Srinagar, June 23 (KNS): 59th death anniversary of Mirwaiz Moulana Ateequllah Shah (RA), prominent religious scholar, spiritual leader and former president of Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam, was observed with great devotion and respect, under the auspices of this over-a-century-old educational institution.
According to a statement, issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS), due to the continued detention of the Anjuman head Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Umar Farooq, it was not possible to organise any major academic event in this regard.
The statement reads that in a brief and significant meeting, teachers, staff and students of the Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam paid homage to Mirwaiz Ateequllah Shah (RA) for his invaluable educational services and reforms to the institution.
They said the tenure of Mirwaiz Ateequllah Shah (RA) as the chairman of the Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam was an unforgettable, illustrious and a golden period for the institution in all respects as it produced a large number of doctors, scholars, engineers, scientists and intellectuals under his guidance, who excelled in their respective fields and earned fame for Kashmir.
The statement said that shortly after the establishment of Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam in 1899, Mirwaiz Ateequllah Shah (RA) was appointed its General Secretary and after the demise of Mirwaiz Ahmadullah Shah (RA) in 1931, responsibility of presiding over the institution was placed on the shoulders of Mirwaiz Ateequllah Shah (RA) and since then until his last breath, late Mirwaiz added a valuable chapter in the history of Anjuman by devoting all his abilities to achieve goals and objectives of the institution.
“From 1947 to 1962, institutions run by Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam faced severe financial crisis and its Grant-in-Aid was also stopped by the government; however, as a result of the sincere efforts of late Mirwaiz, the people of Kashmir who extended assistance through various means, this reputed institution continued to move forward in achieving its educational, reformative and social activities.”
Anjuman said during the same time, due to efforts of Mirwaiz Ateequllah Shah (RA), foundation stone of Islamia College of Science and Commerce Srinagar was also laid.
It said that late Mirwaiz made great efforts for the betterment and reform of the society besides guiding the people of Kashmir in the matters of politics and religion in the most unfavourable conditions. “His divine qualities and God-given abilities benefited the people in every walk of life.”
It added that Mirwaiz Moulana Ateequllah (RA) was a great Islamic scholar who was greatly respected and loved by people.
Meanwhile, a special Quran recitation ceremony was organised by Islamia Oriental College in which students, teachers and staff paid their respects to Mirwaiz Ateequllah Shah (RA), other presidents of over a century old institution and all the well-wishers. (KNS)