Muharram teaches unity, tolerance: Ashrafi

Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) Chairman and Coordinator of the National Paigham-e-Pakistan Peace Committee Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi has said that peaceful observance of Muharram-ul-Haram is a collective responsibility of the nation as the sacred month teaches unity, tolerance, patience, sacrifice and mutual respect. Addressing an “Ehtram-e-Muharram and Peace Seminar” organized by the Standing Committee on Interfaith Relations of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), here on Saturday, he said all schools of thought should play their role in promoting national unity, brotherhood and harmony during Muharram. LCCI President Faheem-ur-Rehman Sehgal, leading religious scholars from different schools of thought, social personalities, representatives of the business community and a large number of citizens attended the seminar. Tahir Ashrafi said the Islamabad Declaration was an important step towards promoting inter-sect harmony, religious tolerance and global peace. He urged people to follow the principle of “remain committed to your own school of thought but do not interfere with that of others,” saying it was the key to building a peaceful, stable and united society. He said Muharram conveyed the message of remaining united in national and religious matters despite differences, adding that hostile forces were continuously attempting to spread sectarianism, hatred and unrest in Pakistan. However, he said, such designs were being defeated through national unity, responsible leadership of religious scholars and efforts of state institutions. The PUC chairman said all schools of thought were adhering to the code of conduct issued by the National Peace Committee and were working with federal and provincial governments to ensure peace and order during Muharram. He urged the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities. Referring to the situation in Palestine, particularly Gaza, he said Muslims the