Pakistan’s Grand Mufti, Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman, emphasized that religious seminaries (madrasas) are not intended as sources of livelihood but as institutions for spreading Islam. He reminded religious leaders that they are accountable before Almighty Allah for whether they promoted faith, used public donations appropriately, and guided students toward religious scholarship.
Mufti Muneeb shared these views during a special address at the second annual three-day Ahle Sunnat Madrasas Convention (Islamic Leadership Summit) held at Memon Mosque, Bolton Market, hosted by the Saylani Welfare International Trust and Darul Uloom Memon.
The convention’s opening session also featured speeches from Saylani’s founder and chairman, Maulana Bashir Farooq Qadri, CEO Madni Raza Bashir Farooq, and other prominent speakers.
Over 1,200 religious scholars and teachers from more than 400 Ahle Sunnat madrasas nationwide participated in the event. Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman encouraged scholars to embody the courage of Caliph Umar (RA), whose leadership brought stability to major powers of his time.
Citing the recent Supreme Court ruling, he asserted that Pakistan’s constitution requires Qadianis (Ahmadis) to recognize themselves as non-Muslims, as every citizen is expected to uphold the laws of their country of residence. Mufti Muneeb further urged religious leaders to guide the community with integrity, remain steadfast, and consult senior scholars when issuing religious rulings.
He advised that errors should be acknowledged as accepting mistakes is a noble quality. Saylani Welfare’s founder, Maulana Bashir Farooq Qadri, highlighted the essential role of madrasas in preparing students to face contemporary challenges.
He shared that Saylani Welfare is actively involved in supporting religious education and, referring to Dawat-e-Islami, noted its global efforts in promoting Islam and the welfare of Muslims. The convention will continue with speeches by prominent scholars, including Dr. Rizwan Ahmed Naqshbandi and Afzal Chamdia, on today. The event will conclude with a closing address by Maulana Fazlur Rahman Bandyalvi on Monday, November 11, before Zuhr prayer.
