Madinah Munawwarah, the sacred city honored by the footsteps of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), holds a special place in the hearts of all believers. It is the city where the Islamic state was founded after the Prophet’s migration, where Masjid-e-Nabawi was built, where the historic Charter of Madinah was established, and where the Prophet (PBUH) spent the final days of his blessed life. Madinah has always symbolized faith, brotherhood, justice, and sacrifice, and to this day, its air is filled with the same spiritual peace and blessings that existed 1,400 years ago.

One of Pakistan’s senior politicians and Federal Minister, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, is deeply drawn to the spiritual essence of Madinah. For the past eighteen years, he has been spending the last ten days of Ramadan in I’tikaf (spiritual retreat) in Masjid-e-Nabawi. He considers Madinah a center for his spiritual growth and a source of inner peace.

A Proud Connection to the Lovers of the Prophet (PBUH)
Professor Ahsan Iqbal takes immense pride in being a descendant of a family that has always been devoted to the love of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). His father, Iqbal Ahmed Chaudhry, was also a sincere lover of the Prophet and had the honor of passing away in Madinah. He was buried in Jannat-ul-Baqi, a blessing every Muslim yearns for. Whenever Ahsan Iqbal visits Madinah, he makes sure to visit his father’s grave and cherishes every moment he spends in this sacred city.

The Family’s Role in Defending the Sanctity of Prophethood
Professor Ahsan Iqbal’s family has played a significant role in upholding Islamic values and defending the sanctity of the Prophet (PBUH). His mother, Begum Nisar Fatima, was a distinguished politician and Islamic scholar. As a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan in 1986, she was the first to introduce legislation to protect the sanctity of Prophethood (Namoos-e-Risalat), which later became a crucial part of Pakistan’s constitution.

Ahsan Iqbal reaffirmed his lifelong commitment to this cause, recalling the tragic incident in 2018 when he was shot in an assassination attempt. He expressed regret that some political and religious groups are leading the youth towards extremism. He lamented the fact that religious sentiments are being weaponized for political gains, which is against the true teachings of Islam. He emphasized that Islam is a religion of peace and love, but some individuals have built walls of hatred in the name of faith.

The Last Ashra of Ramadan and I’tikaf in Masjid-e-Nabawi
The Federal Minister shared that he has been observing I’tikaf in Masjid-e-Nabawi for the last eighteen years without interruption. He described the spiritual experience as beyond words:

“The entire world is one thing, and the last ten days of Ramadan in Masjid-e-Nabawi are another. The blessings and spiritual essence of these days cannot be put into words.”

When asked if his ministerial responsibilities hinder this commitment, he responded, “There are 365 days in a year, 355 for official duties, and 10 for Madinah.”

The atmosphere of Madinah, the radiance of Masjid-e-Nabawi, and the experience of worship in this sacred place provide an unparalleled sense of closeness to Allah.

Understanding the Quran: The Key to Muslim Progress
Professor Ahsan Iqbal strongly emphasized the importance of understanding the Quran with translation. He urged Muslims to study and implement its teachings in their lives, stating that true success in both this world and the hereafter depends on it. He remarked:

“The Quran calls for the conquest of the universe, but we have confined it to the conquest of mosques. While the world races to explore planets, we are competing over sectarian divisions within mosques.”

He stressed that the Quran encourages deep reflection and research, yet the Muslim world has largely turned away from scientific inquiry. He highlighted the irony that a nation of just 10 million people (Israel) continues to oppress millions in Palestine, while 2.5 billion Muslims remain helpless.

He urged young people to seek guidance from the Quran and Sunnah, reminding them that knowledge and action should be rooted in a true understanding of the Holy Book.

The Model of the State of Madinah: Justice and Equality
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) established Madinah as a model state based on justice and equality. In this city, no one was given superiority based on race, tribe, or financial status. Every individual was granted equal rights, and justice was paramount.

Ahsan Iqbal stressed that if today’s Muslim world embraces the principles of the State of Madinah, their condition would improve significantly. He outlined key points:

• Ensuring the rule of law
• Promoting education and research
• Eliminating poverty and injustice

He highlighted that these same principles form the foundation of Pakistan’s Uraan Pakistan program, which is aimed at national development.

Profound Reverence for Madinah
Madinah holds the distinct honor of being home to the Prophet’s (PBUH) blessed tomb. Every moment, the air is filled with prayers and salutations upon him. The city also houses Riyadh-ul-Jannah, the sacred area the Prophet (PBUH) described as “a garden from the gardens of Paradise.”

It is the city from where the light of Islam spread to the entire world, and to this day, its spiritual blessings continue to ignite faith in the hearts of believers.

Prayers for Pakistan and the Muslim World
In the end, the Federal Minister prayed for peace, prosperity, and stability in Pakistan. He also prayed for unity and solidarity among the Muslim world. He shared that during his I’tikaf in Masjid-e-Nabawi, he makes special prayers for Pakistan to overcome its challenges and emerge as a strong, prosperous nation built on Islamic principles.