ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony will hold the 49th Seerat-un-Nabi Conference on the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal highlighting the significance of this blessed month in the Islamic calendar.
Through this annual feature, the ministry promotes religious harmony, brotherhood, tolerance, respect for humanity, equality, unity, non-violence, reconciliation, and dialogue in light of the current situation in the South Asian country.
Seerat-un-Nabi Conference
Ministry’s Spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt said that the conference comprises two main segments: the National Seerat and Naat Book Competition Awards Ceremony and the Seerat-un-Nabi Conference. He stated that the ministry invited entries in national, regional, and global languages (Arabic and English) for the National Seerat and Naat Book Competition Awards encouraging the participants to submit essays and books on Seerat and Naat within the stipulated timeframe.
Pakistan’s President and Prime Minister
Umar stated that the competition for the year 2024 was announced in January, and each selected book and essay was evaluated by a panel of at least three experts. The reports of these experts were then reviewed by an apex committee, which determines the winners, he said. He stated that a total of 164 books were submitted for this year’s contest, with 30 people selected for the awards. Moreover, he added that 118 Seerat essays were received, and 33 people were awarded. A total of 63 individuals were recognized for their contributions in the current year, he added.
Umar said the Seerat-un-Nabi Conference is held annually to promote and disseminate the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). He said renowned religious scholars from Pakistan and the Islamic world participate in this conference, which serves as a platform for dialogue, mutual understanding, and the reduction of differences among scholars.
The spokesperson mentioned that the theme selected for this year’s conference is “The State’s Educational System in the Light of Seerat-un-Nabi (Peace Be Upon Him).” Recognizing the importance of the conference, he stated that the ministry publishes and distributes the proceedings and high-quality papers presented on this subject to institutions and libraries free of charge. These papers to be uploaded to the ministry’s website, he said.
Umar said as per schedule, the Conference will be held on the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal, 1446 AH and the prime minister of Pakistan will be the chief guest at the opening session, while the president of Pakistan will preside over the second session. He stated that distinguished scholars and religious leaders from across Pakistan will address the conference on the theme. Additionally, the spokesperson said awards will also be distributed to the winners of the National Seerat and Naat competitions.
As part of the Seerat-un-Nabi celebrations, Umar said the ministry has also issued directives to all federal and provincial ministries, educational institutions and departments to organize events, gatherings, and programmes related to Seerat-un-Nabi throughout the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal. These efforts will guide society on various aspects of the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), he further said.
