Scholarly services of Shaykh-ul-Islam eulogized

Minhaj-ul-Quran Ulama Council hosted a special moot on February 18, 2010, to pay tribute to scholarly, intellectual and research contributions of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri on the occasion of his 59th birthday in the Hamdard Hall on the Litton Road, Lahore. The other major highlight of the programme was the inauguration of Shaykh-ul-Islam's new book based on the collection of Hadith entitled "Hidayat-ul-Ummah ala Minhaj il Quran was-Sunnah ". Sahibzada Faiz-ur-Rehman Durani; central Amir-e-Tehreek of MQI, presided over the programme, whereas Sheikh Zahid Fayyaz, Allama Salim Ullah Owaisi (former Khateeb of the Data Darbar Mosque), Dr Ibrahim Muhammad Ibrahim (Dean Encyclopedia of Islam, Punjab University) and Allama Shafaat Rasool (renowned religious scholar) were among the prominent guests.

Renowned scholar and educationist Dr Zahoor Ahmad Azhar, columnist, intellectual and editor in chief of Monthly Minhaj-ul-Quran Dr Ali Akbar Qadri, Sayyid Farhat Hussain Shah, central Secretary General of Minhaj-ul-Quran Ulama Council, Allama Imdadullah Khan; President of Minhaj-ul-Quran Ulama Council Punjab, Allama Muhammad Ali Naqshbandi, Allama Zakir Sajjad Shah Kazmi, Mir Asif Akbar, Allama Mumtaz Siddiqui, Maulana Usman Sialvi and Maulana Muhammad Hussain Azad were also present on the occasion.

The formal proceedings of the moot began with the recitation from the Holy Quran followed by Naat.

In his presidential address, Sahibzada Faiz-ur-Rehman Durrani said that the intellectual and revivalist services of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri were the historical assets of the Muslim Umma. His contribution in the field of education, religion, welfare and other areas of knowledge is both for the Pakistanis and the Muslim Umma. "His is a valuable contribution upon which our nation can take great pride," he opined.

Sahibzada Faiz-ur-Rehman Durrani said that Shaykh-ul-Islam is showing the real face of Islam to the world even in the unfavourable and difficult times. The excellent services rendered by Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri in multiple domains is only his preserve and share and none can excel him in the magnitude and quality of research work he produced and that too in diverse fields in a short span of time. He emphasized the need of propagating the scholarly treasure of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri in the world so that the succeeding generations could get light and reorient their directions in tumultuous times.

Allama Salim Ullah Owaisi (former Khateeb of Data Darbar Mosque Lahore) said in his speech that the books of Shaykh-ul-Islam and his research work is a beautiful blend of modern and ancient sciences. There is a dire need of introducing his work to the Muslim Umma, which can be a source of great light. Allah Almighty blesses such exalted people in different ways and makes them the pivot of people's love and attention.

Dr Ibrahim Muhammad Ibrahim, Dean Encyclopedia of Islam; Punjab University, said in his address that Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri is held in high esteem due to his scholarly contributions not only in Pakistan but also in the Muslim Umma. Through his innovative educational projects, Shaykh-ul-Islam has drawn the attention of the people to the fundamental problem responsible for the decline of the Umma and our nation. He has made it clear that it is by excelling in science and technology and other areas of knowledge that the Umma can regain its lost glory and pride. The books of Shaykh-ul-Islam are an intellectual defence against the cultural attack against Islam.

Dr Ali Akbar Qadri, renowned journalist and intellectual, said in his speech that Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri has ignited love for the Holy Prophet (saw) in the hearts of the youth. He is fully convinced that unless this candle of love for the Holy Prophet (saw) is lighted, there can be no change of any sort. He said that Allah Almighty has chosen Shaykh-ul-Islam for the service of the humanity and he is doing this job pretty fine. We are under immense obligation to promote his philosophy and work in the world.

Sayyid Farhat Hussain Shah, Secretary General of the Ulama Council, said in his address that scholarly work of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri came in the world at a time when there has been an intellectual drought from religious point of view. The liberal and secular forces are questioning the very presence of religions and branding them as impediments in the growth of society. It is in the background of this offensive that Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri's contributions should be measured. He said that Shaykh-ul-Islam is the global ambassador of love and his 389 books and over 5000 speeches are a great treasure of knowledge, which would continue to be the source of light for centuries to come.

Allama Shafaat Rasool, renowned religious scholar and preacher, said in his views on the occasion that he traveled in many parts of the world and wherever he went, he saw the books of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri. He said that Shaykh-ul-Islam is a great scholar and intellectual of the Muslim world. His scholarly and intellectual contributions would be remembered for centuries to come and we should also keep on trying to benefit from his work and personality.

New Book of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri which is based on collection of Hadith entitled "Hidayat-ul-Ummah ala Minhaj il Quran was-Sunnah " was also inaugurated on the occasion and the copies of the book were gifted to the guests. The ceremony ended on Dua.