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Home | News | A Blessed Journey

View Photos from the Tour

Amongst the creation of the Creator, Allah (most high), there exist such unique and exceptional persons whose acceptance and recognition continues to excel day by day; no matter where they are, in whichever field of life they choose to go and whatever age they may be.  Humanity’s love for them does not dim and fade away.

Shaykh Muhammad Imdad Hussain Pirzada is from amongst those chosen servants of Allah (most high) who is not only a source of honour and pride for the Muslims of Europe, but he is an important and inspirational ideal for the people of Pakistan.

The exegete of the holy Qur’an, Shaykh Pirzada was born during the year of the independence of Pakistan in the household of a very pious and noble Shaykh, Khawaja Hafiz Gul Muhammad al-Qadiri.  From an early age, his noble father due to his light of firasat (discernment) famously stated, “This son of mine shall be granted much knowledge and wealth.” His initial upbringing and education was fulfilled by his elder brother, the Shaykh of Astana Hafiziyya, Shaykh Muhammad Karam Hussain al-Qadiri. Shaykh Pirzada, during his speech at Bhera, indicated to this stating, “My honourable father, Hafiz Gul Muhammad, left this world when I was six years old.  My honourable brother, Shaykh Karam Hussain looked after and catered for me as a father would.”

After successfully completing matriculation at Jhang, Shaykh Pirzada enrolled at Dar al-‘Ulum al-Muhammadiyya al-Ghawthiyya (DMG Bhera) with Diya’ al-Ummat, Justice Shaykh Muhammad Karam Shah al-Azhari.  Hence, Shaykh Pirzada passed from the embrace and affection of one friend of Allah (most high) to the embrace and affection of another friend of Allah (most high).  Diya’ al-Ummat, Justice Shaykh Muhammad Karam Shah al-Azhari, was not only acquainted with the abilities and intellectual capability of Shaykh Pirzada but was also aware of the shining star within the personality of Shaykh Pirzada which – in later life – was to spread the light of Islam in the United Kingdom and moreover in Europe.  For this reason, Diya’ al-Ummat, Justice Shaykh Muhammad Karam Shah al-Azhari, left no stone unturned in training, spiritually upbringing and educating Shaykh Pirzada and often referred to Shaykh Pirzada as qurrat al-‘ayn (the coolness to the eyes).

In this short report, Shaykh Pirzada’s recent tour of Pakistan will be remembered and outlined.

Arrival

At approximately 10 am on Saturday 18th February 2006, Shaykh Pirzada landed at Lahore International Airport.  He came back to Pakistan after eight long years.  At the airport, Shaykh Pirzada was received by many devotees, followers and friends, including his nephew and the Shaykh of Astana ‘Aliya Mangani, Pir Muhammad Mazhar Hussain al-Qadiri.

DMG Bhera

From Lahore, Shaykh Pirzada travelled to his educational home, Bhera, via the main motorway.  These two days (18th and 19th February 2006) were the days of the Urs Mubarak of Diya’ al-Ummat, Justice Shaykh Muhammad Karam Shah al-Azhari commemorating his life, works and achievements.  Many thousands of people had come to Bhera on this spiritually uplifting occasion.  Although on the official posters and banners for this Urs Mubarak, names of chief guests are not mentioned as so many routinely attend, however, the arrival of Shaykh Pirzada was much known and awaited for at Bhera.  For this reason, not only current students were anxious to see and meet this remarkable student of their institution, but also old colleagues, friends and respected teachers were awaiting the arrival of Shaykh Pirzada with much joy and love.

At approximately 12 pm, Shaykh Pirzada arrived at Dar al-‘Ulum al-Muhammadiyya al-Ghawthiyya (DMG Bhera). Immediately, Shaykh Pirzada went towards the blessed shrine and luminous grave of his perfect murshid, Diya’ al-Ummat (ra).  Immediately after that, the respected teachers and many others came to meet Shaykh Pirzada and many old memories were refreshed.  He spent the night at Bhera and the next morning, his breakfast was prepared at the residence of one of the senior teachers of DMG Bhera, Shaykh al-Hadith ‘Allama Muhammad Khan an-Nuri.

The 19th of February was the last day of the Urs Mubarak.  Many scholars of great repute delivered speeches and lectures throughout the day, however, the audience were still anxious to hear the speech by Shaykh Pirzada.  Before the final khatm, Shaykh Pirzada delivered his astonishing and inspiring speech.  During the speech, the atmosphere was such that the huge gathering of thousands sat and stood still and quiet all through the time Shaykh Pirzada was speaking.  In his speech, he referred to his remarkable teacher Shaykh Muhammad Karam Shah, as a didawar (unique possessor of vision and insight). “The entire Muslim world is benefiting today from the light of this esteemed individual and from his unique vision and insight,” Shaykh Pirzada remarked.

[Click here to listen to the speech delivered by Shaykh Pirzada]

After the final khatm, Shaykh Pirzada visited the Bhera hospital where the hospital staff and management welcomed him. He observed the construction and various faculties of the hospital with much interest.  After this, he visited the public library established by Muslim Charity in the town centre of Bhera.

New Gyne Hospital Faisalabad

After offering the Salat al-‘Asr, Shaykh Pirzada left Bhera and, via the motorway, headed towards the location where Muslim Charity’s latest hospital, Gyne Hospital Faisalabad, is under construction.  The Gyne Hospital Faisalabad is based upon the exact design of the already successful Gyne Hospital Jhang and is very near completion.  

Without a doubt, this is an invaluable gift from Shaykh Pirzada to the people of Pakistan and the people of Faisalabad in particular.  It is a continuously running river from which the poor, helpless and needy will for centuries, in sha’ Allah, continuously quench their thirst and all those associated with it shall receive the blessings of this virtuous work now and in the times to come.  

The sun was setting at the time when Shaykh Pirzada arrived at Faisalabad along with Pir Muhammad Mazhar Hussain. Upon witnessing the under-construction hospital, Shaykh Pirzada saw his dreams practically coming true.  He spontaneously thanked Allah (most high) and then expressed much enthusiasm and profound interest in the construction and design of the hospital.  He observed every small and minute detail. He questioned about the area and its surroundings. Then as he became satisfied and joyous, he commended the work that Pir Muhammad Mazhar Hussain had achieved in such a short span of time.  

Astana ‘Aliya Mangani, Jhang

At about Isha time on 19th February, Shaykh Pirzada arrived home in Jhang at Astana ‘Aliya Mangani; the khanqah of his brother, Shaykh Muhammad Karam Hussain al-Qadiri. His relatives, devotees and followers had been anxiously awaiting his arrival. To meet their loved one after such a long time was an occasion of much joy and gratitude to Allah (most high). Before anything else, Shaykh Pirzada tearfully went to pay his respects and offer his prayers at the graves of his noble mother and kind brother.  

Gyne Hospital Jhang

On 20th February, Shaykh Pirzada visited Muslim Charity’s Gyne Hospital Jhang, which has become a remarkable centre for the service to mankind and from which the residents of Jhang, in particular, are continuously benefiting.  It is the only hospital which is of a very high standard in the entire district of Jhang.

This hospital – whose day to day running responsibilities are upon the shoulders of Pir Muhammad Mazhar Hussain – has gained wide spread acceptance within only nine months. Shaykh Pirzada, accompanied by Pir Muhammad Mazhar Hussain, arrived at the hospital at about 1 pm and the entire working staff of the hospital and the locals gave a profound reception and welcomed the man behind their hospital.

After this, a very detailed tour of the hospital was undertaken and Shaykh Pirzada observed with much passion, interest and deep focus all aspects of the hospital and questioned everything.  For approximately one hour, this observation and analysis continued.  Towards the end of the tour, when Shaykh Pirzada completed observing the second floor of the hospital, his face showed signs of immense joy and satisfaction.  While standing in the waiting area on the second floor, Shaykh Pirzada offered two rak’ahs of nafl prayer, showing gratitude and offering thanks to Allah (most high).  

The entire day of 21st February was spent at Mangani where Shaykh Pirzada continued to work on his exegesis, Tafseer Imdad-ul-Karam.  On 22nd February, some friends of Shaykh Pirzada from Toba Tek Singh including the CEO of Helping Hands Worlwide, Ashfaq Khan, visited Shaykh Pirzada.  Shaykh Pirzada took them to visit the Gyne Hospital Jhang.  All of them admired the work of this hospital and commended it.  

Balowana Sharif

On 23rd February, Shaykh Pirzada returned to his birth place where at this moment stands the shrine and grave of his noble father, Shaykh of the Qadiri Sufi Order, Khawaja Hafiz Gul Muhammad al-Qadiri, in the small village of Balowana Sharif.  Shaykh Pirzada offered his prayers and paid respect at the grave of this remarkable friend of Allah (most high), who enlightened the area of Jhang with his light of Islam and the remembrance of Allah (most high).

Later on the same day, Shaykh Pirzada travelled to the city of Faisalabad and visited Jami’ Qadiriyya.  Following a brief tour, he went again to the site of Gyne Hospital Faisalabad. He liked the location of this new hospital and also saw the Bab-e Islam Colony being established adjacent to the new hospital as a result of the construction of this hospital.

Siyal Sharif

On 24th February, Shaykh Pirzada travelled to the prominent astana and khanqah of Siyal Sharif, where lie the great servants of Allah (most high) including Shaykh al-Islam wa’l-Muslimin, Khawaja Muhammad Qamar al-Din Siyalwi.  Shaykh Pirzada prayed and offered his respect at the graves of these astonishing individuals and then met the current Shaykh of Siyal, the son of Shaykh al-Islam wa’l-Muslimin, the respected Shaykh, Khawaja Muhammad Hamid al-Din Siyalwi.  For a long time a meeting and discussion continued and the atmosphere was very friendly and joyous as both Shaykh Pirzada and the current Shaykh of Siyal Sharif enjoy a very long term friendship.  Shaykh Pirzada was fortunate to also have lunch with Khawaja Muhammad Hamid al-Din.  After offering the Friday Salat al-Jumu’a at Siyal Sharif, Shaykh Pirzada left for Islamabad.

Islamabad

On 24th February, Shaykh Pirzada arrived at Islamabad in the evening where the respected Shaykh Muhammad Amin al-Hasanat Shah hosted Shaykh Pirzada and many other prominent scholars and dignitaries in the famous Mariett Hotel.  I was fortunate enough that Shaykh Pirzada spent that night at my humble home.  

The next morning, on the 25th February, Shaykh Pirzada visited a branch of DMG Bhera at Chack Shahzad, Madrasa Muhammadiyya Ghawthiyya.  As Shaykh Pirzada arrived at this seminary, about three hundred students welcomed him by showering the vehicle with flowers and reciting the Qasida Burda.  The principal of the seminary, ‘Allama Mukhtar Ahmad Diya’ welcomed him at the gates.  A detailed tour of the seminary was undertaken that was followed by lunch.

Rawalakot, Kashmir

In the late afternoon on the 25th February, Shaykh Pirzada accompanied by Shaykh Muhammad Amin al-Hasanat Shah, Pir Muhammad Mazhar Hussain and Sayyid Nazir al-Hasan (secretary-general of the Council on Islamic Affairs) left Islamabad for Rawalakot. The weather was terrible with blustery showers throughout.  In the evening they arrived at Rawalakot and the weather was not any better.  Despite the bad weather, members of the Diya’ al-Ummat Foundation and locals welcomed their guests and marching in a huge procession brought Shaykh Pirzada into Rawalakot. The night was spent in Rawalakot.

Al-Karam Village

On 26th February, Shaykh Pirzada went with these personalities to the Al-Karam Village and the weather was worse than the day before.  Due to the weather, the rain and the cold, it seemed as though the opening ceremony of Muslim Charity’s Al-Karam Village may not be able to take place.

However, when the Chairman and Founder of Muslim Charity, Shaykh Pirzada, arrived at the village there was a multitude of people to welcome him.  Plenty of colourful banners were on display to welcome their guest.  The Speaker of the Azad Kashmir Assembly came to receive Shaykh Pirzada and took the guests in a procession manner towards a place where a stage had been set up for the ceremony.  

The Al-Karam Village has been set up by Muslim Charity with the help of its generous donors from the United Kingdom.  It comprises of fifty new steel structured homes that have been built for those who had lost their homes as a result of the Asian earthquake. Each house comprises of two rooms, a kitchen and bathroom.  A spacious mosque has also been constructed in the village.  Adjacent to it, a school and seminary is also being set up. A medical dispensary is also being arranged.  

The Opening Ceremony

hen Shaykh Pirzada came to the stage, the former President of Azad Kashmir, Sardar Muhammad Abdul Qayyum Khan welcomed and received him. The Speaker of the Azad Kashmir Assembly, Sardar Siyab Khalid in his speech stated, “No other NGO can match the relief work carried out in Bagh and Punch by Muslim Charity.“  He declared this particular project by Muslim Charity to be unique and worthy of being imitated by others.

The former President, Sardar Muhammad Abdul Qayyum Khan delivered a very effective speech.  He said, “No doubt this aid by Muslim Charity for the people of Kashmir is a great gift.  However, the damage that has been done to this region is so vast that even this help seems small.  Your presence here is a source of baraka.  I ask you to pray to Allah (most high) that He protects us from such calamities.”  With much pain he continued, “Our nation has suffered two punishments and calamities. The first is the devastating earthquake and the second is that our nation has now become beggars.  People have lost the qualities of tolerance, patience and courage. He who has nothing is begging and he who has something can also be seen begging. Pray that Allah (most high) frees us from this affliction and grants us patience and courage.”  

Sardar Abdul Qayyum greatly admired the work of Muslim Charity’s Founder, Shaykh Pirzada, and stated that this is the first NGO to undertake construction of houses in this region.  

Shaykh Muhammad Amin al-Hasanat Shah in his speech appreciated the efforts and works of Shaykh Pirzada and the Muslim Charity.  He also portrayed an example of sincere generosity when he announced that he shall take responsibility for the management of the mosque and seminary of the Al-Karam Village.  DMG Bhera will also be responsible for the teachers of the school.

After that, Shaykh Pirzada delivered a short but comprehensive speech.  He stated, “I am satisfied that the faith the people of Great Britain had in me and the trust they entrusted me with, I have passed it on to the right and eligible persons.  May Allah (most high) accept our efforts.  I have passed this trust on with the help of the Al-Karam Construction Company and under the supervision of Shaykh Muhammad Amin al-Hasanat Shah. Whatever we were given, we passed on to them. The services and achievements of Shaykh Muhammad Amin al-Hasanat Shah are worthy of praise and respect.”

Following the speeches, the official gate of Al-Karam Village was opened.  At this occasion, representatives of both print and electronic media were present in large numbers.  The entire ceremony was covered well in the press.  Shaykh Pirzada gave interviews to PTV as well as GEO TV.  The next morning, all major newspapers also covered this story.  

Shaykh Pirzada toured around the entire town and with much interest observed all aspects of construction, arrangement and fitting.  He also met with the residents of these new homes who prayed immensely for his wellbeing.  Following this, Shaykh Pirzada was invited by the former President of Azad Kashmir, Sardar Abdul Qayyum who held a reception in honour of Shaykh Pirzada at his residence.

Return to Islamabad

On the evening of 26th February, Shaykh Pirzada returned back to Islamabad and stayed at my humble house.  During this time, he met with the Associate Professor at the International Islamic University of Islamabad (IIUI), Dr Sajid ar-Rahman Sajid and also met with the Chancellor of Muhyul-Islam Islamic University, Pir Ala’ ad-Din as-Siddiqui.

On the morning of 27th February, Shaykh Pirzada travelled to Islamabad International Airport to meet with Junaid Jamshed, who was unable to attend the opening of Al-Karam Village.

Due to a very busy schedule, tiredness and not much rest, Shaykh Pirzada began feeling unwell.  Hence, Pir Muhammad Mazhar Hussain immediately took him to OUDC Hospital for a check up.  Shaykh Pirzada took some medicine and then by the evening was feeling better, al-hamdu lillah.  

The same day there was a plan to return back to Mangani in Jhang, however, due to the health of Shaykh Pirzada, this trip was cancelled.  

At 1 am that night, Shaykh Pirzada departed from Islamabad heading towards Lahore. In the morning on the 28th February at 9 am, Shaykh Pirzada left Pakistan from Lahore International Airport heading for the United Kingdom.  

Although, Shaykh Pirzada’s trip was very short, it nevertheless consisted of many duties, activities and responsibilities. Day and night was spent in his immeasurable work and service to mankind.  However, the most important thing that I want to express at the end is that despite all these engagements and duties, this servant of Allah (most high) did not allow any shortfall to affect the writing of his tafsir of the holy Qur’an.  After offering the Salat al-Isha, the continuity of meeting and sitting with people would come to an end and he would enter his room and begin working on his tafsir.  Throughout the night, the light would remain on and his pen would continuously be in motion.  After offering the Salat al-Fajr, he would rest for a few hours.  He remained in Pakistan for about nine to ten days; yet even for a moment his attention did not move away from his mission.

During his trip, Shaykh Pirzada greatly commended and appreciated the selfless services of Pir Muhammad Mazhar Hussain stating that in Pakistan he was one of those people working solely for the pleasure of Allah (most high) serving the needy people without any intention of worldly benefit.  

Pir Muhammad Mazhar Hussain has devoted a lot of time towards the projects of Muslim Charity and is managing both Gyne Hospital Jhang and Gyne Hospital Faisalabad.

May Allah (most high) grant all of these people success and accept their efforts. Amin.

 NEWS: 03/03/2006