In the modern era, where the young generation faces intellectual, moral and digital challenges, particularly through social media, the study of Seerat-un-Nabi ﷺ offers timeless guidance for personality development, character building, and moral orientation. The teachings of the Holy Prophet ﷺ emphasize tolerance, justice, equality, trust, modesty, consultation, honesty, and service to humanity — values that are desperately needed in Pakistani society today.
Ministry’s Role in Promotion of Seerat
For many years, the Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony has been playing a pivotal role at the state level to promote Seerat-un-Nabi ﷺ. These initiatives include National and International Seerat Conferences, Ashra Rehmatul lil Aalameen ﷺ programs, publication of Seerat literature, Seerat seminars, and national competitions of books and research papers. The Ministry has highlighted not only the religious and spiritual dimensions of Seerat, but also its social, legal, educational, and governance aspects.
National Seerat Book & Research Competitions
Every year, the Ministry organizes the National Seerat Book & Research Competition. Works in Urdu, English, Arabic and regional languages are submitted and thoroughly reviewed by expert committees. Selected authors and researchers are awarded prizes. This tradition has enriched intellectual activity in Pakistan and made quality Seerat literature accessible to the wider public.
1500th Milad of the Holy Prophet ﷺ & 50th International Seerat Conference
The blessed month of Rabi-ul-Awwal renews the spiritual connection of Muslims with the birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the Mercy for all mankind. The year 1447H (2025) holds extraordinary significance as it marks 1500 years since the blessed birth of the Prophet ﷺ. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has declared it as “The Year of Commemoration of the 1500th Anniversary of the Birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the Prophet of Mercy”, urging all member states to organize academic, educational, social, and media activities.
As a founding member of the OIC, Pakistan will celebrate this milestone with full zeal by observing Ashra Rehmatul lil Aalameen ﷺ from 1st to 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal. A highlight of this Ashra is the 50th International Seerat-un-Nabi ﷺ Conference, a landmark initiative by the Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony.
National Central Events in Islamabad
The central ceremonies will take place in Islamabad under the Ministry’s supervision. The 50th International Seerat Conference will be held on 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal at Jinnah Convention Centre, with participation of eminent scholars, researchers, parliamentarians, diplomats, civil society, and youth. The President and Prime Minister of Pakistan are expected as chief guests.
This year’s theme is:
“State’s Responsibility in Educating and Training Youth for Positive Use of Social Media in the Light of Seerat-un-Nabi ﷺ”
Other major programs include:
National Naat Gathering on 11th Rabi-ul-Awwal night featuring leading naat reciters and scholars.
Quran & Seerat Exhibition displaying rare Qurans, authentic Seerat works, digital stalls, and Islamic calligraphy.
Prize distribution for the National Seerat & Naat Competitions 2025, where distinguished authors, poets and researchers will be awarded by the President and Prime Minister.
Provincial & Local Programs
The Ministry has directed provincial governments, district administrations, educational institutions, federal ministries, and media houses to organize activities during the Ashra. These include:
Seerat conferences, seminars, naat gatherings and interfaith dialogues at provincial and district levels.
Special Seerat weeks, debates, and essay competitions in universities, colleges, and schools.
Seminars on social media ethics and Seerat in collaboration with HEC, CII, PTA, and FIA.
Broadcast of documentaries, video messages, naat and educational programs across media.
Charitable events in orphanages, centers for persons with disabilities, and prisons.
State Ceremonial Observance
On 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal, a 31-gun salute in the Federal Capital and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals will mark the day. A national holiday will be observed, commemorative publications issued, and a formal record of the 50 years of International Seerat Conferences will be compiled.
Concluding Message
Ashra Rehmatul lil Aalameen ﷺ 2025 is not only the commemoration of the 1500th birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ but also a reflection of Pakistan’s religious, intellectual, and educational unity. It is an opportunity to align our actions with the Prophet’s ﷺ teachings, equip youth with digital ethics, and project Pakistan’s positive Islamic identity at the global stage.
