The Department of Islamic Art & Architecture at the International Islamic University Islamabad organised a seminar titled “Khoon-e-Jigar Se Hai Mojza-e-Fan Ki Namood,” exploring the theme “The miracle of art springs from the lifeblood of the artist,” inspired by Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s poem “Masjid-e-Qartaba.” The event brought together faculty members, students, and distinguished speakers to discuss philosophical, cognitive, and practical dimensions of artistic creation.
The seminar featured Prof. Tasneem Abbass, Retired Head of the Department of Fine Arts at Post Graduate College, Rawalpindi; Dr. Memoona Khan, Retired Head of Fine Arts Department, FJWU; and Mr. Zarar Haider Babary, a noted artist and expert in Islamic art. Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Dr. Manzoor Khan Afridi, and Dr. Attia Abrar, Incharge of the department, also attended the session.
Prof. Tasneem Abbass presented the theme from an Eastern perspective, particularly highlighting artistic contributions from the Subcontinent, including those of Abdur Rehman Chughtai. Dr. Memoona Khan elaborated on the cognitive processes involved in artistic creation, showing how perception, memory, and analytical judgment combine to develop a visual language, drawing examples from Islamic architecture and miniature painting. Mr. Zarar Haider Babary underscored the importance of dedication, integrity, and perseverance, encouraging students to cultivate originality and actively contribute to the revival of Islamic art traditions.
Dean FSS, Prof. Dr. Manzoor Khan Afridi, emphasised the enduring significance of Islamic Art and Architecture and urged students to embody the seminar’s core message in their academic and creative work. He concluded by reciting selected couplets from Iqbal’s “Masjid-e-Qartaba.” The seminar was concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Attia Abrar, acknowledging the contributions of the speakers, faculty, and students.
The seminar provided a platform for intellectual engagement and reinforced the department’s commitment to nurturing scholarly and creative excellence in the field of Islamic Art and Architecture.