What the people of eminence say about him!

Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto (Former Prime Minister of Pakistan)

Chairperson of Pakistan People's Party and former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto, held a meeting with Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri in Minhaj-ul-Quran Islamic Centre London on August 5, 2003. Impressed by the aims and objectives of MQI, its efforts for the spread of Islam and promotion of international peace and harmony, she got life membership of Minhaj-ul-Quran International. Talking at the occasion, she said that MQI was working towards the mission of eliminating sectarianism, extremism, and terrorism. It was all for interfaith dialogue and harmony under the leadership of Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri. She said when personality like Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri presents to the world his viewpoint about Islam, I feel pleased, satisfied and proud that we are followers of universal religion like Islam.

Expressing her views during her visit, she said that MQI was busy performing important obligation of promoting real spirit of Islam in the Islam world and getting together of so many people on a single platform was a matter worthy of appreciation. She said that she observed the welfare system, plans and visited various department of MQI and could say with authority and surety that no other organization outside Pakistan could compete with Minhaj-ul-Quran International.

Muhammad Mian Soomro (Former PM and Chairman Senate)

On June 26, 2008, the Chairman Senate, Muhammadmian Soomoro, held a meeting with Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri at his residence in model town. He exchanged views of mutual interest with Shaykh-ul-Islam and congratulated him on the marriage of his son, Sahibzada Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri. Talking to the media after the meeting, the Chairman Senate said the services of Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri in educational, social, religious, political and welfare domains were praiseworthy. Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri has accomplished unmatchable and historic feat in reconciling Islam with modern-day demands and reviving the faith. He has struggled to prove that Islam is a religion of peace through his religious preaching. No doubt Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri is man of peace, harmony and human development at the global level.

Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali (Former Prime Minister)

At the occasion of his meeting with a delegation of MQI in Baluchistan House in Islamabad on September 1, 2008, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamli expressed his views about leader of MQI and MQI itself in these words, "I look at Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri with immense respect and honour. His is a principled personality of highest order. He never compromised on principles and never hesitated over anything while deciding when it came to principle. He is no doubt a great personality of the Islamic world. I watch QTV regularly. He is an educated religious scholar. He has taken practical steps for the promotion of interfaith harmony. He is a man imbued with the spirit of sympathy with people. I say to the extent that Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri is a doctor, Tahir and expert i.e. he is expert of knowledge and has the capability of speaking at every topic. He gets to the bottom of every problem and presents its solution. I pray for his health and long life."

Sayed Yousuf Raza Gilani (Prime Minister of Pakistan)

Addressing a ceremony to mark the birthday of Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri in February 2007, Prime Minister of Pakistan, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilan said, "Allah Almighty has created Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri for service of Pakistan and the Muslim Umma. Such personalities are not born every day. None can promote interfaith harmony better than Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri. His services for promotion of international brotherhood and peace are praiseworthy. I felicitate Dr sahib on his birthday on behalf of my party. He is a principled personality who never compromised on principles for sake of power. I salute him for his courage with which he resigned from the National Assembly. Our party Chairperson, Mohtrama Benzair Bhutto respects him very much and holds him in high esteem for his scholarly stature. I have seen books of Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri. No doubt he is an international personality. I also felicitate MQI. Here women are given respect and honour according to Islamic principles and values."

Brine D. Hunt (Principal Officer, American Consulate)

Addressing at the occasion of Happy Christmas ceremony in the central secretariat under Muslim-Christian Dialogue Forum of Pakistan Awami Tehreek on December 27, 2007, American Principal Officer, Brian Hunt said, "I have been immensely pleased to participate in this ceremony. We need to promote mutual coexistence and tolerance among our religions. Minhaj-ul-Quran International is rendering all-important services for the spread of mutual harmony and interfaith dialogue. Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri is an enlightened leader whose thought is helping us establish peace in the world. The efforts of Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri for establishment of international peace will be remembered."

Bishop Andrew Francis (Chairman Christian Coordination Council)

On March 15, 2002, a 40-member delegation of Muslim-Christian Dialogue Forum came to hold a meeting with Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri. Expressing his views at the occasion, the venerable Bishop said, "The exemplary conduct which any Muslim religious leader of eminence of Pakistan, rather Sub-continent, has shown towards Christians is hard to be found anywhere. Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri has opened doors of his Central Mosque for worship of Christians. Doctor Sahib has opened up a new chapter spiritually in Pakistan. There is dire need of the fact that both Muslims and Christians become the paragon and torch-bearer of peace in the ight of teachings of their respective Holy Books. The leader of Minhaj-ul-Quran International, Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, is a proud leader of great mission for interfaith harmony, peace and interfaith dialogue. He is not only a leader of Muslims but Christian community also considers him their leader. He has established higher example of religious harmony and tolerance among religions by inviting us to worship in the Mosque according to our religious ways. The spiritual mentor of Christians, Pope John Paul, had invited him to attend an international prayer service in recognition of his efforts for establishment of peace and religious harmony."

Dr Sardar Ganga Singh Dhaloon (Chairman Sikh Nankana Foundation, US)

A renowned American intellectual, Sardar Ganga Singh Dhaloon, is a leader of Sikh community in Washington DC. He is a PhD in Political Science. On June 29, 2008, he expressed the following views in a meeting with a delegation of MQI at the residence of Ms Aleena Aziz Tiwan. He said, "I am acquainted with Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri for a long time and of the personalities who have established their identity on the basis of scholarship, Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri is one of them. Whenever venerable Doctor came to the US, I had the honour of hosting him in addition to others. I have a special association with him. He is a great personality of history. He has knowledge of all religions and respects them. His services for peace, harmony and interfaith dialogue hare playing their effective role internationally. I benefit from the speeches and books of Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri. His viewpoint on human rights and other global issues is very argumentative and above religious biases and divides. He is a great Islamic scholar but also values but followers of other faiths also respect him a lot. Whenever I visit Pakistan, I hold a meeting with Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri. I think such personalities are gift of God to mankind."

Mian Muhammad Nawaz Shairf (Former Prime Minster)

Addressing Minhaj-ul-Quran International Conference in London in 1988, former Prime Minister, Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said, "Being a personal devotee of Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, I have come to attend the conference in my personal capacity. The levels of progress achieved by MQI could not be possible without firm commitment and devotion. The founder of MQI, Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, never got even a single penny from government of Pakistan or from any other government for that matter. Whatever progress it has made is not less than a miracle."

Fatima Sayurria Bajia (writer and distinguished intellectual)

Addressing a ceremony marking the birthday of Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, former advisor to Chief Minister Sindh and prominent writer, Fatima Sayurria Bajia said, "The way Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri has organized MQI is exclusive to him. If Pakistan gets a leader like him, its destiny will be put on the right track. Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri has highlighted this realization through his writings and speeches that we need to get together against militancy, extremism and radicalism."

Prof Dr Bushra Mateen (Vice Chancellor Lahore University for Women)

"The services rendered by Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri for reviving the moral and spiritual values of life by bringing about reforms in education in Pakistan are praiseworthy. Especially the women educational institutions like Minhaj College for Women are unmatchable. Doctor has a major contribution in increasing the literacy ratio among womenfolk. If awareness about women rights continued like, change would soon come one day."

Sheikh Ahmad Deedat (South Africa)

After visiting the central secretariat of the Tehreek Minhaj-ul-Quran, he expressed his emotions in the following words:

"I am hugely impressed with the efforts and services being rendered by Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri for the renaissance and revival of Muslim Umma. I have not seen more organized and well-coordinated organization or movement anywhere in the world than Tehreek Minhaj-ul-Quran. I believe that Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri and his organization are busy for the renaissance of the Muslim Umma in the right direction. It is a matte of immense pleasure to meet Dr Qadri and visit Minhaj-ul-Quran. May Allah accept the efforts of Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri for the uplift of Islam and Muslim Umma"

Sheikh Abdullah Bokhari (Imam Shahi Mosque Delhi)

Visiting the central secretariat of Minhaj-ul-Quran is a matter of great honour and privilege for me. It is not possible for me to express in words the satisfaction and happiness over the services being rendered by Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri. I pray to Allah to grant us an opportunity to take part in the work of the Idara. May Allah Almighty give more progress and advancement to this Idara so that the Muslim Umma benefits from this institution globally and the thirst of knowledge continues to be quenched through this movement!

Maulana Abdul Qadir Azad

Maulana Abdul Qadri Azad said at the occasion of visit of the Idara Minhaj-ul-Quran and the Minhaj University: "I visited the Minhaj University where I found a beautiful blend of the modern and ancient science giving birth to the hope that this movement would render significant sacrifices for the uplift of Islam globally. The founder of the Idara, his companions and teachers deserve congratulations."

A.K. Brohi (Prominent legal expert)

A.K. Borhi is counted among the respected and prominent legal experts. His feelings of love and affection for the Shaykh-ul-Islam are unmatchable. During Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri's days of lecturership at the Punjab University, Justice (r) A.K. Borhi was the chief guest at a conference on the topic of 'Ijtihad'. He also listened to the brief discussion of the Shaykh-ul-Islam during that conference. At the end, he expressed his appreciation in the following words:

"Brohi is not impressed with someone so easily but gentleman, you have really impressed me. I am greatly hopeful about your scholarly future. The depth in which you have talked today I have fathomed it. Anyway I will wait for the publication of your views and would like to study them again."

In the same manner Hakeem Said sahib arranged a three-day seminar on the topic of 'Islamic concept of State' in Marriot Hotel, Karachi in which different scholars were invited to speak. The Shaykh-ul-Islam attended the seminar on the last accompanied by some companions. The last session was being attended by the brightest and ablest of people including A.K. Borahi sahib. Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri also expressed his views on the topic. At the end of the programme, he kept repeating it to the Quaid-e-Mohtram that 'you have to protect yourself in this country. People will be jealous of you. People will try to make life difficult for you. I can see what qualities and potential Allah Almighty has blessed you with. Would that people had insight to recognize your talent and supported you."

Justice Anwarul Haq (Former Chief Justice of Pakistan)

I have happened to meet Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri in recent years and benefit from his oral and written work, thoughts and concepts. Allah Almighty has blessed him with deep knowledge and unique wisdom. He has been endowed with such courage and respect, which is rare to find together in one personality in present age. Owing to his unwavering commitment and sincere struggle towards his mission, he has not only been able to find his place in the prestigious and respected intellectual circles in comparatively small age but has also influenced modern youth, both male and female, with his high thoughts and ideals collectively. It should remain clear that it is not possible for any person to bring about all-embracing change single-handedly in this day and age. Thus showing great wisdom, Professor Tahir-ul-Qadri has laid down the foundation of all-encompassing reform and renaissance of Islam in the form of Minhaj-ul-Quran International.

In my view, unity, dynamic struggle and enlightened reform are the call of the present century. Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri and his Tehreek has the potential of responding to this challenge. I pray for his and Islam's success.

Justice Ghulam Mujudud Mirza (Former Chief Justice, LHC)

Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri's integrity, untiring struggle, beauty of his character and thoughts coupled with his piety make him a unique flower of the Islamic garden. There are two types of people: those who love him and those who fear him. His love with the person of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is of extreme nature and his spiritual connection with Sayedna Ghoas-ul-Azam is beyond any shadow of doubt. His mission is service of Islam and the spread of Allah's and His Prophet"s (PBUH) message is the purpose of his life.

He has his command over both modern and ancient sciences. The manner and the way in which he launched his movement of respect and obedience of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) has invested a new beauty to the spirit and body of the humankind, thereby enlightening the servants of Allah. I hope that Tehreek Minhaj-ul-Quran will achieve its destination under the able and pious leadership of Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri. I also pray for it.

Justice Syed Sajjad Ali Shah (Former Chief Justice of Pakistan)

When I was the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, I had oral introduction of Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri but no formal meeting had taken place as yet. I had heard a lot about him that he is a great religious scholar and very good speaker. But I really came to know him after attach on the Supreme Court. Like others, Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri phoned me, condemned the attack on the apex court and expressed his sympathy with the Judiciary. I was happy to find that there are good and enlightened religious scholars in Pakistan who dislike bad traditions in Pakistan and want a change in the system.

I am greatly impressed by the commitment of the workers of Tehreek Minhaj-ul-Quran with their mission. Especially work, address, emotions, love and sincerity of Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri have dwelled in my heart. I had a detailed visit of the Minhaj University and the central Secretariat in the company of Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri. I was happy to visit these places. Tahir-ul-Qadri sahib has set up a very good university having a number of departments. He has made full use of the latest computer technology. He has served the religion at a wider level and written many books. Professor sahib is a great, intelligent and fiery orator. He is on his way forward along with his organized party. To cap it all, what I have noticed the most is wide-ranging scholarship. He can deliver talk for hours on end without any hesitation. Professor sahib is a principled man and does not violate his promises. I am amazed to find as to how he has organized his party. Not only has it its branches inside the country but his followers have also set up Islamic centres throughout the world, which are positively engaged in the service of Islam. He has rendered great services for the spread of education in particular.

Another thing, which I like about Professor sahib is that not only is he serving the cause of Islam but is also making earnest efforts to popularize the Islamic teachings for the non-Muslims. Moreover, his services for inter-sect harmony and the eradication of sectarianism are praiseworthy. The manner in which Professor sahib has resigned from the National Assembly denotes the spirit of democracy. Others should also follow this approach. It is the way of the principled people that they do not compromise on their principles. I pray for his long and healthy life so that he should be able to advance this good work.

Mirza Aslam Beg (Former Chief of Army Staff)

In my view, it is difficult to measure intellectual stature and scholarly depth of Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri. The unique and amazing thing is how single person should be able to achieve what Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri has done in such a short span of time. Professor sahib was born in 1951 and look at this: what a great scholarly stature, practical services on the ground, so many institutions, such a vast organizational network across the globe and that too in such a limited space of time.

An impression of traditional scholar is found about him and religious scholars are often short-sighted, rigid and think in the same direction. But Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri is absolutely different from this traditional mould of politicians. Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri is not only a learned religious scholar but also a thinker, spiritual and social guide and political statesman. He is also a great leader.

Imran Khan (Chairman PTI and ex-cricketer)

Expressing his views about Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, Imran Khan said: "I am a great fan of Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri. I watched a TV programme of Professor sahib in 1985 in which he dwelt upon interpretation of the Holy Quran. I liked the style and manner of Professor's speech. The way he explained the Holy Quran in its most simplified form and threw light on the meanings, details and context of the Quranic verses was fantastic. It was as if one explained things to the children to make them understand it. I became convinced of his qualities and art of speech. At times I recommend to my friends that they should listen to Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri and should consult him for guidance on religious matters. Moreover I like people who are hard-working and whose emotions contain enthusiasm and truth. Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri is one of such people who have zeal and truth in his emotions. Let me put it in some other way that their emotions are young. We are in dire need of such leaders today who should be able to guide the nation in the right direction.

Mian Muhammad Azhar (Former Governor of the Punjab)

I happen to know Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri for last twenty years and this familiarization has turned into a pleasant relationship in twenty years. As for as the person of Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri is concerned, he has a charismatic personality beyond any shadow of doubt. The hard work and commitment which Professor sahib has put in establishing his huge network is beyond the capacity of a common man. I would go to the extent of saying that a common man cannot even think of it. My familiarization with him related to his being a religious leader and a thinker but I am convinced of his political wisdom now. We respect him and hold him in high esteem.

Farooq Ahmad Khan Laghari (Former President of Pakistan)

Professor Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri possesses many qualities. That is why most of the politicians are afraid of him since he is counted among top-notch politicians when it comes to writing, speech and cogent reasoning. There is large number of politicians in our country who only know to do politics through coercion, rigging and vested interests. The interesting fact is that Tahir-ul-Qadri is neither a feudal lord nor a capitalist, nor a professional politician but the world knows him as a religious scholar, international personality and a politician. I think those people who are afraid of others for reasons of scholarship and level of intellect of others are basically afraid of themselves. Prof. Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri is a successful politician and insightful man. His policies will stand him in good stead in future.

Malik Meraaj Khalid (Former Prime Minister of Pakistan)

The whole world knows of Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri's stature and qualities. I have seen his Minhaj-ul-Quran secretariat and a vast network of his educational institutes. Since I am myself indirectly associated with educational field and no development taking place in the arena of education has escaped, that is why I have had great interest in Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri. The way his Tehreek Minhaj-ul-Quran has presented Islam as a role model and introduced courses and syllabi on education in commensurate with the contemporary demands is no doubt dire need of the hour today.

Our young generation needs a blend of modern and Islamic education but it is a matter of great misfortune that our rotten educational system has not been changed in spite of efforts. That is the reason private educational institutions have undergone mushroom growth. Minhaj-ul-Quran enjoys respectable position among these private institutions due to its achievements. Since Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri is a founder of this Tehreek, therefore, the whole credit goes to him.

Naseem Hassan Shah (Former Chief Justice of Pakistan)

Though all personalities of Pakistan are important in my eyes but the personality of Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri in the present age is highly influential and impressive one. He is best scholar and a successful man working with a missionary zeal and zest. It is a great problem with our country that hard working people with missionary zeal are not valued in Pakistan. Had a person like Tahir-ul-Qadri been born abroad, he would surely have been counted among the greatest personalities of the world. But we have the habit of honouring people when they are no more in this world. Leg-pulling of the living people with many achievements at their back is done and they are not given credit of their hard work. But I am convinced Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri's wisdom and intellect that has achieved many successes in the domains of politics and knowledge. There is no doubt about this that he is a not a common man.

Wajid Khan (Member Parliament, Canada)

It is a matter of great privilege for me that I had an opportunity of visiting Minhaj-ul-Quran in Lahore. My visit here has strengthened my belief that Minhaj-ul-Quran will lead the Muslim Umma and Pakistan on the path of enlightened moderation. I believe the personality of Professor sahib beacon of light and hope for us. I wish from the core of my heart that this Tehreek lead the Muslim world. May Allah enable us all to cooperate with it!

Samiullah Khan (Former Hockey Player & Manager Pakistan Hockey)

Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri is an embodiment of knowledge and action and has the status of a leading man for the Muslim Umma in the present age. There is no field or branch of knowledge upon which he does not have his command. I am drawn to him because of his scholarly stature. Professor sahib's efforts for raising the banner of Islam are valuable, unforgettable and praiseworthy. Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri's manner of preaching, which is above sectarianism, has benefited the common man a lot enabling him to know as to what are problems of the day and what is their solution. Tehreek Minhaj-ul-Quran is rendering great services in this regard. It is due to efforts of Professor sahib that people have got wealth of consciousness.

There is a small number of religious scholars who are performing their responsibilities in the right manner and name of Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri tops the list. He character is exemplary. He is a role model for our scholars of the day and he possesses all the makings of leadership. It is dire need of the hour that our religious parties and scholars educate people on true concept of Islam. Specifically in view of particular conditions of the Sub-continent, it is highly important that rather than taking recourse to talk of violence, they presented simple interpretation of Islam and people need to be made aware that whatever restrictions Islam has placed upon them are in their interest and for their welfare.

Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri's personality is multi-dimensional and the way he has spread the vast network of Minhaj-ul-Quran across the globe deserves our collective appreciation. People should follow him actively. Professor sahib has recently resigned his membership from the National Assembly on a matter of principle. Such principled people are not found in large number in our society.

I have been greatly impressed by Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri's capability, eloquence, scholarship and piety. One of his qualities is that he establishes every thing from the Holy Quran and Sunna and has always adopted neutral policy above sectarian biases. I have gone through almost all books of Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri except the latest few and am hugely impressed with his manner of research.