A file photo of a procession in Karachi. PHOTO: AFP
ISLAMABAD: The president, the prime minister and the National Assembly speaker have, in their messages on Ashura, urged the nation to forge unity and harmony, following the teachings of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).
In his message to the nation on the occasion of Yaum-e-Ashur being observed across Pakistan and in other Muslim countries on Sunday (today), President Mamnoon Hussain said that the country can get rid of all political and social issues like extremism by deciding the line of action keeping in view the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (RA) which guides us in all aspects of our lives.
The president said that the sacrifice of the family of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) teaches us that collective goals and purgation of society are superior to one's own person and personal interests which can never be compromised.
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He said that an important lesson taught by the Karbala tragedy is that the affairs of a state or a society could not be subject to the wishes of a few people or a certain group, as these affairs have to do with the great principles of humanity and human freedom.
Mamnoon urged the nation that besides paying rich tributes to Imam Hussain (RA) and his noble family on the day of Ashura, “we should also make a pledge to carry out our individual and collective affairs while following in the footsteps of the family of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him)”.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, in his message, said that keeping in view the internal and external threats currently facing the country, “we should shun our religious, sectarian and ethnic biases” to promote the great characteristics of sacrifice, unity and discipline.
“The day [of Ashura] reminds us of the incident when Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions sacrificed their lives to make the truth win against falsehood in a war of good and evil,” he said.
The prime minister said that instead of obeying the forces of oppression, Imam Hussain (RA) opted the course of martyrdom and became the standard bearer of truthfulness. “He taught the lessons of patience, steadfastness and bravery which are the golden principles for the entire humanity,” he said.
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Prime Minister Abbasi said that Imam Hussain (RA) taught his followers not to hesitate from any sacrifice when it comes to truth and justice. “Besides being a day of paying tributes to Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions, Yaum-e-Ashur also teaches us to grasp the real spirit and message of the incident of Karbala,” he added.
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, in his message on the occasion, urged the nation to rise above parochial differences, narrow mindedness, sectarianism and ethnicity to maintain harmony, unity and brotherhood and follow the path of Imam Hussain (RA).
The speaker said that Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions were the noblest models in preaching and practicing the Quranic philosophy of patience, sacrifice and martyrdom.
“Their unflinching faith in Almighty Allah and the Day of Judgment, their exemplary devotion, dauntless courage and unfailing patience in the way of Almighty Allah was a unique exhibition of the spirit of patience and martyrdom described in the Holy Quran,” he said.
“Being Muslims, it is our obligation to stand up against the evil forces which have created confrontation in the society,” Sadiq said.
He said the best way to pay tributes to the martyrs of Karbala is to make commitment on this day to work and devote oneself for the development and strength of the county. "We have to forget our trivial differences and adopt the teachings of Islam and promote peace, security and brotherhood," he added.
Acting Speaker Murtaza Javed Abbasi, in his message, said that on the day of Ashura, the battle was fought between the forces of truth and falsehood, which would continue to impart Muslims a lesson of sustained struggle against oppression. “This is the path which the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us to follow,” he added.
"Yaum-e-Ashur reminds us of the lesson of adherence to the truth, firmness of belief and being steadfast against tyranny," said the acting speaker.
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