The National Book Foundation organized a special event in Islamabad focusing on the relevance of the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his companions) in the context of the 21st century. The event was held to mark the holy month of Eid Milad-un-Nabi and was attended by academics, religious scholars, and literary figures.
The program began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a Naat performance by renowned scholar Adnan Mahmood Awan, which set a reverent tone for the gathering. The chief guest, Chairman of the National Rahmatul-lil-Alameen Khatam-un-Nabiyeen Authority, Mr. Khurshid Ahmad Nadeem, delivered a keynote address highlighting the importance of understanding the teachings and life of the Prophet in light of modern challenges. He emphasized that while biographies of the Prophet are often written as historical accounts, it is essential today to consider the needs and perspectives of contemporary society when discussing his life. He asserted that the solutions to today’s questions can be found by relating current issues to the teachings of the Prophet, which remain relevant even after fourteen centuries.
Leading intellectuals, including Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar, Director General of the National Language Promotion Department, along with scholars such as Dr. Riaz Mahmood, Wahaj Ahmed, and Abu Bakr Ilyas, contributed detailed discussions on the topic. They elaborated on Islam as a comprehensive way of life and underscored the need to interpret and communicate the Prophet’s teachings in various languages, making them accessible to a wider audience. The speakers unanimously noted that the personality and teachings of Prophet Muhammad stand unmatched in terms of influence and guidance for practical life.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Kamran Jahangir, Managing Director of the National Book Foundation, thanked the distinguished guests and participants. He highlighted the unique and beneficial nature of the event and stressed the need for similar gatherings to address contemporary issues with knowledge and wisdom. He also called for continued support from intellectuals and scholars to foster such initiatives.
The event attracted a large number of writers, thinkers, and enthusiasts from Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The proceedings were skillfully moderated by Nazia Rehman, and the event was broadcast live by Aftab Ahmed and his team.
