Nestled in the heart of Lahore, the Institute of Islamic Culture, an institution that first breathed life in the mid-20th century has once again found its pulse. Like an age-old lamp shielding its flame against turbulent winds, it has rekindled its glow, illuminating centuries of civilizational heritage. The institute was founded under the intellectual guidance and pursuit of Khurshid Ahmad and the visionary philosopher Khalifa Abdul Hakim, where Islamic philosophy was harmoniously aligned with modern sciences.
Successive generations of distinguished scholars carried the torch forward. Yet, political theatrics and the storms of time dimmed its brilliance for a while, so much so that even the footsteps bound for the nearby Majlis Taraqqi-e-Adab no longer paused in curiosity. The appointment of Dr. Muzaffar Abbas as Director in February 2025, however, proved to be a revitalizing breath for the institute. With his intellectual foresight and administrative acumen, he reawakened a long-dormant institution.
Behind this renaissance lies a compelling vision, sincere commitment, and discerning insight, all embodied in Dr. Abbas. It is no exaggeration to call him the very manifestation of the phrase "the right person for the right place". A rare confluence of intellectual refinement and managerial wisdom has infused the institute with newfound vigor. Under his leadership over the past six months, the Institute has regained momentum, breathing fresh life into its foundational mission.
A prime example of this resurgence is the newly initiated series of intellectual and literary dialogues under the title "Mukalma", a forum that has promoted rich intellectual diversity. At least twelve such sessions have already been held, featuring prominent scholars, writers, and thinkers. These dialogues have addressed an impressive range of topics: from the essence of Islamic civilization and the contemporary state of the Urdu language, to the social status of women, the philosophy of Sufism, the intellectual development of youth, and most notably, the imperative of interfaith dialogue in today’s world. This thematic breadth is both refreshing and necessary. Equally noteworthy are the Institute’s recent publishing endeavors. In just six months, it has brought out three significant scholarly works.
Foremost among these is a new edition of "Modern Muslim India and the Birth of Pakistan" by S. M. Ikram, a classic that traces its intellectual roots to the seminal 1946 Urdu text "Mauj-e-Kausar". This book remains an indispensable resource for researchers and aspirants of competitive examinations such as the CSS. Its immediate popularity, seventy copies sold on the first day reflects a public still hungry for authentic knowledge, merely awaiting access. The other two books include "Quran and Modern Knowledge" by Dr. Muhammad Rafiuddin and "The West and Islam: Context of Islamic Thought Renewal" by Dr. Muhammad Arif Khan. Perhaps the most symbolic act of revival under Dr. Abbas’s leadership, however, is the prompt republication of the journal Al-Ma’arif, which not only marks the formal revival of the Institute but also reaffirms its strong scholarly tradition.
As Dr. Anwar Ahmed aptly observes:
"Dr. Muzaffar Abbas possesses the rare ability to impress and persuade even those seated on high pedestals, without discouraging earnest writers or silencing hesitant voices. He inspires those like us who are often reticent to speak. Of course, in the realm of publishing, some bureaucrats might invoke the specter of audits but Dr. Abbas knows how to secure the necessary approval for a revolving fund, ensuring that proceeds from sold books finance the publication of future works".
What is particularly heartening is that the Institute has not confined itself to the realm of abstract scholarship. Through compilation, research, and publication, it has re-established its practical relevance. According to announcements on its website, further publications are in the pipeline, and upcoming Mukalma sessions are already scheduled. In a country like Pakistan, where academic institutions often fall silent under political or financial pressure, the revitalization and active engagement of the Institute of Islamic Culture stands as a testament to the enduring viability of serious intellectual traditions provided, they are supported by sincerity, structure, and leadership.
Dr. Muzaffar Abbas and his team have made it abundantly clear that the Institute is not merely a guardian of past scholarship, but a living, dynamic source of guidance for present and future generations. To call the Institute a radiant beacon in Pakistan’s intellectual and cultural landscape is no exaggeration. It remains a credible symbol of the nation’s scholarly identity and a valuable legacy for future generations. The publication of hundreds of classic and modern works, the preservation of rare manuscripts, and the revival of various academic programs all confirm that with vision, competence, and integrity, any institution no matter how neglected, can be revived.
Dr. Muzaffar Abbas’s strategic leadership is a practical demonstration of the timeless principle: when the right person is placed in the right position, institutions flourish. Today, this Institute, rekindled in spirit and thought, stands before the youth of Pakistan, radiating a new intellectual light one that promises to spread further in the years to come, nurturing the country’s civilizational and scholarly heritage.
