Mumbai: Scholars, community leaders and educationists gathered in large numbers at the Seerah Conclave 2025 held at Anjuman i Islam’s Kalsekar Technical Campus in New Panvel. The Idea of India Foundation organised the day long event. Speakers focused on the need to communicate the Prophet Muhammad’s message of peace, compassion, ethical conduct and social harmony in present day India.
Foundation president Umar Siddiqui said the Conclave aimed to reflect on internal shortcomings and understand why many Indians view Muslims with suspicion. He said the life of the Prophet offers guidance for current challenges and urged the community to engage in honest dialogue.
Maulana Bilal Hasani Nadwi, Chancellor of Nadwatul Ulama, said Muslims should serve the needy and pursue knowledge that benefits all. He said Muslims must live the Prophet’s teachings for the wider society to understand them. Lt General Zameeruddin Shah, former deputy chief of army staff, encouraged Muslims to study Islamic sources with a modern outlook. He said the spread of Islamophobia should not discourage the community from introspection.
Speaking on the role of intention in Islam, Salman Khurshid said the Seerah offers a practical model for ethical living. He said revisiting the Prophet’s life in today’s context is important for a more principled society. Anjuman i Islam president Dr Zahir Kazi highlighted the performance of the institution’s students and its emphasis on women’s empowerment. Former MP Mohammed Adeeb raised concerns about the hardships faced by Muslims and the way the community is portrayed when isolated incidents occur.
Scholars including Dr Zafar Mahmood, Dr Zeenat Shaukat Ali and Prof Akhtarul Wasey spoke on equality, Quranic teachings and the long history of Muslim loyalty to India. Speakers from other faiths, including Art of Living director Gautam Vig, stressed the need for inter faith dialogue. The event concluded with the presentation of Seerah Awards 2025 to achievers in various fields.
