A 4-day training workshop for Ulama/Khutaba/religious scholars and higher studies students on معاشرے کی تشکیل نومیں اہل علم کا کردار started on Friday at the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, (UAJK) City Campus Muzaffarabad.
The workshop has been organized by the Iqbal International Institute for Research & Dialogue of the International Islamic University, Islamabad in collaboration with the UAJK and Positive Solutions, Islamabad. The workshop shall continue till July 22 2019. Leading scholars from various universities and institutions of the country shall deliver lectures on the role of ulama and religious scholars in changing scenarios of the society.
On first day of the workshop, Syed Hassan Aftab, Director Programs of the Iqbal Institute said that ulama always played a leading role in the Muslim societies but emerging situations have minimized their role to an alarming extent creating a gap between the pulpits of the Masajid and masses.
The International Islamic University, Islamabad realizing this challenge has launched a campaign in the country to revive Masajid’s role so that they may be able to fulfill their obligations in a effective manner. He added that the Ulama must act to provide solace and guidance to the people. They should not only be spiritual leaders of the people but also their guides in social and cultural spheres. For that purpose, the Khutaba of Masajid should create harmony in the society which shall eventually revive their entire role. Mr. Hassan Aftab also spoke on the economic issues of Pakistani society and true understanding of capitalism, how does it impact people lives in
Syed Muzammil Hussain, former Director, IRD presented an outline of the 4 day workshop. He said that workshop has been designed to study the society, ulama and Khutaba roles, emerging challenges and their solutions from Islamic perspective. The International Islamic University, Islamabad through the Iqbal Institute has chalked out plans to present Islamic solutions for the social disorders. The University organized such workshops in federal capital and provinces. He thanked the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir for hosting first of this series of workshop in AJK.
Mr. Bilal Idrees of the Positive Solutions, Islamabad spoke on Psychological and Mental issues especially focusing on stress, confusions, depression, anxiety, causes of diseases and Ulama’s role to cope with this challenge. He said that the lust for wealth and status has increased dangers for mental as well as psychological health of the common man. Islamic teachings over centuries have been successful tools to lead the people in these situations and the Ulama should play their role to minimize all anxieties of the people.
He delivered his lecture on Spiritual, Intellectual, Environmental and Social Issues in Pakistani Society. He highlighted religion related confusions, collapsing family institution, extreme behaviors, water secure city and climate change in the country.
The opening session of the 4-day workshop was also addressed by Dr. Fariduddin, Head, Department of Islamic Studies, UAJK.