A lecture on “radicalization, extremism and prevention” was held at International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) where keynote speaker called upon Muslim societies to improve literacy rate and urged for active role of Islamic scholars for dissemination of Islam’s true image.
The lecture was delivered by Masood Ahmed, Director of Community Welfare and Development of Muslim Hands, while it was organized by Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue of the university. It was presided over by President IIUI Dr. Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh.
“Education is ultimate solution to the menace of extremism” said Masood Ahmed. He added that active role of media and Islamic scholars is necessary to deal with the negative propaganda spread against Islam. He called for meaningful dialogue with a range of people especially in west regarding causes and solutions of radicalization and extremism. He opined that Islam’s view of peace must be reached to the people of western world. He furthered that inadequate knowledge of religion, ignorance of the prevailing circumstances and identity crisis are lading factors which lead to extremism and radicalization.
“Linkage of academia and religious scholars can provide positive results in fight against extremism” he maintained. He continued that problems of associating extremism and radicalization to Muslims will prevail unless they do not identify and take significant steps in this regard.
In his speech, IIUI President said that Islam is staunch supporter of peace. He said that there is no place for extremism and violence in Islam. He was of the view that educational institutions can play pivotal role in discouraging radicalization. He added that Muslim scholars should come forward to guide youth and they should urge young minds to decorate lives with Islamic teachings.
Earlier, Dr. Huhsn ul Amin, in his welcome address, appraised that audience about the program and IRD’s role in society service.