International Shah-i-Hamdan seminar begins at KU

SRINAGAR: A three day international seminar on “Shah-i-Hamdan’s contribution to learning and Society” commenced at Gandhi Bhawan, University of Kashmir here today.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan, Mr. Saidbeg Saidov is the chief guest while Prof Aziz-ud-Din, Dean Faculty of Humanities and Languages, Jamia Milia Islamia, Delhi and Dr. Ali Dehgahi, Director, Iran Culture House, Delhi are the guests of honour.
Acting Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Mr. Mohammad Amin Sofi chaired the seminar while welcome address was read by Director Shah-i-Hamadan Institute of Islamic Studies, Prof. Hamidullah Marazi.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest, Mr. Saidbeg Saidov deliberated on the life and times of great Muslim Saint, Mir Syed Ali Hamadni (RA). He said that Shah-i-Hamdan (RA) travelled various countries of the world and visited Kashmir with his 700 followers in 14th century and propagated Islamic teachings and then ruler of Kashmir became the follower of the Sufi saint. He said Shah-i-Hamdan (RA) influenced cultural economic aspects of life of Kashmiri’s by introducing crafts and arts.
Mr. Saidov said that he is meeting with Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah for revival of crafts in Kashmir employing latest scientific technology.
In his welcome address professor Hamidullah Marazi said that the Shah-i-Hamadan Institute of Islamic Studies is looking forward to a fruitful academic and educational exchange and MoUS with the academic institutions of Tajikistan as the cultural and spiritual ties between the two are age old. He said that in present imperfect times spiritual and moral values can be reviewed only by emulating the universal and peaceful teachings preached by Iranian and central Asians sages and saints like Syed Ali Hamdani (RA), Saidi and Ghazali. He said that we owe much to this great soul and the seminar is a little way of exhibiting respect and reverence for this great saint. He said the people accompanied Syed Ali Hamdani (RA) to Kashmir was from Iran, Iraq, Kabul, Kandahar, Bukhara and other areas. He said our shawl industry which we owe to Shah-i-Hamdan (RA) is called Kari-Ameeri. The industry which in its heyday created fortunes and adorned kings and queens across the world.
Mr. Sadov presented some mementoes to Vice Chancellor Kashmir University on this occasion.
The Vice Chancellor Kashmir University, former Dean Academic Kashmir University, Prof Ishaaq Khan, Dean Faculty Humanities and Languages Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi, Prof. Aziz-u-Din, Director Iranian Culture House, Delhi, Dr. Ali Dehgahi also spoke on the occasion and highlighted various aspects of Syed Ali Hamdani’s (RA) life and discussed the contribution he made for uplifting cultural, economic and spiritual life of Kashmiri’s.
Later, a number of books were released which include “Sofi Thoughts of Sheikh Syed Qadir Jeelani (RA)” by Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, “Sufism of Rishism in Kashmir”, “Illum-ul-Kalam and Muslim Philosophy” by Prof Hamidullah, “Insight Islamicus” (University Journal), “Seerat-ul-Nabi (SAW) Kay Khad-o-Khal” by Mujeeb Majid, “Alchemy of Light” by G.N. Adfar.
The seminar was organized by the department of Islamic Studies, Kashmir University. (KMW NEWS)