Seerat Festival at the National Skills University Islamabad Highlights Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) Teachings as a Path to Global Peace

At the heart of Pakistan's capital, the National Skills University Islamabad hosted a gathering of global scholars, intellectuals, and citizens at the inaugural National Seerat Festival. The event, organized by the National Rahmatul-Lil-Alameen Wa Khatam-ul-Nabiyeen Authority, served as a platform to explore the enduring teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and their relevance in addressing contemporary global challenges.

The Festival was inaugurated by the Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training. In his keynote inaugural address, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui emphasized that the Prophet's teachings, if followed, offer solutions to the multifaceted crises facing the world today. "Allah sent the first verses of the Quran regarding 'Iqra' (reading), underscoring the significance of knowledge and education in Islam," he reminded the audience. The Minister passionately argued that the love for the Prophet (PBUH) is inseparable from the duty to follow his example, particularly concerning compassion, justice, and the pursuit of knowledge.

National Skills University Islamabad, a leader in promoting contemporary education and practical skills, provided an academic backdrop for discussions centered on reconciling faith and modernity. Over three days, the festival welcomed scholars, academics, and participants from diverse walks of life to deliberate on Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) life and how his teachings can foster peace, tolerance, and unity.

Among the key speakers was Khurshid Ahmad Nadeem, Chairman of the Rahmatul-Lil-Alameen Authority, who delivered a strong message on pursuing world peace. "If the world truly seeks peace," he said, "it must look to the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)." Nadeem touched on global issues, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He suggested that a deep reflection on Seerat, the Prophet's life, holds the potential to counteract injustice and the clash of civilizations.

The festival featured a broad range of events, including the 'International Seerat Conference', a series of scholarly presentations and panel discussions on various aspects of the Prophet's life and teachings, and the 'Seerat Ketab Mela ', a book fair showcasing a rich collection of Islamic literature with a particular focus on Seerat-un-Nabi. These activities offered an avenue for deeper engagement with the Prophet's (PBUH) message of mercy and compassion. Attendees, especially the youth, were encouraged to reflect on the profound relevance of these teachings to today's world.

The Seerat Festival provided an intellectual and spiritual forum for scholars and thinkers to discuss solutions to social and political challenges through the lens of Islamic thought. The convergence of diverse perspectives underscored the importance of initiatives like this in fostering a deeper understanding of Islam's peaceful core, leaving the audience enlightened and informed.

According to Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, Founding Vice Chancellor of the National Skills University Islamabad, "We are immensely thankful to the Federal Secretary Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training and the Chairman of the Rahmatul-Lil-Alameen Authority for giving the university the opportunity to host this magnificent event."

As Islamabad's National Skills University continues serving as a beacon of modern education, this festival cemented its role as a hub for intellectual and spiritual discourse. Through events like these, it becomes clear that the values of peace, tolerance, and knowledge championed by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are as vital today as ever.