The Centre for Study and Research (CSR India), New Delhi, in collaboration with the Department of Islamic Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), conducted a one-day national seminar titled “A Critical Appraisal of 21st-Century Western Scholarship on Islam” at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, on 17 February 2026.
Dr. Mohammed Rizwan (Director, CSR) delivered the welcome address, explaining that the primary objective was to cultivate a serious academic temperament among students through observation, study, and critical evaluation — and to provide an intellectual environment for discussion, debate, and dialogue that enables students to contribute to research and criticism on par with their Western counterparts.
Prof. Mohd Fahim Akhter Nadwi (former Head, Dept. of Islamic Studies, MANUU, Hyderabad) delivered the Keynote Address. He noted positive shifts in 21st-century Seerah studies while urging Arabic proficiency for direct access to primary sources, arguing that a strong command of Arabic is equally essential alongside modern modes of thought and English proficiency.
Prof. Abdur Raheem Kidwai (Director, K.A. Nizami Centre for Qur’anic Studies, AMU) addressed the gathering via video message. He observed that while past Orientalists distorted the Seerah, some serious 21st-century Western scholars have portrayed the Prophet’s life more objectively, paving the way for shared moral values between Muslims and Christians.
In his Presidential Address, Prof. Iqtidar Mohd Khan (Head, Dept. of Islamic Studies & Dean of Humanities, JMI) presented a historical and intellectual overview of Orientalism. He observed that Orientalist scholarship has largely targeted the Qur’an, Hadith, and Seerah to create doubts in Muslim minds, yet Islam has always emerged stronger from such challenges. He urged students to engage with primary Islamic sources thoughtfully.
Prof. Kunwar Yusuf Amin‘s plenary address called for interdisciplinary approaches beyond purely historical and philological methods in Islamic Studies.
Two academic sessions featured ten scholars presenting research papers on diverse themes. Sessions were chaired by Prof. Mohammad Ishaque and Prof. Syed Shahid Ali. Proceedings were conducted by Dr. Anisur Rahman and Dr. Mohammad Usama. Vote of thanks by Dr. Mujtaba Farooq (Seminar Coordinator).
The seminar was made possible through the faculty of the Department of Islamic Studies, particularly Dr. Mohammad Arshad, Dr. Mohammad Khalid Khan, Dr. Mohammad Umar Farooq, and Dr. Javed Akhtar.