Calamities are a test of our faith and conviction: Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri

MQI founding-leader Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri has said that calamities are the test of our faith and conviction. He said that the washing away of houses and the sources of income generation is a huge challenge and a matter of immense pain. He said that in such dire circumstances, the model of brotherhood of Medina should be kept in view and the suffering humanity helped with generous heart, adding that this act has great acceptance near Allah and His Prophet (pbuh).

Shaykh-ul-Islam said that Namaz and Zakat have been mentioned together in the Holy Quran. He said that Zakat is about helping the destitute, needy and the poor and it is for this reason that it has been included among the religious obligations.

Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri made these remarks while talking to the senior MQI leaders yesterday. He asked the youth, doctors and volunteers associated with MQI to spend some of their time for the service of the flood victims. He said that all such workers can render service in the nearby flood affected areas. He said that Minhaj Welfare Foundation enjoys international credibility for its relief work and has taken active part in the relief and rehabilitation efforts of the suffering humanity during catastrophes. He asked the well-to-do sections of society to join the relief efforts being undertaken by MWF in the flood affected areas.

Shaykh-ul-Islam said that the scale of the challenge is immense and it is beyond the capacity of any single government or an institution to respond to the calamity. He said that it is the responsibility of every citizen to come forward and contribute his share in the relief activities. He regretted the fact that ever since the flood calamity has struck the country, some greedy elements have raised the prices of the essential food and non-food items. He warned such elements to not profit from the misery of the people. He said that the Islamic teachings are clear with respect to the people who exploit human misery, adding that they are the ones who are creating hellish conditions for themselves and their families on the Day of Judgment. He asked all segments of society, particularly the traders, businessmen and affluent people, to come forward and take part in the noble work of helping the flood victims.