Ma'arif-e-Auliya

Education as a Site for Reproducing Social Inequality: A Case Study of Shadow Education System in Pakistan

Muhammad Kalim Ullah Khan, Muhammad Adil Iqbal — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The research looks at the shadow education system in Pakistan in a holistic mixed-method study including its structural underpinnings, socio-economic impacts, and lived-in experiences of students, parents, and teachers. The research discusses how the tuition mafia system works, why it keeps growing and what the emergence of the tuition mafia tells us about the long- running structural ineffectiveness (and possible futility) of education in Pakistan.

Digital Dynamics of Banking in Saudi Arabia and Comparative Institutional Evidence

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Banks have been changing how they operate using digital tools over the past ten years, and this has become a big area of study. This research examines the digital transformation of the banking system in Saudi Arabia in comparison to banks in more developed and emerging Islamic countries. It checks how far each country has come, what digital services they offer, and how their rules and regulations support these changes. To achieve this, the study employed a step-by-step method to collect and analyze the information. They gathered 44 main documents and seven websites through five steps: first, figuring out the topic, then planning, searching for sources, picking the right ones, and checking if they fit. After that, they compared the information to see how similar or different the digital changes are in Saudi Arabia, the U.S., the U.K., and Malaysia. The results showed that Saudi Arabia and Malaysia have banking systems that are about the same size, but smaller than those in the U.S. and the U.K. Still, all these countries' banking systems are very important to their economies, as shown by how much they contribute to GDP. All four countries use similar digital technologies and offer similar banking services. When it comes to their rules, the U.K. has a good system called a sandbox, which is both effective and a good example for others. The U.S. still needs to improve because its rules are complicated and there are differences between state and national laws. Saudi Arabia and Malaysia have built their own systems inspired by the U.K. model, but they each have different levels of following Sharia law.

Islam and Modern Biotechnology: Ethical Reflections on Cloning and Stem Cell Research

Sajid Rahim Sukra, Dr. Muhammad Sarwar Siddique — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The emergence of the modern biotechnology specifically in the fields of cloning and stem cell research has posed difficult ethical issues, especially on human dignity and identity, and the moral boundaries of scientific intervention. The Islamic bioethics provides a philosophical model that does not renounce the scientific advancement but also does not support it blindly. This paper analyses cloning and stem cell research using the Islamic ethical thought in relation to the Quran, authentic Hadith, classical Islamic jurisprudence, and Islamic philosophical teachings as presented by Nahj al-Balagh. Through a normative analytical lens, the paper discusses that the pursuit of knowledge, rational reflection, human dignity, stewardship, prevention of harm, and the aims of the Islamic law are some of the foundational concepts in Islam that can be used to make ethical judgment of biotechnological practices. The discussion shows that reproductive human cloning is ethically inadmissible because it would interfere with lineage, cause possible damage, and violate human dignity, but therapeutic cloning and stem cell research can be conditionally acceptable when it is performed in the name of true medical utility and under strict ethical guidelines. The paper finds that the active use of Islamic ethics can take place to promote responsible biotechnological development through the harmonization of scientific innovation and morality and overall human welfare.

Poverty Alleviation and Prospects for a Stable Economy in Pakistan: Research Study of Actions of the Government

Dr. Ahmad Raza , Mohsin Javed — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In recent years, poverty in Pakistan has increased dramatically due to multiple key factors, including inflation, unemployment, corruption, interest-based financial systems, a decrease in domestic production, external debt, and fiscal deficits. Although every government has made efforts to improve the economy, the lack of strong and consistent planning remains evident. The current government has not been able to eliminate poverty, but it has achieved some success in controlling inflation and stabilizing economic conditions. Pakistan has signed various economic and trade agreements with countries such as Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, which are promising for the nation’s future. Under the Ehsaas Program, financial assistance and small business support are being provided to poor and needy individuals. The Health Card scheme offers medical assistance to underprivileged citizens, while the Benazir Income Support Program continues to benefit many low-income families. Recent improvements in the Pakistan Stock Exchange indicate positive trends for future economic growth. Pakistan and Indonesia have entered into agreements in key sectors such as textiles, food, sports goods, palm oil, electric vehicle batteries, education, health, IT, and energy. Similarly, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are exploring trade opportunities in food products, snacks, and confectioneries. Moreover, the discovery of large oil and gas reserves in Attock District and ongoing CPEC projects in ene rgy, transport, infrastructure, and science and technology are strengthening the country's economic foundation. Pakistan is also home to numerous Islamic welfare organizations such as Saylani Welfare Trust, Akhuwat Foundation, Alkhidmat Trust, and Al-Mustafa Trust etc that play a vital role in economic and social welfare. These organizations actively support orphans, widows, the poor, and disaster-affected people, not only through financial assistance but also by providing education, training, and character development. Collectively, these welfare institutions are contributing significantly to poverty reduction and the development of a stronger national economy.

Historical, Cultural and Preaching Discussions of the Story of Khidhrin Al-Mo’ajam Al-Kabeer Li-Al-Tabarani

Ghulzar Ahmad , Dr. Muhammad Naveed — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Islam is a comprehensive and holistic system of life that provides guidance for all dimensions of human existence. In order to ensure human welfare and moral refinement, Allah Almighty sent a continuous chain of prophets, culminating in the finality of Prophethood with Prophet Muhammadﷺ. One of the most effective methods adopted by the Qur’an and Sunnah for conveying divine guidance is the use of narratives and historical accounts (qiṣaṣ), through which moral, spiritual, and civilizational lessons are conveyed in a manner that directly appeals to human intellect and emotion.This research examines the narrative of Ḥaḍrat Khiḍr (peace be upon him) as reported in al-Muʿjam al-Kabīr by Imām al-Ṭabarānī, with a particular focus on its historical, civilizational, and daʿwah-oriented dimensions. The study highlights that prophetic and post-prophetic narratives preserved in ḥadīth literature are not merely historical records but are purposeful instruments of ethical instruction, spiritual discipline, and social reform. The narrative of Khiḍr (ʿalayhi al-salām), especially his voluntary acceptance of enslavement for the sake of charity, reflects profound concepts such as reliance upon Allah (tawakkul), voluntary poverty (faqr), patience (ṣabr), gratitude (shukr), and absolute submission to the divine will.The paper further explores scholarly discussions regarding the identity, status, and longevity of Ḥaḍrat Khiḍr (ʿalayhi al-salām), demonstrating that despite classical اختلافات among scholars, the central moral and daʿwah message of the narrative remains unaffected. From a civilizational perspective, the story challenges materialistic notions of freedom, dignity, and success by presenting servitude to Allah as the highest form of human honor and liberation. From a daʿwah standpoint, the narrative exemplifies practical preaching through character, humility, and silent moral influence rather than verbal exhortation alone. The study concludes that the narratives found in ḥadīth literature" particularly the account of Ḥaḍrat Khiḍr (ʿalayhi al-salām) "offer timeless guidance for contemporary society. When examined through a historical, ethical, and daʿwah-centered framework, these narratives provide profound solutions to modern spiritual and moral crises, reaffirming the relevance of prophetic storytelling as a transformative tool for individual and collective reform.

An Analytical Study of Mufti Taqi Usmani’s Methodology of Jamʿ wa Tatbīq in Resolving Apparent Contradictions in Hdiths of Ṣaḥīḥ Bukhārī

Abdul Jabbar, Dr. Muhammad Shahid — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Hadith is the second most important source of the four sources of Islamic Shariah, which is why Hadith has a very important place. In 3rd century, a number of well-known collections of hadiths, including the Sihah al-Sitta, came into existence. The most prominent of these is Sahih al-Bukhari. Many scholars have written commentaries on Bukhari, including the famous contemporary scholar Mufti Taqi Usmani. He has authored “Inam Al-Bari”, in which, he has mentioned various aspects of the sciences of Hadith and discussed issues related to Hadith. Mufti Taqi Usmani has adopted various methods to eliminate the contradictions in conflicting hadiths, one of which is Jam‘ wa Tatbīq. This article will describe the aspects of Mufti Taqi Usmani's method of Jam‘ wa Tatbīq in resolving apparent contradictions exists in the Hadiths of Sahih Bukhari.