Thousands of attendees from across the United Kingdom gathered in Sheffield on Sunday 7 June 2026 for the annual Prophetic Sirah Conference organised by Minhaj-ul-Quran International UK.

The event attracted scholars, students, community leaders, families and devotees from throughout the country. The venue reached full capacity well before the commencement of the main address, creating an atmosphere filled with spiritual enthusiasm, love for the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and a deep desire to benefit from sacred knowledge.

His Eminence Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri was accompanied by Shaykh Hammad Mustafa al-Madani al-Qadri and was warmly welcomed by representatives of Minhaj-ul-Quran International UK, distinguished scholars and members of the wider community.

Understanding the Reality of Prophetic Sirah

In a profound and scholarly address, Shaykh-ul-Islam explored the reality of Sirah al-Nabawiyyah and its inseparable relationship with the Holy Qur’an.

Shaykh-ul-Islam explained that the Holy Qur’an manifested in three distinct ways:

1. As revelation descending upon the blessed heart of the Prophet ﷺ
2. As Sirah when absorbed into the blessed soul and character of the Prophet ﷺ
3. As recitation when conveyed through his blessed tongue to humanity

Drawing upon Qur’anic verses, Hadith and classical scholarship, Shaykh-ul-Islam described how divine revelation passed through stages of absorption, endurance, embodiment and manifestation until it became visible in the conduct, character and daily life of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

Referring to the famous statement of Sayyidah A’ishah (ra) that “his character was the Qur’an”, Shaykh-ul-Islam explained that the Sirah of the Prophet ﷺ is in reality the Qur’an brought to life and witnessed in human form.

The Inner and Outer Dimensions of Following the Prophet ﷺ

A central theme of the lecture was that true adherence to the Sunnah requires both outward practice and inward transformation.

Shaykh-ul-Islam emphasised that while Muslims often focus on external actions, the essence of Prophetic character lies within the heart through qualities such as:

1. Mercy
2. Humility
3. Compassion
4. Patience
5. Trustworthiness
6. Servitude to Allah
7. Generosity
8. Concern for creation

Shaykh-ul-Islam stressed that genuine love for the Messenger of Allah ﷺ is demonstrated through embodying these qualities in daily life rather than limiting one’s understanding of Sirah to historical events or external practices alone.

The Prophetic Model of Mercy

Throughout the address, Shaykh-ul-Islam repeatedly highlighted mercy as the defining characteristic of the Prophet ﷺ.

Drawing upon numerous examples from the Prophetic life, Shaykh-ul-Islam reminded attendees how the Messenger of Allah ﷺ prayed for those who stoned and injured him, saying:

“O Allah, forgive my people, for they do not know.”

He reflected upon the extraordinary forgiveness displayed on the day of the Conquest of Makkah when the Prophet ﷺ declared:

“No blame shall be upon you today.”

Shaykh-ul-Islam further highlighted examples of compassion towards all of creation, including:

1. Shortening prayer upon hearing a child cry
2. Showing concern for the distress of a camel
3. Granting a nursing deer permission to feed its young before returning
4. Demonstrating generosity to non-Muslims
5. Honouring his foster sister Sayyidah Shayma and freeing thousands of captives at her request

These examples, Shaykh-ul-Islam explained, illustrate the practical manifestation of Qur’anic mercy in every aspect of the Prophet’s ﷺ life.

The Excellence of the Blessed Rawdah

A significant portion of the lecture focused on the famous hadith:

“Between my house and my pulpit is a garden from the gardens of Paradise.”

Drawing extensively upon the works of major scholars throughout Islamic history, Shaykh-ul-Islam explored the virtues of the Blessed Rawdah and the resting place of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

Through detailed scholarly discussion, Shaykh-ul-Islam highlighted the immense reverence shown by generations of scholars towards the blessed resting place of the Prophet ﷺ and explained its unique spiritual rank within Islamic tradition.

The Necessity of Hadith and Sunnah

Shaykh-ul-Islam reaffirmed that the Holy Qur’an cannot be properly understood or implemented without the guidance of the Prophet ﷺ.

He explained that the practical details of worship, including prayer and countless aspects of religious life, are preserved through the Sunnah and Hadith.

Shaykh-ul-Islam cautioned against attempts to separate the Qur’an from the Prophetic tradition, reminding attendees that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was sent not only to convey revelation but also to explain and demonstrate it through his actions and teachings.

Knowledge Must Be Accompanied by Adab

Another major theme of the address was the importance of adab, humility and spiritual refinement.

Quoting the great scholars and Imams of Islam, Shaykh-ul-Islam reminded attendees that adab precedes knowledge.

He referenced:

1. The advice of Imam Malik’s mother to learn adab before knowledge
2. The emphasis placed by Imam Abu Hanifah upon character and refinement
3. The gatherings of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal where thousands attended to learn conduct and etiquette alongside sacred knowledge

Shaykh-ul-Islam stressed that knowledge without humility can become a source of division, whereas knowledge accompanied by adab becomes a source of benefit, wisdom and unity.

A Message of Unity and Mutual Respect

Addressing contemporary challenges facing the Muslim Ummah, Shaykh-ul-Islam expressed concern regarding increasing division, public disputes and hostility between Muslims.

Drawing examples from the Companions, the Four Imams and generations of scholars, Shaykh-ul-Islam demonstrated how differences of opinion were historically accompanied by respect, humility and brotherhood.

He reminded attendees that legitimate scholarly disagreement has always existed within Islam and becomes a mercy when conducted with sincerity and mutual respect.

Shaykh-ul-Islam urged Muslims to move away from argumentation, hostility and public condemnation and instead revive a culture of honouring one another despite differences.

Final Reflections

Concluding the conference, Shaykh-ul-Islam reminded the audience that the true purpose of studying the Sirah is personal transformation.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was presented not merely as a historical figure but as the living embodiment of the Qur’an whose example remains the ultimate guide for humanity.

Shaykh-ul-Islam called upon Muslims to adopt the mercy, forgiveness, humility, compassion and noble character of the Prophet ﷺ and to become ambassadors of unity, love and service within their communities.

The conference concluded with heartfelt prayers for the Muslim Ummah, the guidance of future generations and the revival of authentic Prophetic character in contemporary society.

For all those in attendance, the gathering served as a powerful reminder that the path to Allah Almighty is found through sincere love, reverence and practical emulation of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, whose blessed life remains the perfect manifestation of the Holy Qur’an.