Lucknow, September 10, 2025: On the occasion of 17 Rabi’ al-Awwal, marking the birth of the Seal of the Prophets, the Mercy upon the Universe, Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (peace be upon him), a grand programme was organised at Qadam-e-Rasool in Shah Najaf, Lucknow, under the auspices of Tanzeem Ali Congress. The event was presided over by Mrs. Rubina Murtaza Jawed, the President of Tanzeem Ali Congress.
The programme began with Nazar-e-Aqeedat. The occasion was also marked by the presence of Dr. Kalbe Noori, son of the late Bharat Ratna awardee Dr. Kalbe Sadiq.
**Nazar and Dua**
The attendees prayed for peace, harmony, brotherhood, development in the country, and support for flood-affected areas. In his address, Dr. Kalbe Noori emphasized the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), highlighting the paramountcy of education. He stated that the Prophet’s first teaching was that every individual should be educated, as education is the foundation for societal upliftment.
**Historical Significance of Qadam-e-Rasool**
Senior educationist Zulfiqar Rizvi elaborated on the historical importance of Kadam-e-Rasool. He explained that it was constructed around 1608 CE by Nawab Sadat Ali Khan Burhanul Mulk, built 100 feet high to protect this sacred site from frequent floods. He noted that the site once featured a black stone with holy footprints, attracting visitors from afar. However, during the 1857 First War of Independence, it was destroyed by British artillery fire during a conflict with Hazrat Mahal’s forces, leaving it in ruins ever since, with no restoration undertaken.
**Resolution for the Restoration of Qadam-e-Rasool**
Advocate Misam Zaidi expressed deep sorrow over the dilapidated state of Qadam-e-Rasool and said, “Seeing this sacred site for the first time filled me with regret. I will make every possible effort for its restoration.” Similarly, Dr. Qamar Raja referenced a Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), saying, “The Prophet said, ‘I am the city of knowledge, and Ali is its gate.’ If the gate is scratched, people take to the streets, but this city (Kadam-e-Rasool) lies in ruins today. What kind of love is this that reaches only the family of the Prophet and not the Prophet himself?” Secretary of All India Mohammadi Mission, Syed Junaid Ashraf, also expressed concern about its condition and urged the community to raise awareness for its restoration, emphasizing the need to restore it to its former glory.
**Call to Follow the Prophet’s Teachings**
Laying stress on the importance of acting on the Prophet’s teachings, Dr. Anoop said, “Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us to stand against wrongdoing immediately, but we don’t do so. One of his teachings was to avoid hurting anyone, yet relationships are strained today. We must follow his teachings.”
**Collective Pledge and Gratitude**
Speakers including Dr. Akash Vikram, Junaid Ashraf Khan, Syed Iqbal Raza, Advocate Siddiqui Haider, Wajid Zaidi, Santosh Kumar, and Syed Qayam Rizvi also expressed their views. All pledged their full support for the restoration of Qadam-e-Rasool. In conclusion, Mrs. Rubina Murtaza Jawed thanked all attendees. While addressing the gathering she said that social justice cannot be imagined without the message of equality and principles of justice as put forth by Prophet Mohammad ( pbuh). She further added that commercialisation and politicisation of religion cannot be beneficial for Human society.
**Additional Suggestions**
– **Awareness Campaign for Qadam-e-Rasool**: A comprehensive awareness campaign should be launched for its restoration, involving local communities, historians, and religious organisations.
– **Government Support**: Assistance should be sought from the government and the archaeological department to preserve historical sites like Qadam-e-Rasool and restore its original grandeur.
– **Educational and Religious Programs**: Regular educational and religious events should be held to educate the younger generation about the Prophet’s teachings and the site’s significance.
– **Community Participation**: Community members should be involved in the restoration process to enhance the site’s importance through their participation.
This programme not only provided an opportunity to remember the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) but also sparked a new resolve for the restoration of Qadam-e-Rasool. It proved to be a significant step in promoting unity, education, and religious values within the community.
