FAISALABAD: Speakers at a series of seminars have underlined the role the mosques, prayer leaders and religious scholars can play in inculcating the spirit of peaceful coexistence, tolerance and interfaith as well as inter-sect harmony among different segments of the society.
Under the Paigham-e-Pakistan initiative of the government of Pakistan, a plan has been devised to take onboard the imams and khateebs in the national mission of spreading the message of peace, unity and harmony from the pulpit.
A ceremony titled ‘Mimber o Mihrab: Role of Mosque in Peacebuilding’ was organised at the District Council Hall in Faisalabad to launch an awareness campaign in Faisalabad Division to spread the message of peace and harmony to every street and house through pulpit.
Council of Islamic Ideology Chairman Dr Qibla Ayaz was the chief guest, who highlighted the role the mosque can play in countering the extremist ideologies which encourage violence and terrorism in the society in the name of Islam.
Commissioner Faisalabad division Ishrat Hussain and regional Police Office Riffat Mukhtar spoke about role of mosque as a community centre as well as human and religious rights of the people.
Another event of the series was held at Tehsil Council Hall in Jhang. Council of Islamic Ideology Secretary Dr Ikram ul Haq was the chief guest. Deputy Commissioner Tahir Wattoo presided over the session. Students from Chenab College Jhang presented the national anthem on the occasion.
The third event of the series was held at Government Post-Graduate College (Boys), Toba Tek Singh. Council of Islamic Ideology Chairman Dr Qibla Ayaz was the chief guest, while Deputy Commissioner Amina Munir presided over the session.
The last event of the series in Faisalabad Division was held at Government Islamia College Chiniot. Council of Islamic Ideology Secretary Dr Ikram ul Haq was the chief guest. District Police Office Syed Hasnain Haider and Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Riaz delivered special lectures.
Speakers at these sessions maintained that mosque as community centers can play crucial role in inculcating the spirit of peaceful coexistence in the society. They maintained that some anti-state elements wanted to weaken the country by promoting extremism, sectarianism and hatred, and stressed the need to educate people according to the teachings of Islam, which preaches peace, religious tolerance and equality and has nothing to do with the menaces of terrorism and extremism.
The speakers stated that the Islamic culture is based on Holy Quran, and emphasized the need to promote Quranic teachings to build a peaceful society. They said the role of ulema and mosque is the most important in promoting love and fraternity and resolving disputes in a society. Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) in his last sermon preached the lesson of basic human rights, they said, and called for reviewing the curricula to include human rights, which will help counter the trends of violence, extremism and sectarianism in the society.
The speakers stressed the need to follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) whose life is a complete guidance and a source of inspiration for every human being irrespective of his age, creed or geographical background. They stressed the need for strengthening religious seminaries in the country by equipping those with state-of-the-art technology and modern education system with a view to make madaris a place to spread the message of equality, justice, peace and harmony.
