New York: Shaykh Hammad Mustafa al-Madani al-Qadri Delivers Lecture on “The Meccan Turbulence and the Abyssinian Migration”

Shaykh Hammad Mustafa Qadri explained that whilst the Holy Qur’an provides the divine principles and guidance of Islam, the blessed life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ serves as their practical manifestation. The Sīrah is not just a historical biography, but a living embodiment of the Qur’an, demonstrating how divine guidance is translated into character, conduct and social reform.

Focusing on the early years of Islam in Makkah, Shaykh Hammad Mustafa Qadri reflected on the hardships faced by the first Muslims, who endured persecution, oppression and social isolation for their faith. He described the migration to Abyssinia as the first hijrah in Islamic history, undertaken under the guidance of the Holy Prophet ﷺ to seek refuge under the protection of the just Christian ruler, Najāshī.

Shaykh Hammad Mustafa Qadri drew attention to the remarkable address delivered by Sayyiduna Ja‘far ibn Abi Talib رضي الله عنه in the court of Najāshī, where he eloquently described the transformation brought about by the teachings of Islam. He explained how the Holy Prophet ﷺ elevated society from ignorance, injustice and moral decline to a civilisation founded upon faith, compassion, justice and human dignity.

Drawing lessons for the modern world, Shaykh Hammad Mustafa Qadri noted that whilst the forms of challenge may differ, many characteristics of ignorance still persist today through moral decline, weakened family relationships, social injustice and spiritual neglect. He encouraged attendees to look towards the Sīrah as a practical framework for addressing contemporary challenges and reforming both individual character and society at large.

Concluding the lecture, Shaykh Hammad Mustafa Qadri emphasised that the success of the early Muslim community was not achieved through worldly power, but through steadfast faith, noble character and adherence to the Prophetic example. We should embody these values in their own lives, transforming modern challenges into opportunities for spiritual growth, service and positive change through the light of the Sīrah of the Holy Prophet ﷺ.