Saturday, 10th October 2026

Riphah International University organized an academic seminar titled “Islam & the English Enlightenment: The Untold Story” on October 10, 2026, at Jinnah Hall, I-14 Campus, Islamabad. The event was jointly organized by the Department of Islamic Studies, the Riphah Institute of Media Sciences, and the Department of English Linguistics and Literature.

The seminar explored the historical influence of Islamic scholarship on European intellectual development while honouring the scholarly legacy and contributions of Prof. Dr. Anis Ahmad, Vice Chancellor of Riphah International University, to scholarship, education, and Muslim institutions.

Exploring Islamic Contributions to the English Enlightenment

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Shah, with Prof. Dr. Anis Ahmad serving as Chief Guest and Prof. Dr. Abdulhamit Birışık, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, as Guest of Honour. The proceedings were moderated by Dr. Inam ul Haq and Mr. Kamran Ahmed.

In his keynote address, Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Shah examined the contributions of the Islamic world to the intellectual developments associated with the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment. Drawing on historical examples, he discussed how early English scholars engaged with Arabic manuscripts and how knowledge from Muslim scholarly traditions contributed to the circulation of ideas between Muslim and European intellectual communities.

His presentation highlighted examples from mathematics, astronomy, and alchemy, emphasizing the importance of recognizing intellectual exchange when examining the historical development of European thought. The address challenged interpretations of the Enlightenment as an exclusively European achievement and drew attention to the influence of Islamic learning on its wider historical context.

Celebrating the Scholarly Legacy of Prof. Dr. Anis Ahmad

Alongside its academic focus, the seminar paid tribute to Prof. Dr. Anis Ahmad’s longstanding contributions as a teacher, mentor, scholar, and institution builder.

Distinguished guests and former colleagues shared reflections on his academic guidance, humility, dedication to students, and service to educational and Islamic institutions. Speakers included Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Bashir, former Dean of the Faculty of Arabic at the International Islamic University Islamabad; Mr. Rafeeq Tahir of IIIE; Dr. Abdul Hayee Abro, former Dean of the Faculty of Sharia at IIUI; Dr. Abdul Qadir Haroon of the Faculty of Usuluddin, IIUI; and Dr. Ikram ul Haq, former Director of Research at the Council of Islamic Ideology.

Their contributions highlighted Prof. Dr. Anis Ahmad’s influence on generations of students and scholars, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, character, humility, and dedicated academic service.

International Tributes Recognize His Academic and Institutional Contributions

The programme also featured curated video messages from scholars and Muslim community leaders based in different parts of the world. Contributors included Dr. Zahid Bukhari, Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi, Prof. Dr. Fazl ul Hadi Wazeen, Mr. Azhar Azeez, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Dr. Sayyid M. Syeed, Dr. Hisham Altalib, and Prof. Dr. Abdullah al-Ahsan.

The recorded tributes recognized Prof. Dr. Anis Ahmad’s contributions to Muslim educational and community organizations in North America, including the Muslim Students Association, the Islamic Circle of North America, and the Islamic Society of North America. Speakers also highlighted his balanced approach to Islamic thought, engagement in interfaith dialogue, and ability to guide and inspire others.

Emphasizing Sincere Scholarship and Character Building

In his remarks and vote of thanks, Prof. Dr. Abdulhamit Birışık emphasized the importance of honest appreciation, sustained scholarly effort, research, and institutional development.

In his concluding address, Prof. Dr. Anis Ahmad thanked the organizers, speakers, and contributors for their expressions of respect. He underscored the importance of sincerity, purposeful scholarly work, and accountability, encouraging students and faculty to prioritize character building, remain steadfast in their mission, and pursue long-term goals for the betterment of the Muslim Ummah.

He also encouraged young people to make educational and professional choices guided by responsibility toward the communities they serve rather than allowing material considerations alone to determine their direction.

Advancing Academic Dialogue and Institutional Values

The seminar concluded with the presentation of shields to distinguished guests, followed by group photographs with faculty members and alumni.

The event offered participants an opportunity to reflect on two interconnected themes: the historical exchange between Islamic and European intellectual traditions, and the enduring importance of sincere scholarship, mentorship, character development, and service in higher education.

Through this initiative, Riphah International University reaffirmed its commitment to academic inquiry, recognition of scholarly contributions, and the development of students who combine intellectual engagement with ethical responsibility and a sense of purpose.