Two-Day National Seminar Honors Life and Legacy of Maulana Syed Muhammad Rabe Hasani Nadwi at Jamia Islamia Bhatkal
Jamia Islamia Bhatkal organized a comprehensive seminar featuring 21 research papers and a Sirat writing competition, attracting participation from students across South India
Jamia Islamia Bhatkal, one of South India’s leading Islamic educational institutions, recently hosted a prestigious two-day seminar commemorating the life and contributions of the late Maulana Syed Muhammad Rabe Hasani Nadwi, former patron of the institution and administrator of Nadwatul Ulama.
The event, organized by Al-Lajnah Al-Arabiya (the university’s student cultural and educational organization), took place on October 22-23, 2025, under the theme “Murshid-ul-Ummat: Life and Services of Maulana Syed Muhammad Rabe Hasani Nadwi.”
First Session: Academic Excellence on Display
The opening session began on Wednesday morning, October 22, in the Aliya section premises, with hundreds of students and prominent city dignitaries in attendance. The program commenced with a melodious recitation of the Holy Quran by Hafiz Ismail Afham Armar, a fourth-year Aliya student.
General Secretary of Al-Lajnah Al-Arabiya, Nizam Rabe Misbah, welcomed the distinguished guests and explained the seminar’s objectives. The session featured ten research papers exploring various aspects of Maulana Rabe’s life and work.
Maulana Maqbool Ahmad Kubte Nadwi, the principal of Jamia Islamia and president of Al-Lajnah, addressed the gathering and acknowledged Maulana Rabe’s invaluable contributions to the institution’s development. He also highlighted the deep connection between Jamia and the Nadwatul Ulama movement.
Second Session: Scholarly Presentations Continue
The second session was originally scheduled for the Aliya section but was moved to the university’s conference hall due to weather conditions. The organizing committee swiftly arranged all facilities at the new venue.
Six more research papers were presented during this session. Maulana Abdul Aleem Khatib Nadwi, Deputy Principal of Jamia Islamia, praised the paper presenters’ efforts and encouraged attendees to draw inspiration from Maulana Rabe’s life.
A special guest, Maulana Umair Al-Siddiq Daryabadi Nadwi, associate of Darul Musannifin Azamgarh and Deputy Editor of Tameer-e-Hayat magazine, delivered heartfelt remarks. He described Maulana Rabe as an embodiment of love, compassion, and sacrifice, calling his personality “another name for love.”
Maulana Umair expressed his admiration for the seminar, noting that although he had witnessed the eras of both Maulana Ali Mian Nadwi and Maulana Rabe, this was the first time he had seen students present research papers with such scholarly maturity.
Third Session and Award Distribution
The final session on Thursday, October 23, combined the seminar’s conclusion with the Sirat writing competition award ceremony. Five more research papers were presented, bringing the total to 21 comprehensive papers covering all aspects of Maulana Rabe’s life.
Maulana Syed Bilal Abdul Hai Hasani Nadwi, current administrator of Nadwatul Ulama and a distinguished member of the Hasani family, graced the occasion as the chief guest. He shared fond memories of Maulana Rabe and appreciated the students’ dedication to preserving his legacy.
Sirat Writing Competition: Promoting Interfaith Understanding
A unique feature of the event was an interfaith Sirat (biography of Prophet Muhammad) writing competition organized across schools and colleges in Shimoga, Karwar, Udupi, and Mangalore districts.
The competition, open to students from 8th grade through degree level regardless of religion, attracted over 500 entries, including more than 100 submissions from non-Muslim students.
Junior Category Winners (8th-10th Grade):
- First Prize: Amira Maryam (Jamia English Medium School Shirthkal) – ₹15,000 and trophy
- Second Prize: Nisharga from Davadiga and Asheal Dasa from Udupi – ₹8,000 each and trophy
- Third Prize: A.R. Ramla and Ranvitha Devadiga – ₹6,000 each and trophy
Senior Category Winners (PUC to Degree):
- First Prize: Akash Purppa Urobantati (non-Muslim student) – ₹20,000 and trophy
- Second Prize: Sanjana Ramesh Yaduni and Arfa Reem Taj – ₹10,000 each and trophy
- Third Prize: Kavya Rai and Noor Safia – ₹6,000 each and trophy
Total prize money distributed exceeded ₹1,40,000.
Research Papers Showcase Comprehensive Study
The 21 research papers presented covered diverse topics including:
- The Allamullah family heritage
- Maulana Rabe’s student life and teaching career spanning half a century
- His role as successor to Maulana Ali Mian’s intellectual and missionary legacy
- His contributions to Arabic literature
- His valuable publications on various subjects
- His administrative work at Nadwatul Ulama
- His services to various Indian religious institutions
- His special relationship with Bhatkal and Jamia Islamia
- His international travels and global engagements
Special Publications Released
During the event, two significant publications were launched:
- “Armaghan-e-Jamia” – containing all seminar papers
- “Al-Zahra” – Arabic magazine by Jamia students
Both publications were formally released by Maulana Syed Bilal Abdul Hai Hasani Nadwi.
The competition judges were also honored for their meticulous evaluation process, which involved three stages of assessment.
The seminar concluded with closing remarks by Principal Maulana Maqbool Ahmad Kubte Nadwi, who expressed gratitude to all contributors and participants. Following prayers led by Maulana Syed Bilal Abdul Hai Hasani Nadwi, a formal lunch was served to all attendees.
The successful execution of this two-day seminar reflects Jamia Islamia Bhatkal’s commitment to preserving the legacy of its benefactors and promoting scholarly research among students while fostering interfaith dialogue and understanding.
