Inauguration of the Islamic Educational Board’s South Kashmir Office Welcomed as a Positive Step
Srinagar: From the dawn of human existence to the present age, knowledge and diverse forms of learning have enabled humanity to attain distinction over countless other creatures. Through the dissemination and application of knowledge, human beings have gained mastery over numerous observable phenomena of the universe. At the same time, religion has provided a framework for understanding spiritual experiences, beliefs, and profound questions concerning human existence, offering meaningful answers to many of life’s most enduring mysteries. In this context, Islam and scientific knowledge have historically shared a distinctive relationship, with both contributing to humanity’s intellectual and moral development. In the contemporary world, it is the responsibility of scholars and intellectuals to further strengthen this relationship and elevate it to new heights, thereby creating opportunities and pathways for comprehensive social progress and development that can benefit generations to come. These views were expressed by Allama Dr. Ghulam Rasool Hami, Chief of Karwani Islami International, while addressing a gathering of thousands of people at the Central Jamia Masjid, Padgampora, Awantipora, on the occasion of Friday prayers. Addressing the gathering, Allama Hami emphasised the importance of Islamic education, religious instruction, moral values, Shariah-based teachings, and the propagation of the spiritual guidance imparted by the revered Awliya and eminent Sufi saints. He stressed that these must be accompanied by a sound understanding of rapidly advancing secular disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, astronomy, geography, psychology, and other branches of modern knowledge. He observed that a deeper study of Islamic teachings reveals the profound significance of the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as sources of guidance and reflection concerning various aspects of creation and knowledge. He described the Qur’an as an enduring miracle whose significance transcends the limitations of time and remains relevant until the Day of Judgement. Allama Hami further remarked that scientific inquiry, despite its remarkable achievements, remains an evolving process. Scientific theories, established assumptions, and research findings may be revised or superseded as new evidence emerges and fresh discoveries are made. In contrast, he maintained that the truths and teachings established in the Qur’an and Sunnah are definitive and free from error or alteration. He emphasised that the need of the hour is to utilise the complementary strengths of Islamic teachings and scientific knowledge to develop effective social and economic pathways that promote sustainable progress and collective well-being. Following the Friday prayers, Allama Hami inaugurated the office of the Islamic Educational Board, South Kashmir, and extended his congratulations to those associated with the initiative. Speaking to media representatives on the occasion, Allama Hami described such initiatives as highly encouraging and commendable, stating that they would help organise and systematise the Islamic educational framework along the lines of established educational systems, while making the dissemination of knowledge more effective and accessible. He further observed that such initiatives are particularly significant in the present era, as they can open new avenues for meaningful integration between religious education and contemporary academic disciplines, fostering intellectual growth and a more comprehensive approach to education. In this regard, Allama Hami also stressed the need to vigorously propagate the teachings of the revered Awliya and Sufi saints. He called upon religious scholars and community leaders to disseminate these teachings from mosques and pulpits, familiarising people with the wisdom, moral guidance, and spiritual legacy of distinguished personalities of Kashmir, particularly Hazrat Sultan-ul-Arifeen Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom, Hazrat Amir-e-Kabir, Sheikh-ul-Alam, and Lal Arifa. He stated that promoting the teachings of these spiritual luminaries could play a significant role in addressing social evils, religious innovations, drug addiction, and alcoholism, thereby contributing to the moral and spiritual regeneration of society. Allama Hami asserted that a society cannot truly experience the fruits of genuine development until the circulation, distribution, and consumption of narcotic substances and alcohol are effectively eliminated. He emphasised that religious scholars, intellectuals, and those in positions of authority must fulfil their respective responsibilities with sincerity and commitment, working collectively to eradicate these social evils and pave the way for the progress, prosperity, and overall well-being of the nation.
