Conference on Islamic Charity

The International Conference on Islamic Charity and Social Development concluded at the Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU).

The two-day event was organised by the Department of Anthropology.

In his address, QAU Vice Chancellor Dr Javed Ashraf said there were a lot of myths surrounding Islamic charity and its relationship with social development and that this relationship needs to be scientifically examined.

He said that other than providing financial support, charity entailed other aspects as well including respecting others and treating them as equals.

Also speaking at the occasion was Senator Dr Mohammad Ali Khan Saif who said charity was one of the main pillars of Islam.

“Charity has always been important in Islam, with a lot of emphasis on zakat, sadqa, khairat and the provision of facilities to people”, he said.

The relationship between Islamic charity and social development needs to be investigated so that the welfare of vulnerable people can be better looked after, said Chairman of the Anthropology Department Dr Waheed Chaudhry.

The Vice Chancellor of Riphah International University Prof Dr Anis Ahmed said that giving charity is not a favour in Islam but an obligation.

“Both an Islamic state and society is obligated to relieve the difficulties of people and make life easier for them. The state is required to establish a system of zakat, provide education, health care, security, and religious freedom to its people and the society is also responsible for improving the standard of living of others around them”, he said.

Islamic scholars from other countries including USA and Spain also spoke on the occasion.

Women’s day seminar

Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU) hosted a seminar in connection with women’s day with collaboration with the District Coordination Office, Rawalpindi at the varsity’s campus.

The event was attended by students and government officials, DCO Sajid Zafar Dal, Additional Deputy Commissioner Imran Qureshi, Islamic scholar Abu Talha, SP Maria and renowned athlete Saffora. The seminar was coordinated by Assistant Commissioner Dr Sataish.

Speaker urged students to play their due role in the society, FJWU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Samina Amin Qadir said that women hold more power than they did before and they were empowered enough to make their own decisions.

Women are working in every field and are being recognised for their contributions, she added.

Islamic Scholar Abu Talha talked about the rights of women in Islam. He said Islam gave freedom to women and allowed her to make decisions in every aspect of both her personal and professional life.

Another speaker said that women who are homemakers should also be looked at as successful women and their hard work should be recognised.

Renowned athlete Saffora shared her experience of being a sports person for 32 years and told students about the problems she faced. She told students to work hard to achieve their goals and dreams.

Also speaking on the occasion were lawyers who told students about various laws relating to women and Deeba Shehnaz from Rescue 1122 said women should pursue a career in any profession they want.

Published in Dawn, March 11th, 2016