IRD and Jamia Muhammadi Sharif Organize Lecture on Cultural Dimensions of Ramadan

Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue (IRD), in collaboration with Jamia Muhammadi Sharif, organized an extension lecture on “Cultural Aspects of Ramadan” at the Allama Iqbal Auditorium, Old Campus, International Islamic University Islamabad. The session featured a keynote address by Khurshid Ahmed Nadeem, Chairman of the National Rahmatul lil Aalameen Wa Khatamun Nabiyyin Authority (NRKNA), who provided an in-depth exploration of the spiritual, cultural, and social significance of Ramadan.

In his address, Mr. Nadeem emphasized that acts of worship, including fasting and prayers, must be performed with sincerity for the pleasure of Allah. He highlighted the importance of gratitude, self-discipline, moral purification, and heightened spiritual awareness during the sacred month. He further noted that when individual acts of worship are practiced collectively and consistently, they gradually shape a shared cultural ethos, while stressing the need to preserve the sacred essence of worship to prevent ritualistic culture from overshadowing spirituality.

Mr. Nadeem elaborated that genuine gratitude is expressed through adherence to the exemplary life and teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and collective righteous conduct contributes to the moral and spiritual development of society. Earlier, Mr. Nasir Farid, Additional Director IRD, welcomed the keynote speaker, faculty members, and participants, outlining the objectives and significance of the lecture, and highlighting Ramadan as a month of sacrifice, patience, and compassion.

Sahibzada Muhammad Qamar ul Haq, President of Jamia Muhammadi Sharif, Chiniot, expressed appreciation to the keynote speaker for his insightful discourse and acknowledged the efforts of the organizers and participants. The event concluded with the presentation of a commemorative souvenir to the keynote speaker, alongside the distribution of IRD publications among attendees.

The lecture Offered participants an opportunity to reflect on the integration of spiritual practice with cultural consciousness, reinforcing the broader educational and research objectives of IRD in promoting scholarly engagement with Islamic traditions.