Minhaj-ul-Quran International (Dallas), in addition to organizing 12-day Mawlid-al-Nabi programs, organized a special gathering to celebrate the birth of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace be upon him) on the very blessed occasion of 12th Rabi-ul-Awal at the beautiful Uways-al-Qarani Auditorium of Minhaj-ul-Quran Community Center in Dallas, Texas USA on Friday, January 2, 2015.

The auditorium was filled to the maximum capacity with the number of attendees reaching over 230. Brothers, sisters, seniors, children and youth attended the program from the Dallas/Fort worth Metroplex as well as San Antonio, Texas with religious fervor and zeal. The program commenced with the beautiful recitation of the Holy Quran by Minhaj Youth League brother, Moiz Hassan. He recited in a truly beautiful manner that made tears flow from the eyes of the audience. The moderator and the main speaker of the program was Shaykh Abdul Basit al-Qadri al-Azhari, who hosted this joyous occasion very eloquently. He also gave an inspiring and enlightening speech in English on the importance of celebrating Mawlid and the Love of the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) and loving Madina. His speech was addressed towards the younger generation of today.

The true message of Mawlid-al-Nabi (blessings and peace be upon him) and Minhaj-ul-Quran International was beautifully and powerfully conveyed to the audience by Shaykh Abdul Basit. Slogans of Allah-u-Akbar and Ya Rasool Allah were raised several times during the speech. Then a series of heartwarming praises on the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) were recited by internationally renowned nasheed reciter, Noor Muhammad Jarral from Washington D.C. His consistent use of poetic verses in expressing love of the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) enlightened the audience. Everyone read Durood Shareef collectively during the recitation of praises for the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him). Furthermore, two groups of beautiful young children, boys and girls, all dressed professionally in colorful garments and recited nasheed (under the guidance of their team leaders, Sister Sadia Shakeel and Sister Shazia Amer) – captivated the audience. They used the ‘duff’ while performing their nasheed.

The program concluded with the greetings and salutations sent on the Beloved Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) and Dua by Noor Muhammad Jarral Saheb. Free CDs of Shaykh-ul-Islam’s lectures were distributed to the audience. Books on different topics, in particular the love of the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him), were also displayed at the stall for sale. Boxed dinner and sweets were distributed to every attendee after the program.

Reported By: Sharief Kamalvi