Activities of IOS Headquarters

Shah Waliullah Award

The fourth Shah Waliullah Award was posthumously conferred on late Maulana Shahabuddin Nadwi in recognition of his outstanding services and contribution to the Quranic Studies. The award (Rupees One Lakh in cash and a momento) was given to late Maulana Nadwi’s son, Maulana Jameelur Rahman Nadwi in a grand ceremony convened in the Ansari Auditorium of Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, on 27.3.2004. All his life Maulana Shahabuddin Nadwi tried to bring about harmony between the Holy Quran and the Science. He also tried to impress upon his readers that the message of the Holy Quran was eternal and universal and that it would always be relevant providing guidance to erring humanity in all the ages to come.

Maulana Sayyid Mohammad Rabey Hasani Nadwi, President, All India Muslim Personal Law Board, presided over the function. In his presidential remarks Maulana Rabey Nadwi paid a rich tribute to Maulana Shahabuddin Nadwi. He said that Maulana’s effort to explain the verses of the Holy Quran scientifically keeping in mind the modern mind was highly laudable. By honouring the late Maulana with the Shah Waliullah Award, the IOS has acknowledged his great service. Maulana Rabey Nadwi also appreciated and thanked Dr. M. Manzoor Alam, Chairman, IOS, for having taken the initiative for the recognition of scholars who have contributed greatly to one or another branch of knowledge. He also appreciated the academic services of the IOS.

Justice A.M. Ahmadi, former Chief Justice of India presented the Shah Waliulalh Award to Maulana Jameelur Rahman Nadwi who received it on behalf of his late father, Maulana Shahabuddin Nadwi.

Maulana Jameelur Rahman also spoke on the occasion. He said that his father was always engrossed in Quranic Studies. His mission was to prove the greatness of the Holy Quran. He also announced that the one lakh cheque will be given to the Furqania Academy of Bangalore.

The award for junior category: for writing the best essay was given by Mr. Manzoor Ahmad, former Vice-Chancellor of Agra University, to Mr. Mahboob Farogh Ahmad Qasmi. Speaking on the occasion Mr. Ahmad said that in the modern age Ghulam Pervez of Pakistan also wrote on the subject of Quran and science but the problem with his work is that he preferred science over the Quran. In fact, even they tried to effect change in the Quran. On the contrary Maulana Shahabuddin did what a true believer should do. Maulana’s research is of high standard and carries the depth that can not be ignored, said Mr. Ahmad.

Dr. M. Manzoor Alam, Chairman, IOS, while addressing the audience, said that a scholar working on Quranic studies can not afford to ignore Shah Waliullah. He also gave a precise account of the multi-dimensional activities of the IOS. He specially mentioned the eleven volume empowerment series which has been designed to empower the Muslims in various fields. Two books of the empowerment series were recently released and have received appreciation from various quarters since then. He also gave a brief account of the various projects which have been completed or are under preparation. Finally he appealed people to cooperate with the IOS in completing the noble mission of empowering the Muslims and other weaker sections in the country.

Prof. Z.A. Nizami, Director (Academics) of the IOS paid a rich tribute to late Maulana Shahabuddin in a fine literary manner. Prof. Z.M. Khan, who conducted the award function, thanked the dignitaries and the audience. He also announced the topic or field for the fifth Shah Waliullah Award. That the next year the award would be given to a scholar of Indian nationality who has made outstanding contribution to “Historiography in Islamic Perspective”. For the essay competition the topic would be “Human Rights in Islamic Perspective”. The programme ended with dua (prayer) by Maulana Rabey Hasani Nadwi.