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

/0 Comments/in , /by

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.

IRD Organizes Lecture on Allama Iqbal’s Concept of Knowledge

/0 Comments/in , /by

The Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue (IRD) organized an academic lecture titled “علامہ اقبال کی نظر میں علم کی اہمیت” at Madrassa Muhammadi Masjid, Shehzad Town, Islamabad. Mr. Nasir Farid, Additional Director IRD, introduced the Institute,

highlighting its academic, research, and peace-building initiatives, and noted that the lecture marked IRD’s first outreach event at a madrassa in line with the vision of the President, IIUI.

The keynote address by renowned scholar Dr. Talib Hussain Sial focused on Allama Iqbal’s concept of knowledge, emphasizing intellectual awakening, moral responsibility, and societal progress. Mr. Maulana Abdul Quddus Muhammadi appreciated IRD’s efforts, while active student participation reflected the lecture’s relevance and impact.

Seminar on “Critical Thinking: A Journey of Self-Discovery” Organized at IRD

/0 Comments/in , /by

Islamabad: The Iqbal International Institute for Research & Dialogue (IRD) of the International Islamic University Islamabad organized a seminar titled “Critical Thinking: A Journey of Self-Discovery” at the IIUI Old Campus.

Mr. Khurshid Nadeem, Chairman, National Rahmatul-lil-Alameen Wa Khatamun Nabiyyin Authority (NRKNA), in his address, emphasized that self-discovery is central to realizing life’s purpose and building self-confidence. He noted that genuine innovation cannot be achieved without self-realization and urged the audience to adopt critical reflection before accepting any narrative. Referring to Allama Iqbal’s Javed Nama, he underlined the importance of questioning assumptions and seeking deeper meaning in intellectual pursuits.

Earlier, Mr. Nasir Farid, Additional Director IRD, briefed participants on the institute’s vision, mandate, and objectives, as well as the aims of the seminar.

Delivering the keynote lecture, journalist and scholar Mr. Sabookh Syed discussed the role of critical thinking in society and cautioned students against unverified social media narratives. He stressed that information should be verified before sharing to prevent misinformation.

Both speakers agreed that critical thinking strengthens intellectual engagement and opens new avenues for innovation.

The seminar was held for participants of the Fikr-e-Jadeed Tadabbur Fellowship of Idara-e-Fikr-o-Jadeed, who visited IRD under the leadership of Sahibzada Amanat Rasool, Chairperson. The event concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session.

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

/0 Comments/in , /by

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.

One-day Seminar on “Iqbal’s Vision for the Youth”

/0 Comments/in /by

A one-day seminar on “Iqbal’s Vision for the Youth” was organized by IRD in collaboration with the Department of Urdu, Politics & I.R and History and Pakistan Studies, IIUI today at Allama Iqbal Auditorium, IIU Old Campus. The seminar conveyed Iqbal’s message of peace and humanity to youth in an effective manner. It also taught a sense of Khudi among youth that urges them to acknowledge their innate abilities and work towards self-actualization. The guest speakers, including Dr. Saleem Mazhar, Director General, National Language Promotion Department, Pakistan, Dr. Talib Hussain Sial, Iqbaliyat expert, Teacher, Researcher, Critic, Dr. Humaira Shehbaz, Iqbaliyat expert, Teacher, Research, Critic, enlightened the audience on the topic. Dr. Talib Hussain Sial linked the events of Iqbal’s visit to Europe with the current situation and told the young generation that they should maintain their independence at all costs. He said that Iqbal’s philosophy is connected with Islam. He presents philosophical ideas compatible with religion. Dr. Humira Shehbaz, while her address, presented an Urdu translation and Persian text of a story in Iqbal’s Persian poetry. She said that Iqbal’s addressees were mostly young people and said that out of the total seventeen thousand poems of Iqbal, about twelve thousand are in Persian. Therefore, the Persian language should also be studied.

Dr. Salim Mazhar presented Iqbal’s philosophical thoughts in the context of the Holy Quran and made his philosophy a beacon for the youth and said that Iqbal is a great poet and philosopher not only of this region but of the world. The closing remarks of the ceremony were delivered by Prof. Dr. Abdul Rahman (Vice President, Academics).  He thanked the honorable speakers.  He suggested that such programs should be organized on the new campus of the International Islamic University where students from many fields can understand Iqbal. In the end, souvenirs were presented to the guest speakers.

Visit of Faculty Members of Government College University Hyderabad

/in /by

A 14-member delegation of the Faculty members of Government College University, Hyderabad, on study tour to different universities of Pakistan, also visited IRD and met with the director. The Director IRD Syed Hassan Aftab welcomed the delegates and briefed them about the IIUI and IRD. The delegation, while lauding the efforts of IRD, thanked the Director for brief presentation. Later on, a visit to IRI Library was also carried out.

A 14-member delegation of the Faculty members of Government College University, Hyderabad, on study tour to different universities of Pakistan, also visited IRD and met with the director. The Director IRD Syed Hassan Aftab welcomed the delegates and briefed them about the IIUI and IRD. The delegation, while lauding the efforts of IRD, thanked the Director for brief presentation. Later on, a visit to IRI Library was also carried out.