New Delhi: The Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) has hosted a crucial two-day conference at its headquarters, bringing together state heads, secretaries from the JIH state department of Ulama, and graduates of Madrassa. The focus of the conference was on fostering collaboration among scholars to address contemporary challenges and strengthen the role of Ulama in society.

JIH Vice President Maulana Waliallah Saeedi Falahi underlined the significant influence Ulama holds over the public, stressing the need to work with them. He said, “The public gives much weightage to the statements and words of the Ulama. So, we should draw their attention to the activities and works of Jamaat and encourage them to cooperate in carrying out Jamaat’s activities among the community.” However, he cautioned that our approach should not be authoritative while working with them. “Instead of directing Ulama on undertaking specific activities, JIH functionaries should respectfully request guidance from Ulama on the work and how to carry it out effectively.”

Maulana Falahi suggested conducting such collaboration events at the state and local levels. He asked state department officials to develop comprehensive plans incorporating the ideas discussed. He also highlighted the importance of working with women scholars and female students.

Advocating to hold such events for Ulama and graduates of Madrassa at state and local levels to foster a mutual exchange of ideas, Maulana Falahi urged state officials to formulate comprehensive plans, incorporating the suggestions discussed during the conference. Notably, he highlighted the importance of extending the outreach to include female students and women scholars, broadening the spectrum of collaboration.

Speaking on the occasion, JIH National Secretary Dr. Mohammad Raziul Islam Nadvi, emphasized the duty of Ulama in guiding people on sharia matters. He advised scholars to provide practical sharia solutions to contemporary problems, encouraging self-research and study of Islamic jurisprudence books. Dr. Nadvi underscored that a deep understanding of Fiqhi literature would empower Ulama to respond to people’s queries confidently, minimizing the need to refer to other scholars. He asked Ulama to study regularly key classical and modern books on Islamic jurisprudence.

JIH National Secretary, Dr. Mohiyuddin Ghazi shed light on the challenges and issues associated with collaboration between the Jamaat and Ulama. He provided practical solutions to overcome these challenges, fostering a productive partnership.

Renowned Islamic scholar Professor Mohsin Usmani Nadvi delivered remarks on how to overcome differences among Ulama and scholars and foster greater unity between them. By finding common ground and focusing on shared goals such as social reform, Professor Nadvi suggested that Ulama could achieve improved cooperation and present a unified front.

Speaking on the occasion, JIH National Secretary Mohammad Ahmed highlighted flaws in Muslim society, social problems, and anti-Muslim plans in India, stating Ulama can play a vital role in countering them.

In his welcome address, JIH Assistant Secretary Inamurrahman explained the event objectives of analyzing the department’s first-year activities to improve future efforts for productively engaging Ulama and scholars.

An open discussion explored ways to bridge the gap between Ulama, Madrasa graduates, and the organization. Ideas included economic empowerment initiatives, separate programs for Ulama, competitions, and inviting them as resource persons in Jamaat’s events and programs.

Presiding over the discussion program, JIH national Secretary Shabbir Alam Khan emphasized the substantial following Ulama enjoys in the community. He encouraged the Jamaat cadre to establish personal relationships with scholars, recognizing their practical involvement in eradicating social evils and contributing to the creation of a virtuous society.

The conference also featured state department heads presenting one-year progress reports, providing insights into the accomplishments and challenges faced by the department. This gathering signifies an effort to foster collaboration with Ulama and Madrasa graduates for collective progress and to address the challenges faced by the Muslim community.