Friday, April 22, 2011

Minhaj-ul-Quran International: Minhajians’ special sitting with Shaykh-ul-Islam

Minhaj-ul-Quran International: Minhajians’ special sitting with Shaykh-ul-Islam

Minhajians’ special sitting with Shaykh-ul-Islam



A special sitting of graduates and alumni of Minhaj University with Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri was held in the central secretariat of MQI on April 16, 2011 Lahore. The meeting was attended by the central leadership of MQI, teachers and students of Minhaj University and the hundreds of Minhajians from across Pakistan.

The formal proceedings of the sitting got underway with the recitation from the Holy Quran followed by recitation of Naat by Muhammad Usman Siddiqi from Faisalabad, Muhammad Zill-e-Hussain from Islamabad and others. Allama Farhat Hussain Shah and Muhammad Sharif Kamaconducted the proceedings in a befitting manner.

Mufti Abdul Qayyum Khan Hazarvi, Prof Muhammad Nawaz Zafar, Syed Farhat Hussain Shah and Dr Zahoorullah Al-Azhari addressed the participants before Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri addressed the audience.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Muhammad Nawaz Zafar, senior teacher of Minhaj University, said that Allah Almighty has ordained man to do justice. He said that when the inner and outer parts of human personality become one, it is called justice and if the inner part becomes more beautiful than its outer counter part, such a state is called ‘excellence’ or (Ihsan). He said that MQI is working for the cause of global peace, harmony and interfaith dialogue in the world and the Minhajians are playing the leading role in this sacred fight for the welfare of humanity. Addressing the Minhajians, he said that they held the central position in the body politic of MQI and hence they needed to attain not only the state of ‘justice’ but also that of ‘excellence’. He also high lighted the need of character building to be able to play their role effectively for the promotion of peace and interfaith harmony in the world.
Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri joined the proceedings of the program at 10 p.m. through video conferencing from Canada, while his keynote address began at 10:20 p.m. In his introductory talk, Shaykh-ul-Islam welcomed the teachers, intellectuals and scholars of MQI and said that he was immensely pleased to see them all.

He chose the subject of “Dawa and Daai” for his speech and recited the verse no 125 to 130 of Surah Al-Baqra. Shaykh-ul-Islam said that there are four kinds of people who are playing the role of educator and opinion formulator in society. The first category, he said, consisted of religious, social and political people i.e. religious scholars, social activists, and politicians. The second category is that of traders, the third of the ruling elite and the fourth one is media. He held that these four sections of society play major role in opinion making in society.




Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri said that since we do not imbibe ourselves with the habit of ‘action, that is why we cannot bring about change in ourselves. He said that it also shows why the humanity continues to be in the stagnant waters spiritually. He emphasized the need of internal purgation and riddance of spiritual pollution which has impeded our way towards attaining productive knowledge. He said that we need to present Islam as a code of life capable of meeting the contemporary global challenges. He said that a heavy responsibility rested on the shoulders of the Minhajians. “If they played this role responsibly, time is not far when Islam would turn out to be a champion of peace and human well being,” he concluded.
This sitting of Minhajians was also broadcast around the world by Minhaj Internet Bureau through U-stream. The program ended on Dua.

Friday, April 15, 2011

OIC Leaders, Qatari Foreign Minister & other international dignitaries meet Shaykh-ul-Islam at U.S.-Islamic World Forum



At the U.S.-Islamic World Forum in Washington D.C., which was jointly organized by the Brookings Institution, the Qatar Government and the OIC, Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri met with the Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), Prof Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu. They spoke about various issues of mutual interest and exchanged views on a host of issues.




The discussion focused on the recently authored Fatwa on Terrorism and Suicide Bombings and ways of combating terrorism in the Muslim world. Prof Ihsanoglu highly appreciated the scholarly work and was impressed by the quality of content. He said that he is looking forward to reading the complete book. The OIC Director General Ambassador Hemayet Uddin was also present in the meeting. Both leaders were very pleased to meet Shaykh-ul-Islam. Mr Hasan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri was also present.






Shaykh-ul-Islam also met with the Foreign Minister of Qatar, Ahmad Bin Abdullah Al-Mahmoud and presented him a copy of the Fatwa on Terrorism and Suicide Bombings who highly appreciated the great work. Senior Advisor to the Turkish Prime Minister, Prof Ibrahim Kalin also met Dr Qadri who was fully aware of his book against terrorism and was highly appreciative of the magnum opus on the subject of terrorism.


U.S. President Obama’s Special Envoy to the OIC, Mr Rashad Hussain also called on Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri during the conference and spoke about the historic Fatwa on Terrorism and Suicide Bombings. He said that they have received this book at the Whitehouse and were well aware of this great work. Mr Hussain discussed issues of mutual interest with Shaykh-ul-Islam. Mr Hasan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri and Shahid Mursaleen were also present in the meetings.


The Vice President of Brookings Institution, Dr Martin Indyk, was pleased to meet Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri who spoke highly of the great work condemning terrorism. A signed copy of his Fatwa book was presented to Mr Indyk. Mr Stephen Grand and other senior think-tank representatives also held a meeting with Dr Qadri and exchanged view of mutual interest.



Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri signing the Fatwa on Terrorism book for Dr Martin Indyk (Vice President of Brookings Institution)

In addition to that, various government officials, think tank representatives, policy makers, politicians met Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri during the course of the 3-day conference.
Dr Qadri attended five different closed-door sessions and spoke on issues including the treatment of minorities, integration and identity, the impact of media and politics and security and counter-terrorism. The fourth session focused on the discussion around the historic fatwa on terrorism by Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri.



These sessions will help form future policy vis-à-vis terrorism and would offer recommendations to the think-tanks and the Government officials on handling various problems faced by the western and Islamic world.
Dr Qadri’s participation at the 3-day U.S.-World Islamic Forum was highly successful, which will help tackle terrorism from an ideological and intellectual perspective and also tackle anti-Islam views. Dr Qadri presented various core arguments on how to grapple with issues of minority rights, clarified issues of blasphemy laws and presented solutions to take on Islamophobia. He also presented ways of promoting integration in the west.


At the gala dinner Shahid Mursaleen (spokesman of Minhaj-ul-Quran) who was present at the conference met with Secretary of State Hilary Clinton and presented a copy of the book Fatwa on Terrorism and Suicide Bombings to her. He briefed Secretary Clinton about the key features of the book and that it is the most comprehensive condemnation of terrorism to date from any Muslim leader. He said that this book will help in the fight against global terrorism. She highly appreciated the work and promised to read it.
Holland Taylor (Chairman & CEO of LibForAll Foundation) meeting with Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri







Monday, April 11, 2011

Shaykh-ul-Islam to speak at U.S.-Islamic World Forum in Washington DC


Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri will speak at the U.S.-Islamic World Forum 2011 in Washington DC which is due to start tomorrow for 3 days (12 to 14 April) which has been jointly organized by the Brookings Institution, Qatar Government and the OIC.
Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri is representing the Muslim world at this important conference which will also be attended by the Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, Senator John Kerry, Congressman Howard Berman, Ahmad Bin Abdullah Al-Mahmoud (Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Qatar), Prof Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu (Secretary General of OIC) along with many dignitaries, officials from the State Department and Whitehouse and foreign diplomats, senior journalists and anchors as well as Jewish and Christian religious leaders and academicians.
Dr Qadri will speak at five different closed-door sessions on issues like integration and identity, the impact of media and politics, security and counter-terrorism, the treatment of minorities, and interfaith relations. He will also have meetings with academics and US-Government officials during the 3 day conference.
Dr Qadri is one of the leading Muslim authorities who is regarded as the most outspoken on counter-terrorism, promoting integration, interfaith dialogue and harmony among various faiths, and tackling Anti-Islam sentiments in the West. Therefore his participation at the U.S.-World Islamic Forum is seen by experts as a significant step which will help to tackle terrorism from an ideological and intellectual perspective and tackle anti-Islam views.
He will also speak about his recently released English version of the 500-page Hardback ‘Fatwa on Terrorism & Suicide Bombings’ which has been an unprecedented direct ideological blow to terrorist groups and completely rejects the notion that suicide bombers will enter paradise.
Dr Qadri said “I feel it is my duty to save the younger generation from radicalization and wave of terroristic recruitment in the West.” He requested the younger generation “follow the Prophet Muhammed, don’t follow bin Laden!”

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Mawlid-un-Nabi Conference Canada 2011


Shaykh-ul-Islam signified the fact that Holy Prophet (pbuh) communicated the message of Quran to the entire creation of Allah in the language each of them speaks and understands.
A Historic Mawlid-un-Nabi (sall-Allāhu `alayhi wa aalihi wa sallam) Conference was organized by Minhaj-ul-Quran International with the joint effort of Mississauga Muslim Community Center on Sunday April 3, 2011 at the International Centre—one of the prestigious venue of Toronto, Canada. It was a jam packed event attended by over 4000 people from all walks of life, including young and old various prominent scholars, heads of Muslim organizations, community leaders, journalists, electronic & print media and people from across North America, UK & Europe.

A documentary Safeer-e-Amn was shown to the audience which highlighted the efforts of Shaykh-ul-Islam to make this earth a more peaceful place.

Sahibzada Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri delivered the first lecture on the love and reverence of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri with Sahibzada Hammad Mustafa Qadri, the grandson of Shykh ul Islam. Sahibzada Hammad Mustafa Qadri recited Arabic nasheed with Arabic lyrics, which mesmerize the audience.









Shaykh-ul-Islam then delivered his address on the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) as a Prophet of mercy not just to the people of that time fourteen hundred years ago but for the whole of creation from beginning to the end of time.
Shaykh-ul-Islam signified the fact that Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) communicated the message of Quran to the entire creation of Allah in the language each of them speaks and understands i.e. he spoke to Jin & various groups of people who visited him in his time to hear the message, in their own language including a delegation of people from Sindh. To prove the point, Shaykh-ul-Islam quoted the Quranic versus revealing that God has sent his message and the Messenger in the language of people the message was addressed to, and this was one of the great characteristics of Prophet (peace be upon him) Allah (S.W.T) granted him.
The imminent Sahykh gave numerous examples that the Holy Prophet's (peace be upon him) followers included the people of Arab, people from various nations, the jinns, the animals, the rocks, the trees and on forth, each declaring the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) as their prophet. The Holy Prophet’s (peace be upon him) beautiful characteristics both physical and behavioral were mentioned in great adoration and venerating details. The message in the lecture included slogans of immense love, peace and respect to the whole of humanity.











Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Historic Fatwa of Shaykh-ul-Islam a great service to Islam: Sahibzada Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri


Pakistan Association of Hong Kong organized a prestigious Mawlid-un-Nabi Conference in the Club Hall on March 7, 2011, which was presided over by Dr Ahmad Bilal, Counsel General of Pakistan. Sahibzada Hussain Mohi-ud-Qadri, president of MQI’s Federal Council, was the chief guest on the occasion.
Mr. Rashid Noomani started off the proceedings of the Conference with the recitation of Beautiful name of Allah followed by Naat, which Sabir Hussain Sabri had the honour to present.
In his speech, Dr Ahmad Bilal paid tribute to Sahibzada Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri. He said that the talk delivered by Sahibzada sahib in Holiday Inn and Colone Mosque was quite thought-provoking. He further added that there is a lot to be learnt from it. He revealed that he has been discussing the contents of the address with his colleagues and social circles.

Addressing the audience, Sahibzada Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri said that Islam does not admit of terrorism and extremism. There is a clear difference between Jihad and killing. He stated that Jihad has various kinds i.e. Jihad through knowledge, wealth, good deed, against one’s lower self and with sword. He said that Jihad with sword is the last category and is qualified with a number of conditionalities. He said that no group or organization is allowed to declare Jihad on its own. It is the sole prerogative of the state. Those, he added, who invoke the slogan of Jihad are in fact misleading people and bringing the fair name of Islam into disrepute. He said that by authoring historic Fatwa against Terrorism, Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri has clarified the concept of Jihad and highlighted the exact nature of Islamic teachings. Sahibzada Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri said that Fatwa is a great service to Islam at a time when our great religion is under attack from different sources.
Captain (r ) Shahzad Salim Ahmad, president of Pakistan Association, thanked Sahibzada Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri for taking time out of his educational engagements and came all the way to deliver a speech. Other speakers also appreciated the quality of content and originality of thought in the speech of Sahibzada Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri. Hafiz Muhammad Nasim Naqashbandi conducted the proceedings of the Conference in an amicable manner. The programme ended with the offering of greetings and salutations on the Holy Prophet (SAW).

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Arabic & English declamation contests held

Declamation contests in Arabic and English languages were held on March 24, 2011 on the third day of ‘Ambassador of Peace Celebrations’ under the aegis of College of Shariah & Islamic Sciences (COSIS). The students from the renowned educational institutions of the country participated in the competition. The subject for English speech was “Men, not material make a Nation”. The proceedings of the program got underway with the recitation from the holy Quran by Qari Sayyid Khalid Hameed Kazami followed by Naat.


Brig. (r) Iqbal Ahmad Khan, Principal of COSIS, presided over the program, while Imran Khan, chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf and former captain of Pakistani Cricket Team and Pir Sayyid Asghar Ali Shah, Sajjada Nasheen of Gunjial Sharif, were the guests of honour on this occasion. Other distinguished guests on the stage included Asif Shah Hashmi, chairman of Evacuee Trust Board, Justice (r ) Nasira Javed Iqbal and Prof Umar Butt, journalist of Daily Pakistan, Dr Zahoorullah Al-Azhari, Maj. (r ) Ali Hussain Rizvi, G.M. Malik, Sajid Mahmood Bhatti and Qazi Faiz-ul-Islam.
Dr Zia-ul-Mustafa, Dr Masood Ahmad Mujahid and Faizullah Baghdadi were the members of jury in the Arabic declamation. According to unanimous result, Hafiz Abdul Wahid of COSIS, Muhammad Zaid Mustafa of Jamia Islamia Lahore, Mian Ghulam Rabbani and Faiz-ur-Rehman of Dar-ul-Uloom Muhammadia Ghousia won first, second, third and honorary positions respectively. Hafiz Abdul Wadood, being a host, surrendered his position.




Chief Guest of the ceremony, Imran Khan, said in his address that the rightly guided Caliphs were the students of the Holy Prophet (SAW) and hence great leaders. He who had a nodding acquaintance with them would end up becoming a leader. Following Battle of Badr, the Holy Prophet’s (SAW) condition for the disbelievers to educate ten Muslim children to secure their release highlights the importance of knowledge in Islam. This, he said, also proves that nations progress through the quality of human resources not material resources. He stressed the need of eliminating social divide to establish a just and peaceful society. He said that the Holy Prophet (SAW) empowered the weak and deprived sections of society by eradicating fear and it is only a fearless leadership who can take courageous decisions in the larger interest of nation.




Speaking in the Arabic language in the ceremony, Dr Ghulam Mustafa said that the subject for today’s declamation contest is an important and complex issue of the contemporary world. He said that the attacks are being carried on the respect of the Holy Prophet (SAW) and increasing trend of blasphemy and desecration of the Holy Books at the hands of extremists on both sides of equation threatens the global peace and harmony in the world. He said that we can safeguard the sanctity of Islam if we bring about real change in our lives and promote its message of peace, harmony and peace. He highlighted the need of familiarizing the youth with the teachings of the Holy Prophet (SAW).