Zardari calls for unity in new Islamic year

President Asif Ali Zardari has urged the nation to nurture the qualities of affection, forbearance and tolerance by shunning all differences and play role in strengthening national unity and interfaith harmony in the country.

In a message on the advent of new Islamic year 1446 Hijrah, the president felicitated the nation on the arrival of new Islamic year and prayed for the peace, stability, progress and prosperity of the county.

According to a press release issued by the President Secretariat Press Wing said on Sunday, the president said that Muharramul Haram signified special importance in the Islamic history, adding that prayers and the worship of Allah Almighty in this month had been of great significance.

This month called for avoidance of sins, following the Islamic teachings and devotedly worshipping the Creator, besides reminding about holding of introspection of the Islamic teachings, he added.

President Zardari said that Muharramul Haram also reminded the faithful of the unprecedented sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his faithful companions and gave a lesson for the real objective of struggle in life which was linked with sacrificing everything in the path of religion.

Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions laid down their lives while facing the atrocious and evil forces of cruelty and in this way, they had always been referred as beacons of determination and sacrifices, he added.

The president said this month gave the Muslims lesson to stand against forces of cruelty by raising standards of righteousness while facing ordeals of life.

The president said that the new Islamic month provided an opportunity to “transform our lives in accordance with the Islamic teachings” and stressed the need for discerning between the virtue and evil and create awareness and understanding of Islamic teachings.

Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah extended their warm felicitations to the Ummah on the advent of the new Islamic year. The speaker said that this day was a divine blessing, affording an opportunity to recommit to noble values of peace.

He expressed the hope that this occasion would inspire people to rededicate themselves to the service of humanity and the pursuit of excellence. He said that the Ummah was facing numerous challenges, including conflicts, terrorism and economic inequality, which required united efforts to address them.

Deputy Speaker Shah said that the new Islamic year heralded new hopes and opportunities. He urged the people to harness this momentum to propel themselves towards a brighter future, built on hard work, dedication, and service to humanity. He prayed that the new Islamic year might bring happiness and prosperity to the people of Pakistan.