IRD Releases New Book: Rahmat-e-Sab Jahān ﷺ (Mercy to All Worlds ﷺ) — A Distinctive Work on the Prophetic Biography with Intellectual and Aesthetic Insight

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The Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue (IRD) has published its latest book on the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, titled Rahmat-e-Sab Jahān ﷺ (Mercy to All Worlds ﷺ), authored by renowned scholar Habib ur Rahman Asim. This work is not a mere catalogue of historical events and names; rather, it offers a profound intellectual and spiritual journey. The author sincerely endeavors to uncover the beauty of the Prophet’s ﷺ character, the wisdom in his actions, and the aesthetic grace of his personality in each narrative.

At its core, the book emphasizes that the sacred life of the Prophet ﷺ is not a tale of the past but a comprehensive and living guide for people of all times and places. It holds particular value for those striving to improve their worldly lives and succeed in the hereafter, as every word and deed of the Prophet ﷺ is rich with wisdom and worthy of emulation.

The first copy of Rahmat-e-Sab Jahān ﷺ (Mercy to All Worlds ﷺ) was presented today to the President of the university. Commending the scholarly effort, the President remarked that raising awareness about the life of the Prophet ﷺ is one of the most pressing needs of our time, and this book is a commendable step in that direction.

During the presentation, Mr. Nasir Fareed also briefed the President on the author’s academic contributions. He noted that Prof. Habib ur Rahman Asim previously served as a professor in the Department of Arabic at the International Islamic University Islamabad, and is currently serving as Chairman of the Iqbal Chair at Bahria University.

The book draws upon over fifty authoritative works on the Prophetic biography and numerous scholarly articles, lending it considerable academic depth. Its lucid, meaningful, and engaging prose makes it accessible to general readers, while also serving as a valuable resource for scholars and researchers.

A notable aspect of this publication is that it was completed under the thoughtful guidance and intellectual patronage of the university’s President, who recognized its scholarly importance and considered it a vital extension of the university’s vision—appreciating it as a significant contribution to IRD’s broader mission.

This publication marks a sincere effort to reinforce IRD’s research impact and to reimagine the study of the Prophetic biography as an intellectual, aesthetic, and actionable pursuit. Rahmat-e-Sab Jahān ﷺ (Mercy to All Worlds ﷺ) invites readers to reflect upon themselves through the mirror of the Prophet’s ﷺ life, to refine their character, and to improve their moral outlook. It is a valuable gift for all those who wish to illuminate their hearts and minds with the light of the Prophetic example.

Dr. Abdul Rauf Rafiqui, Director of Iqbal Academy Pakistan, Visits Iqbal International Institute for Research & Dialogue (IRD)

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Dr. Abdul Rauf Rafiqui, Director of Iqbal Academy Pakistan, Lahore, visited the Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue (IRD) at the International Islamic University Islamabad. He was warmly received by Mr. Nasir Farid, Additional Director, IRD.

During the visit, Mr. Farid briefed Dr. Rafiqui on the Institute’s vision, its ongoing academic initiatives, and its significant contributions to Iqbal studies and interfaith dialogue. On the occasion, a recently published volume by IRD was presented to the esteemed guest as a gesture of academic exchange and goodwill.

Dr. Rafiqui toured the IRD’s Reference Library and Media Studio, where he expressed appreciation for the scholarly environment and state-of-the-art facilities. He lauded the Institute’s commitment to promoting the intellectual legacy of Allama Iqbal through meaningful academic and cultural initiatives.

He concluded his visit by commending the tireless efforts of IRD and expressed his support for its continued mission of fostering research, dialogue, and collaboration across diverse intellectual domains.

IRD Hosts National Workshop on Youth Capacity Building in Dialogue and Peacebuilding

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The Iqbal International Institute for Research & Dialogue (IRD), International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), convened a high-impact one-day national workshop titled “Youth Capacity Building on Dialogue and Peacebuilding” on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. The event served as a dynamic platform for intellectual discourse, bringing together esteemed scholars, legal luminaries, policy experts, and civil society representatives to equip youth with the tools necessary for fostering peace, tolerance, and constructive engagement in a pluralistic society.

The proceedings commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Nasir Farid, Additional Director, IRD, who reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to nurturing youth through academic and civic empowerment initiatives. He highlighted IRD’s sustained efforts to build bridges among diverse societal segments through dialogue and research-based engagement.

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Muhammad Kashif Irshad, Additional Director General KP-CVE and Culture Specialist at the National Heritage and Culture Division. In his remarks, he underscored the critical role of youth as catalysts for peace, emphasizing their potential to promote social cohesion and cultural pluralism.

Justice Dr. Syed Muhammad Anwar, Honorable Aalim Judge of the Federal Shariat Court, offered an intellectually enriching discourse on cultivating mutual respect amid ideological and socio-political diversity, encouraging youth to become agents of harmony and ethical leadership.

An engaging session on sustainable development and inclusive communication was led by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Shakeel Ahmad, Chief Executive of the Global Strategic Institute for Sustainable Development. He elaborated on the intersection of effective dialogue and sustainable peace, stressing the importance of inter generational and cross-sector collaboration

Post-lunch, Barrister Zafarullah Khan, former Special Assistant to the Prime Minister and a distinguished author and legal expert, conducted a capacity-building session on conflict resolution and mediation techniques. His session provided participants with practical frameworks for navigating conflict and fostering reconciliation.

he concluding thematic presentation was delivered by Mr. Saith Usama Chitrali, Managing Director of SEERAHT International. He shared innovative strategies for mobilizing youth-led peace advocacy campaigns, encouraging proactive civic participation and grassroots dialogue initiatives.

Mohtamim Jamia Muhammadi Sharif, Sahabzada Qamar-ul-Haq, also graced the occasion and expressed his deep appreciation for the efforts of IRD in promoting interfaith harmony and youth engagement through dialogue. He commended the institute’s vision and the relevance of the workshop’s theme in the present socio-political climate. While addressing the participants, he extended his gratitude to them for their active involvement and encouraged them to carry forward the message of peace and mutual respect in their respective communities.

The workshop concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony, recognizing the enthusiastic participation of students and the invaluable contributions of the guest speakers. The event witnessed active engagement from a diverse cohort of university and Madrassa students, young professionals, and members of academia and civil society.

Participants expressed profound appreciation for IRD’s initiative, lauding the institute for providing a much-needed forum that encourages youth involvement in the national peacebuilding discourse through knowledge sharing and collaborative dialogue.

President of International Islamic University Islamabad Visits Iqbal International Institute for Research & Dialogue

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Prof. Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed, President of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) recently conducted an official visit to the Iqbal International Institute for Research & Dialogue (IRD) located at the university’s Old Campus. The visit included an extensive tour of the institute’s facilities and a review of its academic resources.

During the visit, the President examined the IRD Reference Library, praising its vast collection of over 3,000 well-maintained books, which serve as a vital academic resource for scholars and researchers. Mr. Nasir Farid, Additional Director of IRD, alongside Dr. Maryam Siddiqa, provided a detailed briefing on the institute’s ongoing academic initiatives, research projects, and future strategic plans. The President was also introduced to the IRD’s scholarly publications and commended their quality and thematic relevance, highlighting their importance in contributing to intellectual discourse and academic excellence.

The President further toured the IRD Conference Room, assessing the facilities designed for seminars and academic exchanges, and visited the IRD Studio, which supports the production of digital content and multimedia research initiatives. He was informed that all these facilities are accessible to every department within the university, promoting interdepartmental collaboration and academic integration.

Expressing deep appreciation for the IRD team’s dedication, the President reaffirmed his support for enhancing the institute’s role as a leading platform for research, dialogue, and thought leadership at IIUI. “We are committed to providing full institutional backing to strengthen IRD’s impact and broaden its academic reach,” he stated.

RD Publications on Iqbal to Feature at Punjab Assembly Book Corner

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The Honourable Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, has announced the establishment of an Iqbal Book Corner in collaboration with the Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue (IRD), International Islamic University Islamabad.

During a meeting at the Punjab Assembly Secretariat, Mr. Nasir Farid, Additional Director IRD, briefed the Speaker on the Institute’s academic activities, publications, and projects promoting the thought and philosophy of Allama Iqbal, interfaith dialogue, and social research. Mr. Farid also presented IRD’s recently published bibliographic work کتابیاتِ اقبال, which documents significant literature on Iqbal’s life and contributions.

The Speaker lauded the role of IRD in fostering scholarly engagement with Iqbal’s ideas and stressed the importance of introducing such initiatives to the younger generation. He directed that a dedicated corner featuring IRD’s publications and related materials be established in the Assembly premises to provide legislators, researchers, and visitors access to authentic resources on Iqbal’s legacy.

Lecture on “Iqbal and Today’s Youth” Sparks Inspiration at Lahore

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The Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue (IRD) organized a thought-provoking lecture on the theme “Iqbal and Today’s Youth” at Jamia Naeemia, Lahore. The event witnessed an enthusiastic turnout of students and religious scholars, who gathered to explore the timeless relevance of Allama Iqbal’s philosophy.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Talib Hussain Sial, a distinguished scholar, who highlighted the importance of self-awareness, intellectual growth, and moral integrity in navigating modern challenges. Drawing from Iqbal’s teachings, Dr. Sial urged the youth to embrace their responsibilities and work towards a progressive society aligned with Iqbal’s vision.

The Additional Director of IRD Nasir Farid expressed gratitude to Jamia Naeemia for hosting the event and emphasized the IRD mission to promote intellectual engagement among youth. He provided insights into the objectives of the IRD lecture series, aimed at reconnecting students with the wisdom of national thinkers like Allama Iqbal.

The session concluded with a vibrant interactive discussion, reflecting the audience’s keen interest in understanding and applying Iqbal’s message in contemporary contexts.

Concluding Ceremony of IRD’s Two-Day Workshop Held at Jamia Naeemia, Lahore

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Lahore, June 26, 2025 — The two-day national workshop on “Madrassa: Personal and Institutional Development”, organized by the Iqbal International Institute for Research & Dialogue (IRD), concluded today with a formal closing ceremony at Jamia Naeemia, Lahore.

The Chief Guest Dr. Muhammad Arshad Iqbal Naeemi in his address, emphasized the pivotal role of mosque leadership and Imams in promoting social ethics and fostering a morally conscious society. He lauded the IRD’s efforts in organizing such timely and relevant training for madrassa faculty and students.

A special session on media and communication was conducted by Mr. Nasir Farid, Additional Director at IRD. He discussed the responsibilities of educators in navigating media narratives and the importance of verifying information before sharing. He also thanked the participants for their active engagement and collected feedback on the workshop’s content and delivery.

To gain deeper insight into participants’ thinking and expression styles, Mr. Farid also conducted an interactive post-writing activity, which aimed to explore the writing psychology and communication approach of the attendees.

Participants from various religious backgrounds commended the IRD for providing an inclusive and thoughtful platform. They strongly encouraged the continuation of such capacity-building initiatives in the future to further enhance the impact and outreach of madrassa education.

The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks and distribution of certificates to all participants, marking the successful completion of the program.

Two-Day National Workshop on “Madrassa: Personal and Institutional Development”

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Two-Day National Workshop on “Madrassa: Personal and Institutional Development” Begins at Jamia Naeemia, Lahore

Lahore, June 25, 2025 — A two-day national workshop on “Madrassa: Personal and Institutional Development” commenced today at Jamia Naeemia, Lahore, bringing together over 50 madrassa teachers from various schools of thought.

Organized by the Iqbal International Institute for Research & Dialogue (IRD), the workshop aims to foster professional growth among madrassa educators while encouraging dialogue, harmony, and critical reflection within religious institutions

The opening session featured Mr. Nasir Farid, Additional Director at IRD, who welcomed the participants and provided an overview of the workshop’s goals, emphasizing the need for collaborative and forward-looking approaches in madrassa education.

Sahibzada Amanat Rasool, a respected religious scholar, delivered a keynote on “Dialogue and Harmony,” stressing the importance of inter-sectarian understanding and peaceful coexistence in a diverse religious landscape.

The day continued with an insightful presentation by Dr. Ammar Khan Nasir, who spoke on “Contemporary Challenges Faced by Madrassa Teachers and Practical Solutions.” He outlined the need for pedagogical reform and contextual awareness among religious educators.

Dr. Mubashir Hussain, Associate Professor at the University of the Punjab, presented on “The Importance of Critical Thinking in the Contemporary Era,” highlighting the role of intellectual engagement and analytical reasoning in religious education.

The workshop will continue tomorrow with more interactive sessions, aiming to equip participants with practical tools and perspectives to enhance both their personal development and institutional effectiveness

IIUI’s IRD and Pakistan Academy of Letters Forge Strategic Partnership to Promote Research and Literary Dialogue

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In a landmark initiative aimed at promoting collaborative research and strengthening literary and intellectual discourse in Pakistan, the Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue (IRD) at the International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL)

The MoU was officially signed by Prof. Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed, President IIUI and Executive Director of IRD, and Prof. Dr. Najeeba Arif, Chairperson of the Pakistan Academy of Letters, during a formal ceremony held at new Campus of the university.

The partnership envisions joint efforts in organizing conferences, seminars, literary festivals, and research initiatives, with a special focus on building cultural understanding, interfaith dialogue, and the promotion of Pakistan’s rich literary heritage. Both institutions pledged to share resources and expertise to enhance intellectual exchange and develop collaborative projects that bridge academic and literary communities.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed emphasized the significance of the alliance, stating, “This MoU marks a step forward in enriching Pakistan’s intellectual landscape. By aligning the research strengths of IRD with the literary prowess of the Academy of Letters, we aim to initiate dialogues that resonate beyond academic circles and contribute meaningfully to society.”

Prof. Dr. Najeeba Arif also highlighted the importance of institutional collaboration. “Literature and research are not isolated pursuits,” she noted. “Together, we can create spaces where ideas flourish, traditions converse, and future scholars find inspiration.”

The agreement outlines a framework for mutual cooperation in publishing, translation of literary and academic works, capacity building of young scholars and writers, and joint efforts to highlight the legacy of great thinkers such as Allama Iqbal.

Lecture on “Iqbal and Today’s Youth” Inspires Students at Islamabad Model Postgraduate College of Commerce

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Lecture on “Iqbal and Today’s Youth” Inspires Students at Islamabad Model Postgraduate College of Commerce

A thought provoking lecture on “Iqbal and Today’s Youth” was held today at Islamabad Model Postgraduate College of Commerece, organized by the Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue (IRD) . The event witnessed an overwhelming response, with a large number of students and faculty members in attendance.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Talib Hussain Sial delivered an engaging and insightful talk focusing on Allama Iqbal’s concept of Khudi (selfhood). He emphasized the importance of self-awareness, inner strength, and ambition in shaping the character of today’s youth. Dr. Sial urged students to embrace Iqbal’s philosophy, develop a strong sense of purpose, and strive for excellence with the spirit of an eagle — a recurring symbol in Iqbal’s poetry that represents courage, vision, and freedom.

The Principal of the College Prof. Waqas Aziz praised the IRD for organizing such a meaningful and inspiring event, highlighting the relevance of Iqbal’s teachings in addressing the challenges faced by modern youth . He encouraged continued efforts to engage students in intellectual and philosophical discussions that contribute to their personal and academic growth.

The Additional Director of IRD Nasir Farid took the opportunity to thank the principal of the college for granting permission to hold the event. He also provided a brief overview of IRD’s mission and objectives, highlighting the organization’s commitment to promoting intellectual engagement among youth. He explained the purpose of the lecture series, which aims to reconnect students with the timeless ideas of national thinkers like Allama Iqbal.

The lecture concluded with an interactive Q&A session, allowing students to share their thoughts and ask questions, further deepening their understanding of Iqbal’s message.