Under the supervision of Javed Ahmad Ghamidi, a quarterly magazine named “Salehat” has been launched specifically for the education and training of women. Muhammad Hassan Ilyas is overseeing it, while Naeem Ahmed Baloch is serving as the editor, and Yasmeen Farrukh is the assistant editor. This initiative by the Ghamidi Center has been highly appreciated by women. Readers can access this magazine on the Ghamidi Center’s website.
Purpose of the Ghamidi Center
Last month, the Director of Research and Academics at “Ghamidi Center of Islamic Learning, USA,” Mr. Hassan Ilyas, gave an interview to Saqib Islam, a representative of Voice of America. In the interview, he explained the purpose of establishing the Ghamidi Center in America. He stated that the purpose of establishing the Ghamidi Center is to develop the ability in Muslim youth to study religion consciously. Furthermore, he described the Ghamidi Center as a foundation for people of all schools of thought and religions, emphasizing that they want to convey the message to the world to understand Islam through the lens of knowledge and to accept the opinions of all scholars based on reasoning, not blind following. The recording of this interview can be viewed on the Ghamidi Center’s YouTube channel.
Launch of Online Khanqah
The Ghamidi Center has initiated an online Khanqah. This is primarily a program related to self- purification, where Mr. Moiz Amjad discusses self-improvement and training and answers related questions posed by people. A session of this program is broadcast weekly on the Ghamidi Center’s YouTube channel.
“Tafheem al-Athar” Project
Under the auspices of Ghamidi Center of Islamic Learning, USA, a program titled “Tafheem al-Athar” has been launched. This program includes explanations and interpretations of the sayings of the Companions and their followers, along with Q&A sessions based on selected sayings. Dr. Syed Mutiur Rahman hosts this program, with Dr. Ammar Khan Nasir participating as a guest. In June 2024, two programs were recorded, discussing topics like the distinctive status of the Companions in religious knowledge and practice, the significance given to the understanding and practice of the Companions and their followers in religious tradition, the nature and scholarly objectives of the Tafheem al-Athar project, and which Companions’ sayings will be included in this collection. These programs can be viewed on the Ghamidi Center’s YouTube channel.
Behavior of Political, Social, and Religious Leaders
In his article, Syed Manzoor ul Hassan, editor of “Ishraq, USA,” discusses how political, social, and religious leaders should behave with their colleagues and associates. Citing verses from the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), he writes that it is essential for leaders to speak kindly and lovingly with their colleagues, listen attentively to their advice, overlook their mistakes, and, most importantly, respect their dignity. If people do not receive such behavior, they become disheartened and may withdraw or even turn to opposition and hostility. This article can be read in the June 2024 issue of “Ishraq, USA.”
Weekly Q&A Sessions with Javed Ahmad Ghamidi
The Ghamidi Center holds weekly live Q&A sessions, where Mr. Hassan Ilyas presents various questions received by the Ghamidi Center to Mr. Ghamidi, who then answers them. Important questions asked in these sessions last month include “The Term ‘Sufi’ and ‘Prophet'” and “Is a Human Milk Bank Permissible?” The recordings of these Q&A sessions can be viewed on the institution’s YouTube channel.
Ammar Khan Nasir Will Not Be Allowed to Speak
This article was recently written in the context of the proceedings of a case involving an Ahmadi defendant in the Supreme Court of Pakistan. During the proceedings, religious scholars, after much debate with the Chief Justice, prevented Dr. Ammar Khan Nasir from presenting his individual opinion in this case, arguing that it would make the decision controversial. Criticizing this behavior of the religious scholars, Mr. Hassan writes that religious scholars adopt a domineering attitude to enforce their views and seek to establish control over people’s thoughts and actions. They consider their opinion as final, their statements as decisive, and anyone who disagrees with them as rebellious, misguided, and deviant. This article can be read in the previous month’s issue of “Ishraq, USA.”
Documentary on Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
The Ghamidi Center has begun producing a documentary on the life of contemporary renowned scholar Maulana Wahiduddin Khan. This documentary will cover all aspects of Maulana Wahiduddin Khan’s scholarly, intellectual, research, and missionary journey, from his family background to his final efforts in da’wah (Islamic propagation). It will soon be broadcast serially on the Ghamidi Center’s YouTube channel.
Patience: The Path to Success in This World and the Hereafter
In his article, Mr. Rehan Ahmed Yousufi explains the importance and virtues of patience (sabr) in the light of the Quran and Hadith. He also explores its various meanings and implications. Addressing some common misconceptions about patience, he writes that it is often seen as a passive response, done out of compulsion and helplessness, limited to sorrow and hardships, and viewed as a sign of cowardice and weakness. Consequently, patience has not found its true place in our religious thought. Moreover, he describes patience as the key to success in this world and a means to thwart the plots and schemes of enemies. This article can be read in the June 2024 issue.
Review of Objections on “What is Hadith?”
For several months, the Ghamidi Center has been discussing the topic “What is Hadith?” in a video series addressing 23 objections. After covering all the fundamental discussions on this topic, the objections and questions raised by viewers during the previous sessions are now being addressed. Three sessions of this series were held last month. The recordings of these sessions can be viewed on the Ghamidi Center’s YouTube channel.
Ghamidi Center’s Online Educational Courses
Last month, Mr. Shehzad Saleem developed three educational courses in English for the Ghamidi Center’s online learning platform. The courses are titled “Divorce Laws,” “Dietary Shariah and Islamic Customs,” and “Jihad in Islam.” The course “Dietary Shariah and Islamic Customs” has been published on the Ghamidi Center’s website, and the other two will be published soon.
Issuance of Fatwas Based on Religious Opinions
People frequently contact the Ghamidi Center of Islamic Learning for legal applications of Shariah, seeking guidance on issues like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and other economic and social aspects. Last month, three fatwas were issued to address various needs under the guidance of Mr. Javed Ahmad Ghamidi and issued by Mr. Hassan Ilyas.
Teaching “Meezan” in English
Last month, Dr. Shehzad Saleem recorded lectures in English on various topics from “Meezan.” These topics include “The Philosophy of Hajj,” “Punishment for Theft,” “Punishment for Qadhf (False Accusation),” “Humanity,” and “Fundamental Factors of a Happy Married Life.” These lectures can be viewed on the Ghamidi Center’s YouTube channel.
“Ilm-o-Hikmat: With Ghamidi”
In the program “Ilm-o-Hikmat: With Ghamidi,” broadcast on Dunya News channel in June 2024, the topics discussed were “Ten Questions about Atheism,” “The Importance of Eid al-Adha and Sacrifice,” “Characteristics of Conversation,” “The Humanity of the Prophet,” and “Q&A.” Recordings of these programs are available on the institution’s YouTube channel.
“Al-Bayan” Quran Translation Audiobook
Under the Ghamidi Center’s Tazkir Bil-Quran project, last month saw the presentation of recitations and translations of Surah Al-Kahf and Surah An-Nur. The Quran translation is by Mr. Shah Nawaz, and the recitation of the Quran is by Mishary Rashid Alafasy. Recordings can be viewed on the Ghamidi Center’s YouTube channel.
Ask Dr. Shehzad Saleem
This is a live monthly Q&A session where Dr. Shehzad Saleem answers various questions related to religious, ethical, and social topics. Participants can ask questions in both Urdu and English.
“Islam Study Circle”
In this session by Dr. Shehzad Saleem, various religious, ethical, and social topics are discussed in the light of the Quran and Hadith. This session consists of three parts: in the first part, a topic is selected from the Quranic verses and explained; in the second part, selected Hadith are discussed; and in the third part, an excerpt from the Bible is analyzed. At the end of the program, questions related to the topic are answered. Last month’s session discussed topics like “Beliefs of Faith,” “The Vanity of the World,” and “The Guidance of Jesus Christ for Humanity.” This session is conducted in English and can be viewed on the institution’s YouTube channel.
Weekly Lessons on the Quran and Hadith
In June 2024, live sessions of Quran and Hadith lessons were held under the Ghamidi Center, where Javed Ahmad Ghamidi taught verses 6 to 26 of Surah Al-Kahf in the Quran sessions, and the Hadith sessions discussed “The Punishment of the Grave.” Recordings of these lessons can be viewed on the Ghamidi Center’s YouTube channel.
Shehzad Saleem’s Online Private Consultation Sessions
Every month, Mr. Shehzad Saleem holds online private consultation sessions where people seek his advice on various personal and family-related issues. Last month, over 30 sessions were conducted, during which people consulted Mr. Shehzad Saleem on problems faced by parents and issues related to adolescence and marriage.
“Maqamat” Audiobook
The Ghamidi Center has released an audiobook of Mr. Javed Ahmad Ghamidi’s book “Maqamat.” This book is a collection of Mr. Ghamidi’s diverse writings, divided into three parts: the first part contains his emotions, feelings, and events; the second part presents his explanations and opinions on ijtihadi (interpretive) issues of religion; and the third part is dedicated to critical essays. This book is being serially published in audio format on the Ghamidi Center’s YouTube channel.
Teaching “Al-Bayan” in English
Mr. Shehzad Saleem is teaching Javed Ahmad Ghamidi’s Quranic exegesis “Al-Bayan” in English. Last month, Dr. Shehzad Saleem recorded two lectures covering verses 1 to 44 of Surah Al-Imran. These recordings are available on the Ghamidi Center’s YouTube channel.
“Safar Dar Safar”
This program is based on the intellectual journey of Dr. Ammar Khan Nasir, hosted by Mr. Naeem Baloch. In this program, Dr. Ammar Khan Nasir answers Mr. Naeem Baloch’s questions about his intellectual journey. Last month, two sessions were recorded, in which Dr. Ammar discussed his family background, educational stages, and some important aspects of his intellectual journey. Recordings of these sessions are available on the institution’s YouTube channel.
Blasphemy Law: Who is Responsible?
“Who is responsible for the trend of killing people over blasphemy in Pakistan?” Mr. Hassan Ilyas raised this question in the context of a recent blasphemy incident in Swat. In his discussion, he strongly condemned the incident and identified those responsible for such occurrences. He stated that such incidents are increasing day by day in our society, and unfortunately, it is all happening in the name of religion. Moreover, he presented some useful solutions to prevent such incidents. The recording of this discussion is available on the institution’s YouTube channel.
Summary of the Video Series on 23 Objections in English
In this video series, objections and criticisms from traditional religious thought on Javed Ahmad Ghamidi’s ideas are discussed. Dr. Shehzad Saleem is summarizing all the topics discussed so far in English. Last month, Dr. Shehzad Saleem summarized the topic “The Second Coming of Jesus” from the 23 Objections series. Recordings of these programs can be viewed on the Ghamidi Center’s YouTube channel.
“New Era, New Challenges”
Mr. Hassan Ilyas recorded a podcast titled “New Era, New Challenges.” This podcast discusses modern challenges facing religion, the thought of traditional scholars, and Mr. Ghamidi’s thought. In response to a final question by host Mr. Ali, he stated that the thought of a great person like Javed Ahmad Ghamidi is not the heritage of any individual but a trust of nations. The legacy of such a person’s thought is transferred to those who fully understand and can convey it to others. The recording of this program can be viewed on the institution’s YouTube channel.
Explanation of “Meezan” and “Furqan”
Some time ago, Dr. Shehzad Saleem recorded an English summary of the topics “Meezan” and “Furqan” discussed in the 23 Objections video series. This recording has been published on the Ghamidi Center’s YouTube channel.