Canada: MYL Canada Hosts Meet & Greet and Q&A Session with Shaykh Hammad Mustafa al Madani al Qadri

CANADA: Muslim Youth League (MYL) Canada hosted a special Meet & Greet and interactive Q&A session with Shaykh Hammad Mustafa al-Madani al-Qadri and in attendance was Shaykh Ahmad Mustafa al-Arabi al-Qadri at Jāmiʿ al-Mustafa, bringing together young people and members of the wider community for an evening of thoughtful discussion on the intellectual, spiritual, and practical challenges facing Muslims in contemporary society.

Throughout the evening, Shaykh Hammad Qadri responded to questions submitted by attendees on a wide range of subjects, including the existence of Allah Almighty and the claims of atheism, secularism and the place of faith in public life, intellectual doubt, taqlīd and ijtihād, digital distraction and social media dependency, the use of artificial intelligence for seeking religious knowledge, the influence of companionship and the dangers of backbiting, honouring parents during genuine disagreement, and governing the ego when collective decisions differ from one’s personal view.

Drawing upon the Holy Qur’an, the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and the intellectual heritage of classical Islamic scholarship, Shaykh Hammad Qadri explained that Islam continues to offer a coherent and comprehensive framework for navigating the realities of modern life. He encouraged attendees to engage sincerely with difficult questions, distinguish genuine intellectual inquiry from recurring doubt and anxiety, and seek answers through qualified scholarship, sound reasoning, and spiritual discipline.

Addressing the relationship between faith and contemporary society, Shaykh Hammad Qadri emphasised that Islam cannot be confined solely to private worship, but instead provides moral guidance for family life, education, commerce, social responsibility, justice, and public conduct. He explained that Muslims living in plural societies should uphold peace, justice, responsible citizenship, and respect for others while remaining firmly rooted in the principles of their faith.

Reflecting on the rapid development of technology, Shaykh Hammad Qadri also addressed the growing role of artificial intelligence. He explained that while AI can assist with research and accessing information, it can never replace qualified scholars, the inherited tradition of Islamic learning, spiritual companionship, or accountable religious authority. Rather, such technologies should be used responsibly and always alongside authentic scholarship and recognised sources of Islamic knowledge.

Turning to personal conduct and spiritual development, Shaykh Hammad Qadri encouraged attendees to protect their time and attention from endless digital consumption, choose companionship that strengthens faith and character, guard the honour of others by avoiding gossip and backbiting, and maintain kindness and respect towards parents even where genuine disagreement exists. He further emphasised that consultation and teamwork require humility, explaining that once a lawful collective decision has been reached, individuals should prioritise the success of the collective mission over the desire to prove their own opinion correct.

Concluding the session, Shaykh Hammad Qadri urged the youth not to remain passive observers within their communities, but to become actively involved in meaningful service, organisational work, and initiatives that benefit others. He reminded attendees that faith must be translated into contribution, responsibility, and sustained action, encouraging them to dedicate their time, talents, and energy to serving the Dīn and strengthening their communities.

The evening concluded with an awards presentation recognising members of MYL Canada who have distinguished themselves through their exceptional efforts, continued dedication, and selfless service to others within their communities. Their recognition provided a fitting conclusion to an evening centred on knowledge, character, leadership, and the importance of translating faith into meaningful action. The gathering was attended by President of Minhaj-ul-Qur’an International Canada, Sufi Tariq Mahmood Sahib; Director of MQI Canada, Allama Ahmed Awan Sahib; Shaykh Zia-ul-Haq Razi; Operations Director of Minhaj Welfare Foundation, Shaykh Adnan Sohail; Shaykh Abdullah Ahmad al-Qadri; and President of MYL Canada, Muzammil Sharief.