Islamic Research Academy
Reviving Islamic Thought and Shaping the Scholars of Tomorrow
In 1963, Sayyid Abul A’la Mawdūdi (RA) founded the Idara-e-Ma’arif-e-Islami, which became a prominent center of scholarly and intellectual activity. Sayyid Abul A’la Mawdūdi (RA) was one of the most influential Islamic thinkers, reformers, and commentators of the Qur’an in the 20th century. His ideas, writings, and scholarly contributions had a profound impact on the ideological development of Islamic movements across the world.
Mawdūdi was born in 1903 in Aurangabad. He received his early education at home and, at a young age, mastered Urdu, Arabic, Persian, and English. At only eleven years old, he translated an Arabic book into Urdu. Later, in 1926, he graduated from Darul Uloom Fatehpur, Delhi, and during the same period, he received certifications in Hadith, Fiqh, and literature from Maulana Ashfaqur Rahman Kandhalvi. In 1927, at the age of just 24, his groundbreaking work Al-Jihad fi al-Islam was published, which received immense appreciation in scholarly circles.
Throughout his life, Mawdūdi bravely confronted various ideological and religious challenges. His refutation of Qadianism, his response to the denial of Hadith, and his well-researched answers to Western objections regarding the concept of hijab are considered significant scholarly contributions. His authoritative works on issues such as Qadianism, the constitutional status of Sunnah, and the Islamic perspective on hijab remain reliable references in religious and academic circles.
He devoted his entire life to the propagation of Islam, its correct understanding, and its practical implementation, enduring imprisonment and hardships along the way. Sayyid Abul A’la Mawdūdi (RA) passed away on 22 September 1979, but his intellectual and scholarly legacy continues to serve as a source of guidance for people around the world.
Our Core Working Areas
Maarif Research Journal (MRJ) is a bilingual, peer-reviewed journal by the Islamic Research Academy, Karachi, focusing on Islamic Studies and Arabic literature. It fosters original, solution-based research and welcomes diverse scholarly perspectives.
https://mrjpk.com/index.php/mrjpk
Tehseel is a biannual, open-access, peer-reviewed journal publishing original research in Urdu or English across Social Sciences, Literature, and Humanities. It emphasizes research quality over thematic limits, offering fast reviews, continuous publication, and global online access.
Maarif Feature is a bi-monthly, curated collection of global content on Islam and Muslim welfare, presenting diverse perspectives without commentary. It welcomes community contributions and donations, encouraging free, non-commercial sharing of its material.
At the Islamic Research Academy Karachi, the weekly Academy Book Circle presents reviews of books written on Islamic, historical, and cultural topics.
At the Islamic Research Academy Karachi, monthly lectures by scholars on various topics are organized under the Maarif Lecture Series to promote the cultural, intellectual, literary, and ideological growth of the Islamic world and the Muslims of Pakistan.
To enhance the social dynamics of contemporary Muslim families, Istehkaam-e-Khandan Department of the Islamic Research Academy conducts insightful lectures and curates scholarly publications on the subject.
The Islamic Research Academy Karachi hosts a library of 25,000 books and archives of Urdu and English publications from 1958 onward. It offers valuable resources on Islam, literature, and intellectual studies, accessible to scholars from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Our Regular Courses
Persian Literature Course
This one-year advanced course is designed for learners with a...
Arabic Language Course
This one-year Arabic language course is designed to provide students...
Persian Language Course
This one-year certificate course is designed to teach practical spoken...
Muallim-Ul-Quran Course (Level 1)
Key Features: ✅ Extremely Easy Method:Learn to understand the Qur’an...
Tafheem e Deeniya (Dars e Nizami)
Preparing scholars with deep expertise in Islamic and contemporary sciences...
Extension Programs
Academy Book Circle
The Islamic Research Academy Karachi’s weekly Book Circle offers engaging discussions and reviews of key works on Islamic thought, history, and culture.
Maarif Lecture Series
The Maarif Lecture Series is a monthly forum at the Islamic Research Academy Karachi where scholars explore key issues affecting the Islamic world, especially in Pakistan.
Istehkam e Khandan
The Istehkam-e-Khandan Series is an initiative by the Islamic Research Academy to strengthen family life through Islamic guidance on marriage, parenting, gender roles, and modern challenges.
Vision and Objectives
The Islamic Research Academy, Karachi was established on 4 March 1963 in Lahore during a meeting presided over by Syed Abul A‘la Maududi. Besides Maududi, the meeting was attended by Maulana Muhammad Nazim Nadwi, Maulana Abdul Rahim, Maulana Zafar Ahmad Ansari, Chaudhry Ghulam Muhammad, and Mian Tufail Muhammad.
Objectives and Nature of the Academy
The primary aim of establishing the Academy was to produce Islamic literature in Arabic, English, Bengali, and other languages. Another important goal was to prepare textbooks in accordance with the Islamic point of view. For the past 60 years, the Academy has been engaged in scholarly and intellectual efforts to promote Islamic ideology and Islamic civilization.
The Academy has emphasized the need to counter modern intellectual trends and Western cultural influences. In today’s era—filled with new ideologies and rapidly changing mindsets of the modern educated youth—it is essential to organize all branches of knowledge from an Islamic perspective. This ensures that the young generation can be convinced of the truth and relevance of Islam and remain confident that Islam alone is the true path of life.
The Academy is engaged in scholarly and research work across various fields. Even though it does not consider its efforts fully satisfactory, their impact cannot be overlooked.
Major Works of the Academy
Research and Authorship
The Academy undertakes significant work such as critical studies of Western civilization, preparing books related to strengthening the family system, formulating an academic and practical framework for Islamic education, and analyzing contemporary political and social issues.
Preservation and Publication of Syed Maududi’s Works
The Academy holds the publication rights for most of Maulana Maududi’s books and ensures their accurate printing and publication. Additionally, it is working on converting authentic material of Maududi into a searchable digital format so that his work can easily reach people worldwide. The Academy also focuses on providing accurate and organized digital content related to Maududi.
Research Journals
Two biannual research journals, Tahseel and Maarif Journal of Research, are published regularly by the Academy.
Fortnightly “Maarif Feature”
This publication has been consistently released for nearly 25 years. It provides Urdu translations of scholarly and intellectual articles from global publications such as The Economist, Time, Foreign Affairs, and others, particularly on topics related to the Muslim world and significant global issues. Annually, 24 issues are published with an approximate circulation of 50000 copies.
Tafheem-ul-Qur’an Department
Under this department, long term and short term courses are offered for enthusiasts of Islamic studies and highly educated individuals, such as the complete Dars e Nizami course and a two year Talimat e Deeniyah program. Assistance is also provided in learning Arabic, Persian, and Turkish languages.
Training of Young Researchers
In July 2020, the Academy recognized the need to prepare research scholars from among modern-educated individuals who possess command over both religious and contemporary knowledge. Under the supervision of senior scholars and experts, these young researchers are being trained for the intellectual and scholarly front of the Islamic movement.
Translation and Publication Department
The Academy regularly translates and publishes books and booklets related to Islam and the Islamic movement and provides high-quality printing services to other institutions as well. Each year, around ten new and ten previously published books are printed.
