Prof. Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed, President of the International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI), visited the Islamic Research Institute (IRI) and commended its pivotal role in connecting Islamic scholarship with contemporary global thought. His tour highlighted IRI’s legacy of academic excellence and its significant contributions to the preservation and advancement of Islamic knowledge.
During his visit, Prof. Dr. Alahmed explored IRI’s historic gallery, various academic departments, and the Dr. Hamidullah Library, which houses a notable collection of rare books and antique manuscripts. He was particularly impressed by manuscripts and writings from renowned Muslim scientists and scholars, including Al-Biruni and Al-Khawarizmi, as well as classical calligraphy pieces. He recognized the broad range of subjects covered in these collections, which build a link between classical Islamic learning and modern intellectual dialogues.
Prof. Dr. Alahmed underlined the importance of preserving such rare materials, describing them as essential to maintaining the intellectual heritage of the Muslim world. He added that these resources position IRI as a catalyst for Islamic scholarship to engage with and contribute to modern academic discussions.
The president also met with post-doctoral researchers at the institute, praising both their scholarly efforts and IRI’s commitment to fostering a rigorous academic environment. He noted the institute’s achievements in both preserving historic works and generating new knowledge, ensuring its ongoing influence in the field of Islamic studies.
At the conclusion of his visit, Prof. Dr. Alahmed recorded his appreciation for IRI’s organization and intellectual atmosphere in the institute’s comments book. In recognition of the occasion, IRI Director General Prof. Dr. Muhammad Zia ul Haq presented Dr. Alahmed with a souvenir and a selection of IRI’s recent publications.
