Aesthetics hold an esteemed place in Islamic thought, says Jamaat-e-Islami Hind chief Syed Sadatullah Hussaini
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – The An Noor Literature Festival, organised by the Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO), the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, concluded here on Sunday with vibrant discussions, artistic expressions, and a call for social transformation. Held over three days (December 20-22), the festival brought together more than 2,000 delegates and over 120 distinguished guests from across India to explore themes of art, literature, and Islamic civilisation.
Syed Sadatullah Hussaini, chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, addressed the significance of art as a transformative medium. Speaking during the session “Art, Literature, and Islamic Civilisation,” he underscored the spiritual, moral, and aesthetic values inherent in artistic expression.
“Art is not just about beauty; it must align with moral and spiritual values,” said Hussaini. Using a poignant analogy, he remarked, “If a beautiful shopping mall is built by demolishing the houses of the poor, it cannot be considered a masterpiece. It lacks the moral essence that true art demands.”
Quoting Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Hussaini reminded the audience, “Allah is beautiful and loves beauty,” emphasising that aesthetics hold an esteemed place in Islamic thought. He called on artists to use their talents to foster societal change and build a new civilisation, referencing historic contributions like the Bayt al-Hikmah (House of Wisdom) in Baghdad and the poetry of Dr Allama Iqbal.
The festival featured a range of intellectually stimulating panel discussions. A highlight was the session titled “The Muslim Quest for Justice and Political Agency”, with speakers including Malik Moatasim Khan and Akhtar Ul Iman. They delved into the challenges faced by Muslims in Indian politics and the struggle for justice.
Dr Brahm Prakash Singh, Assistant Professor of Theatre and Performance Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, presented a thought-provoking discussion on Hinduism and the rise of violent tendencies, while a documentary on the CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) movement shed light on Muslim resistance in India.
The festival also celebrated the confluence of literature and philosophy. Acclaimed novelist Dr Khalid Javed of Jamia Millia Islamia shared insights on existentialism and its influence on his fiction. He revealed that his writing is significantly inspired by Ibn-e-Safi, a pioneer of Urdu detective novels. Referring to his novel Nemat Khana, Javed explained, “It’s not just about food but reflects deeper existential struggles.”
Discussions on resistance movements highlighted the resilience of Indian Muslims in the face of adversity. Activists like Sharjeel Usmani and Wardha Baig examined the role of art and media during the CAA protests. A panel comprising journalists Aditya Menon, Ali Shan Jafri, and Salman Ahmed critiqued the portrayal of Muslims in mainstream media, urging for more balanced narratives.
Dr Hafeez Ahmed spoke about the tradition of resistance poetry among Indian Muslims, which has historically been a medium for expressing dissent and hope.
Cultural presentations brought Islamic civilisation to life through poetry, music, and storytelling. A session on Indian Muslim Resistance Poetry stood out as an emotional highlight, celebrating the resilience of a community through art.
The festival also featured workshops, food stalls, and book launches. Singer Dr Haider Saifi’s performance on the final night added an element of joy, drawing enthusiastic responses from the audience.
Festival coordinator Dr Roshan Muhiuddin reflected on the event’s success, calling it a significant step toward fostering intellectual and cultural exchange. SIO President Ramis EK promised even larger and more impactful events in the future.
“The An Noor Literature Festival has not only inspired the youth but also enriched their understanding of art, literature, and civilisation,” said Muhiuddin. “It has set a new direction for cultural dialogue and academic engagement.”
As the festival concluded amidst fanfare, it left attendees with a renewed sense of purpose, urging them to use art and literature as tools to shape a more just and inclusive society.
