CUKashmir holds Book Discussion on ‘Fault Lines In The Faith’

GANDERBAL: The School of Social Sciences, Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) in the Departments of Politics & Governance and Religious Studies organised a Book discussion on "Fault Lines In The Faith" authored by former Pro-Chancellor, Jamia Hamdard /former Vice-Chancellor, Calicut University Professor. Iqbal S Hasnain, Padma Shri Awardee.

The author of the book Prof. Iqbal S Hasnain, Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Shahid Rasool, Dean School of Social Sciences, Prof. Fayaz Ahmad Nikka, Dean School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Prof. Muhammad Yusuf, members of the faculty, scholars and students were present on the occasion.

While presenting the main highlights of the book Prof. Iqbal S Hasnain said that the year 1979 witnessed three significant events in the Middle East that shaped the contemporary Muslim World. “The first was the Iranian Revolution; the second being seizure of the Grand Mosque in Mecca by Juhayman al-Otaybi and the third was the Soviet Union invasion of Afghanistan followed by US support to Afghan resistance against Soviet subjugation. He revealed that Salafi ideology was instrumental in bringing out drastic upheavals in the Islamic world as against Sufism which has the flexibility to accommodate local and cultural practices without compromising on its core.” Prof. Hasnain talked about the radicalization of Muslim youth in Europe and America, through social media. He describes it probably due to unintended consequences of the American support to Afghanistan. “The result was that the rest of the world had to suffer in the years to come,” he added.

In his address, Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Shahid Rasool, said, the core tenets of all the religions across the world emphasize love, unity, and the importance of fostering harmony and goodwill among the people.  He further said the book discussion has also underlined the importance of mutual love and bonding as a universal principle to serve as a guiding force for peace, tolerance, and understanding in today’s world.

In his Presidential address, Dean School of Social Sciences, Prof. Fayaz Ahmad Nikka while appreciating  the efforts of Prof Hasnain to document the impact of various upheavals on the Islamic world highlighted the areas which suggest scope for further research to have a complete picture of cause and effect.  He suggested that content and context needs to be understood simultaneously as one without  the other can sometimes lead to misleading conclusions. He further said that all religions carry a uniform message of love,  brotherhood, harmony, mutual respect, peace and dignity while as fault lines can be in beliefs of individual sects  probably due to reasons of interpretations, perceptions, lack of research or geopolitical considerations .  

He said that Prof. Iqbal S. Hassnain’s “Fault Lines in Faith” offers a profound and timely exploration of the challenges and contradictions surrounding faith in the modern world. Prof. Nikka said the book explores the core principles of Sufism, emphasizing its teachings of love, unity and harmony as a foundation for fostering brotherhood and global peace. “The book sheds light on how Sufi thought leverages on local context to promote peace and mutual understanding in today's world,” he added.

The other discussants on the book included Prof. Nazir Ahmad Zargar, Mr. Ghulam Rasool Dehlvi, Ms. Ashima Kaul, and Mr. Affan Yesvi who presented a detailed analysis on various issues discussed in the book and highlighted further areas to be studied in the context. Prof. Iqbal S Hasnain also responded to the queries posed by the students and research scholars.

Earlier, Assistant Prof. Deptt of Politics and Governance, Dr. Khalid Waseem, presented  a detailed review of the book and made a critical analysis of various issues discussed therein. The event was conducted by Asst Prof. Dr. Rigzin Gurmet and Dr. Muzaffar A Ganaie presented a vote of thanks.