Prof Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri Address at the Spiritual Retreat City (Shehr-e-I’tikaf)

President of Minhaj-ul-Quran International, Professor Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, delivered the fourth lecture of the ongoing series on the fifth day of Shehr-e-I’tikaf 2025. The topic was “Etiquettes of Life in the Light of the Qur’an, Sunnah, and Teachings of the Pious Predecessors.”

In his address, he emphasized that Islamic teachings give great importance to moral values, which play a fundamental role in strengthening social relationships. The Holy Qur’an highlights humility and modesty as prominent qualities of the beloved servants of the Most Merciful—traits that serve as core principles for a refined social life.

Quoting the great scholar Sheikh Akbar Muhyiddin Ibn Arabi, he said that the essence of “Salam” (peace) is to pray for the safety and well-being of others. “Salam” is one of the Divine Names of Allah and also a name of Paradise. According to Allama Ibn Qayyim, offering Salam is, in fact, equivalent to praying for goodness and safety for someone.

Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din further said that the practical embodiment of these moral values can be found in the life of Imam Hussain (RA). On one occasion, when a Bedouin used disrespectful words about Imam Ali (RA) and Imam Hassan (RA) in the presence of Imam Hussain (RA), he responded with remarkable patience and tolerance. Imam Hussain (RA) calmly said to the man, “If you are in distress, we are ready to help. If you are in financial trouble, we are here to support you.” The Bedouin, deeply moved by the noble character of the Imam, felt ashamed. When someone later asked Imam Hussain (RA) about his response, he said, “That man acted according to the upbringing he received from his parents, and I acted based on the upbringing I received from mine.”

This incident is a shining example of Islamic ethics and serves as a guiding light for improving interpersonal relationships in society. Islamic teachings promote virtues like patience, tolerance, and forgiveness, which are essential for building a healthy and harmonious society.

Professor Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri also narrated a tradition from Hazrat Abdullah bin Salam, who said: “When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ arrived in Madinah, I went to see him with others. As soon as I saw his blessed face, I was convinced that this was not the face of a liar.” The Prophet ﷺ then said:

“O people! Spread Salam (peace), feed others, and pray at night while people sleep—you will enter Paradise in peace.”

This means that social relationships should be built on peace and harmony. No society, country, or culture can progress unless its people are free from hunger and fear.

He added that helping others is essential for strengthening social bonds. Fulfilling someone’s need, encouraging them, consoling in grief, and celebrating in happiness are among the best of human values. Help is not limited to financial aid—sometimes a smile, kind words, or sincere concern can become a source of hope for someone. A society that promotes sacrifice, compassion, and cooperation naturally flourishes in love, peace, and brotherhood.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Treat your parents with kindness, and then extend that kindness to your relatives in order of closeness.”

Imam Hussain (RA) was known for his deep care and concern for relatives. The Companions of the Prophet said that no one cared for others as much as Imam Hussain (RA) did.

Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din concluded by emphasizing that in today’s society, we must treat minorities and all communities around us with kindness and peace, respecting their rights and promoting mutual harmony.