Akhtarul Wasey

Akhtarul Wasey (born 1951, Aligarh) was a professor of Islamic studies who taught at Jamia Millia Islamia (Central University) in New Delhi. Currently he is president of Maulana Azad University, Jodhpur, India, and professor emeritus in the Department of Islamic Studies in Jamia Millia Islamia. As a versatile personality he assumed many formal and informal designations. Apart from his academic achievements he regularly appears on TV, debating on issues related to Islam and Muslims, and has delivered over 400 radio and 300 TV talks along with extensive and frequent writings in different news papers and magazines. He is considered to be a Muslim spokesperson among academicians.

Professor Emeritus Akhtarul Wasey
Born	(1951-09-01) 1 September 1951[1] Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh[1]
Nationality	Indian
Citizenship	Indian
Occupation	Professor
Years active	1977[1]-present
Known for	Contribution to Islamic studies
Title	Professor emeritus
Board member of	President, Maulana Azad University of Jodhpur[2] Member, Maulana Azad Education Foundation, New Delhi,[3] Member, Central Waqf Council, New Delhi, Member, Advisory Board, Politics India, New Delhi, Member, Academic Council, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, President, Islamic Studies Section, All India Oriental Conference, Pune, Member, Board of Research Studies, Centre of Central Asian Studies, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Member, Board of Undergraduate Studies, Department of Islamic Studies, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Member, Board of Research Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Member, Faculty Committee, Faculty of Theology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Member, Board of Studies, Department of Islamic Studies, A.M.U., Aligarh, General Secretary, All India Qaumi Tanzeem, New Delhi, Member, Dargah Committee, Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, Ajmer, Member, National Advisory Group of the Educational Management Resource Project (EMRP), Aga Khan Foundation (India), Member, National Executive of Educators for Secularism, Socialism and Democracy, and Convenor of its Delhi Unit, Member, Northern Panel of Islamic Development Bank Assistance Programme, Member, Advisory Board, Foundation for Amity and National Solidarity, New Delhi, Member, Editorial Board, Secular Democrary, New Delhi, Member, Executive of All India Sampradayakta Virodhi Committee, New Delhi, Member, Executive of All India Muslim Educational Conference, Aligarh, Trustee, Sir Syed Foundation, New Delhi, Trustee, Foundation for inter-Community Relations, New Delhi, Trustee, Yasmeen Foundation, New Delhi
Spouse(s)	Smt. Sabiha-Wasey
Parent(s)	Sri Hairat Bin Wahid (father),[4] Smt. Shahida Hairat (mother)
Awards	Honorary D. Litt. conferred by Henry Martyn Institute, Hyderabad (2020), Padma Shri (2013),[5] Sir Syed Ahmad Khan Award for Interfaith Understanding,[1] Maulana Mohd. Ali Jauhar Award (1996),[1] Urdu Academy, Delhi and UP (1985),[1] Fulbright Fellowship (2008)[1]
Academic background
Education	B. A. (Aligarh), 1971,[3] B. Th. (Aligarh), 1975,[3] M. Th. (Aligarh), 1976,[3] M. A. (Aligarh), 1977,[3] Diploma in Turkish Language, (Istanbul), 1983[3]
Alma mater	Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh,[3] Istanbul University, Istanbul[3]
Thesis	Education of Indian Muslims: A study of the All-India Muslim Educational Conference, 1886-1947[6] (1977[6])
Academic work
Discipline	Islamic studies[1]
Institutions	Jamia Milia Islamia, New Delhi,[1] National Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India,[5]

Early life and education

Wasey was born on 1 September 1951, at Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, as the first child of six, to Hairat bin Wahid (father) and Shahida Hairat (mother), and married to Mrs. Sabiha Wasey in 1975, having three daughters Mrs. Iram Alvi, Mrs. Sana Saad Khan and Mrs. Anam Shahab and a son Mr. Kamran Wasey. His early education was at Primary School No. 16 which was run and managed by the local municipal board. For secondary education, he was admitted to the City High School of Aligarh Muslim University then he went on to attend Aligarh Muslim University and earn the degrees of BA (hons.) Islamic studies, Bachelor of Theology, Master of Theology and MA (Islamic studies) from Aligarh Muslim University in 1971, 1975, 1976 and 1977 respectively. He also completed a short termcourse in the Turkish language from Istanbul University in 1983.[7]

Career

Wasey began serving as lecturer in Jamia Milia Islamia since 1978 and also worked as the director of Zakir Husain Institute of Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia and later became Head of the Department of Islamic Studies and Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Languages, Jamia Millia Islamia.

Prof. Akhtarul Wasey has been appointed by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee as the 12th Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India w.e.f 4 March 2014 for the tenure of three years. Since 1957, he is the first Commissioner from Urdu speaking community. This is a constitutional authority under Article 350B of the Constitution of India to investigate all matters relating to the safeguards provided for linguistic minorities under this Constitution and report to the President upon those matters at such intervals as the President may direct, and the President shall cause all such reports to be laid before each House of Parliament, and sent to the Governments of the States concerned.

Honorary member of boards

Wasey was vice-chairman of the Urdu Academy Delhi and a member of the Executive Board of National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language and was also, vice-president of Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature, India Interfaith Coalition on HIV/AIDS etc. Previously he was also the President of Dargah Committee of the world-famous Chishti Sufi Shrine at Ajmer, Treasurer of Maulana Azad Education Foundation, President, Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Academy, General Secretary of South Asia Inter-religious Council on HIV/AIDS, a body created by UNICEF. Wasey has been invited to 70 academic and semi-academic tours abroad including programmes organized/sponsored by UNICEF, UNDP, UNAIDS, UNFP, UNHRC and Organization of Islamic Conference.

Editor of journals

Wasey is on the editorial board of Journal of the Henry Martyn Institute and Journal of Khuda Baksh Library and was previously associated with the following journals of Islamic studies,

• Islam Aur Asr-e-Jadeed (an Urdu quarterly),
• Islam and the Modern Age (an English quarterly),
• Risala Jamia (an Urdu monthly), and
• Islam Aur Adhunik Yug (Hindi)

Awards

In 2013 Wasey received a Padma Shri award[8] (a national honour by the President of India for outstanding achievers among Indian citizens) from President Pranab Mukherjee, honouring him as a distinguished academician, specializing in the multidisciplinary study of Islam and Indian Muslims. Wasey is the recipient of the first Sir Syed Ahmad Khan Award for Interfaith Understanding, Aligarh Alumni Association, New York Tristate (US), Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Award in 1996, Award from Urdu Academy, Delhi and UP Urdu Academy on "Sir Syed Ki Taleemi Tehreek" in 1985. He also received a Fulbright Fellowship in 2008, the first ever to a member of the Jamia academic fraternity and the first in the field of Islamic Studies in India.

Prof. Wasey was conferred with Nawab Faizullah Khan Award 2017-18 the highest award for his contribution in the field of Islamic Studies by Rampur Raza Library, Rampur. Ghalib Award 2018 by Ghalib Institute, New Delhi. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan Award 2017 by American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin (AFMI). Prof. Wasey also conferred Makhdoom Quli Medal by the President of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat on 15th May, 2014 for his contribution in the field of Islamic Studies and Urdu language and literature. He is also been conferred with the highest award of Daktur-e-Adab by Jamia Urdu, Aligarh on 20th May, 2014 in recognition of his remarkable services for the promotion of Urdu language, he is also been conferred with the Degree of Divinity (Honoris Causa) by Henry Martyn Institute, Hyderabad and D. Lit. By Integral University, Lucknow for his outstanding work in the academic field over the years. He is the first in his field of Islamic Studies to receive these honors.. He was also awarded with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Institute of Objective Studies (A Muslim think-tank of great repute) in 2014. Prof. Wasey was conferred with Allama Maikash Award in recognition of his contribution to Urdu language and Composite culture. He was also conferred with the 5th Motahari award by the office of Cultural Counselor of the Embassy of Islamic Republic of Iran, New Delhi in 2012. He was also affiliated to Temple University, Philadelphia, Xavier’s University, Cincinnati, Denver University, and Catholic University, Washington D.C. Earlier to this in the year 2000 he has also visited USA under International Visitor’s Program on the theme of Peace and Conflict Resolution.

He has many firsts to his credit

• Professor Emeritus of Islamic Studies in India
• Fulbright Fellowship in Islamic Studies in India
• Commissioner of Linguistic Minorities from Urdu fraternity
• Recipient of first Sir Syed Ahmad Khan Award for Interfaith Understanding, Aligarh Alumni Association, New York Tristate (US)

Bibliography

(a) Books original:

1. Islam: Samarpan ki Seekh (Islam: a way of submission) (2015) Sarjana, Shivbari Road, Bikaner (Rajasthan) 334003.

2. Islam Aur Musalman: Kuchch Sawalat Kuchch Ishkalat (2013) Al-Balagh Publications, N-1, Abul Fazal Enclave, New Delhi-110025.

3. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, His life and contribution (In Arabic) 2010, Rampur Raza Library, Rampur, U.P.

4. Sufimat (2010) Sarjana, Shivbari Road, Bikaner (Rajasthan) 334003.

5. Kuchh Aur Chahiye Wusat (2009) Al-Balagh Publications, N-1, Abul Fazal Enclave, New Delhi-110025.

6. Islamic Response to Contemporary Challenges (2008) Shipra Publications, 115-A, Vikas Marg, Shakarpur, Delhi-110092.

7. Islam Aur Musalman: Kuchh Prashna : Kuchh Jiggyasaen (2008) Sarjana, Shivbari Road, Bikaner (Rajasthan) 334003.

8. Shuneeda Wa Deeda (2007) (Rampur Raza Library, Rampur, UP)

9. Fiqh-e-Islami: Tareekh aur Taaruf (New Delhi: 2004) in collaboration with Dr. Mohd. Fahim Akhtar Nadvi

10. Ikkiswin sadi ki Tahzibi Tarjihat (Qurani Basirat aur Seerat-e-Taiyebah Ki Roshni Mein) (New Delhi: 2004)

11. Sir Syed Ki Taleemi Tehreek (New Delhi, 1985 & second edition 2003). (The first comprehensive study of the Educational dimension of the Aligarh Movement i.e. the All India Muslim Educational Conference founded by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan (New Delhi: 1st Edition-1986, 2nd Edition-2004)

12. Mohammed Ali Jauhar: Sholay Ki Sarguzasht (New Delhi: 2003) (Essays on Maulana Mohammed Ali Jauhar)

13. Education of Indian Muslims (New Delhi, 1977)

14. The Crescent in Clouds, 2019, Shipra Publications

15. Roshni Ka Safar, 2008, Islamic Book Foundation

(B) Books (Edited):

1. Feminism, Modernity and Harmony in Islam: (Asghar Ali Engineer and his writings) Shipra Publications, 115-A, Vikas Marg, Shakarpur, New Delhi-2015

2. Saeed Nursi: Al-Balagh Publications, N-1, Abul Fazal Enclave, New Delhi-(2015)

3. Jazeerah Numaye Arab Ki Taarikh Wa Saqafat: Hindustani Safarnamon Ki Roshni Mein, Edited by Prof. Akhtarul Wasey and Dr. Suhaib Alam, Published by Cultural Attache Office, Embassy of Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, New Delhi (2012).

4. Islam Ka Vishv Manav Drishtikon Aur Naytik Mullye (2012) Readworthy Publications (P) Ltd., 4735/22, Prakash Deep Building, Ground Floor, Ansari Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi-110002.

5. Imam Shah Waliullah: Aasar-o-Afkar (2012), Al-Balagh Publications, N-1, Abul Fazal Enclave, New Delhi-110025.

6. Sufism and Indian Mysticism (2011), Readworthy Publications (P) Ltd., 4735/22, Prakash Deep Building, Ground Floor, Ansari Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi-110002

7. Maulana Azad Ki Qur’ani Baseerat (2009) Al-Balagh Publications, N-1, Abul Fazal Enclave, New Delhi-110025.

8. Jalaluddin Rumi: Insani Rooh Ka Sarmadi Naghma (2009) Al-Balagh Publications, N-1, Abul Fazal Enclave, New Delhi-110025.

9. Maazi Aagah, Mustaqbil Nigah: Shibli Numani (2009) Al-Balagh Publications, N-1, Abul Fazal Enclave, New Delhi-110025.

10. Education, Literature and Islam, Writings by Mohammad Mujeeb – Shipra Publications, 115-A, Vikas Marg, Shakarpur, Delhi-110092. (2008).

11. Education, Gandhi and Man, Selected Writings–Khwaja Ghulamus Saiyyadain. (2008) jointly edited with Farhat Ehsas, Shipra Publications, 115-A, Vikas Marg, Shakarpur, Delhi-110092.

12. Dr. Abu Salman Shahjahanpuri (Shakhshiyat Aur Adabi Khidmat) (New Delhi 2005) published by Maktaba Jamia Ltd. Jointly edited with Dr. Khalique Anjum

13. Madrasas in India (Trying to be Relevant) (New Delhi 2005)

14. Islami Baseeraton ke Asari Tarjuman, Prof. Musheerul Haque, published by Maktaba Jamia Ltd. in 2004

15. Afkar-e-Zakir (New Delhi 2004) published by Maktaba Jamia Ltd. in 2004 jointly edited with Mr. Farhatullah Khan.

16. Muallim-e-Tehzeeb: Khwaja Ghulamus Saiyeden: (Maktaba Jamia, New Delhi-2004) jointly edited with Mr. Farhat Ehsas

17. Khama-e-Khusro, a compilation of Prof. A.M. Khusro’ Urdu writings published by Maktaba Jamia Ltd., 2004 jointly edited with Mr. Farhat Ehsas.

18. Dana-e-Raz–Annemarie Schimmel, A commemorative volume published By Maktaba Jamia Ltd., in 2003 jointly edited with Mr. Farhat Ehsas. Prof. Ali Muhammad Khusro: Hayat Aur Khidmat , A Commemorative Volume Published by Maktaba Jamia Ltd. , New Delhi,2000 in recognition of the multifaceted achievements of the eminent economist and intellectual, Prof. Ali Muhammad Khusro.

19. Yaroshalem: Shahr -e- Muqaddas -Se- Shahr -e- Masloob Tak: A compilation of articles on Jerusalem in Urdu, jointly edited with Mrs. Manorma Dewan (PAI Publications, New Delhi, 1987).

20. Jerusalem: Holy City Enslaved: Articles and Proceedings of an Indo-Arab Symposium on Arab Status of Jerusalem (held in New Delhi in June 1984) jointly edited with Mrs. Manorma Dewan (PAI Publications, New Delhi, 1984).

21. Journey of Faith (Maulana Abdul Majid Dariyabadi) Edited in collaboration with Mr. Abdur Raheem Kidwai, 2016, Shipra Publications.

22. Jahan-e-Deegar (A Collection of Poetry of Late Mr. Hairat Bin Wahid), 2017, M. R. Publications, New Delhi.

(C). Books (Translations):

1. Safar Ashob (Maghribi Asia ki siyasat par mazamin) Urdu translation written by Hamid Ansari Vice-President of India in English, entitled National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL) New Delhi-2015

2. Tarjumanul Quran Vol. I, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (Transliteration in Devnagri script and Hindi meaning of Key Urdu words), ICCR, New Delhi,2004

3. Aaiyne-Sarguzusht (Hindi Translation of the biography of Avicenna) CCRUM (Govt. of India), 1999

4. Hind Islami Tarz-e-Tameer: Urdu translation of Indo-Muslim Architecture, published by Publications Division, Ministry of I & B (Govt. of India) 1995.

5. Hamara Mulk Bharat – an NCERT text book in Urdu ( 1991)

6. Sabaq Amoz Kahaniyan ( Urdu 1986)

7. Bharat Mein Islami Shiksha ke Kendra (Hindi), Publications Division, Ministry of I&B, Government of India, New Delhi, 1984.

References

1. Padma Shri Prof. Akhtarul Wasey, 6 April 2013, Siasat.
2. Prof. Akhtarul Wasey, President of Maulana Azad University.
3. Faculty members, Department of Islamic Studies, Jamia Milia Islamia.
4. The Milli Gazette, July 2004
5. Akhtarul Wasey Padma Shri Awarded in 2013
6. Hathi Trust
7. "A New Turn". thehindu.
8. "Halal in India: Prof. Akhtarul Wasey is among the Recipient of Padamshree Awards 2013". Halalinindia.info. 31 January 2013. Retrieved 20 November 2013.