By Adnan Rafique
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, on Friday emphasized that unity among Islamic countries was the key to addressing issues such as Palestine, Kashmir, Islamophobia and other challenging concerns.
Speaking to the media, he said leaders of Turkey, Qatar, and Iran raised their voices against the desecration of the Holy Quran during the United Nations General Assembly, highlighting the need to protect global peace, considering the emotions of over two billion Muslims worldwide.
Ashrafi said Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s recent interview had made it clear that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had not been oblivious to the Palestine issue in the past, and it remained committed to playing a role in resolving both the Kashmir and Palestine issues as the head of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
He further stated that the leaders of these three Islamic nations – Turkey, Qatar, and Iran – had criticized the West strongly for attempting to desecrate copies of the Holy Quran, pointing out that Islamophobia, including racism, was spreading like a plague in Western countries.
He said this alarming trend of unwarranted provocations was not only sabotaging international efforts for interfaith harmony but also posing a threat to global peace. He said several Western countries and politicians were capitalizing on this dangerous trend, continually fanning the flames.
Ashrafi said these provocative acts were inflaming the emotions of over two billion Muslims, urging leaders in the West to understand the gravity of such condemned actions and put an end to the examination of Muslims through such disgraceful acts. In response to a question, he said Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in his recent interview had categorically stressed the importance of resolving the Palestine issue and improving the lives of Palestinians.
He also mentioned that Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan had expressed his principled stance on Kashmir issue at the United Nations. The Saudi foreign minister made it clear to the international community that the Kingdom stood with Muslim nations, including the Kashmir issue and wanted to get it resolved in accordance with international agreements, treaties, and laws, he maintained.
Earlier, In the auspices of Pakistan Ulama Council, the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal will be celebrated under the title of the month of Rahmatul-ul-Alameen, said Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council.
While addressing a press conference here on Monday in Lahore, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi said that during the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal, Rahmatul-ul-Alameen conferences will be held across the country, in which religious scholars and Ulemas-Mashaykh will speak on social harmony, promotion of tolerance and elimination of extremism from the excerpts of Seerat-e-Tayyaba of the Holy Prophet.
The non-Muslim leaders in Pakistan will be invited to participate in the conferences and gatherings organized by the Pakistan Ulema Council during the month of Rabiul Awal, said Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi adding that Islam is a religion of peace and security and all religions teach peace, affection and tolerance.
Pakistani society requires that we should all work together for the development, stability and prosperity of Pakistan, said Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi.
Commenting on the visit of Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar to US, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi said that all those elements who has announced to stage protests against Pakistan in America during the speech of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, cannot be friends of Pakistan.
