Oldham: A Grand Celebration of Shaykh ul Islam Day under the Auspices of Minhaj-ul-Quran UK

Minhaj-ul-Quran International UK commenced its 74th Quaid Day celebrations with great fervour, hosting a grand gathering in Oldham. The esteemed Dr Hassan Mohiuddin Qadri (Chairman of the Supreme Council, MQI), graced the occasion alongside Shaykh Hammad Mustafa Al Madani Al Qadri, adding spiritual depth to the momentous event.

This auspicious gathering was attended by members and representatives of all MQI UK forums, who filled the venue to its capacity, embracing the spirit of unity and devotion in a family-like setting.

The evening unfolded with heartfelt messages from Syed Ali Abbas Bukhari, Baji Nasreen Akhtar, and Faisal Hussain, each reflecting on the significance of Quaid Day and its profound impact. Their words set the stage for the highly anticipated keynote address delivered by Dr Hassan Mohiuddin Qadri.

Dr Hassan Mohiuddin Qadri captivated the audience with an enlightening discourse on the teachings of Ghaus-ul-Azam (RA), specifically his wisdom regarding the categorisation of individuals based on their spiritual and moral standing. He expounded upon the four types of people as defined by the revered saint, offering insights into the importance of self-reflection, righteous companionship, and moral discernment:

The Deceptive and Worthless Individual – A person whose heart is spiritually dead and whose tongue is either locked in silence or laced with deception. Such individuals neither benefit themselves nor others and should be avoided, as they are bereft of righteousness and accountability.

The Hypocrite (Munafiq) – One who possesses an eloquent tongue capable of influencing others, yet whose heart remains devoid of sincerity. Their piety is but a façade, masking their true nature, which is akin to a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

The Self-Developing and Righteous Individual – A person devoted to self-improvement, focusing on their own shortcomings rather than finding faults in others. Their presence is a source of divine blessing, as Allah bestows His gaze of mercy upon them seventy times a day. Loving and honouring such individuals paves the path to Allah’s love.

The Shaykh (The True Guide) – The pinnacle of spiritual attainment, this individual embodies wisdom, righteousness, and divine knowledge. His words and actions are in complete harmony with the Prophetic teachings, and unwavering acceptance of his guidance is essential.

Dr Hassan Mohiuddin Qadri eloquently reaffirmed that our revered Shaykh, His Eminence Huzoor Shaykh-ul-Islam, belongs to this fourth category. Indeed, we are profoundly blessed to be living in his era, and it is incumbent upon us to express gratitude to the Almighty for this immense privilege. We must strive to benefit from his guidance and dedicate ourselves to the noble mission of Minhaj-ul-Quran International.

The evening was further enriched with soul-stirring Quranic recitations by Qari Tayyeb Qadri, melodious Na‘at recitals by Anwal-ul-Qadriya (MMG Manchester), and an enthralling Qawwali performance by Minhaj Naat Group (MNG) from France.

Distinguished guests from France, Denmark, and Norway graced the gathering, joining the capacity audience in commemorating this momentous occasion with profound joy and reverence.

Minhaj-ul-Quran UK once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to fostering spiritual enlightenment, unity, and devotion under the blessed leadership of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri. The evening was not merely a celebration but a reaffirmation of a shared mission - one of love, service, and the pursuit of divine wisdom.