Press Release Seminar Islam and West A Clash of the Civilizations

Seminar Explored the Conflict of Core Civilizational Values

The Clash Between Islamic and Western Civilization

Rawalpindi, January 27, 2025- A thought provoking seminar titled Islam and the west was held at UCP Campus Rawalpindi. The event brought together attendees to engage in a thought-provoking discussion on core civilization values differences between Islam and the West that lead to Clash.

The seminar featured renowned expert Usman Akash , Founder of Personality and Development Institute, who led an in-depth discussion on the complex clash between Islam and the Western civilization. The seminar provided an important platform for understanding the key difference in both civilizations.

Usman Akash, a respected authority, shared his unique perspective on how the neglect of Muslim identity has led to a conflict between their traditional beliefs and the growing dominance of Western values in contemporary society. He started with a very wise analogy to introduce his discussion:

"In every clash, three schools of thought emerge: one that supports, one that opposes, and a middle ground that seeks balance. Each views the others as misguided, yet the question remains—who is truly right? The same dynamic exists in the conflict between Islamic and Western civilizations."

The speaker explained that civilizations are shaped by their beliefs about God, the source of knowledge, and human nature. The differences in these beliefs lead to clashes. Islam, for example, is based on the belief in one God and the concept of the afterlife, which creates a major difference between Islamic and Western civilizations.

The source of knowledge is another major difference between both civilizations. Many Muslims who are impressed by Western values, such as the pursuit of knowledge and freedom of expression, are actually the values of Islam. The speaker highlighted how Muslims' neglect of their own belief system has led them to be influenced by other civilizations, which are also somewhat have these values in their system from Islam.

The seminar attracted a diverse group of participants, including students, academic member to explore the ongoing dialogue between Islam and the West. Attendees left with valuable insights into how both cultures can coexist, finding a balanced approach to modernization and preserving cultural identities.

The organizers hope this seminar will ignite further discussions on fostering mutual respect and understanding between diverse cultural groups. They plan to continue hosting such events in the future to promote global cooperation and peaceful dialogue.

Amna Basharat

Student of BS English at UCP

Islam and West A Clash of Civilizations

 University of Central Punjab

Rawalpindi,6th February,2025-The ideological struggle between Islam and Western civilization has shaped global history for centuries. However, this conflict is often misunderstood, with many forming opinions based on admiration, adaptation, or outright rejection, without comprehending the foundational principles that define each civilization. True understanding requires an examination of their core beliefs, values, and historical trajectories.

This press release explores the essential differences between Islam and Western civilization, their historical intersections, and the forces driving today’s global ideological

Concept of God

The Islamic understanding of God (Allah) is rooted in absolute eternity.He is Al-Awwal (The First) and Al-Akhir (The Last), beyond time, unchangeable, and ever-present. This belief establishes an unshakable moral framework, where human actions have eternal consequences. Islam teaches that all deeds, good or evil, will be accounted for on the Day of Judgment, instilling a strong sense of responsibility and ethical conduct.

Western civilization, shaped by secularism and post-Christian thought, perceives God differently. The doctrine of the Trinity introduced complexity into the concept of divinity, and over time, materialistic interpretations led to the idea that everything—even God—is subject to decay. This perception diminishes the idea of divine accountability, leading to moral relativism. Without the fear of ultimate judgment, ethical values become fluid, subject to societal changes rather than absolute principles.

 Concept of Knowledge

Islamic civilization is built upon two interconnected sources of knowledge—divine revelation (Wahi) and rational inquiry (Aql). The Quran and Sunnah provide an Immutable foundation, guiding human intellect and scientific advancements within ethical boundaries. This ensures that knowledge serves a higher purpose rather than being manipulated by shifting societal trends.

Western civilization, particularly after the Enlightenment, prioritizes empirical observation, scientific materialism, and social trends over divine guidance. Knowledge is seen as ever-changing, leading to legal and ethical instability. What is considered a universal truth today may be discarded tomorrow based on new societal preferences. This contrasts sharply with Islam’s approach, where divine law provides stability while still encouraging scientific progress within a moral framework.

Concept of Man

Islam presents a holistic view of humanity, recognizing three essential components:

 Soul (Ruh) – The divine essence that connects humans to Allah.

 Intellect (Aql) – The rational faculty that enables wisdom and ethical choices.

 Body (Jism) – The physical aspect that requires sustenance and discipline.

This tri-dimensional understanding ensures that personal development encompasses spiritual, intellectual, and physical well-being. Faith in Allah provides inner strength, allowing Muslims to face hardships with resilience.

In contrast, Western civilization, influenced by materialism and Darwinian thought, often reduces humans to biological entities driven by psychological and physical needs. This reductionist approach has led to widespread emotional and psychological instability. Despite living in technologically advanced societies, Western populations experience high rates of depression, anxiety, and family breakdown. The reliance on medication, therapy, and consumerism to fill the void left by spiritual neglect is a symptom of a civilization struggling with existential meaning.

Western civilization, despite its current ideological trajectory, has borrowed extensively from Islamic thought. During the Islamic Golden Age, Muslim scholars laid the foundation for modern science, medicine, and philosophy. Institutions like Haspania University and Granada University in Muslim Spain were intellectual powerhouses where European scholars studied and absorbed knowledge that later fueled the Renaissance.

However, after the Industrial Revolution, Western civilization shifted from a knowledge-based framework to a profit-driven model. Capitalism and colonial expansion became dominant, leading to the exploitation of global resources. The ethical foundations borrowed from Islam and other divine traditions were gradually overshadowed by corporate and political interests.

Despite its apparent dominance, Western civilization is witnessing an internal collapse. Social decay, demographic decline, and increasing dissatisfaction with materialist lifestyles signal a civilization struggling to sustain itself. One of the key indicators of this decline was the fragmentation of the Soviet Union, which resulted in the emergence of several Muslim-majority states. However, the Muslim world failed to capitalize on this shift due to internal divisions and external interference.

The Western model, despite its technological advancements, is unsustainable in the long run. Its legal, economic, and social structures are built on principles that contradict natural human values. The emphasis on individualism over community, materialism over spirituality, and temporary pleasures over eternal purpose has created a society in crisis.

The path forward for the Muslim world lies not in blind rejection or uncritical imitation of the West but in a comprehensive revival—one that integrates Islamic values with intellectual progress. Islam is not just a religion of rituals; it is a complete way of life that governs political, economic, and social affairs. The revival of Islamic civilization requires a return to knowledge, innovation, and leadership while staying firmly rooted in divine principles.

History has shown that civilizations rise and fall based on their ideological strength. Western civilization, despite its current influence, is reaching a tipping point. The responsibility now falls upon the Muslim world to reclaim its intellectual, moral, and cultural leadership—not through conflict, but through the revival of an authentic Islamic civilization that offers a viable alternative to the crumbling Western model.

University of Central Punjab is dedicated to promoting intellectual discourse on global civilizations, cultural identity, and the role of Islam in shaping the modern world. Through research, dialogue, and education, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of historical and contemporary issues.

Mahrukh BS ENG 

Mahrukhnaheed52@gmail.com

Islam and West A  Clash of civilization)

Navigating Modernity and Islam in Contemporary Pakistan

 Introduction

In today’s rapidly changing world, Pakistan stands at a crossroads where modernity and Islam intertwine, creating both challenges and opportunities for the nation. The youth of Pakistan, especially university students, are at the forefront of this dynamic shift. They are navigating an era shaped by technological advancements, changing educational landscapes, and evolving political discourse—each influenced by the deep roots of Islam. In this post, we will explore how the pursuit of modernity is reshaping Islamic practices and values among the younger generation in Pakistan.

The Youth and Islam: A New Generation's Perspective

Pakistan's youth are experiencing a blend of traditional religious values with the fast-paced influence of global culture. Many are searching for ways to reconcile their Islamic identity with the modern world, exploring how faith can coexist with advancements in technology, education, and social reform. This search for balance is particularly evident in university students, who are exposed to diverse ideas, ideologies, and opportunities for critical thinking.

Islamic Practices in a Modern World: Young Pakistanis are increasingly experimenting with ways to observe their faith while embracing modern life. This may include engaging with religious content online, participating in community-based religious discussions, or seeking out contemporary Islamic scholars who offer perspectives relevant to today’s challenges.

Emerging Youth Movements: Many young people are part of movements that strive for social change while staying grounded in Islamic principles. These movements often use social media and digital platforms to spread messages of faith, social justice, and political activism, proving that modernity and Islam are not mutually exclusive but can complement each other.

Technology: A Double-Edged Sword

Technology has drastically reshaped how Pakistan's youth engage with Islam. Social media platforms, online forums, and digital content have become key avenues for religious learning, yet they also present challenges. While these platforms provide access to diverse interpretations of Islam, they can also amplify extremist views.

Social Media and Religious Engagement: Platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook allow young Pakistanis to engage with Islamic teachings in new ways. Through digital content, they are able to explore different schools of thought, debate ideas, and form virtual communities based on shared religious interests. These platforms are also helping young people reclaim their religious identity in a more accessible, modern context.

Challenges of Misinformation: The rise of online platforms also brings the challenge of misinformation. Extremist ideologies, often disguised as religious discourse, can spread rapidly. It is crucial for youth to be discerning and seek knowledge from credible sources, emphasizing the role of education and critical thinking in combating this issue.

Education: Modern Challenges in an Islamic Context

Education is one of the most powerful tools in shaping the future of Pakistan. However, the intersection of modern educational structures and Islamic teachings presents a complex picture. Pakistan’s educational system is evolving, and there is growing interest in integrating Islamic values with contemporary educational practices.

Islamic Education vs. Western Education: There exists a tension between traditional Islamic education, which emphasizes religious studies, and the influence of Western-style universities, which focus on science, technology, and critical thinking. However, more institutions are emerging that blend the two, offering students a more holistic education that includes both modern disciplines and Islamic studies.

Modern Islamic Scholarship: There is a new wave of scholars in Pakistan who are integrating modern knowledge with Islamic principles to address contemporary issues. These scholars are offering fresh perspectives on how Islam can provide solutions to modern challenges, including those related to social justice, economic development, and political reform. University students are increasingly drawn to these ideas as they seek a more relevant understanding of Islam in today’s world.

Politics: Islam and Governance in a Changing World

Pakistan’s political landscape is deeply intertwined with its Islamic identity. However, the rapid pace of globalization, economic challenges, and evolving political ideologies have led to a nuanced understanding of Islam in governance. The younger generation is increasingly interested in how Islam can inform modern political discourse, addressing issues like democracy, rights, and justice.

Islamic Ideals in Politics: Pakistan's political discourse continues to be shaped by Islamic ideals, but the younger generation is calling for a more progressive interpretation that aligns with the globalized world. Issues like democracy, the rule of law, and human rights are at the forefront of political discussions, with youth exploring how these concepts can be reconciled with Islamic teachings.

Youth and Political Activism: The youth of Pakistan are becoming more politically active, using platforms like social media to advocate for social, economic, and political reforms. Many are calling for greater accountability in governance, more opportunities for education, and a deeper commitment to justice—all framed within an Islamic context.

Conclusion: The Future of Islam in Modern Pakistan

As Pakistan continues to evolve, the dialogue between modernity and Islam will only grow more complex. The younger generation holds the key to shaping the future of this dialogue. With the right balance between preserving Islamic values and embracing the advantages of modernity, they can contribute to building a society that respects its rich heritage while adapting to the challenges of the modern world.

The youth of today are not only the leaders of tomorrow—they are the architects of a more inclusive, progressive, and Islamically-informed future. By embracing the best of both worlds—Islamic teachings and modernity—they have the potential to transform Pakistan into a nation that thrives on knowledge, justice, and harmony.

Making People's Voices Heard... Will It work or Lead the peaceful habitant to a Violent Community!

The most important consequence of the conflict is the sacristy of the resources and the control of elite on these resources, this happens in most of the third world or poor countries like Pakistan in global south or third world, the Imperial masters let the poor live in misery with the elitism and poor governance structures. When the industrial revolution paved roads to urbanization the people in the rural settings started moving to the urban centers this happen in Pakistan too, even in the Arid Zone Rawalpindi Division and its all partner districts like Chakwal, Attock, Jehlum and Rawalpindi people started migrating from rural areas to the urban settings for jobs, business and other opportunities of quality living. The villages were considered even more healthy paces for habitat still but in last decade the mushroom growth of the poultry industry makes it vulnerable for  them now life in the rural areas of Rawalpindi Tehsil specially the Potohar Town is more worst then ever before, the most common humanitarian issues in the town are contaminated water because the solid waste of two cities is also silted and flush-out in Soan river and most of the water supply scheme are on the river banks.

The State functionaries since the creation Town remains the part of money making activities including the elected representative starting from the Union Nazims/Naib Nazims  to  Town Namizm/Naib Nazim were the people who make money by selling the lands and motivating the land holders to sell their lands to land mafia which they converted into industrial and semi industrial corporate projects in the area including the leading town planning companies, investors and industrialists like one is most important name in the poultry industry Sadiq Brothers SB Poultry which have the major share in the poultry industry in Pakistan is working in the Potohar Town. They set up multi-billion industry and have not even taken into account the Environmental Concerns of the communities like Mial, Kurar, Karahi, Dhoke Gujri, Jaray, Banraian, Murjhang,  Parial, Gahi Syedan, Dheri, Dhadumbar, Chakri, Gheela Kalan, Dandi and Chak Koka are the major sites occupied by the SB Chick or SB Poultry.

The most sensitive issue is that most of th sites are not have been declared in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and some have not been even visited by the  District Officer Environment, they are making a environmental hazards and polluting the local communities with the chicken dunk and droppings which are left in open areas without burring them in the landfills, no senirations systems are part of the hatchery built in Chakri a few minutes drive from the Chakri Interchange/Service Area on M-2 This is a brief Orientation of the issues and its rationale because nothing could happen on the earth without a rationale or its justification for the nature or the habitat. Once a friend of mined visited my native and said this will create a massive environmental problem for your people in future why not organize them to protest and intervene the intruders for setting up these poultry farms without proper Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and mitigating the problems. So we become silly and avoid this argument now we are the most likely to face this toxic hazards and dead birds and their remaining in our community.

A few days back a group of people from Village Parial Protested in front of the SB Farms and they were dealt with arms and guards of the SB Farms started firing with the fire arms on the protesters of the neighboring village Parial, a boy was reported as injured, one is missing and many of families are in distress. Why this happen nobody knows  but  the people in the surroundings are still sure that this will create again a health and environmental problems for them. This could only be dealt with advocating both the communities and the industry so that they could mitigate the environmental issues and put some extra money on the protection of the environment they could plant the trees, floors and other fruit tree in the communities they could help farmers to setup the compost plant or the methane gas plants so that the issues could be resolved.

A proper research study could also help the communities what they need to do and what could be asked from state for the improvement of the environmental concerns of the communities, am here if I could be of any help for conducting a research survey, situational analysis and Environmental Assessment. Here I would like to mention that the Environmental Laws of Islamic Republic of Pakistan prohibit the setting up a poultry farm at an aerial  distance less then 0.5 kilometer most of the farms sett by the said firms are clearly violating this law. The poor villagers who are not in a position to even read the simple text can't afford the enmity with these investors, now it is the duty of civil society and the community leaders to come forward and become the power of poor to up hold their voices to be heard in the parliament and in the state entities to resolve the issue and culprits must be dealt with iron hands.

The Issue of the SB Poultry and Villagers from Parial Mial, Kurar, Karahi, Dhoke Gujri, Jaray, Banraian, Murjhang,  Parial, Gahi Syedan, Dheri, Dhadumbar, Chakri, Gheela Kalan, Dandi and Chak Koka  if not dealt properly the communities will become more violent and conflict between the corporate industry and the communities could result a massive loss of lives and property in future at any stage the examples are already held in the development sector that these issues could be resolved or mitigated with the help of reviews, reforms, mitigation and arbitration at both ends.
e-Mail:  tanveer.akhtar1968@gmail.com
Cell: +92-345-589-1820

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“Peace and Good Governance among the major Challenges of Democracy in Pakistan”

Peace is the single motive to make people lives healthier and productive lives in a state with a single objective of national integration. Conflict is also known as the difference of opinion among the masses, why were we a peaceful nation at the time of independence? People were welcoming the immigrants from India and giving them full support to settle down here in Pakistan. What happened when we have not taken into consideration the aspirations of a majority which was our brethren in the East Pakistan? They started taking feedback of the non-state actors to get their differences be mitigated the result was the creation of Bangladesh.  In the prevailing situation in the country our major problem is the nastiest situation of peace in the country, which is mostly the major source of non-state actor’s involvements with the state to destabilize the nation and flaking the deep routed national integration which is our national ideology.

The most crucial time on our country’s peace starts with the emergence of war against terror after 9/11, the decisions were made by an individual guided by his own dogma which make the condition more worst and country alienated into different sections with a strong difference of opinion, most of the politicians were forcibly torn and made a new kings party known as PML-Q which make no way to the people’s aspirations and lead the things as and where deemed fit by the dictator. Mostly these so called political powers benefited from the policies chalked-out to furtherance of the personal gains by profound segment, they were part of most of the deals at the state level they were the people who were not in a position to intervene on the issue of national interest and national integration.

Instances like the incident of Jam-e-Hafsa (Lal Masjid), Operation in Swat and Malakand, and later on in the Federally Administrated Tribal Areas, Ban on Media, Attack on the GEO TV and burning of the newspapers, Confrontation with the Judiciary and emergency on 3^rd November, Drown attacks, missing personals, Dr. Aafia Sidiqi and the most important concern of our sovereignty as a state when on 3^rd May 2008 United States Marines attacked the Osama Bin Ladin in the hilly station of Abbottabad these are all the serial provoked by the dogmatist approach of General Retired Pervez Musharraf which could never be rollback or to undo with any kind of tips and tools so one could say that the loss to national integration by military took-over by Pervez Musharraf is revocable, hence it is loss which could never be repealed.

So when one think of the good governance ultimately the answer is transparency in implementing day by day business of the state by the state machinery. This could be provision of safe drinking water, running of sanitation services without any disparity, equal opportunities of education to all the people of the country at all levels, delivery of health services, providing livelihood resources to the whole population, prevention of diseases like measles, eradication of polio, HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and drug abuse prevention to help the citizenry grow and live a healthier and happier life. The communities are the helping hands of the states but here we the helping hands are mostly away from the state business, state is not even sure what to do and where to take-off but am somewhat sure that the goals of national development could only be achieved by implementing the activities locally needed, locally designed/planned and locally executed I means the Participatory Local Governance which we are missing since independence. 

 We are among the countries who have to make sufficient achievement on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015 this could only be done if our local government units are in place and working efficiently which is only possible by establishing local governments across the country without any delay. The funds for the development must by routed through the local government units headed by the elected representatives and which must holds a social audit system to monitor the use of these funds at all the tiers of the government whatever they could be like village, union, town, tehsil, taulqa or the district or the city district.

Most of us think that democracy is not suitable for us but we have not taken into account the worst behave of ourselves with democracy. We have never articulated any form of public demands at community level, nor we deliberately asked the political elites to add our community demands or even the basic needs, like health, education, water and sanitation into their political strategies at any level for example in my native which is the constituency of a seasoned politician who have a more than three decades of proactive presence in the mainstream politics but the people from our community have never asked him for setting-up educational institutions, establishing basic health units, trauma center, emergency help or the community patrolling, crimes prevention and pouring money on the issues of immediate attention from the state funds, may be some of a few have asked for the healing the community problems but their voices were not pluralized nor they have any impact on the concerned politicians.

The pluralism summons the communities to focus on civic demands in the modern day politics or the process of social change in modern democracies. People forms pressure groups to make their voices counted and heard, but we are very far away still in the age of new media and social media technologies. I would like to put the example of a community which is hardly a 45-60 minute’s car drive from the federal capital but this unfortunate, deprived and disparate community is lacking a higher education or even at under graduate level educational institutions are missing, the educational institutions of lower level like elementary and secondary were setup by both the contestants of elections without any plans and keeping in view the factual needs. So most of the buildings are empty still for example in two very closely packed villages there are some 6 small and medium buildings which are constructed for elementary level schools boys and girls but only three buildings are in use.

These are mostly the examples which fall in the miss-governance, malicious governance or the ill-governance or bad-governance what-ever one could term it this will fit in, because it’s all about us who are the responsible for choosing our representatives without letting them know what are our issues, problems and concerns at their constituencies from where they are running for the contest of legislature, lower house (national assembly) and the house of units (provincial assembly) so if they were be equipped with the information of problems we are facing at the community level and  already ask them to work on its they definitely will be in a more sensitized position when coming back to the constituency next time.

      When we think about the democratic of government which enable the masses to be pluralist and transparent in their roles towards the state and state to the citizenries. Therefore it is a process by which people put forth the demands to the state or the government and governments come to the citizens for help so each-one play its role of helping the counterparts. Democracy in other words a process of accountability, transparency and productivity in running the day by day business of a state by mobilizing the major segments without any discrimination of caste, creed, religion, color or the sexual orientation  of the populations across the board.

Democracy that is transparent definitely be the productive and proactive which will be able to deliver, its starts with the paving way of political development and social change the only way forward to get resulted the productivity at the either ends, people who believes in the democracy develop the political culture, initiate and sustain the process of state building and national integration energetically, political parties works on the interest articulation and interest aggregation. These activities make them more accountable and   answerable to segments which they belong, concurrently they become aware of their responsibilities, obligations and duties towards each other, which make them more and more productive so the democracy become productive and be able to deliver.  The democracy is only feasible when it is in a position to work for the masses, by mobilizing them to design it, program it, execute it and finally suggest the corrective measure to make it streamline and workable at all the stages.

The present phase of democracy in Pakistan is very proactive, because one civilian government completed its term and handed over the power to the next elected government which is happening first time in the history of Pakistan’s Political Development, which a very positive symptom for social change.  However the challenges to democracy are also prevailing some implications of democracy like in the developing world or the global south are the impact of colonial past which make them dependent and in nature they are at the mercy of the external forces or the non-state actors, who always push them in the dilemma of democracy to make the picture of democracy a very bad.  Positivism could lead the state to the peak of pluralism or the functional democracy, it is our attitude which make the picture uglier, when we see the things coming to us with some sort of preponderant to our powers by our next door neighbors or the coworkers or some of the times by the general masses and even by the state functionaries. This makes the governance vulnerable and subjugated the pluralism, democracy and peace process at the same time, while the lawlessness, crime, insubordination,   anarchy and conflict arose in the state this could be seen in most of the areas of our nation like, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Baluchistan (insurgency), violence in Karachi (Sindh), sectarian violence in Northern Areas, and attacks on the state forces by different militant groups. 

How the democracy could be affective? How it could deliver what is needed? It’s only when the masses are mobilized and when people are aware about their obligations too alongside the rights, when we claim rights we must think about our obligations if we are realizing our obligations to the state, than we could articulate our demands about the democratic and pluralist approaches of governance and democracy, which includes independence and autonomous status of state organs with an emphasis of transparency, accountability, deliver-ability, capability of execution, and competency to overcome the problems and handle the process of conflict resolution within the state and across the board.

The people are responsible for choosing the honest, capable, dedicated and well-versed representatives without any prejudice on the basis of caste, creed, religion, and any sectarian or communal considerations, the community elected representatives chosen on these lines will avoid nepotism, favoritism, corruption and personal gain and definitely the Democracy will be accountable, and be capable of delivering to the needs and demands articulated by the communities, and challenges of democracy would also dealt swiftly without harming the civic rights by the legitimize leaders.

 Muhammad Tanveer Akhtar M. Phil Political Science University of Sargodha          

                            Email: tanveer.akhtar1968@gmail.com  Cell:+92-345-589-1820