Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH) Conference, book exhibition held at Lahore Chamber

LAHORE, Aug 24 (APP):Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) Chairman Allama Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi has said that the Seerat-e-Tayyaba of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) should not be confined merely to speeches and discussions; rather, his noble example and teachings must become part of our practical lives.

He said that the growing intolerance, extremist attitudes and tendency to reject others in society could be addressed by genuinely following the teachings of Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH).

He was addressing the inaugural ceremony of a book exhibition on Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH) at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Allama Tahir Ashrafi and LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol inaugurated the exhibition. Convener of the LCCI Standing Committee on Interfaith and Inter-Sect Relations Hafiz Asim Makhdoom, former Executive Committee member Mian Muhammad Nawaz, member of the Council of Islamic Ideology Rana Muhammad Shafiq Pasruri, Professor Dr. Allama Amjad Jafri, Mufti Muhammad Ahmed Anees, Syed Mahmood Ghaznavi, Qasim Ali Qasmi, Allama Qari Khalid Mahmood, Allama Arshad Ali Abidi, Salahuddin Rana, Syed Rashid Hussain Bukhari, Syed Mumtaz Bukhari and others were also present.

Speaking on the occasion, LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol said that Rabi-ul-Awwal is a blessed month and holds special significance due to its association with the blessed birth of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). He said that the Lahore Chamber has also played its part by organizing a book exhibition on Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH) to spread the message of Seerat-e-Tayyaba to a wider audience.

Saigol said that merely talking about the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) or reading books about him is not enough; the real objective is to adopt his noble example in our practical lives. “Unless the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) are practically implemented in every sphere of life, we cannot achieve true success.”

He said that there is a need to follow the noble example of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in every sphere of life, including politics, society, economy, trade and daily affairs. In the present era, spreading the message of Seerat-e-Tayyaba and taking its teachings to every household is an important need of the time.

He said, “Love for the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is an essential part of every Muslim’s faith; however, the true demand of this love is to implement his teachings in our lives and shape our dealings, character and attitudes according to his noble example.”

Allama Tahir Ashrafi further said that Rabi-ul-Awwal is a blessed month associated with the blessed birth of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), while he also passed away in the same month. He said that being included among the Ummah of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) is the greatest blessing from Allah Almighty, and even if a person spends his entire life sending blessings and salutations upon the Holy Prophet (PBUH), he cannot fully repay the right of this great blessing.

He said, “Celebrating the arrival of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is part of the faith and belief of every Muslim; however, the real need is to implement the Seerat of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in our lives.” He appreciated the exhibition of authentic books on Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH) at the Lahore Chamber and said that the presence of important and authentic books on Seerat-e-Tayyaba is a welcome initiative.

Allama Tahir Ashrafi said that intolerant and violent attitudes are becoming common in society. He said that there was previously an impression that religious scholars did not accept one another, but the scholars have demonstrated through mutual dialogue and unity that they could accept and respect one another. He said that there is now a need to promote the same spirit of tolerance, harmony and love among every segment of society.

He said that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) emphasized regular prayer and fulfillment of the rights of those under one’s authority. Taking care of parents, fulfilling the rights of neighbours, looking after employees and treating them with kindness are among the fundamental principles for building a better society.

Allama Tahir Ashrafi said that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) gave a practical lesson in respect for humanity. Once, a funeral procession of a Jewish person passed by and the Holy Prophet (PBUH) stood up out of respect. The Companions submitted that it was the funeral of a Jewish person, upon which the Holy Prophet (PBUH) emphasized the sanctity and dignity of human life. He said, “The Holy Quran also describes Allah Almighty as the Lord of all the worlds and the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was sent as a mercy for all the worlds; therefore, our attitudes should reflect love, mercy, tolerance and humanity.”

He said the Holy Quran declares the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to be the best example and commands believers to follow it.

The participants also visited the book exhibition on Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH) and appreciated it as a positive and commendable initiative for promoting the message of Seerat-e-Tayyaba.