic languages are now extinct, but Arabic managed to survive the test of time”.
Prof Mohd Sami also spoke on the efforts of Middle Eastern countries in promoting Arabic and its development.
“Arabic is a sacred language and its survival has been guaranteed by virtue of being the language of Islamic scriptures”, said Prof Abu Sufyan Islahi also stressing the need for Arabic to be kept well connected with the latest developments in Science and Technology in order for it to remain relevant in the 21st Century.
Prof Tasneem Kauser pointed out: “Arabic is the official language of Arab nations, but is also spoken by a large number of ethnic groups in Iran, Turkey and Cyprus.
“There is a strong presence of Arabic in India too and our scholars have contributed immensely to the growth of Arabic language and literature for centuries,” she said.
Dr Abdul Jabbar described Arabic as an enduring bridge between civilizations, Dr Arafat Zafar spoke of the importance of the Arabic language in religious sphere and secular areas, Dr Shabbir Ahmad spoke of Arabic as one of the oldest languages of human history, Dr Abu Zar Mateen spoke on the works of Arabic faculties in Indian Universities and Dr Syed Ali Hur Kamoonpuri discussed the impact of Iraqi lexicographer, Dr Mohannad al Falluji and his work.