According to the Secretariat of the International Congress Commemorating Allama Mir Hamid Husayn Lucknawi (RA), Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimin Dr. Subhani, CEO of the International Imamate Foundation and Chairman of the Congress, addressed the media in a press conference, outlining the preparations for this international event. He stated, “After proposing the idea of holding this congress six years ago, due to the vast intellectual contributions and theological grandeur of the Lucknow School in India, we decided to honor the prominent figures of this region through two major conferences—one focusing on Allama Mir Hamid Husayn and the ‘Abaqat’ family, and the other on Allama Syed Dildar Ali Ghufran Ma’ab and the scholarly lineage of Ijtihad.”
Preparations Underway for the Congress in Fall 2023
The Secretariat reported that the International Congress Commemorating Allama Mir Hamid Husayn Lucknawi (RA) will be held in the fall of 2023, coinciding with the 140th anniversary of his passing. The event aims to revive and promote the works of this great scholar and his family.
Dr. Subhani highlighted the praise of Shi’a scholars for Allama Mir Hamid Husayn, citing Allama Syed Muhsin Amin (author of A’yan al-Shi’a), who said, “When I read Allama Mir Hamid Husayn’s works, I feel that after Syed al-Murtaza and Sheikh al-Tusi, no scholar of his caliber has emerged in defending the doctrine of Imamate and Wilayah.”
He also recounted two historical events underscoring the significance of Abaqat al-Anwar:
- The formation of theMajlis Mu’in al-Abaqat by Shi’a scholars to print the Hadith al-Thaqalayn section, though the effort remained incomplete.
- Imam Khomeini’s (RA) dedication to reviving the book, as mentioned inKashf al-Asrar: “The Sunnis are trying to suppress this book, while the Shi’a remain indifferent! For two years, we have urged the Shi’a community to reprint it, but the response has been lukewarm. By God’s will, it is now being printed, and it is the duty of Shi’a scholars and believers to ensure this invaluable treasure is preserved.”
Dr. Subhani confirmed that Abaqat al-Anwar has never been fully compiled in a critical edition, and for the first time, it will be published in approximately 50 volumes during the congress.
Allama Mir Hamid Husayn: A Brilliant Scholar Who Performed a Miracle in Defending Imamate
Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimin Mahdavi Pour, the Supreme Leader’s representative in India, described Allama Mir Hamid Husayn as one of the most distinguished Shi’a scholars, whose academic defense of Imamate was nothing short of miraculous. He outlined six key features of Abaqat al-Anwar:
- Its methodology based onJidal al-Ahsan (the best form of debate).
- Its comprehensive coverage of hadith, narrators, and chains of transmission.
- The inclusion of thousands of rare sources.
- His lineage from a renowned scholarly family.
- His Iranian roots and upbringing in Indian culture, fostering intellectual exchange.
- His focus on Imamate, a central tenet of Shi’a theology.
Abaqat al-Anwar: A Masterpiece Integrating Multiple Sciences in Theological Proof
Dr. Ahmad Faramarz Qaramaleki, Director of the Islamic Research Foundation at Astan Quds Razavi, praised Abaqat al-Anwar as a model for integrating diverse Islamic sciences (hadith, rijal, logic, philosophy) in defending Shi’a beliefs. He noted that the book exemplifies “evidence-based reasoning”—a methodology now emphasized in Western academia.
Reviving the Legacy of the Abaqat Family Will Continue Beyond the Congress
Sheikh Mokhtari, head of the Shi’a Bibliographical Institute, emphasized that the congress will focus on reviving Allama Mir Hamid Husayn’s works, including efforts by Martyr Dr. Beheshti in this regard. A detailed report on Imam Khomeini’s role in preserving Abaqat al-Anwar will also be published.
Conclusion:
The press conference unveiled the congress poster and called for scholarly contributions, with the Secretariat expressing readiness to collaborate with researchers. The event marks a major step in preserving the intellectual heritage of one of Shi’a Islam’s greatest defenders.
