LAHORE, Dec 12 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Monday urged the religious scholars of the country to guide the state as well as the society as how a modern Islamic state could be established in light of golden principles provided by Madina Charter and the state institutions be reformed accordingly.
Addressing the International Seerat-un-Nabi Conference held here on the occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi commemorating the birth of Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), the prime minister said unfortunately, we have developed prejudices in the religion and made it a symbol of fear instead of following it as model for peace and guidance.
Hosted by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, the theme of this year’s Seerat-un-Nabi Conference was ‘Interfaith Harmony in the light of teachings of Islam and Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).’
Started by the recitation of Quranic verses by renowned Qari Sadaqat Ali, the conference was attended by Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, Minister of State Pir Amin-ul-Hasnaat, President of the Presidency of Religious Affairs of Turkey Mehmet Gormez, State Minister of Maldives Ali Waheed, parliamentarians, delegates from 11 countries and religious leaders of different faiths.
Prominent Naat Khawan Noor Muhammad Jarral recited the Naat highlighting blessings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
The prime minister said unfortunately, we have confined the scope of the blessings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) who came to this world as blessing for the whole universe.
He said in the past, humans were decapitated in the name of religions but during its last three years, the government had dismantled the terrorists’ havens to a great extent following the remarkable sacrifices by armed forces, civilians and the government’s efforts.
However, he urged the religious scholars to play their due role to also bring an end to the mindset promoting extremism in the country.
“We have to re-establish the nexus of Islam and peace. We have to regain our identity,” the prime minister remarked.
The prime minister said the Holy Prophet (PBUH) gave humanity the roadmap for success in the world and the life hereafter.
He said the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and later his companions always stood for truth and now we have been entrusted with this responsibility.
He also apprised the audience as how the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) established an Islamic state and signed Misaq-e-Madinah (Madina Charter) that had been remembered as the first written constitution binding the state and citizens to a code of conduct.
Prime Minister Sharif said the Holy Prophet (PBUH) delivered a historic sermon in Mecca and gave the world a charter for human rights in which Prophet said there could be no distinction among humans on the basis of colour and race.
He said today after 1400 years, the world was unanimous to recognize that constitution and charter of humanity was inevitable to run the state’s affairs.
He said the foremost fundamental of an Islamic society was the respect for humanity what the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said was tantamount to respecting Holy Kaaba.
The premier said we need to examine ourselves against the teachings of the Holy Prophet as whether we followed the state constitution, respected the humanity, developed justice-based society and established ties with other faiths under Madina Charter.
He said in order to cope worth modern day challenges we had to move forward but have to look back to the Madina Charter and teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) for guidance.
Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Yousuf, in his address, said the two day international conference attended by prominent Muslim and non-Muslim leaders manifested the need of interfaith harmony.
He said the conference comprised of four sessions including competition of writing books and papers on Seerat-un-Nabi, Mehfil-e-Husn-e-Qirat and the international conference.
He said out of 59 books on Seerat-un-Nabi, 19 were shortlisted for prize while 36 papers were selected for prize out of 91 received by the jury.
He also highlighted the achievements of his ministry including the holding of Roza (fasting) and Eid-ul-Fitr throughout the country on same day and other efforts to bring different faiths closer to one and other.
President of the Presidency of Religious Affairs of Turkey Mehmet Gormez and Minister of State Pir Ami-ul-Hasnaat also addressed the conference.
