It is one of the biggest research institutions of Pakistan established in 1963 in Karachi and Dacca and then in 1979 in Lahore by late Syed Abul-Aala-Maudoodi the great Islamic Scholar, of 20th century translator and Commentator of the Holy Quran. In 1979 Maulana Maudoodi was awarded first King Faisal Award for his meritorious services for Islam but he donated the whole prize as an endowment to establish Islamic Research Academy in Lahore for the cause of Islam.
Our most cherished goals:
- To prepare a standard literature for Islamic Renaissance to cope with the worsening situation created by the onslaught of western civilization in Islamic world.
- To preserve and compile the scholarly heritage of the Muslim world.
- Translating the great works of contemporary scholars into Urdu and English and Arabic language.
- To strive for the unity of the Muslims by minimizing their differences and collating from the high ideas of our pious predecessors.
- Probing, analyzing and finally recommending solutions for the socio-economic ills that the Muslim Ummah faces nowadays.
- To exert ways to mutually introduce and work on Islamic movements and the personalities behind them. Making liaison between Islamic centers of research and learning to enhance intra Islamic hegemony through research.
Finding the young talent and preparing it through extensive training courses to carry on research work in their respective fields. (Four such courses have already been conducted successfully.)
Mian Tufail Muhammad
Mian Tufail Muhammad was elected first chairman of Idara who remained in this position until June 25,2009, when he passed away.
Pr. Khurshid Ahmad
Prominent scholar Pr. Khurshid Ahmad succeeded Mian Tufail Muhammad Sahib.
Dr Hafiz Sajid Anwar
Maulana Khalil Ahmad Hamidi
Maulana Khalil Ahmad Hamidi was appointed the first Director. He served in this position till his last breath. (November 25, 1994)
Ch. M. Aslam Saleemi
Late Maulana Hamidi was succeeded by Ch. M. Aslam Saleemi who led the Idara until 2004.
Hafiz M Idrees
Hafiz M Idrees was Appointed its director. He led the Idara Until 2019.