Ambassador of Peace conference in recognition of global efforts of Shaykh-ul-Islam

Reported by: M S Pakistani
Translated by: Amanat Ali Chaudhary

In continuation of ongoing celebrations marking the 57th birthday of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, 'Ambassador of Peace' conference was organized on February 23, 2008. Held in the Ewan-e-Iqbal (Lahore), the meeting was recognition of global efforts of Shaykh-ul-Islam for the promotion of peace and interfaith harmony. Central Amir Minhaj-ul-Quran International Sahibzada Miskin Faiz-ur-Rehman Durrani presided over the event, while Secretary Religious Affairs & Aukaaf Sayed Raees Abbas Zaidi was the guest of honour at the occasion. The son of Shaykh-ul-Islam, Sahibzada Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri attended the seminar on special invitation.

Pir Sayed Muhammad Ashraf Kashani from Srinager (Indian Held Kashmir), Sikh leader from India and member of Pakistan Sikh Gaurdawara Committee Sardar Sayyam Singh, Hindu leader Dr Sarryiat Kumar Bannerji, former captain of Pakistan Hockey Team Khawaja Muhammad Junaid, actor Firdous Jamal, Prof Dr Ghulam Sarwar, Dr Khalid Mufti, President Qaumi Tajir Ittehad Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, President Anjuman Tajran Hall Road Baber Mahmood, architect Dr Khalid Abdur Rehman, Dr Khalid Abdul Kareem, renowned journalist Robina Jilani, newly elected MPA of PML-N Maiza Hameed, Dr Shabih-ul-Hassan, M.S. of Meo Hospital Dr Fayyaz Ranjha, Dr Saleem Akhtar, Dr Khalid Mufti, Dr Arshad Hamyun, Rabia Jillani, Prof Sajjad Bukhari, Prof Dr Amjad Dulari, Dr Wasif Nagi, Prof Sajjad Jafari, Dr Owais Farooqi, Director of Fountain House Prof Dr Haroon Rashid Chaudhry, Christian Leader Dr Kanwal Feroz, Nawaz Seer Advocate, President Qaumi Tajir Ittehad Township Malik Nisar, Milk Irfan Khokhar and Nawaz Basir Advocate were also present among the other guests.

In addition to central leadership of Minhaj-ul-Quran International including Brig (R) Iqbal Ahmad Khan, G.M. Malik, Anwar Akhtar Advocate, Dr Tahir Hameed Tanoli, Ahmad Nawaz Anjum, Allama Shahid Lateef, Yasir Khan, Mudussar Awan, Abdul Qudoos Durrani and the heads of other directorates, people belonging to diverse fields of life were also present in the seminar in a large number.

The proceedings of the seminar got underway with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Qari Riasat Ali followed by Naat, which was recited by Muhammad Afzal Noshahi and Shakeel Ahmad Tahir. Director Foreign Affairs G.M. Malik presented the welcome address.

The member of Pakistan Sikh Gaurdawara Committee Sardar Sham Singh said the West should change its standards for the establishment of peace by eliminating its policies which are leading us to much-dreaded clash of civilizations. He said that fragrance of love-filled speeches of Shaykh-ul-Islam has reached India and people there are eagerly waiting for him. We need to make sincere efforts for the spread of his mission. He said the efforts made by Shaykh-ul-Islam for the establishment of international peace are laudable.

Hindu leader Dr Sarryiat Kumar Bannerji said the heart of Ambassador of Peace Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri is radiating with the love of Allah Almighty and the Holy Prophet (saw) has showered special blessings upon him. We will have to acknowledge the thought of this man and if the champions of international peace ensured the establishment of peace, there is no reason why Pakistan cannot become a peaceful country.

Addressing the seminar renowned Christian leader Dr Kanwal Feroz said that Shaykh-ul-Islam speaks the language of love and peace. That is why people belonging to all religions love him very much. This is the clear and glaring example of his commitment for promotion of international peace. He said that Shaykh-ul-Islam established Muslim-Christian Dialogue Forum for achieving harmony among both communities, which has helped in bringing about peace and we would carry on his mission.

Famous actor Firdous Jamal said people like Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri are born after centuries and humanity remains incomplete without them. It is the result of his services rendered for peace and spread of love that Minhaj-ul-Quran International has become an undeniable reality in five continents of the world today. This journey has not ended yet and we have the responsibility to spread the fragrance of peace around the globe.

Former captain of Pakistan Hockey Team and Pride of Performance Khawaja Muhammad Junaid said in his talk that reading of the Quranic translation of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri brightened my heart. His multi-dimensional efforts for international peace and harmony are glaring epoch in the history. We need to popularize the thought and message of Shaykh-ul-Islam. Wherever I go in the world, I make effort to spread the mission of Minhaj-ul-Quran. He said we love Shaykh-ul-Islam because he has taught us the message of love of the Holy Prophet (saw). He also got a life-time certificate of membership of MQI from Sahibzada Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri.

Renowned journalist Rabia Jillani said the Muslim Umma was like a shepherd-less herd of sheep. She said the efforts of Shaykh-ul-Islam for global peace deserve our appreciation and we should spread them around the globe.

Distinguished intellectual and Chairman of International Literary Society (Pakistan) Dr Shabih-ul-Hassan said in his talk that Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri has undertaken the task of spreading the Islamic message of love and peace, which could not be done in the past. He has given those pearls of wisdom and knowledge to humanity from which latter would continue to get awareness. We are proud of his leadership. He called Shaykh-ul-Islam 'Edison' of his time due to his services for the revival of faith.

Pir Sayed Aashiq Ashraf Kashani said that the Muslims of the Srinager are eagerly waiting to have a glimpse of Ambassador of Peace. He has attracted the hearts of people by spreading the real teachings of Islam. He said he came with the burning wish to meet him but he is abroad. We will have to love him and his mission. This is the demand of peace and time.

Addressing the audience, Prof Dr Ghulam Sarwar said our present set of leaders should learn constructive and positive things from Shaykh-ul-Islam. His model of tolerance, peace and co-existence which he presented in the national politics should be followed by others.

Dr Arshad Humayun said the resignation of Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri has become eternal in the Pakistani politics. There is no contradiction between his sayings and actions. Those breathing under the shadow the Reconciliation Ordinance should learn a lesson from the above-mentioned example. Such leaders like Shaykh-ul-Islam are saviours of the nation.

M.S. of Mayo Hospital Dr Fayyaz Ranjha said the humanity has to wait for centuries for peace-loving personality like that of Shaykh-ul-Islam. We will have to present his international efforts before the world today.

Prof Dr Owais Farooqi said the greatness of Shaykh-ul-Islam can easily be gauged by looking at his followers who are filled with peace and clear conception of destination.

The Chief Guest Raees Abbas Zaidi said every friend of Allah has given the message of peace and love and Shaykh-ul-Islam is spreading the same message in his capacity as the Ambassador of Peace. His services are the assets of our country and nation. We have our complete faith and trust in Shaykh-ul-Islam for the progress of Umma. He has promoted the international peace through religion, which will be remembered for times to come.

Allama Ali Ghuzanfer Kararvi said Shaykh-ul-Islam is the leader of caravan of love and peace. We are with him and our association would always continue. Had Shaykh-ul-Islam not made efforts for establishment of peace in the country, the inter-faith harmony would not have been promoted.

Naib Nazim-e-Ala Sheikh Zahid Fayyaz said Minhaj-ul-Quran International is a peaceful organization in the world and Shaykh-ul-Islam is that leader whom the world knows as the Ambassador of Peace. Therefore heavy responsibility lies upon our shoulders to ensure peace in order to introduce the services of our leader in an effective manner. He said Shaykh-ul-Islam's efforts are being acknowledged not only inside but also outside the country. By promoting inter-faith harmony among various religions, Shaykh-ul-Islam has played the role of an Ambassador of Peace. His services are historical and no one can deny them.

In his talk Nazim-e-Ala Dr Raheeq Ahmad Abbasi said Minhaj-ul-Quran International is that training place wherefrom the fragrance of peace and love is spread around. The whole humanity is yearning for peace today and the governments should, therefore, formulate such policies, which eliminate terrorism and hatred and spread mutual coexistence and respect. Rather than adopting any negative channel for expression of protest in view of the deteriorating law and order situation in the country, we have held this seminar on peace because we want to tell the world that Minhaj-ul-Quran is a peaceful organization and our leader Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri is an Ambassador of International Peace. Due to personal efforts of Shaykh-ul-Islam, the message of MQI has reached in every nook and corner of the world but this caravan of peace should continue to move on as destination is still far away.

Addressing the seminar Sahibzada Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri said that Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri is a paragon of lofty character blended with action. He is teaching the humanity about the universal Islamic message of peace and security because those tasked with revival of faith talk of love and peace in every age. In the present age, Shaykh-ul-Islam is removing the confusions and clarifying misunderstandings about Islam in a very wise manner. He said that Ambassador of Peace revived the Prophetic tradition by opening up the doors of Minhaj-ul-Quran mosque for the Christian community and thus delivered a practical message for eradication of hatreds. Shaykh-ul-Islam told the Umma that conspiracies against Islam would have to be fought collectively by acting in unison. The person of Shaykh-ul-Islam radiates love and peace.

Newly elected MPA of PML-N Ms Maiza Hameed, Malik Irfan Khokar, Nawaz Basir Advocate and others also addressed the audience. The programme ended on prayer, which was led by Sahibzada Miskin Faiz-ur-Rahman Durrani.

Earlier on, Minhaj-ul-Quran Women League organized a pictorial exhibition based on the life of Shaykh-ul-Islam in the galleries Aiwan-e-Iqbal. This exhibition was called 'Shaykh-ul-Islam in the mirror of months and years'. The respected guests saw the exhibition with deep interest. The pictures included those of Shaykh-ul-Islam's childhood, student days and other rare events. His pictures with international leaders, diplomats, political leaders were center of attention. Minhaj-ul-Quran Women League presented this pictorial exhibition in beautiful flex signs. The participants also took keen interest in the pictures of different departments of Minhaj-ul-Quran International. The stall of books and recorded speeches of Shaykh-ul-Islam also attracted the audience.