IOS Condoles the sad demise of Abdul Rasheed Agwan

IOS Condoles the sad demise of Abdul Rasheed Agwan

New Delhi: A condolence meeting to mourn the sad demise of the scholar, writer, researcher, social activist and the founding Secretary General of the Institute of Objective Studies, Abdul Rasheed Agwan, was organised by the Institute at its auditorium on August 24, 2024.

The meeting began with the recitation of a verse from the Holy Qur’an by Maulana Abdullah Tariq. Mr. Mansoor Ahmad, in-charge of the IOS multimedia division, in his opening remarks said that Abdul Rasheed Agwan was gifted with several qualities. He served as the Secretary General of the Institute of Objective Studies since its inception in 1986 till 1993. He later became the Finance Secretary of the Institute from 1993 to 1995, and remained member of its general assembly till 2003. He authored a book Islam and the Environment for the Institute. He combated his serious illness successfully. Shaka was the last book he wrote in Hindi, a novel which was released a few days before his death. He never recovered from a road accident which he met while travelling in Rajasthan.

Noted scholar, Mr. Kaleemul Hafeez, expressed his sorrow over the passing away of Abdul Rasheed Agwan and held that a close friend said good bye to his friends. He was not an ordinary man, he was extra-ordinary in many ways. He left a rich legacy of activism, research, writing and thought. He was an inspiration to everyone who came into contact with him. He was worthy of emulation. What alienated him from others was that he possessed a scientific temper and never bragged. He said that Agwan was a great man whose love for the service of humanity and unflinching faith in Allah was unparalleled. He spent his life in simplicity. He treated old and young alike. He was a visionary who looked at the things from a scientific prism, Mr. Hafeez added.

Dr. M. A. Jauhar noted that he was associated with Abdul Rasheed Agwan for about 23 years. He disclosed that both of them drew a plan for the politics and change. They dreamt of working in 20 different fields. He said that both of them called the local MLA to discuss their plan on these 20 points. He attributed the Shaheen Bagh Bridge and the hospital in Khadar area in Delhi to his unceasing efforts. Besides, sewage treatment plant in Okhla was built due to his efforts, he remarked.

Ms. Shaheen Kausar said that she had no words to praise Abdul Rasheed Agwan as a dynamic and a well-meaning person. His services to the Muslim community could not be lost sight of. It was he who got her admitted as a member of the Social and Democratic Party of India (SDPI). He made Volunteers of Change in her school. That is the reason why his personality was unique. He never nursed a grievance against anybody. She added that he was always concerned about the youngsters and women.

Editor of the Urdu monthly, Afkaar-i-Milli, Dr. Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, observed that Abdul Rasheed Agwan died two days after his last book was released. He said that he was associated with him since the last 40 years. He was selfless in working for the uplift of the common man. “He always thought of doing something new and big, and I worked with him on several projects”. If in a meeting the decision was not in accordance with his wishes, he would raise the issue in the next meeting. He was instrumental in building Ayesha Shelter House for women for their skill development. Milli Model School was another project which was launched at his initiative. Whatever he did, he did it for the pleasure of Allah. He guided people by his high character and noble deeds, and whoever came into contact with him, he did not remain uninfluenced from him. He said pious is one who feeds the poor. He used to search for the poor people to feed them. Besides, he was a mobile encyclopaedia of Qur’anic knowledge. During the fasting month of Ramadhan, he used to invite 250-300 people daily for Iftaar. He urged those who were close to him to fulfil his unfulfilled tasks. He also called for measuring up to the expectations of the Holy Qur’an.

Vice-president of the Delhi State All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat, Dr. Idris Qureshi, said that Abdul Rashid Agwan involved him is several social activities. He used to work on several fronts and connected himself to the like-minded people. He expressed the confidence that his labour for the uplift of the poor and the needy would not go in vain.

Chairman of the Institute of Objective Studies, Prof. M. Afzal Wani recalled his association with Abdul Rasheed Agwan in 1986 when the former was studying in the Jawaharlal Nehru University. He was staying at the Jhelum Hostel of the University then. Two persons came to him by the scooter which was driven by Abdul Rasheed Agwan. The pillion rider was none else but Dr. M. Manzoor Alam, the chief patron and founding chairman of the Institute of Objective Studies. That was the time when the IOS was in the process of being established. He said that he handed over his dissertation for Ph.D. to Dr. Alam for its publication by the Institute of Objective Studies. The dissertation was published later in book form by the Genuine Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd. “Both of them talked to me on Muslim issues. From the time on, whenever I happened to be in Delhi, I met them without fail”. He expressed concern that both judiciary and legislature were eroding the principles of Shariah, and called it intellectual poverty. He strongly believed that there was no dearth of scholars who had ideas but that needed to be translated into action. He insisted that those who gave the idea of understanding, must make it public, so that some work could be done on it. He also called for remaining alert on Taqwa (purity). There should also be mutual understanding.

Abdul Rasheed Agwan’s son, Rafiq Agwan, thanked all those who attended the meeting and paid homage to his father. He described his father as his mentor, friend and soul and his love for children would continue to inspire them. He spent his entire life for the pleasure of Allah. He would always be remembered for his efforts to the Muslim community. His work in the field of empowerment of the minorities and environment was noteworthy. He wrote 13 books and produced more than 100 papers, Rafiq Agwan added.

Social activist, M.H. Ghazali said that when he came to Delhi, he had the first meeting with Abdul Rasheed Agwan. It was on his advice that he joined the Institute of Objective Studies. Later on, he met the late Maulana Amin Usmani, secretary of Islamic Fiqh Academy, New Delhi. Abdul Rasheed Agwan was the embodiment of love and kindness. He never got enraged with anybody, he noted.

Javed Rahmani, observed that Abdul Rasheed Agwan always encouraged the youth. His work for youth empowerment and women empowerment was the hallmark of his commitment to social uplift.

In his presidential remarks, the patron of the IOS, Prof. Z.M. Khan, observed that Abdul Rasheed Agwan’s name was continuously ringing in his ears. Dr. M. Manzoor Alam used to refer to his name very often. It was anybody’s guess if a man could work in so many areas. His profile was multifarious. Despite ailment, he worked according to the role cut out for him. He was ceaseless in his efforts to do something tangible for the society. Ultimately, he earned the pleasure of Allah who is Omniscient. He assured that the IOS would not be found wanting in fulfilling his vision. He also said that the Institute would do in the best of the possible capacity to take his work forward.

The condolence meeting ended with the special congregational dua held by Maulana Abdullah Tariq for his salvation and a place in Jannah.

A large number of Agwan’s friends, admirers, scholars and social activists attended the meeting.