Written by: Mirza Faisal Mahmood
Dawat-e-Islami has made history in the United Kingdom by organising, for the first time on British soil, a three-day religious gathering in the city of Nottingham on 18, 19 and 20 September 2026.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to every individual associated with Dawat-e-Islami on the success of this historic gathering, and especially to Ameer-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat and founder of Dawat-e-Islami, Maulana Muhammad Ilyas Attar Qadri Razavi, may his blessings continue.
He founded and inspired such a beautiful religious movement that has created an environment for Muslims living abroad where families and future generations can remain connected with Islam and Islamic values. Those who become associated with this movement and strengthen their connection with the religion will, InshaAllah, be able to distance themselves from the trials and temptations of the modern environment. Their lives can experience a positive spiritual transformation, with blessings in their homes and businesses and a stronger atmosphere of obedience and good character within their families. All of this becomes possible through following the teachings of Islam.
Coming to the three-day gathering, the video clips available on social media provide a glimpse of the remarkable scenes. As caravans and buses from across the United Kingdom began arriving at the gathering venue in Nottingham, the scene was so impressive that it seemed as though we were witnessing the roads around Makkah and Madinah, with long lines of buses transporting pilgrims from one place to another. It was truly a beautiful and memorable sight.
The organisers had made exceptionally good arrangements. There was no atmosphere of confusion or disorder. Before reaching the main gathering area, signboards had been installed at various locations to guide visitors. On arrival, security-checking lines and the necessary equipment were in place, and everyone was allowed to enter the gathering area only after completing the security checks.
Inside the venue, large marquees had been arranged. One of the Islamic brothers responsible for the arrangements explained that initially facilities had been prepared for approximately 30,000 participants, but these became insufficient on the second day. An additional very large marquee was therefore arranged, which also eventually became insufficient. On the second night, many people brought their own camping tents and spent the night there.
The large marquees and camping tents at the gathering venue brought to mind the atmosphere of Mina.
In addition to the marquees, visitors were able to see a variety of stalls, including Maktaba-tul-Madina, FGRF, New Muslim and many others. The FGRF stall also attracted considerable attention from the devotees of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. A number of awards were displayed there, recognising humanitarian and selfless services provided around the world. These awards had been presented by British institutions, different organisations and officials from various countries in recognition of humanitarian work.
On this occasion, I also had the opportunity to speak with Syed Fazil Raza Attari, Head of FGRF UK, Europe and Canada.
The organisers had made excellent arrangements throughout the venue. Large screens had been installed at different locations so that participants could follow the programmes easily. A beautiful Madani Channel studio was also established at the gathering, from where live transmissions continued throughout the three days.
Ambulances and first-aid facilities were also available to deal with any emergency situation. Arrangements for ablution, toilets and food were excellent.
Alongside the five daily congregational prayers, arrangements were also made for Tahajjud, Chasht, Ishraq and other voluntary acts of worship. Study circles were organised at various locations, providing participants with opportunities to learn and reflect.
Another important feature of the gathering was the turban ceremony for hundreds of Islamic scholars, marking an important religious occasion.
Many ordinary Pakistanis believe that Dawat-e-Islami, the global movement based on the Qur’an and Sunnah, is primarily a movement of Pakistanis. However, this three-day gathering completely changed my perspective.
Although the gathering was organised at the UK level, caravans arrived not only from different parts of Britain but also from Asian countries, including India and Bangladesh, as well as from other European and African countries, the United States, Canada and Australia. People speaking different languages came together as devotees of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
At that moment, I remembered the fundamental message of Ameer-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat Maulana Ilyas Attar Qadri, who has always emphasised that his aim is to strive for the reform of himself and the people of the entire world. That effort continues today.
During the three-day gathering, participants were not only encouraged to offer their prayers and attend study circles, but were also given the opportunity to learn essential religious knowledge. They learned about the correct method of performing Salah, the obligatory acts of Wudu and Ghusl, and many other important matters that are not always possible to learn simply by sitting at home.
Most importantly, the gathering provided an opportunity to reflect upon and change one’s way of thinking—to understand the true purpose of our lives.
I believe that this message will remain embedded in the hearts of thousands of devotees of the Prophet ﷺ, who will return to their homes, cities and countries with a renewed outlook, a new way of thinking and a fresh enthusiasm for living their lives according to Islamic values.
On the final day of the gathering, the thought-provoking address by Nigran-e-Shura Maulana Imran Attari and the presence of Rukn-e-Shura Haji Abdul Habib Attari added further distinction to the occasion.
Finally, the emotional supplication and Fikr-e-Madina created an unforgettable spiritual atmosphere, bringing the three-day gathering to a deeply moving conclusion.
Once again, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire Dawat-e-Islami organisation, all the organisers, volunteers and everyone who contributed to the success of this historic three-day gathering.
On this occasion, Rukn-e-Shura and Head of Dawat-e-Islami UK, Haji Khalid Attari, also announced that the second three-day gathering will be held in September 2027, InshaAllah.
Indeed, Dawat-e-Islami has written a new chapter in history in the United Kingdom.
O Dawat-e-Islami, your message and presence are resounding far and wide.
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