From left: Syed Khawaja Viqaruddin, Syed Masood Ahmed, Aijaz Ahmed khan, and Khalil Ahmed present appreciation certificates to Dr. Ashfaq Maniyar, Dr. Mohd Hussain Maniyar, Dr. Iqbal Hussain Maniyar, Khaled Almaeena, and Shabbir Ahmed. — SG photo Syeda Amtul Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH — The alumni association of Jamia Nizamia, one of the oldest Islamic universities in Hyderabad, “Bazme Tulba Qadeem Muhibbane Jamia Nizamia” honored Dr. Ashfaq Hussain Maniyar, senior registrar in King Abdul Aziz University, at a local restaurant here Thursday. Chief guest and Editor in Chief of Saudi Gazette Khaled Almaeena launched a book on Dr. Maniyar's life, which was penned by Naveed Afroz Naveed, founder of the alumni association. Almaeena lauded the contribution of people from the subcontinent, calling it “immense.” “I truly believe that this country would not have gone ahead without the contribution of people like Dr. Ashfaq Maniyar and his brothers. They went out of their way to help people. It is a gift from Allah who has given them a chance to help others,” he said. Almaeena also shed light on the importance of education, and how it could pave a bright future for the Muslims of India. “Without education the Muslims of India cannot go ahead; if they are educated nobody will be better than them.” He also said that Muslims should lead by being an exemplary example — putting forward their best behavior, being honest and true to oneself — instead of worrying about long beards, short thobes, women covering their faces among others. “We focus mainly only on Salah, Siyam, etc, and have forgotten about the basics of Islam which is ‘Akhlaq (behavior).' This is what our Prophet (peace be upon him) has told us, and if we truly believe in the Prophet's message, then I think we should be more doers rather than talkers,” Almaeena said. Khalil Ahmed, vice chancellor, Jamia Nizamia and Ameer-e-Shariat Andhra Pradesh, said: “According to a Hadith, a better person among others is he who serves others, like feeds a hungry, spreads knowledge and cures the sick.” He added that a doctor can diagnose and prescribe the same medicine for an illness, but some patients will be restored to health while some may not, because the doctor has control over the process of treatment, but to eliminate it is in Allah's hands. Praising Dr. Maniyar's efforts in working for humanity, Ahmed said Dr. Maniyar's dedication to help people is commendable. Ahmed also presented certificates of appreciation to all the Maniyar brothers and Almaeena. Dr. Maniyar thanked the association for honoring him. He said: “My father advised me to become a doctor, and my older brothers made me a doctor. I chose ophthalmology, and I'm happy to see my patient's happy. This is all from Allah and I am thankful to Him for his blessings. “I request you all to pray for my enhancement of knowledge so that I can contribute more, and for creating this kind of feeling in all Muslim doctors.” Naveed Afroz, who hosted the program, thanked and praised Saudi Gazette's contribution in highlighting the communities' activities. Syed Masood Ahmed, principal of International Indian School Jeddah, all praised the doctor's services. Aijaz Ahmed Khan, chairman of United Andhra Pradesh Forum and vice president of “Isteqbal-e-Hujjaj” committee also attended the event with the forum's event manager Syed Khawaja Viqaruddin. They congratulated Afroz for organizing the program and praised Dr. Maniyar's community services. Khan, who presented a memento to Dr. Maniyar, said: “Community will always value and respect your contribution, and we hope you will continue it.” Viqaruddin said: “Dr. Maniyar has set an example for all of us to follow. His efforts for the welfare of humanity are truly admirable. These kinds of doctors are required in these times.” Earlier, the program started with the recitation a few verses from the Qur'an by Amanullah followed by a “Naat” by Salim Qadri. A group of children sang a “Tarana (anthem).”
