Islamic Research Institute, International Islamic University Islamabad

16/09/2026

IIUI Leadership and Distinguished Council Members Convene 13th Meeting of the Council of the Islamic Research Institute (IRI)
ISLAMABAD (15th September 2026): The newly reconstituted Council of the Islamic Research Institute (IRI), International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI), convened its 13th meeting on 15th September 2026, at Professor Dr Zafar Ishaq Ansari Board Room, Islamic Research Institute. Professor Dr Ahmed Saad Al-Ahmed, Acting Rector and President of IIUI and Chairman of the IRI Council, chaired the meeting.
The proceedings began with an introductory session, allowing the newly constituted council members to get acquainted. Delivering the opening address, Professor Dr Ahmed Saad Al-Ahmed set a forward-looking tone for the meeting, emphasising IRI’s vital institutional role in producing high-impact scholarly research, promoting interdisciplinary studies, and advancing academic excellence. Following the opening remarks, Professor Dr Muhammad Akram, Director General of the Institute, presented a thorough overview of the Institute’s ongoing academic contributions and outlined the proposed framework for its future initiatives and research endeavours.
The Council members subsequently engaged in comprehensive collective deliberations to review the proposed institutional roadmap. Valuable policy-level insights and constructive recommendations were contributed by Honorable Dr Justice Dr Syed Muhammad Anwer (Acting Chief Justice/Judge, Federal Shariat Court, Islamabad), Professor Dr Ahmed Shuja Syed (Vice-Chairman, IRI Council/Vice President, Research & Enterprise, IIUI), Professor Dr Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, TI (Vice Chancellor, University of Narowal/Representative of the Board of Governors), Professor Dr Bushra Mirza, TI (Vice Chancellor, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi, who attended online), Professor Dr Ali Khodran M. Alomari (Chairperson, Department of Shariah, IIUI), and Dr Hafiz Aftab Ahmad (Secretary of the Council).
Upon thorough review, the Council unanimously resolved to synthesise and integrate all expert recommendations offered by the distinguished members into the Institute’s future roadmap. Concluding the session, Professor Dr Ahmed Saad Al-Ahmed thanked all members for their active participation and valuable input, confirming that the updated framework will be formally presented to the university’s higher statutory authorities for final approval.
Follow the link for details
https://www.iiu.edu.pk/iiui-leadership-and-distinguished-council-members-convene-for-landmark-13th-meeting-of-iri-council/?fbclid=IwY2xjawUXaKRwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMVBzT25jSVFoNnNCYmlidndzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeG5ruXU4-n8iU2tFKcQRUQ_IzJg-1Na3KZvhRkvgMnBhmoE44TooWUaFeaLc_aem_QgV6aGSO5b6bnnrCFWr-Ww

14/09/2026

IRI and NCAI Explore NUST–IIUI Collaboration on “Al‑Mubeen AI”
Islamabad, 4 September 2026 — The Islamic Research Institute, International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), hosted a brainstorming session with Professor Dr Yasar Ayaz, Pride of Performance, Chairman, National Center of Artificial Intelligence - NCAI, Pakistan, and Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), to explore avenues of institutional collaboration on “Al‑Mubeen AI,” a proposed NUST–IIUI initiative to establish an evidence‑centric, scholar‑governed knowledge infrastructure for trustworthy artificial intelligence in Islamic scholarship. The session was held on Friday, 4 September 2026, at the Yassawi Research Centre, IRI.
The proposed project envisages a permanent repository of authenticated Islamic sources, initially covering tafsir, hadith, fiqh and sirah, with artificial intelligence operating strictly as a retrieval and explanation engine. Under the proposed framework, the AI would not originate a ruling, grading, or conclusion of its own; instead, it would retrieve and present material verified and classified by qualified scholars.
The proposal establishes a clear three‑way partnership structure. NUST would contribute artificial intelligence, knowledge engineering, retrieval systems, cybersecurity, and infrastructure; IIUI, through IRI, would exercise sole scholarly authority over source verification, edition authentication, grading, and disagreement classification; while Al‑Mubeen AI would provide architectural vision, product design, and cross‑institutional coordination.
A central feature of the proposed system is its governing constitution, including a “No‑Fatwa Principle”: the AI would not issue a fatwa, verdict, or independent religious opinion. Where a matter is definitive, the system would present the established position; where legitimate scholarly disagreement exists, it would transparently represent the relevant positions across the madhhabs. The proposal also provides for rigorous review of reports and classifications, controlled interlinkage of sources, and fidelity to approved source texts. The proposed user interface would provide specialised access points, including thematic and comparative views, single‑source deep‑dive views, narrator‑centred hadith analysis, comparative madhhab browsing, chronological sirah access, and a unified question interface. The system would display its understanding of a user’s question before presenting retrieved material, and would not create AI‑inferred connections between sources.
The proposal has deliberately adopted a phased approach. Following completion of technical feasibility reviews by NUST’s Research, Innovation and Commercialisation (RIC) Centre of Excellence and the Islamic Research Institute (IRI), IIUI’s research wing, both institutions issued positive recommendations. The next proposed stage is formal scoping, followed by a bounded, single‑subject pilot of 12–18 months, assessed against pre‑published criteria including citation accuracy, grading accuracy against independent scholarly assessment, correct representation of scholarly disagreement, and recognition of instances where no answer exists.
The proposed governance framework includes a joint Governing Council, a Scientific and Research Advisory Board, an IIUI‑led Scholarly Advisory Board, a Technical Steering Committee, and a joint Ethics and Trust Committee. The Scholarly Advisory Board would handle source approval and scholarly classifications, while the Technical Steering Committee would oversee architecture, engineering, and cybersecurity.
The proposal will be forwarded to the Acting Rector/President, IIUI, in his capacity as Chairman of the IRI Council and Chairman of the Board of Governors, seeking formal institutional approval of IIUI’s role as the Scholarly Verification and Selection Authority. Whereas, a parallel proposal, following NUST’s own technical review, will be submitted for consideration by the Rector, NUST.
IRI scholars, including the following, attended the session:
1. Professor Dr Muhammad Akram, Director General, IRI
2. Dr Hafiz Aftab Ahmad, Assistant Professor
3. Dr Mateen Ahmad Shah, Assistant Professor/Editor, Fikr‑o Nazar
4. Dr Muhammad Ajmal Farooq, Assistant Professor/Assistant Editor, Fikr‑o Nazar
5. Dr Ihsanullah Chishti, Assistant Professor/Editor, al‑Dirasat al‑Islamiyyah
6. Dr Sohail Khan, Assistant Professor/Associate Editor, al‑Dirasat al‑Islamiyyah
7. Mr Rauf Ahmad, Senior Librarian, Dr Muhammad Hamidullah Library, IRI
8. Mr Muhammad Kamran, Jr. Lecturer, IRI

05/09/2026

The Islamic Research Institute (IRI), International Islamic University Islamabad, is organising a Postgraduate Workshop on Research Methodology for MS/MPhil and PhD scholars.
Registration Deadline: 11th September 2026
Workshop Dates for MS/MPhil & PhD Students: September 14–17, 2026
Venue for physical participation: Islamic Research Institute, International Islamic University, Faisal Masjid Campus, Islamabad
Online participation will be via Zoom
Participation Fee: PKR 2,000
Interested scholars are encouraged to register through the following link:
https://forms.gle/a65K8oD9dgBtxQdJ8
For details, please contact the workshop coordinator
Dr Muhammad Ajmal Farooq
Assistant Professor
Islamic Research Institute, International Islamic University (Faisal Masjid Campus),
Islamabad, Pakistan.
Office Phone: 0092 51 2289771 EXT 303
Cell No: 0092 341 8480117
Email: [email protected]

27/08/2026

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25/08/2026

The Islamic Research Institute (IRI), International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), organised an Extension Lecture featuring renowned scholar Professor Jamal Malik, Former Chair of Muslim Cultural and Religious History in South Asia at the University of Erfurt, Germany, on “Ambivalent Enmity: The Paradox of Indo-Pak Relations.”

The lecture examined the complex relationship between India and Pakistan, focusing on how deep historical and cultural proximity has continued to coexist with political hostility. Drawing on Jacques Derrida’s concept of “hostipitality”—the interplay of hostility and hospitality—and Hartmut Rosa’s theory of resonance, Professor Malik explored how recognition, engagement and hospitality towards the “other” often remain conditional and shaped by institutional and political frameworks.
He highlighted shared languages, cultural practices, Sufi poetry, and music as enduring links between the two societies. According to him, partition did not erase these common cultural forms but repositioned them within new national and religious identities, giving them new political meanings.
Discussing literature, Professor Malik referred to the writings of Saadat Hasan Manto, whose work continues to resonate on both sides of the border because of its engagement with shared historical experiences. At the same time, he noted that Manto’s writings challenge simplified national narratives surrounding partition and violence, resulting in selective interpretations of his work. The lecture also examined cross-border interactions, including Kartarpur, to illustrate how communication between the two countries remains neither completely closed nor entirely open. Such interactions, he explained, operate within political, institutional and regulatory conditions, allowing openness and hospitality to be extended, restricted or withdrawn according to prevailing circumstances.
A significant part of the discussion focused on the Wagah Border Ceremony. Professor Malik analysed the synchronised military movements, flags, uniforms, crowds and other ceremonial elements as a public performance through which rivalry and national identity are collectively expressed. He observed that earlier exchanges at the border reflected a form of “mutual enmity” in which recognition of the other remained integral to the performance, while the closure of gates and suspension of handshakes have introduced another dimension in which non-recognition itself becomes politically meaningful.
Professor Malik further connected contemporary Indo-Pak rivalry with questions of coloniality, Euro-centric discourse, Muslim identity and decolonisation. He examined how historical and colonial frameworks may continue to influence contemporary understandings of identity and enmity, while presenting partition and pluralism as competing ways of conceptualising shared social and political worlds.
Concluding his presentation, Professor Malik argued that shared cultural forms persist despite political divisions, although their meanings may change under competing national claims. He observed that distance, rejection and proximity can all constitute forms of relationship with the “other.” In this context, the paradox of Indo-Pak relations lies partly in the fact that the very proximity arising from shared history and culture can, under particular political and historical conditions, contribute to the continuation of hostility.
The lecture was followed by a question-and-answer session in which scholars, researchers and participants engaged with the speaker on issues concerning South Asian history, politics and identity. Professor Malik responded to questions and further elaborated on his arguments, underscoring the importance of intellectual freedom and critical inquiry.
Professor Dr Muhammad Akram, Director-General, Islamic Research Institute, concluded the session by thanking the guest speaker. Speaking about the Institute’s academic direction, he said that, under the patronage of Prof. Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed, Acting Rector and President, International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), the IRI seeks to benefit from the scholarly experiences and intellectual contributions of prominent scholars from around the world. He described the lecture as an example of applying relevant theoretical frameworks to contemporary and everyday phenomena and said it provided an opportunity to examine Indo-Pak relations beyond a conventional state-to-state political dispute, bringing into focus historical connectedness, cultural commonality, national identity, literary experience and political conflict.

18/08/2026

The Islamic Research Institute (IRI), International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), organised an Extension Lecture on “Reason, Revelation and the Theory of Evolution: The Politics of Qur’anic Hermeneutics in Twentieth-Century South Asia.” The lecture was delivered by Dr Ayesha Qurrat ul Ain, Senior Humboldt Fellow at the University of Freiburg, Germany, and Assistant Professor, Department of the Study of Religions, Faculty of Usuluddin, IIUI.

The session was chaired by Professor Muhammad Akram, Director General, IRI, and Dr Syed Mateen Ahmad Shah, In-Charge, Department of Qur’anic Studies, IRI. Faculty members, researchers, students and scholars from different disciplines attended the session, while a large number of participants also joined online.

Dr Qurrat ul Ain examined the relationship between reason, revelation, modern scientific thought and Qur’anic interpretation, placing the discussion within the broader contexts of modern conceptions of humanity, colonialism and the production of knowledge. She explained that the encounter between Muslim societies and modern Western knowledge was shaped by the historical experience of colonialism, under which modern science increasingly acquired authority in defining questions relating to humanity and the universe.

Discussing the concept of a “regime of knowledge”, she highlighted how power, institutions and historical circumstances influence which forms of knowledge are recognised as authoritative and which are marginalised. She noted that indigenous knowledge systems and established intellectual traditions were often assessed through standards associated with dominant colonial knowledge structures.

Dr Qurrat ul Ain further discussed how evolutionary theory extended beyond the biological sciences and influenced wider debates about human origins, creation, the universe and religion. The emergence of new explanations of human existence raised questions about the Qur’anic account of Adam’s special creation, the distinctive status of human beings and the relationship between humanity and the Almighty Creator.

She emphasised that the encounter between evolution and Islam should not be viewed simply as a conflict between science and religious belief. Muslim thinkers responded to modern intellectual challenges through different approaches to the Qur’an and contemporary scientific thought. In this context, she compared the approaches of two prominent South Asian Muslim thinkers, Maulana Abdul Majid Daryabadi and Ghulam Ahmad Parwez, particularly their engagement with evolution and Qur’anic interpretation.

The comparison demonstrated how scholars working within the same Islamic intellectual tradition and engaging with the same foundational religious text could arrive at different interpretations because of differences in their historical contexts, intellectual orientations, and methodologies.

A significant part of the lecture focused on the distinction between the “seen” and the “unseen”. Dr Qurrat ul Ain explained that empirical science primarily deals with phenomena that can be observed, tested and examined through scientific methods, while matters relating to the unseen cannot be investigated through the same methodology. She stressed the importance of maintaining a distinction between empirical inquiry and revelation, as well as between human reason and Divine guidance.

She also discussed the Qur’an’s continuing relevance to contemporary intellectual questions, while underlining the need to distinguish between the definitive and the probable in matters of knowledge. Addressing the question of human distinctiveness, she highlighted the spiritual dimension of human existence and the role of the soul, arguing that understanding humanity requires consideration not only of how human beings came into existence but also of the purpose of their existence.

Concluding her lecture, Dr Qurrat ul Ain observed that while the question “How did we get here?” is important, the deeper question is “Why are we here?” She thereby connected the scientific and historical dimensions of evolution with broader questions of human purpose, moral responsibility, and the Qur’anic understanding of human existence.

The lecture was followed by an interactive question-and-answer session. Participants raised questions concerning evolution, Qur’anic interpretation, modern knowledge, and the relationship between science and religious thought. Several participants also shared their perspectives, turning the session into an academic dialogue on the issues under discussion. Dr Qurrat ul Ain responded to the questions and further elaborated on the importance of intellectual openness and constructive engagement in discussions involving reason, revelation, science, and religious tradition.

Concluding the session, Professor Muhammad Akram, Director General, IRI, reflected on questions concerning the Islamic concept of the unseen and the nature of human existence as a test. He observed that matters belonging to the unseen form part of faith and that human beings remain in a state of test during their earthly existence. He noted that if the existence of God were directly demonstrable through scientific experimentation, the nature of faith and the human test would fundamentally change.

Professor Akram emphasised that the question of God’s existence should therefore be considered within the broader framework of reason, revelation and faith rather than being confined to empirical experimentation. He also acknowledged the limits of human intellect, stressing that belief in God is not contrary to reason and that the inability of human reason to reach beyond a certain point does not justify denying realities beyond its immediate reach.

Speaking about the academic tradition and future direction of the Islamic Research Institute, Professor Akram said that the Institute, under the patronage of the Worthy President, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed, President International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), seeks to benefit from the scholarly experiences of researchers trained or conducting research abroad, remain engaged with emerging disciplines and contemporary debates, and give due importance to new research produced by Pakistani scholars.

He said the Institute is committed to providing emerging scholars with opportunities to present their ideas and participate in meaningful academic dialogue. He described the lecture as a valuable academic initiative for examining the relationship between contemporary intellectual debates, Qur’anic interpretation and Islamic thought.

17/08/2026

IIUI Celebrates Independence Day with A Seminar on National Security and Social Cohesion
Islamabad, August 13, 2026: Under the patronage of Professor Dr Ahmed Saad Alahmed, Acting Rector and President, IIUI, the Islamic Research Institute (IRI), International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), in collaboration with the Directorates of Student Affairs (Male and Female), celebrated the 79th Independence Day at the Faisal Masjid Campus, IIUI. The event included a flag-hoisting ceremony, a book exhibition, and a seminar on “National Security and Social Cohesion in Pakistan.” The celebration was attended by a large number of faculty members, officers, and students from the University and IIUI Schools.

The ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the national flag at the lawn of the Faisal Masjid Campus, followed by the national anthem. The Chief Guest, Professor Dr Abdul Rashid, Vice President (Administration and Finance), IIUI, subsequently inaugurated a book exhibition at the Dr Muhammad Hamidullah Library, IRI, featuring books related to the theme of the seminar and the broader intellectual and national concerns associated with Pakistan’s security, unity, and social cohesion.

The seminar began with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Dr Qari Muhammad Ajmal Farooq, followed by a Naat-e-Rasool-e-Maqbool (peace be upon him) recited by Dr Aziz Haider. In his welcome address, Professor Dr Muhammad Akram, Director General, IRI, explained the objectives of the event and reflected on the significance of Independence Day as an occasion for gratitude, remembrance, and collective reflection. He conveyed a special message of congratulations and gratitude on Independence Day from Professor Dr Ahmed Saad Alahmed, President and Acting Rector, IIUI, to the community.

Speaking at the occasion, Professor Akram referred to the Quranic verse, “And few of My servants are grateful” [Quran 34:13], where he emphasised the need to remain grateful for the blessing of freedom and independence and to value Pakistan as a divine blessing and a homeland that holds significance not only for its citizens but also as an aspiration of the wider Muslim world. Professor Akram reflected on another Qur’anic description, “He, Who fed them against hunger and made them secure from fear” [Quran 106:4], appreciating the security and stability provided by the Country and contributing to its protection and prosperity. He called upon the nation to remain optimistic and to cultivate a positive outlook, particularly by promoting and spreading good news rather than contributing to negativity or becoming a victim of an organised conspiracy or propaganda against the Country. He urged every citizen to undertake a process of self-accountability and self-assessment, asking what he or she had contributed to Pakistan and what further contribution could be made to the Country. Emphasising the importance of adab al-ikhtilaf (the ethics of disagreement), he called for respect for differences of opinion and responsible engagement with one another. He further highlighted social and distributive justice as the essential foundation of a cohesive society, arguing that national security cannot be sustained without fairness, justice and a sense of collective responsibility. Referring to the Islamic framework for maintaining order and security, he observed that internal crimes and violations are addressed through the established system of justice, while the concept of jihad relates to confronting external enemies by the state rather than permitting violence or disorder within society. He stressed that the protection of the country, the promotion of social harmony, justice, and responsible citizenship require a collective commitment to self-accountability, mutual respect, and a constructive national outlook.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest, Professor Dr Abdul Rashid, Vice President (Administration and Finance) IIUI, reflected on the significance of Independence Day and paid tribute to those who made sacrifices for the establishment and freedom of Pakistan. He described the occasion as an opportunity for self-assessment, calling for serious reflection on the country’s achievements, shortcomings, and future direction. Referring to the guiding principles of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah—Unity, Faith, and Discipline—he observed that these principles remain a sustainable foundation for national development. Professor Abdul Rashid further emphasised the pivotal role of universities in nation-building and leadership development. He called for the effective utilisation of Pakistan’s human capital and highlighted the importance of social capital, including trust, shared values and a collective sense of responsibility. The chief guest also conveyed the Independence Day message on behalf of Professor Dr Ahmed Saad Alahmed, Acting Rector and President of the University. The message highlighted the decisive role of universities in nation-building, leadership development, and preparing youth to respond effectively to emerging national and global challenges.

The guest speaker, Ch. Hussain Ali, a national security expert and an alumnus of IIUI, addressed the seminar on the theme of national security and social cohesion in the light of Quranic injunctions. He argued that national security cannot be separated from the fulfilment of people’s basic needs and that sustainable peace requires economic stability. He identified social divisions and growing tendencies towards fragmentation as major challenges to national unity and drew attention to the crisis of identity confronting young citizens. He urged citizens, particularly the younger generation, to reflect not only on what the country can provide for them but also on what they can contribute to the country. Ch. Hussain Ali further observed that contemporary conflicts cannot be overcome through military strength alone and identified education as one of the most effective means of building a strong and stable nation. He described misinformation and disinformation as major sources of social unrest and noted the growing challenge posed by propaganda in Pakistan. He stressed that education should not be viewed merely as a means of securing employment; rather, it should contribute to intellectual maturity, critical thinking, and the development of responsible citizens. From this perspective, he linked education, social cohesion, and national security as interconnected dimensions of sustainable national development.

Dr Ghufran Ahmad, Director of Student Affairs (Male Campus), IIUI, called upon young people to adopt a positive and constructive outlook, whereas Dr Rukhsana Tariq, Director of Student Affairs (Female Campus), IIUI, described the seminar and flag-hoisting ceremony as expressions of patriotism and solidarity among the different segments and departments of the University. She also emphasised the significance of such collective activities in fostering a shared sense of belonging and national responsibility.
The event also featured national songs performed by children from IIUI schools. The programme concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony to mark Independence Day.

17/08/2026

On Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, Acting Rector / President IIUI Prof. Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed reaffirms the shared resolve for unity, peace and progress, paying tribute to the sacrifices that secured our freedom and the enduring bond between Pakistan and the Muslim Ummah.

17/08/2026

بمناسبة الذكرى التاسعة والسبعين لاستقلال باكستان، أكّد معالي رئيس الجامعة الإسلامية العالمية والقائم بأعمال الراعي للجامعة، الأستاذ الدكتور أحمد سعد الأحمد، أهمية الوحدة والسلام والتقدم، داعياً إلى تعزيز العلاقات المتينة بين باكستان والأمة الإسلامية. كما أشاد معاليه بالتضحيات التي أسهمت في تحقيق استقلال باكستان.

17/08/2026

یوم آزادی کےموقع پر صدر جامعہ کا تہنیتی پیغام

پاکستان کے 79ویں یومِ آزادی کے موقع پر قائم مقام ریکٹر/صدر بین الاقوامی اسلامی یونیورسٹی اسلام آباد پروفیسر ڈاکٹر احمد سعد الاحمد نے اتحاد، امن اور ترقی کے مشترکہ عزم کا اعادہ کرتے ہوےپاکستان اور امتِ مسلمہ کے مابین مضبوط رشتے کی وسعت کی دعا کی۔ صدر جامعہ نے اُن قربانیوں کو بھی خراجِ تحسین پیش کیا جن کے نتیجے میں پاکستان کو آزادی نصیب ہوئی۔