Constitution of Medina is the First Written Constitution in the World, Say Lawyers at Book Launch Event

Book Launch of Dr. Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri’s Works “Dastoor-e-Madina and the Concept of a Welfare State”

A book launch ceremony was held for two scholarly works by Prof. Dr. Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Minhaj-ul-Quran International: “Dastoor-e-Madina and the Concept of a Welfare State” and “Adab-e-Ikhtilaf” (The Etiquette of Disagreement). The event was organized by the Minhajians Forum.

President of Minhajians Forum, Allama Shahid Latif, delivered the opening remarks and welcomed prominent scholars and distinguished guests from various fields.

Senior lawyer of the Supreme Court, Muhammad Hayat Advocate, Principal of Minhaj College for Women Aftab Ahmad Khan, Deputy Secretary General (Media) Noorullah Siddiqi, Hafiz Muhammad Nasir, Rehan Khan Advocate, Nasir Qadri Advocate, Ahsan Owais Mustafavi, and Ahsan Chishti were among those who spoke at the event. The session was moderated by Allama Ain-ul-Haq Baghdadi.

The speakers congratulated Prof. Dr. Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri for his outstanding research, stating that his two-volume scholarly book on the Constitution of Medina corrects historical narratives and presents solid arguments proving that the Dastoor-e-Madina was the world’s first written constitution—preceding documents like the Magna Carta or constitutions of the U.S. and U.K.

Muhammad Hayat Khan Advocate noted that modern constitutions in the West seem to draw inspiration from the foundational principles of the State of Medina.

Principal Aftab Ahmad Khan remarked that today’s constitutions are merely 300–400 years old, whereas the Dastoor-e-Madina dates back over 1,400 years. He encouraged members of the legal community to study Dr. Hassan’s book.

Deputy Secretary General Noorullah Siddiqi discussed the second book, Adab-e-Ikhtilaf, highlighting that most conflicts today stem from a lack of etiquette in handling disagreements. He referenced how the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ engaged with representatives of other faiths with exemplary character and wisdom while forming the first constitution—resulting in a consensus on the Dastoor-e-Madina. He stressed that well-reasoned and purposeful dialogue always leads to positive outcomes.

Hafiz Muhammad Nasir described Dr. Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri as a highly educated, conscious, and principled youth—a beacon for the Ummah’s secure future.

Rehan Khan Advocate said that while society is plagued by division and blame, the Minhaj-ul-Quran platform continues to offer pearls of knowledge and wisdom.

Ahsan Owais Mustafavi suggested that books like Dastoor-e-Madina and Adab-e-Ikhtilaf should be included in academic curricula.

Nasir Qadri Advocate concluded by urging all lawyers to study both books, saying they would enhance their ability to engage in meaningful and confident legal discourse in courtrooms.