HOLY MARCH: City tribute to Prophet (pbuh) and Sufi Shaykh

Peterborough Today - U.K.
Monday, 22 May 2006

Proud Muslims celebrated the birth of the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh)with a holy march.

Hundreds of Islamic followers from around the country gathered in West Town to pay tribute to the prophet who founded their religion.
It was also a chance for the national Naqshbandiya Aslamia group to remember key Islam figure Sheik Khawaja Sufi Muhammed Islam, who died in 1999 after founding their group.
Kadafi Sadiq, member of the Naqshbandiya Aslamia committee, said: "This is a big message for the Muslim youth. It is a big attraction for them and it is the first time many have got to go on a really big event.

"It is a chance for us to tell them that the Prophet Muhammed came to spread a peaceful lifestyle and the message of this religion."

The march was organised by one of the late Sheik's disciples, Sufi Yusuf, from Peterborough, in honour of his mentor.
The march set out from Mr Yusuf's home, in Alderman's Drive, and included city residents, as well as people from London, Manchester and York. It ended at the Madrassa Qassimmyia in Bamber Street, where prominent poets and scholars gave poetry readings and speeches.

The main guest of the day was Sufi Muhammed Asghur, who has taken over as head of the organisation.

Mr Sadiq said: "The speeches gave people a chance to express their views about things going on in the world, such as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"It got people talking about what we can do to follow the lifestyle and example of the Prophet Muhammed and make this world a better place."