‫بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم‬

Esteemed Chair, distinguished personalities on the dais and in the audience,

‫السلم عليكم ورحمة ال وبركاته‬

First, I express my immense pleasure to be here and be a witness to this
memorable occasion, the auspicious convocation ceremony of prestigious
Bukhari Alim College. I praise Almighty Allah and thank organizers for
rendering me this unique opportunity. I consider myself privileged to address
you all as chief guest at this renowned college within B.S. Abdurahiman
University, both highly acclaimed institutions honored and recognized not in
Tamilnadu alone but in national level also for services to the society and
academic excellence.
Now, let us move on to our main focus of this day. Graduates coming out from
universities nowadays with degrees in Arabic language and disciplines of
Islamic learning are far appreciated and recognized than ever before. Avenues
and opportunities before them are plenty. Whether be in the area of higher
studies or research or in career assignments with immense scope to excel and
develop. In this context, I congratulate young graduates who are conferred
degree today. I ask them to catch up with situation and take note of happenings
around us, in our country and abroad. I am confident that the future will be
bright and pray for the better.

Arabic as a language attained increased attention in our world today. I do not

say something new happened to Arabic language afresh. Rather the world
affairs came to a point that it can no longer ignore the enormous potentials of
the language or of the people who live and nurture the goodness associated with
it. Its contributions are spread in all branches of literature, classics and modern
alike. Prose, poetry, acts and play, journalism, writings for children etc., there
is no form of literature without an eminent place for Arabic there. The
language is rich in vocabulary and its ability to challenge demands of the
changing world is proven. Modern Arabic, Living Arabic, Business Arabic and
Journalistic Arabic etc., are distinct from one another and at the same time
familiar to Arabic scholars and students.

Famous Arabic Poet Hafiz Ibrahim ‫حافظ ابراهيم‬ has rightly put it in these two
lines, on behalf of Arabic:
‫ااا ااااا‬ * * ‫اا اااا‬
‫ااا ااااا اا اااااا ااا‬
‫اااااا اا اااااا‬
“I am a vast ocean; boundless treasures are hidden in my depths. Have
anyone asked deep-sea divers about the extent and diversity of pearls in my
abdomen.”
Apparently, Arabic language is a deep and endless ocean. No one has ever
penetrated fully into its depths to take precious pearls within it. Now, the
scenario is changing rapidly. World has begun the pursuit. Do you know these
statistics? There are 22 countries world wide where Arabic is mother tongue. In
a similar number Arabic is spoken as a co-language. Over one billion of world
population can read and write Arabic. Arabic is one among ‘UN recognized’
official languages and enjoys a distinct place similar to English, French,
Chinese, Russian and Spanish. United Nations declared December 18 every
year as the International Day for Arabic language and this affirmation
heightened the status of Arabic again. Career avenues getting opened up in the
Middle East nowadays are promising and gladdening for lovers of Arabic. But
our youth should not be contended with Arabic knowledge alone but attain other
complementary skills to tap full potential. English, computer knowledge and
internet proficiency will enhance the scope of Arabic graduates in international
job market.
I understand that this institution imparts higher education in Islamic subjects
also along with Arabic. Islamic learning is gaining prominence among
scholarly community and intellectuals. Islamic sciences and research are not
limited today to oriental nations where Islam reached comparatively earlier.
The pace of research in Islamic sciences is intensive and wide spread in western
nations also. Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, Washington, Japan, Australia
and many similar prestigious institutions have opened faculties for study of
Arabic recently. This has brought into focus again hot topics like issues of
Islamic human rights, message of peace in Islam, scientific miracles mentioned
in Qur’an, compatibility of holy Qur’an to findings of modern science, Islamic
jurisprudence on managing wealth etc., and no need to mention the supreme
Islamic concept of monotheism. World comes to the realization that Islam is
unique and practical, going in par with human nature, capable of solving life
crisis’ rather than being a set of privately performed rituals. Now it is our turn,
the Muslims living in a diverse society, to demonstrate attitudes and actions that
prove Islam promotes peace and harmony. It is particularly important in our
context where media systematically spread the false notion that Islam is
extremism and terrorism. Scholars of our community have the lead role and
hope they will fulfill their responsibly to correct the damages.

We, the south Indians have an added distinction in the spread of Islam in the
subcontinent. It was in south India that Islam entered in its early years before
any other part of the subcontinent. In the case of Tamilnadu it was in
Kayalpattanam and in Kerala along the coastal belts of Malabar. There are
historic evidences to believe that Kayalpattanam became to be known as
Ma’bar. ‫ معبر‬No Muslim soldier or Mariner ever came to this part of the land.
On the contrary Arab traders and businessmen traveled across our lands for
exchange of commodities. Attracted by their virtues and inspired by their
honesty, straightforwardness and transparency in dealings our forefathers and
grand-grandfathers accepted Islam and passed over the pristine faith to their
progeny. No sword acted any role in the process nor any compulsion involved.
The prospect of Islam is widening day by day. Facilities to understand Islam
accurately should be opened up to everybody who wishes without
discrimination. From our contemporary history we have living examples.
Mohammad Asad, Maryam Jameela, Yusuf Islam, Raja Garody, Abdulla
Adayar, Kamala Surayya and many more were attracted to Islam as a result of
research and study coupled with opportunities they got through companionship
of good Muslims. Therefore, this prestigious institution can render good service
in this respect.

We are proud citizens of a democratic country, India. This land belongs to

Hindus, Christians, the Muslims, and followers of any religion of their choice.
All human beings are children of Adam, banu Adam, and hence brothers and
sisters. The entire Banu Adam is honored by Allah, per Qur’anic verse
17:70.

[ ‫مممم ممم ممم‬

‫“ ] مممم م م‬And indeed we have honored the Children
of Adam …….”
Therefore we should co-live with our brethren in peace, harmony and
tranquility. The entire world is created by a supreme God. Basically our father
and mother in the distant line of lineage are the same. We have to maintain
optimum uniqueness within our diversity. A peaceful world! It is our aspiration
and hope. To achieve that goal we plan and work. May the Almighty unite us
in the fold of his abundant mercy and compassion.

Dr. Hussain Madavoor

Principal
Rouzathul Uloom Arabic College
Farook College P.O.
Calicut-673632, Kerala
Telephone: 0091 495 2440663 (O)
0091 495 2440903 (R)
Fax: 0091 495 2703870)
Mobile: 91 9495030405
Email: ruacollege@gmail.com
hussainmadavoor@gmail.com