2-day Spiritual Itikaf held at COSIS

College of Shariah and Islamic Sciences organized a two-day spiritual Itikaf for its students on May 16-17, 2012. Such events are part of regular educational activities of the College. All teachers and students enthusiastically participated in the Itikaf. The activities of Itikaf began with the pre-dawn prayer followed by Dhiker and Naat gatherings. After the offering of Fajr prayers, the participants recited special ‘wazaif’ given by Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri. They took rest after offering ‘Ishraq’ prayers.

The proceedings of a spiritual gathering got underway with the recitation from the Holy Quran followed by Naat at 9 a.m. Dr Muhammad Asghar Javed threw light on the aims and objectives of spiritual retreat in the light of sayings of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri. Later on, Prof Muhammad Nawaz Zafar gave educating and enlightening talk on importance of knowledge, pious action and Minhaj University. His talk had a spellbound effect on the listeners.

Principal of COSIS Dr Obaidullah Ranjha delivered a talk on the topic of importance of discipline in human life. He referred to the Holy Quran, Hadith and scientific examples and also dilated upon the vision of Shaykh-ul-Islam regarding the expanded role of COSIS. The address of Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri was shown on projector after conclusion of his talk. Zuhr prayers were followed by a break for rest.

Mufti Abdul Qayyum Khan Hazarvi had a detailed discussion on educational and scholarly services and contributions of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri. He said that there is hardly an example to match that of Shaykh-ul-Islam insofar as he has worked wonders in a short period of time. He quoted the verses of Maulana Rum and Allama Muhammad Iqbal to throw a light on Shaykh-ul-Islam’s extreme love of Allah Almighty and the Holy Prophet (SAW).

Muhammad Afzal Qadri, senior scholar of FMRi, gave a talk on the subject of ‘Movement and Leader of the Movement’ in which he advised the students to explore internal strengths and focus on edification of character. Talking at the occasion, Dr Muhammad Asghar Javed mentioned ways and means which could help students acquire necessary etiquettes, so critical to learning of knowledge and character building. It was followed by showing of Shaykh-ul-Islam’s address on the subject of “Effects of bad company”.

After Asr prayers, Dhikr and Naat gathering was held in which Dr Obaidullah Ranjha, Mufti Abdul Qayyum Khan Hazarvi, Prof Muhammad Nawaz Zafar Chishti, Shaykh Abdul Aziz, Raja Jamil Ajmal and other respected guests participated. A tearful prayer was made for peace and tranquility, good health and long life of Shaykh-ul-Islam, wellbeing of workers of MQI and other Muslims. Fast was broken followed by another Naat gathering after Isha prayers.

A team led by Dr Muhammad Asghar Javed played important role in making this programme a success. The students vowed to continue the practice in future too.