Paigham-e-Pakistan - timely step to disseminate true message of Islam: Grand Mufti of Egypt

ISLAMABAD: Grand Mufti of Egypt Dr Shawki Ibrahim Abdel Karim Allam Sunday said collective efforts were required for dissemination of the true message of Islam and the narrative of “Pegham-e-Pakistan” was a timely step to peruse that goal.

He was addressing an international seminar on “Paigham-e-Pakistan” here at Faisal Masjid Campus of International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI). The seminar was jointly organized by Islamic Research Institute (IRI), Dawah Academy and Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue (IRD), IIUI, a press release said.

Dr Ibrahim lauded the efforts of Pakistan against extremism and said that the Paigham-i-Pakistan should be spread across the globe to eradicate the extremist mindset. Modern tools of information for spreading information like social media and social networks should be used to counter the radical mindset, he added.

He said formulation of a national narrative on similar lines was also under the process in Egypt, which would be signed by the mainstream clerics of the country.

The Grand Mufti urged Ulema, intellectuals, educationists and civil society to make joint efforts for the elimination of brutal concepts of extremism and terrorism.

He said it was the time to counter the promotion of terrorism, for which "we should disseminate the message of Islam." Extremism was not the message of Islam, which was the religion of peace and humanity.

He hailed Paigham e Pakistan initiative and said IIUI was delivering its best to the Muslim societies and this narrative was the visible example.

Addressing the seminar, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said the “Paigham-e-Pakistan” - a national decree against terrorism and extremism - had been endorsed by Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

“It is the need of time to spread this message of peace among all the Muslim countries for ensuring peace in the world. Enemies are trying to damage Islam and such efforts can foil such lethal attempts," he added.

He said the Seerat (life) of Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) "teaches us the lesson of tolerance, harmony and peaceful coexistence."

IIUI Rector Prof Dr Muhammad Masoom Yasinzai called to promote harmony among various sects of Islam. The narrative “Paigham-e-Pakistan”, he said, would help Muslim countries to build peace across the world.

IIUI President Prof Dr Ahmed Yousif Al Draiweesh said the role of Ulema was imperative in preparation of “Paigham-e-Pakistan” and all Muslim Ummah should endorse the decree for spreading the true image of Islam in the entire globe.

The seminar was also attended by ambassadors of Egypt and Yemen, Senator Ms Romina Aalam, Dr Arfan Mustafa, Vice Chancellor, Baha ud din Zakariya University, Multan, Prof Dr Muhammad Munir, Vice President (A&F), Prof Dr Bashir, Vice President (Academics), Prof Dr Aqdas Naveed, Vice President (HS&R), Dr Zia Ul Haq, D.G. IRI, Dr Sohail Hassan, D.G. Dawah Academy, and Dr Husn al Amin.

In the end IIUI rector and president conferred IRI’s Educational Award to the Grand Mufti of Egypt and Dr Tahir Amin, Vice Chancellor, Baha Ud Din Zakria University, Multan.

The Grand Mufti of Egypt also visited historic gallery of Islamic Research Institute (IRI). He also inaugurated book exhibition at the Faisal Masjid Campus.