A seminar here last Friday threw light on the life of Maulana Syed Abul Hasan Ali Nadvi, popularly known as Ali Miyan. Despite a siesta time following Friday prayers, the seminar, organized by Maulana Hifzur Rahman of Seoharvi Academy, drew a considerable gathering of men and women. Several books of the late scholar were on display. Speakers highlighted Ali Miyan's contributions and influence in his 86 years of life that transcended both geographical boundaries as well as cultural affiliations. Speakers like Dr. Khaleeluddin Shujauddin and Hafiz Motiurrahman recounted their personal experiences with the late Maulana. Dr. Khaleel found Ali Miyan to be “an epitome of submission to Allah”. He recalled how the late scholar would always advise him to study the Seerah (Prophet's life) regularly. A distinguished leader, his works, Dr. Khaleed noted, focused on iman (faith) and insaniyat (humanity). Ali Miyan was not into politics, but he never wavered in taking stands on political issues that confronted the Muslim community in India. Hence, Dr. Khaleel said, his stand on the Muslim Personal Law is well known, for which he went to meet the then Indian prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. It was the impact of his influence that Gandhi annulled the Supreme Court decision via legislation through parliament. The intervention of Ali Miyan was vital, as the courts in India had obtained the right to interpret the Noble Qur'an in their own way and understanding, which would have put the community at constant loggerheads with the courts. He also took an uncompromising position on issues like Saraswati Vandana, Vande Matram, Babri Mosque demolition case, the Aligarh Muslim University's minority character issue and so on. Maulana Abul Hasan Nadvi led a pure and ascetic life. He died reciting the Qur'an on Friday, Dec. 31, 1999, during the month of Ramadan. While his funeral prayer in Rae Bareilly drew some 200,000 people, funeral prayers in absentia were held at several places including the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet's Mosque in Madina. A recipient of King Faisal Award, Maulana Ali Miyan is said to have enjoyed good relationship with King Faisal. Ali Miyan felt honored by the King's gesture to give him Ka'ba's key, which according to him was the greatest award of his life.
