Solution to Contemporary Issues Symposium held at Masjid Mahmood

"Islam has the solutions to all problems of the present day" said Imam Shamshad.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Metro Detroit held Symposium “Solutions to Contemporary Issues from the Life of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)” on Wednesday, December 10, 2017.

The presenters focused on current day issues including modesty, women rights, extremism, lack of justice and host of other contemporary problems facing the youth and the American public in general.

Attendees listening to Imam Shamshad Nasir at the 2017 Life of Muhammad (pbuh) Sympoisum at Masjid Mahmood.

Dr. BK Ahmad recited selected verses from the Holy Quran. Abdul Rahman Ghani and Ridaa Khan recited poems in praise of the Holy Prophet(pbuh) written by the Promised Messiah, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as).

Dr Mansoor Qureshi, President of the community welcomed the guests and urged all to listen to today's program and make it part of their lives. Hasan Qureshi, a youth, described the challenges the youth face in todays environment where sexual abuse and harassment has become prevalent. "Its hard for the youth to find a true role model one can trust in such an environment. The only way to fashion one’s life with purpose would be to follow the excellent model of the Holy Prophet", he elaborated.

Muhammad Ahmad, looked at numerous examples of how the opponents of the Prophet Muhammad(pbuh) during his lifetime viewed his character and claim of being the messenger of God. Without an exception all considered him to be Al-Amin, the Truthful, Trustworty and honest. In addition, he presented numerous examples from the writings of recent historians and scholars and their view of the character and accomplishments of the prophet Muhammad(pbuh). He quoted from Michael Hart’s famous book "The 100".

“My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world’s most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular levels.” Michael H. Hart

Imam Shamshad Nasir, regional Imam Mid-West region in his concluding keynote address provided practical examples from the life of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) that everyone can not only easily implement in their daily lives but also reap the benefits immediately. “From simple and basic matters of health and personal hygiene to larger issues of justice, forgiveness, forbearance and respect and everything in between we can look up to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as our role model” said the Imam.

Holy prophet taught us that one should eat less and not completely fill the stomach with food. Leaving some empty stomach keeps us from many health-related issues. Also, Holy Prophet always ate with his right hand and even distribute and share the food by starting from his right side despite the fact that his most senior companions would be sitting on his left side and a child on his right side. He would always start the food from the person on his right-hand side.imam shamshad mentioned that Islam is the only solution of present day all problems, if we adopt Justice in all our affairs peace will be achieved.

Imam Shamshad also elaborated on many other aspects of the Holy Prophet’s life and how everyone can benefit from them by implementing in our lives.

At the end Imam Shamshad Nasir and Dr Qureshi took questions from the audience. One of the guest asked questions in regard to the status and meaning of Sharia. “Holy Quran is the Sharia for Muslims and there is no place in the holy Quran where any violence is permitted or permission to take anyone’s life is given. The only time one is allowed to defend oneself when he/she is being attacked and is in danger of his or her life.“

Imam Shamshad Nasir answering to a questions from audience

Imam Shamshad Nasir thanked the attendees for their time and listening to the program and concluded the program with silent prayers.