President urges for tolerance, religious harmony ISLAMABAD, Jan 30 (Online): President Mamnoon Hussain has called for joint efforts by all segments of society to shun the growing trend of intolerance and sectarianism in the country and seek guidance from teachings of Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Addressing the National Miladun Nabi Conference here on Thursday, he said it was high time to rise above petty personal interests and strive for promoting peace and harmony in the society in accordance with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The Conference titled Unity of Ummah, Need of time was attended by a large number of Ulema belonging to different schools of thought from across the country and representatives of the minority communities. President Mamnoon Hussain said the Conference had gathered religious scholars from different sects of Islam at one platform which manifested that the personality of Hazrat Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) was the main strength which could unite the Muslim Ummah. There can be no two opinions that Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) is the centre of all our reverence and devotion. If we strengthen our bond with Him, the Muslims can end all their mutual differences, he said. He expressed dissatisfaction over the dissention and sectarianism among the Muslims and said it was a matter of concern that the followers of a great religion that preaches peace and tolerance had taken to the path of extremism. He said Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) had regarded academic arguments among the Muslim Ummah as blessing, however he said that unfortunately the same had turned into a source of conflicts and friction, due to internal differences. He termed as regrettable the use of religion as a tool to disgrace the dignity of precious human lives. The President said by following the life of Hazrat Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) which is a great model for all humanity, we can make this world a better and peaceful place to live and also achieve success in the world hereafter. He said politeness and good manners are the essence of Hazrat Muhammads (Peace be upon Him) Ussawa-e-Hasana as his attitude with all - elders or young, man or women, acquaintance or strangers - was always cordial, respectful and warm. He said due to the teachings of Hazrat Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) based on the lessons of peace, the centuries-old animosities among the people turned into friendship. If some clarification related to religion was needed, the people consulted the Prophet to resolve the problem. After the passing away of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him), His Sahaaba (companions) were contacted who explained the issue in the light of His Seerat (life pattern) and Hadith (sayings), which was accepted by everyone with open hearts. However, now it is unfortunate that instead of benefitting from these glowing examples and traditions, the people act and comprehend the things in a negative way, he said. President Mamnoon Hussain quoted the Quranic verse that says And hold fast, all of you together, to the rope of Allah and be not divided among yourselves. The President said negating this clear message of Allah Almighty and making attempts to divide the Ummah over sectarian differences was an unfavoured act and a grievous sin. He said Hazrat Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) also termed creating a divide among the Ummah as a big evil. He said in the given circumstances, the role of religious scholars had increased to unite the Muslim Ummah and promote the message of harmony to discourage the miscreants who were fanning sectarianism and extremism. The President commended the holding of National Seerat Conference in the month of Rabi- ul- Awwal in a efitting manner which provided a positive and academic opportunity for the religious scholars and intellectuals to share their points of view with each other. The Conference was organised by National Seerat Council. Chairman Sahibzada Noorul Haq Qardi and other religious scholars also addressed the gathering and urged the need for unity and harmony to address all challenges.
Posted on: Thu, 30 Jan 2014 17:30:39 +0000