Brisbane, Australia – In a keynote address at the University of Queensland, Prof Dr Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Governors, Minhaj University Lahore, Renowned Ambassador for Peace at the United Nations Headquarters and President of Minhaj-ul-Quran International, emphasized the dire need to promote interfaith harmony, mutual respect and understanding among diverse communities.
Speaking on the theme "Misquoted and Misinterpreted Verses of the Qur’an and Their Real Meanings" Prof Hussain Qadri underscored how misinterpretations of sacred texts have historically fueled division and conflict. He stressed that such readings—whether by extremist groups or critics of religion—are often superficial, politically motivated, and detached from the original context.
Prof Hussain Qadri presented five essential principles of Qur’anic exegesis for accurate interpretation and complete knowledge, highlighting the necessity of understanding the historical background, linguistic insight, broader thematic coherence, and the Prophetic traditions when approaching any verse of the Qur’an.
"Every Qur’anic word has multiple layers of meaning. Interpreting them without context can distort the very spirit of Islam," he noted, calling upon scholars to embrace a scholarly approach rather than a literalist or selective one.
Prof Hussain Qadri also tackled common misconceptions regarding the concept of Jihad, clarifying that its true meaning is rooted in spiritual struggle, ethical responsibility, and the defense of justice, not violence or aggression.
He specifically addressed the controversial interpretation of the Qur’anic verse (Q.4:34): وَاضْرِبُوهُنَّ, which has often been misused to justify domestic violence. Drawing from Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri’s groundbreaking translation, "The Manifest Qur’an," he explained that the correct meaning is “to separate or travel away” rather than “to strike.”
"This verse offers a three-step framework for resolving marital disputes — dialogue, temporary separation of marital beds, and finally, a cooling-off period through physical separation — not physical abuse," Prof Hussain Qadri emphasized, adding that "The Holy Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) never struck a woman or servant, and his Sunna forms the highest standard of moral behaviour."
Reclaiming Islam’s Message of Peace
Prof Dr Hussain Qadri warned against letting extremist groups or Islamophobic critics define the self-concocted narrative of Islam, urging scholars, leaders, and faith communities to reclaim the religion’s true essence:
"Islam is a religion of peace, compassion, justice, and respect for humanity. Any interpretation that promotes violence or oppression contradicts the very spirit of the Qur’an and the Sunna of the Prophet (ﷺ)."
Prof. Dr. Hussain Qadri paid rich tribute to the scholarly and intellectual contributions of Shaykh-ul-Islam Prof Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, under whose visionary leadership Minhaj-ul-Quran International has emerged as a prominent global voice in counter-extremism, interfaith dialogue, and humanitarian services. He reiterated the commitment that Minhaj-ul-Quran International would continue its mission of building bridges between communities for the greater good of humanity.
Concluding his address, Prof. Dr. Hussain Qadri prayed for the success of global efforts toward fostering interfaith harmony, integration, promoting coexistence, and protecting human rights. He praised Minhaj-ul-Quran International’s ongoing work in dispelling misconceptions about Islam and presenting its peaceful, intellectual, and spiritually uplifting message to the world.
"Our duty is to build bridges, not walls. We must work together to create societies rooted in compassion, justice, and shared humanity," he said.
The seminar was attended by Mr. Zaffar Khan, Mian Muhammad Wasiq, Syed Shah Rafiuddin, Dr. Aamir Tanweer, Dr. Syed Moinbasha, Dr. Shabbeer Ahmed, Mr. Khaja Naseeruddin, Mr. Syed Zeeshan Ali Ahmed, Mr. Samiur Rahim Mohammed, Mr. Athiq Mohammed, Dr. Syeda Umama Mehreen, Mrs. Ayman Zafar, Ms. Iman, and other executive members.
In addition, various dignitaries, professionals from different walks of life, associates, members, and a large number of men and women from the Pakistani community also participated in the event.
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