Syed Mussarat Khalil

Saudi Gazette

 

JEDDAH — The Urdu Academy Jeddah arranged a farewell ceremony in honor of Dr. Waseem Ahmed Siddiqui, senior teacher of International Indian School Jeddah (IISJ), who is leaving the Kingdom after 19 years of his service to the school.



Social reformist of Jeddah Dr. Aleem Khan Falaki was also honored for obtaining a PhD degree at the ceremony held at local restaurant Saturday. Executive Members Urdu Academy Syed Khalid Hussain and Syed Ameenuddin Ansari presented a Naat, and Mohammed Abbas Khan recited few verses from the Qur'an.



Eminent religious scholar and teacher of IISJ, Naveed Afrooz  praised and appreciated Siddiqui for his outstanding dedications for the promotion of the Urdu language, community services and his teaching tenure at IISJ.



Siddiqui was the first Urdu teacher with a PhD in IISJ's 45-year history. Even today, there are none. Hence, this is a historical honor for him, he said.   



He said: "He was my favorite teacher. He is an able and popular social worker of the community. He is leaving Kingdom for good. We pray for all his success in the future."



He added: "Dr. Waseem is a man of sound character who has intense faith in God." 



Siddiqui thanked President of Urdu Academy Jamal ullah Qadri and all members of the Urdu Academy for arranging such an honorable gathering. Qadri formally presented — on behalf of new Consul General of India B.S. Mubarak — mementos to Siddiqui and Falki in appreciation of their valuable services and excellence.



Qadri praised their dedication in promoting the economic empowerment of Muslim women.



Falki shared with the audience his journey of obtaining the doctorate. He thanked for his guidelines and helping in this regard. He shed light on Islamic laws and cultural traditions impact various stages of a Muslim women's life including her education, employment opportunities, rights to inheritance, dress, age of marriage, freedom to consent to marriage, marriage contract (mehr and dowry), property rights independent of her husband, among others.



Earlier, Mohammed Minhaj Uddin, master of ceremony, welcomed the guest and conducted the entire event with his usual grace and eloquence.



Noted intellectual and senior journalist Sharif Aslam presented few couplets in honor of the guests.



Distinguished members of the Indian community including Bayazeed Hassan, Jamil Saeed, Aijaz Ahmed Khan, Shamim Kauser, Yousuf uddin Amjad among others were attended the function.



The program concluded with the vote of thanks by the Executive Member of Urdu Academy Hafiz Abdul Salam.