January 9, 2021   Uncategorized

New Book: Western Perceptions of Islam and Global Terrorism

Western Perceptions of Islam and Global Terrorism

Western perceptions of Islam and global terrorism is an analysis of the pathology of extremist behavior that has taken the modern world awry. Although, the word “terrorism” dates back to a couple of centuries, its modern manifestations are most disturbing in that it is paradoxically associated with the pristine tradition of Islam whose etymology as well as goal is none other than the establishment of comprehensive peace – with oneself, with one’s Creator, and with the rest of His creation. Islam, the book argues, is the solution to extremism, not the cause of it.
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July 1, 2010   Course, Culture, Education, IECRC Chapters, Intercultural Communication, Sacramento, Schools, Uncategorized   1 Comment

Being a Shepherd of Your Family in Modern Times

In the Name of Allah the Most Merciful, Most Compassionate

Countless blessing and greetings upon the Best of Creation, His Blessed Prophet (sallallahu alyhe wasallam).
Allah Subhana wa  Ta’aala has commanded us in the Holy Qur’an that we should save our children from a fire whose fuel is human beings and stones (man-made idols).
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O ye who believe! save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is Men and Stones, over which are (appointed) angels stern (and) severe, who flinch not (from executing) the Commands they receive from Allah, but do (precisely) what they are commanded. [Quran 66:6]
 
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The word “responsibility” in the Merriam-Webster English dictionary is defined as “the quality or state of being responsible: as a : moral, legal, or mental accountability.”
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There a several ahadith of the Beloved Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that explain responsibility.  The most well-known of them are:
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Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “All of you are shepherds and each of you is responsible for his flock. A man is the shepherd of the people of his house and he is responsible. A woman is the shepherd of the house of her husband and she is responsible. Each of you is a shepherd and each is responsible for his flock.” and
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Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “All of you are shepherds and each of you is responsible for his flock. A man is the shepherd of the people of his house and he is responsible. A woman is the shepherd of the house of her husband and she is responsible. Each of you is a shepherd and each is responsible for his flock.”
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In Arabic, the word used for the one responsible is mas-oulun. The root of this word is S-A-L and derived from it are words such as sa-ala (to ask or he asked), su-ila (to be asked or to be questioned) and su-aalun (a question).  Thus mas-oulun in reality is the one who will be questioned about that which, or the ones who, he was responsible over.  The ahadith delineates who is responsible for what and the questioning about these responsibilities will be on the Day of Judgement.
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A shepherd is someone who is watchful over his herd.  He rests with one eye open mindful of the fact that lurking in the bush are wild predators who are too ever-diligent.  He tends to his flock when they are hurt or ill, and separates the sick animals from the herd for the better of the others until they are well again.  He cares for their diet and cleanliness to prevent malnutrition and infection.  Why should parenting be any different?
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Thus as parents, we have a set of responsibilities in the household.  The father must provide food, clothing, shelter, and a sound education to his children. With respect to education, he is mas-oulun of (will be questioned ) specifically about whether or not he had taught his children the Quran and taught the them what is right and what is wrong.  He is to marry a pious woman who has good moral values so that she can practically raise the child with good character.  If the mother and father don’t have the knowledge of the Quran and how to pray and so forth, they should hire someone to do it.  Nevertheless, they are not free from this responsibility. Thus, you (parents) and no one else are responsible for your children’s upbringing and education.
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Allah Subhana Wa Ta’ala is the Giver of Knowledge, but the nature of learning involves a process, one mostly requiring sacrifice of time, effort, and wisdom.  Learning does not happen if you do not make an effort and provide a means and environment for your children to flourish. You must encourage them to seek knowledge, to gain it, to apply it, then to pass it on to the next generation. After all, is it or not in your interest to save your spiritual nasl (lineage) and not just your family lineage? Is it or not in your interest that after you leave this world that they pray for you? Is it or not your interest that they have the emotional and spiritual tools to navigate through the difficult trails and tribulations of life so that they do not become a liability on you and society in your old age?  A sound Islamic education has countless benefits. Those mentioned here are but a few.
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When I ask parents why is it they do not send their children for classes or why are they not showing up for class, the answer usually is “They don’t want to come during such and such time” or “They have too much homework” or some other reason.  Muslim parents, today’s children and teenagers have countless pressures, excessive homework, school, friends and peers and to add to these, they have way too many distractions with the coming of the electronic age. Its easy for parents to feel that their children are already burdened and overwhelmed, so why add more “education” on their plate? My answer to that question is another question. “How many children would actually say “I want to learn Islam. I am interested in learning more, I want to seek and gain knowledge,” if we don’t encourage them towards this end?” If parents were to leave their children’s education in the hands of their children, do you think they will incline towards it without question? Thus, parents, its you who must encourage them towards this end whether they like it or not.   You must engage with then by asking them what they know about their religion and when they are at it, what they have learned. You must also attend the Islamic classes they take so that you too can understand its importance, and by having them revise and by asking and assessing their progress.  Who said parenting was easy let alone raising wise, and moral children?
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Then when they have started on that path, you must encourage them to stay with the program and not to become the Islamic school dropout. Our elders used to say that when you start something, finish it.  Traditional scholars tell a story that describes this value well.  Two young men set out to find water.  One digs two feet and doesn’t find water, moves on to another spot in the field and after finding  nothing after two feet again moves on until he digs hundreds of holes without ever striking water. The second youth digs and doesn’t stop digging until he strikes water at 25 feet. Who worked harder? Who worked smarter? Who reached his goal?  We must support them to work hard but also to work smart.Â
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This parable tells a great deal about the youth, who, mind you, are our future. It reflects the impatience expressed when it comes to Islamic learning.  This generation especially has changed so much in such a short period of time in contrast to their parents and grandparents, who 10-30 years ago were in their shoes, yet are galaxies apart. An age where electronic media is everything and where learning of the religion is also becoming limited to Television, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Hadith by way of texting, if you are lucky to have them incline towards the Deen.  The remote and flashing images on screens, fast-moving games that are constantly changing,  has changed something deep inside our children forever. They want learning to be fun and to be short and sweet otherwise it is “boring”. And if it doesn’t meet that standard, they may always change the channel on the teacher or abandon their Islamic studies.  We can only hope that the reality is not so grim, but what if it is? The statistics surely reflect that.
USA Today recently reported that the Millenium Generation is not interested in “organized” religion. That if this trend is not turned, churches will close in the same way that GM car factories and showrooms have all around the country.  Do you think that Muslims will not be affected by this trend? If we are living in the US, our children are bound to take on similar attributes as those who live here no matter how much you try to prevent it.  We are not any different.  The Prophet (sallallahu alyhe wasallam) once said:
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Man qaama bi qaumin arba’eena yawman fa huwa minhum
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He who stays with a nation for forty days, he is one of them.
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Think about your teenager 5-10 years from today, when they will have their own children.  If now is not the time for them to get an Islamic education, when is?  When they are parents do you think they will have the time to get an Islamic education in that stage of your life? Are you able to? Then is it fair to them to think that they will find the time?Â
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The In-and-Out syndrome or the two-feet syndrome is a sign of our times because committment is hard to find but it’s also laziness both on the parents’ and children’s behalf.  And laziness is disliked in this religion of yours as one is encouraged to flee it or to seek refuge from it:
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The following dua has been related from the Messenger (upon whom be peace) for protection against laziness among other problems:

Allahumma inni aaudhu bika minal-ajzi wal-kasli wal-jubni wal-harami wal-bukhli, wa a’udhbika min adhabil qabri, wa a’udhubika fitnatil mahya walmamat.

O Allah, I seek refuge in You from weakness and laziness, miserliness and cowardice, anxiety and sorrow, and I seek refuge in You from the torments of grave, and I seek refuge in You from the trials and tribulations of life and death.

Now here is an exercise that I advise every parent to do. Without your children noticing, listen to the conversations of your children.  Listen to the language they use among themselves, how do they talk to each other or write on the Internet.  Join Facebook and MySpace and have them become your friend. Then observe what they are saying to each other.  Catch up on the slang they use to communicate with each other.  If you are not giving them exposure to positive social interaction with other Muslim role models and providing enrichment outlets for them, you will probably be shocked. Don’t lose an opportunity when it comes knocking on your door.Â
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Parents, while it is important to give them an education that gets them through this economy, for Muslims, it’s even more important that they gain an education, apply it, then teach it to their offspring and those around them so that they are among the Muflihun (those who prospered, the successful ones) and not  those who become fuel for the fire on that Difficult Day of Reckoning.  And the standard of success with respect to Allah Subhana Wa Ta’ala and His Prophet (sallallahu alayhe wasallam) is not only this World.
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There are Islamic centers all around the US and the world for this purpose. We are in the electronic age.  Classes are available remotely and via the Internet.  Seek them out.  You will find them. Now do you have an excuse?
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The Islamic Educational & Cultural Research Center provides some opportunities for your children to gain an Islamic education.  Here is what is currently available:
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Call us, we’re here for you.  We are spending our late nights to keep these Centers alive. Don’t you think it’s time for you to do your part?
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Contact us at this email or info@iecrcna.org, or visit our Web Site at www.iecrcna.org.
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Sharaaz Khan
 
Sharaaz Khan is Managing Director of the Islamic Education and Cultural Research Center (IECRC) and the IECRC Academy for Youth and Children, Sacramento where he teaches Islamic subjects to children and youth and provides Islamic counseling, mediation, and healing to Muslims and non-Muslims alike. He is a Curriculum Developer, Instructional Designer & Learning Operations professional.
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May 20, 2010   Canada, Culture, IECRC Chapters, Intercultural Communication, Islam, Spirituality, Uncategorized   No comments

A Path Towards Harmony

February 1, 2004 / Dhul Hijjah 1424

Volume 1, Issue 4


The basic concept of mysticism in Islam is to know oneself and to know one’s Creator as the Hadith says:

“Whoever knows himself,

knows his Lord.”

It is through this process that one discovers the unity in man. Selflessness is the substance of Tasawwuf (Sufism or Islamic Mysticism). Self-discipline is used to raise oneself above the self and identify oneself with the Divine Self. Man has to establish a harmony between his body and soul to reach the Divine Light that Allah Almighty has placed in him. The proper method to reach the Divine is to go through the following stages: Shari’ah (Islamic Outer Law), Tariqah (Islamic Inner Path), and Haqiqah (Ultimate Reality). There is no dichotomy between Tariqah and Shari’ah. Shari’ah refers to the laws that govern man and society.

Tasawwuf can be translated in English as metaphysics. However metaphysics may not explain the full meaning of Tasawwuf. Nevertheless, this is how it is typically translated. People of Tasawwuf are called Sufi (one of the meanings of which reflects the simple, woolen garments worn by the earliest Sufis). In Tasawwuf the first stage is to follow the path led by a Shaykh or Murshid (spiritual guide) on the journey to the soul.  This is done through Bai’ah, or spiritual contract where the seeker promises for the sake of Allah and His Messenger (Peace Be Upon Him), giving his word that he or she will try to never commit a sin or do anything against the Shari’ah. In Tasawwuf, taking Bai’ah or giving one’s hand in the hands of one’s Murshid is in reality giving one’s hand in the Hand of Allah Almighty through one’s Murshid who is connected eventually to the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) through his spiritual guides in a chain of transmission that connects heart to heart. In Tasawwuf the orders and  commands of the spiritual guide must be followed. It is imperative to submit oneself to the Shaykh without any doubts because he is the Ameer (leader). Regarding this, Hazrat Shaykh Ali Hajweri (may Allah Almighty have mercy on him) refers  the Quranic ayah:

“O People who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Noble Messenger, and those amongst you who are in authority.”

[Al-Qur’an 4:59].

Follow Allah Almighty’s orders, and the Noble Prophet’s (Peace Be Upon Him) orders and “ulil amr” means spiritual guides.

A Sufi who chooses the path of Tasawuuf may finally reach the level of a Wali, i.e. a Friend of Allah. The Awliya Kiram (Noble Friends of Allah) and the Ulema Kiram (Noble Scholars of Islam) should not traverse different paths in different directions, but they should meet on the straight path, i.e. the Sirat-ul-Mustaqeem and hand in hand create in the human being the consciousness of the soul and the body. Hazrat Shaykh Ali Hajweri (may Allah Almighty have mercy on him) clearly defines in his book about the importance of the Shar’iah and that the people of Shar’iah could be excellent preachers of Islam through Tasuwwuf.  Allah Almighty has said:

“There are servants of God who

walk humbly on earth and when

an  ignorant one converses them,

they pray for his welfare.”

[Al-Quran]

As the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said:

“Those who hear the prayers of a Sufi and do not say Ameen, come in the list of the negligent, in the eyes of Allah Almighty.”

The stated Hadeeth (saying of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him)) clearly refers to Sufism and presents a comprehensive knowledge about acceptance in the eyes of Allah Almighty. The Hadeeth proves that Sufism was practiced in the blessed time of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

The people striving to attain and reach the Divine Light are those who curb their worldly requirements and selfishness and submit oneself to the willingness of Allah Almighty and His Beloved Messenger (Peace Be Upon Him).  In a Hadeeth, the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said:

“Die before your death.“

When a Sufi attains to Allah Almighty, he never loses Him, and when he loses himself i.e. through the negation of his ego and super ego, he never regains it. This means that when he involves himself in the Dhikr i.e., remembrance of Allah Almighty, he never regains his own personality. According to Hazrat Abul Hasan Husri (may Allah have mercy on him): ”a Sufi is he whose existence has no nonexistence and whose nonexistence has no existence.” Meaning that whatever he attains, he never loses and whatever he loses he never regains.

In short, it can be said that Sufism is a comprehensive applied syllabus of cosmic law (Shari’ah). Mostly, people are confused with their social, political, economical and ethical viewpoints due to lack of knowledge of the Shari’ah which emphasizes human relations, forgiveness, and the most important aspect of society, i.e. tolerance. Tasawwuf is a knowledge of peace and justice, harmony among different cultural groups and supremacy of humanity. Contemporary social order requires comprehensive principles of Tasawwuf to be applied in the different societal institutions for the betterment of state, politics, public administration, international relations with reference to peace and justice in the world.

References: Taken from articles and speeches of Prof. Dr. Manzoor-ud-Din Ahmed, a distinguished professor of Columbia University, USA and Prof. Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Qadri, Founding Director of IECRC in CA, USA.

Sohail Rana Qadri & Aniqa Rana Qadri

Mr. & Mrs. Rana Qadri are active members of IECRC Canada and contributors to the IECRC Newsletter.

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March 17, 2010   Culture, Intercultural Communication, Islam, Uncategorized   No comments

Respecting Cultural Values – A Criterion for World Peace

Issue # 13
May 25, 2008 / Jamadul Awwal 1429


Culture is the identity of every nation. It is the sum total of the shared values, emotions, and expressions of a people. Our global world today is a rich collection of ancient and modern cultures.

According to the Islamic tradition, the cultural diversity that comprises the world today is a blessing and by Divine Design. Its purpose is to interact and acquaint ourselves with one another. This interaction allows for increased understanding and subsequent enrichment which in turn contributes towards the promotion of peaceful relations between various communities.

It is the mandate of every religion to protect culture and promote cultural norms. Islam stresses co-existence. The Holy Quran clearly exhorts Muslims to protect the Christian church, the Jewish synagogue, and places of worship of all other peoples as much as they defend their own mosques. This is clear evidence of the emphasis that Islam has laid on tolerance and co-existence with other religions and civilizations. Islam also commands its followers to ensure the protection of all educational, charitable and cultural centers of other civilizations. It may be deduced that the non-profit organizations working in the field of education, health and social welfare all fall into this category. One can also refer to the word Sawamiah used in verse 40 of Chapter Al-Hajj of the Holy Quran, which stipulates that all establishments of other civilizations must be protected.

Whenever Christian scholars came to visit with the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) for a dialog, he (peace be upon him) arranged their stay in Masjid-e-Nabawi (the blessed mosque of the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him, in the holy city of Medina). On such occasions, the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) not only held talks there, but also allowed the Christians to perform their religious rituals within the mosque.

However, one of the greatest problems in the world today is that we have stopped respecting cultures. We have adopted an “us versus them” approach. The modern world is facing serious challenges due to this single reason leading to class wars and unrest in the world.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) respected every culture. While he established an Islamic state in the Holy city of Madinah, he (peace be upon him) did not denigrate the cultural identities of any religion. On the contrary, he promoted the various Arab tribes. He protected synagogues and churches and directed his followers to pay respect to them. Whenever the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) went out of the Holy City of Madinah with his noble companions (may Allah be pleased with them all), he did not trespass on the lands that belonged to the Jews and Christians. He (peace be upon him) did not allow the horses to even step foot on those lands that had agricultural crops on them. But he (peace be upon him) commanded his noble companions to protect these lands. In this way he laid the foundations for international law and peace. It is chilling to see that behaviors today are so antithetical to the teachings of this great final Prophet of God who is a Prophet for all of humanity. Peace Be Upon Him.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) practically proved the motto of the Peace Culture which is to “Live and let others live.”  “Peace for all” was not just a slogan but he proved it with his pristine teachings, stellar example and kind and forgiving nature that made everyone around him fall in love with his personality, and even his enemies were in awe of him (peace be upon him).

In the society that he created he adopted many techniques to transfer his knowledge to the people. He sent out delegations of His Companions who reflected the culture of peace and respect they had learnt from him. When the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) met people, he would stand up out of respect for them.

He created an Administration Culture which centered on truth and honesty. Honesty is the best policy for the government, the legislature, and judiciary. The culture of Islam is that of balance of power and it negates any authoritarian school of thought and promotes a culture of tolerance and peace. In this culture, contrary to popular belief, Allah Almighty and the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) have given tremendous amount of respect to women and children in the context of human rights. In this culture the use of force is prohibited. “Might is right” is not a component. The teaching of Islam is that everyone is equal. Modern culture includes language, ideas, beliefs, norms, codes, institutions, tools, techniques, works of art, rituals, ceremonies and symbols. Islam has incorporated these into its fold. Islamic principles teach to take what is good and leave out that which is not good. It is a dynamic body with its foundation anchored on a core firm set of values—the crucial recipe for any religion, culture, institution or individual to survive— the ability to adapt and include.

Today’s IECRC Conference is a bridge between the West and the East, a bridge among nations. The valuable research articles and presentations being made here will be  a source of learning and eliminating many stereotypes. Conferences such as this are instrumental in the transformation of international cultural norms.

It is time we let go of the  wars of the battlefield and psycho warfare and make working for humanity the aim of our lives. For social and world change it is imperative that the differences between the major world cultures and religions are put on the backburner and the similarities are highlighted. The world is our home and we are all brothers and sisters. All Prophets of God (peace be upon them all) have brought the same message of forgiveness, purification, tolerance, peace, and love. It behooves us to increase our intercultural communication and understanding so that we can make the world a better place for our children.

Prof. Dr. Mohammad Ahmed Qadri

Dr. Qadri is the Founding Director of the IECRC. He is the recipient of many international awards such as the prestigious “Ambassador for Peace” Award presented by the Universal Peace Foundation and Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace in Canada. Please see the section on Speaker Biographies for more details. He can be reached at ahmedq19@yahoo.com.

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March 17, 2010   Canada, Culture, IECRC Chapters, Intercultural Communication, Islamic Months, Personalities, Prophets, Rabi ul-Awwal   2 Comments

PRESS REPORT – Interfaith Communication: A Bridge Among Nations

The Islamic Educational and Cultural Research Center (IECRC) and the Canadian Women Counseling Center (CWCC) jointly organized a grand gathering of an Interfaith Celebration of the Birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) titled “Interfaith Communication: A Bridge Among Nations” on Saturday, March 6, 2010 at York Conference Center in Surrey, British Columbia. The beautiful gathering was attended by over 450 men, women, and children of many diverse organizations, groups, faiths, and cultures from all walks of life.

Group Conference Speakers and Organizers

This was the 5th year in a row that the CWCC and IECRC have conducted this annual spiritual gathering commemorating the life and birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the final Prophet to humanity according to the Islamic tradition.  The conference was attended by interfaith representatives from several different religious groups including Pandit Acharya, Dr. Raminder Pal Singh, Mr. Allen Welding, along with representatives from the B.C. legislative assembly and the World Peace Federation, and heads of various social and political organizations.  The speeches delivered represented a wide variety of backgrounds and topics.

Audience

Mr. Allen Welding, President of the World Peace Federation and Christian Leader said that our heart is not bound by geography, and that “We are one family under God.” He added, “Cooperation is a way towards peace, and humanity is one body.  Humanity is not connected to God hence we harm one another. ”

Dr. Allen Welding

Dr. Raminder Pal Singh Kang, the well-known radio host of Sher-e-Punjab gave a direct message to the audience in which he mentioned the relationships between Muslims and Sikhs in history. Dr. Kang mentioned that the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the holiest place in Sikhism, had its first stone layed by a Muslim, and that Hazrat Baba Farid’s (may God have mercy on him) writings are a part of the Guru Granth Sahib.  Dr. Kang reminded the audience that people have less time to read and study, and thus misinformation is spreading.  He shared his experience describing how he had became a student of Islamic Philosophy after he had hosted several shows with Dr. Qadri about Islam on Sher-e-Punjab where “you can always talk about other mazhabs (faiths). ”

Dr. Raminder Pal Singh

Pandit Acharya Shrinath Prasad Dwivedi, a Hindu scholar, said that peace on Earth starts with the individual, not with an organization. With the modern world, distances are reduced, but barriers within the heart need to be broken.  Pandit Acharya recited a self-composed piece of poetry in praise of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) that delighted the audience.

Pandit Acharya Shrinath Prasad Dwivedi

Senior government representatives were also present during the occasion.  Bruce Ralston, Member of the Legislative Assembly, Surrey-Whalley, briefly wished all conference attendees well and congratulated the organizers on the conference. He also mentioned that what impressed most about Islam was its prohibition of Usury and the establishment of Zakat (the poor due).

Sukh Dhaliwal, MP of Surrey, mentioned that all religions emphasize social justice, that the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was about social justice, human rights, and equality, and similarly that of Guru Nanak. Mr. Dhaliwal said that we can believe in different values, come from different cultures, and be different, yet at the same time love each other, respect each other, and thus “we have taken ourselves beyond tolerance, we have accepted each other.” He said that religious organizations are instrumental in providing social services, and congratulated Dr. Qadri and the attendees for promoting justice, accepting all communities, and conveyed greetings on behalf of the assembly.

Vice Consul General Tipu Usman of the Pakistan Consulate in Vancouver emphasized the need for dialogue as a way and basis to promote trust, and not as a platform for argumentation.

MLA Bruce Ralston

MP Sukh Dhaliwal

Vice Consul General Tipu Usman

Shakyh Ismael Khaleeq, Imam of the Kautharriyah Hussayniyyah Islamic Center, said that different cultures are like different colors in a garden; a garden is more beautiful with a variety of colors. He exhorted the audience to understand that ends do not justify the means, and to live a compassionate and loving life with each other.

Sheikh Ismael Khaleeq

Maulana Tayyib Qasmi, Principal of the Chilliwack Islamic College gave a brief but effective speech on the importance of remembering and honoring the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), especially in the spirit of coming together as one community. He humbly prayed that his presence in this blessed gathering would become a means for his forgiveness on t he Day of Judgment.

Maulana Tayyib Qasmi

Mr. Tanveer Choudhary of the Pakistani Cultural Association spoke about the impact Allamah Iqbal, Pakistan’s famous national poet also known as the Poet of the East, had in a unified view of man and his place in the world. Maulana Abdul Lateef Nomani, Imam of the Fiji Islamic Center, highlighted the compassionate and self-sacrificing nature of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

Syeda Zille Humma and Fatima Sharaaz, both IECRC representatives from the United States, spoke about the meaning of love for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and how the Prophet (peace be upon him) elevated the status and esteem of women by introducing essential women’s rights that have now been taken for granted, respectively.  Dr. Syeda Saiqa Zubeda, Founding Director of the CWCC, spoke about the importance of love in Islam, saying that Sufism, the spiritual dimension of Islam, was Islam with love, and the real representation of Islam.

Youth from both the surrounding Surrey area, as well as those who had traveled from the USA to attend this event waved flags and recited the Naat poetry that describes the attributes of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Among the youth and children were Abdullah Ayyaz Qadri, Abdurrahman Ayyaz Qadri (both studying to commit the entire Holy Quran to memory), Zaynab Ayyaz Qadri, Roha Imran, and Khizr Abbasi.

Both adult and youth groups from Surrey and the United States recited beautiful and heartfelt poems honoring the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) on this sublime occasion including Adeeba Iqbal, Amber Imran, Sohail Rana Qadri, Imran Qadri, Shaanawaz Khan Qadri, and Ismael Rajput.

Zaynab Ayyaz Qadri

Roha Imran

Khizr Abbasi

Amber Imran

IECRC Naat Group from Surrey

Recitation of Burdah Shareef

Ismael Rajput

Mr. Charan Gill, Executive Directory of PICs, a progressive social welfare organization in Surrey, presented IECRC with an award for outstanding community service. Various other awards were rewarded to groups and individuals working to promote peace and social justice.

Mr. Charan Gill

To conclude the conference, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Qadri, a world renowned scholar from the family of the Bani Hashim (the family of the Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him), and Founding Director of the Islamic Educational and Cultural Center delivered the concluding remarks about the universal message of brotherhood that Islam conveys with references from the Holy Quran and the Life of the Prophet (peace be upon him).  Dr. Qadri said that the Prophet (peace be upon him) conveyed the message of Islam to make our ethics the ethics of God. He said that if we pay respect to others, we and our community will be respected by others. Dr. Qadri stated, if you love humanity, God will love you. He reminded the audience to follow the Prophetic example and to be forgiving and merciful.

Dr. Qadri reminded the audience of a very important communal requirement that is aimed at supporting those in need under the most trying circumstances.  He called to pass a resolution in favor of an endowment fund for funeral costs, which was passed by the community with no opposition.

Prof. Dr. Mohammad Ahmed Qadri

Sharaaz Qadri, Director of IECRC in the USA, was emcee for the evening. Throughout the evening, Mr. Sharaaz Qadri gave references from the life of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) that reminded the audience of the tradition of compassion, mercy, respect, tolerance, in Islam. As is tradition in Milad Shareef gatherings, the program began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, the Muslim holy book, and poetry in Praise of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

Sharaaz Khan Qadri

The vote of thanks was given by Mr. Ayyaz Yousaf Qadri, Managing Director of IECRC-USA. He thanked all the guests for their participation, and thanked all the volunteers of IECRC and CWCC for their immense dedication and hard work for making this spiritual, educational, cultural, and social event a great success.

Dr. Mohammad Ahmed Qadri finally led everyone in a standing salutation (Salam) to send greetings and blessings to the Prophet (peace be upon him).

Salaam and Dua

Salaam and Dua

For feedback on this conference you may write to info@iecrcna.org or cwcc04@yahoo.ca.

One thing is common about quality social justice, sk brought diversity, Canada Aa a nation fortunate charter of rights india mother Teresa social justice equal presence participation of women teachings of saw keep serving humanity… Good wishes.
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February 13, 2010   Maulud, Uncategorized   4 Comments

5th Annual Conference – Interfaith Communication: A Bridge among Nations – 6th March 2010

The Islamic Educational & Cultural Research Center (IECRC) and The Canadian Women Center cordially invite you to celebrate the birth & life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace & blessings upon him & his family) at the

5th Annual Conference – Interfaith Communication:A Bridge among Nations

A family event on 6th March 2010, at 2:00 pm

For further information please contact:
Prof. Dr. M. Ahmed Qadri: 778-241-2371
Muhammad Iqbal: 604-505-5700 / Asif Bajwa: 604-507-1815
Sohail Rana: 604-787-3122 / Nasar Khan: 604-551-5426

Venue:

Unit # 202, 12888 80 Avenue, York Conference Center, Surrey, BC

Entrance is free and dinner will be served!!!

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November 29, 2008   Books, Islam, Peace, Professor Mohammed Ahmed Qadri   No comments

Peace & Tolerance in Islam

Peace & Tolerance in Islam

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October 25, 2008   Audio, Professor Mohammed Ahmed Qadri, Tasawwuf   No comments

What is Tasawwuf? An Answer by Hadrat Ali bin Uthman al-Hajweri

What is Tasawwuf? An Answer by Hadrat Ali bin Uthman al-Hajweri

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October 25, 2008   Audio, English, Professor Mohammed Ahmed Qadri, Tasawwuf   No comments

Islam and Soul Orientation

Islam and Soul Orientation

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June 6, 2008   Maulud

2nd Annual Women’s Naat Shareef Mehfil – Sacramento, CA – June 21, 2008

The 2nd Women’s Naat Shareef Mehfil in Sacramento dedicated to the Great Wali of Allah (Jalla Jalalahu) Hazrat Baba Farid Ganj Shakr (may Allah have mercy on him).

The IECRC is a six year old non-profit, non-political, 501(c)(3), grassroots, community service organization, based in Northern California, created in the wake of the September 11th tragedy with the mission to promote spirituality through education, research, and counseling, based on the centuries old Islamic traditional values of the Awliyah (the Saints of the Islamic Tradition) — love, tolerance, peace and harmony.

The Islamic Educational & Cultural Research Center invites you to its 2nd Women’s Naat Shareef Mehfil

Saturday, June 21 , 2008
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Smedberg Jr High School
8239 Kingsbridge Drive, Sacramento, CA 95829

Please arrive on time for timely completion.
Refreshments served throughout.

For information, call :
Sacramento: Fatima Sharaaz Qadri – 916-687-7547, Bushra. S. Qadri – 916-689-5235
Bay Area: Syeda Zille Huma Qadri – 510-648-9525, Shagufta Ahmad Qadri – 510-732-6786
E-mail info@iecrcna.org or on the Web visit www.maulud.org

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April 24, 2008   Maulud, Uncategorized   No comments

Respecting Cultural Values: A Criterion for World Peace (IECRC’s 5th Annual Milad Shareef Conference, May 25, 2008, Fremont, CA)

Dedicated to:
The Life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad
(peace and blessings be upon him and his family)

When:
Sunday, May 25 (Memorial Day Weekend)
3pm – 10pm

Where:
Mehran Restaurant, 5774 Mowry School Road, Newark, California

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  • International Speakers
  • Intellectual and Spiritual Discourse
  • Poetry, Qasaid and Na’at Recitations
  • Sufi Cultural Expression (Qawwali, Daf, etc)
  • Prayer, Education, Spirituality, Culture, Food

May 9, 2008 (Fremont, CA): As efforts are underway in search for a true and lasting peace around the world by those who are committed to its cause, the members of the Islamic Educational and Cultural Research Center (IECRC) are ramping up for their Annual Conference themed on the same concern, during the Memorial Day weekend, Sunday, May 25, 2008 in the exquisite Mehran Restaurant (5774 Mowry School Road, Newark) in Northern California.

 

The IECRC is a six year old non-profit, non-political, 501(c)(3), grassroots, community service organization, based in Northern California, created in the wake of the September 11th tragedy  with the mission to promote spirituality through education, research, and counseling, based on the centuries old Islamic traditional values of the Awliyah (the Saints of the Islamic Tradition) — love, tolerance, peace and harmony.

 

Muslims believe that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him and his family) was the last of a long chain of Prophets of God (peace and blessing of God upon them all), and that his message was a Universal one in that he was not just sent to the Arabs, but to all of Humanity, and that the message he brought holistically embodies the principle of Peace.  Thus the religion was not named “Muhammadism” or similar, but rather “Islam” or “Peace.”  Each year, the IECRC dedicates its annual conferences to the life of the Prophet of Peace.

 

As part of a global community, it is essential that the individual consciousness of people grows into a joint social order. World Peace, an element of this order, can only be achieved when respect for the “Other” becomes the norm and rich exchanges of cultural values and perspectives are common.

 

To help achieve this goal, two purposes have been identified for the 5th Annual IECRC Conference: 1) Promote interaction between diverse communities through an exchange of ideas and culture in an effort to achieve respect for each other at a local level; and 2) Educate about the code of behavior as practiced by the pious predecessors and Saints of the Islamic tradition (may God be pleased with them all) in promoting the values of unity, peace, love, harmony, and tolerance at a global level.

 

The conference will aim to shed light on the intellectual and spiritual tradition of these values, as lived and practiced for over 14 centuries by countless spiritual luminaries in Islam.  “The Islamic tradition teaches that peace is achieved through tolerance and forgiveness.” Thus, the contributions of the great men and women who lived and died according to this principle are immense and warrant attention in the modern age when inspiration and guidance are needed even more than ever.  The conference will consist of speakers from diverse cultures and perspectives towards World Peace, and will include intellectuals, social workers and religious scholarship, both from within and outside the fold of Islam.  As a result, the theme for the conference has been named: Respecting Cultural Values: a Criterion for World Peace.

 

“Through the interaction of notable personalities from different cultures, backgrounds, and levels, doors will be opened towards new avenues addressing the complex problems that we face in achieving world peace and harmony,” says Prof. Dr. Mohammad Ahmed Qadri, Founding Director of the IECRC.  Dr. Qadri is a renowned scholar and the recipient of many prestigious international awards including the Ambassador for Peace Award presented by the Universal Peace Foundation and Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace in Canada.

 

Among the international and national guest speakers confirmed to present are keynote speaker, Dr. Prof, Muhammad Ahmed Qadri, Ph. D in Political Science, Islamic Scholar, and Founding Director of the IECRC (via remote message); Prof. Dr. Derryl Maclean, Associate Professor, Social Historian of Religion, Department of History, and Director, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada; Prof. Dr. Neelam Canto-Lugo, Professor, English Department, and Director of Crossing Borders Building Bridges series of lectures and presentations, Yuba College, Marysville, California; Farzana Nayani M.A., Education, Training Consultant and Cross-Cultural Researcher, Los Angeles, California; Mr. Charan Gill, M.A., M.S.W., Social Worker, Community Activist and CEO Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society, Surrey, British Columbia. Several other important personalities at the local, national, and international level have also been invited and are expected to present at the conference. The event will also be an exhibition of the rich fabric of Islamic culture in the recitations of poetry praising the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in many languages including English, Urdu, Farsi, Arabic, and Punjabi. The conference will include the traditional Sufi Qawwali Samaa (devotional music) of the Subcontinent with performance by Mr. Muhammad Shaan and ensemble. There will be much young talent on display in the many children’s performances which are a part and parcel of all IECRC events. Attendance of a diverse audience is expected from around the Greater Bay Area and beyond.

 

We invite all regardless of religion or race to join us for an evening of spirituality, knowledge, poetry, peace building, and friendship.

Admission is free. Childcare is available. Complimentary Dinner is served.

This event is open to all.

Visit www.maulud.org for registration and additional details about the Conference.

Media Contacts: Ayyaz Yousaf Qadri at 510-475-7867 (ayyazy@yahoo.com),
Sharaaz Khan at 916-687-7547 (sharaaz2001@yahoo.com).

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December 8, 2019   Books, Featured

e-Book: My Little Prayer Book

DOWNLOAD E-Book:My Little Prayer Book

About the Book

The purpose of compiling MY LITTLE PRAYER BOOK is to educate children about Wudu, and Salaah. And most importantly, teach children how to perform the correct Wudu and the correct Salaah, the way in which Prophet Muhammad ‫صلى الله عليه وسلم‬ used to perform in His daily routine.

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June 6, 2016   Advice, Charity, Zakat, Sadaqah, Contemporary Issues, English, English, Fasting, Featured, Healing & Counseling, Interviews, Laylat ul-Qadr, Professor Mohammed Ahmed Qadri, Ramadan, Sacred Nights, Social, Video

Blessing of Ramadan (Video Series)

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