KHALVONTAWI - Voice of the Voiceless from Northeast India

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Interfaith Interactive Session at MANUU Hyderabad

We attended an Interactive Session with HMI Delegates organised by the Department of Islamic Studies, Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU, estd in 1998), Gachibowli, Hyderabad, on 26 October 2023 at 10 a.m.

The session was attended by MANUU (Islamic Studies) professors -- Prof. Mohammad Habib (Head of Department) and Prof. Md. Irfan Ahmed, along with our guide Dr. S. S. Waheed Ullah Hussaini, a professor from the Henry Martyn Institute, Hyderabad.

The programme began with a short introduction by Prof. Md. Irfan Ahmed, followed by a beautiful recitation from the Quran by Islamic students. Then, all the participants—including MANUU students (MA and PhD), HMI students, and theological students from UTC Bangalore—introduced themselves.

Prof. Mohammad Habib presented a very insightful paper that opened our minds and encouraged deep reflection. The discussion that followed was lively, with students asking thoughtful questions and receiving clear, meaningful answers.

A key takeaway was that “we are all Muslims by birth”, meaning that a Muslim is one who submits to God and lives in peace.

Prof. Waheed highlighted that such interactive sessions help build bridges between two faith communities—Christians and Muslims. He reminded us that we should share what is good and help others avoid what is wrong.

Honestly, the professors and students of MANUU were very friendly, open, and engaging. The interaction taught us many new things and helped us see faith from a broader perspective.

It was truly a memorable experience and a valuable part of our learning on interfaith dialogue.

PHOTO ALBUM

Hyderabad Biryani!💘

💚Thank You, Lord💛

By:-

Bruce K. Thangkhal, BD III, UTC

IFE 2023 @ HMI, HYDERABAD

Visited: 26 Oct 2023

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Visit to Darul Uloom Hyderabad – Learning Faith, Knowledge & Interfaith Dialogue

During our visit to Darul Uloom, Hyderabad, on 25 October 2023 afternoon, we had a wonderful experience exploring one of the city’s most respected Islamic educational institutions. This madrassa was established in 1976. The school consists of classes Grade 6 to 10, and Urdu is the main medium of instruction. It serves as a center of learning where students study the Quran, Hadith, Islamic law, Arabic, and moral teachings. The aim of the institution is to provide both religious and value-based education, helping students grow in both knowledge and faith. It is an Islamic institution providing free education, healthcare, and vocational training to uplift marginalized and underprivileged children.

Our visit was part of a learning program on “Interfaith Dialogue”, which turned out to be a truly eye-opening experience for all of us. We were warmly welcomed by the teachers, students, and library staff. Their kindness and hospitality reflected the true spirit of peace, respect, and brotherhood. The teachers shared about their daily routines and how they guide students to balance religious and academic learning. One of the teachers interestingly said, “There are many students who can memorize the Quran from cover to cover and recite it without a single mistake. To learn all the surahs and ayahs, it may take about two to three years.”

The Quran, the holy book of Islam, has 114 chapters (surahs), divided into either 6,236 or 6,348 verses (ayahs) depending on whether the opening phrase “Bismillah” is counted. Unlike the Old or New Testament, it is organized into 30 parts (juz) for easier recitation and study.

A highlight of our visit was the library, which has a rich collection of books, journals, and articles in Arabic, Urdu, and English. The staff explained how they preserve rare manuscripts and encourage students to read widely.

Darul Uloom Deoband, founded in 1866 in Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most renowned Islamic seminaries in the world. It played a major role in shaping Islamic education and reform movements across South Asia. The institution is widely respected for its scholarship, discipline, and deep devotion to Islamic learning. Visiting this historic seat of knowledge remains one of my cherished wishes for the days to come.

Overall, our visit to Darul Uloom, Hyderabad, was enlightening and peaceful. It beautifully combines faith, discipline, and knowledge—nurturing young minds to become thoughtful, respectful, and responsible citizens.

PHOTO ALBUM

(in Sequence)