On December 5, 2022, the Department of Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia (ISJMI) and the Humanities Advanced Studies Institute (HASI) collaborated to host an international conference at the Center for Information Technology Auditorium (CIT), Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi. The conference focused on the profound personality and scholarly contributions of Allama Tabatabai (RA), a renowned Islamic scholar and philosopher. Distinguished scholars and intellectuals from India and Iran, along with students, professors, cultural and religious scholars, and social leaders, gathered to participate in this significant event.
The conference began with a recitation of the Holy Quran by Muhammad Atiq, a student of the Department of Islamic Studies, and was moderated by Dr. Mehdi Baqir Khan, Trustee of HASI. In his welcoming address, Professor Iqtidar Muhammad Khan highlighted the unique stature of Allama Tabatabai, recognizing him as an esteemed interpreter of the Quran, philosopher, and proponent of Sufi life. He emphasized that Allama’s scholarly works and spiritual legacy should be widely propagated, hoping that students and research scholars would not only gain familiarity with his contributions but also benefit from them. Professor Khan extended his gratitude to all participants, especially the esteemed guests.
The conference featured a comprehensive documentary prepared by Wilayat TV on the life of Allama Tabatabai, covering his biography, academic achievements, and cultural contributions. During the event, several books on Allama Tabatabai’s life and scholarly works were launched in both Urdu and English, and collections of papers on his life were also published.
Publications and Keynote Addresses on Allama Tabatabai’s Legacy
Ayatollah Reza Ramazani, General Secretary of the Ahlul Bayt World Assembly of Iran, delivered a keynote address, explaining that Allama Tabatabai combined Sharia, reality, and mysticism into a singular, cohesive philosophy—a profound accomplishment. Ramazani elaborated on Allama’s philosophical school of thought and expounded on his concepts of ethical monotheism.
Former Head of the Philosophy Department at Aligarh Muslim University, Professor Latif Kazmi, described Allama Tabatabai as a man of awareness, who imparted ethical and spiritual values and dedicated his life to upholding human virtues. Similarly, Padma Shri Professor Akhtarul Wasey, Professor Emeritus and former Head of the Department of Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia, noted that Allama Tabatabai’s Tafsir al-Mizan is widely respected in both Shia and Sunni circles, presenting an academic model of Quranic exegesis.
Character Building and Moral Values in Allama Tabatabai’s Perspective
Ayatollah Mehdi Mahdavi Pour, Representative of the Supreme Leader in India, emphasized that, in Allama Tabatabai’s view, character building, spiritual purification, and moral development are essential pursuits for every human being. He added that Allama trained a large number of students, many of whom are regarded as prominent philosophers and mystics of the contemporary era. In his presidential address, Ayatollah Mahdavi Pour described Allama Tabatabai’s influence as universal, transcending geographical boundaries. He acknowledged Allama’s prolific contributions across disciplines, including philosophy, exegesis, mysticism, jurisprudence, and foundational Islamic studies.
The conference concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Muhammad Arshad, Coordinator of the International Conference. A large number of professors, research scholars, and students from various departments attended, along with several prominent figures from the Department of Islamic Studies, including Maulana Syed Taqi Haider, Maulana Syed Abid Abbas Zaidi, and other respected scholars. The event underscored the scholarly and spiritual contributions of Allama Tabatabai, offering an invaluable opportunity for participants to engage with his legacy.
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