LAHORE, Feb 15 (APP):Prime Minister Coordinator for Religious Harmony and Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) Chairman Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi on Sunday called upon all religious scholars and khateebs to focus on uniting the Muslim Ummah and strictly adhere to a code of conduct during the holy month of Ramzan.
He expressed these views while addressing a joint meeting on “Ramazan and the Responsibilities of the Mimbar” held at Jamia Masjid Nimra, Johar Town. The meeting was attended by scholars, religious leaders and representatives of various schools of thought.
Addressing the gathering, Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi said that at a time when the Muslim Ummah was facing multiple internal and external challenges, unity and harmony were the most pressing needs.
He urged ulema and religious speakers to use the platform of the Mimbar and Mehrab to promote peace, tolerance and brotherhood.
He said the implementation of a code of conduct during the holy month was essential to maintain sectarian harmony and national cohesion.
The PUC chairman, highlighting the objectives of the National Peace Committee, said its mission was to promote the message of “Paigham-e-Pakistan” at the grassroots level and counter extremist narratives through peaceful and constitutional means.
Referring to a past incident in Islamabad in which a suicide attack took place at a mosque, he said that scholars belonging to different schools of thought had demonstrated remarkable unity by visiting an imambargah and donating blood for the injured. “Such examples of solidarity send a powerful message that the Muslim Ummah stands united against terrorism and violence,” he added.
Ashrafi said Ramzan was the most precious month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims from all sects engage in worship and spiritual reflection. He stressed that efforts must be made to strengthen unity during this month in a way that its positive impact continues throughout the year. He added that Islam does not permit violence or extremism, and the teachings of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) are based on love, compassion and unity.
On the occasion, PUC Secretary General Allama Aslam Siddiqui, said that promoting peace and inter-sect harmony was the need of the hour. He described Ramzan as a month of forgiveness and self-discipline, adding that fasting instills piety and fear of Allah in believers.
Maulana Nauman Hamid said extremist forces were attempting to spread intolerance and violence, and stressed the collective responsibility of scholars to safeguard national peace and stability.
Mufti Falak Sher, Prof Dr Liaqat Ali and other speakers also addressed the meeting and underlined the importance of unity, patience and responsible conduct during Ramzan.
The meeting concluded with a collective resolve to promote harmony, reject sectarianism and ensure
that the holy month was observed in an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect across the country.