The newly built Library in Islamic Academy named after Dr. Abdul Haq Ansari was inaugurated on 18 February for the scholars to acquire knowledge and expertise in Islamic studies, thoughts and ideas.
Dr. Muhammad Abdul Haq Ansari (1 September 1931–3 October 2012) was the Amir (president) of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) from 2003 to 2007. He was member of Central Advisory Council of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind and also Chancellor of Jamia Islamia, Shantapuram, Kerala. His masterpiece Learning the Language of the Qur’ān is considered one of the best English guides for the beginners of Qur’ānic studies.
The Director of Islamic Academy, Dr. Hasan Raza, in his introductory speech, while introducing Islamic Academy and the thought and the purpose behind the establishment of Abdul Haq Ansari Library, said, “Despite all our efforts we have not been able to attract the best talented students and it remains a challenge for all of us here.”
Dr Nejatullah Siddiqi, a renowned economist and winner of King Faisal International Prize for Islamic Studies, while recalling quality time spent with Dr. Abdul Haq Ansari, said the Islamic Academy should do all in its capacity to become the best centre of Islamic Studies and for that even the best known experts in this field from different places should be called here to interact with students. And if they cannot come here, lectures should be organised with the help of video conferencing and Skype.
Dr Siddiqi also said, “We should try to inculcate the spirit that we had in the past. The campus should be open to all sects and a pure academic atmosphere should be provided so that they never get the adverse feeling here. It can be accomplished only through love, care, compassion and amity.
Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Omari, while presiding over the function, said first the students were motivated and then the full-fledged Islamic Academy was established. “It is true that we all miss the kind of spirit and motivation we had in the past amongst our religious scholars. We all should try to revive that spirit. He asked the students not to keep themselves confined within the four walls of Islamic Academy to acquire knowledge. They can also ask us if there is any doubt or any expert available in this field,” he added.