In 2003, Uzair Paracha's life changed overnight when he was arrested in New York and wrongly convicted of supporting al-Qaeda, facing an unimaginable 30-year prison sentence. He spent over 15 years in confinement, enduring years of uncertainty. But within the depths of this isolation, Uzair began an extraordinary journey of self-discovery, deeply immersing himself in the teachings of the Quran. His resulting unwavering trust in God became the pillar of his inner freedom long before he tasted physical freedom. In this powerful session, Uzair will share his story of resilience, exploring how his faith became not only his sanctuary but also a profound source of wisdom and personal transformation.
Uzair Paracha is a Pakistani citizen previously convicted of providing material support to al-Qaeda by a court in New York City in 2005 at the age of 25. He received a 30-year prison sentence which was voided 18 years later, with his judge stating that letting his conviction stand was a 'manifest injustice'. In March 2020 the American government gave up on taking Uzair to trial again and he was released and repatriated after being imprisoned for 17 years.