Thursday, December 15, 2011

A week After the Peace for Humanity Conference


by Jawed Iqbal Tahiri


So now that the dust is settling on the great conference of a week ago, accompanied with a barrage of local, national and international media coverage, the question that everyone is asking is how significant was the conference in shaping the future of Islam and Muslims and the relationship between Islam and the West.
Hundreds of reports about the conference have been published in various media so rather than another report about the conference this will more appropriately be an evaluation and appraisal of the conference and the impact it will have on the wider world.

Public support

To start off with, Wembley Arena was clearly packed with 11,000 people who had all purchased tickets for the event and had travelled from across the UK. This comes to the first point which is after the launch of the fatwa, critics remarked that the views expressed by Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri did not have support amongst mainstream Muslims or there was no evidence of that in the UK. Although his annual Mawlid lecture in Pakistan attracts around a million people, and his Urdu lectures in the UK also result in packed venues such as the Madani Mosque, Bradford earlier this year, this was the first such event to be conducted in English. The result of course proves not only do British Muslims share the anti extremist position but also back the stance taken by Shaykh-ul-Islam in his presentation of Islam. It also proves that British Muslim youth and Muslims at large are fully behind Shaykh-ul-Islam. The 11,000 in Wembley Arena were not the only participants of the conference but millions around the world were viewing the conference live on the QTV channel with particular interest from the UK where the conference was extensively publicised and the Indian sub continent where the TV channel is based. QTV is part of the ARY network which extensively publicised the conference and the live broadcast. This helped take the message to millions of homes.
Beside the live TV coverage of the conference, the tsunami of media coverage ensured that the message of the conference was conveyed to all irrespective of religion and background. Whether it be live reports on BBC News or Radio 4 or reports on Sky News and national and local newspapers, it was clear that the message of the conference and the keynote speaker received blanket coverage. This fulfilled the dream of Muslims who have been upset about extremists receiving media coverage and in doing so representing Islam. This began with the launch of the Fatwa after which extremists were knocked off mainstream media following an appeal by Shaykh-ul-Islam to the media to give a voice to the mainstream Muslims and not the extremists who have no support what so ever. This conference is a final step in the work of Shaykh-ul-Islam in making sure only the true representatives of Islam are given the deserved media coverage and in doing so side-lining extremists from the media. The world now know what the true Iislam is all about and who the true representatives of the faith are.

Shirk Attacks

The blanket media coverage also made the Islamic position on interfaith relations clear to everyone. Leaders from all religions prayed for peace according to their own religions and also showed to everyone how all religions can live side by side with peace and love. These activities at the conference were fully based on the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW when he SAW allowed a delegation of Christians to worship according to their own religion in Masjid Nabawi. This of course is referenced in classical books of Hadith and seerah (1). The Prophet SAW also served a delegation of Christians from Abyssinia with his own hands with food and other needs. The point to note is that when the Christian delegation was permitted by the Holy Prophet SAW to Worship in Masjid Nabawi, that entailed worshipping Jesus and the Cross, as the Quran states that Christians at that time believed in Trinity and in Jesus being god. Those who may not be aware of this hadith of the Prophet SAW may be prone to shirk attacks, but hopefully with a jab of the above lecture clip containing fully referenced hadiths their immune systems will be able to fight off such shirk attacks in the future. It is the responsibility of scholars to teach their followers such points from the life of the Prophet SAW. True scholars can never belittle such things as they have cognition of the teachings of the prophet SAW on these matters, whereas half baked scholars or self confessed ones cause confusion due to their selective understanding of the Seerah. The conference was of course attended by great Islamic scholars from around the world and the UK, who also took part in these interfaith proceedings.

Scholars united behind the cause

The conference was attended by great scholars from around the world from various backgrounds. This included the Shuyukh from Al Azhar University Cairo Egypt, which is seen as the greatest seat of learning. Great Mashaikh from Pakistan and those based in the UK also spoke at the conference. Their support for the conference renders obsolete solitary voices who may want to oppose it. Mufakkir al-Islam Shaykh al-Sayyid Dr. Abdul-Qadir Shah al-Jilani, leader of Markazi Ahl al-Sunna wal-Jama`a organisation, came to the conference alongside senior members of his organisation. Shaykh Muhammad Amin-ul-Hasanat Shah al-Qurashi son of the the great Justice Pir Muhammad Karam Shah al-Azhari (RA) spoke to the conference in Arabic. Shaykh Sultan Fiaz al-Hassan Sarwari al-Qadri the descendent of the great saint Sultan al-Arifin Sakhi Sultan Bahu (RA) attended the conference with his brother and followers. Shaykh al-Sayyid Muhammad Yahya al-Ninowy from the USA originally from Syria also blessed the conference with his talk.
There was also support for the conference from many great scholars from around the world who were not able to attend the conference. They include Shaykh al Azhar, Professor Dr. Muhammad Ahmed al-Tayyib Grand Imam of Al-Azhar University and Imam Zaid Shakir, Co-founder, Zaytuna College, U.S.A.
Many scholars and imams of mosques from across the UK attended the conference, all of whom of course could not be seated on the stage but were in the VVIP seating area.
This conference brought together many great scholars from around the world, to unite in order to safeguard the great Merciful status of the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW. The coming together of all these scholars shows that when it comes to protecting the name of the Prophet SAW and the peaceful faith of Islam, differences must be put aside and the power of unity must be utilised. This unity ensured the success of the conference. The same conduct should be followed by all Muslims no matter which background they may belong to, the wider aims of the conference should be kept in mind. Otherwise the unanimous acceptance of this conference will hold solitary voices to account.
Finally, The London Declaration for Global Peace & Resistance against Extremism 2011 was unanimously agreed upon by all delegates at the conference and is currently open for signatures.
(1) Baihaqqi, Shu'bul Iman, V6 p 518 Hadith Number: 9125;
Ibn Saad, at-Tabkat-ul-Kubra, Vol 1 p.357;
Ibn Kathir, as-Seertun-Nabaviyyah and many others.

Muslim cleric’s peace declaration demands an end to terrorism

By Emily Dugan



One of the world’s leading Muslim clerics will issue a global declaration against terrorism at a speech in London on Saturday. Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri will make the declaration at the ‘Peace for Humanity Conference 2011’ at Wembley Arena.
The peace declaration, which will call for an end to terrorism and for the protection of human rights in new Arab regimes, is expected to be signed by major religious and political leaders, including David Cameron and the Archbishop of Canterbury. Tariq Jahan, whose son was killed in the Birmngham riots, is also expected to attend.
The Pakistani scholar who lives in Canada is the founder of Minhaj-ul-Qaran International, a Sufi-based organisation that promotes moderate Islam. He issued a fatwa against terrorism last year and has since received death threats from many groups, including al-Qi’ada. A $10m bounty has reportedly been placed on his head.
The Muslim scholar has been running de-radicalisation youth camps across the UK, America and Europe for several years. He believes the declaration is urgently needed because he sees a growing number of young Muslims who could easily be swayed to extremism
.
He said: “We want to give the message to the whole of the Muslim world and the youths who have been brainwashed that this is Islam and what it stands for: peace, harmony, tolerance, moderation and love and compassion for humanity. This message will go out all over the world, from coast to coast.”
He said the “historic document” was needed a decade after 9/11 to combat extremism and ensure the Arab Spring became an opportunity not just for democracy but also the upholding of human rights.
Outlining the content of the declaration he said: “Number one will be the absolute condemnation of terrorism; number two the protection of complete human rights, as it is seen in the Western world and endorsed by the United Nations”.
It will also call for “support for the concept of humanity and fraternity between all cultures, religions and human beings”; “democracy and good governance in the Muslim world” and “total ecological and environmental responsibility”.
“We want to emphasise education to bring an end to extremism, violence, hatred and racism,” he said, “To educate the Muslim people and youth and at the same time educate the West so that the hatreds are removed. We will be condemning every kind of racism and xenophobia and we will support all Muslims living in Western countries to have integration and citizenship and we will condemn isolation.”
The day will include what the group claim is the first collective cross-religious peace prayer instigated by a Muslim. The last collective peace prayer was called by the late Pope John Paul in Assisi a decade ago.
“Mankind is burning now in a fire of hatred and fanaticism and aggression and terrorism,” said Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri. “The peace prayer is another way to show that all religions can come together to pray for global peace.”
Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri believes it is essential to rebuild the boundaries between Islam, terrorism and politics. “I look around me and I see people are confused”, he said. “Extremists and terrorists have created a very big misunderstanding in the minds of generations. They have mixed up religion with international and political issues.
“By talking of the Palestine issue, the Israel issue, the Afghanistan issue and the occupation of Iraq, they have mixed up these political issues with the issue of Islam. They have connected their terroristic and criminal activities with the political issues of the Muslim world, making many young people confused.
“My struggle is to differentiate between the issues – to take the political issues as a totally separate agenda that has no link with suicide bombing and these crazy activities,” he said.

Muslim Scholar to Issue Peace Declaration


CAIRO – A prominent Britain-based Muslim scholar announced his plans to issue a historic global peace declaration next week in London, protesting against terrorism and educating the whole world against anti-Muslim racism and xenophobia.
“We want to give the message to the whole of the Muslim world … that this is Islam and what it stands for: peace, harmony, tolerance, moderation and love and compassion for humanity,” Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri told The Independent on Sunday, September 18.
“This message will go out all over the world, from coast to coast.”
The peace declaration would be announced during the ‘Peace for Humanity Conference 2011’ at Wembley Arena next Saturday.
It will call for an end to terrorism and for the protection of human rights in new Arab regimes.
It is expected to be signed by major religious and political leaders, including David Cameron and the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The announcement celebration would also be attended by Tariq Jahan, whose son was killed in the Birmingham riots.
Qadri said the “historic document” was needed a decade after 9/11 to ensure that the Arab Spring became an opportunity for democracy and upholding of human rights.
In addition to terrorism condemnation and upholding human rights, the declaration calls for supporting interfaith relations between the Muslim world and the West.
“Number one will be the absolute condemnation of terrorism; number two the protection of complete human rights, as it is seen in the Western world and endorsed by the United Nations,” Qadri said.
It will also call for “support for the concept of humanity and fraternity between all cultures, religions and human beings”; “democracy and good governance in the Muslim world” and “total ecological and environmental responsibility”.
The influential Pakistani scholar, who lives in Canada, has issued a fatwa last May condemning suicide bombings as a brazen violation of peaceful Islamic tenets.
Known for his unequivocal condemnation of terrorism, Sheikh Qadri has issued several fatwas against suicide bombings and violence against innocent people.
He is famous for his emphasis on promoting integration and interfaith dialogue to tackle Islamophobia in the West.
End Xenophobia
Among the events planned for the day, the influential scholar would hold the first collective cross-religious peace prayer instigated by a Muslim.
“Mankind is burning now in a fire of hatred and fanaticism and aggression and terrorism,” said Sheikh Qadri.
“The peace prayer is another way to show that all religions can come together to pray for global peace.”
The last collective peace prayer was called by the late Pope John Paul in Assisi a decade ago.
These events would help in stretching new bridges between Muslim world and the West.
“We want to emphasize education to bring an end to extremism, violence, hatred and racism,” he said.
“To educate the Muslim people and youth and at the same time educate the West so that the hatreds are removed.”
These connections can only be sustained through condemning xenophobia which mars the West relation with its Muslim population.
“We will be condemning every kind of racism and xenophobia and we will support all Muslims living in Western countries to have integration and citizenship and we will condemn isolation,” Sheikh Qadria added.
Muslims in Europe and America have been suffering from bigotry and Islamophobia over the past decade.
For example, British Muslims, estimated at nearly two million, have been in the eye of storm since the 7/7 attacks.
A Financial Times opinion poll showed that Britain is the most suspicious nation about Muslims.
A poll of the Evening Standard found that a sizable section of London residents harbor negative opinions about Muslims.

Detractors disparage true Islamic values

By Venkat Raman 14/08/2011 03:58:00
Admirers gather at Auckland International Airport to receive Dr Muhammad Ul Qadri on August 3, 2011 (Indian Newslink Picture (c)


Despite being the world’s most egalitarian form of life and religion, Islam is perhaps the most misunderstood and misinterpreted faith, leading to confusion and consternation among non-Muslims.
Pakistan born Scholar, Philosopher and Preacher Dr Muhammad Tahir ul Qadri has dedicated his life and career to spread the right message of Islam, remove misconceptions and propagate the world’s fastest growing religion as a moderate religion dealing with moderate people.
During his visit to New Zealand last week, he proved that he was not only a man of letters but thoughts and deeds that reflected the teachings of the Holy Quran and Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon Him).
“It is unfortunate that Islam, which stands for peace, harmony and peaceful coexistence, preaching tolerance and respect for all religions, should be falsely represented by people who call themselves Muslims. Such people, who spread hatred, and falsehood about Islam as an intolerant religion should be banished from the society. They have done more harm to the religion and humanity at large than anyone else in history,” he told me during an interview.
Dr Qadri was well aware of flurry that his opinions would cause among Islamic fanatics and extremists, more so among terrorists and their abetters.

The Fatwa

He said there was a million dollar prize on his head, especially after he issued a ‘Fatwa’ against terrorists and their sponsors.
While his followers and admirers fuss over his safety and security, Dr Qadri remains unruffled, almost to the point of being indifferent.
“Almighty Allah will protect me. He knows the best for me. Why should I worry when my Protector is the Supreme and Strong?” he said, as he perused the issue of Indian Newslink (August 1) which announced his arrival and lecture.
The Lecture, delivered at the University of Auckland Business School on August 7 was an intellectual stimulant, rarely available to Non-Muslims on a subject that is so widely discussed and so widely misunderstood.

Distorted religion

According to Dr Qadri, many people, including Muslims and non-Muslims had distorted view of Islam.
“It is necessary to remove the confusion and enable people to understand the true value of Islam, which stands for peace and humanity. In fact, peace and humanity are interminably linked to Islam,” he said.
The hour-long speech, delivered impromptu, was replete with anecdotes and historic references to Prophet Mohammed.
“Reading and writing were against the social norm when our Prophet began to spread the teachings of the Holy Quran. There were no schools and the general feeling was that education led to degradation and dishonour.
“It was against such a psyche that the Prophet delivered the first message of Almighty Allah contained in the five verses of the Holy Quran. The first word was ‘Read.’ The message spoke about the importance of education, use of the pen and biological evolution, which became known to the West more than 1100 years later,” Dr Qadri said.
According to him, the Holy Quran also spoke about spiritual, cultural, social, psychological and moral aspects of human life.
The society at that time was one of intolerance, torture, brutality and warfare. There was no concept of resolving disputes peacefully and the spirit of forgiveness was absent.
“The Prophet’s message was one of love, peace, mercy, compassion and kindness for the whole of mankind. The first chapter of the Holy Quran teaches the need for kindness towards all animate and inanimate beings, love towards all and the spirit of love, give and forgive. This is the message contained in all the Holy Books of all religions including the Vedas, Upanishads (Hindus), the Bible (Christians), Buddhism and Jainism,” he said.

Promised Paradise

According to Dr Qadri, Allah did not promise Paradise to terrorists, suicide bombers and those who kill innocent people including non-Muslims.
“Allah is the Most Merciful, Most Benevolent and Most Gracious and He would never condone such people and accommodate them. In fact, terrorists and their sponsors will have no place in heaven,” he said.

A global citizen

Earlier, Labour MP Dr Ashraf Choudhary said that the Islamic Scholar had more than 1000 books, 7000 lectures (in Arabic, English and Urdu) to his credit, in addition to appearing in scores of interviews on television channels (including BBC, CNN and Al Jazeera).
He established ‘Minhaj Ul Quran International’ in Pakistan. The Organisation, with branches in 90 countries, promotes ‘true Islamic principles’ of moderation, world peace and human welfare.

Advice to Muslims

“One of his most popular books is the ‘Fatwa,’ in which he has denounced terrorism of all forms and advised all true Muslims to bring the terrorists to justice.
“He is very popular in the West and his moderate views have enabled people to understand the true meaning and purpose of Islam and its teachings,” he said.
According to Dr Choudhary, the visit of Dr Qadri to New Zealand was significant.
“He brings the message of goodwill and peace to the people of New Zealand and encourages the Muslim population (about 45,000) to integrate well into the society and serve their adopted country,” he said.

Terrorism has no place in any society

By Venkat Raman 14/08/2011 01:32:00



Terrorists and those supporting them have no place in any society and they should be banished and brought to justice, a prominent Islamic Scholar has said.
Dr Muhammad Tahir Ul Qadri, a world-renowned writer, orator and interpreter of the Holy Quran and Islamic values, said that those perpetrating violence, destruction and death in the name of Islam are not true Muslims and that they should be put away forever.
He issued his famous ‘Fatwa’ against terrorists, stating that they were responsible for spreading hatred against Muslims by people of other faiths around the world.
“The teachings of Islam are very clear. Nowhere in the Holy Quran is there a word or sanction against people of other religions and faiths. In fact, Islam specifically preaches love and respect towards all, especially Non-Muslims.
“It specifically states that Muslims can go on the warpath only in self-defence and not to destroy those leading a peaceful life. The Holy Quran prohibits use of force, coercion, torture and such other inhuman acts against any non-combatant. “Killing thousands of people in the name of Islam is the greatest disservice rendered to this religion,” he told Indian Newslink during an interview.

Mistaken Jihad

Dr Qadri said that the mindless acts of the terrorists have led to the large scale suffering of ordinary Muslims in many parts of the world.
“Extremist and terrorist acts have been taking place on Islamic concepts such as ‘Jihad.’ Extremists have misinterpreted the teachings of the Holy Quran and Hadiths to cloud the minds of Muslims in general and the younger generation in particular, leading to barbaric acts like suicide bombings,” he said.
As well as issuing the Fatwa, Dr Qadri appealed to the ordinary Muslims to shun the terrorists and those supporting them. He said his ‘edict’ has been acting as a relief and empowered moderate Muslims.
“The minds of our young people, clouded by misleading concepts have now been given clarity and understanding of moderate and peaceful teachings of Islam. The world should know that Islam does not stand for terrorism, does not condone terrorism and does not preach violence,” he said.
Dr Qadri dispelled the myth of ‘Jihad’ at a lecture that he delivered at the University of Auckland Business School on August 7.
“Jihad does not mean killing people of other faiths and religions. It is a term used to describe the efforts to achieve righteousness, struggle for equality of human being, removal of hunger, combating social evils such as corruption and other wrongdoings. Jihad is not an act of aggression. Jihad may be permissible in lawful war of defence, not offence,” he said.
The lecture was organised by the Pakistan Student Association and other senior members of the resident Pakistani community, at which Labour MP Dr Ashraf Choudhary (who presided over the meeting), National MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi and a number of leading businesspersons and others were present.
Throughout his hour-long speech, Dr Qadri stressed that Islam stands for peace, love, compassion, human dignity and mercy.
“I wish to reiterate that Islam does not stand for any kind of violence, militancy, terrorism and brutality. Muslims and Non-Muslims must know that the literal meaning of Jihad is exertion, struggling, striving and putting extreme efforts according to extreme abilities to counter evil, achieve good in the service of the Almighty Allah,” he said.
“The defensive struggle against your enemy, defensive struggle against your lower-self, hatred, arrogance corruption is another aspect of Jihad. This is for the safety of mankind, not for killing people.”

Defensive War

Highlighting various points about the Islamic concepts of Jihad, he said that the real meaning, as prescribed in the Holy Quran, does not ordain killing, fight and bloodshed. According to him, 31 out of 35 verses that deal with Jihad, describe it in different contexts but none of them had any reference to battle and killing.
“I have not found a single verse in the Holy Quran condoning any act that brought death and destruction, especially to non-Muslims.
“Jihad has been described to mean ‘defensive war.’ Jihad is not aggression but represents action for self-protection,” he said.
Dr Qadri said Islam had fought two wars against terrorism in the first two centuries.
But terrorism in modern times have adversely affected the economies of the developing and developed countries.
“Terrorists have no religion. The phenomenon of terrorism has not appeared suddenly out of nowhere. It has evolved through the phases of radicalism and extremism and terrorists are used as fodder for the cannons of the masterminds of this evil,” he said.
Read related stories in this Special Report

About the Scholar

Pakistan-born Dr Qadri was Professor of International Constitutional Law at the University of Punjab (Pakistan). He was the Founder-Chairman of the Pakistan Awami Tehreek, a political Party with a ‘common approach’ for the social progress and economic development of Pakistan. Dr Qadri was elected to the National Assembly at the 2002 elections from the Lahore Constituency.
Dr Qadri is the founder of ‘Minhaj Ul Quran International’ in Pakistan. The Organisation, with branches in 90 countries, promotes ‘true Islamic principles’ of moderation, world peace and human welfare.
The organisation will host a four-day youth camp in the UK next month, teaching the tenets of humanity, goodwill, respect for non-Muslims other religions.
He established the Minhaj University in Lahore to impart quality education and the spirit of universal understanding and religious tolerance among the younger members of the society.

True happiness is a journey, not destination

By Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri


Happiness has remained an elusive concept over the centuries.
Philosophers, religious scholars, sociologists and academicians have tried to define happiness, with some regarding it as a material thing for which material possessions have been identified as a means to achieve happiness.
Others are of the view that happiness has nothing to do with material pursuits and that it is a moral or a spiritual phenomenon which one can acquire by doing the right things.
Despite these definitions and explorations, the idea is as Greek as it was before.
However, if you want to be happy but are not sure where to start, I suggest you begin by being kinder. Acts of giving will boost your wellbeing as well as offer something good to the recipient and the world at large.
These acts can take many forms and so you can do something that suits you personally. For instance, you can do voluntary work for a philanthropist organisation; you can do good deeds in your neighbourhood, for friends, family, work colleagues and even strangers.
Happiness lies in giving to others. When you stop thinking about yourself, it is then that the journey to happiness starts. Our focal point is always I or me. These two words are the cause of sadness that we suffer. Whenever we run after something to achieve, it runs away faster from us. But when we decide to turn our back on our sought-after pursuits, those things would come for us.
This is the law of Nature, which is immutable and never changes.
If real happiness could be achieved by having lots of money and concentrating power, then kings would never have left their thrones in search of happiness.
Buddha, Ashoka, Ibraham bin Adham are a few examples from the history. They abandoned their exalted positions to find solace and happiness. They found happiness once they started serving the poor and the needy of God’s creations.

Childhood bliss

The happiest time of our life lies in our childhood. As we grow older, our desires grow as well. Sadness follows unfulfilled desires. In order to acquire eternal happiness, we need to get rid of our desires. That is why it is said that the best state to go back to God is the state in which you were born. That is the state of innocence with one’s soul untainted by the worldly desires.
You do not have to volunteer work to be a kinder person but carry out good deeds in your home or at work. You can do something for people you do not know.
Try to give people the benefit of the doubt. Let them make creative mistakes and learn for the sake of personal growth. Offer genuine compliments. Give small gifts. Plan something special for a loved one. Share your possessions without getting uptight about them.
Avoid gossiping in emails and on the telephone. Instead, make a conscious effort to only say good things about others. You always have something to offer.

Positive attitude

Think of ways you can share that information. Think of ways in which you might be a positive influence on someone’s life. When you see an opportunity to help, take it.
Not every act of kindness needs to be acknowledged. You are better off assuming the opposite. You are performing good deeds because you want to, not for the thanks but for the sake of happiness that springs from inside.
It’s a great way to increase your humility. Recognise that each act, no matter how small, will make a difference. It does not have to be the grand gesture.
The way to transform happiness from individual level to the collective phenomenon is to make efforts aimed at making your country and society welfare-oriented.
One can start this endeavour from the grassroots level by establishing welfare committees and keep on expanding its ambit.
It calls for establishment of systems and arrangements for doing well to people in an institutionalized manner. That is why the People of the Sub-continent rendered numerous sacrifices for their countries inspired by their leaders.
Let us resolve to make our countries modern and welfare-oriented as per the dreams of our founding fathers.
Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri is President, Supreme Council and Federal Council of Minhaj-Ul-Quran International and a member of the Board of Governors, Minhaj University, Lahore, currently in Melbourne for his PhD in Economics. He is the son of Dr Muhammad Tahir Ul Qadri, an internationally renowned thinker and scholar. Read related stories in this Special Report.