The Power of Knowledge: Hamid Mir's Message to the Youth of Pakistan

Hamid Mir, one of Pakistan's most prominent journalists, delivered a profound message to National Skills University Islamabad students and other participants of the Seerat Festival 2024. His address, part of this Festival organized by the National Rahmatul-lil-Alameen Authority, carried a vital theme: the importance of knowledge and understanding, particularly regarding the teachings of Islam and the life of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him).

 Mir's speech was a call to intellectual and spiritual arms, urging the young minds of National Skills University Islamabad to realize their potential. He emphasized the transformative power of knowledge, suggesting that with it as their weapon, they could not only counter the negative perceptions of Islam but also serve as ambassadors of truth. Mir pointed out that many criticisms and misconceptions about the Prophet's teachings stem from ignorance, not malice. He advised the students to respond with patience and knowledge when confronted by those who misunderstand Islam, thereby empowering them with a sense of responsibility.

 Reflecting on his own experiences, including dialogues with non-Muslims, Mir emphasized that hatred often arises from false assumptions. "If you have good knowledge about Islam," he told the students, "you can disprove wrong perceptions of non-Muslims about the Prophet's teachings." This message was particularly timely in a world where reactions to provocations often escalate into conflicts. His counsel to respond with wisdom rather than hostility reminds us of the Prophet's example of patience, tolerance, and compassion.

Mir's reflections on Allama Iqbal's poetry further enriched his message. Recalling his school days, he described how Iqbal's verses on patriotism and spirituality inspired him and his fellows each morning. He urged today's youth to delve into Iqbal's work, which is imbued with a deep love for the Prophet and a call to action for young Muslims to strive for excellence. In Iqbal's vision, the youth are the torchbearers of Islamic values, charged with carrying forward the legacy of the Prophet in an ever-changing world.

A striking element of Mir's address was his reference to The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History by Michael Hart, an American author and astrophysicist who placed Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) at the top of his list. Mir highlighted Hart's recognition of the Prophet's unparalleled influence and urged the students to learn the reasons behind this acknowledgment. The Prophet's life, as Hart observed, offers timeless lessons in leadership, humility, and justice, qualities that transcend religious boundaries and are universally admired.

In his praise of National Skills University Islamabad and its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, as well as the chairman of the National Rahmatul-lil-Alameen Authority, Mr. Khurshid A. Nadeem, Mir acknowledged the importance of institutions and leaders that foster both intellectual growth and moral development. Such institutions, he noted, play a critical role in shaping a generation of young Pakistanis who are not only skilled professionals but also individuals grounded in the ethical teachings of Islam.

At a time when Pakistan and the Muslim world are grappling with internal and external challenges, Hamid Mir's address was a reminder of the centrality of knowledge in navigating these trials. His words reinforced the idea that a proper understanding of Islam, rooted in the life and teachings of the Prophet, is the most effective antidote to hatred and falsehood. The message was clear for the youth of Pakistan: their future lies not just in technical skills but in their ability to embody the truth, patience, and wisdom Islam calls for.

Mir's message to National Skills University Islamabad students and Muslim youth is a beacon of hope in a world increasingly divided by misunderstandings. It calls for a generation that leads with knowledge, confronts ignorance with truth, and responds to hatred with the Prophet's timeless example of compassion and patience.