Habib Uni Inaugurates Imam Ali (A.S) Endowed Faculty Chair

The establishment of the Imam Ali (A.S.) Endowed Faculty Chair in Wisdom and Humanities is a significant step forward for Habib University’s intellectual endeavours.

Habib Uni Inaugurates Imam Ali (A.S) Endowed Faculty Chair

The Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib (A.S.) Endowed Faculty Chair in Wisdom and Humanities was inaugurated on Friday, March 3, 2023, to great fanfare in the Tariq Rafi Lecture Hall at Habib University. The establishment of the Imam Ali (A.S.) Endowed Faculty Chair in Wisdom and Humanities is a significant step forward for Habib University’s intellectual endeavours.

The chair is named for Imam Ali (A.S.), who is regarded as a shining example of morality and wisdom in the Muslim world. The establishment of Habib University as a world leader in promoting the academic study and teaching of sapiential traditions is made possible by the faculty chair, which is the first endowed faculty chair in wisdom traditions and the humanities in history.

An illustration of the influence the Pakistani diaspora can have on higher education in Pakistan is the gift made by Zain and Farzana Jeewanjee to the Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib (A.S.) Endowed Faculty Chair at Habib University.

In order to provide opportunities for the next generation of leaders, Mr. Jeewanjee, a prosperous businessman who resides in the United States, has decided to invest in higher education in Pakistan. In addition to being a kind act of philanthropy, his gift of the endowed faculty chair makes a significant contribution to Pakistan’s intellectual advancement.

The event began with the arrival of guests, including members of academia and Habib University’s community of donors and supporters. Dr. Najeeb Jan, Associate Professor, Comparative Humanities at Habib University, served as the Master of Ceremonies and welcomed the attendees.

He then invited the keynote speaker, Dr. Sajjad Rizvi, Professor of Islamic Intellectual History, University of Exeter, to deliver a speech on the role of Hikma in cognitive reparation today.

Dr. Rizvi’s speech was thought-provoking and insightful, highlighting the importance of wisdom traditions and their relevance in the contemporary world.

Hikma, or wisdom, is particularly relevant in today’s world, which is characterized by an over-reliance on technology and a tendency towards superficial understanding.

Dr. Nauman Naqvi moderated a discussion with Rizvi, further exploring the topic and allowing for audience engagement. Naqvi began the panel discussion by deliberating on the essence of philosophy.

The creation of the Imam Ali (A.S.) Endowed Faculty Chair is a significant step towards advancing Habib University’s mission of promoting intellectual inquiry and academic excellence. Dr. Nauman Naqvi and Dr. Sajjad Rizvi argued that one should think beyond lectures and texts to decolonize the mind. President Mr. Wasif A. Rizvi shared his thoughts on the introduction and significance of the Chair.

Giving is regarded as one of the most noble and beautiful deeds one can perform in Islam. The Quranic verse “Those who spend their wealth (in Allah’s cause) by night, by day, secretly and openly, their rewards are with their Lord” emphasises the value of charitable giving. They are not afraid, and they will not be sad (2:274). Giving is viewed as a way to purify the giver’s heart and soul in addition to being advantageous to the recipient.

After thanking the donors, Dr. Najeeb Jan asked Mr. Zain Jeewanjee to share his views on the impact that philanthropy has had on education and the obligation of those who have been fortunate to give back to society.

Mr. Jeewanjee expressed his gratitude for the chance to help improve higher education in Pakistan by making this donation. I think philanthropy has a big part to play in bolstering our academic institutions and providing opportunities for the next generation of leaders, he continued. We can have a positive impact on society and ensure that everyone has a better future by investing in education.

The University’s mission to foster critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and cultural awareness among its students and faculty members is strengthened by the Endowed Faculty Chair in Wisdom and Humanities.

The endowed faculty chair will help the Comparative Humanities Program strengthen its reputation internationally, increase its research capabilities, and take part in a larger scholarly dialogue on the humanities.

Dr. Najeeb Jan expressed his appreciation for the donor’s generosity and emphasised the importance of the endowed faculty chair to the academic experience at Habib University. He then asked Mr. Jeewanjee and President Rizvi to stand up for the signing ceremony, which represented the official establishment of the Chair.

The official establishment of the Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib (A.S.) Endowed Faculty Chair in Wisdom and the Humanities was commemorated at the signing ceremony, which was a significant event. Dr. Najeeb Jan gave closing remarks after the ceremony and extended an invitation for refreshments to everyone.

The Hi-Tea provided guests with a wonderful opportunity to bond and consider the significance of the event. The occasion demonstrated Habib University‘s dedication to intellectual excellence and societal advancement. Future generations of students and academics will be inspired by the Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib (A.S.) Endowed Faculty Chair in Wisdom and the Humanities, which will be a lasting legacy.

The event also addressed the significance of the Pakistani diaspora’s support as being essential to the expansion and development of higher education in Pakistan. The diaspora is helping to create a better and more prosperous future for Pakistan by contributing to education in their home country.