On the 20th of January 2014, Minhaj Women and Sisters League France organised a program to celebrate the birth of the Holy Prophet (SWS) on the occasion of the 12th Rabi ul Awwal. Alhumdulillah, the true message of Milad-un-Nabi (Peace Be upon him and his family) was beautifully and powerfully conveyed to record number of audience that were in attendance in France. Excellent speeches were delivered, and Naats recited in the honour of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).

The two sisters presenting the programme were Mrs Shamim Zahoor and Nazia Adnan, General Secretary of MWL. They first welcomed the audience for taking time out to attend the programme and gather in His remembrance to show their love and attachment to the Holy Prophet (SAW). From the beginning to the end of the event, they both kept the audience involved in a spiritual atmosphere through their inspiring way of expression. The Mehfil started with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Sister Zahida Hamidullah and a translation of the recited verses from Irfan ul Quran was read out by Sister Faiqa Butt.

Then a series of praises to the Holy Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) was undertaken by Mrs Asma Hussain, Sister Sawera, Mrs Tayba Mansoor, Mrs Sitara Malik, Mrs Mussarat Jahan, Mrs Robina Ashraf, Mrs Mumtaz Malik, Mrs Mumtaz Qaudeer, Mrs Sadaf Butt and Mrs Faiza Sahiba. A beautiful poem on the Holy Prophet Muhammad SWS was presented by Sister Mehmoona Zahid. The programme carried on with two speeches by Mrs Zahida Tabassum – graduate from Minhaj-ul-Quran Lahore - and Mrs Sadaf on the subject of Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) and the life of the Prophet (SAW). Mrs Zahida Tabassum spoke about the status of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the happiness one must show on the occasion of Milad-un-Nabi. Furthermore she explained and motivated the audience regarding the need of ‘’10 million Namazis’’ and the importance of encouraging our families to take active interest in the affairs back home in Pakistan.

Following on in this beautiful Mehfil-e-Milad, Minhaj Naat Council groups sang delightful nasheeds. Naat Council comprised Wafia, Irem, Rabia & sisters, and Samreen & sisters. They electrified the atmosphere spiritually with their melodious voices. MWL President, Mrs Arooj Fatima Qazi, was invited on the stage to present the mega project of Minhaj Education City to the audience through a projected clip. Afterwards, our chief guest, Mrs Sumaira Faisal, delivered a speech, which the audience listened to very attentively. She emphasized on the way we were living our lives and the life of our Prophet (SAW). She explained the need of our link, our attachment to our Prophet (SAW) and also the implementation of the Sunnah in our daily life. Besides she drew our attention to the importance of teaching this love – ‘love of the Holy Prophet (SAW) - to our families. At last, she invited the audience to join Minhaj ul Quran International and conveyed the message of Shaykh ul Islam. The sisters listened to the speech with full attention and were truly moved by the influential speech. Finally all the Ex-Presidents of MWL were invited to cut the cake on the occasion of Milad un Nabi (SAW). Afterwards it was distributed among the audience. Mrs Tayba Mansoor prepared and distributed many sweets and gifts packets among the children.

This year, Minhaj ul Quran Women League was blessed by the surprise visit of the student of Imaam e Masjid e Nabawi (SAW) who came at the end of the programme and made dua. Living in Madina for last 50 years, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed Sadeeq teaches Tajweed-e-Quran and Qirat to hundreds of students. He gave such an inspiring and spiritual touch to the atmosphere, as each person in the audience was feeling lucky of being there today and benefit from the surprise visit of Imam Sahib.  The programme ended by the recitation of salutations and greetings on Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) and prayers. MashAllah it was a day to remember and everyone felt the beauty and the luck of being among the followers of our Beloved Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family). Refreshment was served to the participants by the end of the programme.

Reported By: Nazia Adnan