Annual Prize Distribution Ceremony Held Under the Auspices of Nizam-ul-Madaris Pakistan

Distinguished Scholars from Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Egypt, Attend Ceremony
“Knowledge guides human beings toward truth, justice, fairness, and balance,” says Professor Dr. Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri
Khurram Nawaz Gandapur, Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, Dr. Mir Muhammad Asif Akbar, Abbas Abdullah Shouman, and Dr. Muhammad Abduldaem Al-Jundi participate and address the gathering

The Annual Prize Distribution Ceremony 2026, organized by Nizam-ul-Madaris Pakistan, was held at the Central Secretariat of Minhaj-ul-Quran International. The ceremony was attended by Chairman of the Board of Governors of Nizam-ul-Madaris Pakistan Professor Dr. Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri; distinguished scholars from Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Egypt; Secretary-General of the Council of Senior Scholars at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and President of the World Association for Al-Azhar Graduates (WAAG) Abbas Abdullah Shouman; Dr. Muhammad Abduldaem Al-Jundi; eminent religious scholars; leaders of various religious education boards; teachers; students; and parents.

Students from across Pakistan who secured first, second, and third positions in various academic levels were presented with prizes and certificates in recognition of their outstanding academic performance.

Chairman of the Board of Governors of Nizam-ul-Madaris Pakistan, Professor Dr. Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, warmly welcomed the distinguished scholars from Al-Azhar and expressed his special gratitude to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb. He said that graduation is not the end of an educational journey but the beginning of a new and more responsible phase. Receiving a degree or certificate does not mark the culmination of knowledge; rather, it signifies entry into an unlimited journey of learning.

He emphasized that knowledge is not merely the accumulation of information; it is a light that guides human beings toward truth, justice, fairness, and balance. For scholars, Hadith specialists, jurists, and religious preachers, he said, the true purpose of knowledge is the refinement of character and conduct and the proper guidance of society.

Secretary-General of the Council of Senior Scholars at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and President of the World Association for Al-Azhar Graduates (WAAG), Abbas Abdullah Shouman, said that it was a source of great pleasure to participate in this important intellectual and religious gathering in Pakistan. Appreciating the academic, religious, and humanitarian services of Minhaj-ul-Quran International, he said that the institution’s contributions under the guidance of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri and the leadership of Professor Dr. Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri was highly commendable.

Referring to the Charter of Madinah as one of the great documents in human history, he said that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) established enlightened foundations for the rights, responsibilities, and mutual relations of people belonging to different religions and social groups. The Charter of Madinah, he added, continues to provide valuable guiding principles for peaceful coexistence and shared responsibilities.

Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi said that the longstanding issues concerning the registration of religious seminaries and their bank accounts had been resolved. He described the occasion as a moment of happiness and blessing, noting that distinguished scholars from Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and the Arab world were present among them.

He said that religious seminaries were playing an important role in serving the country and the nation, while Minhaj-ul-Quran was a prominent example of religious, educational, and welfare services. He observed that the Armed Forces of Pakistan safeguard the country’s geographical borders, while religious scholars and seminaries play their role on the ideological and intellectual front. “Differences with individuals may exist, but disagreement does not mean harming our own home,” he said. “We stand with Pakistan, the Armed Forces of Pakistan, and peace.”

Director General of Minhaj-ul-Quran International and Deputy Chairman of the Board of Governors of Nizam-ul-Madaris Pakistan, Khurram Nawaz Gandapur, welcomed the Al-Azhar scholars and all distinguished guests. He said that the intellectual and religious ties between Pakistan and Egypt had always remained strong, while the relationship between Minhaj-ul-Quran and Al-Azhar Al-Sharif held particular significance.

In his welcome address, Director General of Nizam-ul-Madaris Pakistan Dr. Mir Muhammad Asif Akbar Qadri said that the event was not merely a prize distribution ceremony but a celebration of the students’ achievements, the prayers of their parents, the dedication of their teachers, and the valuable academic contributions of religious seminaries. He described the participation of scholars from different schools of thought as a beautiful example of unity and solidarity.

The ceremony was also addressed by Mufti Abdul Latif, Dr. Mufti Imran Anwar Nizami, Allama Mufti Muhammad Zubair Faheem, Professor Dr. Shabbir Ahmad Jami, Allama Syed Faheem-ul-Hassan Thanvi, and Allama Sahibzada Muhammad Badr-uz-Zaman Qadri. They congratulated the position holders, teachers, and parents on their achievements.

The ceremony commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Qari Syed Khalid Kazmi Al-Azhari, followed by a naat in praise of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), presented by Shams-ul-Arifeen. The proceedings were conducted by Allama Ain-ul-Haq Baghdadi and Allama Muhammad Sajid Al-Burhani.

A large number of distinguished religious and academic personalities, teachers, students, parents, and other guests attended the ceremony.