Prof. Dr. Ahmed Yousif Al Draiweesh, President International Islamic University Islamabad urged for promoting Arabic Language and Literature while addressing during inaugural session of 2-days International Conference on “Comparative Arabic Literature” organized by Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad (AIOU). Dr. Draiweesh elaborated the importance and worth of Arabic language in the life of a Muslims as to learn Arabic for understanding of Quran which helps to act upon its injunctions. He said Arabic is the language in which Allah conveyed the injunctions to human being in Quranic form through Prophet (PBUH). Dr. Al-Draiweesh said due to universality in the nature of Arabic language, it can synchronize the Muslim society and could be the best source of unity and harmony of Muslim Ummah. Dr. Draiweesh also briefed about the Arabic Language Courses being taught in the International Islamic University Islamabad. He hoped that the conference’s outcome will help popularize research culture in the field of Islamic studies.
Vice Chancellor AIOU Professor Dr. Zia-Ul-Qayyum, in his address hoped that the conference’s deliberations will help to understand the Arabic culture and to apply it in promoting research on socio-economic issues. He highlighted the concept and historical background of the Arabic language, and emphasized that the language should be made part of the Muslims’ life. The leaders of the Pakistan’s movement like Sir Agha Khan wanted to make Arabic, a language of the independent Muslim State, he added.
Speakers of the conference also called for promoting Arabic language to have a better understanding of Quranic teachings. They spoke about the important role of the Universities in projecting the language and keeping the young generation abreast with the modern trends and contemporary needs of learning literature. Speakers also deliberated upon the topic of ‘Contemporary Arabic literature’, with special reference to Pakistani local culture and inter-cultural influence of different literature on the human society.
Dr. Shah Mohyuddin Hashimi, Dean Arabic Faculty of AIOU in his address apprised the participants about the University’s efforts, promoting teachings of Quran and Sunnah in the country. This University has achieved special distinction in teaching the Arabic language, as so far it has produced about one hundred thousand Arabic teachers.
The objective of the conference is to promote Arabic language and literature as well their relevance to literature of other languages and cultures, participants of the conference included Muslim scholars from Algeria, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Oman and UAE.