Islamabad: The Islamic Research Institute (IRI) at the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) recently organized an academic seminar focusing on contemporary approaches to Qur’anic and Hadith studies. The seminar, which attracted scholars, faculty, researchers, and students, aimed to foster scholarly engagement on relevant issues in Islamic studies through both in-person and online participation.
According to International Islamic University Islamabad, the seminar centered on two primary themes: the rationalist approaches to Qur’anic interpretation and the methodological differences among the Companions in deriving rulings from Hadith. These discussions provided a platform for methodological rigor and critical reflection.
Professor Dr. Hidayatullah Ahmad al-Shash from Al-Hikmah International University in Pennsylvania presented a paper analyzing modern rationalist trends in Qur’anic interpretation, which was followed by an academic response from Dr. Syed Matin Ahmad Shah of the Islamic Research Institute. The seminar also featured a presentation by Professor Dr. Muhammad Abdul Razzaq Muhammad Aswad from Imam Abdul Rahman bin Faisal University in Saudi Arabia, who discussed the relevance of juristic diversity in Hadith scholarship, with a response from Dr. Abdul Samad Sheikh of IIUI.
The event included an open discussion session, where participants addressed interpretive ethics and the application of classical scholarship to contemporary challenges. Professor Dr. Muhammad Akram, Director-General of IRI, concluded the seminar by acknowledging the contributions of the speakers and participants, emphasizing the institute’s commitment to advancing Qur’anic and Hadith studies through collaborative academic dialogue.