By Hina Kiyani
ISLAMABAD: A Seerat seminar titled “Contemporary Relevance of the Holy Prophet’s Communication Strategy” was held at Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST), Islamabad.
The seminar was hosted on Wednesday by Director Seerat Chair Hafiz Abdul Rasheed, in collaboration with the Department of Mass Communication and International Relations.
Allama Muhammad Raghib Hussain Naeemi, chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), attended the seminar as the chief guest and keynote speaker. Campus In-charge Dr Saba Bashir, Head of Department Dr Faisal Javed, faculty members, and a large number of students attended the event. Assistant Professor Dr Sikandar Zarren from the Department of Mass Communication conducted the proceedings.
Addressing the seminar, Allama Muhammad Raghib Hussain Naeemi said that the most successful communication model in the world was presented by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). He said the Prophet (PBUH) was not only the trustee of divine revelation but also the most effective and successful communicator who conveyed the message across the world.
He highlighted that the Prophet’s tone was compassionate, his message clear and simple, and his discourse always aligned with the intellectual level of the audience. Dialogue and exemplary character, he added, were hallmarks of the Prophet’s communication strategy. Allama Naeemi urged students to follow the Seerah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in every sphere of life.
He paid tribute to Director Seerat Chair Hafiz Abdul Rasheed, stating that the selection of this topic was timely and highly relevant in the era of media wars and digital media, and that such initiatives provide the best intellectual training for university youth.
Vice Chancellor Dr Zabta Khan Shinwari, in his address, termed the role of the Seerat Chair exemplary in the academic and intellectual journey of the university.
He said that spreading the teachings of the Seerah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is an act of worship.
He noted that in an age marked by misinformation and propaganda, the best standard for recognizing truth and righteousness is found in the life of Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (PBUH). He appreciated the role of Hafiz Abdul Rasheed in promoting Seerat education and commended the Departments of Mass Communication and International Relations for consistently organizing co-curricular activities.
Campus In-charge Dr Saba Bashir thanked the Chairman of the CII, saying that in the age of science, technology, and media communication, the importance of ethics has increased manifold. She expressed satisfaction that the Seerat Chair at the university is fulfilling this vital need.
Head of the Department of International Relations and Mass Communication Dr Faisal Javed said it was a matter of pride and good fortune for FUUAST students to benefit from an internationally renowned scholar like Allama Raghib Naeemi. He announced plans to organize joint seminars with the Seerat Chair on foreign policy and Islamic teachings, adding that studying the Seerah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is essential for mass communication students to understand communication models.
Stage Secretary and Assistant Professor Dr Sikandar Zarren said that the universal communication model originates from the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). He noted that even today, mass communication students seeking media sense and ethical dissemination of truth must study and understand the Prophet’s communication strategy.
At the conclusion of the seminar, the Vice Chancellor presented an honorary shield to Allama Raghib Hussain Naeemi, while Director Seerat Chair Hafiz Abdul Rasheed presented the Vice Chancellor with a book on Seerat.
