Naqshbandiya Foundation for Islamic Education (NFIE), based in Chicago, hosted a major event - the International Milad-Un-Nabi Conference 1999, on Saturday July 10. The theme of the conference was: Adab (Moral Excellence) In The Sunnah Of The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alihi wa sallam). Participants in the conference included a number of renowned Islamic scholars from different parts of the Muslim world. Heartwarming devotional poetry in the form of Naats and qasidas were very well received by the audience, which included many lovers of the Holy Prophet.

****Dr. Abd-Al Hakim Murad (T.J.Winter), from Cambridge, England, who is a lecturer of Islamic Studies at University of Cambridge was one of the main guest speakers. A renowned scholar, educated at Cambridge (MA Arabic) and Al-Azhar, Dr. Murad provided unique perspectives on many aspects of adab drawing from the Prophet's magnificent life, and also talked about the internal and external challenges that Islam faces on the eve of the millenium. There were three parallel sessions on many Islamic issues, and the participation showed that the passion for the Prophet's sirah is alive and flourishing, especially in the younger generation. The many speakers who spoke stirring words reminding listeners about the immense character of the Prophet, included: Professor Mohammad Mahmud Hussain Siddiqui (Chair Professor and Research director, Seerat-e-Tayyeba Chair, University of Karachi, Pakistan, and Bar at Shariat, Pakistan Bar Academy), Maulana Sayyid Jafar Mohyiddin Al-Qadari (Ph.D. College of Shariah, Al-Azhar University, President Al-Seerah Society of North America), Dr. Alan Abd-Al-Haqq Godlas (Associate Professor of Arabic & Islamic Studies at University of Georgia), Dr. Marcia K. Hermansen (Professor of Islamic Studies at Loyola University and author of Conclusive Argument from God: Shah Wali Allah of Dehli�s Hujjat Allah Al-Bilagha). Alhaj Siddique Ismail (the world renowned Naat Khwan from Pakistan), Shaikh Omar's Somalian group from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Ilhan Aydoner's Jerrahi Sufi group respectively perfomed naats, qasidas, and soul-stirring zikr. ****

The entire program was conducted under the guidance and spiritual support of Shaykh Muhammad Masum Naqshbandi, a prominent scholar and sufi from Western Azerbaijan, Iran, currently residing in Duncanville, Texas. Registration, meals, and baby-sitting were provided free by NFIE. There was quite an international flavor to the event and the organizers had outdone themselves with the lunch and dinner arrangements as well. According to some participants, the highlight of this entire session was the lecture and wonderful dua performed by Shaikh Masum Naqshbandi. In slow, clear, awe-inspiring, dignified tones he invoked the mercy and blessings of Allah upon the entire gathering. It seemed that at that instant, Allah was showering abundant grace upon the participants who had gathered to celebrate His Beloved Messenger's birth, personality, and guidance. For more information, please contact Dr. Ahmed H. Mirza, at (309) 655-7979 (office) or (309) 692-2539 (residence).