ISLAMABAD, Dec 22 (INP): The launching ceremony of book of US based scholar Dr. Ibrahim Moosa on “Religious Seminaries and its Present Importance” was organized by the Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue, International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) at Faisal Masjid campus on Friday. Chairman, Council of the Islamic Ideology (CII), government of Pakistan Dr. Qibla Ayaz was the chief guest of the ceremony and the author of the book was also present on the occasion. Speaking on the book, its author and the role of Madrassahs, Dr. Qibla Ayaz said that although there was need of modernization of the curricula of Madrassahs, still their role was very vital. He added that the study of Madrassahs should be made part of the curricula of the Universities of the country. Author of the book, Dr. Ibrahim Moosa said that he studied at Deoband and Nadwa in India and conducted field studies of Madrassahs in India and Pakistan. Originally he wrote the book in English under “What is Madrassah?” which was translated into Urdu by an Indian scholar Mr. Waris Mazhari, firstly published in India and now it was published by the Iqbal International Institute for Research & Dialogue in collaboration with the Al-Shariah Academy, Gujranwala. Dr. Ibrhim Moosa said that he wanted to build a bridge between the tradition of Madrassahs in Islam and present day educational system. He said that Madrassahs are playing a great role in preserving Islamic heritage. Former Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology, Dr. Muhammad Khalid Masood said that it was need of the day to bridge gap between modern day educational system and traditional Madrassah system. Chairperson, American Centre of Pakistan Studies, Dr. Farhat Haq said that Pakistan has all capabilities to lead the world by going side by side with latest trends and traditional system. Mr. Khurshid Nadeem, Member, Council of the Islamic Ideology said that Madrassahs are needed to be modernized otherwise there will be no cure of diseases in the whole system of these Madrassahs. Executive Director, Iqbal International Institute for Research & Dialogue, Dr. Husnul Amin said that the Institute is playing role of the mediator between two systems discussed in the book. He announced to publish more books on this topic. The launching ceremony was also addressed by the Editor, Fikr-o-Nazar of the Islamic Research Institute Syed Mateen Ahmed Shah, Co-Publisher of the Book and Editor Al-Shariah Gujranwala, Maulana Ammar Nasir, US based analyst Dr. Mohan Mirza, representative of Peace and Education Foundation, Islamabad Rasshad Bukhari, Analyst Karam Elahi, IIUI Faculty member Dr. Somia Aziz, Head of the Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies Mr. Muhammad Amir Rana and a Journalist and Columnist Sabooh Syed. Dr. Ibrahim Moosa also inaugurated an exhibition of his books. INP/SB