THE IQRA' 2025 CONFERENCE
Theme: Honoring Our Legacy, Shaping Our Future: Towards a New Muslim
Contribution to Civilization
Hosted Virtually and Across Leading Global Universities
Dates: August 22, 23, & 24, 2025
Introduction
In a rapidly changing world, Muslim societies stand at a critical juncture where challenges can be
transformed into opportunities. Building on our rich heritage while embracing contemporary
advancements, this conference seeks to catalyze a new civilizational renaissance in Islamic
contributions to global progress. Now is the time for the Qur’an to reclaim its central role in
educational curricula across all levels—from early childhood to post-doctoral studies—by
presenting it through a contemporary lens that aligns with each educational stage, while
preserving its spiritual and scientific essence.
Through strategic collaboration among scholars, experts, leaders, and innovators, we aim to
forge practical pathways for turning current challenges into future strengths. As we recognize the
inadequacy of traditional education models in keeping pace with our constantly evolving world,
we emphasize the urgent need to adopt modern educational frameworks rooted in STEM
principles (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) at all levels. This approach will
equip new generations with the tools of our time, reconnect the present with the past, and build
bridges toward a future that achieves the envisioned civilizational empowerment.
Conference Objectives:
1. Promote leadership and innovation in education, science, and technology within
Muslim societies by fostering strategic discussions and collaborative thinking.
2. Facilitate knowledge exchange among thought leaders, policymakers, and innovators
from across the Muslim world to address shared challenges and opportunities.
3. Encourage solutions-oriented dialogue that transforms current socio-economic,
technological, and educational challenges into strategic advantages.
4. Honor Islamic values while engaging with global advancements, ensuring ethical and
culturally grounded approaches to development.
5. Develop a practical outcomes document—a comprehensive manual to guide Muslim
world leaders in implementing impactful, sustainable strategies for local and global
progress.
Key Thematic Areas and Objectives
1. Knowledge & Educational Transformation
• Leveraging demographic dividend through education
• Integrating traditional Islamic knowledge with modern sciences
• Developing adaptive education systems for the AI era
• Creating centers of excellence in emerging technologies
2. Scientific & Technological Innovation
• Rebuilding the tradition of Islamic scientific excellence
• Creating innovation ecosystems in Muslim-majority countries
• Developing collaborative research networks
• Focusing on breakthrough technologies
3. Economic Empowerment & Resources
• Developing Islamic fintech solutions
• Creating sustainable economic models
• Building economic cooperation frameworks
• Leveraging natural resources sustainably
4. Social Cohesion & Leadership
• Building bridges between Islamic schools of thought
• Developing youth leadership programs
• Enhancing women's participation
• Creating platforms for intra-Islamic dialogue
5. Environmental Stewardship
• Developing Islamic perspectives on environmental protection
• Creating sustainable development models
• Implementing green technologies
6. Healthcare & Wellbeing
• Advancing medical research and innovation
• Developing healthcare systems
• Promoting preventive healthcare
7. Cultural Expression
• Preserving and promoting Islamic arts
• Developing contemporary cultural expressions
• Building cultural bridges
8. Media & Communication
• Developing effective communication strategies
• Building media capabilities
• Promoting positive narratives
9. Implementation Frameworks
• Creating practical action plans
• Developing monitoring systems
• Ensuring sustainable implementation
Our Proud Sponsor:
• Tamkine Foundation, Morocco
Our Partner Institutions/ Organizations:
1. International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC), The International
Islamic University, Malaysia
2. Islamic Research Institute (IRI), The International Islamic University Islamabad, Pakistan
3. East West University, Chicago, USA
4. Islamic University in Uganda
5. Center for Islam & Global Affairs (CIGA), Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, Turkey
6. Center for Islamic Finance, Innovation, and Sustainability, International University of
Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
7. University of Darussalam Gontor, Indonesia
8. TexAM University Dallas, USA
9. University of Zitouna, Tunisia
10. Amadou Mahtar Mbow University in Dakar, Senegal
11. Chaudhry Abdul Khaliq Center for Comtemporary Islamic Sciences (CAKCCIS),
Superior University Lahore, Pakistan
12. Chinguitt Modern University, Mauritania
13. Lahore Leads University, Pakistan
14. Institute of Business Management, Karachi, Pakistan
15. Masjid Muhammad, USA
16. International Coalition for Peace and Reconciliation, USA
17. The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Conference Structure and Detailed Program
Day 1 – Foundations for Transformation
August 22nd, 2025
Hosted Panels:
1. TexAM University-Dallas, Texas, USA
2. Institute of Business Management (IoBM), Karachi, Pakistan
3. Center for Islamic Finance, Innovation and Sustainability, International University of
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Time Frame: 09:00 – 13:30 (Eastern Standard Time (EST) - US & Canada)
Opening Session
09:00 – 09:30
Welcome Remarks & Conference Opening
• Conference Moderator: Syed Muaz Shah
• Opening Prayer: Imam Hamad Chebli
• Introduction to Vision and Mission of IQRA' and objectives of the Conference: H.E. Dr.
Safi Kaskas, President of IQRA’
Keynote Speech 1
09:30 – 09:50
“Rebuilding the House of Wisdom: Knowledge as Civilizational Infrastructure”
Speaker: Dr. Joseph Lumbard, Associate Professor of Qur’anic Studies, College of Islamic
Studies, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar
Panel 1: Knowledge & Education Transformation
09:50 – 10:50
Host University: TexAM University-Dallas, Texas, USA
Theme: Integrating Traditional Islamic Knowledge with Modern Sciences (Creating Centers of
Excellence in Emerging Technologies)
• Chair/ Moderator: TBC
• Speakers:
1. TBC
2. TBC
3. TBC
Q&A Session: 15 minutes
10:50 – 11:00 — Break
Keynote Speech 2
11:00 – 11:20
“Reviving Islamic Scientific Heritage in the Age of AI”
Speaker: Dr. Sharif Akbar, Director/ Advisor of Science & Environment Sector, the Islamic
World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO)
Panel 2: Scientific & Technological Innovation
11:20 – 12:20
Host University: Institute of Business Management (IoBM), Karachi, Pakistan
Theme: Developing Collaborative Research Networks in Muslim-Majority Countries
• Chair/ Moderator: Dr. Asad Shahzad, Institute of Business Management, Karachi,
Pakistan
• Speakers:
1. Dr. Abdul Khaliq Aboya, Institute of Business Management, Karachi, Pakistan
2. Dr. Yamina Bougenaya, Founder of Recieving Nur, USA
3. Dr. Hafiz Syed Hussain, Institute of Business Management, Karachi, Pakistan
4. Dr. Muhammad Mustafa Raza, Institute of Business Management, Karachi, Pakistan
Q&A Session: 10 minutes
Keynote Speech 3
12:20 – 13:00
“Creating Sustainable Economic Models in the Islamic World”
Speaker: H.E. Dr. Ahmad Kawesa Sengendo, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic
Affairs, Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
“Islamic Finance in the Digital Age: Fintech as a Civilizational Tool”
Speaker: Hfz Dr. Edib Smolo, Founder of the Islamic Finance for Everyone (IFE), Effat
University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Panel 3: Economic Empowerment & Resources
13:00 – 14:00
Host University: Center for Islamic Finance, Innovation and Sustainability, International
University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Theme: From Resources to Resilience: Building Sustainable and Cooperative Economic
Futures
• Chair/ Moderator: Dr Alija Avdukić, University of Dundee Business School, United
Kingdom
• Speakers:
1. Dr. Admir Meskovic, International University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
2. Edina Latić, FHWien University of Applied Sciences for Management &
Communication, Austria
3. Hfz Haris Zogić, International University of Novi Pazar, Serbia
4. Dr. Amra Selimović-Fijuljanin, Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of
B&H, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Q&A Session: 20 minutes
Day 2 – Stewardship and Solidarity: Advancing Human and
Ecological Wellbeing
August 23rd, 2025
Hosted Panels:
1. Center for Islam and Global Affairs, Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, Türkiye
2. Chaudhry Abdul Khaliq Center for Contemporary Islamic Sciences (CAKCCIS),
Superior University Lahore
3. Islamic University in Uganda
Time Frame: 09:00 – 13:30 (Eastern Standard Time (EST) - US & Canada)
Keynote Speech 1
09:00 – 09:20
“Unity in Diversity: Revitalizing Leadership and Social Harmony in the Muslim World”
Speaker: H.E. Taha Ayhan, President of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF)
Panel 4: Social Cohesion & Leadership
09:20 – 10:35
Host University: Center for Islam and Global Affairs, Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University,
Türkiye
Theme: Empowering Inclusive Leadership: Youth, Women, and Dialogue for a Cohesive Future
• Chair/ Moderator: Dr. Fadi Zatari, CIGA, Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, Türkiye
• Speakers:
1. Ustadha Zaynab Ansari, Tayseer Seminary, USA
2. Dr. Ayesha Syed, İbn Haldun University, Istanbul, Türkiye
3. Üveys Han, CIGA, Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, Türkiye
4. Dr. Mohsin Zahid, CEO, Neuron Solutions, Pakistan.
Q&A Session: 15 minutes
10:35 – 10:50 — Break
Keynote Speech 2
10:50 – 11:20
“Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought”
Speaker: Dr. Hassan Mohi-Ud-Din Qadri, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Minhaj Ul
Qur’an International (MQI)
Panel 5: Environmental Stewardship
11:20 – 12:20
Host University: Chaudhry Abdul Khaliq Center for Contemporary Islamic Sciences
(CAKCCIS), Superior University Lahore
Theme: Innovating for Impact: Green Technologies and Sustainable Models in the Muslim
World
• Chair/ Moderator: Syed Ali Mohsin Naqvi, CAKCCIS, Superior University Lahore,
Pakistan
• Speakers:
1. TBC
2. TBC
3. TBC
Q&A Session: 15 minutes
12:20 – 12:30 — Break
Keynote Speech 3
12:30 – 13:00
“Health in Our Hands: Building Resilient and Innovative Care Systems for the Muslim
World”
Speaker: Dr. Robert Turner, Famous Pediatric Neurologist, USA
Speaker: Dr. Zafar Ali Chaudhary, Vice Chancellor, Faisalabad Medical University, Pakistan
Panel 6: Healthcare & Wellbeing
13:00 – 14:00
Host University: Islamic University in Uganda
Theme: Smart Health: Shaping Tomorrow’s Care Through Research, Systems, and Prevention
• Chair/ Moderator: Dr. Gyagenda AbdulSwamad, Islamic University in Uganda
• Speakers:
1. Dr. Naziru Rashid, Islamic University in Uganda
2. Dr. Aremu Abdul Mujeeb Babatunde, Islamic University in Uganda
3. Dr. Kharim Mwebaza Muluya, Islamic University in Uganda
Q&A Session: 15 minutes
Day 3 – Reviving Identity, Renewing Leadership for a Just World
August 24th, 2025
Hosted Panels:
1. Islamic Research Institute (IRI), International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI),
Pakistan
2. University of Zitouna, Tunisia
3. Lahore Leads University, Pakistan
Time Frame: 09:00 – 13:30 09:00 – 13:30 (Eastern Standard Time (EST) - US & Canada)
Keynote Speech 1
09:00 – 09:20
“From Vision to Action: Strategic Frameworks for Muslim Renaissance”
Speaker: H.E. Dr. Sami Al-Arian, Director of Center for Islam and Global Affairs (CIGA),
Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, Türkiye
Panel 7: Implementation Frameworks
09:20 – 10:20
Host University: Islamic Research Institute (IRI), International Islamic University Islamabad
(IIUI), Pakistan
Theme: Action Plans, Monitoring Tools, and Implementation Strategies
• Chair/ Moderator: Dr. Suhail Khan, IRI, International Islamic University Islamabad,
Pakistan
• Speakers:
1. Dr. Muhammad Zia Ul Haq, DG IRI, International Islamic University Islamabad,
Pakistan
2. Dr. Aftab Ahmed, International Islamic University Islamabad, Pakistan
3. Sahibzada Muhammad Qamar Ul Haq, International Islamic University Islamabad,
Pakistan
Q&A Session: 15 minutes
10:20 – 10:30 — Break
Keynote Speech 2
10:30 – 10:50
“Echoes of Legacy, Visions of Tomorrow: The Evolving Landscape of Islamic Cultural
Expression”
Speaker: H.E. Dr. Nazir Mohammed Ayyad, the Grand Mufti of Egypt
“Reviving the Power of Knowledge and Education: Reimagining Ummatic Future
Civilizational Leadership”
Speaker: Dr. Abdel Aziz Berghout, Dean of the International Institute of Islamic Thought and
Civilization (ISTAC-IIUM)
Panel 8: Cultural Expression
10:50 – 11:50
Host University: University of Zitouna, Tunisia
Theme: From Heritage to Horizons: Reimagining Islamic Culture in a Globalized World
• Chair/ Moderator: Prof. Dr. Rashid Tabbakh, Vice President, University of Zitouna,
Tunisia
• Speakers:
1. Prof. Dr. Shukkri Al-Bajji, University of Zitouna, Tunisia
2. Prof. Dr. Beya Al-Sultani, University of Zitouna, Tunisia
3. Dr. Maniya Al-Majeri, University of Zitouna, Tunisia
4. Dr. Fatehi Bouajila, University of Zitouna, Tunisia
Q&A Session: 15 minutes
11:50 – 12:00 — Break
Keynote Speech 3
12:00 – 12:20
“Media Literacy and Media Engagement: Two Essentials for the Muslim Ummah Today”
Speaker: Dr. Sahar Khamis, President of the Arab US Association for Communication
Educators (AUSACE)
Panel 9: Media & Communication
12:20 – 13:20
Host University: Lahore Leads University, Pakistan
Theme: Articulating Truth and Wisdom: Reviving the Islamic Voice in Global Discourse
• Chair/ Moderator: Dr. Hifsa, AOBM
• Speakers:
1. Dr. Khairul Asyraf Mohd, USIM Türkiye
2. Dr. Rosninawati Hussin, USIM Türkiye
3. Dr. Osama Kanaker, USIM Türkiye
Q&A Session: 15 minutes
Closing Session
13:20 – 13:30
“The Path Forward: A Global Declaration for Civilizational Renewal”
• Closing Moderator: TBC
• Closing Remarks: Zain Malik