Faculty of Theology

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FACULTY OF THEOLOGY

Faculty of Theology is one of the oldest Faculties of A.M.U. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the founder of the institution introduced the teaching of Sunni and Shia Theology. He invited prominent Sunni and Shia Religious Scholars to head it. Maulana Abdullah Ansari, son-in-law of Maulana Qasim Nanotvi, the founder of Darul Uloom Deoband was appointed first Nazime-e-Deeniyat. This developed into Department of Shia and Sunni Theology and finally became teaching Faculty in 1960.

The Faculty is not only the oldest, but also unique in many ways. This is the only Faculty in Indian Universities where Sunni and Shia Theology is taught and graduate, post-graduate and doctorate degrees are awarded. These two Departments not only provide teaching and research facilities but also manage religious life of the campus. The two symbolize Sunni-Shia unity and are a living manifestation of Sir Syed's vision of Muslim unity and brotherhood.

Faculty of Theology has a rich history. It had outstanding and world famous scholars like, Maulana Abdul Lateef Rahmani, Maulana Sulaiman Ashraf, Prof. Saeed Ahmad Akbarabadi, Allama Ali Naqi Naqvi, Mufti Hafeezullah, Prof. Taqi Amini, Allama Mujtaba Hasan Kamoonpuri, Professor Fazlur Rahman Ginnori and Professor Maulana Kalbe Abid, who had hundreds of books published in various scholarly papers and books published in different languages in many countries and those who have participated in religious and Inter-Faith conferences in different countries and delivered lectures in the overseas institutions.