Madinat al Zahra was honoured this Jumma by the presence of His Eminence Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, who partook in the Friday prayer and delivered a soul awakening address to a huge gathering of men and women from across Yorkshire. The interim premises of Madinat al Zahra were filled with spiritual seekers who came to listen to the guidance of Shaykh-ul-Islam.
In his address, His Eminence Shaykh-ul-Islam outlined the four enemies of the human soul that collectively work to pull a person away from the path of righteousness. The first and most dangerous is the nafs, the inner self, which resides within each individual and is powerful enough on its own to destroy a person. The second is our own desires, ambitions and unchecked wishes that lead us into heedlessness. The third is the worldly life (dunya), with all its distractions and temporary allure. The fourth is Shaytan (Satan), who often does not need to act directly, as the other three enemies are enough to lead one astray. These forces form an alliance and reinforce each other in turning the servant of Allah away from His path.
Shaykh-ul-Islam warned that when we become involved in the service of Deen, there is a hidden danger that confidence can evolve into overconfidence. People begin to take pride in their experience, in when they started working for the Deen, or the positions they hold. They forget that initially they were entirely dependent on Allah. Over time they act as though they know everything and no longer need to listen or develop further. This leads to complacency and spiritual decline. He likened this to an overconfident driver speeding along a road, unaware they are losing control. By the time they realise, it is often too late.
Reflecting on the story of Satan’s refusal to prostrate before Prophet Adam (peace be upon him), Shaykh-ul-Islam reminded the audience that Allah asked Satan to explain his reasoning so we as believers could learn from it. Each event in the Holy Qur’an carries both a historical and a moral lesson. We are taught to reflect. When we perform deeds, are we doing so with Allah at the forefront of our intentions, or are we more concerned about those around us?
He explained that when people say they are “okay” or “fine,” they are referring only to their physical condition, not their spiritual state. True well-being lies in the strength of one’s connection with Allah Almighty. Without that internal connection, we are not truly in a state of khair (goodness). Shaykh-ul-Islam reminded us that Satan, despite his history of worship and knowledge, became mardood, or rejected, because he thought himself superior to Prophet Adam. The lesson is clear. There is no guarantee that a life of righteousness will end well unless we remain humble, grateful, and constantly connected to Allah.
He said that forgetting is inevitable if one stops listening. But if we continue listening to the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah through righteous guides such as Shaykh-ul-Islam himself, then the path will remain illuminated and firm. He quoted the Quranic verse: “وَإِنَّمَا أَنتَ مُذَكِّرٌ” (Surah Al-Ghashiyah, 88:21) “You are only a reminder” to emphasise the need for consistent reminders throughout our lives. The love of the heart and soul listens. It does not argue or fall into neglect.
The event was further uplifted by the attendance of key members of Minhaj-ul-Quran International (MQI) UK, including Syed Ali Abbas Bukhari, Seerat Ali Khan, Moazzam Raza, Ahsan Khan and Zille Hassan (MQI Spain) who were warmly welcomed by Allama Muhammad Afzal Saeedi, Director of Madinat al Zahra.
Also honouring the gathering with their presence were distinguished scholars from across the region: Allama Sajid ul Qadri, Mufti Wajid Hussain, Allama Hamza Mahmood, Allama Syed Sultan Hussain Mashhadi, and Allama Qari Noor Hussain. Their presence added spiritual depth and scholarly gravitas to the occasion.
It was a powerful gathering of reflection, learning and spiritual awakening. Attendees left inspired to remain grounded in humility and steadfast in their journey to please Allah.
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