Vision and Objectives
The Islamic Research Academy, Karachi, was established on 4 March 1963 in Lahore during a meeting presided over by Sayyid Abul A’la Mawdūdi. Besides Mawdūdi, 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 purpose of establishing the Academy was to produce Islamic literature in Arabic, English, Bengali, and other languages. Another major goal was the preparation of academic textbooks based on the Islamic point of view. For the past 60 years, the Academy has remained engaged in intellectual and scholarly efforts to promote Islamic ideology and Islamic civilization.
The Academy has emphasized the need to confront modern intellectual trends and the influence of Western civilization. In the present era—marked by a flood of new ideas and the rapidly changing mindset of the modern, educated youth—it is essential that all branches of knowledge be organized from an Islamic perspective. This enables the younger generation to be intellectually convinced of the truth and relevance of Islam and to understand that Islam is indeed the guiding path of life.
The Academy has been working in various fields of research and scholarship. Although it does not consider its efforts to be completely satisfactory, their impact cannot be ignored.
Research and Writing:
The Academy conducts significant work such as critical studies of Western civilization, preparation of books related to the stability of the family institution, developing the intellectual and practical framework of an Islamic education system, and analyzing contemporary political and social issues.
Preservation and Publication of the Works of Sayyid Abul A’la Mawdūdi:
The Academy holds the publishing rights to most of Mawdūdi’s books and ensures their accurate printing and publication. Additionally, it is converting his authenticated writings into a searchable format so that his work can easily reach people around the world. The Academy is also focused on providing high-quality and well-organized digital material related to Mawdūdi.
Research Journals:
Two biannual research journals, Tahleel and Ma’arif Journal of Research, are regularly published by the Academy.
Fortnightly Ma’arif Feature:
This feature has been published continuously for nearly 25 years. It presents Urdu translations of scholarly and intellectual articles from global journals such as The Economist, Time, Foreign Affairs, and others. These articles relate to the Muslim world and important contemporary issues. A total of 24 issues are published annually, with a circulation of about 50,000.
Department of Tafhim al-Qur’an:
Under this department, long-term and short-term courses—such as the complete Dars-e-Nizami program and the two-year Ta’limat-e-Diniyah course—are offered for those interested in Islamic sciences and for highly educated individuals. Assistance is also provided for learning Arabic, Persian, and Turkish languages.
Training Young Researchers:
In July 2020, the Academy felt the need to train research scholars from among the modern educated class who possess mastery of both religious and contemporary sciences. Under the supervision of distinguished scholars and experts, these young researchers are being prepared to serve on the intellectual and scholarly front of the Islamic movement.
Translation and Publication Department:
To disseminate material related to Islam and the Islamic movement, the Academy regularly undertakes translation and publication of books and booklets. It also provides quality printing services to other institutions. Each year, around ten new and ten previous books are published.
Team Behind Islamic Research Academy
Meet the dedicated team of scholars, editors, and researchers driving the mission of the Islamic Research Academy. Their collective efforts uphold academic excellence and foster meaningful Islamic scholarship.
Prof Syed Shahid Hashmi
Chairmen
Dr Bashir Lakhani
Vice Chairmen
Engr. Izhar Ul Haque
Executive Director
Dr Syed Tabassum Jafferi
Treasurer
Tariq Jamil
Member
Zahid Hussain Advocate
Member
Dr Maroof Bin Raoof
Member
Humayoun Mazhar Qureshi
Member
Muhammad Amir Salman
Member
Dr Fawwad Ahmed
Member
Dr Misbah Ul Aziz
Member
Prof Nizam Uddin Memon
Member
Engr Imran Syed Ali
Member
