Change Yourself Instead of Changing Others: – Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri

Media is being used to corrupt the morals and character of the youth
Shaykh-ul-Islam to deliver a special address at the global spiritual gathering on the 27th night

Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, founder and patron-in-chief of Minhaj-ul-Quran International, addressed the fourth scholarly, spiritual, and training session in the City of I’tikaf. He emphasized that instead of trying to change others, one should focus on changing oneself. He warned that the media is being used as a tool to corrupt the morals and character of the youth. He urged scholars and preachers to focus on uniting the Muslim community rather than engaging in sectarian disputes.

Shaykh-ul-Islam will also deliver a special address at the global spiritual gathering on the 27th night.

Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri stated that we are living in an era of great trials and tribulations. Turn on the television, and you see a flood of immorality and corruption. Pick up a cellphone, and there is an overwhelming wave of indecency and obscenity. In schools and colleges, alongside education, one hears stories of moral decline among peers. Social values are deteriorating, the distinction between halal and haram has faded, and the pursuit of greed, unlawful earnings, and unethical practices has become rampant. Envy, malice, and false accusations have become common, creating a toxic environment. It seems as if the shadow of hell has cast itself over our society, and we are burning within it.

"In such circumstances, it is essential to create an oasis of virtue within this inferno, a place where the morality of the younger generation is refined, the forces denying the existence of Allah are countered, and broken ties with the Divine are restored through devotion to the Holy Prophet ﷺ," he stated.

Shaykh-ul-Islam further stated that in an era of evil, preaching goodness, igniting the light of monotheism in the darkness of disbelief, and fostering love for Allah in the face of rebellious desires is the greatest form of jihad. Those who embark on this mission of righteousness deserve congratulations, for they hold the torch of light in the face of overwhelming darkness. Allah has not forbidden love for one’s children, parents, spouse, home, or wealth, but He has set a limit for all these affections. Above all, love for Allah must reign supreme. When worldly attachments overpower divine love, the system of life collapses, disobedience to Allah invites His wrath, and nothing remains safe. People become more wretched than slaves.

Dr. Qadri emphasized that while we may not be able to change the entire society, we can certainly strive to change ourselves. Within every individual lies a whole world, and transforming it is entirely within one's control. True revolution begins when a person changes their desires, heart, and soul. Before attempting to bring change in the external world, one must first transform oneself. The foundation of this revolution is divine love, which leads a person from self-awareness to the ultimate realization of Allah.