Report: Mrs. Jawaria Waheed
The Al-Rushd Camp, organized by Minhaj-ul-Quran Women League France, was an inspiring and spiritually uplifting retreat graced by the presence of Dr Ghazala Qadri, President of Minhaj-ul-Quran Women League International. Addressing the camp, Dr Ghazala delivered thought-provoking lectures on the significance of self-reformation, the importance of collectivity, and the revival of Islamic teachings.
Day1: Lecture on MQI’s Objectives and Ideology
The Al-Rushd Camp began with an inspiring lecture by Dr Ghazala Qadri, President of Minhaj-ul-Quran Women League International. She congratulated MWL and MSL France for organizing the camp and explained the meaning of Al-Rushd—guidance and righteousness. Dr Ghazala highlighted that while Allah sent Prophets for guidance, after the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), Allah now entrusts blessed individuals to continue this mission of guidance in a world full of fitna.
Dr Ghazala highlighted that seeking righteous companions is part of our fitra (natural disposition). Drawing from the Quran, she emphasized the significance of having good companions (rafeeq). She referenced Surah Al-Isra (17:71), where Allah mentions that on the Day of Judgement, every group will be called with their leader. This, she said, underscores the importance of choosing good company and being part of a righteous community.
Dr Ghazala outlined MQI’s primary mission as one of awakening minds and hearts to reform themselves and others (islah). She explained that MQI also works for the Tajdeed (revival) of Deen, adapting Islamic morals and teachings to address contemporary challenges.
She emphasized that just as Allah sends a Mujaddid in every era, MQI, under the leadership of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, strives to revive and renew Islamic teachings in a structured and organized way. MQI’s objectives, she said, are firmly rooted in the Quran and aim to strengthen our connection with Allah Almighty, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), and the Holy Quran.
Dr Ghazala noted that many women mistakenly believe they are exempt from dawah due to their household duties or careers. However, she referenced Surah At-Tawbah (9:71), which states that men and women are equally obligated to enjoin good and forbid evil. She also warned of the consequences of neglecting this duty, citing Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:79), which mentions Allah’s curse upon those who fail to stop others from wrongdoing. She concluded with a reminder from Surah Al-A’raf (7:165), which states that only those who engage in islah will be saved.
Dr Ghazala’s lecture served as a powerful call to action and reminded participants of the shared responsibility to reform themselves and their communities, awaken minds, and work towards the revival of Islamic teachings in today’s world.
Day2: Lecture on the Importance of Collectivity and Jama’ah
In her second lecture at the Al-Rushd Camp, Dr Ghazala Qadri delved into the vital role of collectivity (jama’ah) in Islam. She began by explaining that being part of a jama’ah is not optional—it is an obligation. Using the metaphor of bricks in a building, she highlighted how a collective structure provides strength and protection, particularly in a world where collective challenges and attacks are widespread.
Dr Ghazala emphasized that being part of an organization provides direction, guidance, and motivation. It facilitates planning and helps individuals work towards a greater purpose. For this, it is crucial to follow a leader who possesses the knowledge of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and can guide the Ummah accordingly. Reflecting on Surah Al-Isra (17:71), she reminded that on the Day of Judgement, every group will be raised with their leader, urging them to carefully consider who their leaders are.
She explained that Minhaj-ul-Quran International is an organization of tajdeed-e-deen (revival of the religion). Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, as the reviver of the century, diagnoses the challenges faced by the Muslim Ummah and provides solutions in the light of the Quran and Sunnah. Shaykh-ul-Islam is a visionary leader who has replaced ignorance with knowledge, narrow-mindedness with openness, and hatred with love.
Dr Ghazala concluded by encouraging everyone not only to attend MQI’s gatherings and become members but also to actively join the organizational structure (tanzeemat) and work for the mission. She stressed that it is through active participation that the revival of Deen can truly take place.
Question and Answer Session
The camp concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where Dr Ghazala addressed participants’ questions with practical guidance. She emphasized the need for self-reformation, active involvement in dawah work, and the importance of being part of a collective effort.
Dr Ghazala Qadri’s impactful sessions at the Al-Rushd Camp offered an understanding of the importance of self-reformation and collective responsibility. It motivated the sisters to strengthen their connection with Allah Almighty, contribute to MQI’s global efforts, and play their part in the revival of Islamic teachings.