A one-day National Sirah Exhibition and Seminar at the Allama Iqbal Auditorium on the Faisal Mosque Campus of the International Islamic University Islamabad brought scholars, academic leaders, and students together to discuss responsible social media use guided by the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Organised by IIUI’s Islamic Research Institute and partner institutions, the event emphasized truthfulness, respectful dialogue and ethical digital engagement as essential responses to contemporary online challenges.
The seminar, led by IIUI President Prof. Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmad and supported by the university administration, was jointly organised by the International Center of Excellence for Sirah Studies, the Islamic Research Institute (IRI) at IIUI, Jamia Muhammadi Sharif Chiniot, and several IIUI faculties. The programme aimed to translate lessons from the Sirah into practical guidance for digital communication and campus life.
Keynote addresses were delivered by Prof. Dr. Mustafeez Alvi of NUML Islamabad, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Bin Saeed Al-Qarni from Saudi Arabia, Dr. Ghassan Abdul Majeed of Syria, and Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Salhi of Yemen. Speakers stressed that the Sirah offers enduring principles—truthfulness, mutual respect and meaningful dialogue—that are urgently needed to counter misinformation, incivility and polarization online.
Scholars from IIUI highlighted the academic and ethical dimensions of the discussion. Dr. Abdul Samad Sheikh of the Department of Hadith and Its Sciences urged scholars to take an active role in nurturing digital ethics, while Prof. Dr. Fazalullah and Prof. Dr. Hafiz Taj Afsar called on academic institutions to incorporate Sirah-based values into curricula and student development programmes so that graduates can navigate modern challenges responsibly.
Directors of Student Affairs Dr. Hafiz Ghufran Ahmed and Dr. Rukhsana Tariq reflected on social media’s profound influence on young people and called for enhanced spiritual and ethical guidance to help students manage their online behaviour and civic responsibilities.
In his presidential address, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, Director General of the IRI at IIUI, described the Prophet’s life as the foremost model of responsible communication, tolerance and truthfulness. He urged educational institutions to integrate Sirah-based training to equip students to make positive contributions in the digital age.
Chief Guest Prof. Dr. Sahibzada Sajid ur Rehman, former Vice President of IIUI, commended the initiative and argued that social media should be used to disseminate truth and Islamic values rather than misinformation or divisive content.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Sahibzada Muhammad Qamar-ul-Haq, President of Jamia Muhammadi Sharif, who praised the scholarly contributions and expressed hope that the seminar’s message would inspire students and youth across Pakistan.
