by
Rana Khan and Amal Hanif
The recent gruesome crime in Sialkot shook up the cores of many all across Pakistan. It made us question: ‘What kind of working relationship exists between the management and employees of the country’s industrial sector?’ ‘What kind of social conditioning is happening of the youth at home and schools and next via media/ society/ economy that can create such frustrated beasts to evolve?’ ‘Do we have the slightest clue about what Islam commands about violating other people’s honour, lives and property even if they have wronged us?’ ‘Where is the judicial system?’ ‘Where are the law enforcers?’ ‘Does a common man fear Allah (swt) when he/she becomes witness to a public barbaric act?’
This act of shame occurred right after the inauguration of the esteemed Al Qadir University on the 29th of November 2021. The chairman – also the Prime Minister of Pakistan – Mr.Imran Khan at the momentous occasion rightfully observed:
“Our youth is confused at the moment. On one hand it looks at the technological progress of the Western world, and on the other hand when they see us, they feel we’re backward and have been left behind. And this is a huge temptation; when a society progresses we blindly start copying others. Our country lacks proper research and doesn’t give our youth the opportunity of informed choices.”
Sheikh Yasir Qadhi, the Dean of Academic Affairs at the Al-Maghrib Institute, shared a great insight as the guest of honour. He highlighted:
“It is something to really think about, that in the illiterate Bedouin society of 7th century Arabia, in a land where there was not a single library, much less a university. In a place and city of Makah where less than 1% of the people could read and write. Allah (swt) chose to begin Quran’s revelation, with the word ‘Iqra’ which means to read. What an amazing choice…!”
“Allah (swt) is indicating that change must begin via knowledge. Change must begin via education. You will only change when you have that education, when you know what to do and how to do it. And that is why our Prophet (sa) became the greatest leader, mover and shaker via the knowledge Allah (swt) bestowed upon him. Knowledge was what transformed our Ummah from being a backward paganistic society in Arabia from ruling the world. From China to Andalus, Islamic civilization became the global leadership.”
According to the chairman, Al Qadir University also wishes to incorporate the concept of Tarbiyah in their educational institute and hope this university becomes an emblem of the revival of the long lost tradition of obtaining knowledge in the Islamic world. A huge leap in the right direction!
Top 4 things you need to know about Al Qadir University:
1) Their mission:
“Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding.” (Al Imran 3:190)
Al Qadir university strives to put this verse into effect by enabling individuals to ponder upon the signs of Allah (swt) present in this universe, which is the foundation of self-discovery and inventions. They aim to revamp the current leadership and management standard in light of Islamic teachings and establish the example set by the Prophet (sa). The students will consequently reach their full potential, develop their character and ultimately be able to serve Allah (swt) and His Creation with innovative thought and action.
2) The Campus:
Their campus is about 80 km away from Islamabad. It’s situated on main Grand Trunk Road, in Tehsil Sohawa, District Jhelum. Located in a valley, the research center and character building resource offers a wholesome environment and breathtaking views. The property is encircled by hills with assigned spaces for plantations. It’s classrooms and computer labs are equipped with advanced apparatus providing the students an exceptional educational experience.
3) The academics offered:
Presently, it offers a BS (Hons) degree programme in Management. This a four year degree comprising of 8 semesters. Along with that, the university has multiple minors to choose from, namely Seerah, Islamic Spirituality, Islamic Economics, Education and Tarbiyah etc. The curriculum is greatly interactive consisting of discussions and well-tailored lesson plans. Additionally, based on present day scrutinized research, it provides experiential learning through real life scenarios and case studies. The students will be able to connect and debate with international scholars and benefit from their impeccable skills of communication, innovation and collaboration.
4) The team:
The faculty consists of highly educated and qualified professors who have previously been affiliated with prestigious universities such as LUMS etc. From Data scientists to educational trainers, Al Qadir’s illustrious academic personnel appear to be experts in various fields with their experience ranging from about 20-35 years.
Their board of global advisors include renowned Islamic scholars of the west who serve as advisors and professors to the Islamic studies programme at Stanford and George Washington University. Additionally, it encompasses other notables such as the founder of Ibn Haldun University, a Professor of Business Administration at the Harvard Business School and multiple authors of best-selling books from all over the globe.
Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger (sa) said: ““Islam began as something strange and will revert to being strange as it began, so give glad tidings to the strangers.”.”(Muslim)
Keeping Allama Iqbal’s vision of “Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam”, Al Qadir aims to present the society with morally upright intellectuals who will be able to faithfully lead the Islamic world, in sha Allah.
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