Islamabad (Staff Reporter)
Allama Iqbal Open University recently hosted its second international seminar on “Bedil’s Thought in the Islamic Perspective,” emphasizing the need to promote the ideas of the great Persian poet and philosopher Mirza Abdul Qadir Bedil through seminars, conferences, and academic events in universities and research institutions.
The speakers highlighted the importance of familiarizing the younger generation with Bedil’s teachings and Islamic philosophy to contextualize classical thought with contemporary social, intellectual, and ethical challenges. The seminar was organized by the Department of Islamic Thought, History, and Culture in collaboration with the Bedil Foundation Pakistan. Its primary objective was to revisit and present Bedil’s philosophy in light of Islamic teachings, Sufism, ethics, and modern intellectual discourse.
The special guest of the event, Patron-in-Chief of Bedil Foundation Pakistan Dr. Syed Taqi Abidi from Canada, said in his address that Bedil’s thought in the Islamic context guides individuals toward inner purification, self-awareness, and spiritual growth. He emphasized that Bedil’s poetry reflects Islamic values such as monotheism, patience, contentment, divine love, and humanism, which contribute to moral development and the promotion of justice and benevolence in society.
In his presidential address, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor Dr. Abdul Aziz Sahir, described Bedil as a universal poet and thinker whose relevance endures across eras. He added that Bedil is not merely a poet of words but a proponent of thought and action, making it essential to connect his philosophy with the new generation in today’s times.
Other notable speakers included Dr. Abdul Rauf Rafiqui (Director, Iqbal Academy Pakistan), Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar (Director General, National Language Authority), Dr. Ikhlaq Ahmad Ahan (India), renowned poet and critic Akhtar Usman, Dr. Ali Kamil Qizilbash, Dr. Tahir Islam Askari, Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Sajjad, and Professor Dr. Moeen-ud-Din Hashmi.
During the event, the official website of the Bedil Foundation Pakistan was also launched, marking a significant step toward promoting Bedil’s intellectual and spiritual legacy.