umm Abdillah, Radio Islam Programming – 2013.01.16
The 2nd Imam Qasim Nanotwi Award Conference is set to be held in Azaadville, South Africa over the weekend, insha Allah. An international soiree hosting the strongest academic minds from around the globe is being convened in South Africa under the auspices of the Sheikh Muhi’uddeen Awwamah, the son of Sheikh Muhammad ibn Muhammad Awwamah (db). The senior is a leading hadith scholar from Syria who currently resides in Madinah Munawwara. Three years ago, the first time this type of conference was convened, renowned and respected members of the Ulama fraternity gathered from 43 countries to meet in Istanbul. There, Sheikh Mahmud Ustaosmanoglu, also known as Sheikh Mahmud Effendi of Turkey was presented with an “Outstanding Service to Humanity Award”.
The theme for this year’s seminar ‘Unity of the Ummah’ has manifold objectives. Beginning after Maghrib on Friday, January 17 2014, over 3 days, lectures, discussions and academic discourse aim to promote the following:
a) An awareness of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah principals of Deoband Ulama among segments of the ummah (Arab, Chinese, Malaysian, and Russian etc.) who are unaware of their sterling academic contributions to Deen.
b) Averting calculated ploys and machinations seeking to distort the image of Muslim scholarship, and destroy its pristine outlook.
c) To create within visiting dignitaries’ and languid scholars deep impressions of our past Ulama, making clear their ways of thinking, and explaining their robust methods of discipline. Especially, in so far as their unity in Sunnah; Aqeeda; Fiqh; Hadith; Tarbiyah & Sulook, enabling scholars facing challenges with regards these, and reigniting a passion to tread along their steps.
South Africa was chosen because of our country’s internal infrastructure and ease of travel for international guests. Further, those with no knowledge of systems employed within structures where a ‘Deoband’ flavour exists would be able to witness first-hand methods of learning and teaching within Dars’ Nizaami Darul Ulooms; at the Tabligh markaz; and from organisations like Darul Ihsaan, The Jamiatul Ulama, MJC etc.
In recent times the term ‘Deobandi’ had been erroneously bandied about like a sect of Islam. Rather than purporting a homogenous and monolithic identity, an affiliation to Deoband merely draws on the Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah, Islamic revivalist and anti-imperialist ideology the Deobandi’s began to develop. These adhere to the concept of taqlid (scholarly authority of the Hanafi, Maliki, Hanbali, Sha’fii Imaams) and condemn inter-school eclecticism. Their Sufism is closely integrated with Hadith scholarship and the proper legal practice of Islam. The Tablighi Jamaat, a Muslim missionary organisation, began as an offshoot of the Deobandi movement.
The award presented at the end of the conference pays homage to Moulana Muhammad Qaasim Nanotwi (ra) (d.1880) who shouldered a renaissance of religious sciences in India and created guiding principles for madaris on which their survival depends. Moulana Qaasim Nanotwi was called Hujjatul Islam (the proof of Islam). His lineage reaches back to Abu Bakr Siddique (rad), which is why he is known as Siddiqui. He is among the notable founders of Darul Uloom Deoband. Qari Muhammad Tayyib Qasmi (db), celebrated Islamic scholar and orator, the 8th Principal of Darul Uloom Deoband, is his grandson.
We pray for the success of the conference with all its aims, and that Allah Almighty protects the ummah from dysfunctional educational systems; knowledge that is of no benefit, or bereft of amal. We pray for safe passage for those travelling to and from the venue and those who attend will share its’ pearls precisely and generously. Ameen.
Further information can be obtained via http://www.iiacsh.org/portal/ or by calling +27-11-4132786 or by emailing darululum@webmail.co.za.
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