Dr Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri delivered an impactful keynote address at the Youth Conference 2025 held in Sydney on March 15, 2025. Organised by Minhaj-ul-Qur’an International New South Wales, the conference, themed “The Compass of Faith: Living Islam with Purpose,” brought together community leaders, scholars, and youth from across Australia for an evening focused on spiritual and social excellence.
The event was graced by the presence of Mr Qamar Zaman, the Consul General of Pakistan in Sydney, and Rev Dr Patrick McInerney, Director of the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations. Dr Qadri opened his speech with a recitation of a significant verse from the Quran, highlighting the essence of righteousness, which transcends mere rituals and physical directions. He emphasized that true faith is defined by sincere belief and actions that align with Islamic principles.
Exploring Inner Directions of Faith
During his address, Dr Qadri introduced the concept of six inner directions that shape a believer’s spiritual journey. These include the upward direction, representing the relationship with Allah and the Prophet Muhammad, as well as dimensions relating to family, society, profession, community, and the environment. He articulated that focusing on these inner aspects can lead to personal growth, societal benefits, and a deeper connection with Allah.
Dr Qadri stressed the importance of moral conduct in all relationships, especially within families. He stated that disobeying parents equates to disobeying Allah, urging the youth to strengthen their relationship with the divine through sincere worship. He also highlighted the significance of solitude for self-improvement, suggesting that it allows individuals to reflect and align themselves with their faith before engaging with the broader community.
Throughout his speech, Dr Qadri shared inspiring stories from the lives of the Prophet Muhammad and his companions, illustrating the virtues of justice, respect, and kindness. He encouraged the audience to adopt these values, especially in the context of family relationships, where love and respect must be mutual.
Emphasizing Community and Environmental Responsibilities
Beyond family values, Dr Qadri addressed broader social responsibilities, advocating for kindness towards neighbours, both relatives and strangers. He underscored the importance of choosing righteous friends and maintaining family ties, all of which are highly regarded in Islam. He also warned against dishonesty in business practices, emphasizing the necessity of fairness and transparency.
Dr Qadri’s discourse extended to the environment, urging attendees to conserve resources and treat animals with kindness. He cited a teaching of the Prophet Muhammad, noting that believers should not waste water, even when performing ablutions at a flowing stream.
One poignant story shared was of Bayazid Bistami’s devotion to his mother, which exemplified the ideal parent-child relationship that Islamic teachings advocate. Dr Qadri lamented the decline of such noble traits in some Muslim communities and called for a return to the moral excellence exemplified by the Prophet.
The conference concluded with the presentation of awards to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the mission of faith and community welfare. The prestigious Shaykh-ul-Islam Award was awarded to Mian Muhammad Wasiq, while Dr Asif Khawaja received a Gold Medal for his significant contributions.
The event was a testament to the unity and service of the Minhaj-ul-Qur’an community, with special appreciation extended to the volunteers and the Women League of Minhaj-ul-Qur’an NSW for their efforts in organizing the conference. The gathering included a diverse array of attendees, reflecting the interfaith engagement and community spirit that Minhaj-ul-Qur’an International promotes.
Dr Qadri’s address resonated deeply with participants, inspiring them to embody the six dimensions of character he outlined and to actively participate in the mission of promoting love, tolerance, and harmony within the Muslim community and beyond.
