Renowned Iranian-American scholar on religions, Dr Reza Aslan delivered a talk at Habib University (HU) on Thursday as part of the University's flagship Yohsin Lecture series. Dr Aslan joins a group of academics and thinkers, including Dr Vali Nasr, Dr Munir Fasheh, Dr Deborah K Fitzgerald and Dr Maria Klawe, who have all spoken at this prestigious event over the previous years.
While addressing the audience, Aslan paid tribute to HU, and its mission of bringing about a transformative change in Pakistan's higher education system. Aslan said that the initiatives taken by the University would bear dividends for the future of the country and he commended Wasif Rizvi for the bold steps taken to help launch the institute.
"What I have seen here at Habib has greatly impressed me... the scope of this institute's vision and goals is absolutely remarkable, especially when one places it within the context of contemporary Pakistan," he said.
During his lecture, Aslan spoke on the topic of "Why do we believe" and why religion and spirituality is such a fundamental aspect of human beings. Covering wide range of areas, Dr Aslan said that for as long as people ponder the question of 'why are we here?' and 'what is the purpose of my existence?' the power of belief and spirituality will play an important role in the course of human events.
"In this day and age when religiously motivated violence and upheaval troubles many parts of the world, it's important to realise that at the heart of all religions is the message of humanity and compassion to our fellow beings," Dr Aslan said.
Following his speech, Dr Aslan then had a conversation with Dr Christopher Taylor, who also moderated the event, during which they discussed the subject of the Yohsin Lecture. They spoke on a variety of issues related to the lecture, including on how religion has managed to permeate the human experience since the dawn of recorded history.
The audience for the eagerly anticipated event included members of the Habib University community, as well as academics and students from Karachi's educational institutions, industry professionals and leaders, and members of civil society. Dr Aslan is the author of a number of international bestsellers, including No god but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam, and Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth. In his introductory remarks, Habib University President Wasif Rizvi, welcomed Dr Aslan and thanked him for coming to Pakistan to speak at the Yohsin Lecture.
"In this ever-changing world, Reza Aslan has been able to provide a profound and meaningful narrative about Islam and religion in general.
We are greatly inspired and grateful for your presence here at Habib University," Wasif Rizvi said.