International conference on Theories of Islamic Law at KU

VC emphasizes on “doctrine of movement”

Srinagar July 18: Noted ulamas, religious scholars and academicians Saturday discussed ways to explore means and methods of Ijtihad in order to find solutions to contemporary problems in light of original sources of Sharia (Quran and Sunnah) at two day International Conference on Theories of Islamic Law: The methodology of Ijtihad. The event was organized by Department of Law Kashmir University in collaboration with Institute of Objective Studies, New Delhi at Ghandi Bhawan Hall of the University of Kashmir today.

Ulmas and other participants at the international conference presided by Vice Chancellor University of Kashmir Prof Riyaz Punjabi felt that inability of Muslims to apply Shariah to contemporary problems remained one of the prime reasons for stagnation (Jamood) in Muslim world, though attempts of Ijtihad have been vogue from last one century.

Senior Professors of Law Dr. Mehraj-u-din Mir and G.Q Mir initiated the debate by underlining significance of this important theme which was letter discussed and debated by participants for the whole day. In his presidential address Prof. Riyaz Punjabi said that we have not been able to explore the concept of Ijtihad to its fullest potential in a systematic manner. As a result this, said VC we have not been able to recreate the golden era of our history which was marked by path breaking Ijtihad on the part of great scholars. Saying that he was conscious of new challenges in the field of commerce, business industry, medicine, bio-medical sciences and other fields of knowledge before us , VC felt the need for an in depth analysis as to how we can excel in all those field of knowledge.

Quoting great Islamic Scholar Imam Ghazali and Poet of the east Dr Sir Muhammad Iqbal’s book re-construction of Religious thought in Islam VC talked about what he termed as “Doctrine of Movement” emphasizing that life cannot afford to be stagnant and movement is natural. VC called upon intellectuals to assert and help society in these critical times.

In his thought provoking address Prof. Khalid Rashid, Professor, International Islamic University Malaysia called for making Ijtihad a collective process and discussed co-relation between Ijtihad and Maqa- sod-ul-Shariah (Objectives of Use of Shariah) Prof Khalid Rashid stressed upon the need for looking at the issue of re-discovering relevance of fatahwas (edicts) and said solution of our problems does not lie in imitation rather in collective Ijtihad.

Chief Guest on the occasion, Justice (Rtd) B. A. Kirmani said that Islam as a complete way of life came into being at a time when humanity was crying for a new setup after the decline of Civilizations like Rome and Persia. Therefore said Justice Kirmani Islamic thought grows with growth of time and we cannot afford to rest. He said Ulamas have to come forward and prescribe a formula as to how the survival of the Muslims on the planet can be assured. He however cautioned that Ijtihad should not over step any injection of Quran.

Dr. Manzoor Alam Chairman, Institute of Objective Studies, New Delhi talked about the objectives of his Institute and thanked Kashmir University for this collaborative afford which made holding this conference possible.

Prof Z.M Khan. Institute of Objectives Studies, New Dehli chaired the Ist session and Dr Mohsin Usmani. Central Institute of Indian & Foreign Languages, Hyderbad chaired the second session of the two day international conference Theories of Islamic Law: The methodology of Ijtihad. Registrar Kashmir University Prof Syed Fayaz, Director Academic staff collage Prof Mehraj-ud-din Mir delegates from various states , senior professors members of the civil society students and scholars were present in the conference. At least 20 research papers will be read during the two day conference on the subject.