Azaan International School Function

Dr. Syed Rashid Naseem Nadwi speech on the occasion of 'Takmeele Hifze Quran' at Azaan school, Hyderabad
Published in Muslim Murasu, June 2013

‘khairunnaasi man yanfaunnaas’. Best are the ones who benefit others. Allah has added stress to these words. Surah Ala Imran, 3, verse 110 – ‘kuntum khaira ummatin’. You are the best society. This glad tiding comes with a condition. You should be serving and purposeful. Allah will add permanence to useful things.
Surah Raad, 13, verse 17 – ‘maa yanfaunnaasa fayamkushu fil arli’. That which is good for mankind stays on the earth. Allah will make the institutions that we create as enduring, provided they benefit people. Allah will make them lasting. Allah will induce Barakat in things that are useful. They will multiply and increase. Wheel is an useful invention. It continues to hold a central role in human civilization. Man learnt to control fire. Vehicles run on that principle to this day.
Fifteen centuries earlier, a revolutionary call was given to human society. It laid foundation for scientific quest. Surah Jaashiyaa, 45, verse 13 – ‘wa sakkhara lakum maafissamaawaati wal aril jameea minhu’. Everything is subjected to you. It opened new frontiers.
This was a call, a promise, a glad tiding, that everything will come within your grasp. This ideology, philosophy, benefited humanity. This idea made its way from Arab land through Spain and reached Europe. Many inventions followed. People stood to gain.
Knowledge is an indivisible unit. It is a reality that can’t be contested. One can differ on arts. Some may consider Iqbal as more endearing, while to some Ghalib may appeal better. People can’t go different ways in the matter of knowledge. Knowledge makes connection with God. It gives perennial benefit to people.
Surah Jaariya, 51, verse 56 – ‘wamaa khalaqtul jinna wal insa illa liya’budoon’. Ibaadat (worship) is the purpose behind the creation of humanity. Abdullah bin Abbas (rali) has explained that, here Ibaadat points to Maarifat (enlightenment).
‘Kuntu khanzan makfiyaa’. My bounties were hidden. Man is created so that he can attain them. He can realize God. Arhamur raahimeen. God is The Most Merciful One. Man should realize this.
Faith in God is the essential condition for Maarifat. That can transform man into a kind person, a good citizen, a caring neighbor or a friend. Enlightenment should be pursued with right intention.
Surah Alaq, 96, verse 1 – ‘iqra bismi rabbikallazee khalaq’. Associate all your knowledge, researches and findings with the name of Allah. That will bring Barakat in the world. Knowledge when coupled with the Name of God will benefit everyone.
Such an endeavor is being pursued in this campus. Results of twelve years of planning and efforts are on display today. Allah will take man to his destination when he perseveres in right direction. Surah Najm, 53, verse 39 – ‘wa an laisa lil insaani illa maa sa’aa’. Man will attain what he strives.
Today, knowledge is broken, divided and shattered. It is commercialized, sold and auctioned. Such detestable activities should end. Running an educational institute is service to humanity. Iqlaas, purity of intention, is its root. We should help such an endeavor.