The biography of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) of Islam has always been a fascinating topic for writers across the globe,” said Dr. Ibrahim Mohd. Al-Batshan, Cultural Attache of the Saudi Arabia Embassy while delivering his inaugural speech in a two-day national seminar on “Biography of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) in modern Arabic Literature”, on February 17, 2011 at Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh.
Dr. Al-Batshan said that centuries of Islam represented a period of collection and classification of the available material on his life.
He said that Ibne Ishaq and Ibne Hashsham were the two Arabic biographers who had done the marvellous job.
In his presidential address, AMU Vice Chancellor, Prof. P. K. Abdul Azis said that the life of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) of Islam is an open book and everything is documented. He urged every Muslim to follow the Sunnah of Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be to him).
Prof. Azis mentioned that the founder of this institution, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan established this institution on the pattern of Cambridge and Oxford and the medium of instruction was English to conquer the world. He said that the Department of Arabic has produced great scholars and continued the legacy.
In his introductory remarks, Dr. M. Faizan Beg, Convener of the Seminar pointed out that after the advent of western colonial powers to different parts of the Arab and Muslim world since late nineteenth century onwards, there emerged a group of western writers who motivated by their ingrained prejudice and partisan desire to belittle the personality of the Prophet, subjected his life and work to malicious carping criticism.
He said that the world has yet to understand the greatest reality about Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) that is his being the true and the last Prophet of God for all humanity.
Prof. M. A. Alvi, Chairman, Department of Arabic, said that the department has been a great seat of Arabic learning and research since its inception. He said that all the faculty members are playing an active role in promoting the Arabic language and literature by participating in more than 15 international and 35 national seminars and by producing and publishing more than forty books and 300 research papers. In all, more than 150 Indian and foreign scholars completed their PhD and M. Phil theses.
Prof. Alvi said that the Department of Arabic at AMU is the only department in the whole country to get the prestigious status of Centre of Advanced Studies.
On this occasion, four books and Arabic journals were released by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. P. K. Abdul Azis.
Prof. S. Kafeel Ahmad Qasmi, Coordinator of the Conference said that a large number of delegates from all parts of the country participated in the two-day deliberations. Prof. M. S. Usmani delivered the vote of thanks.