President Asif Ali Zardari has called upon the nation to draw inspiration from the timeless lessons of Karbala, the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) that teaches Muslims to uphold truth, justice, patience and moral courage in the face of oppression.
In his message to the nation on the occasion of Youm-e-Ashura (10th Muharram-ul-Haram 1448 AH), the president said that Ashura is one of the most significant and meaningful days in Islamic history, reminding believers of the values of perseverance, sacrifice, truthfulness and steadfastness on principles.
President Zardari said that while Ashura commemorates several important historical events, its most profound association in Islamic history is with the supreme sacrifice rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), along with the members of Ahl-e-Bait and their loyal companions in the plains of Karbala in 61 AH.
Describing the tragedy of Karbala as more than a historical event, the president said it remains a living lesson and an enduring message for humanity. He noted that Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) demonstrated through his actions that every sacrifice can be made for the protection of truth, justice, integrity and human dignity, but one should never surrender before falsehood, tyranny and injustice.
The president said that Imam Hussain’s (RA) struggle was aimed at the reform of the Muslim Ummah and the preservation of the true values and teachings of Islam.
President Zardari urged the nation to pledge that they would incorporate the qualities of righteousness, ethical courage, patience, selflessness and service to humanity into their individual and collective lives.
He also appealed to citizens to promote peace, tolerance, inter-sect harmony and brotherhood during the days of Ashura.
The president advised people to avoid rumours and provocative behaviour and play a constructive role in strengthening national unity and solidarity.
Praying for the country and the Muslim Ummah, President Zardari said he hoped that Allah Almighty would grant people the wisdom to understand the true message of Karbala and guide them to shape their lives according to the principles of truth, justice, patience and piety.
“Pakistan Paindabad,” the President concluded.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the Day of Ashura serves as a timeless reminder of faith, patience, sacrifice, truthfulness and social reform, urging the nation to draw guidance from the teachings and sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and the martyrs of Karbala.
In his message on the occasion of Youm-e-Ashur (10th Muharram-ul-Haram 1448 AH), the prime minister described Ashura as one of the most thought-provoking days in Islamic history, offering humanity unparalleled lessons in perseverance, righteousness, selflessness and steadfastness in the face of adversity.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said the day commemorates Allah Almighty’s support for the believers, the triumph of truth and the sacrifices made for the supremacy of justice and righteousness. He noted that the supreme sacrifice of the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) grandson, Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), and his devoted companions had given Ashura a unique and everlasting significance in Islamic history.
The prime minister said the tragedy of Karbala conveys a powerful message that adherence to principles and values forms the foundation of a dignified and civilized society. He said Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) demonstrated through his conduct that sacrificing for truth, justice and human dignity is far superior to submitting to oppression, injustice and falsehood.
Highlighting the broader lessons of Karbala, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the historic event symbolizes efforts for the reform of the Muslim community, the revival of the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), and the promotion of virtue while discouraging wrongdoing.
He stressed that these ideals require individuals and society alike to promote justice, patience, tolerance and responsibility in daily life. Rather than allowing differences, hatred and division to prevail, he said, society should strengthen values of mutual respect, religious harmony, tolerance and national unity.
The prime minister appealed to religious scholars, spiritual leaders, speakers, media organizations and the youth to promote the true message of Ashura, encourage inter-sect harmony and respect, and discourage incitement and hatred.
Calling upon the nation to renew its commitment to the principles upheld by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistanis should strengthen their dedication to truth and justice, safeguard the rights of the weak and underprivileged, and contribute through their character and actions towards building a strong, united and peaceful nation.
He concluded by praying for peace and stability across the world and for unity, harmony and prosperity for the entire Muslim Ummah.