The Department of Gender Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore, in collaboration with the Fikar-e-Iqbal Foundation, successfully organized a scholarly seminar on Fikar-e-Iqbal titled:

The seminar commenced with a Welcome Note by Dr. Fauzia Saleem Alvi, Chairperson, Department of Gender Studies. She warmly welcomed the distinguished guests, faculty, and students, highlighting the importance of revisiting Iqbal’s Qur’anic thought in contemporary academic discourse. She emphasized that Iqbal’s philosophy provides an ethical and intellectual framework for addressing modern challenges related to identity, justice, knowledge, and human dignity.

Dr. Fauzia Saleem Alvi noted that Iqbal’s vision places the Qur’an as a living source of guidance and the Seerah of the Holy Prophet ﷺ as a practical embodiment of divine wisdom, making his thought deeply relevant across disciplines, including gender studies, social sciences, and humanities.

The seminar was graced by Prof. Dr. Ra’ana Malik, a renowned academician and scholar, as Guest of Honor. In her remarks, she appreciated the collaborative effort between the Department of Gender Studies and the Fikar-e-Iqbal Foundation, stating that such intellectual engagements are essential for nurturing critical thinking rooted in indigenous knowledge traditions. She reflected on Iqbal’s emphasis on khudi (selfhood) as a Qur’anic concept that empowers individuals and communities to strive for moral excellence and social responsibility.

Eng. Waheed Khawaja, Founder of the Fikar-e-Iqbal Foundation, shared the vision and mission of the Foundation. He underscored the need to reconnect younger generations with Iqbal’s thought, especially Iqbal’s deep reverence for the Qur’an and the Holy Prophet ﷺ. He highlighted that Iqbal viewed the Qur’an not merely as a text to be recited, but as a dynamic force for intellectual awakening and social transformation.

The Chief Guest, Prof. Dr. Akram Chaudhary, Former Vice Chancellor, University of Sargodha and Professor Emeritus, University of the Punjab, delivered a comprehensive address on Iqbal’s Qur’anic philosophy. He emphasized that Iqbal’s poetry and prose reflect an intimate relationship with the Qur’an and the Seerah, where revelation and reason work together.

Quoting Iqbal, he stated:

He elaborated that Iqbal consistently reminded Muslims that dignity, progress, and leadership are inseparable from a conscious engagement with the Qur’an and the prophetic model.

Guest Speakers
Prof. Dr. Uzma Zareen Nazia, Vice President, Fikar-e-Iqbal Foundation, highlighted Iqbal’s conception of the Holy Prophet ﷺ as the perfect model of ethical balance, compassion, and justice. She noted that Iqbal’s reverence for the Prophet ﷺ is evident in his poetry, where the Prophet is presented as the axis of spiritual and civilizational renewal.

Brig. (R) Humayun Zia Chohan, Regional Director, NUML University, discussed Iqbal’s vision of leadership inspired by the Qur’an and the Seerah. He emphasized that Iqbal’s thought encourages discipline, self-respect, and collective responsibility, qualities essential for national development.

Prof. Dr. Akmal Pasha, University of Central Punjab, reflected on Iqbal’s intellectual legacy and his call for ijtihad (creative reasoning) grounded in Qur’anic principles. He emphasized that Iqbal’s message is not confined to poetry alone but offers a philosophy of action for contemporary Muslim societies.

A soulful recitation of Kalam-e-Iqbal was presented by Khawaja Afzal Kamal, General Secretary, Fikar-e-Iqbal Foundation. His recitation deeply resonated with the audience and captured Iqbal’s devotion to the Qur’an and the Holy Prophet ﷺ. One of the highlighted verses reflected Iqbal’s profound love and reverence:

This verse beautifully encapsulated the theme of the seminar, emphasizing that true success and divine knowledge stem from loyalty to the Prophet ﷺ and adherence to Qur’anic guidance.

The seminar was skillfully moderated by Prof. Ambrin Erum, who ensured a coherent flow of discussion and meaningful engagement with the audience. She summarized the key insights shared by the speakers, highlighting the collective emphasis on Iqbal’s philosophy as a bridge between revelation, intellect, and action.

All speakers and guests unanimously highlighted that Allama Iqbal’s philosophy remains a timeless source of inspiration, urging individuals and societies to reconnect with the Qur’an and the Seerah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The seminar concluded with the resolve that academic institutions must continue to promote Iqbal’s thought to cultivate ethical leadership, critical consciousness, and social harmony.
The event marked a significant intellectual contribution toward strengthening Qur’anic and Iqbalian studies within contemporary academic discourse.