RNA – On March 22nd, a book exhibition was held at Mawlana Azad library at 10:00 am in which some rare manuscripts including the Holy Quran written by Imam Ali were displayed.
This book exhibition was inaugurated by Abdul-Hamid, the university registrar.
Professor Mahrukh Mirza and Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Urdu, the vice-chancellor of Arabic-Persian University in Lucknow were the chief guests of the function which was presided over by the vice chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University, Professor Tariq Mansour.
Hujjat al-Islam Hadi Walipour was the guest of honour whereas Mawlana Akhtar Abbas Jawn and Professor Farhatullah Khan were the guest speakers and the poets were Professor Ayn al-Hasan, and Sayyed Shohrat Adib.
Professor Parvez Qamar Rizvi delivered the welcoming address and Professor Abid Ali Khan, the treasurer of the Ali Society, delivered the vote of thanks.
The celebration started at 7:30 pm in Aligarh Muslim University’s Kennedy Auditorium with the recitation of Holy Quran.
Addressing the Ali Day commemoration, Professor Tariq Mansour said that “Imam Ali was one of the greatest scientists whose teachings created people like ibn Sina, Omar Khayyam, Jabir ibn Hayyan and others.”
This is an institution and the followers of Holy Prophet Muhammad and Imam Ali must have a vision like they did. Imam Ali was the gate of knowledge so at least we must enter into that.”
Professor Mahrukh Mirza said “There are hundreds of titles of Imam Ali and one of them is ‘Mawla-ye Kaenat’ [Master of the Universe] which means Imam Ali isn’t limited to any religion, caste and creed but every generous man who knows about him will accept Imam Ali. However, the angle may be different, but not negative.”
Hujjat al-Islam Hadi Walipour urged AMU students to work for universal brotherhood because this is the basic principle of Islam and said, “If we will look into the life of Imam Ali then, it is full of love, peace, tolerance and large heartedness and brotherhood.”
Addressing the attendees, Mawlana Akhtar Abbas Jawn said “The noble personalities always remain unidentified in their times but when the next generations goes through their lives, then they feels the greatness of that person. The same happened with Imam Ali, but now also the people are unable to understand the character of Imam Ali because people have chosen the person (Imam Ali) and not his mission.”
He also mentioned that some global powers wants to eliminate the concept of Religion, but after the struggle of Imam Khomeini the people opened their eyes that the Religion can not only survive but also can lead a nation.”
Professor Emeritus Farhatullah Khan affirmed that the vision that Imam Ali presented some two thousand years ago in Nahj al-Balaghah has remained valid today. He also pointed out the letter of Imam Ali to Malik al-Ashtar (the governor of Egypt who was appointed by Imam Ali) in which he said, “Do not stand over them like greedy beasts who feel it is enough to devour them, since they are of two kinds, either your brother in religion or one like you in creation. They will commit slips and encounter mistakes. They may act wrongly, wilfully or by neglect. So, extend to them your forgiveness and pardon, in the same way as you would like God to extend His forgiveness and pardon to you, because you are over them and your responsible Commander (Imam) is over you while God is over him who has appointed you.”
Professor Ayn al-Hasan and Sayyed Shohrat Adib presented a poetic tribute to Imam Ali.
Sayyed Sajid Husayni presented the annual report of the Ali Society.
The programme was conducted by Ash’had Parvez and Sajid Husayni.
The winners of the essay, debate, speech and quiz competitions, held to mark Ali Day, were also awarded with prizes.
Rasa News Agency
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