The agenda of an Islamic movement must be evolved from the social realities of history and also by cultural, political and economical contemporary realities; opined Islamic scholars participating in a seminar organised by Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) at its headquarters in the capital. The two-day (October 25-26) seminar on Representation of Islam in Plural Society was attended by world renowned Islamic scholars like Tariq Ramadan, Dr. Nejatullah Siddiqi, Dr. Abdul Haq Ansari and leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami and SIO as resource persons.
Priorities set by Islamic movement in India before half a century must change according to changing circumstances and social challenges, said noted Islamic scholar and economist Dr. Nejatullah Siddiqi. He said after the setback of communism and dominance of capitalistic imperialism no political bloc remains in contemporary global scenario. Humanity is facing a lot of problems like global warming and poverty, which need to be solved. At this moment of history, Islamic movement must rethink upon its earlier set decisions. He was presenting a paper on ‘Rethinking Madras Speech of Maulana Mawdoodi.
Prof. Tariq Ramadan spoke in the seminar by video conferencing from Paris. He said the Indian society is diverse with multiple religions, languages, ethnicities and cultures. It must participate in all the social domains of the country and try to be the flag bearers of universal Islamic values like justice, loyalty, love and respect. He emphasised that we need to propagate what Islam is and stop saying what Islam is not. His speech was followed by detailed interaction with delegates.
Suhail K.K, National President, SIO of India in his presidential speech mentioned that Islam is an ideology that taught the most beautiful art of co-existence embedded with creative dialogue with plural society. This is in contrary to any ideologies of secular modernity which believes in eliminating the ‘others’. He reiterated that the Islamic movement must set examples by socially engaging Islam and solving the basic and living problems of society like poverty, health, human rights, education, etc.
Renowned scholar and former Ameer, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Dr. Abdul Haq Ansari deliberated on Participation of Non-Muslims in an Islamic state. Papers on ‘Islam – Social Engagement and Dawah’, ‘Islamic approach on Ikhtilaf’ and ‘Islam and Muslim representation in colonial and post-colonial society – A comparative study’ were presented by Prof. K.A. Siddiq Hassan (Asst. Ameer, JIH), Maulana Farooq Khan and Shahnawaz Ali Raihan (Sec, SIO of India) respectively. Sadatullah Hussaini, Professor M. Rafat, Dr. SQR Ilyas (Central Advisory Council members of JIH) and Umair Anas (Member, CAC, SIO) also participated in the seminar.