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Awami Lawyers Movement Pakistan (PALM)

August 8th, 2009

Awami Lawyers Movement Pakistan (PALM) is a broad based movement of advancement of Law and justice in Pakistan . Lawyers wing of Pakistan Awami Tehreek; Awami Lawyers Movement Pakistan (PALM) is the Lawyers’ Wing of the Pakistan Awami Tehreek & Tehreek-e-Minhaj-ul-Qur’an, was established unanimously in the meeting of Federal Council of Pakistan Awami Tehreek held on February 20th of 1997. It was imperative for the Lawyers’ Wing to be erected for demands of Mustafavi reforms System and for the advancement and dissemination of its mission of Rule of LAW.

The Lawyers wing (PALM) of Pakistan Awami Tehreek came into being on 20th February, 1997. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri (LL.B, Ph.D, Ex-Professor of Punjab University Law College, Lahore) is its founder leader. The supremacy of Qur’an and Sunnah system of law, propagation of awareness, protection of human rights, rule of law, peace and prosperity in Pakistan and world, Accountability and the protection of lawyers rights are some of its significant goals. It aims at a legal and constitutional struggle against law breakers, exploitative and hypocritic forces so that a society based on social, economic, legal and political justice may be established that had been dreamt by Dr. Muhammad Iqbal and the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. PALM is vigorously active for the progress, stability and prosperity of the nation and supremacy of law as without rule of law the dream of a real Islamic democratic and welfare state cannot be materialized.

The number of PALM’s membership has crossed the figure of 1,000 and it is increasing day by day. The central body of PALM comprises of 7 members. Anwaar Akhtar (advocate) is the Chief Organiser whereas Provincial, Divisional, District and Tehsil level organizations are being completed. The organizers have been nominated in two Provinces, Seven Division, 36 Districts and 66 Tehsils whereas the organizers have been nominated appointed in all courts of Lahore who are the special members of “Awami Legal Aid Cells”. They are very energetically active in solving the judicial and other legal problems of people. Moreover they provide free legal aid to the needy.

The lawyer members of PALM are in constant contact with the lawyers and office bearers. They arrange special lecture of senior advocates for young lawyers. Furthermore, they are going ahead in arranging lectures of senior advocates to give awareness of laws to common people.

PALM assists in legal proceeding in the concerned governmental and judicial institutions for human rights and common welfare. It arranges visits of lawyers to National Assembly, Provincial Assembly, Senate, Jail and Police stations. It arranges lectures and seminars of experts on national and international issues. More than 50 books of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri on law have been published and hundreds of his audio, video and cds lectures on law are available whereas more than 300 books, 1000 unpublished manuscripts and audio, video, cds cassettes on 5000 topics are available. The books and audio, video cassettes of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri on law are propagated in the Bar. Special sittings of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri with Bar Associations and intellectual’s circles are arranged. Beside, the intellectual forums of Judges, Lawyers and genius people are also arranged. These sittings systematically discuss the national and international affairs so that a final system may be evolved. People are given due legal help in High Courts, Supreme Court, Federal Shariat Court and other courts of the country. Press conferences are held and press releases are issued on legal, constitutional and national International system which help in the restoration and reformation of the system.

Beside, providing law books of Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri to the big Bar libraries, temporary stalls of books and cassettes of the author are also sold on discount. The PALM’s office bearers and lawyers too personally arrange video lectures of Dr. Qadri on law, science, economy and on contemporary affairs. Welcome parties are arranged for the new office holders. PALM invites important national personalities in the Central programmes of the Tahreek. Their visits to the Central Secretariat are arranged to introduce the Tahreek in the affective circles of the country. Lawyers are invited in the annual Aitikaf of the Tahreek that is the second biggest Aitikaf gathering after the Haramain Sharifain. The Lawyers, Judges and important personalities are invited on the 27th Ramadan gathering and Birth celebration of The Holy Prophet (PBUH).

PALM aims at initiating a free legal aid service that has been organized on national level. An internet legal guidance has also been initiated. A country wide organizational convention of PALM’s office holders are arranged. Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri has delivered numerous lectures on law in different seminars and gatherings in the universities of America, Australia, North Africa and Far East. He delivered lectures in Civil Services Academy, NEPA, Administration Staff Colleges, Jails and Colleges in Urdu, English and Arabic languages. He has served as a Professor in Law in the Punjab Law College.

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Posted in Minhaj-ul-Quran International

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Establishment of Muslim Christian Dialogue Forum (MCDF)

August 8th, 2009

A meeting of the Forum was held under the chairmanship of Chairman PAT Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri at Central Secretariat PAT. The meeting continued for four hours. It was extensively attended by the Christian counterparts including Bishop Samuel Izraia, Bishop Andrew Francis special advisor to Pope Jan Pal II for Asia, Father James Chanan OP, accompanied by 125 Bishops, leaders, fathers and priests. This was heartening to see that the delegation comprised both the Catholic as well as Protestant members.

The matters that came under discussion included the minority rights under the constitution of Pakistan and Islam. The meeting decided to work for interfaith harmony, tolerance and elimination of extremist trends from the society. It was specially observed that both the communities will jointly work to eliminate hatred culture and terrorist tendencies from the society.

The meeting also discussed appropriate measures to spread the message of the Forum in four provinces of Pakistan, the Federal Capital Islamabad and in the foreign world. Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri emphasized that they intended to create interfaith harmony on the bases of humanitarian and patriotic values so that people from all sections of the society work jointly and coherently for the development and progress of the country.

It was decided that the central executive of MCDF would comprise 30 members 15 Muslim and 15 Christian. A working group was also formulated within the central executive to design programmes, formulate the Executive’s agenda and implementation of decisions.

A women interfaith group was also formulated to achieve the objectives of the forum among the womanfolk as well.

Later Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri told the newsmen that the first ever Muslim Christian Walk will be conducted on the Mall Lahore lead by politico religious leaders in addition to social workers belonging to both the communities. Ladies and children will also join the walk.

Moreover the X-miss celebrations well also be held jointly before which a roundtable conference will be organized to address the mutual issues.

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Posted in Minhaj-ul-Quran International

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Need for UN’s Reform

August 8th, 2009

By Sahibzada Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri

(This article was published in Daily The Frontier Post on Thursday July 23, 2009)

The need for the reform of United Nations cannot be overemphasized, given the complexity of world geo-political scene and the mess the whole world has got into due to lack of effective oversight of the world body. The Millennium summit of United Nations Organization held in 2000 was a landmark event because it set new goals for the world body to achieve in the realms of world peace and economic uplift. The Millennium Declaration issued at the end of the summit represented the collective will of the member states to work together for achieving peace and ensuring a just economic world order based upon the premise of including poor and third world countries in the economic race.

Unfortunately for the people across continents, the UN underwent one crisis after the other caused mainly by the unipolarity in the global world order. As a result of successive failures of the world body to deal with issues in an even-handed manner, the UN faces the worst crisis of lack of trust and credibility in its ability to rise to the occasions.

There is a widespread feeling among the vast section of humanity that it is in fact a handmaiden of the big powers lacking the capability to enforce its charter and ensure peace in the conflict-ridden world. The disappointed people rightly view its role as that of a helpless institution that has no other option but to fall in line when confronted with the specific agendas of the major countries of the world. Coupled with these issues is the inability of the world body to solve such disputes as Palestine and Kashmir involving Muslims.

This lack of trust has basically originated from the UN’s failure in implementing its resolutions regarding disputes involving Muslims and poor countries of the Third World. In spite of the fact that a score of resolutions lie pending on its agenda, it has been unable to even reiterate its commitment to their justness.

And when it comes to the interest of the powerful countries, it takes no time in doing the needful as is proven by the UN-sanctioned Gulf war against Iraq in 1991-2 and the independence of East Timor.

The big failure of the UN is that it has miserably failed in adjusting itself to the Unipolar World Order. The presence of bipolarity served as a major factor in ensuring the world peace and resultantly the role of UN did not come in for as much questioning as now. The very collapse of USSR should have indicated that the UN would have to be up against grave challenges and huge responsibility awaited it in retaining the trust of all member countries. But it shied away from carving out its role in a new world ruled by new rules of the game.

It is the aftermath of its inactivity that US has been able to coin a new doctrine of unilateralism which constitutes the indictment of the world body. The cherished concept of collective security has been shattered to the core with the penetrating fear.

The mushrooming of the regional blocs for economic and security cooperation should also serve as a curtain-raiser for the UN high-ups. Those integrating themselves in regional groupings have this thought rooted in their mind that the real help would come from the countries of the region because of their mutual stakes and interdependence. This symbolizes the weakening faith of these countries.

In view of the overriding need for the UN to set its house in order, some points are in order which would be helpful in reclaiming the lost ground. Firstly, the UN should review its charter in view of the prevalent world order marked by unipolarity with its attendant problems for the collective security arrangements. The location of its role in the world where different dynamics are at work after the collapse of the communism is of great relevance.

In a bid to restore its lost faith, the UN should decide not to make selective use of force that spells an image of its being a puppet organization. The uniform application of its charter would go a long way in reviving the trust of the member states. It would also restore the UN’s independence in its working.

It is not just the area of security and peace that deserves the attention of the UN. The addressing of issues of global poverty, unemployment and hunger is equally important. The ongoing civil wars and internal strife in the blighted countries of the Third World originate from the presence of the above-mentioned problems when gulf between haves and have-nots reach alarming proportions.

In addition to other factors, the unjust economic system in operation in the world characterized by the dominance of rich countries with no space for developing countries is a major reason behind falling standards of life resulting into civil wars and internal conflicts among the competing classes.

The WTO regime is no doubt an attempt at bridging the gap between developed and the developing countries and offers attractive promises for the much-needed change. But there are vast problems in store for the weak economies if they straightaway sign up with the regime without first setting rules of the game. The UN should devise a strategy to ensure that WTO regime does not become yet another instrument of exploiting the poor countries of the world.

More importantly the UN should bring about reforms in its internal structure. The decision-making process needs to be made more democratized and broad-based with maximum participation of the member countries so that they could own the decisions and the feelings that the decisions are imposed from the above without their participation in the process should be eliminated.

For this purpose, there is a need to make the role of the general assembly more relevant and decisive one. General Assembly of the UN is the representative institution of all member states. In view of this position it should be invested with more powers. Rather it is suggested that the general assembly should serve as a legislature for the UN where UNSC should be responsible to it for all its actions. The UNSC should be bound by the charter to seek mandate from the General Assembly for its decisions in the realm of security and world peace. The discretionary and superior role of UNSC should be reduced to the minimal levels.

There should be no further extension of the veto power of the UNSC. The possession of this power by permanent five members is already against the principles of justice and fair-play. In addition to the supervisory role of the General Assembly, the extension of its membership to some other non-permanent countries would be very helpful in reducing the dominant role of the permanent five.

Lastly the UN should devise strategy in dealing with the post-conflict policing and reconstruction work and there should not be any space for any external power for exploiting the material resources of the said country. The resources should be used for the welfare of the masses of the same country. These steps hold great relevance for the UN in making itself a credible body of the world.

(The writer is a PhD scholar in Economics at the Australian University)

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Posted in International Issues, Islam & Democracy, Islam is all bout Peace, Islam on Human Rights

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Why Forced Marriages?

August 8th, 2009

By:- Sahibzada Hassan Mohi ud Din Qadri

Since Islam firmly believes in upholding certain basic moral values such as chastity and modesty, which are considered the building blocks of society, it is preferred both morally and ethically that a boy and a girl should not go directly and give his or her offer of marriage to the second party. This arrangement should be done through a third party, preferably the family. Islam most definitely encourages arranged marriages but categorically prohibits forced marriages. Perhaps this is where the basic problem arises requiring the Muslim community to address the issue. The family needs to determine whether it is truly arranging a marriage with the full participation and consent of their children or it is forcing its own consent and views on their children, either through forceful methods or sometimes by emotional and sentimental blackmail.

Given Islamic position on the matter, one may ask why this basic problem still exists. If Islamic law is so categorical then why does the Muslim community continue to abuse their position? Why are Muslim children still being forced to marry against their will? These are the questions that need to be understood and answered.

Firstly, there is a fundamental difference in Islam regarding rights and duties as compared to secular law and culture. According to the Islamic societal order and family structure, parents are compulsorily responsible to take care of the upbringing of their children, to provide for their education, their food, their clothing, their lodging and most critically fulfil all of their needs up to their marriage and attaining adulthood. As the parents reach their old age and have no independent earning, during that period of life it is then the responsibility of their children, in particular the son, to look after the parents. This mutual and reciprocal fulfilment of rights and obligations continues between both the parent and the child, right from the birth till death. Indeed parents, children and other blood relations continue fulfilling the rights of one and another even after the death in the form of charity and other pious deeds. In this way the spiritual, secular, earthly and ethical relations, rights and obligation continue from generation to generation.

In contrast, within other societies, as soon the children attain adulthood or maturity they are not expected to support their own parents in any manner but are free to live totally independent lives. The parents are no more obligated to support their children who in turn have no duty or obligation to help their own parents, even if they are elderly and in great need.

The beauty of the Islamic system of rights and obligations is to maintain a balance between both parties, each knowing their rights but also their limits. However many Muslim parents continue to further their responsibilities, going over and above what is legally required of them. In the particular case of marriage, for example this can include payment of all expenses of the marriage ceremony and settlement of the newly wedded couple. Often this includes even buying a new residence until the son becomes financially independent and he is able to bear the expenses of his family or in the case of a daughter, they will support her until she moves to her husband’s house. Parents invest so much time and effort in their children but then expect something in return for their benevolence.

Problems occur, unfortunately, when Muslim parents and their children cross their limits and raise their expectations of each other, often disturbing the whole beauty of the system. When parents keep on investing extra-ordinarily in their children until their wedding, they begin to expect their children to accede to their wishes completely in the choice of the life partner, or think that it is their parental rights to do so.

This is an undue and unlawful expectation and is an act of transgression and not the justified lawful response. This amounts to snatching the right of free choice from the children or depriving them of their free and independent decision of choosing their life partners which Almighty Allah has vested in them. The ideal manner to deal with such expectations is that the children should help and serve their parents throughout their life. They should not neglect their needs and requirements that is often the case in Western secular society but continue to provide them with both financial and emotional support. Islam has placed great emphasis on the rights of parents, since they have brought up their children often making great sacrifices in order to provide the best for their children. Children should then give parents the confidence through their actions that they will still be there for them once they are married.

A second reason for forced marriages is that often immigrant families have other family members that are still residing in that part of the world they themselves came from. Thus they look for ways and means to bring their nephews and nieces and other close blood relations abroad. They hope to get them settled and the best course available to them is marriage. In most of the cases parents find totally un-matching partners for their children and ignore the relevance and necessity of equality of education, equality of understanding and equality of intellectual ability. Parents need to look and listen to their children. They have been educated in a society totally different from Pakistan, India and other countries of the Asian sub-continent. Their ways of thinking, communicating and understanding are different. It is extremely difficult for spouses, who have been brought up in different cultural and social environments to have a marriage free of discord.

For a resolution of such disputes, there needs to be a friendly dialogue and democratic consultation between parents and children based upon mutual respect and good will. It is through greater understanding and engagement that such issues can be taken care of. Media can be a very good vehicle in this day and age, which can remove confusions, misunderstandings and build bridges. Religious scholars also have an important role to play here aimed at educating people about the Islamic perspective on such issues.

(The writer is a PhD scholar in Islamic Law at an Egyptian University, Cairo)

This Article was printed in Daily The Frontier Post on June 17, 2009

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Posted in Islam is all bout Peace

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Concept of Forced Marriages in Islam

August 8th, 2009

By:- Hassan Mohi ud Din Qadri

The issue of forced marriages has become an immensely contentious one, resulting in media frenzy over such cases and highlighting a growing problem amongst those communities which in particular belong to the Asian sub-continent. Unfortunately, if a Muslim is involved in such matters it has become the norm to assume that Islam must thus condone such actions. This article thus deals with the issue of forced marriages and tends to explore Islamic perspective on it. The issue of marriage itself is a vast topic and all of its facets cannot be addressed here. This article will merely focus on the legal position of these marriages in Islamic law.

In order to appreciate the Islamic stance on forced marriages, it is necessary to understand basic Islamic principles regarding freedom of choice. A fundamental aspect of Islamic ideology and law is the right of free will and consent and the negation of compulsion and coercion within the human life. This principle has been categorically emphasised in many verses of the Holy Qur’an and Prophetic traditions, in general as well as in specific situations.

It is stated in the Holy Qur’an;

“There is no compulsion in religion, the right path and wrong path, both have been clearly explained and explicitly differentiated from each other”. (2:256)

A person is therefore given the choice to either accept the faith and become a Muslim or refuse and remain a non-Muslim. Indeed, within the Holy Qur’an the Prophets of Allah (s.w.t), throughout the ages, were always given this principle; their duty was to communicate the word of God to humankind, leaving the decision of acceptance in the hands of the recipients of that message.

Imam Ibn Jarir al-Tabri states, whilst interpreting Surah Al-Baqarah (2:256) that some of the local citizens of Madina Manawarra had already imbued their children with the Jewish and Christian faith during their childhood before the migration of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to Madina Manawarra. However with the advent of Islam, the elders embraced Islam with their free choice and in doing so tried to enforce Islam upon their now grown-up children. Imam Ibn Jarir al-Tabri states that it was within this context that Almighty Allah revealed this Qur’anic verse on the Holy Prophet, commanding that there is no compulsion and coercion in religion. Forcing children and trying to compel them to become a Muslim was categorically prohibited since acceptance of the deen of Islam was declared a matter of free will and choice. Imam Razi and Imam Qurtabi also report the same event from Sayyidina Abdullah Ibn Abbas.

It is pertinent to note that Iman is the most superior value of Muslim life. It is a sacred spiritual contract between a person and his Creator, the benefits of which will be reaped in the Hereafter. If compulsion is prohibited within this sphere of the deen then it naturally follows that any person, be the parent or guardian of an individual, cannot force his/her children to enter into a marriage contract with anyone against their free choice and consent.

Unlike secular law, marriage within the ambit of Islam is not only a civil contract but a religious and spiritual contract between two people – which must be entered into freely and with mutual consent. According to Islamic custom, parents and guardians have specific rights in this matter; to arrange the marriage ceremony and conduct it as a respectful family event; give their advice and recommendation for a life partner for their children. These rights are encapsulated within the philosophy of ‘willayah’. However, Islam does not allow parents, guardians or other relatives to enforce their will or choice on a boy or a girl since it is they who are the real parties to that contract. The right to exercise free will and consent in choosing a spouse is a God given right. This is also clearly evident from important commandments given by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in numerous Hadith, which lay down the foundational principles of formulating a marriage contract. In the Sahih Al-Bukhari, for example, a chapter in the book of marriage has been given the heading: “No father or mother or any close relation can force his/her children to marry any one against their free will and consent”

Within this chapter Abu Hurairah transmits from the Holy Prophet (PBUH) who said: “No female whether a widow or divorcee will be forced to marry any one unless her express and categorical consent has been freely taken and in the same way a woman not previously married can never be forced to marry anyone unless her free consent and permission is taken”

Imam Bukhari has set another chapter heading within the book of marriage: “If parents force their daughter to marry someone against her wish then the marriage will be void”.

Under this chapter Imam Bukhari reports a Hadith of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) from Khansa Bint e Hizam Al Ansariyah. She states that her father married her off to someone forcefully whom she did not like. She took her case to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and upon listening to her; the Holy Prophet (PBUH) rejected the marriage and declared the marriage as void”.

In another Hadith in the Sahih of Imam Bukhari it is narrated by Abdullah Ibn Abbas (r.a.d) that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said that if a woman wants to marry and is already a divorcee or widow, her right of free consent and free choice is superior then the right of her guardian. If she is not previously married and this is her first marriage even then her parents or other guardians cannot enforce their choice on her. They are not allowed to force her to marry any one against her free choice and free consent.

It is thus clearly apparent that forced marriages are totally unacceptable in Islam. Islamic commandments as mentioned above are very categorical in nature. Those who invoke Islam in order to justify their actions do so for ulterior motives. There is a need to educate all and sundry on these issues. In most of the cases, forced marriages are the result of monetary gains, local and tribal traditions and caste affiliations. Strict legislation accompanied by media awareness campaign could be helpful in stemming the trend of the forced marriages.

(The writer is a PhD scholar in Islamic Law at an Egyptian University, Cairo)

This Article was printed in Daily The Frontier Post on June 15, 2009

http://www.thefrontierpost.com/News.aspx?ncat=ar&nid=340

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Posted in Islamic Ideology

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Women Education in Islam

August 8th, 2009

By Dr Rahiq Ahmad Abbasi

Knowledge is one of the important pillars upon which the edifice of Islam is raised. The very fact that the first revelation upon the Holy Prophet (pbuh) contained the commandment about ‘reading’ speaks volumes of the emphasis Islam lays on education. All interpreters of the Holy Qur’an have consensus on this that the first five verses of sura al-Alaq form the beginning of the sending of revelation:

اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَO خَلَقَ الْإِنسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍO اقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ الْأَكْرَمُO الَّذِي عَلَّمَ بِالْقَلَمِO عَلَّمَ الْإِنسَانَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَمْO

“(O Beloved!) Read (commencing) with the Name of Allah, Who has created (everything). He created man from a hanging mass (clinging) like a leech (in the mother’s womb). Read and your Lord is Most Generous, Who taught man (reading and writing) by the pen, Who (besides that) taught man (all that) which he did not know.” (al-‘Alaq, 96: 1-5)

The first commandment contained in these verses related to ‘reading’ as a part of process of acquisition of knowledge. In addition to the description of Allah Almighty being the Creator and Sustainer, there the mention was also made of two branches of knowledge ie sociology and creations. While indicating knowledge of biology and morality in the verse number two and three, it was also explained that Islamic concept of knowledge is very vast and when Islam talks of acquisition of knowledge, it embraces all branches of knowledge, both religious and secular, in its fold, which are productive for the mankind. Traditional religious sciences are not exclusively meant here. Many verses of the Holy Qur’an invite man to ponder and meditate over the creation of universe; heavens and earth. This meditation and reflection led to the laying down of the foundation of modern science. History bears witness to the fact that the modern science upon which humanity takes pride today, was not only founded by the Muslims but they were also the ones who determined its rules and regulations and undertook early discoveries and inventions. (Since this is not the main subject of this article here, therefore, those interested in knowing more about it should consult Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri’s two-volume book Muqaddima Sirat-ur-Rasool.)

Following the rise of Islamic civilization for one thousand year, one of the basic reasons underlying the total decline of its civilization is that those basic and clear concepts upon which there was no ambiguity in history were not only obscured but also got polluted. One of these is related to women’s acquisition of knowledge. There is a particular mindset in the contemporary age that opposes women’s learning and education tooth and nail and if it does not oppose it in an outright way, it is in favour of putting such restrictions as make it almost next to impossible for female students to get knowledge.

No disagreement is found on acquisition of knowledge being binding and obligatory. The importance and excellence of knowledge has been highlighted both directly and indirectly at about five hundred places in the Holy Qur’an. Describing the duties of the Prophethood of the Holy Prophet (pbuh), Allah Almighty says:

كَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا فِيكُمْ رَسُولاً مِّنكُمْ يَتْلُو عَلَيْكُمْ آيَاتِنَا وَيُزَكِّيكُمْ وَيُعَلِّمُكُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَيُعَلِّمُكُم مَّا لَمْ تَكُونُواْ تَعْلَمُونَ O

“Likewise, We have sent to you (Our) Messenger from among yourselves who recites to you Our Revelations and purifies and sanctifies (your hearts and ill-commanding selves) and teaches you the Book and inculcates in you logic and wisdom and enlightens you (on the mysteries of spiritual gnosis and divine truth) which you did not know.” (al-Baqara, 2: 151)

هُوَ الَّذِي بَعَثَ فِي الْأُمِّيِّينَ رَسُولًا مِّنْهُمْ يَتْلُواْ عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِهِ وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَإِن كَانُوا مِن قَبْلُ لَفِي ضَلَالٍ مُّبِينٍ O

“He is the One Who sent a (Glorious) Messenger (pbuh) among the illiterate people from among themselves who recites to them His Revelations and cleanses and purifies them (outwardly and inwardly) and teaches them the Book and Wisdom. Indeed they were in open error before (his most welcome arrival).” (al-Jumu‘a, 62: 2)

The basic principle of Islamic Sharia is that whenever a commandment is revealed, the masculine form of word is used, but female gender is also included in this commandment. If this principle is rejected then basic pillars of Islam such as prayer, fasting, pilgrimage and alms-due will become null and void for women. So this is a proved fact that though God Almighty and the Holy Prophet (pbuh) used the masculine form of sentence to describe most of the commandments, but women are also bound to act and follow those rules and regulations.

The study of these verses clearly shows that the prophetic responsibilities of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as his Prophethood included recital of the verses, purgation of self, education of the Book and wisdom and communication of knowledge. Four duties out of five directly talk of knowledge whereas the fifth one, and second in the sequence ie purgation of self, refers to a particular kind of knowledge, which is technically defined as mysticism or sufism. Now if the doors of acquiring knowledge are shut on women or unjustified restrictions are imposed upon their acquisition of knowledge, which religion will they act upon or what kind of contact will they have with the Prophet’s religion because the religion the Holy Prophet (pbuh) brought with him is characterized by knowledge in its entirety.

A number of Prophetic traditions also talk directly about knowledge being obligatory and binding in character. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: “Acquisition of knowledge is biding on all Muslims (both men and women without any discrimination)”. (Sunan Ibn Maja)

The Holy Prophet (pbuh) also said at another place: “Acquire knowledge even if you may have to go to China for it. Verily acquisition of knowledge is binding on every Muslim”. (Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr)

He (pbuh) said at another place: “Allah Almighty makes the path to paradise easier for him who walks on it for getting knowledge.” (Sahih Muslim)

Therefore when it becomes clear now that the Holy Qur’an has made acquisition of knowledge obligatory for women in the same way as in case of men, the study of the life of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) also shows that he himself made special arrangements for the education and training of women.

Abu Sa‘id Khudri reports that women said to the Holy Prophet (pbuh): ‘men have gone ahead of us (in terms of acquisition of knowledge). Therefore, appoint a special day for our benefit as well.’ The Holy Prophet (pbuh) fixed one day for them. He (pbuh) would meet them on that day, advise them and educate them about commandments of Allah Almighty. (Sahih Bukhari)

Sayyida ‘A’isha Siddiqa, mother of the faithful, was a hadith-narrator, scholar, intellectual and jurist of great standing. She is believed to have reported 2,210 traditions. Abu Hurayra, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr and Anas ibn Malik were the only ones from amongst male hadith narrators who had narrated more traditions than she did. This shows that women could not only teach women but also men after fulfilling certain preconditions.

‘A’isha bint Talha reports: I stayed with Sayyida ‘A’isha. People from every city would come to me including the old ones (who would put forward questions) because they knew that I am her servant. And the students who were young would treat me like their sister and would present gifts (to Sayyida ‘A’isha through me). Many would also write me letters (so that I could reply them back after soliciting answers from Sayyida ‘A’isha. I would submit: O aunt! Mr. so and so has written a letter and there is his present as well. Sayyida ‘A’isha would say in reply to this: O daughter! Answer his query and give him present in exchange as well. If you have nothing to give, let me know, I will give. So she would return (the present in exchange and I would send it back along with the letter).” (Bukhari, al-Adab al-Mufrad)

Another misunderstanding is found that the girls’ and women’s getting of education from men is forbidden. It is better if there is arrangement of female teacher teaching the female students but in case of any problem or non-availability of female teachers, the act of men teaching female students under condition of veil is not forbidden by the Islamic law or Sharia. Since the Holy Prophet (pbuh) himself made arrangements for education and training of women, therefore, a mention of one day having been specified for women in the Prophet’s Mosque is found. (Sahih Bukhari)

Invoking the commandments of veil, certain people justify their opposition to the female education. Their contention is that since there are men around when women step out of home for education, therefore, it is impossible to observe veil. First of all, this excuse is ridiculous to say the least. If girls or women cannot go out of home for the purpose of education, it is not rightful for them to do the same for any other chore or purpose. In the eyes of such people, the act of women leaving their homes is strictly prohibited. It is another matter that there is no commandment either in Islamic law or history which favours and authenticates this approach. The verse dealing with veil is an authentication of the fact itself that the command of Islamic veil is applicable when one steps out of home. This does not apply in case women stay at their homes. Let us study the relevant verse of veil:

وَقُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنَاتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِنَّ وَيَحْفَظْنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ وَلَا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا

“And direct the believing women that they (too) must keep their eyes lowered and guard their chastity, and must not show off their adornments and beautification except that (part of it) which becomes visible itself.” (an-Nur, 24: 31)

This verse prohibits the demonstration of beauty. The second thing being said here is that they should cover themselves when they step out of home so that the believing women may be distinguishable from women of other disposition. Addressing the women of the Prophet’s family by way of general education, Allah Almighty said at another place:

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ قُل لِّأَزْوَاجِكَ وَبَنَاتِكَ وَنِسَاءِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ يُدْنِينَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِن جَلَابِيبِهِنَّ ذَلِكَ أَدْنَى أَن يُعْرَفْنَ فَلَا يُؤْذَيْنَ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ غَفُورًا َّحِيمًا O

“O Prophet! Say to your wives, your daughters and the women of believers that (while going out) they should draw their veils as coverings over them. It is more likely that this way they may be recognized (as pious, free women) and may not be hurt (considered by mistake as roving slave girls). And Allah is Most Forgiving, Ever-Merciful.” (al-Ahzab, 33: 59)

Therefore the commandments concerning veil are themselves great justification for women stepping out of their homes. Secondly if the women’s act of stepping out of homes was prohibited, why did the revered wives of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) participate in the battles? Study the following traditions and you would come to know the range of functions women performed during the period of Prophethood.

Anas ibn Malik said: when people got separated from the Holy Prophet (pbuh), I saw ‘A’yesha bint Abi Bakr and Umm Sulaim were completely covered in attire. They would bring water-bags upon their back, offer it to the thirsty Muslims and then return. They would bring water-bags again and made the thirsty Muslims drink it. (Sahih Bukhari)

Umm ‘Atiya says: I participated in seven battles with the Holy Prophet (pbuh). I would pursue the Ghazis in their tracks, cook food for them and do dressing for the injured and make arrangements for treatment of the diseased. (Sahih Muslim)

This practice continued in the period of the rightly-guided Caliphs after the period of Prophethood. For example women used to be part of parliament (majlis shura) during the period of ‘Umar Farooq. (Musannaf ‘Abd ar-Razzaq) During the rule of ‘Uthman, women were designated as ambassadors to other countries. (Tarikh Tabari)

In the similar manner, the history of Islam is replete with the mention of such women who got distinguished positions in such fields as hadith sciences, the science of interpretation, jurisprudence, medical science, poetry and calligraphy. (Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, Women Rights in Islam)

Therefore, the rationale of putting restrictions on women’s stepping out of their homes is not Islamic in its nature. It could well be a local custom but has nothing to do with Islam.

Let us look at this objection from another angle. Suppose if society is such as makes the fulfillment of conditions of veiling difficult and Islamic veiling is not possible, then a comparative study of two commandments will be undertaken. The commandment concerning veil has come at two places in the Holy Qur’an and the commandment about acquisition of knowledge has come at five hundred places in the Holy Book.

God forbid if conditions are such that women are to make a choice between complete Islamic veiling and acquisition of knowledge, definitely, the choice would pertain to such option about which there are more commandments than others.

Therefore banning the women education under the guise of veil is against Islam and the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and Sunna do not allow it at all. Islam did not differentiate between men and women with regard to obligatory aspect of knowledge. At the end, I want to draw the attention of the scholars and intellectuals to an important problem that acquisition of knowledge is an obligation as established by the Holy Qur’an and the Sunna. All schools of thought also agree to the fact that an outright rejection of an obligation is infidelity. Therefore if anyone considers the women education as prohibited irrespective of whatever justification he may present, he is committing an outright rejection of an obligation. Such type of baseless religious edits, which end up disfiguring the real face of Islam, putting up concocted picture and causing the ridicule of Islamic teachings, should be discouraged. All religious scholars should get their heads together and formulate joint course of action so that such elements, who are bent on defaming Islam for their vested interests, could be reined in.

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Understanding ‘freedom of expression’

August 8th, 2009

Two years ago, the world happened to face a controversy caused by the publication of blasphemous and defamatory caricatures of the Holy Prophet (saw), the Holy Qur’an and other sacred rituals of Islam in some European newspapers. Sequel to a strong protest by the world community in general and the Muslim countries in particular, the upheaval temporarily quietened. But it is most unfortunate that the denigrating publications have been restarted. As before, the new wave of nonsense has once again sprouted from Denmark.  Not less than eighteen newspapers of a civilized and peaceful country like Denmark have published the heinous caricatures. Furthermore a Holland MP Geert Wilders has produced a fifteen minute film containing indescribably indecent, shameful and demeaning material against the Qur’an and the Holy Messenger of Islam (saw). This new wave of blasphemy which was calmed down by the intervention of peace-loving leaders of the world two years before points to a conspiracy hatched by the evil forces that are engaged in shaking up and destroying the world peace. They desire that the world must plunge into a clash of civilizations.

Considering it our fundamental responsibility we draw attention of the rulers and leaders of all the 257 countries of the world and the Muslim, Christian, Jew and leaders of all other religions to take serious notice of the mischief mongers and their heinous designs to play with sentiments of hundred and fifty million Muslim people on the globe just in the name of freedom of expression. The failure of governments to address this situation has allowed it to spread all over the world, with no end in sight. This situation has been unnecessarily allowed to spiral out of control and has threatened the concept of peaceful co-existence. If not addressed, it can lead to a potential clash of not only civilisations but religions and societies as well. This article aims to put the issue in perspective.

Currently the newspapers involved in blasphemy and other media are trying to justify their profanity in the name of ‘freedom of expression’. Much of this debate has focused on the ‘right of freedom of expression’ with its defenders advocating the sacredness of freedom of speech which needs to be upheld no matter what the consequences. However in reality the issue is not one of curtailing the right to freedom of expression since this is a right that is not absolute and no one can claim so. Rights are reciprocal and their enforcement is interdependent on other fundamental rights. To insist that a right is absolute is erroneous since such a right can infringe other basic human rights.

Every country that claims to be part of the ‘civilized and democratic’ world has put its own limits on freedom of expression in the interests of society in order to maintain a certain level of human behaviour, be it based on local norms and customs, culture or religion but in essence to protect the dignity of their moral and religious, social, and societal values.

So to suddenly create an outcry that the right to freedom of speech is being undermined by Muslim protests is clearly a fallacy. The free propagation of child pornography for instance or the incitements of religious or racial hatred in the media is banned in many countries and quite rightly so. In many European countries it is a crime to deny the Holocaust, being a criminal offence in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Israel, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Switzerland, and is punishable by fines and a jail sentence.

There is also a law of defamation normally under the Law of Tort that can lead to an individual being compensated for offence caused. The absolute right to free expression is curtailed in order to balance the rights of an individual. In the same way an act that causes offence to a whole community can never be justified under the banner of freedom of speech. Moreover in many countries it is illegal or at least discouraged to degrade or abuse the constitution or certain national institutions such as the army, courts of law, or parliament. Contempt of court also exists all over the world which severely limits freedom of speech, violation of which can lead to imprisonment. If the right to freedom of expression is absolute, why are there no objections to laws such as these?

To give respect to an individual’s honour and dignity is a fundamental human right protected by law as is the prohibition on blasphemy and defamation as well as the right to religious freedom. The UN Charter, Constitutions and Laws of many countries provide protection to these rights.

The UN Charter recognises this right in Article 1 (ii): “To achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion.”

It is also recognised in the European Convention on Human Rights Article 9: “Freedom to manifest one’s religion or beliefs shall be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of public safety, for the protection of public order, health or morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.”

The Constitution of the USA, Amendment I of Bill of Rights states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

Moreover many countries have passed anti-terrorist legislation, severely restricting the civil liberties of individuals, with the legislation drafted in a manner that is clearly aimed at focusing upon Muslims in the countries concerned. There is a strong feeling that a substantial minority is being continually abused and misrepresented in the mass media through the portrayal of negative images not based upon reality, and then subjected to humiliating checks and procedures when going about their lives on a daily basis, all in the name of freedom of speech and national interest. It is thus highly surprising that the sacred elements of its faith are ridiculed just in the name of freedom of expression and speech knowing that the reactions will be extremely tense. There is no doubt that re-publication of these caricatures by the newspapers involved was an exercise to demonstrate control and power directed against Muslims, either subscribe to our culture and way of living or suffer the consequences and be ridiculed and debased.

Realising the significance of this right some world dignitaries have condemned the publication of these caricatures and have emphasised the restriction of the right of the freedom of speech too.

Kofi Annan said: “I also respect the right of freedom of speech. But of course freedom of speech is never absolute. It entails responsibility and judgment.”

The US State Department said: “These cartoons are indeed offensive to the belief of Muslims.” Spokesman, Kurtis Cooper, said: “We all fully respect freedom of the press and expression but it must be coupled with press responsibility. Inciting religious or ethnic hatred in this manner is not acceptable.”

If internationally recognised principles of tolerance and co-existence are put aside and moral and religious values are dishonoured then the present situation will worsen and the prevailing tensions will intensify. Europe considers itself to be an educated and civilized society but its response to the gross infringement of the basic right to religion of one of its minority communities has become un-understandable. There needs to be some mechanism to put an end to these horrific occurrences which may prove a potential threat to world peace. Those who advocate that the right to freedom of speech is being eroded and any restraints upon it cannot be tolerated must look within their own ‘democratic societies’ and the extent to which their civil liberties have been eroded through the recent anti-terrorist legislation.

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A Call to Prevent a Clash of Civilisations

August 8th, 2009

Shaykh-ul-Islam Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri is taking up the issue of the publication of the caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) with the UN, EU, OIC, governments of all member states of the UN and with all embassy missions in Islamabad. As part of this diplomatic drive, the detailed memorandum has been sent to all of these concerned parties all over the world, including world human rights organisations. The text of the memorandum is given below:

A call to prevent a clash of civilisations

The world is facing yet another challenge following the world-wide controversy caused by the publication of blasphemous and defamatory caricatures of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in some European newspapers. The failure of governments to address this situation has allowed it to spread all over the world, with no end in sight. This situation has been unnecessarily allowed to spiral out of control and has threatened the concept of peaceful co-existence. If not addressed, it can lead to a potential clash of not only civilisations but religions and societies as well.

This memorandum aims to put the issue in perspective and to propose realistic and practicable measures to address it. Much of this debate has focused on the ‘right of freedom of expression’ with its defenders advocating the sacredness of freedom of speech which needs to be upheld no matter what the consequences. However in reality the issue is not one of curtailing the right to freedom of expression since this is a right that is not absolute and no one can claim so. Rights are reciprocal and their enforcement is interdependent on other fundamental rights. To insist that a right is absolute is erroneous since such a right can infringe other basic human rights. Every country that claims to be part of the ‘civilized and democratic’ world has put its own limits on freedom of expression in the interests of society in order to maintain a certain level of human behaviour, be it based on local norms and customs, culture or religion but in essence to protect the dignity of their moral and religious, social, and societal values.

So to suddenly create an outcry that the right to freedom of speech is being undermined by Muslim protests is clearly a fallacy. The free propagation of child pornography for instance or the incitements of religious or racial hatred in the media is banned in many countries and quite rightly so. In many European countries it is a crime to deny the holocaust, being a criminal offence in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Israel, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Switzerland, and is punishable by fines and a jail sentence.[1] When the British newspaper, The Independent (27 January 2003) depicted the Prime Minister of Israel, Ariel Sharon eating the head of a Palestinian child while saying, ‘ What’s wrong, You’ve never seen a politician kissing babies before’, this caused an uproar in Israel and other parts of the world raising tempers especially in the Jewish and Israeli community around the world. Whatever the matter of that caricature, the uproar was a natural reaction of a people for their leader. More recently when the Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi compared himself to Jesus Christ the Vatican including Italian politicians immediately expressed shock and anger at these comments. A senior Catholic Church official added, “I know he will say he was speaking in jest but such things should not be spoken of in jest.” [2] The issue here is not one of curtailing freedom of expression but objecting to the ridicule and insult towards the sacred elements of an entire civilisation.

There is also a law of defamation normally under the Law of Tort that can lead to an individual being compensated for offence caused. The absolute right to free expression is curtailed in order to balance the rights of an individual. In the same way an act that causes offence to a whole community can never be justified under the banner of freedom of speech. Moreover in many countries it is illegal or at least discouraged to degrade or abuse the constitution or certain national institutions such as the army, courts of law, or parliament. Contempt of court also exists all over the world which severely limits freedom of speech, violation of which can lead to imprisonment. If the right to freedom of expression is absolute, why are there no objections to laws such as these?

To give respect to an individual’s honour and dignity is a fundamental human right protected by law as is the prohibition on blasphemy and defamation as well as the right to religious freedom. The UN Charter, Constitutions and Laws from many countries provide protection to these rights.

The UN Charter recognises this right in Article 1(iii):

“To achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion.”

It is also recognised in the European Convention on Human Rights Article 9:

“Freedom to manifest one’s religion or beliefs shall be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of public safety, for the protection of public order, health or morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.” The constitution of the USA, Amendment I of Bill of Rights states:

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

Some US states have blasphemy laws on their statute books. The U.S state of Massachusetts General Laws states (chapter 272 section 36) “Whoever wilfully blasphemes the holy name of God by denying, cursing or contumeliously reproaching God, his creation, government or final judging of the world, or by cursing or contumeliously reproaching Jesus Christ or the Holy Ghost, or by cursing or contumeliously reproaching or exposing to contempt and ridicule, the holy word of God contained in the holy scriptures shall be punished by imprisonment in jail…

Other countries having blasphemy laws are:

  1. Austria (Articles 188, 189 of the criminal code)
  2. Finland (Section 10 of chapter 17 of the penal code)
  3. Germany (Article 166 of the criminal code)
  4. The Netherlands (Article 147 of the criminal code)
  5. Spain (Article 525 of the criminal code)
  6. Ireland: Article 40.6.1.i of the constitution of Ireland provides that the publication of blasphemous matter is an offence. Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred act 1989, this includes hatred against a group on account of their religion.
  7. Canada Section 296 of the Canadian Criminal code. Offence against the Christian religion is blasphemy.
  8. New Zealand Section 123 of the New Zealand Crimes Act 1961

Churches for instance hold sanctity in the Christian world and are protected under the constitution in some European countries. An example is the constitution of Denmark, section 4 [State Church] which states:

“The Evangelical Lutheran Church shall be the Established Church of Denmark, and, as such, it shall be supported by the State.” It is evident from the above mentioned laws that freedom of speech is a fundamental right but this right is not absolute. There are hundreds of books and newspaper articles that have been published attempting to criticize Islam and the basic tenets of its faith yet Muslims never object to scholarly debate since they are well aware that this is part of an ongoing debate on Islam and within the tenets of ‘freedom of expression’. There have been countless newspaper articles completely misrepresenting Islam, often publishing clear lies and exaggerated stories about Islam and its law yet Muslims are tolerant and appreciate that this is part and parcel of living within societies who claim this to be part of their ‘liberal democracies’. However when this right of ‘freedom of expression’ is abused and the most sacred elements of Islam are deliberately insulted then this will definitely create great unrest among Muslims around the world. By depicting the Holy Prophet of Islam (PBUH) as wielding a knife and wearing a bomb disguised as a turban on his head is a deliberate attempt to insult and stir up controversy, presenting him and his followers as violent terrorists. Another caricature portrays him as supporting suicide bombers and saying “Stop, Stop we have run out of virgins”. How can such caricatures be justified under the banner of free speech? Moreover these caricatures were not printed within a vacuum but in an environment of an anti-Muslim bias where tensions were already running extremely high within the Danish community and indeed throughout Europe. Only recently the Queen of Denmark had made controversial remarks stating that: “We have to show our opposition to Islam and we have to, at times, run the risk of having unflattering labels placed on us because there are some things for which we should display no tolerance.” [3]

Moreover many countries have passed anti-terrorist legislation, severely restricting the civil liberties of individuals, with the legislation drafted in a manner that is clearly aimed at focusing upon Muslims in the countries concerned. There is a strong feeling that a substantial minority is being continually abused and misrepresented in the mass media through the portrayal of negative images not based upon reality, and then subjected to humiliating checks and procedures when going about their lives on a daily basis, all in the name of freedom of speech and national interest. It is thus highly surprising that the sacred elements of its faith are ridiculed just in the name of freedom of expression and speech knowing that the reactions will be extremely tense. There is no doubt that the publishing of these caricatures by the newspapers involved was an exercise to demonstrate control and power directed against Muslims, either subscribe to our culture and way of living or suffer the consequences and be ridiculed and debased.

Realising the significance of this right some world dignitaries have condemned the publication of these caricatures and have emphasised the restriction of the right of the freedom of speech too.

Kofi Annan: “I also respect the right of freedom of speech. But of course freedom of speech is never absolute. It entails responsibility and judgment.”[4] Jack Straw, British Foreign Secretary: “There is freedom of speech, we all respect that. But there is not any obligation to insult or to be gratuitously inflammatory. I believe that the re-publication of these cartoons has been insulting; it has been insensitive; it has been disrespectful and it has been wrong. “There are taboos in every religion. It is not the case that there is open season in respect of all aspects of Christian rites and rituals in the name of free speech. Nor is it the case that there is open season in respect of rights and rituals of the Jewish religion, the Hindu religion, the Sikh religion. It should not be the case in respect of the Islamic religion either. We have to be very careful about showing the proper respect in this situation.”[5]

The US State Department: “These cartoons are indeed offensive to the belief of Muslims.” Spokesman, Kurtis Cooper, said: “We all fully respect freedom of the press and expression but it must be coupled with press responsibility. Inciting religious or ethnic hatred in this manner is not acceptable.”[6] Philippe Douste-Blazy, French Foreign Minister: “The principle of freedom should be exercised in a spirit of tolerance, respect of beliefs, respect of religions, which is the very basis of secularism of our country.”[7]

Vatican cardinal Achille Silvestrini condemned the cartoons, saying Western culture had to know its limits. It is thus clearly apparent that using freedom of speech to imply that there are no limits to what one can say or do is a myth. An act that offends the religious and moral values of a community such as solidarity, integrity and sanctity, resulting in endangering the peace, cannot be regarded as a right to express ones freedom of speech. Islam too teaches the principle of tolerance and co-existence, to live and let live. It discourages the defamation of other Gods and religious symbols teaching respect to mankind. (Al-Quran: Al-An’am: 6:108). Islamic Law lays great emphasis on the security, dignity and respect of all other religions together with their beliefs without any discrimination.

If internationally recognised principles of tolerance and co-existence are put aside and moral and religious values are dishonoured then the present situation will worsen and the prevailing tensions will intensify. Europe considers itself to be an educated and civilized society but its response to the gross infringement of the basic right to religion of one of its minority communities has become un-understandable. There needs to be some mechanism to put an end to these horrific occurrences which may prove a potential threat to world peace. Those who advocate that the right to freedom of speech is being eroded and any restraints upon it cannot be tolerated must look within their own ‘democratic societies’ and the extent to which their civil liberties have been eroded through the recent anti-terrorist legislation. These are the measures that have curtailed the rights and liberties of individuals and have much more serious implications which need to be addressed. Muslims are feeling alienated and targeted thus when newspapers begin to ridicule the most sacred elements of their faith, reactions will inevitably be high. If the publication of the caricatures is not taken seriously and steps are not taken to resolve the situation, then it can generate socio-political and economic crises which may lead to a conflict between civilizations and between nations.

These are the reasons behind the anger against the publication of these condemnable caricatures and the anger at the disregard shown by the governments towards the rightful protests of the Muslim world against the offence. 1.25 billion Muslims all over the world have been deeply insulted and instead of creating moves to resolve the matter, the act is being continuously justified prolonging world-wide unrest.

In order to solve this international issue and dissolve the serious tension it has caused, I propose the following solutions be implemented:

1. All newspapers that have published the caricatures must unreservedly apologise and withdraw their publications.
2. Clear legislation needs to be passed by all Governments which balance the right to freedom of speech with the rights of individuals and communities that their sacred beliefs should not be insulted and ridiculed.
3. All Governments should then ensure that any such legislation is enforced through the due process of the law and this type of incitement and ridicule never happens again.

I expect that common sense will prevail and responsible leaders will rise to the occasion and repair the damage that has been done to inter-civilization relations. I also expect that the concerned leaders of the countries will display leadership and bravely extend cordiality to the Muslims of the world.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri
Founding Leader Minhaj-ul-Quran International (MQI)
Chairman Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT)

End notes:

[i] BBC News and website: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4676524.stm
[ii] http://world.mediamonitors.net/content/view/full/27484

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Post-Radical Islam and the West

August 8th, 2009

By Shahid Mursaleen (shahid.mursaleen@gmail.com)

The tragic events of 9/11 have changed the world scene and the gap between Islam and the West has widened further. Radical Islamists, rightly or not, have been held responsible for the horrific events and once again, due to flawed journalism, anti-Islamic sentiments have been promoted in the West. Consequently Islam is now one of the most misunderstood religions and furthermore the contribution of medieval Islam on which modern western civilisation is based on is being ignored.

Interestingly Prince Charles in his lecture at Oxford University also recognised this fact and said, “If there is much misunderstanding in the West about the nature of Islam, there is also much ignorance about the debt our own culture and civilisation owe to the Islamic world. The medieval Islamic world, from central Asia to the shores of the Atlantic, was a world where scholars and men of learning flourished. But because we have tended to see Islam as the enemy of the West, as an alien culture, society, and system of belief, we have tended to ignore or erase its great relevance to our own history.”

The present global political injustices are classified by international relations experts, as the worst in human history and regrettably terrorism is now linked with Islam.  Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, a professor and leading contemporary thinker and author, has clarified how terrorism does not belong to any religion. He makes clear that it is neither an Islamic phenomenon, Jewish or a Christian one, rather it is a social, political and an economical problem. It should be noted that as in every society extreme ideas have always existed among a minority of followers in every religion and these ideas are then justified in its name.

Radical Islam

As is the case with other major world religions, there have also been followers of Islam who have deviated from its true message to politicise their interests. These people who adopted radical extremist ideas were declared as deviants as early as the onset of Islam by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) himself. Their ideology was based on the notions of intolerance, disrespect, ignorance, arrogance and confrontation. It has been reported that the first such deviant group started from a small village called Harura near Kufa in modern Iraq, who were then later known as the Kharijite.

It is reported in the authentic Hadith compendium of Sahih Bukhari (Hadith number 6532) that Abu Salama and Ata ibn Yasar reported that they went to Abu Sa’id al-Khudri and asked him about the Haruriyya (based on the village Hurura, Iraq), “Did you hear the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say anything?” He said, “I do not know what the Haruriyya are, but I heard the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say, ‘Some people will emerge in this nation whose prayer will make you think little of your prayers in comparison. They will recite the Qur’an, but it will not go beyond their throats. They will pass through the deen as an arrow passes through game. The archer looks at his arrow, arrowhead and its fastening and is unsure about its notch, and whether there is any blood on it.’”

In another Hadith, (no. 6535), it is reported that Yusayr ibn ‘Amr said, “I said to Sahl ibn Hunayf, ‘Did you hear the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say anything about the Kharijites?’ He answered, ‘I heard him say while pointing towards Iraq. ‘Some people will emerge from there who will recite the Qur’an, but it will not go beyond their throats. They will pass through Islam as the arrow passes through game.’”

The ideology of the Kharijite is based upon disrespect as it is reported in Hadith (number 6534), in which a man called ‘Abdullah ibn Dhi’l-Khuwaysira at-Tamimi verbally disrespected the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and walked away with his back towards him. After which the Prophet said “He has companions whose prayer will make yours seem paltry and whose fasting makes yours seem paltry. They will pass through the deen like the arrow passes through game. They will emerge when there are parties among the people.”

Intellectual and political Islam

On the other hand there was the mainstream Islam or intellectual/political Islam, under the dynamic leadership of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), who created the first democratic and multicultural state of Madina providing equal rights and freedom of religious practice for minorities, Jews or Christians. In the year 622 the first written constitution of human history was drafted by the Prophet consisting of 63 articles, called the Misaq al-Madina or the Constitution of Madina, in which he ensured that all communities had equal citizenship and democratic rights. He guaranteed human and women rights, justice, peace and security for all citizens of the state. The first Islamic state was based on the principles of democracy and social-welfare and it is these very principles that were adopted later by the West. The Constitution of Madina also ensured state benefits and taxation policies.

As a political reformer and professor of law, Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri analysed the constitution of Madina and consequently published the book ‘Constitutional Analysis of the Constitution of Madina.” He has catagorised the headings of the articles according to the modern legal constitutions. Dr Qadri aims to bridge the gap between Islam and the West by highlighting the fact that the modern western concept of constitution and democracy is based on the constitutional articles of the first written constitution, which was drafted by Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) more than 1400 years ago. The assertion that Islam is not compatible with the modern day has thereby been clearly rejected.

It is another fact that it was Islam that laid the foundations of transmitting knowledge to later generations, upon which modern academia is based. Intellectual Islam had already started during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) when the Sahaba or companions of the Prophet were recording the Qur’an and his sayings, teachings and actions which are known as Hadith. Each and every detail was written down as well as memorised by various companions and mutually transmitted along with the chain of narrators. This ensured that the Hadith remained authentic.  Islam produced Hadith scholars who memorised tens of thousands of Hadith before they compiled multi-voluminous compendia for later generations. This unique system in the Science of Hadith of transmitting knowledge by using chain of narrators has been preserved throughout the centuries, to ensure the authenticity of the knowledge. Today there are only few scholars left who have connected themselves to that chain of narrators in order to link themselves back to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) in terms of transmitting knowledge. Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri is one of the few scholars who has one of the shortest chain of authority consisting of only 13 narrators between himself and Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). In an in-depth research Dr Qadri highlights the historic fact that during pre-modernity or what is called the dark ages of the West, the Islamic world was progressive based on scientific knowledge, justice, and peaceful democratic political systems. It spanned from the Sub-Indian continent to as far as modern Spain.

Furthermore the Islamic nation was ruled under a democratic process. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did not appoint his successor himself; he left it to the people or ummah to decide. After his demise Abu Bakr was unanimously elected as the first caliphate to head the Islamic state. The constitution drafted by the Prophet was followed to ensure peace and justice to humanity.

The contributions of Islam to the modern world have also been recognised by Prince Charles who expressed that “Medieval Islam was a religion of remarkable tolerance for its time, allowing Jews and Christians the right to practise their inherited beliefs, and setting an example which was not, unfortunately, copied for many centuries in the West. Islam is part of our past and our present, in all fields of human endeavour. It has helped to create modern Europe. It is part of our own inheritance, not a thing apart.”

Contemporary organisations in the future

As the world entered into the modern industrialised era and after the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the last notable Islamic power, the significance of Muslim contributions to modernity were slowly being disregarded by the West and at the same Muslim contribution became less evident. Many principles of the modern world are based on Muslim theories and discoveries; one such example is the binary calculations within Information Technology which is based on the theories of the Muslim mathematician Al-Khwarzimi, who is regarded as the Father of Algebra.

The fall of the Ottoman Empire resulted in the postmodern era, which resulted in various global injustices, wars, cruelties, oppression and human right abuses which have triggered radical extremism in the modern era. It can be argued that the global war on terror has fuelled radical extremists who act in the name of Islam, but as Prophetic Hadith shows that their ideology is in fact deviant from the mainstream Intellectual/Political Islam. These organisations are trying to highjack Islam with the slogans like “No rule but God’s” – which interestingly enough was the similar slogan to the Kharijites. They ignorantly ignore the true Islamic values of democracy, justice and peace and security drafted by Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).

The French professor Olivier Roy has developed a theory that suggests that radical Islam has now failed and is ending and that what he calls ‘Post-Islamism’ will prevail. Professor Bayet defines Post-Islamism as the departure of the Jihadi and Salafi doctrines. Incidentally it can be argued that his term ‘post-Islamism’ is a misleading one and that in fact what he really means is that  ‘intellectual and political Islam’ will prevail and instead it can be phrased as ‘Post-Radicalism’.

Contemporary moderate organisations like Minhaj-ul-Quran International are seen as intellectual/political Islamic organisations with charismatic and wise leadership. Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri has presented Islam to the West in such an intellectual manner, providing a frame of reference of dialogue, integration, mutual understanding and global unity of the Islamic world. He has highlighted the contributions of great Muslim thinkers, philosophers, scientists and jurists, who have laid the foundations of the revolution of the Western world.

The efforts of Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri in bridging the gap between Islam and the West have been widely appreciated. Speaking at a conference on Muslims in Europe in Turkey in 2006 organised by the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office, he clarified that Islam provides a mutual atmosphere, peaceful co-existence and tolerance between societies. Dr Qadri further clarified that in order to bridge the gap between the West, Muslims need to be much more integrated in western societies and live and work together to promote multiculturalism and mutual understanding.

In his speeches on Islam and Politics, Dr Qadri explains how Islam introduced the concept of Parliament and the establishment of peaceful relations with other states for peaceful global co-existence. He highlights the fact that Islam guaranteed economic justice along with the system ensuring the equitable circulation of wealth. He points out that Islam eradicated all kinds of oppression, cruelties, injustices and evil practices which are detrimental to mankind. His organisation Minhaj-ul-Quran aims to revive this frame of reference to ensure global peace between civilisations.

Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri founded the organisation Minhaj-ul-Quran in order to revive the true values of Islam and to promote the intellectual aspects of Islam. It has been working in the West for the last decade and has been successful in bridging the gap between the two cultures and societies. In order to meet with the changing requirements of the human life at social and global levels, Islam provides a process of dynamics and evolution which Minhaj-ul-Quran has adopted. Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri has reformed, revived and re-interpreted the teachings – a technically term known as Ijtihad – in a way to bridge the gap between cultures and societies and to face the global challenges of radicalism. This is how post-radical Islam will compete with the developmental requirements of contemporary eras and meet with the changing contemporary global political map.

Minhaj-ul-Quran emphasises the importance of forming closer links with religious leaders of other faiths and societies through diplomatic means as dialogue. It has developed the capacity for leading intellectual and political Islam by uniting the different groups and sects of Islam. This International organisation aims to follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) using modern and scientific interpretation of Islam through the academic writings of its founder Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri. Minhaj-ul-Quran has a dynamic approach of uniting intellectual and political Islam through peace, tolerance and through a progressive approach.

The era of radical Islam will hopefully end sooner rather than later and the moderate Islamic approach based upon the true teachings of the Prophet will prevail. Intellectual Islam has always played a vital role in preserving the true essence of Islam. Through his various academic writings and classical scholarly works, Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri has provided a frame of reference for the 21st century to the Muslim ummah and the world to follow in order to ensure global peace, tolerance and security.

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Shaykh ul Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir ul Qadri : Ambassador of Peace

August 8th, 2009

by Dr Raheeq Ahmed Abbasi (Nazim Aala MQI)

The principle of rise and fall and revolution

Human history is replete with the account of great personalities who founded revolutionary movements. They are countless in number. This is also observed that these movements always emerged in communities who were passing through the days of fall and decline. The objective of a positive and constructive revolution has always been to pull the nation out of its deteriorated plight and put them on the path to development, progress, peace and prosperity. Also irrefutable is the truth that eternal sovereignty belongs to Almighty Allah alone.

Every community and nation in the world undergoes its rise and fall. The human society was crippled with oppression, injustice, lawlessness, barbarism and darkness of ignorance when the last Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him ad give him peace) was raised. His holy Prophethood laden with pragmatic wisdom and divine meditation and strategies and the ceaseless struggle of his companions added such an illumining chapter to the history of mankind which will serve as guidance, enlightenment and light house for humanity till the end of time. Islam is a journey to the ultimate rise of mankind. The Holy Messenger of Allah started this journey and his rightly guided companions followed by successors and followers and all the succeeding clerics, scholars, thinkers, mystics, preachers, jurists, traditionists, renewers, rulers and combatants advanced it to unknown heights in their times and in their respective fields. So, Islam led mankind from dark ages to the modern times of scientific progress.

The fall of Muslims

However, the wheel of time rotated and the Muslims began to fall gradually into dissension, chaos, destruction and slavery by their own follies, wrong strategies, luxury, inactivity and redundancy. They turned away from the teachings and guidance conferred on them by the Holy Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) and drifted far away from Din (religion) of Islam until the Mughal empire fell in Indian sub-continent in mid 19th century and the Usmania Caliphate declined in early 20th century. Both these empires were the symbol of international political power of the Muslim Umma and enjoyed the zenith of glory and splendour. The Muslim Umma fell into total destruction after the fall of these unparalleled symbols of progress and prosperity around the globe. A number of movements and a great number of intellectual leaders and scholars struggles hard to save the Ark of the Muslim Umma from capsize but the cyclonic waves did not let it hold the controls and was swayed away into the depths of stormy decline. Although there were then couple of free Muslim countries on the world map but they proved insignificant in the face of moral, cultural and political deteriorating phenomena.

Reactions against fall

We are to see and study our current era of confusion and chaos and bullying by international powers in this perspective. The collective identity of the Muslim community is equal to nothing. Sectarianism, regionalism, chauvinism, division and separatist tendencies have replaced harmony, unity, cohesion and centralism. The national identity has been badly damaged and our values and traditions have been deformed and squashed. As for Din (religion) we have practically abandoned it even at the level of customs and social norms. The rulers in the Muslim countries have neither any contact with the people nor any relation with Islam as system of life and system of state. Fear and harassment is the order of the day; insecurity, uncertainty, distrust, and despondency prevail and no way to escape is in sight. Those who have concern and grieve over this heart-rending scenario, their hearts ache and bleed and sigh and wail. They feel inspired to do something but find no way to do anything. What a helplessness and discomfort! They leap towards some sight of a ray in the dark but the very next moment it is put out and they once again hold their breath in the all-prevailing dark.

Some reconciled with the defeatist approach under the circumstances. Taking it as destiny they lapsed into inactivity leaving themselves at the mercy of the cruel waves of the passing time. They thought it the best way to save their faith and die a Muslim’s death and continue with the Dawa work and preaching the Islamic Sharia at whatever scale they afford. But this put an end to the certitude in practicality, pragmatic struggle, relevance and result-orientation of Islam as a dynamic, progressive and all-embracing system of life, system of government and straight road to world peace and deliverance of mankind from the monstrous hardships it is now faced with. This approach reduced Islam from a complete and comprehensive Din (scientific system of life) to a mere conventional religion like other religions in the world. This is like closing one’s eyes to the manifest danger. The forces of evil are advancing fast at the speed of light while we are too crude in our means to survive in the tussle.

There is yet another reaction to the breath-taking developments taking around us. There are those who proclaimed the Word of Allah and declared to restore the predominance of the True Din of Allah. They felt the need to revive the political power of Islam. They found the Western Civilization dominating the modern times. The currencies like Euro, Dollar and Pound have the upper hand and control the world economies. So they concluded that the Western Civilization is an enemy to Islam. So Jihad is the need of the hour and revival of Umma is possible only through annihilation of the West. It is therefore, obligatory to launch Jihad against them. Here they could not distinguish Jihad from killing and forgot the conspicuous difference between the two. Jihad has its conditions and kinds but they forgot all that. Unaware of the requisites and manners of launching Jihad they took up Qital – killing – calling it Jihad. What did it result into? They deformed and distorted one of the most significant and basic doctrine of Islam known as Jihad and put an end to it as an institution of Islam. Shooting off from extremism it turned into terrorism and has shaped into its latest format – suicide attacks. It has erased the difference between the military and the civil citizens, put an end to honour and respect for the diplomatic norms and courtesies, eliminated any soft corner for children, the elderly, the women folk, the sick, the travellers, the indigent and the handicapped, so much so, that it is immaterial whether the victim is a Muslim or a non-Muslim.

Consequently, the Din that brought the message of security, the programme of peace, the mission of love, the manifesto of co-existence, and the constitution of human dignity and equality is now being blamed as a package of hatred, terror, extremism, bloodshed and a sign of suicide attacks.

The emergence of Minhaj ul Quran International

These are the ground realities which the Umma was facing and the Minhaj ul Quran International too had to encounter. Its founder and the leader Shaykh ul Islam, Dr Muhammad Tahir ul Qadri meditated over these conditions, state of affairs and realities deeply and in his all-encompassing style. Dr Tahir ul Qadri has been raised from the environment of struggle and glory. His great father bright him up from the very beginning with the intention to make him serve the cause of Din. His study of the Quran revealed to him that Islam is not at all destined to helplessness or humility but to rise, glory and splendour. His study of the holy conduct of the scared life of Messenger of Allah dawned on him the straight road that leads to revolution. Its destination is revival of Islam and the establishment of Din. He holds that continuity and sustenance of Islam is not possible without a revolutionary struggle. Nor is it possible to win the victory in the world without changing the direction of events. It is not mere Dawa and Tabligh that can change the scenario. The struggle for establishment of Din is obligatory but first of all one is to see what establishment of Din implies?

Certain extremist groups take it as elimination of all other religions from the earth. They interpret it as proselytizing the entire mankind into Muslims and total extermination of non-Muslims from the world. This concept became their error and their mark of identity. These people and movements adopted extremism and terrorism as their way of life.

Blending the opposites

Shaykh ul Islam, Dr Muhammad Tahir ul Qadri does not at all entertain such concepts and is a staunch believer in world peace. He believes that establishment of Islam aims at establishment of peace in the world on the basis of human values like justice, equality, human dignity and upkeep of human rights everywhere and at all levels. He considers Islam as Din (religion) of peace, a charter of love, co-existence, tolerance, human dignity, veneration of human life and a charter of justice and equality for mankind. These are the main features of the Islamic doctrine. So he did what apparently seemed impossible. He put together the revolutionary and peace-loving modes of existence and founded on this principle his movement – the Minhaj ul Quran International.

The Minhaj ul Quran International aspires to rise of Islam on these grounds. Its destination is the establishment of Din; its path is renewal and modernization through the process of Ijtihad, its mission is revival of Din of Islam but its movement and struggle is categorically pure of any germs of extremism and terrorism. This Movement hold all the concepts based on hatred and prejudice as heretic and blasphemous; it regards innocent killings of human beings as brutal murder of mankind. According to MQI the destination of Renaissance of Islam can be reached only through love, harmony and co-existence and never through hatred and conflict.

The Message of Shaykh ul Islam, Dr Muhammad Tahir ul Qadri

This is a miraculous achievement accomplished by Shaykh ul Islam, Dr Muhammad Tahir ul Qadri. It is like blending water and fire together at one place. He has communicated most emphatically the message of Islam – peace, love, tolerance and co-existence – to the human society around the globe. He countered the onslaught against the intellectual and conceptual fronts of Islam not in the spirit of antagonism or anger but at the level of erudition, scholarship and rationalism. The 9/11 calamity has not yet occurred when he perceived the new developments under the promulgation of the New World Order (NWO) maligning Islam of extremism and terrorism He said while addressing the International Peace conference held at Oslo in 1999:

“So this is just a mention of what is the significance of peace in Islam. Islam, from its very beginning to its end is peace and nothing else. Anything detrimental to peace, anything damaging to peace, anything conflicting with peace, anything contradictory to peace has no, absolutely no concern with Islamic teachings. And whosoever may be, if he has any kind of terrorist or extremist character, any character detrimental to humanity, detrimental to global peace, detrimental to the societal peace of mankind that is absolutely anti-Islamic and opposed to our faith.” (Oslo, Norway, 13 August)

Well before that in 1993, in view of the dangers to the true Islamic doctrine he was promoting the slogans among his revolutionary workers to promote awareness of the revolution. The awakening of awareness demands promotion of knowledge and education and eradication of ignorance. To achieve this objective, therefore, we need to establish educational institutions. But these institutions should not be conventional educational schools or madrassas. Instead modern academic curricula are required to be introduced to meet the need of the hour. He was on the one hand observing the unquestionable significance of modern sciences in achieving the objective of national development while on the other hand his far-sighted wisdom discerned how madrassas were going to be blamed of training centers for terrorism to malign Islam.

With this educational vision Shaykh ul Islam, Dr Muhammad Tahir ul Qadri launched his project for promotion of education. The MQI is the only religious and modern movement that has raised under its project a network of 572 schools and colleges that are engaged in imparting modern education to thousands of students in addition to a University chartered by the Government – Minhaj University Lahore (MUL).

The basic elements revolution and moderation

He perceived at the very outset of the movement that keeping the revolutionary movement moderate was an uphill task. He had seen several religious revolutionary movements rising gradually to their extremist postures. He had clearly well underlined the shortcomings that elevate the revolutionary movements to extremism. Although spiritualism and ardent love for the Beloved Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) was gifted to him by his saintly father as inheritance yet he had reached the conclusion that the ardent love for the Beloved Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) and veneration and submissiveness to him was such a force which bridles you from any extremism because love and hatred cannot be blended together. The spiritualism and mysticism is a way of life based on love for mankind. So he based the intellectual, conceptual and doctrinal foundation of his movement in three elements: Renaissance and Establishment of Din, Mysticism and Spiritualism and Love for the Beloved Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace).

The students of history are well aware that it was these three elements that made the Companions of the Holy Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) unconquerable. They also were great callers and promoters of love and peace. Wherever they would go people would embrace Islam not by their power and terror but by their character and excellent morality and spirituality.

In the current era of fall and miserable days of the world of Islam and in the recent past, it is Shaykh ul Islam, Dr Muhammad Tahir ul Qadri the only leader who has put together these three elements in any organization of revolutionary movement and its call and struggle – the elements that laid the foundation of the great movement whose mission is love and peace.

Acknowledgement of Dr Qadri’s vision

That is the reason why Dr Qadri was the only leader in the post 9/11 scenario who rose to the occasion and, very loud and clear, warned the Muslims of the world that the new wave of terrorism and extremism against America was a conspiracy against Islam. The entire religious leadership was engaged in sympathizing Mulla Umar and Asama bin Ladin; slogans of Jihad were being shouted and elimination of the USA from the world map was being claimed. Under this serious and critical situation it was only the Shaykh ul Islam, Dr Muhammad Tahir ul Qadri who sensed the actual conspiracy and advised the people to understand the game the enemy of Islam had played. They called the massacre of innocent citizens, and indiscriminate killing of the children and helpless women as Jihad but Dr Tahir ul Qadri termed it as disruption, mischief and violence. Even the British Parliament could not help recognizing it. The Sixth Report of the House of Commons Defence Committee Session 2002-03 (Page: Ev 141-142; copy attached) records: “Dr. Qadri claimed that any terrorist act is against the basic precepts of Islam, and that it does not allow aggression, oppression and barbarism in any event. And that there is a faction in the Islamic world whose interpretations of Islam are extremist in nature. Their handling of political, social and cultural matters reflects the extremist trend in their thinking. He stated that this “extremist class” believes that Islam is inconsistent with democracy and any association with democracy is forbidden.” (Dr Muhammad Tahir ul Qadri, “Extremism: Causes and Cures”, The Nation, December 14, 2001)

“Criticizing the extremist elements he stated that such groups present a horrifying picture of Islam in the Western world and provoke the religious sentiments of the people for their personal gains. Dr Qadri encouraged the Taliban to hand Osama bin Laden over to a third party; he suggested that such a role can be played by NATO, the European Union, or the Organization Islamic Conference (OIC).” (Lecture delivered by Dr Tahir ul Qadri, “Terrorism and International Peace,” September 2001, Pakistan).

In like manner putting together the concepts of mysticism and spiritualism and the Renaissance and Establishment of Islam the scholar of a French University Alix Pilippons writes:

“Qadri has reclaimed spirituality as the specific stamp of Islam and as the true representative of the subcontinent’s cultural ethos, he is therefore very defensive. As far as Sufism is concerned, Mehfil-e-Sama (spiritual recitations) including qawwali, music, and dhikr recitation are regularly held in the headquarters in Lahore.

Although critical of some ritualistic aspects of the cult of the saints, the members of the MUQ do perform ziyarat, tomb visitation, which is, to them, the granite foundation of the beliefs of the Ahl-e-Sunnah. The values of peace, love, tolerance, and brotherhood, identified as Sufi, are promoted as universal references informing the ideology and the modes of action of the organization. The great Sufis are perceived as role models and mysticism as a tool to be used for the ethical reformation of the people in order to bring peace, harmony, and humanism in society.

The ideological system of MUQ has been established on the basis of a critical approach to Islamism in its relation with Sufism. It shows an awareness of the fact Sufism has been excluded from the symbolic resources of Islam by many Islamists. It also acknowledges the corruption within some Sufi practices and the necessity to come out from traditional institutions and evolve a modern form of organization. It is critical of the doctrines and actions of extremism and has taken into account the way this category of Islamists has shaped western opinion on Islam. In these words, it has rationalized the terms of the heated ongoing debate about Islam, modernity, and the West and tried to evolve a suitable alternative evolving Sufism as a cultural, ethical, intellectual and political resource for the Muslim world.”

The MQI – a call against extremism and sectarianism

When Minhaj ul Quran Movement was being founded sectarianism prevailed all around. The religious organizations were established on the basis of sects. The edicts of polytheism (Shirk), innovation (Bida), denigration, blasphemy and disbelief were a common practice. The Muslims had fallen prey to mutual hatred and hostility. Founding his movement under such circumstances he declared that Minhaj ul Quran has no sectarian aims; it is being established to uphold the banner of Islam and work for the establishment of Islam as Din. Its doors are, therefore, open to all the Muslims. He introduced and promoted the thought among the Muslims to lay stress on common factors and overlook the differences. This way his rhetoric and books played a very important role in putting the Muslim Umma on the track of unity, tolerance and forbearance, pulling them out of the torment of sectarianism.

Dr Qadri’s struggle for ecumenism and inter-faith harmony

Again when Muslim Christian riots burst out in Pakistan Shaykh ul Islam, Dr Muhammad Tahir ul Qadri established the Muslim Christian Dialogue Forum. He took dynamic actions to promote the cause of ecumenism and inter-faith harmony. The interfaith exchange of delegates, joint celebrations of religious festivals and especially opening central mosques of the MQI for Christian community to worship are some of his vital steps that have considerably contributed to moderate, tolerant and peaceful coexistence among the two communities in the society. Opening up the mosque to the Christians for worship and annual Celebration of Christmas at Minhaj ul Quran Markaz Lahore set new trend for the Muslim majority. This fascinating feature of Islam was yet out of common Muslim’s sight. A group of people termed it as a political step in view of Dr Qadri’s overwhelming political activities at that time. But practices in later period have shed all doubts. His resignation from the National Assembly and then decision to postpone political activities from the Pakistan Awami Tehreek forum were amazing steps for those who remain busy in guess works. But then the Muslim Christian Dialogue Forum (MCDF) remained ever active even after that. This must have cast all doubts that polluted mind of certain section of the people.

The ambassador of peace

These steps throw sufficient light on the fact that Dr Qadri is quite conscious of the necessity of winning friends of Islam over the globe instead of mustering foes through negative ideas and extremist approach and immoderate concepts. Islam negates this destructive behaviour. A clash of civilizations can neither do any good to Islam nor to mankind. When he took this step eight years ago it was applauded the world over. It is MQI alone that has promoted this activity in Pakistan as well as abroad. The trend has now been set and interfaith harmony has flourished. This year many political parties and religious organizations celebrated Christmas with the Christian brethren of which the photographs appeared in the Press. It was against this backdrop that the Christian Organizations in Pakistan first gave him the title of Christ of Earth the National Commission for Inter Religions Dialogue and Ecumenism (NCIDE) conferred on him ‘Peace Award 2006.’ Likewise the British Foreign Office and the European Union jointly organized a Muslim of Europe Conference in Istanbul to discuss and sort out the problems and challenges the Muslim community is facing in the European countries. This was an international forum where more than sixty scholars and professors of the renowned universities of Europe and America were invited to address the conference. Out of all the prominent speakers of world fame it was Shaykh ul Islam, Dr Muhammad Tahir ul Qadri who was invited as the Key Note Speaker on the occasion.

His valuable endeavours to promote love and peace at global level and his most sincere and devoted hard work to keep the workers of his revolutionary movement as a peace-loving, tolerant, moderate and humanitarian force has brought dividends to the MQI. The Minhaj ul Quran International is the only organization that exists in more than 100 countries of the world. It has its Islamic Centres in fifty countries of the world. It has its members, loyalists and lovers in millions. It is recognized as an organization that promotes peace and love, peaceful co-existence, forbearance and tolerance and moderation. It has not fallen victim to any conflict and extremism. And it has not compromised either on its principles of Renaissance and Establishment of Islam, Sufism and Spiritualism and worldwide promotion of ardent love, veneration and submissiveness to the Last Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace). The world is very soon going to recognize Islam as a Din of Love and Peace. So there is no exaggeration in saying that Shaykh ul Islam, Dr Muhammad Tahir ul Qadri is an International Ambassador of Peace. Long live Shaykh ul Islam, Dr Muhammad Tahir ul Qadri.

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