With the grace of Allah Almighty and the blessings of the Holy Prophet (SAW), Syeda Zainab (AS) Conference took place on Sunday 8th of November 2015 at Minhaj-ul-Quran Centre Carr Road Nelson. The program was hosted by Sister Ghulam Fatima (MWL Nelson President) and co-hosted by Sister Saima (MWL Nelson Dawah Secretary).

The Mehfil commenced with a beautiful recitation of The Holy Quran of Surah which was recited by Sister Nasreen. Sister Ghazala was then invited on stage to recite Durood Sharif in her stunning voice. She then recited a beautiful Naat praising the Prophet (PBUH). The sequence of heart touching Naats and Manqabats continued with Sister Zohra Bibi reading 'Ya Ali Ya Ali', swiftly followed by Sister Rizwana Gull recitation of the Manqabat 'Akhir Hussain Mey Hu'. Tears came to everyone’s eyes when Sister Zulekha (MWL Accrington) bought the events of Karbala to life when she read 'Saba Jo Aye Hai Karbala Sai' and then Sisters Anam and Maria recited 'Rote Momino Kai Nain'. Sister Ayza Iqbal continued with the emotional recitation of 'Ruhe Shabeer Woh Manzir toh Bata' leading on to the final a manqabat read by Sister Maida.

The second part of the conference was initiated by Sister Nasreen Akhtar (MWL North Zone President). She delivered a captivating speech about Hazarat Imam Hussain’s (AS) struggle against the oppression that he and his family suffered at the hands of the tyrant ruler Yazeed in order to save Islam. Sister Nasreen informed the audience about the founder of Minhaj-ul-Quran, Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri and his struggle for the betterment of humanity.

She explained how no leader of Pakistan had shown enough courage to fight oppression since the founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah except. She invited the audience to take membership with Minhaj-ul-Quran and improve both their own lives and benefit their family.

Guest speaker Syeda Fozia Shah then enlightened the listeners about the life of Syeda Zainab (AS) and remembered the Prophet’s Household with her inspirational speech. Her courage and defiance against oppression and injustice heralded her as a model representation for females of today. Her heroic efforts were the key to saving the life of her dear nephew Hazrat Imam Hussain’s son, Hazrat Zain ul Abidin.

Sister Ghulam Fatima encouraged the audience to participate in sending blessings upon our beloved Prophet (SAW) by attending the Durood Sharif gatherings, which are held every Monday morning from 11:00 AM till 12.30 PM at the Carr Road Centre. The ladies were also informed about the Tajweed Quran classes held at the centre every Tuesday and Wednesday at 1.00PM till 2.30 PM.

A book and cd stall was set up at the centre to inspire the audience to read the books written by Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri to increase their knowledge about various Islamic subjects. Furthermore fundraising took place for Minhaj Welfare Organisation to raise funds for the victims of the earthquake disaster that occurred in Pakistan in October.

The programme reached its conclusion with Salaat-o-Salaam led by Sister Shazia in her magnificent voice followed by a heart touching Dua which was made by Sister Syeda Fozia Shah. Approximately two hundred and fifty ladies and children who were in attendance were all served food at the end of the Mehfil.

Reported by Nahid Akhtar (MWL Media Secretary Nelson)