Islamabad: 26 May: “No society can grow without ethical values therefore the society should combine scientific development with ethical values”, it was said by Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting while addressing to concluding ceremony of 2-day International Workshop on “Being Muslim in the World: Everyday Ethics and Cultures of Adab”. The workshop was organized by Iqbal International Institute for Research & Dialogue (IRD) of the International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) in collaboration with Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA and American Institute of Pakistan Studies (AITS).
Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira was the chief guest on the occasion whereas Dr. Masoom Yasinzai, Rector IIUI, Dr. Nizam-ud-Din, Vice Chancellor University of Gujrat, Prof. Dr. Mumtaz Ahmad, President IIUI, Prof. Dr. Sahibzada Sajid ur Rehman, Vice President IIUI and imminent intellectuals, scholars participated the workshop. A large number of IIUI faculty members, administrative officers and students also attended the concluding ceremony of the workshop.
Mr. Kaira said that we should promote the ethical values through rational arguments and the society. He said that although Islam stressed more on ethical values but the other religions are giving due importance to ethical values. Mr. Kaira appreciated the literal seminars and workshops organized by IIUI and the university performed remarkably in all aspects however we have our own identity and we should organize workshops other than political and economic problems of the society. Mr. Kaira further added that we should follow the scientific development of the west but to avoid to follow their civilization to maintain our own identity. He considered that public opinion is a strong parameter to control the power in the society.
Dr. Masoon Yasinzai thanked the Arizona State University for their assistance to organize such an informative workshop. Dr. Masoom said that the well taught ideas of the participants will help the students to recognize Islamic traditions and Adab. He added that today it is more important to spread message of Islamic Adab that Muslims do not hate any nation and civilization. He said that the life of our Prophet (PBUH) is a roll model for us and it should not be the monopoly of the Muslims to have the Seerah of Prophet (PBUH) but to spread it to the non-muslims. He said that we should work together to bring justice and tolerance in muslim societies. Upon the role of universities Dr. Masoom said that universities could educate peoples with knowledge and research across borders.
Earlier Dr. Mumtaz Ahmad in his welcomed address thanked the participants of the workshop and said that the participants have thoroughly discussed about the topic and shared their research findings. Dr. Mumtaz urged the social scientists to address such kind of workshops relates to ethics and other social issues.
Dr. Sahibzada Sajid ur Rehman said that the society is more in threat from ethical crises rather than all kind of crises. He said that ethics of our holy prophet (PBUH) is beacon of light for human beings.
Dr. Khalid Masud over viewed the research papers represented by various scholars. He said that 8 research papers presented on the subject. He said that language reflects the ethics of community and ethics reflects the values of community.
Renowned scholars and intellectual who presented research papers are including Prof. CM Naim, Dr. M. Khalid Masud, Dr. Karim Crow, Yasimin Saikia, Chad hains and others.
More on www.iiu.edu.pk