‘Sirat Festival’ begins tomorrow

Islamabad:For the first time in Pakistan’s history, the three-day ‘Sirat Festival’ will take place from September 20 to 22 in Islamabad, themed ‘Searching for World Peace: In the Light of the Prophet’s Teachings.’ The festival, organised by the Qumi Rahmatul-lil-Aalameen wa Khatamun Nabiyyin Authority, will feature over sixty 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 agenda.

At a joint press conference held in Islamabad, Khurshid Nadeem, Chairman of the Rahmatul-lil-Aalameen wa Khatamun Nabiyyin Authority, along with Federal Education Secretary Muhyuddin Ahmad Wani, announced that the festival will transform the atmosphere of the capital during Rabi-ul-Awal. The event will be held at the National Skills University in I-8 Islamabad.

Chairman 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 biography,” he said. “Our aim is to promote scholarly engagement with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).” Publishers from Pakistan will offer discounts of up to 50% 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 (peace be upon him). Additionally, poetry readings and documentary screenings will highlight the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), aiming to convey messages of moral integrity based on Quranic verses and prophetic sayings.

Federal Secretary of Education, Muhyuddin Wani, emphasized the engagement of all educational institutions under the ministry in this noble initiative. “Every institution is enthusiastically participating in this event,” he stated. The National Book Foundation will also offer a nationwide 50% discount on its publications during the festival, showcasing the collective effort in promoting the knowledge and teachings of the Prophet.

Significant academic and administrative support is provided by Allama Iqbal Open University and its Department of Islamic Studies, alongside contributions from the Federal Board of Education, IBCC, Para, the Federal Directorate of Education, Dame Darme Sakhne, the Institute of Islamic Research, the Message of Pakistan, and Jamia Muhammadi Sharif Chiniot.

Khurshid Nadeem further articulated that the Qumi Rahmatul-lil-Aala­meen wa Khatamun Nabiyyin Authority is dedicated to researching the biography of the Holy Prop­het Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) to foster moral development within society. “We believe character building should be prioritized in our educational system,” he added.