President, International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) is one of the most outstanding scholars of Islamic studies, administrator and academician who is known across the world for his services in the fields of education, Islamic jurisprudence, narrations to curb the terrorism, peaceful co-existence and promotion of tolerance.
In recognition of his services, Government of Pakistan has conferred upon him Tamgha i Imtiaz , while Al-Madinah Munawarah award 2015 and many other awards have been dedicated to him for his services and efforts.
Dr. Al-Draiweesh has been serving as IIUI President since 2012, while he is also Vice President of 6th International conference for union of universities of Islamic world. Earlier, he has worked as Deputy Rector of Imam Muhammad Ibn saud Islamic university, Riyadh. Dr. Al-Draiweesh has narrated more than 70 books and research papers and many of them have been translated into English and Urdu.
Dr. Al-Draiweesh, being IIUI President has linked IIUI to the Muslim world with a vision of promotion of peaceful co-existence and a quality education of the youth integrated with teachings of Islam blended with moderation. University, under his leadership has also signed more than 60 MoUs with various national and international organizations and universities.
Recently, IIUI Public Relations team had an interview session with Dr. Al-Draiweesh in which he spoke on issues of Muslim youth, educational curricula in Muslim societies, challenges of hour, role of universities and various other important topics.
Question: Terrorism is the main issue of the hour, kindly elaborate about role of IIUI in this regard?
Dr. Al-Draiweesh: It is true the leading menace Muslim world is facing is terrorism and Muslim societies have been wrongly associated to this inhumane attitude which is unfortunate. Negative elements use Islam’s name for dissemination of violent attitudes, while in Islam, there is no place for violence and terrorism, and it’s a religion of peace. I would like to tell you about role of universities, especially IIUI, in eradication of terrorism and promotion peace. IIUI is focused to build personalities with a vision of moderation and to bring balanced minds in the societies who would be having an integration of Islamic teachings and will be the staunch ambassadors of Islam’s message of peace and love for humanity. IIUI, in previous 5 years, has arranged number of conferences, seminars, moots and session on peaceful co-existence, eradiation of terrorism and media, where many intellectuals, experts, scholars were mustered to recommend to enlighten the vision of students.
Question: Kindly update about IIUI’s linkage with other varsities and its experience sharing initiatives?
Dr. Al-Draiweesh: After joining my post at IIUI, it was my utmost priority to link IIUI with the national and international varsities. You would be glad to know that now IIUI, is having a distinctive place in the league of Islamic universities and it has as many as 60 MoUs of bilateral cooperation and experience sharing with the various varsities. In addition, IIUI and Imam Muhamamd Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh are having bilateral delegation exchanges and recently both have launched a summer camp with mutual cooperation which was attended by national and foreigner students.
Question: Kindly let us have your thoughts on prevailing education systems and improvements in this field?
Dr. Al-Draiweesh: Pakistan and all Muslim societies would have to look into their curricula and efforts to form a well devised educational policy should be extremely focused. Intellectual and academicians be brought in to establish a roadmap for a balanced educational curriculum with an ample blend of Islamic teachings. Vision of Pakistan’s education ministry is exquisite and ministry and HEC both are providing maximum support and cooperation to the universities. If educational institutions cooperate with these both, the society soon will have remarkable minds and skilled personalities.
IIUI is thankful to Pakistani and Saudi governments for continuous cooperation, while special interest of H.E President of Pakistan has doubled the pace of varsity’s progress. IIUI is open to share its mode of cultural diversity and amalgamation of Islamic and contemporary education with all the educational institutions.
Question: Tell us about your experience of working at a Pakistani university? how is it going?
Dr. Al-Draiweesh: Pakistani and Saudi leaderships gave me an important responsibility in 2012 as IIUI President and I, since my joining, am committed to meet the expectations of both the countries. I feel Pakistan as my second home; my children have gained great familiarity to the environment and like to stay here. Another point I would like to mention here is immense love of people for the Two Holy Mosques and people of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which is exemplary. I am proud to be here at IIUI which is an omen of Pak-Saudi strong friendship and brotherhood.
Question: What is your message to the Muslim Youth?
Dr. Al-Draiweesh: Youth is an asset of Muslim world. Young minds are ray of hope. It is responsibility of youth now to nullify the lethal objectives of negative elements by showing positivity in society and promoting Islamic values, peace and they must seek guidance form Holy book in all aspects of life.