Sydney, NSW, Australia – The Youth Conference 2025, themed “The Compass of Faith: Living Islam with Purpose (Six Inner Directions Roadmap to Spiritual and Social Excellence)”, organised by Minhaj-ul-Qur’an International New South Wales, brought together community leaders, scholars, dignitaries, and youth from across Australia for a spiritually enriching evening under the keynote address of Prof. Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, President of Minhaj-ul-Qur’an International.

The event was honoured by the distinguished presence of H.E. Qamar Zaman, Consul General of Pakistan in Sydney, and Rev. Dr. Patrick McInerney, Director of the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations.

At the beginning of his speech, Prof. Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri recited and reflected upon the profound Quranic verse:

"Righteousness is not only that you turn your faces to the east or the west. Instead, righteousness is (personified by) those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, the angels, the Book and the prophets, and who, for the love of Allah, give away (some of) their wealth to their (needy) relatives, to the orphans, to the poor, to the travellers, to the beggars and for the liberation of captives; and who establish the prayer and give the alms due. Moreover, those who fulfil their covenants when they pledge, and those who are patient in distress and adversity and at times of danger (or war) are the ones who are true (in belief and righteousness) and the ones who are God-conscious." (الْبَقَرَة، 2 : 177)

He emphasized that true faith transcends mere physical directions and rituals, focusing instead on sincere belief and righteous action.

The event, titled “The Compass of Faith: Empowering Life through Islamic Values and Etiquettes,” emphasised the importance of aligning one’s inner self with the principles of Islam. Dr. Hussain Qadri explained that faith is not merely belief; it is a roadmap for living with purpose and dignity, stressing the need to enter Islam completely for true transformation. He elaborated that true righteousness is not about physical directions—East or West—but about the inward moral and spiritual orientation of a believer.

In his speech, Dr. Hussain Qadri introduced the concept of six inner directions of a person’s spiritual self: upward (relationship with Allah and the Prophet ﷺ), eastward (family bonds), and others relating to societal, professional, communal, and environmental responsibilities. He stressed that working on these inner dimensions can lead to personal excellence, societal benefit, and closeness to Allah Almighty.

He reminded the audience of Qur’anic commandments and prophetic traditions emphasising respect for parents, kindness within the family, moral conduct in society, and responsibility towards all creation. Disobeying parents is like disobeying Allah, he warned, urging the youth to strengthen their bond with Allah by worshipping Him sincerely. The conference also highlighted the role of solitude for self-improvement, explaining that solitude may help the faithful draw closer to Allah as they reform themselves before serving and guiding the public.

Dr. Hussain Qadri shared beautiful teachings and stories from the life of the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions, illustrating the importance of justice and respect within families. He highlighted that parents must be just and loving, and children owe their utmost respect to their parents—the highest respect anyone on earth deserves. He also mentioned that Islam grants children rights to ensure they are raised as righteous individuals.

Cautioning the youth against negative social influences, Dr. Hussain Qadri urged a return to the Quran and Sunnah, which guide us to respect elders, love children, and uphold family harmony.

Beyond the family, Dr. Hussain Qadri spoke on social responsibilities: kindness to neighbours (both relatives and strangers), choosing righteous friends, and maintaining kinship ties—all greatly valued in Islam and linked to Allah’s mercy.

He also emphasized honesty and fairness in business, warning against deceit and bribery, as well as the importance of caring for the environment by conserving water, protecting trees, and treating animals kindly. He cited the Prophet ﷺ’s teaching that the faithful are instructed not to waste water even when performing ablutions at a flowing stream.

One touching story shared was of Bayazid Bistami’s devotion to his mother:

“Once Bayazid Bistami’s mother felt thirsty and asked for water. Bayazid Bistami brought a glass of water for her and stood at her bedside the entire night, as she had gone to sleep. Such was his obedience and devotion to his mother. Children today should strive to follow in his footsteps.”

Concluding, Dr. Hussain Qadri lamented the decline of these noble Islamic traits in many Muslim societies despite their resources, urging a return to the moral excellence taught by the Prophet ﷺ. He reminded the audience that Muslims are instructed to perform every action—whether in worship, work, or daily life—with excellence and full attention, and that the hearts of the faithful find tranquillity and peace in the remembrance of Allah.

He also highlighted Minhaj-ul-Quran International’s pivotal role in spreading the message of Islam worldwide over the past four decades, working on every aspect of the religion and serving as a guiding light for the Muslim nation.

Dr. Hussain Qadri illustrated the importance of kindness and generosity through inspiring stories of the Prophet’s companions, such as Sayyidina Ali feeding a blind man in secret, Imam Hassan’s generosity towards a slave, and Imam Hussain’s immediate aid to a beggar. These examples demonstrate the embodiment of spiritual virtues and care for society’s vulnerable.

He discussed Islamic ethical teachings including hygiene and public health measures during pandemics, social responsibilities, and the rejection of miserliness. Citing hadiths, he reminded the audience that Allah Almighty dislikes the death of a generous person but prefers the death of a miser, underscoring the value of generosity even when one errs.

Prof. Dr. Hussain Qadri stressed that religious rituals such as prayer and fasting are incomplete without good behavior, humility, and a clean heart free of envy and hatred. He urged youth to purify their inner selves, maintain respectful and loving relationships, and forgive others daily to attain spiritual peace.

Concluding his speech, he called on young Muslims to embody the six dimensions of inner character, soft traits, family ties, social conduct, and community engagement, and to embrace the mission of Minhaj-ul-Qur’an in promoting love, tolerance, and harmony within and beyond the Muslim community.

Special appreciation was extended to the volunteers and organisers, especially the Women League of Minhaj-ul-Qur’an NSW, for their efforts in arranging the event and mobilising participation.

Among the key attendees were Mian Muhammad Wasiq, President of Minhaj-ul-Qur’an New South Wales; Ruhel Dalvi, Managing Director of Minhaj Welfare Foundation Australia; and Dr. Sikandar, a founding member of Minhaj-ul-Qur’an Australia. The gathering also included Mr. Zafar Shah, Allama Ahmed Hussain, Dr. Shams Al Arifeen, esteemed executive members of Minhaj-ul-Qur’an International New South Wales, the Women League representatives, and dignitaries from various organisations, reflecting a rich tapestry of community and interfaith engagement.