Australia: Prof. Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri delivered an Insightful Keynote lecture in Canberra on “Islam’s Vision of Peace, Justice & Harmony”. At a landmark interfaith conference titled “Islam’s Role in Religious Harmony & Social Cohesion” held at Bristol Clubhouse, Canberra, Australia, President of Minhaj-ul-Quran International, the Prof. Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, delivered a powerful keynote address on “Building Bridges: Islam’s Principles for Interfaith Relations” emphasizing Islam’s true vision of interfaith harmony, justice, and peaceful coexistence. The conference brought together scholars, faith leaders, educators, and community representatives from diverse backgrounds.

The event was graced by distinguished personalities, including James Milligan (Shadow Minister for Business, Arts and Creative Industries) and Ralitsa Dimitrova (Vice President, Gungahlin Community Council), along with several other community leaders and dignitaries.

In his address, Prof. Dr. Hussain Qadri stated: “Islam not only encourages dialogue with followers of other faiths but lays down fundamental principles for interfaith harmony based on respect, justice, and mutual understanding.”

Quoting the Holy Qur’an, Dr. Hussain Qadri emphasized that Islam affirms the shared divine origins of earlier revelations:

نَزَّلَ عَلَیْكَ الْكِتٰبَ بِالْحَقِّ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَیْنَ یَدَیْهِ وَ اَنْزَلَ التَّوْرٰىةَ وَ الْاِنْجِیْلَۙ۝

“(O Esteemed Prophet!) He has (gradually) revealed to you the Book with the truth confirming what was (revealed) before it, as He had revealed the Torah and the Injil (the Gospel).”(Surah Aal-e-‘Imran, 3:3)

He explained that such verses confirm Islam’s acknowledgment of the Torah and the Gospel as divine revelations, emphasizing mutual respect and cooperation among Abrahamic faith communities.

Highlighting the Qur’an’s appreciation for Christians, he cited:

“And you will surely find the nearest of them in affection to the believers to be those who say: ‘We are Christians.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:82)

He noted that this verse sets a tone of empathy, appreciation, and peaceful engagement with Christian communities. Dr. Hussain Qadri shed light on the Prophet’s ﷺ migration of early Muslims to Abyssinia, a Christian state praised by the Prophet for its justice. He cited:

“We will indeed settle them in a good place in this world. And surely the reward of the Hereafter is much greater.” (Surah An-Nahl, 16:41)

He explained that the Qur’an describes Abyssinia as a “good abode” (Dar al-Salam), setting a precedent that any state providing justice, safety, and freedom—regardless of its religious identity—qualifies as an abode of peace.

He further referenced the Qur’anic command:

“Indeed, Allah enjoins justice, benevolence and giving to relatives, and He forbids indecency, wrongdoing and aggression.” (Surah An-Nahl, 16:90)

He argued that by this standard, countries like Australia, which uphold justice, education, healthcare, and religious freedom, embody the Qur’anic vision of a Dar al-Salam. Citing the Charter of Medina (Mithaq al-Madina), Dr. Hussain Qadri emphasized how the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ established a constitutional framework guaranteeing full rights, religious freedom, and security to non-Muslims.

He also referred to the Holy Prophet’s ﷺ agreements with Christian communities, including: The Treaty with the Najran Christians, safeguarding their churches, property, and freedom from forced conversion.

The Covenant with St. Catherine’s Monastery, which protected Christian clergy and prohibited demolition of their churches.

Quoting the Qur’an, he said:

“There is no compulsion in religion.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:256)

he said, These examples, reflect Islam’s true interfaith vision—not mere tolerance, but love, respect, and protection of other faiths.

Highlighting the contributions of His Eminence Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, he said that 45 years ago, His Eminence founded Minhaj-ul-Quran International to counter sectarianism and interreligious hostility. Minhaj University Lahore has become a beacon of interfaith education by establishing the School of Religion and Philosophy, enabling Pakistan’s 25 million non-Muslims to pursue Master’s and PhD degrees in their own religions—taught by their own religious scholars.

This unprecedented initiative earned international recognition, including an award from the Universal Peace Federation at the United Nations Headquarters for advancing interfaith harmony.

He shared heartwarming examples of Minhaj-ul-Quran’s efforts:

The top Islamic Studies student at Minhaj University is awarded a gold medal and scholarship by the Baba Guru Nanak Foundation (Sikh community).

Sikh students receive gold medals from Muslim organizations.

Religious celebrations like Christmas, Diwali, and Vaisakhi are celebrated together, while Sikh communities hosted Mawlid celebrations at Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Baba Guru Nanak.

Dr. Hussain Qadri said, these are not symbolic gestures, “but actions that build lifelong bonds of love and respect.” Praising Australia’s multicultural fabric, Dr Hussain Qadri said: “By Islamic definitions, Australia truly represents a Dar al-Salam—a land of peace—where justice, religious freedom, and human dignity are protected.”

Concluding his address, Dr. Hussain Qadri emphasized that Interfaith relations are not about arguments or proving others wrong. They are about creating space for one another in our hearts and societies. This is the Islam taught by the Qur’an and the Prophet ﷺ.

“And (Esteemed Prophet,) We did not send you but as a mercy for all (creatures of) the worlds.” (Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:107)

He expressed gratitude to Minhaj-ul-Quran International Australia (ACT, NSW, Victoria, Brisbane) for their community engagement efforts and thanked all dignitaries, guests, and participants. Dr. Hussain Qadri warmly invite all who are inspired by this vision to join this movement of peace, love, and respect—so that together we can build a better future for the generations to come.

Prof. Dr. Hussain Qadri concluded with heartfelt prayers for Australia’s safety, progress, and prosperity: I deeply admire this beautiful country, where I completed my PhD, and I pray that Allah Almighty continues to bless it with peace and prosperity.

The event was attended by Mr. Deepak-Raj Gupta, Chief Emanuel, Mr. Amardeep Singh, Mr. Muhammad Ali, Mr. Ravi Krishnamurthy, Mr. Rana Abdul Rahim, Mr. Mirza Muhammad Abbas, Mr. Sheikh Mohyuddin Muhammad, Mr. Muhammad Wasiq, Mr. Rohail Dalvi, Mr. Syed Rafi Uddin, Mr. Hasnain Farquleet, Mr. Khwaja Nizamuddin, Mr. Zaheer Alvi, Dr. Asif Khwaja, Mr. Muhammad Saeed, Sister Sidratul Muntaha, Sister Nilufar Naaz, Sister Masooma Omer, Sister Shafqat, Dr. Muhammad Qasim, Mr. Shah Ahmad Jilani, Mr. Syed Zeeshan Ahmad, Mr. Faisal Sheikh, Mr. Muhammad Ali Asad Khan, Mr. Muhammad Omer, and other executive members.

In addition, numerous dignitaries, professionals, and members of the Pakistani community attended, making it a truly vibrant and diverse gathering.