The Karachi chapter of Minhaj-ul-Quran Women League organized a prestigious ‘Sayyida Zainab Conference (AS)’ in the auditorium of Karachi Museum on November 6. Ms. Razia Naveed, central Secretary General of Minhaj-ul-Quran Women League, presided over the programme, whereas Sayyida Shazia Mazhar, central Secretary Training, was the guest of honour on the occasion. The people belonging to various walks of life including literature, politics, social work, and women rights attended the conference. Dr Fehmida, professor of Federal Urdu University Karachi, Ms Khushbakhat Shujat, MQM member of Parliament, Ms Sarah Nawazish, lecturer of Karachi University, Ms Imtiaz Javed, renowned scholar of QTV, and Ms Tasbeeha Shafique, president of MWL Karachi were among the distinguished audience. The workers of local chapters of MYL from all towns of Karachi were in attendance in large number.

The proceedings of the Conference got underway with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by Naat. Ms Sehar Azam presented a ‘manqbat’ in the honour of Sayyida Zainab (AS). Ms. Rani Rashid, media coordinator of MYL Karachi, conducted the proceedings in a beautiful manner.

Addressing the participants of the Conference, Mrs. Razia Naveed, central Secretary General of MWL, said that MWL was working to promote the teachings of Sayyida Zainab (AS) in the society. She said that we had come to a critical juncture due to vagaries of times with two choices between Hussaini character and Yazidi way of life available to us. She said that it was upon us to choose either of the two paths. She said that the way Sayyida Zainab (AS) rose to occasion and set an example of courage, forbearance, and patience after the epoch of Karbala served as a beacon of light for the Muslim women.

The Secretary General of MWL said that Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri taught us to wage a peaceful and democratic struggle against the corrupt system. He said that Hazrat Imam e Hussain (AS) raised a banner of truth against the oppressive, exploitative and cruel system of Yazid and added a glorious chapter of sacrifice and exemplary courage to the annals of human history. He said that Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri was working to establish a prayer of 20 million Namazis for peaceful and democratic change.

Dr Fehmida said in her speech that Islam spread through love, and not sword. She said that we should present Pakistan as a role model in the Muslim world but for that to happen, we should follow the teachings of Hazrat Imam e Hussain (AS) and make this country truly great.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Khushbakhat Shujat said that exemplary strength of character showed by women of the Prophet’s Household during and after the incident of Karbala stuns the human mind. She urged the women of today to take a leaf from the book of Sayyida Zainab (AS) and model their lives on the patter of her exalted life.

Ms Sarah Nawazish said that the way Hazrat Imam e Hussain (AS) left his home along with his family showed that he did not want to get power or government. Rather he sacrificed everything including their lives to protect the faith of his grandfather from being disfigured. She said that the great Imam would continue to rule hearts and minds till Day of Judgment.

Ms Imtiaz Javed said in her remarks that Imam e Hussain (AS) migrated from Madina in compliance with the practice of the Prophets. He proved through his supreme act that the faithful do not hesitate from making any sacrifice for the sake of truth.

Mrs. Tasbeeha Shafique, president of MWL Karachi, thanked the honorable guest speakers and audience for their time.