Team Clarion
ALIGARH – In recognition to the role of Arabic language in connecting people through culture, science and literature, the Department of Arabic, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) here observed the ‘World Arabic Day’. To commemorate the occasion, the department organised a seminar on Arabic.
The annual celebration of World Arabic Day falls on the same day every year when the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted Arabic as the sixth official language of the Organization in 1973.
Speaking on the significance of the occasion, Prof Faizan Ahmad, Chairman, Department of Arabic, said the World Arabic Day not only celebrates the cultural diversity of the Middle Eastern region and its spoken language but also reminds us of the role Arabic has played in promoting and facilitating interactions among varied cultures from the Horn of Africa to the Indian coast.
“Arabic has transcended geographical borders and reached far-flung lands of Africa, Europe and North America, and that it is, therefore, a truly international language,” said Prof Faizan.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Mohd Sami Akhter said, “As a Semitic language with rich and vibrant history, Arabic has served as the vessel of intellectual and scientific exchanges during the Middle Ages.
He pointed out that while “many historical Semitic languages are now extinct, Arabic managed to survive the test of time.”
Speaking on the efforts of Middle Eastern countries in promoting Arabic and its development, Prof Mohd Sami said, “Arabic is a sacred language and its survival has been guaranteed by virtue of being the language of Islamic scriptures,” said Prof Abu Sufyan Islahi stressing the need to keep the language well connected with the latest developments in the science and technology so that it could remain relevant in the 21st Century.
Pointing out that Arabic is the official language of Arab nations Prof Tasneem Kauser said it is also spoken by a large number of ethnic groups in Iran, Turkey and Cyprus.
“There is a strong presence of Arabic in India too and our scholars have contributed immensely to the growth of Arabic language and literature for centuries,” she said.
Dr Abdul Jabbar described Arabic as an enduring bridge between civilisations. Dr Arafat Zafar dwelt on the importance of the Arabic language in religious as well as sphere sphere.
While Dr Shabbir Ahmad described Arabic as one of the oldest languages in human history, Dr Abu Zar Mateen spoke at length on the works of Arabic faculties in Indian Universities. Dr Syed Ali Hur Kamoonpuri discussed the impact of Iraqi lexicographer Dr Mohannad al Falluji and his work.
