Peace & inclusivity central to message of Islam: Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri

Distinguished guests attend opening session of World Religions Conference hosted by MUL

Former President of the Maldives and scholars from the U.S., UK, Austria, Sri Lanka, Egypt, India, Norway, South Korea, and Nepal participated in Minhaj University’s 7th World Religions Conference, held in Lahore on October 26, 2024.

In the opening session, speaking on "Politics and Violence in the Name of Religion," Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Governors, stated that Islam is a champion of peace, and certain Islamic teachings, such as Jihad, are often misinterpreted due to ignorance, prejudice, or narrow-mindedness. He emphasized that Islam is a religion of peace and inclusivity and that open dialogue can help clear misconceptions. He added that Minhaj University Lahore is committed to fostering a culture of dialogue on a national, religious, and social level.

Former Maldivian President Professor Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan emphasized the importance of uniting around teachings and values of peace and humanity. He praised Minhaj University’s role in promoting interfaith harmony and higher education, calling it an ideal platform for interfaith dialogue.

Vice Chancellor of Minhaj University Lahore, Professor Dr. Sajid Mahmood Shahzad, welcomed national and international guests to the conference, and Registrar Dr. Khurram Shahzad highlighted the purpose of the event. Scholars and professors from renowned universities worldwide, including the U.S., UK, Austria, Egypt, India, Norway, South Korea, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, attended the two-day conference.

On the first day, Reverend Father James Channan and Professor Dr. Rohan Gunaratna from Singapore were awarded Lifetime Achievement Awards for their contributions to promoting interfaith harmony. Additionally, the Pakistan chapter of the Coalition of Faith-Based Organizations was established during the conference. Various panel discussions and technical sessions featured guest scholars exchanging ideas with students on diverse topics. Panelists included Dr. Afser Rathore and Dr. Taranjit Singh from the U.S., Professor Ashok Kumar Khatri from Pakistan, Asma El Yazidi from Egypt, and Dr. Peter from Austria, who also answered questions from attendees.

Key participants included Dr. Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Minhaj-ul-Quran International, Khurram Nawaz Gandapur, Secretary-General of Minhaj-ul-Quran International, Registrar Dr. Khurram Shahzad, faculty heads, Barrister Amir Hassan, legal expert Siddique Azhar Advocate, Vice President Brigadier (Retd) Iqbal Ahmed Khan, among others.