KARACHI: Monthly meeting of Shura Hamdard Karachi took place at Hamdard Corporate Head Office, chaired by Sadia Rashid President of Hamdard Foundation Pakistan.

Theme of meeting was ‘Guidelines for Muslim Rulers in Light of Prophet (PBUH)’s Seerat.’ Guest speaker Prof. Dr. Zahid Ali Zahidi, Dean of Faculty of Islamic Studies at Karachi University, highlighted exemplary governance of Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) as one of most remarkable aspects of his life. In his keynote address, he said that Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) established welfare state and his approach to addressing social issues serves as an ideal governance model, not only for Muslim-majority nations but for countries across globe. He said that state plagued by lawlessness and internal rifts can never prosper. Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) first established peace in the Arabian Peninsula, introduced ethical principles for warfare and defined rights and responsibilities of individuals within society.

He championed social justice, laid strong foundations for environmental preservation and promoted knowledge and wisdom. Moreover, he reformed nation by intellectually cultivating and educating his followers, igniting thirst of knowledge in his Companions. He instilled in them sense of collectivism and strong ethical values. Good ruler, he emphasised, must possess at least these essential qualities to bring about holistic social reforms as needed in Pakistan. 

Senator Abdul Haseeb Khan stated that Islam provides complete way of life and there is need to fully follow shining example of Prophet (peace be upon him). Before blaming others, we should reflect on whether we are fulfilling our personal and national responsibilities. If injustice is happening and we remain silent due to our own interests, then we are also part of injustice, as stated in Holy Quran. Voting is national and constitutional duty, but how many of us cast our votes with nation’s best interest in mind, beyond personal biases?

He urged connecting younger generation with Holy Quran, encouraging them not to read it solely for spiritual reward, but to understand and live by its teachings and wisdom. Zafar Iqbal said that foundation of democracy lies in Charter of Madina and the Majlis-e-Shura. However, in Pakistan, those in power under name of democracy often have interests that conflict with state’s well-being. He added that true leader of reformed nation should possess qualities such as faith, knowledge, action, piety, wisdom, insight, courage, sincerity, trustworthiness, honesty, integrity and loyalty to collective affairs of Muslims. Dr. Amir Tauseen explained that, according to hadith of Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), we are all guardians and responsible for our actions.

We are accountable to Allah for how we conduct ourselves in both social and worldly matters. He emphasised importance of self-reflection, urged everyone to examine whether we are being just in our families, relationships, dealings and other social affairs. Do we have genuine sense of responsibility? Dr. Amjad Jafari stated that Muhammad (peace be upon him), established an ideal state and model society on earth through his excellent planning and management. World still longs for such stable society.  Deputy Speaker Colonel (retd) Mukhtar Ahmad Butt, Usman Damohi, Shehla Ahmed, Professor Dr. Tanveer Khalid, Engineer Ibnul Hasan, Syed Mohammad Arsalan, Director HFP and others also shared their thoughts during meeting. Fateha was offered in remembrance of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on his death anniversary, observed on September 11. Members paid tribute to Shaheed-e-Pakistan Hakim Mohammed Said for his national services and offered prayers for recovery of an ailing member Shamim Kazmi. Colonel (retd) Mukhtar Ahmad Butt moderated discussion.