He said “Killing innocent people during an annual mass participation marathon is not just cowardly but also inhumane and a worst form of criminality. We strongly condemn such an act of terrorism.”

The celebration of Mawlid al-Nabi is the commemoration of the birth of Allah’s Beloved, the Best of Creation and the Leader of Prophets (blessings and peace be upon him); it is but one example of a celebration that is absolutely permissible and in total accordance with Allah’s decree.

Minhaj-ul-Quran International North America, Dallas Chapter, celebrated the Texas Mawlid Celebration on Saturday, February 9^th, 2013 at the IILM Event Center in Plano, Texas. This beautiful interfaith and intrafaith gathering was attended by over 700 participants. This Mawlid-un-Nabi celebration consisted of two parts to accommodate the interfaith and intrafaith communities.

The program commenced with the beautiful recitation of Quran by youth Hafiz Saim Zaki, followed by the presentations of the three leadership organizations, including Minhaj-ul-Quran USA, Shia Muslims of IILM center of DFW, and the Ismailia community of Agha Khan Foundation at DFW.

 Dr. John Esposito, who is a Professor of Religious Studies and International Affairs and Islamic Studies at Georgetown University and a Consultant to the US State Department and other agencies, was the guest speaker at this memorable event. Dr. Esposito delivered his first speech about the honor of Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace be upon him) in Karachi, Pakistan thirty years ago. Dr. Esposito started his wonderful speech with praising Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace be upon him). He was a Prophet raised by Allah, the Creator and Sustainer of all beings, for the guidance and happiness of all mankind and the harmony of existence. Therefore, he lived not for himself, but for others: he is a mercy for all the worlds. Dr. Esposito recognized Muslims as the most educated religious community and concluded his speech with an outstanding message of believing in inclusion rather than exclusion.

 The first session ended with a beautiful nasheed performance praising Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace be upon him) by the youth of the Agha Khan Foundation.

The intrafaith part of the program began with Dr. Mansoor Mian, Senior Vice President of Minhaj-ul-Quran USA, who introduced Dr. Zafar Anjum. Dr. Zafar Anjum, an Arabic and Islamic Studies professor at the University of Texas, was the MC for this part of the program. The program continued with nasheeds from a few local reciters, and Hujat-ul-Islam Maulana Irtiza Naqvi  from the Shia Muslim community also delivered an intellectual speech about the love of the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him). The last part of the beautiful gathering was charmed with the marvelous and stunning nasheeds by Noor Muhammad Jarral, who has received a Gold Medal and Presidential Award in Naat recitation in Pakistan. He holds a Masters degree in Fine Arts from the National College of Arts in Lahore and is also one of the fortunate calligraphers who has the honor to display his art in the blessed city of Madinah.  The Mawlid concluded with a heart touching salam upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace be upon him) and supplications by Mulana Naqvi.

This program was broadcasted live around the world by the Minhaj Multimedia team under the directorship of Ashfaque Mohsin Mughal and his team.

A fundamental aim of Milad-un-Nabi is to attain love and proximity towards the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) and to revive the believer’s relationship with his most revered personage—this per se revives the very goal of the Shariah. Acknowledging his virtues and perfection increases one’s faith in Allah and belief in prophethood. Revering the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) is the first fundamental requirement of Iman (faith). 

With this goal and vision, by the grace of Almighty Allah and the blessings of the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him), Minhaj-ul-Quran USA, Dallas Chapter, hosted a Milad-un-Nabi program in the month of Rabi-ul-Awal to commemorate the blessed birth of the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him).

The program was held on Saturday, the 2nd of February, 2013, at the elegant Performance Hall at the Eisemann Center in Richardson, Texas. The hall was radiant with men, women, and children from different backgrounds, fields, and professions who attended the program to show their love and respect for the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him). 

The youth program was commenced by the MC of Hashir Siddiqui. The youth performances included Qirat by Anushae Farooqi followed by heart warming nasheeds of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, recitated by Maamoon Mian, Subhaan Mian, and Syeda Safa Faizi. Tabarak Mian also conveyed a beautiful message about the mercy of mankind, the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him). Two groups of lovely little girls who regularly attend the Minhaj-ul-Quran monthly programs also performed nasheeds that everyone enjoyed.

Dr. Mansoor Mian, the Senior Vice President of Minhaj-ul-Quran USA, welcomed the honourable guests and participants of the event. There was also a brief review and organizational presentation of Minhaj-ul-Quran by honourable guest Irfan Danka from Houston, Texas. The program MCs were Sami Qureshi and Qazi Mujeeb Khalil.

Noor Muhammad Jarral, the esteemed guest and international naat reciter from Washington, D.C., captured the attention of the audience with his melodious voice that brought tears to many eyes. In addition, there were also beautiful performances by local naat reciters, including Malik Akram Awan, Muhammad Habib, Muhammad Sajid, and Shoaib Ahmad.

The chief highlight of the event is the keynote address of Allama Mukhtar Shah Naeemi from Humble, Texas. He has had the honour of delivering speeches in the sacred cities of Makkah and Madina and is also the author of many books, including the most renowned Mohabbat Kiya Hai. He delivered a soul-melting message about the auspicious and blessed birth and the excellences of the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him), and, with the blessings of his bestowed memory from Almighty Allah, he also described the complete line of pure linkage from the Prophet Adam to the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him). He concluded his speech by emphasizing parents to give special attention to their children for receiving Islamic education from an earlier age.

The program concluded with greetings and salutations with upon the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) and Dua.

At the event, calligraphy, scarves, and books of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri were available for purchase.  CDs of lectures of Shaykh-ul-Islam and CDs of nasheeds recited by the famous international Minhaj nasheed reciter, Muhammad Milad Raza Qadri, were given for free. Food, goody bags, and scented flowers were also distributed free to all participants in the celebration of Milad-un-Nabi (SAW).

Under the directorship of Ashfaque Mohsin Mughal and the producership of Muhammad Amer, the program was broadcasted live around the world by the Minhaj Multimedia team (Bilal Mian, Faraz Mughal, and Muhammad Sajid) through www.minhajusa.org.

By Wajid Ali Khan Source blogs.thenewstribe.com

Ever since the arrival of Dr Qadri in Pakistan and his demands to implement changes in the Pakistani political system, the Pakistani political scene is buzzing. Dr Qadri is demanding the political system should be made more accountable to the public and for the coming interim government to bar candidates who don’t fulfil the criteria listed in the Constitution of Pakistan, and the conditions set out in the rules of the election commission of Pakistan, ensuring free and fair general elections, instead of a continuation of the status quo.

The demands of the Dr Qadri would not ruffle the feathers of any citizen of a civilized western country. The same could be said for the western media, they wouldn’t raise a clamor if someone uses the same utterances in the west. These conditions are simply the norms in the west. But strangely these demands have caused ripples in the Pakistani press for last two weeks.

Powerful Pakistani journalists are up in arms against Dr Qadri. He faces public humiliation every day in Pakistani broadcast media. The funny side of these attacks on Dr Qadri is that these “distinguished” Pakistani journalists who consider themselves to be cut above the rest are now using material available on the social media. Most what had been disclosed by the TV talk shows was already available to a majority of Pakistanis who happened to be internet savvy. The hypocrisy of Pakistani broadcast journalists is evident from the fact that when it suits them they freely use the contents of alternative media, but when it goes against their interests they attack social media.

In a talk show “top story” (3/1/13) the presenter showed an old video of Dr Qadri by stating they have shown the video as soon they received it without any alterations or editing. Excuse me but since when YouTube video became a source of reliable sources for Pakistani Media! The hypocrisy of Pakistani media is now well established, not only they use the social media whenever it suits them but they show theses contents to Pakistani public like it is their investigative work or scoop. When lack of their professionalism, their greed and their malpractices are discussed, for example getting  “Brown envelopes” from their political masters in lieu of doing their bidding in the public, the same journalists attack social media like barracudas. This particular video had been in the public domain on the YouTube for eons.

In earlier shows many TV presenters showed a video compiled by a blogger where the different statements made by Dr Qadri were compiled to show perceived contradictions.

At the moment Pakistani journalists are going hell for leather against Dr Qadri, just because the man has demanded changes in the Pakistani political system. Something which is not acceptable to not only the status quo politicians but their sympathizers in the Pakistani journalistic community. They want to shoot the messenger rather than concentrate on the message he is delivering. I personally may have thousands of disagreement with Dr Qadri, but should my prejudices against Dr Qadri and what  he stands for stops me from listening to things which are relevant for Pakistani nation!!

I cannot comprehend incessant attacks on Dr Qadri by Pakistani media. They ask questions about his credibility, his financial dealings, his past statements, just because he is asking questions which should have been asked by every Pakistani politician and journalist.  The same questions had been asked by Imran Khan and PTI for a considerable period of time now. Imran Khan was facing the same attacks and ridicule for years, which now have become the fate of Dr Qadri.  At least it proved one suspicion correct, the attacks on Imran Khan were based on the same fears of the status quo parties and their supporters and sympthsisers in the press.

Mr Malick is a seasoned journalist who had taken pride from the fact that he had been an editor of a formidable English daily for years. He went from sublime to the ridiculous in the same program “top story”, he disclosed he met Qadri again to inquire, investigate and tie some loose ends which were left unanswered during the interview of Dr Qadri Malick conducted on Duniya News. Mr Malick wanted to know how the money for the gathering in Lahore in December was transferred to Pakistan if the funds were generated from the overseas followers of Dr Qadri!! No doubt It is a legitimate request in anyone’s book. But, and it is a huge but, the problem is Mr Malick in his wisdom doesn’t apply the same high standards to the politicians of Pakistan. To them, Mr Malick point of view is completely opposite to his demands from Dr Qadri. Mr Malick supports the idea that democracy should be given the chance to flourish. No matter if the politicians leave Pakistan battered and blue. Shouldn’t Mr Malick be asking the same questions from prominent people like Sharifs how they transferred millions of dollars out of the country to start their businesses aborad? Or from President Zardari, how did he acquire numerous overseas properties? How the money was transferred? And more importantly what were their sources of income? How much taxes they paid? Unfortunately, Pakistani journalists show incredible professional dishonesty and turn the whole arguments around to pretend that it is a necessary evil for the continuation of the democracy in Pakistan.

In a nutshell their motive is, all the thimblerig and putrefaction done by the politicians is of no consequences they should be allowed to keep the loot and in fact they should be free to have another go, may be just may be next time around they would give up on debauchery and pilferage.  They should try explaining this to a citizen of a civilized country. The look of bewilderment on the westerners face would be a sight to behold. Probably that’s why I am unable to understand this epigons logic by the politicians and journalists of Pakistan.

Kashif Abbasi in a recent interview with Chaudry Nisar Ali Khan, the opposition leader in Pakistan’s national properties Kashif Abbasi discussed properties of Sharifs in the United Kingdo worth $1.2 billion. Chaudry Nisar’s response was a well encapsulated lie by PMLN leaders. Hassan Nawaz built the empire in England on 5% or 10% down payments and the rest was financed by mortgages obtained on the properties. I would be grateful to Chaudry Nisar if he lets me know the bank who could lend 95% of the value of a commercial property. I would love to buy a few properties of my own in the lucrative and exorbitant areas of London. Even Kashif’s figures were well out of the mark from the true values of the properties shown in the accounts of the companies owned by Hassan Nawaz. The commercial properties are just part of the story, there are far more properties owned by the Sharifs on different names which are not part of the companies spearheaded by Hassan in the UK.

The deceptions on properties owned by them are two pronged by Sharifs and their political backers. They aren’t only misleading Pakistanis on how the properties listed in the company accounts were purchased, but by distracting the journalists they don’t disclose the properties which are not listed in the company accounts. For example the four flats owned by the Sharifs in Mayfair were bought well before the companies were formed by Hassan. Those are not the only properties, there are others, whose funding could not be attributed to the companies owned by Hassan Nawaz. PMLN bank on the professional negligence of Pakistani journalists. Sharifs and other PMLN leaders are right to make that calculation, after all they had been fooling us all for decades. In all those decades, our precious journalists had asked many very “pointed questions” but neither providing any answers nor any proofs to Pakistan nation. The joke is Chaudry Nisar tried to put Kashif on the pedestal by commenting, I wasn’t expecting such questions from you, a well informed journalist. Oh please, give me a break.

Secondly, Chaudry Nisar was materially incorrect on the funding of the properties owned by the companies of Hassan Nawaz

One thing is clear from such examples, Pakistani journalists don’t do their homework. Both Abbasi and Malick should be ashamed of their professionalism. Kashif has done numerous programs on the finances of the Sharifs but not once had he asked relevant questions from different leaders of PMLN, or shown tangible evidence to the Pakistani nation. Similarly Mr Malick claims to have decades of experience in Pakistan’s biggest English newspaper, but despite spending decades in the field, he still has no proofs of money laundering by the Sharifs. Instead both of them are more interested in the Pakistani nation giving corrupt politicians another chance to decimate Pakistan.

Now let’s turn our attention to the most important issue, the tests of truthfulness and honesty set out in the constitution of Pakistan, which states in 62 (f)  “he is sagacious, righteous and non-profligate, honest and Ameen, there being no declaration to the contrary by a court of law.”

At the moment Pakistani journalists are having a pop at this section of the Pakistani constitution because of Dr Qadri’s demand that only veracious and menschy people should be selected to the Parliament according to the conditions set out in the constitution of Pakistan. According to their convictions if we apply and demand that every parliamentarian should fulfil these two requirements of the constitution then the whole parliament would be vacated and most of the parliamentarian would be disqualified to hold their office.

The worst comments on this issue are made by the Grand Daddy of Pakistani journalism. Not that  he is in reality, but at least he perceives himself to be one.   I am of course referring to Nusarat Jawaid, the tempestuous broadcaster who attacks callers to his program like a Rottweiler, if they happened to disagree with him or say something which is not to the liking of this inclement man.

According to Nusarat the titles of “Sadiq and Ameen” were given to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in his youth, therefore, none of the Muslim could possibly fulfill these requirements, because no one can take the place of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

This excuse is the king of all the lame arguments, I have ever witnessed. The most disturbing aspect for Pakistanis should be the fact that instead of distancing themselves from Nusarat’s pernicious comments, some commentators tried to actually copy him. This fact is such an indictment of Pakistani journalism, its members have stooped so low that they want to convey to the nation, we are beyond rapprochement, we are so damned and dissipated that we cannot fulfill the requirements of the constitution and cannot find enough honest and truthful people for our Parliaments. Sadiq and Ameen close  translations are truthful and honest in English.

If these arguments are presented to the citizens of the world, the majority would laugh at the dishonesty of this mountebank.

He doesn’t have a leg to stand on even in religious terms. Every Muslim knows that he has to follow the “Sunnah” of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and should try to copy his words and deeds, and implement them in their lives. Perhaps this was the reason these sections were introduced in the Constitution of Pakistan. Such perversity prevails in the minds of Pakistani journalists that they are making a mockery  of common sense, Islamic values and its jurisprudence.

What are the alternatives available to Pakistani nation, one should ask these profligate Pakistani journalists, if they don’t select honest and truthful legislatures to their Parliaments? Select dubious characters, fabulists and flinches? I have spent considerable time to understand the logics of Pakistani journalists, but failed to do so. I may not be alone in this shortcoming, sane people all around the world would find it difficult to stomach such bizarre logics.

I suggested to PTI supporters that IK and PTI should take this opportunity to get their house in order and get ready for the coming general elections, while heat is turned on Dr Qadri by Pakistani journalists and two political parties in power. In a program yesterday Mr Saad Rafique demanded that PTI should make their position clear. In a previous article, I have termed Mr Rafique as luckiest person on the face of the earth due to his winning not one but numerous top prizes in Pakistani government issued bonds according to Mr Abidi. Mr Rafique you should refrain from making capital out of this situation, Imran Khan had already stated in different statements both to the media and in talk shows that in principle Dr Qadri’s demands are in line with the demands of PTI, which Imran and other PTI leaders had been making for years. PTI would like timely general elections in Pakistan; they are not in favor of postponement or delays in the elections. Mr Rafique takes liberties with the people of Pakistan by issuing such moralistic demands when in reality, he should not be in parliament in compliance with Pakistani constitution, instead he should be in a nick, serving time for forgery, theft and deception.

Pakistanis cannot expect these extremely twisted journalists to hold corrupt politicians responsible for their deeds. Far from doing their professional duties and exposing these corrupt politicians with the proofs admissible in the courts, which could  debar these corrupt politicians from holding public and political offices. Instead of helping the Pakistani nation to nab these corrupt thugs and incarcerate them, Pakistani journalists are using canned logic and want them to be exempted from any accountability at all by allowing them to stand in next general elections again so the Pakistani nation can endure another five years of Gehenna, pillage and despondency.

I support Dr Qadri’s demands not because I follow him or consider him a reliable person, but because what he says are truth which had hamstrung the Pakistani political development and is keeping the people of Pakistan from real and meaningful politics. Politicians which should bring prosperity to them rather than the misery imposed on them for decades by dishonest and rake-helly politicians. My bones of contentions with Pakistani journalists are that they used perfunctory logic to shoot down the messenger rather than looking at the message. Like all hypocrites, on the other side of the coin, they preach that the politicians should be exempted from the same tests of morality they are so eagerly applying on Dr Qadri.

Shouldn’t they have applied the same tests on Dr Qadri when he was a member of the Parliament to disqualify him? Why now when he is not a member and constitutional constraints do not apply to him? Why show hypocrisy and not apply the same tests on the politicians participating in your programs?

Same goes for the issue of foreign nationalities, Dr Qadri is right, at the moment the condition doesn’t apply to him, until and unless he contest the elections. If he doesn’t give up his foreign nationality or provide incorrect and false information on his nomination papers, then  you are entitled to ask questions from Dr Qadri. Pakistani politicians and journalists shouldn’t lose the sight of the fact, numerous politicians have failed to either disclosed their foreing nationalities or deliberately lied. Similarly like they lied for their degrees.

You are making a mockery of the standards maintained in public life around the world by suggesting that Pakistani politicians should be allowed to continue like nothing happened, despite their criminal deeds. Only the idiots in Pakistani journalism in their twisted wisdom would not only support the flinches in Pakistani politics, but only they could insist on their wisdom and intelligence.

An English proverb fits perfectly on Pakistani political scene ” be normal and the crowd will accept you. Be deranged, and they will make you their leader”.

Unfortunately deranged politicians had been ruling Pakistan for decades, it is time to get rid of them, it is now or never for Pakistan, if it had to exist as a viable nation. A painful decision to correct the malaises in the political system of Pakistan now is needed, or else we would be ending up with a chronic illness, if we already not had one. Like we say in English “a snitch in time saves nine”.

Or else, Pakistanis would be left uttering “we are brought into this world cold, weak, and helpless. Then it gets worse”.

Addressing a mega public gathering of millions in the history of Pakistan at historic Minar-e-Pakistan under slogan “Save State, not Politics”, Shaykh-ul-Islam has demanded that electoral system must be in accordance with the clauses of the Constitution by January 10, otherwise they would organize a peaceful march towards Islamabad.

He said that he has no plan to support military takeover in Pakistan, adding that he will be the first one to oppose if such intervention ever made. He said that he had not come to Pakistan on any national or international agenda. “I am not against democracy but announcing agenda against the current political system.”

Before commencing the speech formally, Shaykh-ul-Islam took oath in front of millions of the participants that there are no foreign elements or agencies involved behind this great event, adding that only the followers of MQI supported financially to hold such large gathering. Shaykh-ul-Islam said that he did not have any agenda to cancel upcoming elections but to make electoral reforms that guarantee fair and transparent polls.

Shaykh-ul-Islam said that certain elements wanted to destabilize the country, adding that the actors were being involved in Karachi unrest. System of exploitation and oppression will be ended in a peaceful manner. Shaykh-ul-Islam criticized the current federal and provincial governments and other political parties. “Majority of the politicians in the country do not pay their taxes,” he said. “Politicians just remember the single article of the constitution about elections in 90 days. They forget all other articles,” he said.

“I am not to postpone elections but to make it as per constitution of Pakistan,” he said and added that a time of more 90 days could be taken for amelioration. “Our elections will not be constitutional until we follow all clauses of the constitution.”

“Struggle is never a bed of roses, however our struggle will always be peaceful…we reject violence,” Shaykh-ul-Islam told the cowed.

Prior to his address, Shaykh-ul-Islam also expressed his condolences to the family of Bashir Ahmed Bilour, the leadership of the ANP and the people of Khyber Pakhtunkwa over the assassination of the senior minister.

• ARY News – Interview by Dr. Danish on Nov 23, 2012
• Dunya TV – Interview by Kamran Shahid on Nov 24, 2012
• Dawn News – Interview by Asma Shirazi on Nov 24, 2012

Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri has said that the grief for Hazrat Imam e Hussain (RA) and his companions is a part of the Muslims’ faith and it is not fair to associate it with any particular sect. He said that Hazrat Imam e Hussain is a metaphor of love, peace, tolerance and human brotherhood, whereas Yazid is a symbol of terrorism, exploitation, oppression and evil.

In his message on the occasion of ‘Youm-e-Ashura’, he said that the great Imam taught the humanity not to compromise with the oppression and tyranny. He said that from the epoch of Karbla issued forth two mindsets and ideologies, namely ‘Hussainiyat and Yazidiyat’ and the advocates of the Yazidi thought would continue to be defeated till the Day of Judgment.

Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri said that by refusing to take allegiance at the hands of Yazid on principles, Hazrat Imam e Hussain (RA) taught this essential lesson to the humankind that those who sacrifice their lives for the sake of principles remain alive and the dictators of the time lose despite their seeming victory and become object of universal condemnation and curse till the Day of Judgment.

Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri said that Yazid tried to debunk the Islamic teachings, which was not acceptable to Imam e Hussain (RA). The great Imam eternalized Islam by choosing to sacrifice his family. He said that the supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Imam e Hussain (RA) gave birth to attitudes of patience, submission and perseverance, and the entire humanity continues to benefit from them. He said that the act of Imam e Hussain (RA) elevated the stature of humanity and he is a shared asset of the entire civilized world.