الصحافة الأردية في بهاولبور في القرن العشرين: Journalism in Bahawalpur in the 20th Century

Bahawalpur sits in the heart of the Punjab province, which is in turn is the largest province of Pakistan. Punjab is also the home of one of the oldest human civilizations in human history and it has distinct cultural and literary features that are distinctive in the Indo-Pak subcontinent cultural landscape. Punjab is in itself divided into two parts, northern Punjab that contains several major cities of which the largest and most important of is Lahore, and southern Punjab, which contains three major cities of which Bahawalpur is the most important. This study focus on the literary scene in Bahawalpur as the city is considered one of the oldest settlements in the world, with long cultural and literary history. And it is this long and rich cultural heritage that allowed the city, and though residing in the heart of a Saraiki dominated region, to support and cherish cultural and literary work in other languages, most notably Urdu. As such, Bahawalpur was the home for various literary models in prose and poetry in the Urdu language, and this was reinforced by the effective role of thinkers and writers in this city in order to advance science and literature, such as Allama Muhammad Iqbal

The Perspective of Allama Nabulsi on Innovations and Superstitions in the Light of Al-Hadīqah al-Nadiyyah: بدعات و خرافات سے متعلق علامہ نا بلسی کا نظریہ الحدیقۃ الندیہ کی روشنی میں

The phenomenon of Bid‘ah (innovation) has long been a subject of scholarly discourse in Islamic theology and jurisprudence. Allama Abdul Ghani al-Nabulsi (d. 1143 AH), a distinguished Sufi scholar and Hanafi jurist of the Ottoman era, provides a nuanced and balanced perspective on Bid‘ah and related superstitions (khurāfāt) in his seminal work Al-Hadīqah al-Nadiyyah. According to Nabulsi, Bid‘ah refers to introducing a new matter into the religion that was not practiced during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ or his Companions. However, he does not adopt a blanket condemnation of all innovations. Instead, he classifies Bid‘ah into two distinct categories: Bid‘at al-Ḥasanah (commendable or good innovation) Bid‘at al-Sayyi’ah (blameworthy or bad innovation) In Al-Hadīqah al-Nadiyyah, Nabulsi argues that Bid‘at al-Ḥasanah can be accepted if it aligns with the objectives of Shariah and does not contradict any clear religious text. Acts such as organizing structured religious gatherings, establishing charitable institutions, or utilizing modern means to spread knowledge may fall under this category. In contrast, Bid‘at al-Sayyi’ah involves practices that distort Islamic beliefs, introduce superstition, or lead people away from the original message of Islam. These, according to Nabulsi, are strongly discouraged and often arise from ignorance or blind following. Nabulsi also highlights the spiritual dangers of khurāfāt (superstitious beliefs), particularly when such practices claim religious legitimacy without textual or rational basis. He urges scholars and the general public to distinguish between cultural customs and legitimate religious practices, underscoring the importance of correct understanding (fiqh) and cautious application of religious rulings in contemporary contexts. This paper explores the relevance of Nabulsi’s classification in today’s world, especially in combating excessive rigidity on one hand, and unrestrained innovation on the other. By revisiting his writings, the study offers a pathway for balanced religious interpretation and a revival of critical reasoning (ijtihād) in the face of evolving societal challenges

The First Rhymed Translation of the Holy Qur'an in Hindko: An Analytical Study: ہندکو زبان میں قرآن مجید کا پہلا منظوم ترجمہ: ایک تجزیاتی مطالعہ

This research article presents a linguistic and intellectual analysis of the Hindko poetic translation of the Holy Qur’an by the renowned poet and scholar, Abdul Ghafoor Malik. The study situates the translation within the broader historical and literary context of the Hindko language, aiming to understand its impact on religious expression in a regional linguistic framework. The article begins by outlining the historical development and cultural relevance of the Hindko language, thereby establishing a foundation for assessing the Qur’anic translation’s reception and significance. It further explores the tradition of poetic translations of the Qur’an in Islamic history, shedding light on how, across different eras, the meanings of the Qur’an have been conveyed through verse in various languages. The paper also examines the Islamic legal discourse concerning the permissibility and limits of rendering the Qur’anic text into poetry, with reference to classical jurists and contemporary scholars. Through a critical linguistic analysis of Malik’s poetic style, diction, rhythm, and semantic clarity, the article highlights the effectiveness of conveying the Qur’anic message in Hindko. The findings reveal that this translation not only enriches the religious and intellectual heritage of Hindko literature but also serves as a distinguished example of local-language Qur’anic understanding. It also illustrates that while religious writing in Hindko has historically been limited, Abdul Ghafoor Malik’s work represents a significant milestone. The study recommends the promotion of Qur’anic expression in regional languages like Hindko and calls for further scholarly exploration in the domain of vernacular religious literature. It also suggests incorporating such translations into the curricula of religious seminaries and universities to strengthen grassroots comprehension of Islamic teachings

Science and the Divine Nature of the Holy Qur’ān

The Holy Qur’ān, revealed in the 7th century CE to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), contains verses that align strikingly with discoveries in modern science. This paper highlights selected examples where Qur’ānic statements correspond with contemporary scientific understanding, reinforcing the view of its divine origin. Topics such as human embryonic development, lactation physiology, the therapeutic benefits of honey, the expanding universe, and the preservation of Pharaoh’s body are explored in relation to scientific literature. The Qur’ānic description of embryogenesis in Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:12–14) reflects remarkable precision, acknowledged by modern embryologists. Similarly, the recommendation of a two-year breastfeeding period aligns with current medical guidelines and evidence showing long-term health benefits for both mother and child. Surah An-Nahl (16:69) describes honey as a healing agent, a claim supported by clinical trials and meta-analyses highlighting its wound-healing and antimicrobial properties. The Qur’ān’s reference to the expanding universe (Surah Adh-Dhariyat 51:47) parallels the Big Bang theory. Furthermore, the preservation of Pharaoh’s body as mentioned in Surah Yunus (10:92) is consistent with modern forensic findings of Pharaoh Merneptah’s well-preserved mummy. These examples suggest that the Qur’ān contains timeless knowledge far beyond the scientific understanding of its era, supporting its divine origin

The Impact of Agroecological Zones on Sustainable Agriculture: A Case Study of Pakistan

Objective: This paper's objective is to estimate the Sustainable Agriculture Index (SAI) to quantify sustainable agriculture through net revenue per hectare of each crop. It examines how economic, social, and environmental indicators are interrelated with this SAI index. Another objective is to determine the most efficient crop under agroecological zones to obtain sustainable agriculture. Research Gap: Few researchers have examined sustainable agriculture adopting economic, social, and environmental indicators in 10 agroecological zones, distributed across districts in Pakistan. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study will gauge SAI and will use the LSDV model to estimate the association between SAI and economic, social, and environmental indicators across 18 districts of three provinces, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh. The Main Findings: Results find wheat crop is somewhat sustainable to produce in Pakistan’s districts but some important social variables like Tapwater, and BHUBeds are insignificant with the wheat SAI index. Similarly, rice, cotton, sugarcane, and jawar crops are not sustainable to grow in any district. Theoretical / Practical Implications of the Findings: The farmers should adapt to climate change and use organic manure, green manure, mulching, and cropping rotation. Floods and drought water-resistant seeds and enhanced water conservation and storage techniques are some of the good techniques to adopt in agroecological zones for sustainable farming. Originality/Value: The research paper is based on the author's own original research and contributes towards policy choice in the agriculture sector and favours small farmers to support new farming with innovation and new technology

Impact of Employment on Multidimensional Poverty: A Case Study of Rawalpindi District Pakistan

Objective: The present study attempts to investigate the role of employment on multi-dimensional poverty (MPI) of Rawalpindi district. Research Gap: The existing empirical literature on poverty in Pakistan hints to numerous general inferences; for example, a large number of studies focused on the measurement and determinants of monetary poverty. However, limited number of empirical studies has examined multidimensional poverty. However, little attention has given the impact of employment on multidimensional poverty particularly at the household level in the Rawalpindi district. This study aims to fill this gap in the existing literature. Design/Methodology/Approach: In this study, the Alkire and Foster (2011) methodology is used to estimate the incidence of poverty. Poverty is measured at two levels (district and regions) and in three dimensions (Education, health, and living standard). For this purpose, the employment status, occupations, and major industrial sector are considered for households. Further, study investigates the impact of employment on multidimensional poverty using Ordinary least square method (OLS). The Main Findings:  Using regression analysis we find that employment status is significant and negatively associated with the poverty of households. The community sector is showing negative and significant results. Overall, the results show that employment and poverty have an inverse relation. For reducing poverty, the government should provide job opportunities in those sectors and occupations where there are more chances of poverty alleviation. Theoretical / Practical Implications of the Findings: Theoretically, this study is based on Amartya Sen's Capability approach, which states that poverty is a multidimensional term in nature. Since there are many different aspects to poverty, measuring it only in monetary terms is not useful. Based on the empirical findings, this study urges decision-makers to move beyond income-centric views of poverty and must focus on enhancing people's freedoms to lead lives that they give value. If the decision-makers design policies to overcome the structural barriers and expand individuals' choices, Pakistan can make a sustainable pathway out of poverty. Originality/Value: By employing the regression analysis using a multidimensional poverty dataset, the study provides valuable insight on the impact of employment level on poverty in Rawalpindi district. Further, the findings of the study provide practical implications for policymakers seeking to reduce poverty and enhance the employment level at the household level in the Rawalpindi district

Shariah Status of Premarital Medical Screening: An analytical study

Marriage holds a central place in Islamic teachings, not merely as a legal contract, but as a sacred bond that ensures the spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of both spouses. In the contemporary era, the growing relevance of premarital medical screening which involves testing couples for serious health conditions such as thalassemia, HIV/AIDS, or other hereditary diseases has introduced a critical ethical and legal discourse within Islamic scholarship. This article investigates a key research question: What is the Shariah status of premarital medical screening in Islamic law? The analysis unfolds by presenting the Islamic juristic principles regarding health and harm prevention, drawing on Qur’anic texts, Prophetic traditions, and juristic maxims, followed by a comparative study of the four Sunni legal schools (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali) particularly on the topic of annulment due to health related causes. The research also presents scholarly opinions ranging from permissibility to impermissibility and necessity. While some scholars object on grounds of privacy or personal liberty, the majority support permissibility especially for life threatening conditions based on the principles of ḥifẓ al-nafs (preservation of life) and darʾ al-mafāsid (prevention of harm). However, mandating the tests remains a subject of debate, with many jurists cautioning against turning what is Islamically permissible into a compulsory legal obligation without consensus. The study concludes that premarital medical screening, while not religiously obligatory, is Shariah compliant and advisable for the sake of protecting human life and ensuring marital harmony, provided that it respects ethical and legal boundaries

ذاتی زندگی میں مداخلت: اسلامی، قانونی اور سماجی تناظر میں حدود و قیود: Interference in Personal Life: Limits and Regulations in Islamic, Legal, and Social Perspectives

Interference in personal life is a critical issue that affects individual privacy, social harmony, and ethical values. Islam strongly emphasizes the protection of personal dignity, as outlined in the Quran and Hadith, prohibiting actions such as spying, gossiping, and unwarranted intrusion. Legally, privacy is recognized as a fundamental right in many jurisdictions, including Pakistan, where laws such as the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) criminalize unauthorized access to personal data. Ethical and social principles further stress the importance of maintaining personal boundaries to foster mutual respect and societal stability. In the modern digital era, new challenges such as data breaches, cyberstalking, and unauthorized surveillance have intensified concerns about personal privacy. While certain interferences may be justified for security purposes, child protection, or crime prevention, excessive intrusion remains a violation of ethical and legal norms. This paper explores the religious, legal, and social dimensions of interference in personal life, emphasizing the need for well-defined boundaries to ensure a balanced and respectful society. Keywords: Privacy, Islamic Perspective, Legal Framework, Social Ethics, Electronic Crimes, Human Dignity, Digital Privacy

آیت اللہ العظمیٰ ناصر مکارم شیرازی: حیات و خدمات کا علمی جائزہ: Āyat Ullāh al Uẓmā Nāṣir Makāram Shīrāzī: A Scholarly Review of His Life and Contributions

This research article presents a comprehensive study of Āyat Ullāh al Uẓmā Nāṣir Makāram Shīrāzī, a pivotal figure in the history of Shiite Islam and Iranian socio-political thought. Renowned for his issuance of the famous tobacco fatwā, Āyatullāh Shirāzī played a crucial role in shaping religious resistance to colonial and imperial pressures in the 19th century. The paper explores his early life, scholarly background, and his ascent as a marjaʿ-e-taqlīd (source of emulation). It analyzes his political stance, especially his influence on anti-colonial movements and the integration of religious authority in public life. By examining historical texts and accounts from his contemporaries, this article highlights the enduring legacy of Āyatullāh Shirāzī in the spheres of fiqh, theology, and political activism. His contributions exemplify the dynamic role of religious leadership in socio-political contexts, bridging traditional Islamic thought with emerging modern challenges. Drawing upon primary sources and contemporary accounts, the study highlights his jurisprudential contributions and his strategic use of religious decrees to affect real-world change. It presents Allāmā Shirāzī as a figure who not only preserved Islamic legal traditions but also redefined the role of the ʿulamāʾ in modern political life

عصرِ جدید میں مذہبی متون کا ترجمہ: مسائل اور چیلنجز کا تجزیاتی مطالعہ: Translating Religious Texts in the Age of Modernity: Analytical study of Issues and Challenges

This study explores the complex challenges of translating religious texts in the age of modernity. It examines how the rise of modernist ideals—rooted in rationalism, individualism, secularism, and skepticism toward tradition—has deeply impacted the interpretation and translation of sacred texts, particularly within Islam. Modernity, emerging from Western socio-political and economic transformations, has influenced religious reform and shifted translation practices from revelation-based to rational and culturally adaptive approaches. The paper identifies key issues such as linguistic difficulties, cultural gaps, the marginalization of traditional frameworks, and the influence of digital media in spreading unofficial or sectarian translations. It highlights how some modern interpretations align religious texts with contemporary socio-political agendas, often at the expense of theological accuracy and classical exegesis. The trend of translation without scholarly grounding has further led to inconsistencies and doctrinal confusion. Additionally, the research reflects on the tension between using archaic versus contemporary language, which affects accessibility and theological fidelity. The study concludes that translating sacred texts today demands a rigorous, balanced approach that respects both the original message and the modern audience. It advocates for scholarly expertise, linguistic precision, and theological depth to ensure that translations preserve the spiritual and doctrinal integrity of the source texts