LAHORE: (Tuesday, 10 November): Sheikh Saeed Mahmood Foudah, a renowned theologian and philosopher from Jordan, said that affirming that God is indwelling in any part of the universe constitutes shirk. Islam, he added, invites people around the world to reflect on sound principles. He was speaking at a one-day international conference on “The Younger Generation and Contemporary Intellectual Challenges: Addressing them in the Light of Islamic Teachings,” held at Al Raazi Hall. The conference was organized by the Department of Islamic Knowledge, Institute of Islamic Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore, in collaboration with Muslim Hands International. The event was attended by PU Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mahmood Saleem, Chairman of the Department of Islamic Knowledge Dr Saeed Ahmad Saeedi, Director of Student Affairs Prof Dr Shahzeb Khan, Muslim Hands International Country Head Khalid Qureshi, Dr Muhammad Naeemuddin Al-Azhari, Director Pakistan Study Centre Prof Dr Amjad Abbas Magsi, religious scholars, faculty members and students were present.

In his address, Sheikh Saeed Mahmood Foudah said that, according to some philosophers, although the Creator of the universe exists, its system operates by itself an un-Islamic concept. He said Muslims believe that this world is a place of trial and that the Hereafter is real. The Holy Qur’an, he said, presents reasoned arguments grounded in truth. God is all-powerful, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful, and possesses will. He also stressed the need to revise the curricula of religious seminaries. Prof Dr Mahmood Saleem said that atheism is not a new issue but a longstanding one. As sources of knowledge expand, young people encounter new ideas. He said that the foundations of knowledge and thought must be strong so that people are not swayed by others’ ideologies, adding that the study of the Qur’an and the Prophet’s life provides this firm foundation. He described the conference as beneficial for young people and praised its organizers. Welcoming the guests, Professor Dr Shahzeb Khan said that such sessions also aim to help students understand Islam on rational and logical grounds. He stressed the importance of studying Islam through reason and logic, and in light of the demands of the present age. Dr Saeed Ahmad Saeedi said that the Qur’an and Sunnah encourage asking questions. The younger generation, he said, has the right to have its questions heard with kindness and patience, and to receive appropriate and accurate answers. Dr Saeedi thanked the institutions that had collaborated in organising the successful conference. Khalid Qureshi said that Muslim Hands International provides financial support to more than 100 schools and over 60,000 students in 45 countries.