Enlighten Islamic Values 2024: 44th Annual Conference on Syedna Umar Farooq e Azam (R.A) by Azeem Educational Conference Regd.

The Enlighten Islamic Values Conference, organized by Azeem Educational Conference (Rgd.), Islamabad, took place on October 13, 2024, at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts Islamabad. The conference was held under the patronage of Dr. Muhammad Azeem Farooqi. This year's event continued the organization’s 44-year tradition of honoring the life and contributions of the Second Caliph of Islam, Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab (R.A), also known as Farooq-e-Azam (R.A). The conference brought together Islamic scholars, educators, and participants from diverse backgrounds to reflect on Islamic teachings, particularly the enduring legacy of Hazrat Umar (R.A), and their significance in addressing contemporary challenges. The conference also served as a memorial reference for Sahibzada Muhammad Ahmed Farooqi. 

First Session:

The conference commenced with the Recitation of the Holy Quran and a Naat. The first session featured multiple esteemed speakers who delivered thought-provoking talks on various Islamic topics.

The first speaker, Miss Fouzia Azeem Farooqi, Principal of Al Fauzul Azeem International Quran Academy (AFAIQA) delivered a lecture on Islaah-e- Ahwaal - Surah Asr ki Roshni Mein (Reforming Actions in the Light of Surah Al-Asr). She emphasized on the importance of self-improvement, patience, and mutual encouragement towards truth and perseverance as essential elements for personal and communal growth.

Following her, Muhammad Faisal Chauhan-an internationally renowned IT expert- provided a critical analysis on  Information Technology and Propagation of Islam. Muhammad Faisal Chauhan offered insightful perspectives on how information technology can be effectively utilized for the global dissemination of Islamic teachings. He drew attention to the role of digital platforms in making Islamic knowledge more accessible and engaging to audience worldwide.

Next, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Azeem Farooqi introduced the audience to the core themes and objectives of the conference, setting the tone for the day's discussions.

Second Session:

The second session began with a scholarly talk by Umer Nawaz Farooqi, Chartered Accountant, who spoke on Seerat e Farooq e Azam (R.A), Asr e Hazir kay Tanazur Mein (The Life of Hazrat Umar Farooq (R.A) and the Modern World. He related the qualities of Hazrat Umar (R.A) to the contemporary world, drawing parallels between his leadership style and the needs of today’s society.

Following this, Prof. Muhammad Waseem Farooqi, a religious scholar, discussed Hazrat Umar (R.A) ka Faqr (The Humility of Hazrat Umar), elaborating on the remarkable simplicity and asceticism that defined Hazrat Umar's (R.A) leadership, despite his immense responsibilities as a ruler.

A highlight of the session was a heartfelt performance by the children of AFAIQA (Al Fouzul Azeem International Quran Academy), where they recited Hamd, Naat , and selections from the works of Allama Iqbal, a renowned philosopher-poet. Their captivating performance filled the room with spiritual energy and cultural pride. The performance was orchestrated by Mr. and Mrs. Abrar Ahmed Bazmi. under supervision of Prof. Fauzia Azeem Farooqi principal (AFAIQA).

Following the performance, Barrister Muhammad Asif Raza Farooqi took the stage to speak on Europe mein Tarveej e Islam kay Taqaze (The Challenges for Spreading Islam in Europe). He provided an insightful analysis of the challenges and opportunities faced by Muslims in Europe, offering practical suggestions for the effective propagation of Islamic teachings in non-Muslim societies. 

A documentary was then screened, showcasing the accomplishments of the Azeem Educational Conference and its affiliated organizations throughout 2023-2024. This was followed by a short film screening titled “Sacha Hamdard” (The True Sympathizer), written by Abrar Ahmed Bazmi, directed by Muhammad Ali Farooqi and produced by The Curtain Raiser Productions which was well received by the audience. 

In the final part of the session, Dr. Muhammad Umer Farooqi, joining online from the United States, shared his thoughts on the growth of Islam in the USA. His message resonated with the audience, highlighting the global efforts to promote Islamic values.

Speeches by Dr. Abdul Rehman Ranjha and Dr. Abu Bakr Siddique Farooqi Hazarvi added further depth to the discussion, reflecting on various aspects of the life and legacy of Hazrat Umar (R.A).

The conference concluded with the traditional ceremony of Dastar Bandi. The final address was delivered by Dr. Muhammad Azeem Farooqi, the Pattern-In-Chief, who gave a detailed lecture on the life of Hazrat Umar (R.A). He shared several incidents from Hazrat Umar's life that offered profound lessons for self-improvement, leadership, and personal conduct. Dr. Muhammad Azeem Farooqi urged the attendees to apply these timeless lessons to their own lives to achieve success both in this world and the Hereafter.

The event ended with Zikr and Dua, a collective prayer, leaving the participants spiritually enriched and inspired to uphold the values of Islam in their daily lives.

This 44th Annual Conference by Azeem Educational Conference served as a reminder of the importance of Islamic values, especially in today's rapidly changing world, and the enduring relevance of Hazrat Umar's (R.A) exemplary life. 

Prof. Imran Khan Farooqi hosted the event. The management team included Muhammad Ali Farooqi, Prof. Muhammad Waheed Rasheed Farooqi, Abrar Bazmi, Muhammad Naeem Anwar Farooqi, Dilshan Aslam Farooqi, Romail Iqbal Farooqi Ch. Fayyaz Ahmed, Ch. Zulfiqar, and  many AEC volunteers. 

This event was covered by The Curtain Raiser Productions.