Introduction of International Centre of Excellence for Sirah Studies, IRI

National Sirah Library and Study Centre was established in Dr Muhammad Hamidullah Library (DMHL) in 1986 and it was inaugurated by the then President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq on January 01, 1986. In 1999, the Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif granted generous support for the Centre. In view of the importance of Sirah and in accordance with the legacy of the Islamic Research Institute (IRI) for research on various aspects of Sirah Studies, the Board of Governors (BOG) of International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) in its 84th meeting held on 21st March 2019, upgraded the National Sirah Library and Study Centre into International Centre of Excellence for Sirah Studies at IRI. The Centre is responsible for researching various aspects of the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It collaborates and coordinates with various international organizations of the same nature. The centre collects books and other relevant material on Sirah from all over the world and holds seminars/conferences, symposia and workshops to promote a harmonious understanding of Sirah regularly. The centre has excellent research facilities such as a unique collection of books, journals and online resources in the library, a conservation lab for the treatment of unique manuscripts, and state-of-the-art conference and meeting facilities.

The Islamic Research Institute (IRI), International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI), is a pioneer research institute of Pakistan, established in 1960 under Article 197 of the Constitution of Pakistan 1956. Until 1980, the Institute worked under the umbrella of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad. In 1980, it became a research arm and the constituent unit of International Islamic University, Islamabad. The main objectives of the Institute are to develop a methodology for research in the various fields of Islamic learning; to identify and study contemporary problems and to interpret the teachings of Islam to assist not only the Pakistani society but also the whole Muslim Ummah to live according to the imperatives of Islam. The results of the work done at the Institute are published in books, monographs, research reports and the three quarterly journals of the Islamic Research Institute. The Institute also organizes seminars, conferences and workshops to achieve and promote its objectives. Three Research Journals of international repute namely, Islamic Studies (English Language), Al-Dirasat Al-Islamiyyah (Arabic Language) and Fikr-o-Nazr (Urdu Language) have been published by the Institute since 1960. IRI has many academic centres and departments including the International Centre of Excellence for Sirah Studies.

Introduction of the Project

The life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is rich with proactive methods that can serve as guiding principles for peacebuilding and social reconstruction. These proactive methods can be categorized into various areas, each offering valuable lessons for addressing contemporary challenges. Here are some examples: The Prophet (peace be upon him) consistently demonstrated forgiveness and compassion, even towards his adversaries. This proactive approach can inspire individuals and communities to let go of grudges, promote reconciliation, and work towards peaceful coexistence. The Prophet’s commitment to justice, regardless of social status, ethnicity, or religion, underscores the importance of a just and equitable society. His proactive stance against oppression sets an example for leaders to uphold fairness. The Prophet (peace be upon him) embraced people from diverse backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and unity among his followers. This proactive approach encourages societies to embrace diversity and combat discrimination. The Prophet’s dedication to caring for the less fortunate highlights the significance of social welfare. His proactive efforts to alleviate poverty and support marginalized groups offer solutions to contemporary development challenges.

Islamic values permeate various facets of Pakistani society, influencing everything from its legal system to its cultural expressions. The constitution of Pakistan recognizes Islam as the state religion, and it aims to provide a framework that aligns with the principles of social justice, equality, and human dignity as propagated by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The religious diversity within Pakistan, though predominantly Muslim, also reflects a pluralistic tapestry. The presence of religious minorities underscores the importance of tolerance and coexistence, values that are not alien to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). His interactions with people of various beliefs, and his teachings on respecting and protecting the rights of minorities, provide a rich source of inspiration for fostering interfaith harmony in Pakistani society. However, the journey towards realizing the full potential of an Islamic state and society in Pakistan has not been without challenges. The country has grappled with issues such as sectarianism, extremism, and interpretations of Islamic teachings that vary widely. Navigating these challenges requires a contextualised understanding of Islam’s teachings and their applicability to contemporary circumstances, a process that can greatly benefit from insights drawn from the life and practices of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

It is aimed to engage beneficiaries consisting of faculty, students, social leaders and experts on the subject from various partner organizations and universities across Pakistan and abroad. In the first instance, a detailed action plan will be prepared for various activities of the project. It will follow the preparation of outlines and curriculum for the preparation of research-based training manuals and resource material. With the help of this training material, a cadre of master trainers 30-50 persons will be prepared. These master trainers will be engaged to carry out the activities of the project throughout Pakistan. The activities of the project will include workshops, regional seminars, and national and international conferences. The most important outcome of the project is the publication of credible and authentic literature in various languages.

Justification

The youth in Pakistan face a range of challenges, including unemployment, lack of access to quality education, radicalization, and extremist ideologies. By applying the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the youth can be guided towards constructive paths, promoting tolerance, empathy, and active citizenship. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), revered as the final messenger of Islam, stands as an unparalleled exemplar of virtuous conduct, compassion, and wisdom. His life provides a profound reservoir of insights that can illuminate the path toward peacebuilding and social reconstruction in Pakistan, harmonizing with the nation’s Islamic identity and aspirations.

In conclusion, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) epitomizes a role model whose life holds invaluable insights for Pakistan’s journey towards peacebuilding and social reconstruction. By drawing from his teachings on justice, conflict resolution, inclusivity, leadership, and compassion, Pakistan can harness the power of his example to overcome challenges, bridge divisions, and build a society where the principles of Islam are not just espoused but actively lived. The Prophet’s legacy remains a beacon of guidance as Pakistan endeavours to create a nation that embodies the timeless ideals of justice, harmony, and progress.

Aim of the Project

The proposed project for Peacebuilding and Social Reconstruction will adopt a multi-dimensional approach to promote peace and social harmony through Sirah in Pakistan. This will involve:

The primary aim of this research proposal is to establish a comprehensive framework for peacebuilding and social reconstruction in Pakistan by drawing upon the applied and proactive approaches derived from the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as outlined in his Sirah. This project seeks to contribute to the harmonious development of Pakistani society through the practical application of the Prophet’s teachings.

Objectives of the Project

  1. Extraction of Pro-active Approaches from Sirah through credible research: The primary objective is to thoroughly study and extract pro-active and applied approaches from the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as recorded in sources of Sirah. This involves identifying instances where the Prophet (peace be upon him) employed constructive strategies for conflict resolution, community development, and social cohesion.

  1. Integration of Prophetic Principles to the Contemporary Social Reconstruction: To integrate the deeply studied aspects from the Sirah into the current context of Pakistan, this research project will analyze how these principles can be adapted and implemented to address contemporary challenges such as sectarianism, intolerance, violence, terrorism, and social disparities.

  1. Development of Curriculum and Training Manuals: An essential objective is to develop comprehensive curricula and training manuals for various levels of education, including schools, universities, and community extents. These materials will incorporate the pro-active approaches from the Sirah, emphasizing empathy, compassion, ethical governance, and conflict resolution.

  1. Engagement with Youth and Civil Society: This objective involves organizing workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions, aimed at engaging the youth and civil society members. The focus will be on fostering an understanding of the applied approaches from the Sirah and their relevance in modern society.

  1. Publication and Dissemination: To achieve a broader impact, this project proposes the compilation and publication of books, articles, and research papers that highlight the practical strategies from the Sirah for peacebuilding and social reconstruction. These resources will be widely disseminated to reach a diverse audience.

  2. Networking: The research will establish a network of scholars, educators, and institutions that are committed to the integration of pro-active approaches from the Sirah into their work. Collaborative efforts will be encouraged to amplify the impact of these approaches.

  1. Collaboration with Sirah Chairs and Centre: This research will aim to engage academic institutions especially Sirah Chairs and their leadership by organizing meetings with heads of departments, and vice-chancellors. These discussions will focus on the incorporation of Sirah-based approaches into academic programs.

  1. Awareness: Organizing seminars, conferences, and workshops to raise awareness about the practical applications of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) teachings in addressing societal issues.

Short-term and Long-term Goals

Objective 1 (Output): Direct engagement of 2000 religious leaders, students, faculty members, social leaders, and other stakeholders from various universities and organizations through a series of capacity-building activities designed in the light of Sirah of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him).

Objective 2 (Outcome): Through pro-active methods from the Sirah a framework for individuals, communities, and institutions will be prepared to address contemporary challenges with wisdom, compassion, and strategic thinking. Through the application of these methods, Pakistan can work towards a more peaceful and harmonious society, guided by the timeless wisdom of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Objective 3 (Intermediate): To increase engagement between targeted universities, Sirah chairs and the International Centre of Excellence for Sirah Studies at the Islamic Research Institute for social reconstruction through the applied examples from the life of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him).

Objective 4 (Impact): To enhance compassion, love, co-existence, tolerance and respect within and across communities.

Collaborator Institution

Jamia Muhammadi Sharif, Chiniot (JMSC)

Jamia Muhammadi Sharif, Chiniot is a religious educational institution which was founded in 1932 by Maulana Mohammad Zakir. Jamia Muhammadi Sharif, Chiniot is a combination of contemporary education and religious education. The institute provides free education to students in both tracks at the same time. There is no discrimination for any school of thought in this institution. The institution is undoubtedly a practical model of Muslim unity. Furthermore, three thousand students from different schools of thought are studying in the Jamia. The Jamia has more than eleven academic departments. The Jamia also hosts in its premises KA Graduate College (affiliated with GCUL) and technical college. The Jamia is providing equal opportunities for education for male and female students. Jamia also has various research centres which include, the Sirah Study Centre and Library for Children, and the Shah Waliullah Centre for Dialogue. The JMSC has also sponsored various student societies to engage them in nation-building through credible and authentic Islamic education. The most important societies of the JMSC are: 1) Patras Bukhari English Society, 2) Majlis al Lughatul Arbia, 3) Jamia Arts & Cultural Society, and 4) History Society.

Partner Organizations

  1. Rehmatul-Lilalameen Authority, Government of Pakistan

  2. Higher Education Commission of Pakistan

  3. Council of Islamic Ideology, Government of Pakistan

  4. Punjab Higher Education Commission

  5. Sirah Chairs/Sirah departments of various universities from Pakistan and abroad