Background:
Biography
Every entity needs a spirit, which actually forms its being. The MQIO are most fortunate that it has a pure humanitarian personality as its spirit. His eminence Professor Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri is the founder leader and the spirit of MQIO.
A man of extraordinary capabilities, Dr. Qadri is a gift of God. He is a theologian and a theosophist, a scientist and a spiritualist, a preacher and a reformer, a philosopher and a political thinker, a thunder among the forces of evil and exploitation and a mild breeze in the minds of mankind. And above all he is the animating heartbeat of hundreds of thousands of people around the World.
As such Professor Qadri emerges as a person of destiny with his learned instruction and creative interpretation of Islam providing refreshing perspectives of the role of Islam in the contemporary World. Unfortunately, in the past several decades, the universality of Islam has been obscured by stereotyped conservatism. Dr. Qadri with his progressive ideas and better contemporary World vision is performing an important role in the renaissance of Islam. Without doubt, he is a refreshing tide in humanity.
Doctor Qadri is a distinctive Islamic scholar of international repute. He has delivered lectures on almost all major contemporary issues in various national and international conferences, seminars, gatherings and specially organized programs by universities and colleges in all the continents of the World. He has singular distinction of presenting the basic idea of interest free Islamic banking in the presence of a huge gathering at Lahore on October 7, 1992 in response to challenge that contemporary finance and economy can not be run with out interest.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri is a pure humanitarian personality. He is known as a Professor, Thinker, Reformer & Statesman. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri was born on 19th February, 1951 at Jhang Sadar (Pakistan). His father, Dr. Farid-ud-Din Qadri was a very competent Medical practitioner, a top-notch religious scholar, a versatile poet and an exceptionally eloquent speaker. He was a spiritual leader and a great saint of his time.
Family Background
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir-u-Qadri was born on 19th Feb. 1951 at Jhang, his birth was considered a blessing of Allah as it was foretold to his father; Dr. Farid-ud-Din Qadri. His ancestors belong to Sial family of Jhang. They were landlords of Kheewa Village, Chiniot Road of Tehsil & District Jhang; two of them being very spiritual persons, gave up all their lands and properties and migrated to Jhang (then Known as Maghiana) and D.I Khan respectively.
The first was Hazrat Mian Baha-ud-Din and the second Hazrat Mian Jumma Khan, the former was the great grand father of the learned Professor, Who devoted himself to Allah's worship; was a pious man, who had 5 sons and a daughter.
The eldest son was Hazrat Dr. Farid-ud-Din Qadri, the father of the subject of the sketch: Born 1918 at Jhang. He traveled worldwide for Arabic & Persian Literatures, Islamic Jurisprudence especially Tasawwuf, Graduated and specialized in Eastern Medicine from Lukhnow (India); was awarded gold Madel in 1940 from Punjab University; Studied at Lukhnow, Hyderabad (Daccan), Delhi, Damascus, Baghdad at Madina-tul-Munawara; was associated with Hakim Nabeena Ansari in Delhi and Hyderabad. He was speaker, poet, medical practitioner and a spiritual student of Naqibul Ashraaf Hazrat Seyyed Ibrahim Saif--ud-din al Gilani of Baghdad. He remained associated with Allama Dr. Muhammad Iqbal and worked with Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in the Pakistan Movement; remained medical consultant to the King of Saudi Arabia, 1948. When he visited Saudi Arabia in 1948 and paid homage at Kaaba for the first time, he prayed to Allah in the late hours of the night to bless him with a child who could serve Islam and the Muslim World. Would earn his blessings both in this world and the next his prayer was heard. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) conveyed to him the news of Tahir 's birth in a dream. The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) himself named the child as "Tahir" in the same dream. Hazrat Dr. Farid-ud-Din died at Jhang November 2nd 1974, of the age 56.
Professor Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri had "baiat" with Hazrat Sayyedina Tahir Ala-ud-din Al-Gilani Al-Baghdadi. He is married and has two sons and three daughters; sons, Hassan Mohi-ud-Din and Hussain Mohi-ud-Din; Daughters- Qurrat-ul-Ain Fatima, Aisha Qurrat-ul-Ain and Khadija Qurrat-ul-Ain.
Education
1955-1963:
Primary and Secondary Education - Sacred Heart School, Jhang Sadar.
1966:
Higher Secondary Education Islamia High School, Jhang Sadar.(Ist Division with distinction)
1968:
F.Sc. - Govt. Degree College, Faisalabad. (Ist Division)
1970:
B.A. - Punjab University, Lahore. (Ist Division with distinction)
1970-1972:
M.A. (Islamic Studies) - Punjab University. (First Class First) University Gold Medalist, 1972.
1974:
L.L.B. - Punjab University, Lahore. (Ist Division)
1986:
Ph.D in Islamic Law (Punishments in Islam, their Classification and Philosophy) Punjab University, Lahore
Academic Career
1974-1975:
Lecturer (Islamic Studies)
Govt. College Isakhel. (Mianwali)
1976-1978:
Practiced Law as Advocate,
District Courts, Jhang
1978-1983:
Lecturer (Islamic Law)
Punjab University Law College, Lahore
1983-1988:
Visiting Professor & In charge of the Discipline Islamic Legislation (for L.L.M. Classes)
Punjab University Law College, Lahore
1986-2001:
Chancellor The Minhaj University (Pakistan)
Professor of Islamic Law for Master Classes (TMU)
National & International Services
1981-1983:
i) Member Syndicate Punjab University (Lahore, Pakistan)
ii) Member Senate Punjab University.
iii) Member Academic Council Punjab University
1981-1988:
i) Expert Member of National Committee of Islamic Curriculam, Ministery of Education, Pakistan.
1982-1989:
i) Delivered Qur'anic Lectures on PTV as the Speaker of Fahm-ul-Qur'an.
ii) Delivered numerous lectures and read many research papers in various religious and academic conferences, seminars and symposia in numerous countries of Asia, Europe, America, Africa, Australia, Japan, China & other parts of the world, including the Arab World.
1991-1993:
i) His English lectures on various Islamic and Qur'anic topics have been telecasted on UAE Television.
ii) Delivered honorary lectures in various Universities of USA, UK, Australia, South Africa, Far East and other parts of the world.
Intellectual Accomplishments
He has authored the following.
Published works more than 300 Books (Urdu, English and Arabic)
Unpublished Books and Papers, about 1000 (works)
He has delivered more than 5000 lectures virtually on every aspect of Islam i.e. Qur'an, Sunnah, Seerah, History, Spiritualism, Mysticism, Morality, Philosophy, Theology, Law, Jurisprudence, Politics (National & International), Economics, Management, Banking, Sociology, Culture, Medical Sciences, Biology, Embryology, Astronomy, Cosmology, Astro-Physics, Para Psychology and many other topics in comparative perspective of Islamic teachings.
His lectures on more then 5500 topics are available in audiovisual medium in the libraries and sales centers of Minhaj-ul-Quran International Movement around the world.
For all his decades long work, efforts and accomplishments for the supreme mission of peaceful and progressive social setup in Pakistan and of harmony and tolerance all around the globe, His Eminence Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri has never accepted any worldly income!
The entire profit of his world-widely distributed publications and Audio/Video recordings of his lectures are dedicated on his behalf to the Organization forever!
Organizational Efforts
1977:
Jhang, Prof. Tahir-ul-Qadri established the "Mahaz-e-Hurriatt" an intellectual forum for the ideological training of the youth.
1978:
Jhang, Authors & Publishes his first Book on Nizam-i-Mustafa.
Lahore, Moves from Jhang to Lahore with the motive of establishing a worldwide mission for the revival of Islam.
1980:
Lahore, Starts lecturing on Islam and Qur'an regularly in immense gatherings & T.V. Pakistan.
1981:
Lahore, Foundation of "Minhaj-ul-Qur'an Movement"
Lahore, "Minhaj-ul-Qur'an Convention": The formal foundation and introduction of the Minhaj-ul-Qur'an Movement in a public gathering of prominent scholars and the people.
1982:
Iran, Prof. Qadri's first foreign Tour: in connection with the "Week of Unity" visit Iran, where views are exchanged with late Ayatullah Khomeni.
1983:
Lahore, Established of Ittifaq Islamic Academy, thereby commencing the educational dimension of the mission.
Lahore, Purchase of 2.5 acre land in Model Town (M-Block) for the construction of Central Secretariat & Minhaj-ul-Qur'an Mosque.
1984:
Lahore, The foundation stone of the construction of Central is laid Hazrat Sayyidina Tahir Allauddin Al-Qadri Al-Gilani Al-Baghdadi.
1985:
Karachi, Establishment of Provincial Minhaj-ul-Qur'an Centre Sindh.
Norway, Lecture tour. Delievered a thrilling lecture on the comparative study of Islam and Christianity in a hall packed with various denominations and faiths.
UAE, Establishment of a major foreign branch in Abu Dhabi & Dubai.
Islamabad, Opening of Minhaj-ul-Qur'an branch and commencement of regular Dars-i-Qur'an Lectures.
Peshawar, Opening of NWFP branch and start of regular Dars-i-Qur'an Lecture. -Denmark Lecture tour and opening of Minhaj-ul-Qur'an foreign branch in Copenhagon (Scandanavia).
USA, Dawah tour to USA (Washington, New York, Baltimore and Los Angeles) resulting in movement in the continent.
1986:
Quetta, formation of the main branch of the Province of Baluchistan.
Lahore, Opening of Minhaj-ul-Qur'an Islamic University.
Pakistan, Establishment of various departments and offices of the Central Secretariat of Minhaj-ul-Qur'an (Lahore).
1987:
Lahore, Opening ceremony of Minhaj-ul-Qr'an Mosque and the Suffa Block of the Islamic University (for Educational & Spiritual Training).
Lahore, First edition of the Minhaj-ul-Qur'an Magazine published and distributed world-wide.
Europe, Lecture tour to several countries with powerful impact.
Middle East, Lecture tour and meeting with prominent personalities.
USA, Dawah & Propagation tour Lahore Foundation of M.Q.Youth League and its foreign counterpart Muslim Youth League for the elevation of the moral standards among the perplexed youth.
1988:
London, Historical Minhaj-ul-Qur'an International conference in Wembley with participation of scholars and preachers from appox. 30 countries. Concluding in the foundation of "Ittihad Al-Alami Al-Islami" for global solidarity & fraternity.
Lahore, In order to meet the special requirements of womanhood, Minhaj-ul-Qur'an Women League is formed, which holds its first national assembly the same year. -Lahore Also founds Minhaj-ul-Qur'an Welfare Society for international relief work and humanitarian projects.
Lahore, Establishes Minhaj-ul-Qur'an Ulama Council for scholars and educationist.
Denmark, Opening of Minhaj-ul-Qur'an Islamic Center in Copenhagen.
Lahore, Arranges "Conference of finality of Prophethood" against the treath of the innovation of Qadianism. Presents a 12 point formula to unite the Muslims.
1989:
Lahore, Establishment of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) a political party based purely on Islamic social & democratic principles. The declaration takes place in an enthusiastic gathering numbering a mass of hundreds of thousand.
1990:
Norway, Opening of Minhaj-ul-Qur'an Islamic Centre in Oslo.
Lahore, 10 points Unity agreement with the Fiqa Jafaria for promotion of peace, harmony and unity in Muslim Ummah.
1991:
Europe, Lecture tour and observation, supervision visit to UK, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Benelux countries.
Middle East, Several series of lectures on Islam (Reflection of Qur'an / Islam in Focus / Horizons of Ramadhan) are broadcasted on UAE national T.V.
1992:
Lahore, First convocation of Minhaj-ul-Qur'an Islamic University with participation of delegates from various countries of the world.
Europe, Lecture tour and observation, supervision visit with several historical gatherings.
Lahore, Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri is the first in the world to present a "Practicable and Workable Scheme and Structure of Interestfree Banking" on the challenge of Pakistan Government. The address is viewed by a mass of hundred of thousands and eccoes in the media around the world.
1993:
Pakistan, Introduces a new PAT policy of leaving undeviouratic corrupt electioneering politics and aiming at an educational, socio-psychological & moral revolution in the society. Founds a chain of thousands of Awami Taleemi Marakiz (Mass Education Centres) for free education of the people. Starts a "Mass Litracy Revolution Movement".
Lahore, Opening of New Campus of Minhaj-ul-Qur'an Islamic University and Tarbiati Markaz (Spiritual Training Center) on 25 acres ground in Township, Lahore.
Pakistan, Conducted an extensive tour of hundreds of Lectures all over the country & abroad with the theme of "Obedience to Prophet (SAW)"
South Africa, First Lecture tour resulting in establish-ment of branches in several cities.
Australia, Accomplishment of a fruitful and fertile Dawah tour to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Singapore etc.
1994:
Egypt, The Bacholor Degree of Minhaj-ul-Qur'an Islamic University is recognized as equivalent to that of Al-Azhar University and exchange scheme commences.
Pakistan, Conducts hundreds of seminars all over the country entitled "Message : Love the Prophet (SAW)" with altogether millions of participants.
South Africa, Performs a unique historical tour with sincere success and results among different denomination and faiths. Wel-come reception includes the national TV and the Prime Minister of Kvazulu-Natal. Establishes a Jamia Islamia (Religious College) for African students.
Europe, Lecture tour to Denmark, Germany, France, Sweeden & UK with the opening of a grand Minhaj-ul-Qur'an Islamic Institute, London.
Far East, Lecture tour tot Japan, Hong Kong, China and Singapore etc.
Note:
For all his decade-long work, efforts and accomplishments for the supreme mission of Peace, Unity, harmony and revitalization of the Nation, His Eminence Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri has never accepted any worldly income! The entire profit of his world-widely distributed publications and Audio/Video recordings of his addresses are dedicated on his behalf to the Minhaj-ul-Qur'an Movement forever!
Awards
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri is a man of Global Repute and Known as Ambassador of Unity, Peace and Human Development. All his life is devoted for the uplifting and development of needy, homeless and poor people.
His services for the welfare of Mankind are accepted and appreciated with in Pakistan and in international level in very respected manners, not only in public sector but in institutional and organizational levels also.
Different international organizations and institutions honored him with international awards, shields and certificates as an acknowledgment of God-Gifted abilities and highly intellectual work done by him. Details of said honors are given below.
Quaid-e-Azam Gold Medal
1971:
Quaid-e-Azam Gold Medal (All Pakistan Muslim Educational Conference)
University Gold Medal
1972:
University Gold Medal (Punjab University, Lahore)
Pakistan Cultural Gold Medal
1972:
Pakistan Cultural Gold Medal (Religious & Academic Outstanding Services)
Qarshi Gold Medal
1984:
Qarshi Gold Medal (Extraordinary Religious and National Services)
Honors Awarded in 1999-2000
The American Biographical Institute (ABI) has nominated Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri as "Outstanding Man of the Century".
The American Biographical Institute (ABI) has awarded Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri Millennium Biographical Dictionary as "Leading Intellectuals of the World".
As Individual Achievement Award, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir -ul-Qadri's name has become the biographical subject of outstanding accomplishment in the " 1998 Edition of International Who's Who of Twentieth Century Achievement" for Contributions to Education by American Biographical Institute (ABI), United States of America at June 1, 1999.
The International Biographical Centre (IBC) of Cambridge, England has declared the name of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri as "the International Man of the Year 1998-99" in Recognition of his services to social work and education.
The American Biographical Institute (ABI), United States has awarded Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri "the International Cultural Diploma of Honors" on the basis of Founder of Minhaj-ul-Quran international Movement, Chancellor of Minhaj-ul-Quran International University, and the world's largest Educational Set-up on NGO Basis, Author of 250 Books, and Speaker of 5000 Lectures.
Awarded Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri "International Who's Who of Twentieth Century Achievement Hall of Fame" by American Biographical Institute (ABI), United States of America for Outstanding Contributions to the Education, which is the subject of notice in the 1998 Edition International Who's Who of Twentieth Century Achievement at February 20, 1999.
American Biographical Institute (ABI), United States of America has awarded Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri "2000 Millennium Medal of Honor" in Recognition of his Humanitarian Efforts, Research and Education Services.
American Biographical Institute (ABI), United States of America has awarded Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri the "Key of Success Achievement in Research".
American Biographical Institute (ABI), United States of America has awarded to Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri the "Key of Success Leader in Religion".
International Biographical Centre (IBC), Cambridge, England has awarded Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri the "Medal of International Man of the Year 1997-98" in Recognition of his Outstanding Contributions to the Society.
The board of Directors of the American Biographical Institute (ABI) sitting in the United States of America recognizes Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri as most admirable and whose career achievements and social contributions have selected for permanent documentation in "Five Hundred Leaders of Influence" designed for biographical reference and inspiration for present-day citizens of the Twentieth Century as well as future generations.
American Biographical Institute awarded Dr. Qadri a Permanent record of achievement and distinction international who's who of contemporary achievement for his outstanding contributions to the society, which are the subject of notice in the fifth edition of "International Who's Who of Contemporary Achievement".