Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow

By Jamil Akhter, Special to IslamOnline

UTTAR PRADESH, India, February 7 (IslamOnline) - Maulana Muhammad Rabey Nadwi, president of the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and Nazim (rector) of Nadwatul-Ulama, inaugurated a new media department in his renowned academic institution in the presence of distinguished gathering in Lucknow, capital of the Indian province of Uttar Pradesh, this week.

This is the first such department in an Islamic seminary in India. It is an indication that religious scholars too are taking note of the importance of this subject.

Nadwatul Ulama, home for a number of Arabic, Urdu, English and Hindi weekly and monthly publications, is the first institution of Islamic learning in the country which has launched a diploma course in journalism for its students who had completed their graduation (Fadilah) course.

With the introduction of the course of journalism, a cherished desire of late Syed Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi, has been fulfilled.

Nadwa scholars are of the opinion that the ongoing anti-Islamic propaganda should be fought with the same weapons of media.

In the distinguished presence of veteran journalists including former chief editor of Urdu daily Qaumi Awaz Ishrat Ali Siddiqui and Husain Ameen, Maulana Muhammad Rabey warned that the profession of journalism is like a sword and it can either be used like a butcher or with sincerity and commitment for the betterment of the humanity at large.

Criticizing western and American media, especially for its venomous behavior towards Muslims and Islam, Maulana Muhammad Rabey said that the world peace was in danger due to their biased attitude.

Maulana Rabey refrained from any direct or indirect reference to the role of Indian media, English or regional.

Chief guest on the occassion, Maulana Saeedur Rahman Azmi Nadwi, principal of Nadwatul Ulama college, stressed the need of Muslims entering the field and commanding it in the overall interest of the peace and tranquility.

Prominent figures such as Maulana Burhanuddin Sambhali, Mufti Zahoor Ahmad, Wazeh Rashid Nadwi, Hamza Hasani Nadwi, Shariq Alavi, Khawaja Raiq and Naib Imam of Idgah Khalid Rasheed Firangimahli besides a number of media persons attended the simple yet impressive function.

The program was conducted by Nazrul Hafeez Nadwi, who is author of a number of books including one on the notorious role of western media and dominance of Jews in the world media.