Shaykh Hammad's Inspiring Address at Mawlid Festival in Oslo, Norway

Shaykh Hammad Mustafa al-Madani al-Qadri delivered a profound address at the Mawlid Festival, an event hosted by the Minhaj Youth League Norway (MYL) in partnership with Minhaj-ul-Quran Norway (MQI). This event was part of the ongoing Grand Mawlid Tour and took place on September 16th, 2023, at Thon Hotell Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway.
In his opening remarks, Shaykh Hammad Mustafa extended heartfelt congratulations to MQI Norway, MYL Norway, and their entire leadership for orchestrating this splendid and graceful event. He offered sincere prayers for the success of their endeavours, hoping that this celebration would serve as a means of salvation and achievement on the Day of Judgment in the presence of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Shaykh Hammad’s discourse centred on the theme of "The Beauty of the Beloved ﷺ: The Greatest Influencer of All Time." He initiated his talk by elucidating the criteria for assessing influence. Influence, he expounded, is a product of diverse factors such as innate abilities, capacity, reach, intelligence, and the foresight to comprehend emerging trends. It is also shaped by the ability to shape one’s surroundings, community, and society, challenging established norms and altering people’s perspectives. Shaykh Hammad underscored that the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ embodied all of these qualities.

He proceeded to paint a vivid picture of the state of Meccan society 1,400 years ago—a society marred by discord, strife, internal schisms, rivalries, and tribal disputes. In such a tumultuous milieu, individual development was stymied. However, the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emerged as a beacon of hope, justice, and compassion in this society. He rose in a society rife with conflict, racial and social prejudices, and social injustices.

Shaykh Hammad delved into the initial 13 years of the Muslim community in Mecca and how the Holy Prophet ﷺ responded to the persecution and violence initiated by the non-Muslim polytheists of Mecca. Despite facing intense hostility and violence, he enjoined his followers not to respond with violence or animosity. Instead, he advocated for peace, mercy, and non-retaliation as the path forward. When Muslims were compelled to migrate to Medina, he opted for the most peaceful resolution instead of confrontation.

He then chronicled the peaceful recapture of Mecca by the Holy Prophet ﷺ with a formidable Muslim army. Rather than seeking vengeance or violence, the Holy Prophet ﷺ extended forgiveness to the people of Mecca, announcing a general amnesty and ensuring their safety.

Shaykh Hammad accentuated that the Holy Prophet ﷺ was a visionary leader who, 1,400 years ago, established a multicultural, multiethnic society in Medina founded on principles of social justice, environmental preservation, and the safeguarding of human rights.

He also highlighted the Constitution of Medina, the world’s first constitution based on civil liberties, freedoms, human rights, multiculturalism, and the protection of minority rights. He emphasised that the Holy Prophet ﷺ proclaimed the equality of all citizens, irrespective of their faith or background.

Shaykh Hammad explored various facets of the Holy Prophet’s teachings, including the primacy of truth, the value of a compassionate heart over material wealth, and the importance of safeguarding the rights of the less fortunate. He stressed the imperative for Muslims to reflect upon and embody these values and ideals in the contemporary world.

In conclusion, Shaykh Hammad exhorted the audience to become torchbearers of peace, mercy, and compassion, urging them to embody the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in their lives. He underscored the necessity of promoting unity, bearing the message of peace and compassion, and safeguarding the rights of all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds.

In summary, Shaykh Hammad’s insightful and comprehensive speech underscored the enduring influence and visionary leadership of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in shaping a just, compassionate, and inclusive society. He called upon Muslims to uphold these values in the modern world.