The Islamic Research Institute (IRI), International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), organized an academic seminar titled “Some Aspects of the Qur’anic and Hadith Studies in Contemporary Times,” bringing together senior scholars, faculty members, researchers, and postgraduate students for scholarly engagement on contemporary issues in Islamic studies. The seminar was attended both physically and online, enabling broader academic participation and interactive discussion.
The seminar focused on two key themes: contemporary rationalist approaches to Qur’anic interpretation, and methodological differences among the Companions (May Allah be Pleased with them) in deriving rulings from Hadith. Designed as a platform for academic exchange, the discussions emphasized methodological rigor, critical reflection, and constructive scholarly dialogue.
Professor Dr Hidayatullah Ahmad al-Shash, Dean, Faculty of Education and Psychology and Professor of Tafsir and Qur’anic Sciences at Al-Hikmah International University, Pennsylvania, USA, presented a paper examining contemporary rationalist schools of Qur’anic interpretation. Her presentation analyzed the epistemological foundations and interpretive assumptions of modern rationalist trends, highlighting their implications for Qur’anic studies. The paper was followed by an academic response from Dr Syed Matin Ahmad Shah, In-Charge, Department of Qur’anic Sciences, Islamic Research Institute.
The second scholarly presentation was delivered by Professor Dr Muhammad Abdul Razzaq Muhammad Aswad, Professor of Hadith and Its Sciences at Imam Abdul Rahman bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. His paper explored methodological differences among the Companions in deriving rulings from Hadith, underscoring the relevance of juristic diversity for contemporary Hadith scholarship. A formal response was presented by Dr Abdul Samad Sheikh, Assistant Professor, Department of Hadith and Its Sciences, Faculty of Usuluddin, IIUI.
An open discussion session followed, during which participants raised questions related to interpretive ethics, methodological plurality, and the application of classical scholarship to contemporary intellectual challenges. The discussion highlighted the importance of balancing tradition with critical inquiry in modern Islamic scholarship.
In concluding remarks, Professor Dr Muhammad Akram, Director-General, Islamic Research Institute and Shari‘ah Academy, IIUI, appreciated the contributions of the speakers and participants and presented souvenirs to the delegates in recognition of their scholarly engagement.
The seminar reflected IRI’s continued efforts to strengthen Qur’anic and Hadith studies through structured academic dialogue and national and international scholarly collaboration.