Renowned Muslim scholars shared their knowledge and experience during a meeting in London on Friday 2nd September 2011. Shaykh al-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir al-Qadri met with Muffakir al-Islam al-Shaykh al-Sayyid Dr `Abd al-Qadir al-Gilani during his visit to UK. Both the leaders embraced each other, exchanged gifts and ate together before talking for an hour at a private function in East London. The scholarly summit was also attended by al-Shaykh Muhammad Sadiq al-Qurayshi al-Azhari – chief Imam of Minhaj al-Quran International centre in Forest Gate. Other prominent scholars included: al-Shaykh al-Sayyid Zahid Hussayn al-Ridwi, al-Shaykh al-Sayyid Munawwar Hussayn al-Jama`ati, al-Shaykh `Abd al-Waheed al-Dabbagh and al-Shaykh Nisar Ahmad Baig.

Muslim scholar Mufakkir al-Islam Shaykh Dr `Abd al-Qadir said: “At this moment my meeting with Shaykh al-Islam is solely for the pleasure of Allah (God). Shaykh al-Islam has dedicated his days and nights in defence of the esteem honour and respect of the companions of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). His (Dr Qadri’s) services would leave unforgettable memories in history. His thoughts and ideas are in union with me. We are unanimously stating that we will work collectively for the propagation of religion.” Both scholars agreed that there were major ideological onslaughts against traditional Islamic teachings from extremist elements. They agreed to tackle internal and external problems of extremism and terrorism. Shaykh al-Islam Tahir al-Qadri said that our community faced great threat and turmoil from al-Khawarijiyya - extremists and terrorists. Shaykh Dr `Abd al-Qadir added: “The crown of Medina, the king of Medina (Prophet Muhammad) was the greatest model and torchbearer of peace for humanity”

Erudite scholar Shaykh al-Islam Dr Tahir al-Qadri said: “Today by the grace of Allah (God) two unique institutions Minhaj al-Quran International and Markazi Ahl al-Sunna wa al-Jama’ah have united. Certainly through unity, we will see the buds of goodness spring. Islam has always given emphasis upon unity and collectiveness and opposed creating divisions.” He referred to a Prophetic tradition calling for solidarity. He said consensus leads to unity and greater majority (al-Sawad al-Adham). Shaykh Dr `Abd al-Qadir al-Gillani heads Britain’s biggest Ahl al-Sunna wa al-Jammah organization. Shaykh al-Islam Dr Tahir al-Qadri founded the international Minhaj al-Quran organization. Shaykh al-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir al-Qadri and Mafakkir al-Islam Shaykh Dr al-Sayyid `Abd al-Qadir al-Gillani last met each other in 1984 in UK. Shaykh Dr `Abd al-Qadir al-Gillani accepted Shaykh al-Islam Dr Tahir al-Qadri’s warm-hearted invitation to attend the Peace for Humanity Conference due to be held in London’s Wembley Arena during September this year. The conference will also be attended by the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams and various political and faith leaders. The event is expected to be the biggest peace event in the UK.

Vice-president of Minhaj al-Quran centre in Newham, Ishtiaq Ahmad said: “We are delighted to witness two great prominent scholars meet in East London in tackling key issues facing the Muslim community.” He added we will continue to work together and strengthen this relationship. The scholarly summit was also attended by: al-Shaykh Abu Adam Ahmad al-Shirrazi Director of Minhaj Peace and Integration Council (MPIC) , Naveed Ahmad al-Qadri President of Minhaj ul Quran centre in Forest Gate, al-Shaykh Afdal Saeedi Head of MQI National Executive Council (NEC), al-Shaykh Bustan al-Qadri of Birmingham, al-Shaykh Junaid `Alam al-Qadri Imam of al-Jamiyya al-Ghawthiyya Mosque in Walthamstow and Shaykh Abu al-Burhan Naeem Tariq al-Hujweri former Imam of Jamiyya Mosque in Leyton.

Reported by: Asif Shakoor