The Challenge of Atheism and Its Solution in the Light of Islamic Teachings

This study critically examines the scientific, logical and civilizational aspects of the challenge of atheism and proposes how to combat this problem in the light of Islamic teachings. Twentieth century is peculiar in promoting atheism, agnosticism and skepticism. Contemporary modern scientific approach has also contributed towards the negation of the existence of God. Although our universe provokes our thoughts for the exploration of the ultimate reality yet most of us take it for granted and do not stare and care. Atheism is rapidly expanding trend in universities. Pakistani universities are not exception to it. This paper explains the scientific, logical, psychological, intuitive and spiritual arguments for the existence of God in the light of Islamic teachings.

Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Screening of Some New N and O Containing Heterocyclic Compounds

The derivatives of isocoumarins, coumarins and 1,2,4-triazoles are prominent biological agents used as a cure against a number of human ailments. The present work deals with their synthesis. 3-(Halobenzyl)isocoumarins (5a-i) were synthesized by condensation of 2-(halophenyl)acetyl chlorides (3a-i) with homophthalic acid (4) at elevated temperature. 3-(Halobenzyl)isocoumarins (5a-i) were converted into 3-(halobenzyl)-3,4- dihydroisocoumarins (8a-i) via ketoacids (6a-i) and hydroxyacids (7a-i). 3- (Halobenzyl)isocoumarins (5a-i) converted to their thio analogues (10a-i) by treating with Lawesson’s reagent (11) while their nitrogen analogues (12a-i) were obtained by passing ammonia into the solution of 3-(halobenzyl)isocoumarins (5a-i) in 2-ethoxy ethanol. These synthesized compounds were evaluated for urease inhibition and anti- inflammatory activity. 3-(Halobenzyl)isocoumarins (5a-i) and ketoacids (6a-i) exhibited moderate urease inhibition activity. While others showed non significant activity. The isoquinolinone (12c) showed anti-inflammatory activity higher than standard compound i-e indomethacin while all other compounds showed non significant anti-inflammation. Reaction of hitherto unknown 4-chloro-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroacetyl)-2H-chromen-2-one (16a) with different commercially availble anilines (19a-l) gave respective 3-(trifluoroacetyl) - 4-(arylamino)-2H-chromen-2-one (20a-l) which were then successfully cyclized to 7- (trifluoromethyl)-6H-chromeno[4,3-b]quinolin-6-ones (21a-l) using conc. H2SO4. The synthesis of 4-aryl-3-(trifluoroacetyl)-2H-chromen-2-ones (18a-n) was accomplished by Suzuki coupling reaction of 4-chloro-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroacetyl)-2H-chromen-2-one (16a) and aryl boronic acids (17a-n). Synthesis of 1,2,4-triazoles (31a-o) was carried out by dehydrative cyclization of thiosemicarbazides (20a-o) which in turn were synthesized by addition of hydrazides (29a-i) on isothiocyanate (27m-n). These triazoles showed moderate antibacterial activity. Finally the synthesized 1,2,4-triazoles (31a-o) were evaluated for their toxicity and these showed low toxicity.