Annual Meeting of Al-Mawrid, US
The annual meeting of Al-Mawrid US members convened in Dallas in December 2023 and spanned three days, drawing attendees from various parts of the United States. Notably, scholars associated with the institution from different countries were also invited. Dr. Shehzad Saleem and Dr. Ammar Khan Nasir from Pakistan, along with Syed Manzoor ul Hassan from Malaysia, actively participated in different sessions, contributing their perspectives on academics and preaching.
Ali Farooq, Secretary of Al-Mawrid US, extended an invitation to Mukaram Aziz, Chair of the Al- Mawrid Board, to deliver the inaugural address at the event’s commencement. Mukarram Aziz warmly welcomed the participants on behalf of the Board, emphasizing the commitment to the institution’s progress and development. Additionally, Aziz, overseeing the organization’s financial affairs alongside Shehzad Mirza, Treasurer Al-Mawrid US, presented a detailed report on Al-Mawrid US’s financial status for the year 2023, receiving appreciation for the remarkable performance.
Farhan Saiyed, the CEO of Al-Mawrid US, presented the annual performance report of the organization. The participants appreciated the performance, acknowledging exceptional work done by the limited team.
Subsequently, members of the Education Committee, Atif Sajid, Nayef Pasha, and Faraz Ahmed, presented the annual academic performance report regarding “Sunday School” and the online learning platform. Umair Ajmal, Artiza Ajmal, and Qarib Zaidi briefed the audience on the previous year’s activities related to digital content, post-production, dubbing, and social media.
Muhammad Hassan Ilyas, Director of Ghamidi Center of Islamic Learning, delineated the organization’s mission and objectives in four key points. He highlighted that the institution represents not only the thoughts of Javed Ahmed Ghamidi but also those of Dabistan Shibli. Making academic and religious content accessible worldwide, integrating Ghamidi’s academic developments, and preparing future leaders through collective insights are some of the organization’s key aims.
During the proceedings, Syed Manzoor ul Hassan delivered a compelling speech, characterizing
Al-Mawrid US as a revitalization of the Al-Mawrid invitational program, underscoring its transformative impact on preaching. Dr. Shehzad Saleem emphasized the crucial role of English in modern communication and advocated for communicating Javed Ahmed Ghamidi’s thoughts comprehensively in English across all levels. He introduced several English projects organized by the Ghamidi Center of Islamic Learning.
Dr. Ammar Khan Nasir, expressing his sentiments regarding academic and preaching outcomes produced by Ghamidi school of thought, shared his appreciatory remarks on the pivotal reasons it has created connecting individuals to the true essence of religion.
Javed Ahmed Ghamidi elucidated the goals and objectives of Al-Mawrid, advising all academic and administrative personnel of Al-Mawrid US to continuously reflect on their moral attitudes alongside their da’wah work, keeping their relationship with Allah alive.
Following the event, a dinner was arranged for Al-Mawrid US members and other participants. Subsequently, a workshop was conducted, attended by Al-Mawrid US members, where special guests and research scholars expressed their views on various topics.
Weekly Lectures on Quran and Hadith
In December 2023, eight live lecture sessions on the Qur’an and Hadith took place. In these lectures, Javed Ahmed Ghamidi completed Surah Nahl and discussed the first three verses of Surah Bani Israel. The hadith sessions covered topics such as “Establishment of Conclusive Evidence and the Implementation of Divine Punishment” and “The Process of Man’s Creation and Divine Knowledge.” These enlightening lectures are available on the Ghamidi Center’s YouTube channel.
The Secret of Life (Raaz-e-Hayat)
Research scholar Syed Manzoor ul Hassan of the Ghamidi Center of Islamic Learning continued his program “Raaz-e-Hayat” last month, delving into a childhood dream where he visited the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in a ceremony. He analyzed the dream, concluding that the hadith, “Whoever has seen me in a dream, then no doubt, he has seen me, for Satan cannot imitate my shape,” pertains solely to the Companions.
Our Differences with Javed Ahmed Ghamidi
Muhammad Hassan Ilyas penned a compelling article elaborating on his staunch support for the Ghamidi school of thought. Responding to public queries about disagreements with his mentor, the author elucidated his path to following Javed Ahmed Ghamidi’s ideas after years of truth-seeking and comprehensive critical analysis. This article was published in both Urdu & English versions of Ishraq US.
Audiobook on “The Relationship between the Qur’an and the Sunnah”
Dr. Ammar Khan Nasir authored the book “The Relationship between the Qur’an and the Sunnah.” During his recent stay in the United States, he completed the audio recording of the book at the Ghamidi Center of Islamic Learning studio, set to be broadcast soon on the Ghamidi Center of Islamic Learning YouTube channel.
Explanation of Comments on “Dars-e-Nizami”
In the weekly question and answer sessions organized by the Ghamidi Center of Islamic Learning, discussions centered on Javed Ahmed Ghamidi’s comments on Dars-e- Nizami. The ongoing debate highlighted significant excerpts from Javed Ahmed Ghamidi’s article on Dars-e- Nizami. Four sessions in December were dedicated to this subject, and recordings of these discussions are accessible on the GCIL’s YouTube channel.
English Lectures on “Al-Bayan” and “Meezan”
Continuing with the teaching of Al-Bayan, Javed Ahmed Ghamidi’s Qur’anic commentary, and Meezan, his book on Islam, two sessions of “Al-Bayan” were conducted in the previous month, discussing verses 163 to 203 of Surah al-Baqarah. Additionally, Dr. Shehzad Saleem recorded two lectures titled “The Social Shariah” under the “Meezan” series, available for viewing on the Ghamidi Center of Islamic Learning YouTube channel.
A Review of Objections to “What is Hadith?”
The ongoing video series “23 Objections….” by the Ghamidi Center of Islamic Learning delved into the topic of “What is Hadith?” in December 2023, addressing questions and objections raised against Javed Ahmed Ghamidi’s position on hadith. Discussions also revolved around the responsibility of the Prophet (s) to explain the religion, exploring terms like ‘Al-Kitab’ and ‘Al-Hikmah’ in verse 2 of Surah 62. Recordings of these discussions are available on the GCIL YouTube channel.
The Divine Verdict about the Fate of the Jews
An article titled “The Divine Verdict about the Fate of the Jews” by Khursheed Nadeem sheds light on Israel’s persistent fear, leading to oppressive acts against unarmed Palestinians. The article outlines the history of the Jews, their establishment in Israel, and their continued struggle for survival despite gaining statehood. Available in both English and Urdu versions, this article was part of the December issue of Ishraq, US.
The Psychology of Corporal Punishment and Violence
This article denounces the rising trend of violence in society, highlighting its adverse effects on children’s psychology and advocating for its prevention. It emphasizes how violence against children leads to societal repercussions, instilling fear, insecurity, hypocrisy, and rudeness in them. Additionally, the author addresses objections raised by scholars regarding the authenticity of a hadith report justifying violence. This article is accessible in the December 2023 issue.
Ilm o Hikmat – Ghamidi Kay Sath
Javed Ahmed Ghamidi’s weekly program aired on Dunya News featured segments titled “New Possibilities for Promotion of Education”, “Nikah in Iddat”, and “Question and Answer”. These segments answered various questions and discussed crucial issues like Iddah rulings, philanthropic nation-building through educational institutions, and providing free education. Recordings of these programs are available on the GCIL’s YouTube channel.
Private Meeting Sessions by Shehzad Saleem
Dr. Shehzad Saleem conducts monthly private meetings where individuals seek consultation for personal and family issues. Last month, he held 15 sessions, addressing behavioral problems faced by parents, adolescents, and children.
Is it Lawful to Buy a House on Mortgage?
During a question and answer session, Muhammad Hassan Ilyas addressed the permissibility of buying a house on a mortgage. He clarified that in terms of its reality, it is permissible and doesn’t constitute interest, as it lacks fixed profit on a loan. The recording of this session is available on the Ghamidi Center of Islamic Learning YouTube channel.
Educational Career of Amin Ahsan Islahi
The fourth episode of “Hayat Amin” last month detailed various incidents from Maulana Amin Ahsan Islahi’s educational years. Notably, his speech at the annual meeting of Madrasah al-Islah was commended by Maulana Farahi, who rewarded him with a signed set of his Tafseer collection. This article is featured in the December 2023 issue of Ishraq US.
Issuance of Fatwa
Under the guidance of Javed Ahmed Ghamidi, Muhammad Hassan Ilyas issued five fatwas last month, addressing queries related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and other social and economic concerns.
Recording of Dr. Shehzad Saleem’s Lectures
In December 2023, Dr. Shehzad Saleem recorded lectures on “Challenges of Atheism and Blind Imitation” and “Humanity.” Additionally, he delivered four lectures in English for the “Lessons of Life” series, covering themes like “Let’s Refuse to Lose”, “The Disease of Our Piety”, “A Great Pollution”, and “The Citizens of the World”. These lectures can be accessed on the Ghamidi Center of Islamic Learning YouTube channel.