LAHORE: Sheikh Saeed Mahmood Foudah, a theologian and philosopher from Jordan, stated that affirming God's indwelling in the universe constitutes shirk, during a conference in Lahore. The event, titled "The Younger Generation and Contemporary Intellectual Challenges: Addressing them in the Light of Islamic Teachings," was organized by the University of the Punjab's Department of Islamic Knowledge in collaboration with Muslim Hands International.

According to University of the Punjab, the conference aimed to address intellectual challenges faced by the younger generation within the framework of Islamic teachings. The gathering, held at Al Raazi Hall, was attended by various academic and religious figures, including PU Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mahmood Saleem, and Muslim Hands International Country Head Khalid Qureshi. Sheikh Foudah emphasized that while some philosophers suggest the universe operates independently of a creator, such views are un-Islamic. He underscored the importance of revising religious curricula to align with sound Islamic principles.

Prof Dr Mahmood Saleem highlighted the enduring challenge of atheism and the necessity of strong foundations in knowledge to resist external ideologies. He praised the conference's role in reinforcing Islamic teachings among youth. Prof Dr Shahzeb Khan and Dr Saeed Ahmad Saeedi echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of rational and logical understanding of Islam. Khalid Qureshi noted Muslim Hands International's support for education globally, underscoring the organization's commitment to fostering Islamic education.