SRINAGAR: A one-day seminar on the topic of “Urdu Mein Seerat Nigari” was held at Kashmir University. The seminar was jointly organized by the Iqbal Institute of Culture and Philosophy (IICP) and the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKACL).
The seminar aimed to explore the influence of the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on the Urdu literature, especially on the works of Allama Iqbal, the poet-philosopher of the subcontinent. Book titled “Jahan-e-Hamd-o-Naat”, a collection of Urdu poems on the Prophet (SAW) by various poets was also released.
The first session of the seminar was presided over by Moulana Showkat Ahmad Keng, a renowned religious scholar and orator. Dr. Abdul Hafiz Shah Masoodi, senior beaurucrat and Prof. G M Sangmi were guest of honour.
Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Ganai, the IICP coordinator, extended a warm welcome to the attendees and initiated the seminar with an enlightening speech on the topic. He emphasized the profound impact of Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) Seerah on Allama Iqbal’s works, portraying the Prophet (SAW) as Iqbal’s spiritual mentor and exemplar. He also shed light on the significance of Seerat Nigari, a genre in Urdu literature that encapsulates the admiration and veneration for the Prophet (SAW) among Urdu authors and poets.
In addition, he expressed his gratitude towards the esteemed Vice Chancellor, Prof Nilofer Khan, and the Registrar, Dr. Nissar Ahmad Mir, for their unwavering support and dedication to the advancement of the Urdu language.
Salim Salik, editor Sheeraz at JKACL, gave a brief introduction of the aims and objectives of JKACL and its role in promoting the art, culture and languages of Jammu and Kashmir.
The guest of honor Dr Abdul Hafiz Shah Masoodi, praised the efforts of IICP and JKACL for organizing the seminar and appreciated the book “Jahan-e-Hamd-o-Naat” as a valuable contribution to the Urdu literature. He also emphasized the need to study and follow the Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as a source of guidance and wisdom for the humanity.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Jawhar Qudussi, a distinguished scholar and critic of Urdu literature. He gave a comprehensive and insightful overview of the history and development of Seerat Nigari in Urdu literature. He traced the origins of Seerat Nigari to the classical Persian and Arabic literature and discussed the various forms and styles of Seerat Nigari in Urdu literature.
The second session of the seminar was a Naatiya Mushairah in which various poets from all over the valley recited their poems on the Prophet (SAW). The Mushairah was moderated by Gulzar Jaffri.
The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Mohd Ameen Meer, Assistant Professor at IICP. He also expressed his hope that the seminar would inspire and motivate the people to learn more about the Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and to implement his teachings in their lives.