1st UNITE Recap: Character Building and Peace Through Sirah (PBAH)

The inaugural Universal Network for International Training and Education (UNITE) successfully convened under the theme: Character Building and Peace from Sirah (PBAH) and Modern Perspectives. The event was a profound exploration of the timeless teachings of the Sirah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and their relevance in addressing modern societal challenges.

The Opening Session

The session was gracefully opened by Ayesha Noor, a BS Psychology scholar, who served as the event’s Emcee. She invited Mr. Ali Raza to begin the proceedings with a soulful recitation from the Holy Quran, setting a reflective tone for the gathering.

Dr. Salma Razzaq, the Chief Organizer and Assistant Professor at Air University, then took the stage to officially set the floor. In her opening remarks, she highlighted the importance of character building and peace as the cornerstone of a harmonious society. Her thoughtful introduction laid the foundation for the discussions to follow.

Keynote Speakers and Their Impact

The event featured impactful sessions led by prominent scholars:

• Dr. Fatmir Shehu (Associate Professor, International Islamic University, Malaysia): A distinguished academic and thought leader, Dr. Shehu shared profound insights into the teachings of Sirah and their role in fostering peace and moral excellence. Dr. Shehu’s ability to connect traditional values with modern challenges left a lasting impression on the audience.

• Dr. Muzaffar Ali: As an Assistant Professor in Islamic Studies at Bahria University’s Karachi Campus, Dr. Ali brought a unique perspective to the discussion. His expertise in Islamic philosophy and comparative studies enriched the dialogue on how the Sirah can guide individuals to navigate the complexities of modern life. Dr. Ali emphasized the urgency of anchoring oneself in moral principles to resist the negative influences of social pressures and a rapidly changing world.

Both speakers underscored the vital role of character building in addressing societal issues and the importance of internal peace as a prerequisite for global harmony.

Sessions and Sub-Themes

The event’s discussions were structured into three main sessions:

• Session 1: What Comes First—Character Building or Peace?This session explored the interplay between character building and peace, delving into which should be prioritized and how they complement one another.
• Session 2: Character Building in the Sirah (SAW): Timeless Traits for Modern TimesSpeakers highlighted key values like empathy, patience, leadership, and humility, drawing from the Sirah and relating them to contemporary challenges.
• Session 3: Peacebuilding Through the Sirah (SAW) and Contemporary FrameworksThis session focused on the principles of forgiveness, conflict resolution, and community harmony, demonstrating how these timeless lessons can address modern issues.

Discussion

The sessions explored various dimensions of character development and peacebuilding, addressing several key questions.

Throughout the event, the interactive nature of the sessions stood out. Attendees engaged actively, posing thought-provoking questions to the speakers and in the chat box. 

Questions sparked insightful responses from the speakers, as well as comments by Raja Nasir and the organizing team. These moments enriched the discussions and highlighted the event’s collaborative spirit.

The Conclusion

The event concluded with an inspiring address by Raja Nasir, Patron-in-Chief of the event and Founder & President of Skills' Edge International Nexus University. He outlined plans for future initiatives, including more events, conferences, and the establishment of SEINU as a platform to break educational barriers in Pakistan and beyond. Raja Nasir’s vision for a more inclusive and accessible education system resonated strongly with the audience.

Finally, Laraib Shahid, the event’s Secretary, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the speakers, organizers, and participants for their invaluable contributions. Her words captured the spirit of collaboration and commitment that defined the 1st UNITE.

Looking Ahead

The 1st UNITE has established a high standard for future events, showcasing the effectiveness of dialogue and collaboration in tackling crucial issues. With its focus on character building and peace, the event has laid the groundwork for transformative discussions and initiatives aimed at societal betterment.

Stay tuned for updates on upcoming UNITE events and initiatives as SEINU and its partners continue their mission to create meaningful change through education and inspiration.