Dr. Hassan Mohiuddin Qadri, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Minhaj-ul-Quran International (MQI), participated as a keynote speaker at a prestigious conference at the United Nations Headquarters in Vienna, commemorating World Interfaith Harmony Week. The event took place on the 31st of January 2025 under the title “Harmony among Religions and Cultures - A Precondition for World Peace.”

The conference was chaired by Dr. Afsar Rathor, a former UN diplomat, and co-chaired by Dr. Elmar Kuhn, President of the Coalition of Faith-Based Organizations, Europe. The event brought together diplomats, global faith leaders, interfaith harmony advocates, and peacebuilders to discuss the critical role of interreligious harmony in the promotion of world peace.

Keynote Address by Dr. Hassan Mohiuddin Qadri:

Dr. Hassan Mohiuddin Qadri’s keynote speech centered on the Constitution of Medina and its relevance in the modern world, particularly in establishing principles of equality, justice, and coexistence across different religions and cultures. His address provided valuable insights into the transformative role of the Prophet Muhammad (blessings of Allah and peace be upon him) in creating a society that thrived on inclusivity and peace.

Inclusivity of World Religions in the Light of the Constitution of Medina:

Dr. Hassan Mohiuddin Qadri began his speech with a reference to the Quranic verse “Come to a common word between us and you” (Aal ‘Imran, 3:64), highlighting the importance of dialogue, understanding, and unity among different faiths. He explained that the Constitution of Medina established a model state where inclusivity, mutual respect, and peace were foundational values.

A Society in Chaos - The Pre-Islamic Socio-Political and Moral Degradation:

He analyzed the state of pre-Islamic society, which was marked by moral and political decay, and how the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) provided a solution by laying down a framework of governance based on justice and equality.

The Transformative Legacy of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):

Dr. Hassan Mohiuddin Qadri elaborated on how the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) transformed Medina into a model state, not just for Muslims but for all people, demonstrating how the principles of justice and coexistence could be applied universally.

The Constitution of Medina:

He highlighted the basic features of the Constitution of Medina, including the establishment of a multicultural society where all citizens, regardless of their faith, were considered part of one unified nation. Dr. Hassan Mohiuddin Qadri emphasized that the Constitution is a historic blueprint for a peaceful and pluralistic society.

Unprecedented Pronouncement of Integration and Inclusiveness:

A remarkable example from the Constitution was the declaration of the Jews of Banu Awf as part of one nation with the Muslims, demonstrating an unprecedented level of integration and inclusiveness.

Principles of Equality and Coexistence:

Dr. Hassan Mohiuddin Qadri discussed the rights of minorities and women enshrined in the Constitution of Medina, underlining how the welfare and protection of vulnerable groups were prioritized, without any religious discrimination.

Social Welfare Measures Without Religious Discrimination:

He also discussed the social welfare measures implemented in Medina, emphasizing their impact on the community’s well-being, regardless of the individual's religious background.

Standing Ovation to the Funeral of a Non-Muslim:

Dr. Hassan Mohiuddin Qadri recounted an important historical moment when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stood for the funeral of a non-Muslim, saying: "I am standing to accord dignity to humanity."

This act underscored the value of humanity above all.

The Visit of a 14-Member Christian Delegation from Najran to Medina:

Dr. Hassan Mohiuddin Qadri provided a historical perspective on the peaceful visit of a Christian delegation to Medina, which was a testament to the Prophet’s openness and respect for interfaith dialogue.

The Historic Peace Treaty of Saint Catherine:

Dr. Hassan Mohiuddin Qadri mentioned the Peace Treaty of Saint Catherine, further illustrating the Prophet Muhammad's commitment to peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.

The Constitution of Medina as a Framework for Modern Pluralistic Societies:

He concluded by advocating for the Constitution of Medina as a timeless framework for building modern, pluralistic societies that respect all cultures and religions.

Vision for a Global Garden of Peace:

Dr. Hassan Mohiuddin Qadri shared his vision for a global garden of peace, where all humanity lives harmoniously, guided by the principles of unity, love, and understanding.

A Call for a World of Love and Understanding:

In his closing remarks, he called for a world of love and understanding, urging everyone to embrace the values of peace, justice, and mutual respect.

The event concluded with a vibrant Q&A session, where participants actively engaged with the speakers. Dr. Hassan Mohiuddin Qadri and other panelists provided insightful answers and fostered meaningful discussions on peace efforts and the vision for global harmony. The exchange of ideas highlighted the need for interfaith collaboration and the importance of a collective effort in realizing world peace.

Dr. Hassan Mohiuddin Qadri’s keynote speech was a profound contribution to the ongoing dialogue about peace, inclusivity, and coexistence among different cultures and religions. By drawing on the example of the Constitution of Medina, he reminded the attendees of the timeless wisdom and principles that can guide our modern world toward a more peaceful and harmonious future.

The event featured speeches from distinguished panelists, including:

• Mr. Peter Haider, President, Universal Peace Federation

• H.E. Mohammed Sameer Salem Hindawi, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

• Min. Plen. Alexander Rieger, Head of Unit for Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue, Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, Austria

• Ms. Caroline Hungerländer, Managing Director, Institute for Environment, Peace and Development (IUFE)

At the conclusion of the conference, Dr. Hassan Mohiuddin Qadri engaged with a large number of participants, continuing the vibrant dialogue fostered throughout the day. His interactions were marked by a genuine eagerness to discuss the core themes of his speech and to offer further insights into the principles of peace, justice, and coexistence as outlined in the Constitution of Medina. These conversations were both thoughtful and constructive, as Dr. Hassan Mohiuddin Qadri addressed questions from attendees and elaborated on how these principles could be applied to modern global challenges.

As a gesture of appreciation and to further promote the themes of his keynote, Dr. Hassan Mohiuddin Qadri presented the distinguished chief guests and fellow speakers with signed copies of his book, The Constitution of Medina and The Concept of The Welfare State. This thoughtful gift was well received by all, as it provided attendees with an enduring reference to the concepts discussed during the conference. Many participants expressed a deep interest in exploring the book further, as it serves as a comprehensive guide to the foundtional principles of governance and peace laid down in the Constitution of Medina.

Additionally, Dr. Hassan Mohiuddin Qadri took time to participate in interviews, where he shared further insights into the historical and contemporary significance of his work. These interviews were an extension of his dedication to spreading the message of interfaith harmony and peace. His willingness to engage in such constructive discussions demonstrated his commitment to fostering deeper understanding and collaboration among different faiths and cultures.

The session not only concluded the formal proceedings of the conference but also reinforced the lasting impact of Dr. Hassan Mohiuddin Qadri’s message, as the interactions served to inspire continued dialogue and action for peace.