‘Arabic spreading rapidly in non-Arab nations’

Indian expatriate literary groups in Jeddah held a reception in honor of Professor Shafiq Ahmed Khan Nadwi, former head of the Arabic department at India’s Jamia Millia Islamia.
Irshad Ahmad, the press and culture consul at the Indian consulate, also attended the event, which took place at a local restaurant.
Stressing the importance of brotherhood, respect and adhering to the peaceful message of Islam, Nadwi said, “Islam is a beautiful gift from God. Citizens around the world embrace Islam due to its humane message. Those who live their lives according to the Qur’an and Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) practices and teachings, will lead a blessed life in this world and the afterlife.”
He said parents have an obligation to provide their children with a better understanding and knowledge of the holy Qur’an as well as the moral values prescribed by Islam.
“Parents today strive to give their children a higher education and send them abroad to foreign universities, but they forget to send them to mosques in the neighborhood to learn Qur’an. Unfortunately some homes are even devoid of a religious environment,” he said, cautioning parents “On the Day of Judgment you will be questioned about kind of education you provided your children.”
Nadwi emphasized the importance of providing children with an education that is accordance with Islamic principles, asserting that the Arabic is a beautiful language and is spreading fast in non-Arab countries as well.
“People are learning how to read Qur’an and its translation, which is consequently inspiring them to convert to Islam in large numbers. In addition, in the past 40 years, Urdu has also become a popular language especially in the Gulf countries. Major Indian universities claim that Urdu is still very much alive in India,” he added.
Arif Quraishi, president of the Indian Cultural Society said Islam values the importance of education and the need to spread knowledge and gives high status to teachers for the significant role they play.
Dilshad Ahmed welcomed the guests and thanked Nadwi for enriching the Indian expatriate community in Jeddah with his knowledge.