ISLAMABAD: A three-day ‘Seerat Festival’ will take place from September 20 to 22 under the theme ‘Searching for World Peace: In the Light of the Prophet’s Teachings’.

The festival, organised by the Qaumi Rahmat Lal Alamin wa Khatamul Nabieen Authority, will feature over 60 research papers presented by scholars from both Pakistan and abroad. Special sessions dedicated to children, women and minorities will also be included in the festival’s agenda.

The event will be held at the National Skills University in I-8. At a joint press conference held in Islamabad, Chairman of the Rahmat Lal Alamin wa Khatamul Nabieen Authority Khurshid Nadeem along with Education Secretary Muhyuddin Ahmad Wani, announced that the festival will transform the atmosphere of the capital during Rabiul Awal.

Mr Nadeem described the festival as a multifaceted gathering.

“The two-day international conference, ‘Searching for World Peace: In the Light of the Prophet’s Teachings’ will bring scholars from around the world to explore various aspects of the Prophet’s life,” he said.

“Our aim is to promote scholarly engagement with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him),” Mr Nadeem stated.

He said publishers from Pakistan would offer discounts of up to 50pc on biographical books, making this a unique opportunity for the public.

The festival will also showcase the beauty of Islamic art and culture through an exhibition of calligraphy, featuring stunning representations of the names of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Additionally, poetry readings and documentary screenings will highlight the life and teachings of the Prophet, aiming to convey messages of moral integrity based on Quranic verses and prophetic sayings.

Education Secretary Muhyuddin Wani emphasised the engagement of all educational institutions under the ministry in this noble initiative.

“Every institution is enthusiastically participating in this event,” he said, adding that “the National Book Foundation will also offer a nationwide 50pc discount on its publications during the festival, showcasing the collective effort in promoting the knowledge and teachings of the Prophet (peace be upon him)”.

The event organiser said significant academic and administrative support was provided by Allama Iqbal Open University and its Department of Islamic Studies, alongside contributions from the Federal Board of Education, Inter-Board Chairmen Commission, Private Schools Regulatory Body, Federal Directorate of Education, Dame Darme Sakhne, the Institute of Islamic Research, the Message of Pakistan and Jamia Mohammadi Sharif Chiniot.

Khurshid Nadeem said the authority had also initiated the formation of ‘Rahmat Lal Alameen Youth Clubs’ in educational institutions to encourage young people to engage with the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). These clubs aim to cultivate a passion for studying the Prophet’s biography and deepen the youth’s connection with these teachings.

“It is essential for our younger generation to develop a practical relationship with the Prophet’s life,” Mr Nadeem added.

Published in Dawn, September 19th, 2024