By the grace of Almighty Allah and through the blessing of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), Minhaj-ul-Qur’an International London held the 100th monthly religious and spiritual gathering of Gosha-e-Durood on Saturday 29th August 2015. The event began with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an followed by Naat in praise of the Beloved Holy Prophet (PBUH) which was beautifully recited by a young brother from Minhaj Youth Naat Council London which overwhelmed the participants with emotions.

This Gosha-e-Durood was also affiliated with Haji Muhammad Aslam, founder and a prominent leader of Minhaj-ul-Qur’an International London who passed away last week. Collective Qur’an recitation took place along with a gathering of Dhikr for the ‘isaal-e-sawab’ of Haji Muhammad Aslam. Salutations upon the Prophet (PBUH) were also recited over 3.2 million times, 1 million first kalima and 9 Qur’ans being completed all over the nation. Many distinguished guests were present at the gathering including prominent figures from within the community as well as close friends of Haji Muhammad Aslam.

Speaking on this occasion, ex-mayor of Newham Councillor Shaykh Abdul Karim said that Haji Muhammad Aslam was a true Sufi. His whole life had been dedicated to helping Minhaj-ul-Qur’an International from the get go. JP Zulfiqar said that he was always a jubilant and welcoming personality in the community.

Ameer-e-Tahreek UK, Zahoor Ahmed Niazi said that he was a true and devoted brother to the mission and a founding member of Minhaj-ul-Qur’an UK. In the initial stages of the organisational structure, he sacrificed his health, wealth, time and business for betterment of Minhaj-ul-Qur’an UK and his services will forever be remembered.

Addressing the gathering, Allama Muhammad Sadiq Qureshi Al-Azhari said that Almight Allah and all his angels send greetings and salutations on the Prophet (PBUH). Therefore, He ordains the believers to send greetings and salutations on him in abundance as well. Durood and Salam in this context is an excellent and unique worship. The performance of this act brings about nearness to Almighty Allah and this is instrumental in seeking penance, elevation of status and riddance from anxiety and worry on the Day of Judgment. He also highlighted the point that it is a must for Muslims to know the importance and excellence of the greetings and salutations that we recite upon the Prophet (PBUH). It is in fact a Sunnah of Allah (SWT) to send salutation upon the Prophet (PBUH) as well as it being a direct commandment we have come to know from Surah Al Ahzab.

Director Minhaj-ul-Qur’an International London Allama Hafiz Muhammad Zeeshan Qadri led a collective dua and read out wazaif for the audience. He urged the members to continue in the footsteps of Haji Muhammad Aslam and give more time and dedication toward mission.

Towards the end of the program, the audience was given ziarah of the blessed hair of Holy Prophet (PBUH) along with pieces of cloth from the Ka’bah. Food was also served to the participants the end of the program.