Farghana Institute (Manchester chapter) hosted historic and prestigious conference in a grand hall of a local hotel in Manchester on August 31, 2008. In addition to Khateeb Jam-e-Mosque Damascus Fazeelat as-Shaykh Muhammad Saeed as-Sagharji, President Supreme Council MQI Sahibzada Hassan Mohi ud Din Qadri, as-Shaykh Sakhroof, As-Shaykh Abdur Rahman al-Hamami, Member European Parliament Sajjad Kareem, Counselors Muhammad Afzal Khan, M. Abid, Muhammad Naeem and other distinguished personalities, participated in the conference. Thousands of people especially youth came to attend the programme from across UK including Birmingham, Bradford, Halifax, Nelson and Scotland.

The proceedings of this historic conference got under way with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Hammad Mustafa al-Madani, the grandson of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri. The principal of Farghana Institute and young scholar, Allama Muhammad Ramzan Qadri, conducted the proceedings of the programme.

Addressing the audience of the programme, Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri said that fifteen centuries have gone by with the result that vast changes have taken place in economic, social, political and sociological domains, also incorporating individual and family needs. The demands of the contemporary age have engulfed every walk of life. In these circumstances, the question arising in the minds of young people is that why are the teachings of the Holy Prophet (saw) the source of security, stability and direction? He said it is the perfect obedience of the Prophet of Islam (saw) that provides the only way to achieve success and can steer the Umma from its present state of decline.

Throwing light on the reservations and misgivings about Islam and Shariah, Shaykh-ul-Islam said the youth and modernist society are caught in the web of these reservations. These reservations owe itself to the misinterpretation and misconstruction of Islamic teachings in the Western society. This face of Islam has been presented by a group of people called Taliban. The reality is that these people are themselves unaware of real Islamic teachings.

He said the teachings and ideal conduct of the Last Prophet (saw) are the source of inspiration for the Muslims. He said that accepting the Prophetic guidance as final guidance is the preliminary condition of being a Muslim. It warrants a thorough study of the Holy Prophet’s (saw) life, his universal teachings, sayings and the circumstances in which he was raised as a Prophet.

He said the pre-Islamic Arab society was known for extremism, injustice, tribal arrogance, social and moral evils. It was a time when humanity used to be degraded and dishonoured. He said that the mention of Roman civilization can be found at that time along with Greek, Persian and Hindi civilizations but these societies were unaware of the meanings of human values, culture and morality. In these circumstances, the Holy Prophet (saw) was sent with Divine message and he introduced those principles of civilization, morality and tolerance whose source was the Holy Qur’an and Sunna, The touchstone of its authenticity was his own ideal conduct.

Shaykh-ul-Islam said that the Holy Prophet (saw) said while delivering his address to people after conquest of Makkah: none of you can enter paradise as long as he does not embrace faith and no one can be believer as long as he does not become paragon of good, virtue, peace for one another.

He said the so-called champions of modern-day world have come to know the meanings of extremism today but 15 centuries ago, while founding new civilization, the Holy Prophet (saw) eliminated terrorism, extremism and sectarianism by urging his companions to behave nicely with their neighbours with benevolence. The Companions were so led to feel by his insistence on this command as if the Holy Prophet (saw) eradicated the difference between Muslim and non-Muslim as a human being and neighbour.

Mentioning the rights of the downtrodden and less privileged sections of society, Shaykh-ul-Islam said that the Holy Prophet (saw) emphasized on his followers to worship their Lord, feed those of the needy whom they knew and also those whom they did not know.

He said that the Holy Prophet (saw) gave a special instruction to establish a charity for the poor, talk to them tenderly and not hurt their feelings. He said the instructions about prayer, Zakat and fasting came later on but teachings about individual and familial brotherhood and ideal code of conduct were put into practice first.

Shaykh-ul-Islam said that the Holy Prophet (saw) gave the first constitution of the world 15 centuries ago. Islam introduced the concept of federal, provincial and local governments at a time when word coming from the mouth of King was a law unto itself and its violation or disobedience invited punishment and even death at times. Islam presented the consultative system and endowed on women their legal and human rights, whereas the fact remains that the so-called torch-bearers gave women the right to vote in 1920s for the first time in history.

He said 15 centuries ago, the Muslim women were appointed on the positions of judge and sent to other countries as diplomats during the days of rightly guided Caliphs. He said the sister of Sultan Saluhuddin Ayubi was the governor of Halab. Whatever the champions of human rights may say today, they cannot present even a semblance of similar human values and rights, which the Holy Prophet (saw) presented while addressing his followers when he said that the protection of the Muslims and non-Muslims in man and material without discrimination, guarantee of freedoms of traditions and culture and their religious rights would be legal and constitutional responsibility of the Islamic state. Islam is a religion of peace and love and its message also denotes the same. No one can be allowed to pass religious edict at personal and sectarian levels in the name of Jihad and Caliphate. Labeling Muslims to be terrorists is nothing but injustice, pure and simple.

Urging all participants especially the youth to carve out their position in their societies and live amicably and peacefully along with other communities, Shaykh-ul-Islam said that Islam does not preach isolation.

Referring to the reconstructive work of Shaykh-ul-Islam, Sheikh Ahmad Dervaish of Egypt said that Shaykh-ul-Islam does full justice to a topic to which he commits his pen. He urged the youth and people living in UK and Europe to join his caravan practically. He also requested all religious scholars to spread the reconstructive and research work of Shaykh-ul-Islam throughout the world. He also appreciated the services of the Principal of Farghana Institute.

Great religious scholar and Hadith-narrator, Shaykh as-Saad Muhammad Saeed as-Sagharji, said in his speech that the meanings of the Holy Quran and Hadith of the Holy Prophet (saw) are revealed upon the heart of Shaykh-ul-Islam like en enlightening light of Allah. That is why his research-based and scholarly speeches compel everyone to ponder and act. He said the passion to learn Hadith and love of Shaykh-ul-Islam attract him to attend such conferences each year. He said he considers his knowledge to be just a particle in comparison to knowledge of Shaykh-ul-Islam. Shaykh Asad Muhammad Saeed said he is a ray of hope in this age of mischief and disorder.

Counselor Afzal Khan said in his talk that it was a matter of fortune for people of Manchester that Shaykh-ul-Islam came here whom we hold in high esteem from the core of our hearts.

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The proceedings of the ceremony got underway with the recitation from the Holy Qur`an by Qari Allah Baksh Naqshbandi followed by recital of Na`t by Muhammad Afzal Nawshahi. Farhat Hussain Shah of Directorate of Training conducted the proceedings of the ceremony. Chairman of Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Memorial Society and renowned journalist, Wasif Nagi, felicitated Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri for undertaking the translation of the Holy Qur`an. He said the Memorial Society felt privileged to organize such a sacred ceremony.

Addressing at the occasion, Secretary-General of Minhaj-ul-Quran International, Dr Raheeq Ahmad Abbasi, said that MQI had become the leading organization of the Muslim world in its 25-year-long journey. The scholarly contributions of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri would continue to guide the Umma for hundreds of coming years. Irfan-ul-Qur`an is a unique and valuable addition to the history of translations of the Holy Qur`an.

Mufti Muhammad Iqbal Kharal, the Khatib of Hazrat Mian Mir Mosque, said that Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri had a distinguished status among the contemporary intellectuals and scholars. Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri had tried to spread the gnosis of the Holy Qur`an in the world by undertaking the translation of the Holy Qur`an. He said Shaykh-ul-Islam was such personality who was uniting Umma on a single platform as well as spreading the Quranic teachings in the modern way.

Dr Jamil-ur-Rahman Chishti of the Chishtia Abad, Kamoki, which is a famous seat of spiritualism, said that Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri’s translation of the Holy Qur`an enlightens the readers with the real spirit of the Holy Book. The unique and lucid style of translation distinguishes Irfan-ul-Qur`an from the existing body of translations.

Central Amir of Jamat Ahl Hadith, Pakistan, Allama Zubair Ahmad Zaheer said that Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri did full justice to the demands of translation and rendered the translation beautifully by rising above sectarian affiliations. He congratulated Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri for doing translation of the Holy Qur`an for the entire Muslim Umma and all sects.

Renowned scholar Dr Tahir Hameed Tanoli said that if the translations of the Holy Qur`an done in the subcontinent were the tree, Irfan-ul-Qur`an, the translation of the Holy Quran by Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri was its fruit. This translation had the unique quality of an exegesis in terms of its meaningfulness. Shaykh-ul-Islam’s translation of the Holy Book was a great scholarly feat of the contemporary age from which the Umma would continue to derive benefit for centuries. Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri has made the reverence for the Holy Prophet (saw) the pivot and no where does the translation go away from this.

Khawaja Muin-ud-Din Koraija of Kot Mitthan said that Irfan-ul-Qur`an would continue to be read till the Day of Judgment. Irfan-ul-Qur`an not only removes the doubts and reservations of the modern mind but also offers remedy for the scourge of sectarianism. Our society is engulfed in terrorism. The Islamic message of peace was the dire need of the hour and Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri is known as an ambassador of peace in the entire world. He also declared to hold the inauguration ceremony of Irfan-ul-Qur`an in the annual spiritual celebrations of Kot Mitthan.

Provincial Minister for Religious Affairs of the Punjab, Sa`id-ul-Hasan Gilani, said that there was a need to revive the passion for reading the Holy Qur`an. Irfan-ul-Qur`an is the unique translation, which would surely ignite the fire of getting connected with the Holy Qur`an, and the readers would further be led to develop the understanding of the Holy Qur`an.

Principal of Pakistan Law College, Dr Hamayun Ihsan, said in his talk that undertaking the translation of the Holy Qur`an was the most difficult job of the world. Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri deserved felicitation that he did a great favour to the Umma by doing simple, lucid and modern translation of the Holy Qur`an, which is also compatible with the contemporary demands. Dr Ihsan said that if the translations of the quality books were undertaken, it would go a long way in guiding people through a maze of problems. The Umma could regain its lost glory by reading Irfan-ul-Qur`an, for such is its scholarly depth.

Shaykh-ul-Hadith Muhammad Mi`raj-ul-Islam said that there were a few translation of the Holy Qur`an, which did not contain the element of reverence and respect. Irfan-ul-Qur`an is such a valuable treasure as removes all doubts and enhances respect for the holy personages.

Sayyid Ali Ghazanfar Kararwi said that people undertook translations of the Holy Qur`an in accordance with their personal belief system but the Divine and Prophetic demands were kept in view in Irfan-ul-Qur`an. Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri stands for unity among sects and Umma. His translation, Irfan-ul-Qur`an, would certainly extinguish raging fires of sectarianism.

Provincial Tourism and Culture Minister of the Punjab, Mian Muhammad Aslam Iqbal, said that Irfan-ul-Qur`an would revive the relationship with the Holy Qur`an which was otherwise getting disconnected. He said that the scholarly contributions of Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri were a matter of immense pride for the nation especially Irfan-ul-Qur`an, which had the potential of providing remedy for the spiritual ills. Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri’s efforts were of historical nature so far as conveying of the Qur`anic light to people was concerned.

Shaykh-ul-Hadith of Jamea Nizamia, Lahore Maulana Abdut Tawab Siddique said in his speech that there was dire need of reviving our relationship with the holy Quran. This endeavour of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri really deserves appreciation. His Quranic translation “Irfan-ul-Quran” is a became of light for all Muslims.

Arab scholars, ash-Shaykh Dr al-Farfur, ash-Shaykh Dr Sayyid Mahmud Abu al-Huda al-Husaini and ash-Shaykh As`ad Muhammad Sa`id as-Sagharji also addressed at the ceremony at the occasion. They said that they could not fully benefit from Irfan-ul-Qur`an because of their ignorance of the Urdu language, which they branded as great deprivation.

Concluding the ceremony, Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri said that great scholars undertook translations of the Holy Qur`an but he only made humble effort to translate it in a way as is compatible with the contemporary demands so that doubts and questions facing the youth could satisfactorily be addressed. He prayed to Allah Almighty to grant his efforts.

http://www.irfan-ul-quran.com

-          A collection of authentic Prophetic traditions on the excellence and virtues of the Holy Companions and the Prophet’s family

-          A matchless book on the greatness of the Holy Companions and the Prophet’s family

-          An influential book for love and affection of the Holy Companions and the Prophet’s family

-          Representation of correct beliefs of the noblest and chosen people of the Umma about the holy Companions and the Prophet’s family

-          Effective book for elimination of sectarian tendencies

-          Arabic text along with Urdu translation and references

-          A beautiful collection of authentic Prophetic traditions on the virtues and excellence of saints and friends of Allah along with Urdu translation and references

-          Description of love for the beloveds of Allah Almighty and seeing them in dream

-          Attributes, status and stature of friends of Allah has been highlighted in the book based on 23 chapters

-          The rare blessing of seeing Allah Almighty would be endowed on the His friends and saints on the Day of Judgement

-          Righteous and pious believers get to know about the inner conditions of man with the help of insight and wisdom conferred on them by Allah

The impeccable emblem of adoration and sincerity, our Holy Prophet (A) is the immaculate symbol of benevolence and the embodiment of bliss and kindness for all the worlds and also the Super Magnet of the Spiritual Universe, who received the spiritual charge through both Electric Charge and Contact Methods.

He opted isolation in the solitude of Hira,

And created Ummah, Constitution, and the State.

                                                                               (Iqbal)

The solitude of Hira cave unveiled the Spiritual Sovereign of the universe as a paragon of wisdom and sagacity and the unparalleled precedent of love, kindness and mercy for the whole humanity; it fostered him into the peerless and the perfect leader. Owing to his compassion and kind attention, the East and the West became one Ummah with one state with one Qur’an as its supreme law.

Allah Almighty awarded our beloved Prophet the spiritual bliss for the whole universe through blessing him with His radiant sight on earth as well as in the divine solitude beyond the skies during the ascension night. Mentioning bounties of Allah, he (A) proclaimed, “Allah blessed me one night with His sight corresponding with His dignity and put His powerful hand in between my shoulders. Due to that I felt a chill in my chest. This lifted all veils from my vision and everything in the earth and the skies became discernible.”

This was one episode of the Holy Messenger’s vision of Allah on earth. His Ascension to the Divine Solitude beyond the skies during the Night of Ascension is both unimaginable and indescribable. He ascended as close to Allah as two ends of a bow or even less than that after which the distances of time and space were diminished to nil and the distance between the lover and the beloved was reduced to nothingness. Here we are required to keep our belief in oneness of Allah firm, accurate and pure. Allah is the Creator and the Only, ‘worth all worship’. The Messenger (A) though so close and so dear, is His servant. This difference has to be maintained as part of our faith.

Blessed in this way with all the extents of bliss and bounties the Holy Messenger (A)proclaimed:

The one who saw me, saw Allah  .[1]

The Prophet Mosses (D) implored Allah   for a glimpse of His sight. The request was accorded approval and when the ‘divine glimpse of Allah’ was awarded, Musa(D) could not bear it and fainted. He requested for Allah’s sight number of time even during the Night of Ascension (Shab-e-Mia’raj) but it was put off till the Muslim Ummah was assigned during the Ascension Night fifty prayers a day. Musa(D) on the sixth sky, repeatedly requested the Holy Prophet(A) to get the number of prayers decreased till they were reduced from 50 to 5.

When the Holy Prophet Muhammad (A) frequently returned from Allah   to Musa (D) after having rich views of the beloved Allah  , the Prophet Mosses (D) every time gazed at the Holy face of Muhammad (A). This way he derived divine pleasure from viewing his face radiant with Allah’s divine reflection. This is how divine riches of Allah’s sight were awarded to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (A). As regards Allah’s bounties awarded to our beloved Prophet (A) in terms of tangible physical world, they are beyond comprehension and imagination. The Holy Prophet (A) was awarded all the treasures of the Universe. He became the distributor of these treasures among the believers in the world till the Day of Judgement.

He is assigned to distribute Allah’s bliss. Similarly, Allah’s Friends are tasked to distribute the bounties of the Holy Prophet (A) among his followers. The Holy Quran confirms;

He, the one who was dead (i.e. deprived of faith) to whom We gave life (guided) and a light (of faith and awareness) whereby he can (now) walk among (rest of) men (to spread the same light of guidance).1

The object is that there were people whose hearts were lifeless. We enlivened them with the enlightenment of the Holy Prophet (A). Getting so revitalized and illumined they now distribute the same light among rest of the people. With this assignment to distribute light (noor) one was placed in Baghdad in the form of Ghaus-e-A‘zam, the other was positioned in Lahore as Data Gunj Bakhsh; some was Khawaja Ghareeb Nawaz in Ajmair and the other was Baha-ud-Din Zakaria in Multan to distribute light, guidance (NOOR). One was assigned the same distribution in Sarhand. This ‘noor’ (light) revitalized all dead hearts and now even death cannot conquer them; for them ‘death is mere a change of taste’:

Death is the renewal of lifestyle;

Awakening in the garb of sleep.

(Iqbal)

(ii) Ahmad bin Hambal in Musnad 3:55.

1              Qur’an (al-An‘am) 6:122.

With many distinguished guests present including members of the non muslim community. MP Mr Alex Salmond leader of the Scottish Nationalist party and Assistant Chief Constable for community welfare John Neilston both of whom delivered a short speech with regards to the recent terrorist events taken place in London, and they wished to offer their support to the Muslim community for any problems they may be facing.

The topic of the conference was The Holy Prophets (saw) seerah in the present Era, due to this being the topic which was decided before the terrorist events which took place in London it gave Minhaj ul Quran International an opportunity to give a positive view of Islam and how MQI aims and objectives are againstn the teachings of extremism and instead is an organisation based on love, humbleness and peace.

Assistant Chief Constable for community welfare John Neilston addressed the public focusing mainly to make the Muslim community aware that we should not be afraid of our safety and that if we do suffer any problems due to racial tension that we must report this to the police so that they may help the Muslim community. He also asked the Muslim community works together with other religions, faiths, and with the police to combat terrorism.

MP Alex Salmond also commented that the local communities have actually united together to help each other after these terrorist attacks. He gave his full support to the Muslim community and commented that he loves our community. He comments that many people criticise Islam but he believes that people have the right to their faith and to their identity without question of their nationality and he believes that the terrorist attacks which took place have no link with the true teachings of Islam.

He tells us that in previous interviews he has had with regards to this topic he has always reflected over the patriotism and loyalty of the Muslim Community in Scotland and how Scotland is very fortunate to have the Muslim community. He was of the opinion that the government should be tough on terrorism but also tough on the cause of terrorism.He concluded his speech saying ‘ I believe this movement, this organisation (indicating to Prof. Dr. Tahir ul Qadri) plays a significant role in helping Britain in the current position it is in and believes it is guiding people to the true and moderate path of Islam.

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The gathering began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Sahibzada Hamad Mustapha al-Qadri, and Qari Jameel saab. After this there was a few recitations of Naat- Poems of praise in the honour of Holy Prophet (saw). Dr. Zahid Iqbal, who is the co-ordinator of Al Hidayah did a briefing on Al Hidayah 2006, which is a annual spiritual retreat for British and western Muslim Youth held at a residential site in the UK. In his talk he stressed on the need of us gaining Hidayah [guidance], which is achieved though the Suhba [company] of the auliyah [friends of Allah], who possess connected chains of transmission back to Holy Prophet (saw).

Al-Fadeelat al-Shaykh Muhaddith al-Shaam Muhammad Al-Saeed As-Sagharji was the special guest in this programme from Damascus, Syria. He is currently the head Imam of Jamia al-Umawi in Damascus, which was the headquarters of the Ummayyid Dynasty. Currently Shaykh As-Sagharji is the leading Faqih [Jurist] in Syria, he has authored several books. One of them is on the key evidences from the Qur’an and Sunnah proving the Hanafi Fiqh, which is called al-Fiqh al-Hanafiyyah wa Adillatahu, this book is in three volumes and is taught at the al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt. One of his teachers is al-Shaykh Ibrahim al-Yaqoubi (ra) who was one of the authoritative scholars of the previous century. This is the first time that Shaykh as-Sagharji has visited Britain for the purpose of Dawah.

The Shaykh delivered his lecture in Arabic, which was then translated by Prof. Nisar Ahmed Sulaymani, Imam of Hounslow Mosque. In his lecture, the Shaykh described the events of Isra, the Night Journey, from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa. The Shaykh quoted the first verse of Surah Bani Israeel, ‘Subhan aladhi asra bi abdihi laylah min al-masjid al-haram ila al-masjid al-aqsa aladhi barakna hawlahu linuriyahu min ayatina’. According to Shaykh as-Sagarji there is a difference of opinion amongst the scholars on which night is more superior Laylat al-Mi’raj [Night Journey and Ascension to Heavens] or Laylat al-Qadr [Night of Power]. The answer to this is that Laylat al-Qadr is superior in the sense that this is the most excellent night for the Ummah of Holy Prophey (saw), as they have a chance to have their sins forgiven. Whilst Laylat al-Miraj has its excellence as this night has its connection with Holy Prophet (saw). It was on this night that Holy Prophet (saw) led the other prophets in prayer and had met Allah (swt). The Shaykh ended by making dua for Minhaj-ul-Quran International and congratulated Shaykh-ul-Islam for his efforts.

After this Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, gave an exhilarating two-hour lecture on the reality of Holy Prophet’s (saw) Mi’raj. His eminence Shaykh-ul-Islam started his lecture by quoting the verses of Surah Tin, which he gave a commentary, later on in the lecture. Shaykh-ul-Islam made the comment that the night of Mi’raj was the happiest night for Holy Prophet (saw), as this was the night when Holy Prophet (saw) met Allah.

The Mi’raj of Holy Prophet (saw) took place in three parts, each corresponding to the tri-dimension persona of Holy Prophet (saw). The first part of the journey was from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa as is mentioned in the first verse of Surah Bani Isra’il. This part of the Journey was to be known as the Isra.

This journey was related to the outward physical dimension of Holy Prophet’s (saw) bashariyyah [Humanity]. Holy Prophet (saw) came with a bodily form to this earth so that he may give us i.e. Mankind, fayd [blessings] in the form of hidayah [guidance]. This mi’raj relating to the bashariyyah was concluded when Holy Prophet (saw) led the anbiyah [prophets] in prayer and became their Imam.

The second part of the journey, which is known as the Mi’raj, was from Masjid al-Aqsa to Sidrat al-Muntaha. This journey was in relation to the ruhanniyyah [spirituality] and nuraniyyah [the light] of Holy Prophet (saw). It was here at the point of Sidrat al-Muntahah that Holy Prophet (saw) became Sayyid al-Nur [Master of the Lights]; he became the leader of the whole of Alim al-Khalq [World of Creation] from the bashr [mankind] to the malaikah [angels].

The last and final part of the journey was from Sidrat al-Muntaha to Qaba Qawsain aw Adnah; this part of the journey according to Shaykh Nizamuddin Awliyah is called I’raj. The I’raj is related to the haqiqah [reality] of the Holy Prophet (saw), which is known only to Allah and his Prophet (saw). It was at this point that the mi’raj of Holy Prophet (saw) in relation to the tri-dimensions was completed. Here at qaba qawsain that Holy Prophet (saw) met Allah and had seen him with not only with his eyes but also with his heart.

In the remaining parts of the lecture Shaykh-ul-Islam went through many subtle points relating to the night journey. For example, a tafsir of the verses of Surah Tin was given. This tafsir [commentary] was unique, as Shaykh-ul-Islam was the first muffasir [Commentator of the Holy Qur'an] to relate these verses to Mi’raj.

In these verses Allah takes oaths by the tin [fig], zaytun [olive], tursinin [Mount Sinai] and the Balad al-ameen [The sanctified land]. The fig here relates to Sham [Syria], whilst the olive relates to the land of Falastene [Palestine], the Mount Sinai is the mountain in which Musa (as) talked directly to Allah, and the sanctified land is Makkah, from where the night journey started from. All these things that Allah has taken oaths from are all related to the Isra.

The journey started from Makkah, and on the way Holy Prophet (saw) stopped at Syria, which is where Ibrahim (as) was buried; he (saw) then went to Bayt al-Lahm [Bethlehem], which was where Isa (as) is buried, in Palestine. And then Holy Prophet (saw) visited Mount Sinai, where Musa (as) talked to Allah and had received Shariah. All of these stops are significant as they signify that Holy Prophet (saw) is the master of the whole of mankind, and that the Shariah of Ibrahim (as), Musa (as), and Isa (as) is contained in the Shariah of Holy Prophet (saw), so if anyone wants to follow the Shariah of any one of these prophets then they must accept the Shariah of Holy Prophet (saw), who is the leader of all the prophets and messengers.

All praise is to Allah; this gathering was a great success in which over a thousand people participated. May Allah give us more opportunities to take part in such gatherings the future. Ameen

Reported by:
Waqas Amin (Student of Farghana Institute Manchester and member of Minhaj Youth League)

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He drew the attention of the people towards that beautiful phenomenon, when he indicated every eye was fixed to the sky and enjoying the beautiful and worth looking scene. They satiated the thirst of their eyes with that miracle. This miracle doubled the faith and love of the people attending the conference.

The scene was captured with the help of camera and the people round the globe viewed it at TV. He ended his speech at 5 early in the morning.

Shaykh-ul-Islam’s talk came to an end at the blessed time, the time of the birth of the pride of all creation. At that moment the sky was decorated with fireworks and balloons, and the hearts of millions of people were decorated with the love of the Holy Prophet (SAW) as Minhaj Naat Council recited Durood and salaam. Shaykh-ul-Islam urged the people not to miss the Morning Prayer. Shaykh-ul-Islam and other guests prayed for perfect faith and prayed to Almighty Allah to bless the participants of the celebration of Mawlid-un-Nabi. As Shaykh-ul-Islam left the stage, hundreds of people rushed towards the Badshahi Mosque to perform their morning prayer and fulfil the promise they had made to Shaykh-ul-Islam.

After his speech, Minhaj Naat Council, Muhammad Afzal Noshahi and many other Nashid Artists recited Durood-o-Salam in their melodious and rich voice. All the people attending the Conference joined them and reciting altogether. The whole Lahore was echoing with the lyrics.

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Shaykh-ul-Islam said that as the holy Prophet (SAW) is the lord (syed) of the universe. In the same manner Hazrat Fatima (RA), Hazrat Imam Hassan and Hussain (RA) are that is why Hazrat Fatima (RA) is entitled as Syeda Kainat. He said, all the three sons of the Holy Prophet (SAW) passed away in their childhood because Aqa (SAW) is the seal of Prophet. Allah Almighty chose Syeda Fatima (RA) to carry the chain of the off spring of the Holy Prophpet (SAW). Now till the day of resurrection, every syed would be from the chain of Hazrat Hassan or Hussain (RA). He said that Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) took stand against the exploitation of Yazid and proved that Fatima’s son can not compromise with tyranny of an unjust ruler. He said that each dictator holds the traits of Qaroon, Firoun, Namrood and Yazid and think the straight forward people as their enemy. He said that a person who does not feel excited at the mention of the family of the holy Prophet is hypocrite.

He inspires all the women to adapt their life in accordance with the life of Hazrat Fatima and train their children as she did. He said our lives are hollow and empty because we do not follow our great hero and heroines. He said now days the people have changed their ideals and it is obligatory to every woman to make their children familiar with the life style of our great and exalted men in history who promote Islamic values round the globe. He said the present era is very tempting and fanciful. The major power and force that can save the youth and children from this storm of obscenity and vulgarity are women because they can influence their children the most.

He said it was dire need of the hour that we revived the association with the holy Prophet (saw) and whatever age and world we may live in, our souls should belong to the age of 1400 years ago. We should be able to relive those times marked by peculiar set of values and traditions, which were established during the Prophetic period and the periods of Huzrat Abu Baker (RA), Huzrat Umer Farooq (RA), Huzrat Usman (RA) and Huzrat Ali (RA). He said there is no harm in enjoying oneself of the modern facilities like new cars, new technology, new house and modern knowledge provided every thing is acquired through rightful means. But one should never adopt new belief and faith. Rather one should strengthen ones relationship with the old faith, for the older the faith is, the brighter its light would be. Every new belief is a mischief and paves the way for more darkness and degradation. It alienates us further from the Holy Prophet (saw).

He said one should accept or reject new thought, technology, ideas and material goods from the standpoint of rationality but one should never use ones intellect to define ones relationship with the Holy Prophet (saw) because this solely is the domain of heart and insight. The lovers never measure the talk of their beloved on the touchstone of rationality. Where there is dominance of intellect, criticism creeps in there and with the onslaught of criticism, faith is gone. The first lesson Allah Almighty imparted is to believe without seeing. Now it is characteristic of the heart not of intellect. One should never use ones intellect in matters related to the Holy Prophet (saw). It is the love or Ishq as described in mystic parlance, which should be the basis of all human actions with regard to the Holy Prophet (saw). One should extend ones heartfelt respect to anything and everything related with the person of the Holy Prophet (saw) for it is part of faith.

He said love for the people of the Household is part of the faith because the Holy Prophet (saw) held up Hassan (RA) and Hussain (RA) on his shoulders and made them play. The Holy Prophet (saw) said whosoever would love them would love me. The importance or otherwise of everything is measured on the touchstone of its relation with the Holy Prophet (saw). We love the holy places because they were the Prophetic places. Allah is the Master of all cities, then why did the Holy Prophet (saw) said that when I would rise up on the Day of Judgment, people belonging to Madina would be rise up with me followed by people of Makkah and the other people at large?

The Holy Prophet (saw) prayed to Allah Almighty to increase love for Madina more than that of Makkah. This tradition has been reported in Sahih Muslim and Bokhari. He (saw) said our love for the city of Madina is similar to that of Makkah but then added hurriedly it should be more intense than love for Makkah. Why more love for the city of Madina? The answer is simple: it is the place where the Holy Prophet (saw) lived. No doubt Makkah is the House of Allah but the pivot of Allah’s love lies in Madina. I am not saying this. It is established from the tradition of Sahih Muslim and Sahih Bokhari.

They said the Holy Prophet (saw) prayed to Allah Almighty to increase the blessings of Madina and increase it so much that it becomes double than that of Makkah. What is reason behind this difference? They said Hajj is performed in Makkah but why more blessings associated with Madina? Except this there is no other reason that Madina is the home of the Holy Prophet (saw). It is where he lived and now lies buried. That is why the Holy Prophet (saw) said the whole faith of the entire world would be concentrated in Madina like a snake that gets back to its hole for shelter. A time would come in the world when the falsehood and infidelity would prevail and faith or Islam would be limited to Madina.

He said love for Makkah would acquire its meaning with reference to how much love one has for Madina. It was for the people of Madina that the Holy Prophet (saw) said whosoever intended to inflict harm and ill on the city of Madina, he would be melted in the fire of hell in such a way as salt gets dissolved in the water. This is what he said for people of Madina. The Holy Prophet (saw) was teaching his followers that the direction of actions and intentions should be in the direction of the footprints of the Prophet of Islam (saw). If one is able to acquire this much perfection of love, then this love would be instrumental in achieving other associations and attachments of love. Let us revive this relationship and then pass these traditions onto our succeeding generations. There is a need to pass on this legacy. We tend to ignore their childhood and try to impart them these lesson when they come of age and are not able to learn new things. Then we grieve but it is no use crying over spilt milk then. If we transfer our traditions and value system to our future generations, only then will we be able to present ourselves in the company of the Holy Prophet (saw) on the Day of Reckoning.

He prayed to Allah Almighty to endow His blessings on that congregation and bless all those who took part in the Conference in any manner. Durood-o-Salam was offered at the time of dawn of 12 Rabi-ul-Awal followed by fire work as a mark of celebrations. Minhaj-ul-Quran Women League expressed their happiness by freeing pigeons in the air. The Conference ended on the prayers led by Allama Hassan Mir Qadri.

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