New Delhi: A significant literary and intellectual gathering was held at the headquarters of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind on Saturday evening for the launch of Seerat-e-Nabawi: Panacea for Humankind, a new work by noted scholar and author Dr Waquar Anwar. The book, published by The Board of Islamic Publications, revisits the classical Islamic text Al-Shifa bi Tareef Huquq al-Mustafa by the renowned medieval scholar Qādī ‘Iyad and presents its themes in a concise and accessible form for contemporary readers.
National Secretaries of JIH Dr Muhammad Raziul Islam Nadvi and Muhmmad Ahmad, and Assistant Secretary Waris Husain released the book. Manager Radiance Viewsweekly Khalid Nadeem was present on the occasion.
The event witnessed the participation of scholars, academics, students, journalists and members of the community, who gathered to discuss the continuing relevance of the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in the modern world.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Waquar Anwar explained that the idea for the book emerged while he was studying Masadir-e-Seerat by noted scholar Dr Muhammad Yasin Mazhar Siddiqi. He said the two-volume work, which documents major source books on Seerat literature written over more than thirteen centuries, introduced him to the importance and uniqueness of Qādī ‘Iyad’s Al-Shifa.
Dr Anwar noted that he became deeply interested in the text after reading the detailed discussion on the author and the book in Masadir-e-Seerat. This led him to further research through books, articles, lectures and discussions with scholars. He also referred to lectures by Islamic scholar Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri and consultations with the late Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Umri, which, he said, strengthened his understanding of the book’s significance in Seerat literature.
According to the author, Al-Shifa occupies a distinguished place in Islamic scholarship because it systematically discusses the status, virtues, characteristics and rights of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The work also elaborates upon the responsibilities of believers towards the Prophet and highlights the divine protections granted to him.
Dr Anwar said his latest work is not a fresh translation or abridgement of the original Arabic text. Rather, it is “a selective presentation” aimed at making the essence of the classical work understandable and relevant for readers of the present age without disturbing the original sequence and subject matter.
“The objective was to prepare a handy volume on the life and traits of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ based on the material available in Al-Shifa,” he said while addressing the audience.
The author further explained that the title Seerat-e-Nabawi: Panacea for Humankind reflects the central message of the work that understanding the personality, ethics and teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ can serve as a source of healing and guidance for individuals and societies alike.
One of the key themes discussed during the launch was the meaning embedded in Al-Shifa bi Tareef Huquq al-Mustafa, translated as “Healing by Understanding the Rights of the Chosen One.” Speakers noted that the term “Mustafa” refers to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as the chosen messenger of Allah, while “tareef” signifies awareness and understanding of his qualities and rights.
Participants at the event observed that the teachings and moral example of the Prophet continue to hold universal relevance in a world facing social conflict, moral uncertainty and spiritual crises. They said revisiting classical Islamic literature in a contemporary style could help younger generations connect more meaningfully with the intellectual and ethical traditions of Islam.
The programme also highlighted Dr Anwar’s wider scholarly contributions. He is the author of Understanding Sufism, which has been translated into Urdu and Tamil, and has written extensively on Islamic economics and ethical business practices. His English books include Economics in Islam and Business Transactions in Islam. He has also compiled collections of forty Prophetic traditions relating to Tarbiat, Tazkia and business ethics in Urdu. His lectures and writings are available on his online portal, waquaranwar.com.
Dr Anwar expressed gratitude to a young scholar, Nabarun, for copyediting the manuscript, and to senior journalist Shaheen Nazar for reviewing the work before publication.
