Hawzah News Agency- a grand conference was held in Patna, the capital of India's Bihar state, to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Hafiz Hojatoleslam Farman Ali, a prominent scholar and translator of the Holy Quran and a renowned figure of India's Suleimaniya School.
Quran Translations Must Suit the Language and Needs of Every Era
The ceremony was attended by Hojatoleslam Abdul Majid Hakim Elahi, the Representative of the Supreme Leader in India, along with a group of scholars, thinkers and religious and academic figures from across India. On the sidelines of the event, the detailed book "History of the Suleimaniya School of Patna," covering the history of the institution, was unveiled in a grand ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, Hojatoleslam Hakim Elahi stressed the importance of promoting the teachings of the Holy Quran, stating: "Spreading Quranic culture and conveying its message to the people was among the fundamental missions of the Prophet of Islam, Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (PBUH)—a mission he constantly urged the Islamic Ummah to fulfill."
Referring to the famous hadith of the Prophet (PBUH), "Convey from me, even if it is a single verse," he stressed: "This command reminds Muslims, especially religious scholars and preachers, of their responsibility to convey the teachings of the Holy Quran to others."
The Need for Up-to-Date Quranic Translation and Exegesis
The Representative of the Supreme Leader in India went on to address professors, seminary students and scholars, stressing the need for special attention to preserving and translating the Holy Quran.
Noting that old translations of the Quran into various languages should not be considered sufficient for all times, he added: "New translations and commentaries of the Holy Quran must be presented in every era, because language and literature change over time, and conveying the Quran's message to the audience of each era requires attention to the linguistic and cultural requirements of that period."
Hojatoleslam Hakim Elahi also referred to the history of translating the Holy Quran into various languages, saying: "Throughout history, the Holy Quran has been translated into many languages, and among these, its Persian translation enjoys a long history."
Referring to a narration about the translation of Surah al-Fatiha into Persian in the early Islamic era, he stated: "When some non-Arab Muslims sought to understand the meaning of Surah al-Fatiha, Salman al-Farsi (RA) provided them with a Persian translation of the surah."
He also cited "Fath al-Rahman" by Shah Waliullah Muhaddith Dehlavi as one of the important works translating the Quran into Persian, adding: "In Urdu, Shah Rafi al-Din Dehlavi presented a literal translation of the Holy Quran in 1786 CE, after which Shah Abdul Qadir Dehlavi offered a fluent, conversational translation titled 'Mawdih al-Quran' in 1790 CE."
Raising the question of how people whose mother tongue is not Arabic can be expected to reflect on Quranic verses without access to proper translation and exegesis, the Representative of the Supreme Leader in India stressed the need to expand translations of the Holy Quran into various languages.
He noted: "Given that a large part of the world's population is not familiar with Arabic, translating the Quran and promoting its teachings in various languages is an undeniable necessity."
In the final part of his remarks, coinciding with the Fatimiyya mourning period, Hakim Elahi discussed the virtues and merits of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (SA), drawing on Quranic verses, hadiths and historical evidence to explain aspects of her exalted status.
Unveiling of "History of the Suleimaniya School of Patna"
One of the key parts of the program was the unveiling of the book "History of the Suleimaniya School of Patna," authored by Hojatoleslam Ibn Hasan Amlawi Wa'iz, a prominent researcher and writer.
The work was published with the support of the International Noor Microfilm Center and the Iran Culture House in New Delhi.
Hojatoleslam Hakim Elahi, along with a group of scholars and thinkers, jointly unveiled the academic work at the ceremony.
In another part of the program, a documentary on the life and academic activities of Hafiz Syed Farman Ali—produced using modern technologies by the International Noor Microfilm Center and the Iran Culture House in New Delhi—was screened for those present.
The documentary, examining the life, works and academic and religious services of the late scholar, was well received and praised by the audience.
Unveiling of Hafiz Syed Farman Ali's Written Works
During the program, the written works of Hafiz Hakim Syed Farman Ali were also unveiled, including the books "Al-Nahw," "Diniyat: Book One," "Diniyat: Book Two" and "Diniyat: Book Three."
These works are part of the late scholar's academic and educational legacy, introduced in recognition of his academic and religious services.
At the end of the program, a special session was held with Shia scholars and Imami preachers of Bihar province in the library hall of the Suleimaniya School of Patna.
In the session, Hojatoleslam Hakim Elahi offered guidance to scholars, clerics and seminary students, stressing the importance of fulfilling their academic, religious and social responsibilities and outlining key points on the duties and missions of the clergy in Islamic society.
Honoring the Academic and Religious Legacy of the Suleimaniya School of Patna
The ceremony was held to honor the academic and religious services of Hafiz Syed Farman Ali, introduce the academic legacy of the Suleimaniya School of Patna and stress the need to promote the teachings of the Holy Quran.
The academic and cultural event is seen as a valuable step toward preserving and introducing the academic legacy of India's seminaries and honoring the efforts of religious scholars in spreading Islamic teachings.
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