Javed Ghamidi’s Visit to Australia
Ghamidi’s Brief stay at Singapore
Malaysia Welcomes Ghamidi
Last month, Mr. Javed Ahmad Ghamidi and Mr. Hassan Ilyas visited Australia as part of an invitational tour to various countries. Their stay in Australia lasted for 10 days. Dr. Zulfiqar, the founder of “Almawrid Australia,” organized a three-day workshop and a public event in Sydney. This workshop was a continuation of the series initiated by Hasan Ilyas in Australia last year, titled “Zurriayat-e-eIbrahim Era by Era.” People from all over Australia attended the workshop and benefited from the insightful lectures delivered by Mr. Javed Ahmad Ghamidi. Following their time in Sydney, Ghamidi and Hassan Ilyas attended an event in Brisbane, Australia, organized by Iram, Ehtesham, and Zubair. This event drew a large number of participants. Additionally, Mr. Javed Ahmad Ghamidi made a brief visit to Gold Coast, Australia. Overall, Ghamidi’s visit to Australia was a highly successful tour.
After their 10-day stay in Australia, Javed Ahmad Ghamidi and Hassan Ilyas proceeded to Singapore. Notably, the Ghamidi Centre’s Educational Mission in Singapore is operated by women. During their visit, Ghamidi participated in two scholarly and da’wah meetings organized by Ghazal and Wajiha. Syed Manzoor ul Hassan, a research scholar of Al-Mawrid America and editor of the monthly Ishraq America, also joined these meetings from Malaysia. A special session was organized exclusively for women, allowing them to seek answers to various academic and religious questions from Ghamidi.
Following their time in Singapore, Mr. Javed Ahmad Ghamidi and Mr. Hassan Ilyas arrived in Malaysia. Ghamidi was warmly welcomed by students of Islamic International University and individuals with religious backgrounds in a public convention.
Weekly Qur’an and Hadith Lectures
Audio Recording of Study of Sīrah
Response to Criticism of Ghamidi’s Views
Under the auspices of the Ghamidi Center, a series of live lectures on the Quran and Hadith by Mr. Javed Ahmad Ghamidi has been initiated. In October, eight sessions were held, focusing on verses 91-95 of Surah Nahl (16). The lectures covered important topics such as “Worshipping Graves,” “Allegory of the Straight Path,” “The Ḥūr of Paradise,” and “What is Good and Evil?” These lectures on Quran and Hadith are accessible on the Ghamidi Center’s YouTube channel.
At the conclusion of the event, the audience requested Mr. Ghamidi to share useful advice. In response, Ghamidi advised them to become genuine seekers of knowledge, embrace truth, and communicate in a civilized manner.
The Ghamidi Centre of Islamic Learning aims to provide the works of scholars from “Dabistān-e-Shibli” and other schools of thought in audio format. This initiative allows individuals who are not familiar with the Urdu script to benefit from the intellectual and scholarly thoughts of these scholars. Dr. Khalid Zaheer has initiated this project with the audio recording of Mawlana Waḥīd uddīn Khan’s book, “Study of Sīrah.” In October 2023, Khalid Zaheer recorded two episodes of the book, available on the Ghamidi Center’s YouTube channel.
Recently, Mr. Ahmad Javed, a renowned figure in literature, Sufism, and philosophy, delivered lectures in which he criticized Ghamidi’s perspective on the coherence of the Quran. He asserted that Ghamidi’s stance on the coherence of the Quran has produced a novel interpretation of religion, challenging the reliability of the established traditional view. Ahmad Javed suggested that Ghamidi’s view is influenced by Western ideologies. In response, Syed Manzoor ul Hassan has provided a detailed reply to this criticism, addressing Ahmad Javed’s objections and explaining Ghamidi’s stance on the coherence of the Quran. This article can be found in the October 2023 issue of Ishraq America.
Why God Tests Man?
Muhammad Hassan Ilyas’s article, “Why God Tests Man,” was published in the October issue of Ishraq, US. The article addresses various questions about the reasons behind God’s act of testing mankind in light of the views of traditional and modern scholars. Hassan Ilyas criticized traditional perspectives on the issue, highlighting that unsatisfactory answers have led some to lose interest in religion and consider the universe as an alternative to God.
Audio Book of al-Bayān Translation
The Ghamidi Center has organized the recitation of the Holy Quran over the course of a year under the Tazkir-bil-Quran Project. Shah Nawaz recorded the translation of the Holy Quran by Javed Ahmad Ghamidi, while Mushārī Rashid al-‘Afāsi recorded the recitation of the Arabic text. The recitations are accompanied by text and translation displayed on the screen. Episodes of the recitation are regularly aired on The Ghamidi Centre’s YouTube channel, with the first episode having been well- received by thousands of viewers.
Interactive Sessions on the Topic: What is Hadith?
Ḥayāt e Amīn Audio Book
The discussion on “What is Hadith” is ongoing in the video series “In Response to 23 Objections.” In October, four sessions were held, addressing issues related to the principles of understanding Hadith and the criteria for accepting or rejecting a report. The recordings of these sessions are available on the YouTube Channel of GCIL.
“Hayat Amin” is a biography of Mawlānā Amin Ahsan Iṣlāḥī, written by Naeem Ahmed Baloch, a research scholar at the Ghamidi Centre of Islamic Learning. The Ghamidi Centre has decided to present this biography in audio format. Mr. Khalid Syed, known for his charming voice, has been selected for this project. Three episodes of this audio project have been recorded thus far.
How to study criticism?
Questions and Answers with Dr. Khalid Zaheer
What does the Holy Quran Demand from Us?
Dr. Khalid Zaheer has launched a weekly Q&A program from Canada, organized by the Ghamidi Center of Islamic Learning. Hosted by Malik Faisal Aslam, this program features questions from the public, presented to Dr. Khalid Zaheer, who answers them in the light of the Quran and Hadith. Recordings of this program are available on GCIL’s YouTube channel.
Manzoor ul Hassan, a research scholar of the Ghamidi Center of Islamic Learning, continues his program titled “Rāz e Hayāt.” One of the most significant episodes aired last month is “What does the Qur’an want us to do?” In this program, the scholar delves into the Quran’s demands regarding both worldly and eternal life. The program is accessible on the Ghamidi Center’s YouTube Channel.
The conversation on “How to Study Criticism?” by Mr. Hassan Ilyas has been presented in an animated form on the YouTube channel of the Ghamidi Center. In this presentation, he explains how those who read and listen to Ghamidi should approach his intellectual criticism and discusses the obstacles they may encounter while engaging with criticism.
Teaching of “Al-Bayan” and “Mīzān” in English
Mawlānā Iṣlāḥī’s Educational and professional Ambitions
Dr. Shehzad Saleem has initiated the teaching of Al-Bayan, Ghamidi’s commentary on the Quran, and his book Mīzān, in English. In October, five lectures on Al-Bayan were held, covering verses 122 to 162 of Surah Baqarah. Dr. Shehzad Saleem also recorded three lectures under the “Mīzān” series, titled “The Economic Shariah.” These lectures are available on the YouTube channel of the Ghamidi Center.
The second episode of Ḥayāt Amīn was published in Ishraq in October 2023. This episode sheds light on Iṣlāḥī ’s educational preferences in comparison to his grandfather’s desire for him to become a clerk. The article also delves into the challenges faced by Shibli and his friends in establishing Madrasah al-Iṣlāḥ and other religious educational institutions. Moreover, Naeem Baloch describes the story of Shibli’s ideological differences with the views of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.
Muhammad Younus Visits Ghamidi Center
Recording of various lectures by Dr. Shehzad Saleem
Renowned Pakistani scholar Muhammad Younus Qasmi paid a visit to the Ghamidi Center last month. His research focuses on introducing the scholarly and intellectual contributions of Dr. Fazlur Rehman. During his visit, he recorded several videos featuring significant discussions about Dr. Fazlur Rehman in the Ghamidi Center’s studio. These videos will soon be available on the Ghamidi Center’s YouTube channel.
Release of English Version of Ishraq America In October, the inaugural issue of the English version of “Ishraq America” was published. Mr. Abid Mehmood serves as the editor, and Muhammad Hassan Ilyas is the creative administrator. The editorial board also includes Mr. Ijaz-ul-Haq, Mr. Mahmood-ur-Rashid, Mr. Malik Elahi, and Mr. Muhammad Ammar Malik. The English edition of “Ishraq America” has received high praise from its readers.
In October 2023, Dr. Shehzad Saleem recorded two lectures on “Islamic Punishments” and “Misconceptions about Islamic Punishments.” Additionally, he recorded eight lectures as part of the “Lessons of Life Series” with themes including “Free time leads to empty minds,” “melting hearts,” “introspection,” “controlling anger,” “controlling tongue,” “Are We Ready to Die?” “Two Tough Trials,” and “Discovering Your Inner Talent.” These lectures can be accessed on the YouTube Channel of GCIL.
Forced Education: A Blessing or a Curse?
Dr. Irfan Shehzad, a research scholar at the Ghamidi Center, has authored an article titled “Forced Education.” In this article, he critiques Pakistan’s education system, highlighting the drawbacks of compulsory education and its adverse effects on children’s futures. The article underscores issues such as poor academic performance, depression, dissatisfaction with career choices, and the inability to handle real-life challenges. The article is available in both Urdu and English versions in Ishraq US.
The question “Who Am I?” has been explored in the Ghamidi Center’s weekly program “Q&A Syed Manzoor Ke Saath.” The program also tackled important questions such as the nature of man’s reality, the timing of their birth, the relationship between the soul and body, the nature of the covenant, and similar inquiries. This weekly program airs every Friday at 9 pm PST.
What is ” Sadd-e-Zariah ” (blocking the means)? In 2018, Hasan Ilyas recorded a meeting with Javed Ahmad Ghamidi in Malaysia under the title “What is Sadd-e-Zariah?” In this informative discussion, the concept of Sadd-e-Zariah was elucidated, providing evidence from the Quran and Hadith to support its foundation. The conversation also delved into the prohibition of certain actions by jurists based on the principle of Saddi Zariah and addressed other pertinent questions. Last month, this program was made available to the public on the Ghamidi Centre’s YouTube channel.
Weekly Question-Answer Sessions
Who am I?
The Ghamidi Centre conducts a weekly live question-answer session in which questions and objections on various topics are addressed. In October, one of the sessions delved into the topic of “Sayyidina Ali and Amir Muawiyah, Yazid, and the incident of Karbala.” Recordings of these weekly Q&A sessions can be found on the GCIL YouTube channel.
Consultation on Parenting, Adolescence, and Marital Issues
To assist individuals in addressing social concerns, Shehzad Saleem conducts private consultations every month. In these one-on-one sessions, people seek guidance from Shehzad Saleem on various personal and family matters. In the past month, Dr. Shehzad Saleem conducted 18 private sessions with individuals who sought advice on parenting, dealing with behavioral issues during adolescence, and improving their marital relationships.
Ask Shehzad Saleem
Issuance of Fatwas Based on Religious Teachings
Many individuals reach out to the Ghamidi Center of Islamic Learning seeking guidance on the practical applications of Sharia law. They often request definitive religious opinions (fatwas) on matters related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and various social and economic concerns. In the last month, GCIL issued five fatwas on such issues under the guidance of Mr. Javed Ahmad Ghamidi, with Muhammad Hassan Ilyas overseeing the process.
Question-Answer Session “Ask Shehzad Saleem” is a live monthly question- answer session in which Dr. Shehzad Saleem addresses inquiries related to various religious, moral, and social issues. During this session, people can pose their questions in both Urdu and English languages. Recordings of these sessions are accessible on GCIL’s YouTube channel.
Poetic Interpretation of Hadith for Children
Youth Dialogue on “Marriage and Relationships”
GCIL has introduced a new series that presents interpretations of prophetic hadith in poetic form, aimed at educating children. Syed Manzoor ul Hassan selects hadith reports with a focus on making the content accessible to young minds. In the October edition of “Ishraq,” a narration from Musnad Ahmad was published under the title “Rights of God Upon His Servants.” The poem explores the rights and responsibilities of God’s servants toward their Creator.
Recognizing that youth hold the key to the future, the Ghamidi Center of Islamic Learning invites scholars and organizes youth dialogues to address their religious and intellectual questions. In this context, programs were recorded with Yusuf Ghani and hosted by Muhammad Bashar Ilyas, focusing on “Marriage and Relationships.” In October 2023, two programs on this subject were aired, and they are available for viewing on the GCIL’s YouTube channel.
Recording of Weekly Program for Dunya News
“Ilm o Hikmat: Ghamidi Kay Saath (Knowledge and Wisdom: With Ghamidi)” is a well- known program on Dunya News Channel in Pakistan.
Teaching the Qur’an, Hadith, and the Bible
Dr. Shehzad Saleem has initiated a session called “Islam Study Circle,” in which he discusses various religious, moral, and social issues in the light of the Quran and Hadith. The session comprises three parts: the detailed explanation of selected Quranic verses, discussions on chosen hadiths, and deliberations on excerpts from the Bible. The program concludes with a brief question-answer session on the discussed topics. This session is conducted in the English language. In the previous month, the program addressed topics such as the “Rule of Law,” “Anger Control,” “The Greatest Divine Order,” and “Mixed Education.”
Hosted by Muhammad Hassan Ilyas, the program has been running for many years. It is recorded in Dallas and airs weekly. In October 2023, four episodes of this program were recorded and broadcast by Dunya News. These episodes covered topics such as the “Principles of Improvement of Human Psychology,” the “Nature of Government in the Nation-State,” and “Question and Answer” sessions aimed at enlightening the audience.