Altaf urges clerics to avoid provocative speeches during Muharram

KARACHI: MQM Chief Altaf Hussain urged the religious clerics to bolster inter-faith religious harmony (Ittehad-e-Bainul Muslimeen) and avoid delivering provocative speeches during the holy month of Muharram-ul-Haraam.

He said that objective behind acts of worships of all schools of thought is the same hence there should be no hatred towards anyone on the basis of religious beliefs.

He expressed these views while addressing a gathering of religious scholars in Karachi and Hyderabad in connection with the arrival of Muharram.

He said it is a part of our creed as Muslims to believe in the oneness of Allah, finality of the Prophethood of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) and the Holy Quran. Reverence to the companions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and love for the People of the House was also incumbent upon us.

Altaf Hussain said that the belief in the oneness of Allah connects the Muslims to Allah and the holding belief that Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) consummates the religion.

"We can believe in the unity of Allah by saying that there is no god but Him but the belief would not be completed unless we say that Muhammad (PBUH) is the messenger of Allah. Belief in the Prophethood of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) was mandatory and mere belief in the unity of Allah was not sufficient", he added.

Altaf Hussain said that the Holy Prophet removed all the distinctions of race, language, colour, rich and the poor. The Quran stresses not to fall in schism. When we believe in Allah, the finality of the Prophethood and the Holy Quran then there should be no distinctions and discriminations among Muslims.

MQM Chief appealed to the religious scholars and the public to maintain sectarian harmony during the month of Muharram. He asked the MQM office-bearers and workers to co-operate in the holding of gatherings in the months of Muharram and Rabi-ul-Awal. He praised the Co-ordination Committee, MQM parliamentarians, and members of the Ulema Committee of the MQM for working tirelessly in order to promote unity among Muslims, religious tolerance and sectarian harmony.

Responding to a question of Syed Shah Siraj-ul-Haq Qadri, Altaf Hussain said that MQM does not want to react against the inciting statements of Mirza, just to maintain peace in the City, adding that the members of MQM Co-ordination Committee has recorded its protest at every known platform against blasphemous Mirza. Responding to another question, MQM Chief appealed the President of Pakistan, Prime Minister and concerned officials of law enforcement agencies to take action against those who are involves in violation of law and order.