Shaykh Hammad Mustafa al-Madani al-Qadri delivered an impactful keynote address at The Mercy Conference held in Birmingham, UK

Shaykh Hammad Mustafa al-Madani al-Qadri delivered an impactful keynote address at The Mercy Conference held in Birmingham, UK.

The Mercy Conference in Birmingham, UK, brought together a large gathering of people from across the country to celebrate the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and reflect on the qualities of generosity, selflessness, and compassion. The keynote speaker, Shaykh Hammad Mustafa al-Madani al-Qadri, captivated attendees with his inspiring address, titled “Generosity and Selflessness in the Light of Prophetic Sirah, Teachings and the Battle of Hunayn.” His words were a powerful reminder of the values embedded in the Prophetic tradition, showing how these principles can transform lives even today.

Shaykh Hammad Qadri began his address with a profound statement: “True generosity is not giving when you have abundance; it is giving when you are in need.” He emphasised that the true test of generosity comes during difficult times when one is financially strained yet still extends a hand to help another. Reflecting on the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Shaykh Hammad Qadri highlighted how the Prophet embodied this spirit, never refusing a request for help and often giving even when he had little himself. The Prophet’s life was full of examples where he prioritised the needs of others, sometimes even borrowing on their behalf to ensure they did not leave empty-handed.

Throughout his speech, Shaykh Hammad Qadri encouraged the audience to rekindle their love for the Prophet ﷺ by embracing his qualities of generosity, selflessness, and charity. He drew a vivid comparison between the sacrifices of the Ansar of Madinah for the Muhajireen and the duty to support those in need today, including refugees and asylum seekers. The Ansar, he explained, shared half of their wealth with the Muhajireen not out of obligation but from a deep love and commitment to the Prophet ﷺ. This spirit of giving without hesitation, even at personal cost, reflects a true understanding of selflessness that Shaykh Hammad Qadri urged the audience to emulate.

Shaykh Hammad Qadri further illustrated this with a reflection on the events following the Battle of Hunayn. After victory, the Prophet ﷺ distributed significant wealth to the newly converted Muslims from Quraysh to foster goodwill and bring them closer to Islam. This act was met with grace and understanding by the loyal companions, who cared more about the Prophet’s presence than material wealth. Shaykh Hammad Qadri recounted the Prophet’s ﷺ heartfelt address to the Ansar, where he reminded them that true wealth lies not in livestock or possessions but in returning to Madinah with the Prophet ﷺ himself.

He continued by reflecting on the character of the Prophet ﷺ, known for his unmatched generosity and kindness. Shaykh Hammad Qadri shared the account of Hazrat Ali, who described the Prophet ﷺ as the most generous and soft-hearted of people. The Prophet ﷺ never pointed out faults, never engaged in disputes, and responded with leniency and compassion, even to those who tested his patience. Shaykh Hammad Qadri noted that generosity goes beyond monetary giving; it encompasses patience, forgiveness, and a spirit of kindness that endears people to one another. In every interaction, the Prophet ﷺ was an example of tolerance and understanding, a model Shaykh Hammad Qadri encouraged everyone to reflect in their own lives.

The keynote address closed with a call to action for all attendees to embody the virtues of generosity, selflessness, and charity in their everyday interactions. Shaykh Hammad Qadri reminded everyone that charity is not always about financial support; it can also be a willingness to be present for others, to offer a comforting word, or to support the community. In today’s world, where time is often our most valuable resource, giving that time to others is also a form of generosity. By following these values, he explained, we not only strengthen our communities but also reflect the love and teachings of the Prophet ﷺ in our own lives.

The event itself was a success, with warm congratulations extended by Shaykh Hammad Qadri to Minhaj-ul-Quran International UK, Minhaj Welfare Foundation, Minhaj Women League UK, Minhaj Muslim Generations, Minhaj Sisters, and other participating organisations for their efforts in organising the conference. Esteemed guests including Mrs Safa Hammad Qadri, Khadijah Atkinson, Ansa Hussain, Syed Ali Abbas Bukhari (President MQI UK), Moazzam Raza, Abu Adam Ahmad al-Shirazi, Dr Zahid Iqbal, Allama Afzal Saeedi, Seerat Ali Khan, Ghulam Murtaza, Muhbeen Hussain, and key members of MQI UK added to the significance of the gathering.