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Virtual University of Pakistan
Federal Government University
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OCW
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Employee Portrait
Assistant Professor
Dr. Irfan Shahzad
Department of Islamic Studies and Pakistan Studies
Faculty of Arts
Highest Qualification
PhD (Islamic Studies)
Specialization / Major
Islamic Studes
PROFILE SUMMARY

I am teacher, writer and researcher.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Quranic Studies: Exegetical, Jurisprudential, Social, Sociopolitical and humanitarian perspectives of Quranic Studies

Experience

Assist Prof
VU
Mar 19, 2021 — Present
Assist Prof
FJWU
Aug 17, 2018 — Aug 20, 2019

Certifications & Credentials

Diversity and inclusion in the workplace
The Open University
Year: 2026 • Duration: 24 Hours • Mode: Online

Research Publications

Analyzing Historical Misrepresentations in Shaikh Ali al- Tantawi s Ahmad bin Irfan al-Shaheed
Al Iman (4/1)
Year: 2026 • Category: Historical analysis
Authors: Irfan Shahzad Abdul Basit
This paper critically examines Shaikh Ali al Tantawi s historical account of Syed Ahmad Shahid s armed movement against the Sikh rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Through a comparison of primary and secondary sources, it challenges al Tantawi s portrayal of Syed Ahmad s relations with Pashtun Muslims and his military successes against the Sikhs. The study argues that the movement faced prolonged conflicts with local Pashtun tribes and achieved limited military and territorial success against the Sikh forces, while also highlighting the need to examine the political, social, and religious reasons for Pashtun opposition to the movement.
Obstacles Arising from Traditional Religious Thought in the Path of Dawah, Their Causes and Remedies A Critical and Analytical Study
Pkistan islamikus (5/4)
Year: 2025 • Category: Dawah
Authors: Irfan Shahzad Abdul Basit
This paper critically examines traditional Fiqhi views that Islam requires Muslim political dominance, cultural distinction from non Muslims, and the replacement of other systems. It argues through a textual analysis of the Quran and Sunnah that these ideas are not universal Islamic obligations but later interpretations shaped by political, social, and cultural contexts. The study maintains that Muslims are primarily required to promote Islamic beliefs and ethics while engaging peacefully with other societies and adapting existing systems according to Islamic principles.
Revisiting the problem of Prohibition of Mating with Wives during the Nights of Ramadan, in the Perspective of the Quranic Verse 2 187
Acta Islamica (13/2)
Year: 2025 • Category: Fiqh ul Quran
Authors: Irfan Shahzad Abdul Basit
This study examines whether Muslims were initially prohibited from marital relations during the nights of Ramadan before the revelation of Quran 2 187. Through a textual analysis of the Quran and Hadith, it investigates the differing reports about these alleged restrictions and explains the meaning of the verse stating that such relations are now lawful. The study seeks to determine whether the verse abrogated an earlier religious prohibition or addressed differing understandings and practices among the early Muslim community.
Minimum Age of Marriage A Study of the Quran, Islamic Jurisprudence, and Contemporary Law
Al-Qamar (8/3)
Year: 2025 • Category: Jurisprudence
Authors: Irfan Shahzad Abdul Basit
This study examines the minimum marriageable age from the perspectives of the Quran, Islamic jurisprudence, and contemporary law. It argues that the Quran does not prescribe or legitimize child marriage and that such interpretations arise from cultural practices and selective readings of religious sources. The study maintains that marriage requires physical maturity, intellectual and emotional soundness, and free consent, and concludes that setting a legal minimum age for marriage is consistent with the objectives of Shariah and the protection of individuals.
Khawateen ka Pard
Book
Year: 2025 • Category: Exegetical Study of the Quran
Authors: Irfan Shahzad
The research book covers the whole traditional debate on Shariah of Hijab in the light of the Quranic directives.
Apni Shakhsiat ki Talaash main Gum Hamaray Bachay. Submitted to Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue IRD IIUI for publishing
Book
Year: 2025 • Category: Parenting
Authors: Irfan Shahzad
The book explores the less discussed aspects of schooling and parenting while also providing guidance on jurisprudential issues related to family matters.
An Analysis of The Effects and Implications of Syed Ahmad Shaheed s Movement of Jihad A Continuous Struggle in Its Different Forms
Journal of Positive School Psychology (7/1)
Year: 2023 • Category: Historical analytical and ideological Study
Authors: Irfan Shahzad
Syed Ahmad Shaheed`s nineteenth century Jihad movement sought to revive Islamic political dominance by combining Sufism and Shariah. Despite its failure, it influenced later religious movements, eventually dividing into Jamiat Ulama e Hind, which supported composite nationalism, and Jamiat Ulama e Islam, which advocated Pakistan as a foundation for political Islam. This paper critically examines Syed Ahmad Shaheed`s armed struggle and ideology.
The Problems Faced by the Young Pakistani Social Scientists in the Universities A Solution-Based Analysis
Fikr o Nazar IRI, IIUI (58/4)
Year: 2021 • Category: Pakistani Researchers` Problems
Authors: Irfan Shahzad
Pakistan`s large youth population holds significant potential for national development, but inadequate educational planning, low budgets, and limited institutional support hinder its utilization. This paper examines the challenges faced by university researchers, particularly in the social sciences, using questionnaire-based data from researchers in Pakistan and technologically advanced countries, and presents findings and recommendations for improving research and higher education.
Khatm e Nubuwwat awr Ahmadi Istadlaal A Critique on the Fundamental Arguments of Ahmadiyyat, Published by Al-mawrid Model Town, Lahore
Book
Year: 2021 • Category: Ahmdiyyat
Authors: Irfan Shahzad
The book analyses the fundamental flaws in the basic argument of Ahamdiyat.
Qanoon e Itmaam e Hujjat awr Us kay Itlaaqaat. Published by Al-Mawrid, Model Town Lahore.
Book
Year: 2020 • Category: Quranic Studies
Authors: Irfan Shahzad
The books explores the law of Communicating the Truth of Deen Conclusively Rasool, and its implications
The Effects of Group Psychology on Individual Behaviour A Study of Two Cases from the Quran
Al Ajaz, Research Journal of Islamic Studies and Humanities (3/1)
Year: 2019 • Category: Quranic Psychology
Authors: Irfan Shahzad
Group behaviour can significantly influence individuals, causing them to act contrary to their personal dispositions and surrender their individuality to collective impulses. This article examines the phenomenon through psychodynamics, situational factor theory, and labeling theory, applying them to selected Quranic cases to explain how group influence can lead individuals toward extreme or unexpected behaviour.
Obligingness to Leadership A Case Study of the Quran
Al Basirah NUML ISB (4/7)
Year: 2015 • Category: Behaviour Study
Authors: Irfan Shahzad
Human beings may broadly be divided into leaders and followers, with the latter constituting the overwhelming majority. This paper explores the motives behind blind following and complaisance through Maslow hierarchy of needs, Zimbardo situational factors, Bandura labeling theory, and Cholbi ego depletion theory, applying these perspectives to Quranic accounts of Pharaoh, his courtiers, the people of Egypt, and the followers of pagan leaders to better understand the psychology of destructive leadership and blind obedience.
Muslim Religious Militancy Causes and Cure
Al Basirah NUML ISB (3/6)
Year: 2014 • Category: Muslim Militancy Tendency
Authors: Irfan Shahzad
Islamic religious militancy derives its legitimacy from particular interpretations of the Quran, Hadith, the Prophet s military campaigns, and Islamic history, often justifying violence against Muslim governments and civilians. Western military interventions and opposition to Islamic political movements further intensify the cycle of militancy. Addressing this challenge requires a critical re-examination of traditional Islamic interpretations and the development of a scholarly counter-narrative through dialogue to correct militant misconceptions and promote peaceful alternatives.
Why do We Believe in God
Al Basirah (3/5)
Year: 2014 • Category: Scepticism and Belief
Authors: Irfan Shahzad
This article explores the motives behind human belief in God and argues that belief is a natural and innate aspect of human nature, supported by perspectives from philosophy, anthropology, psychology, genetics, history, and the Quran. It identifies rationality, awareness of God and the Hereafter, love of God, cultural affiliation, influence and inspiration, religion as a remedy or solution, and preaching as key motives underlying human belief.
Islam and Nationalism A Contemporary View
Interdisciplinary Journal of Contemporary Research in Business (4/5)
Year: 2012 • Category: Sociopolitical Study
Authors: Irfan Shahzad
Nationalism is a political ideology which holds that the state is of primary importance or adopts the belief that one state is naturally superior to all other States. It is defined as a sentiment or feeling or consciousness of a people for a specific territory is referred to as the policy of national independence and may describe a nation as a society united under one government known as a state or as a considerable group of people with a common descent or history a sentiment based on common cultural characteristics that bind a population together and often produces a policy of national independence or separatism.( Oxford Illustrated Dictionary) which is a consciousness of and pride in the individual character and spirit of a people as subjectively experienced and hence, leans more readily toward a sense of national unity. (Webster s Universal Dictionary)

Conferences & Participations

Diversity and inclusion in the workplace
Organized by: The Open University • Location: Online
Year: 2026 • Role: Attendant • Mode: Online • Area: Diversity and inclusion in the workplace

Presentations & Talks

An Investigation into Hadith e Ammar
Location: Online
Year: 2026 • Audience: Online audience • Chief Participant: Irfan Shahzad

Professional Memberships

Member Academic Committee IRD
Year:

Awards & Distinctions

Khuda ki Rehmat or Adal Aik Haqeeqat kay Do Naam
Year:
Eman bil Ghaib: Tasleem, Mushahida ya Istadlaal
Year:
Short Video Lecture Series
Year:

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