By Awwabin Zainuddin
GOMBAK, 26 September: Yesterday was the last day of the three-day international conference on Bediuzzaman Said Nursis thought on Wasatiyyah and an exemplary society where the closing ceremony took place at the university’s Experimental Hall.
This three-day conference ended with a big success, according to the organiser, Prof. Dr. Thammem Ushama, a Professor of the Department of Usul al-Din, Kuliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences (KIRKHS).
œThis is one of the most successful conferences in my experience because there is a good response from students both postgraduate as well as undergraduate students participating in this conference.
The international conference on Bediuzzaman Said Nursis Thought on Wasatiyyah and an exemplary society was held for three days from 23 September until yesterday at the Senate Hall of IIUM. It was organised by KIRKHS along with International Institute for Muslim Unity (IIMU), Hayrat Foundation, Malaysian Institute of Wasatiyyah, Prime Ministers Department and International Forum for Moderation Jordan.
The conference ended with a Q&A session with Hayrat Foundation and resolutions presentation by Prof. Dr. Rahmah Ahmad Hj. Osman, IIUM Deputy Rector (Research and Innovation).
œThis to me is a very big achievement. This is an international conference organised by a very humble centre that has been newly established,” said Prof. Dr. Rahmah Ahmad Hj.Osman before presenting the resolutions.
These are the 11 resolutions adopted following the three days of discussion and sharing of opinions among local and international scholars about Nursis thought on Wasatiyyah:
– In order to reach straight path in our life, the development of Islamic personality society and state through the method of Wasatiyyah, the very five faith iman haqiqi and knowledge makrifatullah should be established.
– His dakwah is conducive and relevant to the contemporary era for it reflects Quranic methodology and considers contemporary needs of society.
– His views in dealing with other religions are not biased but rather inviting them to Islam peacefully.
– His approaches to Sharia interpretation are in conformity with Islamic characteristic of Wasatiyyah as they are essential to responding to the contemporary problems facing the Ummah and humanity.
– His understanding and explanation of Iman and its implications are truly comprehensive since its the foundation for nurturing and developing a righteous individuals who uphold the spirit of Islam and establish an exemplary Islamic society.
– His articulation on the significance of Islamic ethical values is crucial for the application by the Ummah because it faces unprecedented challenges from western modernity and secular ideologies.
– His concerns for maintaining the purification of soul itself and avoiding destructive character threats are meant to avoid corruption, among individuals, families, societies and humanity at large.
– Risale-I Nur, a tafsir (Islamic exegesis) on the Qur’an written by Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, prescribes the remedy for all social ills that lead to disunity of Muslim Ummah.
– His concerns on pedagogical issues manifest that Muslims must maintain the Islamic spirit as these are currently marginalized consciously or unconsciously by Muslim both individually and institutionally.
– Muslim Ummah in 21st century are highly encouraged to revisit the rich legacy of Badiuzzaman in order to maintain and apply the method of Wasatiyyah as applied per him in his interpretations, elucidations and to achieve Muslims aspiration in establishing an exemplary Islamic society.
– To take appropriate action to implement this suggestion, the proposals and recommendations of all keynote speakers and participants who took part in the conference to Nursi’s research training and consultancy in collaboration with the KIRKHS.
Apart from that, Turkish and Talaqqi classes on Risale-I Nur both in English and Malay are available for those who are interested on Nursis thought on Wasatiyyah and it is open to not just IIUM students but also to the public.
œThe responses are very good last semester. This semester they will be started next week,” said Prof. Dr. Rahmah.
The details regarding the class will be announced soon.***