Islamic Research Foundation
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The Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), Mumbai, India, is a registered non-profit public charitable trust. It was established in February 1991. It promotes Islamic Da’wah - the proper presentation, understanding and appreciation of Islam, as well as removing misconceptions about Islam - amongst less aware Muslims and non-Muslims. The President of the IRF is Dr. Zakir Naik. [1]
IRF uses modern technology for its activities, where ever feasible. Its presentation of Islam reach millions of people worldwide through international satellite T.V. channels, cable T.V. networks, internet and the print media. IRF's activities and facilities provide the much needed understanding about the truth and excellence of Islamic teachings - based on the glorious Qur'an and authentic Hadith, as well as adhering to reasons, logic and scientific facts.
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[edit] Activities
IRF (Islamic Research Foundation) uses modern technology for the presentation of Islam. Its video telecasts reach audiences in millions through satellite T.V. channels and cable T.V. networks. The IRF has its own website. IRF ‘da’ees’ regularly interact internationally on the internet for presenting Islam and removing bias and myths about Islam. The IRF is popular for its organising of Public talks (followed by open Question and Answer sessions), debates, symposia, etc. in large public auditoriums and halls, as well as at the IRF premises.
[edit] Multimedia Collection
The IRF has the largest collection in the world of more than 700 software packages on Islam and Comparative Religion. These are available free for public use at the IRF premises. The software consists of information and research material on Islam and Comparative Religion. [2], Qur’an, Hadith, Fiqh, Quiz programmes and Islamic games for children. [3]
[edit] Video Library
The (Islamic Research Foundation) IRF stocks the world’s largest collection of more than 5000 titles of video cassettes on Islam and Comparative Religion (4000 in English, 600 in Urdu, 400 in Arabic and 100 in other languages).
These includes lectures, T.V. programmes, interviews, documentaries, debates and symposia of renowned Islamic orators like Sheikh Ahmed Deedat, Dr. Zakir Naik, Dr. Israr Ahmed, Dr. Jamal Badawi, Brother Yusuf Islam, Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips and several others. These video cassettes, as well as many of them in the video CDs and audio cassettes format, are available to the public on free hire. [4]
[edit] Research Library
The IRF has free facilities for the public which include computers for doing ‘da’wah’ on the internet and CD-ROMs use, VCR / TV and Audio systems for viewing video cassettes and listening to audio cassettes / CD’s. It has a reading area for the reading of books and magazines from the tens of thousands of books in English on Islam and Comparative religion, including texts and Islamic Research Foundation Libraryscriptures of the world's major religions as well as from the thousands of books in Arabic available at the IRF. It is also used as a Multipurpose Room for discussions, viewing the programmes in the auditorium (when it is full) through CCTV, etc. [5]
[edit] Auditorium
Islamic programmes, including lectures, talks, elocutions, quizzes, Da’wah training and educational sessions, screening of video cassettes, symposia and debates with scholars of other religions, are regularly held in these auditoriums. IRF programmes are organised here every Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Special programmes too are held from time to time on other weekdays.The IRF also uses this auditorium for holding exhibitions on Islam & Comparative Religion.
This auditorium is equipped with the state of the art audio-video equipment, sound system and regular workshop facilities such as white board, overhead projector and facilities for projecting slides and powerpoint presentations.Dr Zakir NaikThe Auditorium is linked by closed circuit T.V. connection with the Ladies Wing so that sisters can view the programmes live and also ask questions to the speakers. This auditorium is similarly linked to the multi-purpose reading and reference library which accommodates the spill over audience from the auditorium. [6]
[edit] Weekly Programmes
The Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), holds weekly programs in the auditorium to give you an opportunity to clarify misconceptions/doubts about Islam and Comparative Religion based on the Holy Scriptures, Reason, Logic and Science, as well as to have a better understanding of Islam. The weekly programmes include:
Talks, Lectures, Debates, Symposia, Qur'ânic Lessons, Video Cassettes Shows, etc. on Islam and Comparative Religion - thrice a week :
- Sundays at 10:30 a.m. (For Gents and Ladies) English
- Sundays at 10:30 a.m. (For Gents and Ladies) Urdu
- Mondays at 3:00 p.m. (For Ladies Only) Urdu
- Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. (For Gents and Ladies) English
Followed by an Open Question and Answer Session on Islam and Comparative Religion. People of all Faiths / Religions are welcome. Separate seating for Ladies. Admission Free. Special Islamic programmes for children between 3 to 9 years and 9 to 15 years on Saturdays 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. [7]
[edit] Public Talks
Public talks and interactions of international Islamic scholars are organised by the IRF in large auditoriums in India.
Regular symposia and dialogues are held between IRF Da'ees and scholars of other faiths. These help to promote a better understanding of similarities and differences in viewpoints and their relevance in coming to common terms and maintaining a peaceful co-existence. [8]
[edit] Sisters Wing
The IRF Ladies’ Wing strives exclusively for and amongst the ladies, with activities and programmes for Islamic Da’wah and understanding, as well as practicing and promoting the message of Islam pragmatically. It is backed up by the technology and facilities and services, as feasible for ladies, as those available in the other IRF departments.
The IRF Ladies' Wing regularly organises seminars, debates, symposia, workshops, group and panel discussions, elocution competitions, quiz competitions, training workshops, Islamic skits, etc. [9]
[edit] Childrens Wing
The IRF Children’s Wing (handled by the Ladies’ Wing) caters to the specialised needs of inculcating true Islamic ideals and practices in Muslim children, at their level of grasping. Its children’s programmes and learning and playing facilities for children include Islamic based Multimedia CD-ROMs, video and audio tapes, games and books for children. [10]
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Islamic Research Foundation
- Islamic Research Foundation UK
- Information about Peace TV which airs freely many of Dr Zakir Naik's programmes
- Material of IRF orators is also available on internet and the links are given in this web site
