Minhaj-ul-Quran International, France

France, a member of European Community, enjoys a veto right. There are three Islamic centres working in France. The work of Minhaj-ul-Quran International started when its leader Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri visited the country in 1994. However, its formal launching was done in 1998. MQI France topped the world in connection with Mustafvi Fund Collection. There are five local organizations of Minhaj-ul-Quran International including Minhaj-ul-Quran Youth League, Sisters League, Pakistan Awami Tehreek and Minhaj-ul-Quran Women League. The leadership of Minhaj-ul-Quran International in Europe is in the hands of France for last many years. The representation of Minhaj-ul-Quran International Supreme Council is also with France. The MQI Paris has always been at the top in connection with religious education of community, schools, education and welfare projects.

Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri has visited the country more often than not. The conduct of historic conferences also forms part of traditions of Minhaj-ul-Quran International during these visits. He visited France in 1994. Three of his books have been published in French language. During this visit, a great scholar of Islam Dr Hamid Ullah also met Shaykh-ul-Islam. He also toured France in 1997, 2000 and 2001 with delegation. He went to Paris in June 2002 and participated in a reception given by the local organizations of Minhaj-ul-Quran International. He addressed a large number of gatherings of MQI, PAT Workers convention and an International Peace Conference.

During his visit of France in 2003, he presided over a meeting of Consultative Council and addressed a spiritual gathering. He also had meetings with the local chapters of Minhaj-ul-Quran International. During his visit of France in 2005, he took part in many programmes and also participated in a spiritual training camp in a special plane organized by the French chapter of Minhaj-ul-Quran. More than 250 people were part of this spiritual tour.

Since 1996 onwards, only one scholar Hafiz Iqbal Azim has been rendering his full time services, whereas different religious scholars have been visiting Minhaj-ul-Quran France from time to time.