The Sisters Mawlid was held in Manchester by Minhaj Women League Manchester, on Friday 2nd January 2015 from 6pm to 10pm - celebrating 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1436. Over 200 women and children attended. The hall was embellished with various colourful decorations and props. Naats and Nasheeds were playing before the programme started and flags were given to attendees. A slide show was conducted with various educational and inspirational Islamic quotes and images were shown throughout the evening.

The event started with Tilawat and the English translation from the Irfan-ul-Quran by Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri. Qasida Burda was also recited on the occasion. The benefits of reciting Durood shareef were mentioned. There was a talk about what should we do when Allah SWT grants us His divine blessings: to remember the blessings of Allah SWT, to thank Allah SWT for His blessings, to publicise the blessings of Allah SWT and to rejoice. A beautiful Hadith was shared referring to how Abu Lahab freed Sawaiba and how he is given favour and benefit from this act despite being a disbeliever. So as Muslims who celebrate Milad, we will receive manifold blessings surely.

A short clip was played about the raising of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and how he took humanity out of darkness to light. The clip was from Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri’s lecture on Peace, Integration and Human Rights in the Light of Quran and Sunnah. A group of sisters recited a Naat beautifully together waving green flags rejoicing. Sister Nasreen Akhter (MWL UK Dawah Secretary) gave an enlightening speech (Urdu). She spoke about how we cannot thank Allah SWT enough for all His Blessings on us. There is one unique blessing and favour of Allah SWT on us- the beloved Prophet (SAW). He is this biggest blessing we should celebrate and rejoice. She, then, spoke about the mission the Prophet (SAW) came for, strived for and sacrificed for; and the companions and family of the Prophet (SAW) sacrificed and struggled for.

She said that the purpose of life for the Muslims is to work hard and strive hard for Islamic message of peace, love, and interfaith dialogue and harmony. She said that there is no point living a life without purpose. A life without purpose is useless. She said Minhaj-ul-Quran is the path of Quran and the path of the Quran is what we all have to follow. She said that Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri is the one who has spread Islam’s true message in the world and for this purpose, he established Minhaj-ul-Quran centres in over 100 countries. There was an interval after the speech was over. The sisters were blessed with the opportunity to do Ziarat of the Hair Mubarak of RasulAllah SAW. There were stalls selling clothes, scarfs, itar/scent, tasbees, Mendhi, candyfloss, snacks and drinks. People donated generously. Food was served. Sister Shamime Jan (MWL UK Media Secretary) gave an inspirational talk (English). She started by saying how Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri answered each of her questions; and the knowledge she gained from Shaykh-ul-Islam threw her into the footsteps of the Prophet (SAW) and into his love. She then spoke about how in every field of your life you need a teacher like a health coach for better health and good lecturer for studying. So in your Deen you need a learned and spiritual person, a Shaykh, and that is what Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri is.

She invited the Sisters to have interaction with the MWL sisters. The aim is to make someone stronger in their Deen and then they make someone stronger and we keep going. She ended with a beautiful statement saying my Iman is that our journey will take us together into paradise in the hereafter. She finished by identifying as to who would like to know more about MWL. All the children were invited to the stage and asked if they would like to recite anything. It was a beautiful display to see. The children took turns to perform individually. We had “Milad Mubarak” with waving flags, “Allah Hu”, Kalima shareef, Durood shareef, recitation of Holy Quran, and older siblings teaching and encouraging younger ones to recite. Then each child picked a present from the lucky dip. Beautiful and unique Naats were recited by various sisters in the midst of slogans from the audience during the Mehfil-e-Naat. Salaam was recited and a heart-touching Dua was made in English and Urdu.

The raffle prizes winners were announced and they collected their prizes. The Kids corner had the Islamic calendar colouring competition activity and the winners were announced and given their presents. Unique handmade Milad Mubarak cards were given with gifts. A tasty cake was donated and presented on a decorated table surrounded by flickering candles and confetti. Asian sweets were distributed and cake was served. The programme ended with expression of thanks to everyone.

Reported by: Sadia Khan