IOS-Aliah University organises 5-day Summer School on Islamic Studies at Kolkata

IOS-Aliah University organises 5-day Summer School on Islamic Studies at Kolkata

Kolkata, April 25, 2025: A five-day offline-online Summer School on Islamic Studies, was jointly organised by the Institute of Objective Studies (IOS), Kolkata Chapter, and the Department of Islamic Theology, Aliah University, Kolkata from April 21 to 25, 2025 at The Park Circus campus of Aliah University Kolkata.

This unique academic initiative—envisioned and guided by Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam, Chief Patron of IOS, New Delhi—was designed to foster critical inquiry and engagement with Islamic scholarship in contemporary contexts. It brought together leading scholars and academicians from within India and abroad, and students from universities across Kolkata and beyond in a collaborative space for reflection and learning.

The Summer School Program witnessed a distinguished gathering of scholars, academicians, and policymakers from within India and abroad. The program, conducted in both online and offline modes, aimed to foster critical engagement with Islamic thought and contemporary scholarship among university students and young researchers, witnessed participation of more than 350 students from universities across Kolkata and beyond. The Park Circus Campus Auditorium remained full throughout, with rich academic interaction and enthusiastic engagement from attendees.

In the inaugural session held on April 21, the keynote address was delivered by Prof. Dr. M. Afzal Wani, Chairman, Institute of Objective Studies, New Delhi, who emphasised the need for intellectual rigour, ethical leadership, and skill development in contemporary Islamic scholarship. His address resonated with the participants, encouraging them to blend knowledge with action and character.

An expert address was delivered online by Prof. Dr. Mumtaz Ali, Chairman, Department of Usul-al-Din and Comparative Religion, International Islamic University Malaysia, who praised the university’s leadership and called the Summer School a reflection of organiser’s insightful and visionary approach to nurturing thoughtful, socially responsible scholars.

This was followed by an engaging theme address by Dr. Noorus Sabah Ismail, Member, West Bengal Madrasah Service Commission, Kolkata, who urged participants to treat the Qur’an not only as scripture but also as a compass for moral reasoning and social rectitude. Drawing inspiration from Prof. Wani’s keynote address, he highlighted the need to realign individual and collective priorities through the Qur’anic values.

In her guest address, Prof. Dr. Nargis Ahmed, Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology, Aliah University, Kolkata, called the initiative a commendable step towards spiritual enrichment and intellectual development. She expressed her appreciation to the organisers for tailoring such a meaningful academic space for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The international segment continued with a thought-provoking online presentation by Prof. Dr. Shukran Bin Abd Rahman, Dean, AbdulHamid Ahmad AbuSulayman Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences, International Islamic University, Malaysia. He offered a conceptual framework for understanding Islamic knowledge, using visual aids and a structured approach to explain how foundational and applied Islamic studies can transform learners’ worldviews.

Mr. Mohammad Nadimul Haque, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, in his special address, underscored the importance of being action-oriented rather than merely rhetorical. He stressed the need to preserve cultural and intellectual heritage through accessible and transformative education—lauding the Summer School as a vital step in that direction.

An insightful expert address was then presented by Prof. Dr. Omar Hasan Kasule, Secretary General, International Institute of Islamic Thought, USA. He spoke about how Islamic perspectives offer practical solutions to the challenges of modern society. Congratulating the organisers, he wished the participants an enriching five-day journey and presented a step-by-step framework for acquiring Islamic knowledge that is spiritually grounded and socially relevant.

Mr. Ahmed Hasan Imran, Chairman, West Bengal Minorities Commission, delivered a powerful reflection on the value of historical consciousness. He urged participants to play an active role in preserving and learning from history to ensure a more informed and united society.

The inaugural session culminated with the presidential address by Prof. Dr. Rafikul Islam, Vice-Chancellor, Aliah University, Kolkata. Thanking both the in-person and online dignitaries, he addressed the participants directly, emphasising the role of such academic platforms in shaping enlightened worldviews among the youth. He congratulated all registrants and extended his best wishes for their intellectual and spiritual growth through the program.

Earlier, the inaugural session began on a spiritual note with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an by Mr. Qari Kamaluddin Khan, Faculty, Deptt. of Islamic Theology, Aliah University, Kolkata. This was followed by a warm and multilingual welcome address by Dr. Md. Ashraf Ali Nadwi Azhari, Head, Deptt. of Islamic Theology, Aliah University, Kolkata. Dr. Azhari highlighted the significance of this academic initiative in promoting values-based education and extended a heartfelt welcome to all dignitaries and participants.

Mr. Abdul Basit Ismail, Coordinator, IOS, Kolkata Chapter, delivered the introductory address, acknowledging the continued support of Vice-Chancellor, Aliah University, Prof. Dr. Rafikul Islam, whose vision has been central to this initiative. He elaborated on the genesis of the Summer School on Islamic Studies and its long-term academic aspirations.

The formal proceedings concluded with the vote of thanks, followed by the announcement of lunch and the commencement of Business Session–I scheduled post-lunch. With a confluence of distinguished thought leaders, rich scholarly discourse, and a committed audience, the inaugural session set the tone for an intellectually vibrant and spiritually uplifting the 5-day Summer School on Islamic Studies ahead.

Across five days, eminent scholars delivered their lectures on a wide range of themes. In the post-inaugural session on day 1, Prof. Dr. M. Afzal Wani delivered his lecture on Globalization and Islam, followed by Dr. Mohd Shamim Akhter Qasmi, Asstt. Professor, Deptt. of Islamic Theology, Aliah University, who spoke on The Life of Prophet Muhammad and Orientalists.

On day 2, Dr. Md. Ashraf Ali Nadwi Azhari, Head, Deptt. of Islamic Theology, Aliah University, delivered his lecture on Jama wa Tadween-e-Hadith, followed by Prof. Dr. Javed Ahmad Khan, Former Director, Centre for West Asian Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, on Islamic Perspective of Money and Wealth, and Prof. Dr. Mohd. Fahim Akhtar, Deptt. of Islamic Studies, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad, on Aqeeda: Tawheed Risalat, Aakhrat.

Dr. Mohd. Rabiul Islam, Asstt. Professor, Deptt. of Mathematics, St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, spoke on Muslims Contributions to Mathematics and Medicine followed by Dr. Noorus Sabah Ismail, Member, West Bengal Madrasah Service Commission, Kolkata, on The Qur’an: A Universal Manifesto of Knowledge Reflection, Inquiry, and Ijtihad, and Dr. Uzma Naheed, Director, Iqra Education Foundation, Mumbai, on Women in Islam.

On day 3, Prof Dr. Rafikul Islam, Vice-Chancellor, Aliah University delivered a very impactful lecture on Time Management from Islamic Perspective, while Dr. Muhammad Raziul Islam Nadvi, Idara-e-Tahqiq-wa-Tasneef, Aligarh, spoke on Islam as Faith and Civilisation, and Prof. Dr. Mumtaz Ali, Chairman, Department of Usul-al-Din and Comparative Religion, International Islamic University Malaysia, on Islam in 21st Century.

Dr. Sajjad Alam Rizvi, Asstt. Professor, Deptt. of History, Presidency University, Kolkata, delivered his lecture on Islam in India, while Prof. Syed Jamaluddin, Director, IOS Centre for Historical and Civilisational Studies, Aligarh, spoke on Non-Muslims under the Muslim Empires.

On day 4, Dr. Kamal Ashraf, Asstt. Professor, Deptt. of Islamic Theology, Aliah University, Kolkata, delivered his lecture on Islam and Environment, while Prof. Dr. Hamid Naseem Rafiabadi, Visiting Professor, International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation (ISTAC), Malaysia, spoke on Islam and Humanity, and Dr. Ziauddin Malik, Deptt. of Islamic Studies, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, on Islam and World Peace.

Dr. Syed Abdur Rasheed, Head, Deptt. of Islamic Studies, Aliah University, Kolkata, delivered his lecture on Development of Fiqh, followed by Prof. Dr. Shukran Bin Abd Rahman, Dean, AbdulHamid Ahmad AbuSulayman Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences, International Islamic University, Malaysia, on Islam and Multiculturism, and Prof. Dr. Tauqeer Alam Falahi, Former Dean and Chairman, Deptt. of Sunni Theology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, on Islamic Perspective of Knowledge.

The valedictory session, held on April 25, was graced by the esteemed guests including Dr. Sk. Ashfaque Ali, Dy. Registrar, Aliah University, Kolkata; Mr. Raees Ahmed Nadwi, Principal, Darul Uloom Deeniyat, Bhiwandi, Maharashtra; Dr. Saeedur Rahman Faizi, Chairman, Al-Nadwa Education Centre, Canada; Prof. Tauqeer Alam Falahi, Former Dean and Chairman, Deptt. of Sunni Theology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh; Prof. Abdur Raheem Kidwai, Director, Prof. K.A. Nizami Centre for Qur’anic Studies, Aligarh; Mr. Abid Hussain; and Prof. Dr. Sharmishtha Chatterjee, Dean, Faculty of Humanities & Languages, Aliah University, Kolkata, which reflected the academic depth and interdisciplinary relevance of the sessions.

The Presidential Address at the valedictory session was delivered by Prof. Z.M. Khan, Patron, Institute of Objective Studies, New Delhi, who commended the organisers for fostering a culture of reflective scholarship and urged for such efforts to continue across institutions.

Dr. Md. Ashraf Ali Nadwi Azhari, Head Deptt. of Islamic Theology, Aliah University, expressed his sincere thanks to Prof. Dr. Rafikul Islam, Vice-Chancellor, Aliah University, Kolkata, for his generous support and encouragement in organising the program successfully.

On behalf of IOS Kolkata Chapter, Mr. Abdul Basit Ismail said, “This Summer School was a modest but meaningful attempt to bring faith-based inquiry back into academic discourse. The overwhelming response encourages us to continue this journey.” Mr. Ismail also acknowledged the guidance of Mr. Mohammad Alam, Secretary General, Institute of Objectives Studies, New Delhi, whose behind-the-scenes support ensured the event’s smooth execution.

The program was smoothly coordinated by a dedicated team from the Department of Islamic Theology, under the guidance of Dr. Md. Ashraf Ali Nadwi Azhari, Head, with active academic support from Dr. Mohd Shamim Akhter Qasmi, Assistant Professor.

The inaugural and valedictory sessions were compered meticulously by Md. Shahjahan, Vice Principal, Jibreel International School, Kolkata, whose seamless anchoring enriched the formal proceedings.

The Summer School ended on a high note, having set a precedent for collaborative learning and meaningful intellectual engagement rooted in Islamic values and academic integrity. .

A view of audience