Day of Arafat Stands as the World’s Most Remarkable Symbol of Spiritual Unity and Humility
By Abdul Rahman M. Baig
JEDDAH: The 33rd Annual Hajj Reception Ceremony organized by Bazm-e-Talabay-e-Qadim and Muhabban-e-Jamia Nizamia (Alumni and Well-wishers of JamiaNizamia)
was held with great enthusiasm at Darbar Hall, Shadab Restaurant, Aziziyah, Jeddah, bringing together scholars, pilgrims, community leaders, and well-wishers.
Addressing the gathering, renowned Islamic scholar and founder of The Quran Academy Hyderabad, Maulana Dr. Syed Rizwan Pasha Qadri La’ubali, highlighted the unparalleled spiritual atmosphere of Arafat. He said that the gathering of millions of Muslims from different races, languages, cultures, and nations in one plain, united in humility and devotion before Allah Almighty, is a unique scene found nowhere else in the world. He noted that pilgrims stand together reciting the Kalimah, seeking forgiveness and mercy from their Lord with sincere hearts and tearful eyes.
The event was presided over by Maulana Hafiz Muhammad Abdul Salam Naqshbandi, Patron of the Bazm, while Maulana Hafiz Muhammad Nizamuddin Ghori Sufi Qadri, President of the organization and a graduate of JamiaNizamia, supervised the proceedings.
Among the distinguished guests were Maulana Hamid bin Muhammad Qureshi, Deputy Sheikh of Literature at JamiaNizamia; Maulana Dr. Syed Shah Abdul Moez Qadri Sharfi; Maulana Hamid Hussain Hassan Farooqi, Ameer of Sunni Dawat-e-Islami Telangana; Maulana Dr. Muhammad Ali Shah Noori Arifi; Maulana Muhammad Mukhtar Ahmed Al-Junaidi; and Maulana Abdul Jawad Qadri.
Former Bazm President Maulana Muhammad Naseeruddin, Maulana Hafiz Syed Qadir Mohiuddin Qadri Al-MusawiAl-Jilani (Mujtaba Pasha), and Maulana Syed BadruddinQadri Al-Jeelani (Amin Pasha) attended as guests of honour.
The program commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Hafiz and Qari Muhammad Faizan, followed by Naat recitations by Muhammad Irfan Ahmed Qadri and Muhammad Yasir Qadri. The welcome address was delivered by Maulana Shah Muhammad Jaliluddin Qadri Badri, Vice President of the Hajj Reception Committee.
In his speech, Maulana Hamid bin Muhammad Qureshi emphasized that those blessed with the opportunity to answer the call of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) for Hajj should consider it a great divine favour. He urged pilgrims to perform Hajj solely for the pleasure of Allah, free from worldly motives such as prestige or personal gain.
Maulana Dr. Syed Shah Abdul Moez Qadri Sharfi praised the organizers for continuing the tradition of welcoming pilgrims for more than three decades. He also commended the religious, educational, and cultural contributions of Jamia Nizamia in preserving Islamic teachings and heritage.
Speaking on the significance of Zamzam, Maulana Hamid Hussain Hassan Farooqi elaborated on its spiritual and historical importance, drawing references from the lives of Prophets Ayyub (AS) and Ismail (AS).
Maulana Syed Mujtaba Pasha Qadri encouraged scholars and religious leaders to make positive use of social media for spreading beneficial religious and educational content, stating that digital platforms can serve as powerful tools for outreach and guidance.
Maulana Muhammad Mukhtar Ahmed Al-Junaidi advised those who possess both financial means and physical ability not to delay the performance of Hajj, while Maulana Dr. Muhammad Ali Noori Arifi highlighted the importance of following the teachings and exemplary life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Maulana Abdul Jawad Qadri emphasized that the remembrance of Allah remains central to all acts of worship, particularly during Hajj, where the chants of “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk” resonate throughout the sacred journey.
Several pilgrims who are scheduled to perform Hajj this year were honoured during the ceremony. The pilgrims included Syed Shah Irfanuddin Sharifi Al-Qadri, Hafiz Syed Muzammil Ahmed Qadri, Hafiz Muhammad Azimuddin Nomani, Syed Khwaja Jalaluddin Asim Sabri, Hafiz Sheikh Shafiuddin Sharifi Nomani, Irfan Qadri, Rizwan Qadri, Faraz Ijaz Ahmed Khan, Dr. Muhammad Abdul Rashid Qadri, Muhammad Abdul Qadir Qadri, Obaid-ur-Rehman, Syed Arshad Ghori, and Muhammad Mahboob Khan.
The pilgrims were presented with commemorative mementos and handkerchiefs by Maulana Hafiz Muhammad Abdul Salam Naqshbandi and Maulana Hafiz Muhammad Nizamuddin Ghori.
The successful organization of the event was made possible through the efforts of the Hajj Reception Committee under the leadership of Ijaz Ahmed Khan (President), Maulana Jalil Qadri (Vice President), and Sarfaraz Khan (Trustee), along with other committee members. Under the supervision of Syed Ehtesham Ali Khan, Deputy Trustee of the committee, a dedicated team of volunteers actively participated in managing the arrangements.
The event received special live media coverage by the team of Sheikh Aleem of AK News. A large number of scholars, community leaders, social activists, and members of various religious and charitable organizations attended the gathering, making the occasion a memorable celebration of faith, unity, and service.