Ṭāhir al-Qādrī

Muḥammad Ṭāhir al-Qādrī (b. 1951) is a contemporary Pakistani Muslim scholar, preacher, jurist, and prolific writer known for his extensive contributions to sīrah literature, Islamic revivalism, and contemporary Islamic thought. Born in Jhang, Punjab, Pakistan, he received both traditional Islamic education and modern legal training, later earning advanced degrees in Islamic law from the University of the Punjab. He subsequently served as professor of Islamic law and constitutional law and became widely recognized in the Muslim world for his lectures, writings, and educational initiatives.

al-Qādrī is the founder of Minhaj-ul-Quran International, a global religious and educational movement established in 1980 with branches in numerous countries. Through this organization, he promoted Islamic scholarship, interfaith harmony, spiritual reform, and devotion to the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ. His writings on the Prophet’s life emphasize the spiritual, ethical, and civilizational dimensions of the sīrah while presenting the Prophet ﷺ as a universal model for contemporary humanity.

Among his most important contributions to sīrah studies are his extensive lectures and writings on the Prophet’s character, Prophetic mercy, Mawlid al-Nabī, the authority of sunnah, and love of the Prophet ﷺ. His multi-volume works and public lectures often integrate Qur’ānic exegesis, ḥadīth, classical sīrah narratives, and Ṣūfī spirituality. He also authored works defending the honour and finality of Prophethood and highlighting the Prophet’s role as a source of peace and social transformation.

al-Qādrī gained international attention for his public condemnation of religious extremism and terrorism, particularly through his detailed anti-terrorism fatwā and international peace initiatives. His approach to sīrah combines traditional Sunni scholarship with modern communication methods, making Prophetic teachings accessible to contemporary audiences through books, television programs, and digital media.