Central birthday ceremony at MQI secretariat

The 58th birthday of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri was celebrated with enthusiasm across the globe including Pakistan. The central birthday ceremony took place in the central secretariat of MQI, Lahore, on February 19, 2009. The ceremony that had two sessions started at 9 p.m. at night. Amir-e-Tehreek Miskin Faiz-ur-Rehman Durrani presided over the first session, whereas Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri attended the second session on special invitation. Sahibzada Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, Dr Raheeq Ahmad Abbasi, Pir Khalil-ur-Rehman Chishti, Brig (r ) Iqbal Ahmad Khan, Sheikh Zahid Fayyaz and Pir Jamil-ur-Rehman Chishti were the guests of honour at the occasion. Brother-in-law of Shaykh-ul-Islam Qudratullah, Shafqatullah, Tanveer Khan, G.M. Malik, Ahmad Nawaz Anjum, Allama Mutfi Miraj-ul-Islam, Mufti Abdul Qayyum Khan Hazarvi, Prof Muhammad Nawaz Zafar, Javed Iqbal Qadri and other leaders were also present among the distinguished guests.

The first session of the programme started with recitation from the Holy Quran at 9 p.m. followed by recital of Naats. Anser Ali Qadri of COSIS, Shahzad Brothers, Minhaj Naat Council and others recited Naat. The first session ended with the Dua of Nazim-e-Ala Dr Reheeq Ahmad Abbasi. He led a special Dua in connection with 58th birthday of Shaykh-ul-Islam. He told the audience that MQI organized prayer ceremonies and celebrations of birthday this year. He said we were immensely happy at the birthday of Shaykh-ul-Islam but we should also pray for his long life. Tears-laden prayer of Nazim-e-Ala concluded the first session.

The second session of the programme got under way at 10:30 p.m. after the arrival of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri. The audience gave a standing ovation to Shaykh-ul-Islam upon his arrival in the programme. The Quranic recitation by Qari Allah Baksh Naqishbandi started off the second session formally followed by recital of Naat by Muhammad Afzal Noshahi. Abdul Basit and his friends sung the Punjabi 'Kalam' in connection with birthday of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri that was composed by Ahmad Nawaz Anjum, which the audience liked very much. The young son of Allama Noor-uz-Zaman Noori, Umer Mustafa, delivered speech about educational services of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri in his unique characteristic style, which was liked very much. Shaykh-ul-Islam gave the young kid a cash prize of Rs. 15000.

Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri inaugurated website of English translation of Irfan-ul-Quran by clicking on www.irfan-ul-quran.com/quran/en. This new website designed by Minhaj Internet Bureau contains the English translation of Holy Quran done by Shaykh-ul-Islam. Deputy Director of MIB, Abdus Sattar Minhajian and web programmer, Shahzad Ahmad, briefed Shaykh-ul-Islam about the salient features of new website.

Minhaj Productions also presented new documentary titled as "Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri as Ambassador of Peace". This 30-minute long documentary was shown to the people through projectors which they liked very much. Khurram Khalid and Muzhar Hussain presented Tehreeki songs in connection with birthday of Shaykh-ul-Islam. Mr. Muzhar Hussain also presented poetic 'kalam' "O my leader, may you live longer!" from the poetic work of Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri namely 'Naqish-e-Awal". Nazim-e-Ala Dr Raheeq Abbasi and Sheikh Zahid Fayyaz showed their love for Shaykh-ul-Islam through 'dhamal'. Director of Minhaj Productions, Shafiq-ur-Rehman Saad, conducted the proceedings of this part of programme.

Sahibzada Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri and other central leaders cut the 58- pound birthday cake at 11:45 p.m. The atmosphere resonated with slogans of 'happy birthday to you'. Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri spoke briefly after the cake-cutting ceremony. The programme ended on collective Dua led by Mutfi Abdul Qayyum Khan Hazarvi, Miskin Faiz-ur-Rehman Durrani and Pir Jamil-ur-Rehman Chishti for establishment of peace, solidarity and well being of Pakistan and Islamic world and long life of Shaykh-ul-Islam. Allama Ghulam Murtaza Aliv conducted the proceedings of the programme. Vast arrangements for dinner were also in place after the conclusion of the programme.