Seerat conference urges peaceful coexistence

CM Murad calls for mutual respect despite differences

KARACHI:

The birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is a divine blessing for all of humanity and His life serves as a model of obedience to Allah, justice, compassion, and love, said Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah."The Holy prophet (PBUH) exemplified these virtues and also demonstrated the importance of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, even amid religious differences." This he said while speaking at the 'Seerat Conference: The Importance of Interfaith Respect and Cooperation' organised by the Religious Affairs Dept at Liaquat Memorial Library on Sunday evening.

Minister Auqaf and Religious Affairs Syed Riaz Shah Shirazi, the host of the conference, Zulfiqar Shah, provincial ministers, religious scholars Hafiz Abdul Rehman Salfi , Maula Baqar Hussain, Alhaj Ghulam Mohammad Sohoo, Secretary Auqaf and Religious Affairs Mureed Rahimo, provincial secretaries and others attended the conference in a large number. The CM quoting Surah Al-An'am, said that Allah stresses the injunction to respect the beliefs of others: "And do not insult those that invoke others than Allah, lest they insult Allah in enmity without knowledge." He said this verse highlights the importance of tolerance and respect for differing beliefs as a foundation for peaceful coexistence.

Shah said that Islam guarantees the protection of minority rights within an Islamic state.

Talking about the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, the CM recalled that in the 6th year of Hijra, when the Prophet (PBUH) and his companions were stopped at the outskirts of Makkah, a peace agreement was negotiated with the Quraish despite seemingly unfavourable terms. "The treaty helped avert bloodshed and eventually paved the way for the peaceful conquest of Makkah," he said, noting the Prophet's (PBUH) remarkable patience and commitment to peace, which culminated in a general amnesty for the people of Makkah who had once opposed Islam.Shah discussed the Holy Prophet's (PBUH) response to the hostility he faced in Taif. "Despite being rejected and harmed in Taif, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) chose forgiveness over vengeance, praying for the guidance of its people," he said. He added that this act of compassion eventually led to the people of Taif embracing Islam.The CM urged Muslims to embody the values of respect, love, and compassion, which are at the heart of the Prophet's (PBUH) teachings. "In a world torn apart by mistrust and conflicts, fostering mutual respect between different religions, sects and nations is essential," he said.

He added that following the example of the Prophet (PBUH), Muslims can achieve both personal success and contribute to global peace and harmony.

The CM emphasized Islam's egalitarian principles, stating that it makes no distinction between people based on race, colour, or nationality. Citing a hadith, he reminded the audience that all humans are descendants of Prophet Adam and Bibi Hawa, highlighting the shared bonds of humanity.

Shah urged the need to instill high moral values in the younger generation and called on Muslims to promote respect for all humanity. He stressed the importance of ending global mistrust and reflecting on the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to counter misinformation and hostility.

Murad Ali Shah also highlighted the need to instil high moral values in the younger generation, urging Muslims to promote respect for all humanity.

The event concluded with prayers for unity, peace, and guidance for all of humanity, reinforcing the conference's message of interfaith respect and cooperation.

Earlier, CM Murad Ali Shah organised an Eid Milad-un-Nabi programme at the CM House. Attendees included diplomats, former caretaker CM Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar, provincial ministers, lawmakers, and civil society members. Religious scholars Dr.Yosry Roshdy Elsayed Bagr, Hafiz Ghulam Muhammad Soho Qadri, Mufti Fazal-e-Subhani, and Maulana Baqar Hussain Zaidi delivered speeches on the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), while renowned naat khawans recited naats.