ITREB organizes “Seerat-e-Murtazavi Conference” in Hunza
by Zulfiqar Ali Khan
Hunza, August 24: Scholars and poets at the “Seerat-e- Murtazavi” conference held in Karimabad, Hunza stressed on the people to shun their differences and stand united, in order to cope with the contemporary challenges faced by the Muslim Ummah. The conference was organised under the auspices of Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board (ITREB), for Hunza, in collaboration with Ismaili Regional Council, Hunza.
The objective was to promote dialogue and understanding among different islamic interpretations so that an enabling environment can created where initiatives can be taken to curb sectarianism, extremism and terrorism.
Agha Syed Rahat Hussain Al-Hussaini, Imam Juma wa Jamat, Imamia Jama Masjeed, Gilgit, presided over the conference. The speakers underscored various aspects of the life of Hazrat Ali (AS) and paid rich tributes to the first Imam of the Shia Muslims, and fourth pious caliph of all Muslim, for his wisdom, generosity, patience, gallantary, firmness, and justice. They said that there was no other personality in the human hisotry that could be compared with him in terms of knowledge, wisdom and bravery.
Speaking at the conference Agha Rahat Hussain Al-Hussaini highlighted different dimensions of the personality and teachings of Azrat Ali (AS) . He appreciated the efforts of Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board for Hunza and expressed the need to organise such forums regularly in order to create harmony in the region.
Other speakers at the occasion included Khawaja Khan; President Ismaili Regional Council for Hunza, Muhammad Aslam; Coordinator ITREB North, Ali Muhammad; Director Huswa School, Sheikh Muhammad Mussa; Khateeb Jama Musjid Aliabad, Dr. Aziz ullah Najeeb, Aetmadi Fida Ali Esar; Senior Scholor ITREB and Muhammad Nabi; Chairman ITREB for HUnza .
Poets from different parts of Gigit-Baltistan also paid rich tributes to Hazrat Ali through their poems and Qaseedahs, emphasizing on the life, teachings and Seerat of Hazrat Ali (AS). The poets included Amin Zia, Jamsheed Dhuki, Abdul Khaleeq Taj, Nazir Ahmed Bulbul, Sher Baz Khan, Ghulam Abbas Naseem and Asmatullah Mushfiq.
A large number of people from various schools of thought attended the conference and stressed the need to promote interaction among all four major Islamic interpretations living in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Dear Readers of PT,
It is really a great initiative taken by the ITREB Hunza for promoting the sense of harmony and bridging the gaps which normally create a very different atmosphere for the two communities of interpretations.
It is very important to boost our knowlege in the context of theology and to retain the very valuable and historical rituals of ours.
One must not just think of the religious events but what lies beyond the events.
I would praise the dynamic leadership of Ustad Mohtarram Muhammad Nabi for taking such historical step by bringing the two communities of interpretations more closer.
Good going ITREB Hunza and I would expect mega events for more and more understanding of Islam.
Regards
Aslam Ghalib
this is what we need and expect how to deal the critical time and finish the gaps between the comminities at local level i am personally very oblized to see this news on PT website this is bridging between communities and imam expects from jamat i congrate all the orgnizer,s and participents who have made that fabouls and success…and specially ITREB hunza and Nabi sir for his effort,s god bless u all……
Didar Karim Bari
Islamabad
Such initiatives are germane to the emerging context where we are faced with numerous challenges in the society, faith related challenges being not an exception. These challenges are mostly because of what Imam-e-Zaman has termed as clash of ignorance. The common grounds amongst different communities of interpretation and persuasion, need to be explored and unraveled. This way we will be more open to understand each other hence creating more space for mutual respect and care.
This is a good initiative by ITREB Hunza and it is great to learn that Agha Rahat Saheb was also present in this gathering. A big hand for ITREB and RC Hunza for this initiative. This must have been a good learning experience for those who were present. This is a live example of what Hazrat Ali Murtaza taught, as one of the greatest aspects of His life was seeking and sharing knowledge. Syedna Pir Nasir Khusrow says:
Bamardi-wa zuhdu ba-ilm-o sakha
Ba-nazam ba-deen har chahar-e- Ali
cheers,
Sultan
In continuation of my previous post, let me make it clear that the word clash of ignorance was actually termed by Hazir Imam in response to the so called clash of civilization. This was mainly meant for the situations between the west and Muslim world. Hazir Imam has always tried to make it clear to the West that since they know little about Islam, they consider it harmful for them and vice versa.
However, I have borrowed the term here becuase even within Islam, we know very little about each other and there is need to study more and share knowlege with each other. This will hopefully enhance our understanding of different communities living in these mountains for centuries. It is important to note that such gatherings have, in the past taken place in Gilgit, Skardu etc. where scholars from different communities of interpretation have delivered speeches. These are great efforts and need to be continued across the area and across communities.
Dear Muhammad Nabi Sahib,
Chairman ITREB for Hunza,
It gives me immense pleasure to congratulate you on conducting a successful “Seerat-e-Murtazavi Conference” in Hunza. I am sure that such conferences will boost up the confidences of the social workers, volunteers and assist the masses to bridge the gaps between different schools of thought and leads to the vision of ‘Mowlana Hazir Imam’ to respect diversity and pluralism.
As, it is evident that the Muslim Ummah as the followers of Islam has been suffered in the globe and blamed for only suicide bombers, terrors and other bad names. But, the fact is that Islam is the religion of peace, generosity and harmony and Mowlana Hazir imam as a generous Muslim leader always make advocacy for peace, harmony and knowledge society.
I perceived it that such events will really divert the perceptions of the scholars within the Islam as well as beyond it, and also support the Message of Mowlana Hazir Imam as clash of ignorance instead of clash of civilization as rightly commented and mentioned by Bahi Sultan Ahmed.
I would also like to add that our youths should remain in touch with the IIS and ITREB publications and other prominent national and international writings on Islam and other religions to get more insights.
Chairman Sahib, once again, let me congratulate you all (all the contributors such as organizers, speakers and participants) along with the leadership of Regional council for Hunza, for conducting such a valuable event in the region and hope for more innovative and creative programs for our Jamati members as well as outreach events in the time coming ahead.
Thanks and regards
Sharif Khan
Well, it is really appriciatable tahat ITREB has organized such a program. ITREB should always organize such programs which will helpful to make bridges with other communities in light of our beloved HAZIR IMAM and it will make every year GOLDEN.
Thanx nd regards
Sarfaraz Amin Hunzai
SAN Institute of Management Sciences
Riphah International University
cheers to all those of u who have made it possible.this is what our BELOVED HAZIR IMAM expects from our institutions & our jamat.
i want to know more and more. wana join u
This limited but bould and positive initiative is highly appreatiated. Comments and sharing of ideas on such historical, conceptual and logical religious topics need indepth knowledge and deep studies. We should have to creat sence of harmony, solidarity, the matter of patience to bear the people from all sects and invite them on such a plateform to bring out the truth and do some thing for the betterment and development of the area locally and regionally.