The Mawlid un Nabi (saws) Conference, organized by the Naqsbandiya Foundation for the Islamic Education (NFIE) , was held on Saturday March 19th at the Chandler Community Center. Over 500 Muslims around the valley and its vicinity attended this spiritual event. The theme of the conference was “Celebrating the Prophet saws of Universal Mercy, Love and Beauty”. This was the 10th annual event of its kind in the valley.
Muhammed Bilal Siddiqui welcomed the guests and gave a brief background of the history of the Naqsbandiya Foundation in the valley. NFIE was founded by Dr. Ahmed Mirza in 1992 with the mission of serving Islam with a special focus on Tasawwuf (Islamic Spirituality).
The program commenced with the beautiful recitation of Surah Rahman by Al-Shaykh Qari Masood Omar Mohammad. Yousuf Bhuvad recited the popular “Ya Taiba” nasheed based on the love for the city of Medina. Sabah el-Ganimet, the Munshid from Iraq, also recited an Arabic nasheed. Imam Didmar Faja, the Imam Albanian American Islamic Center (Greenway Masjid), gave opening remarks on the purpose and the significance of Mawlid in the light of Sirah of Prophet Mohammed (SAWS). Syed Mansoor Johar presented the nasheed “Lam Yati” a well known rendition in 3 languages.
Dr. Ahmed Mirza, Secretary, NFIE, thanked the audience for making this event a success a year after year. He elaborated that NFIE was established in loving memory of Sayyid Jamaat Ali Shah Naqshbandi (rahmat Allah alayhi) and Shaykh Muhammad Masum Naqshbandi (rahmat Allah alayhi). He appreciated the local and guest scholars for their presence on this auspicious event.
Al-Shaykh Qari Abdelkarim Liousfi, the famous Munshid from Morocco, recited Nasheeds in Arabic. After the Salat al-Maghrib, Muhammad Bilal Siddiqui presented the famous Urdu nasheed ”Jashn-e-Amde Rasul" followed by Arabic nasheeds by Qari Abdelkarim Liousfi.
Imam Zaid Shakir, the keynote speaker from the Zaytuna College, captivated the audience by his talk on the life of Prophet (SAWS) on the theme of his mercy, love and beauty.
“He was kind and merciful to everybody around him including his enemies,” he said. He advised Muslims to expand their hearts and love to one other.
Imam Zaid Shakir teaches regular courses on Arabic, Islamic law, History, and Islamic spirituality at the Zaytuna College. New York Times described him as a “leading intellectual light” and was ranked as “one of America’s most influential Scholars”. This was his second visit to the valley in less than a month.
Imam Zaid Shakir conducted a Q & A session with Imam Didmar Faja on the Islamic Guidance and Spirituality.
The program ended with the Qiyam, Salat-o-Salam and Dua by the scholars. Salat al-Isha was offered and a delicious dinner was served.
For pictures and slideshow of the event, please visit:
The Video & Audio will be available soon. For the monthly Mawlid and other information, please contact info@nfie.com and visit www.nfie.com.
To view NFIE videos on YouTube , please search for nfie and nfie1. NFIE appreciates your generous support and send your tax deductible donations to NFIE, P.O.Box 2978, and Gilbert AZ 85299
Regards
Yousuf
Dr Art Buehler
