Speakers at AIOU Encourage Dialogue as Path to Sustainable Peace
ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT): The Seerah Chair of Allama Iqbal Open University organized a roundtable dialogue on “Peace and Sustainable Development in a Global Context.” The chief guest, renowned religious scholar Professor Dr. Musharraf Hussain along with other speakers addressed the gathering.
The speakers emphasized that global peace and sustainable development require justice, fair distribution of resources and resolution of differences through dialogue. The Seerah of the Holy Prophet ﷺ, particularly the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah and the Conquest of Makkah were highlighted as shining examples of peace, tolerance and justice.They further stressed that sustainable development is not limited to economic growth alone but also encompasses social justice, environmental protection, and mutual respect.
Dean,Faculty of Arabic and Islamic Studies Prof Dr. Shah Mohyuddin Hashmi said that the very first verse of the Holy Qur’an conveys the message that true peace and tranquility lie in the recognition of the Merciful Lord and under the shade of His mercy. When we recite “Alhamdulillahi Rabbil-‘Alameen” it is, in fact a declaration that our Lord is not only the Lord of Muslims but of all the worlds. This very perspective nurtures openness, tolerance and peace in the human heart.
He added that the Holy Prophet ﷺ said: “Adorn yourselves with the attributes of Allah.” When a person embraces the divine qualities such as forbearance, justice, mercy and forgiveness, society witnesses love instead of hatred and tranquility instead of discord.
The speakers congratulated Chairman of the Seerah Chair, Dr. Shamsur Rahman for successfully organizing the dialogue. They remarked that he not only arranged a meaningful and multidimensional academic session but also chose a theme that is in harmony with the intellectual and practical needs of the present age — a subject on which dialogue was greatly needed.