Speakers highlight significance of Hijra

ABU DHABI — The General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Auqaf (Endowments) (GAIAA) on Wednesday evening welcomed the new Hijra year 1429 with a religious meeting at the Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi for the first time. The commemoration of the event marked the migration of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from the holy city of Makkah to Madinah.
Dr Hamdan Al Mazrouie, Head of the authority, and Dr Ali Gomaa, Grand Mufti of Egypt, addressed the gathering.
The speakers explained the lessons that could be learnt from the Holy Prophet’s migration to Madinah which opened the door for Muslims to secure stability and freedom in a new place to follow their religion freely.
Dr Gomaa also praised Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Dr Mohammad Mattar Al Ka’abi, Director-General of GAIAA, said that the Authority was keen to hold the new Hijra Year meeting in the mosque. He said the state-of-the-art building reflected the achievement of the Islamic civilisation.
Al Sayed Ali Al Hasheimi, Adviser for Islamic affairs in the Presidential Court, and Shaikh Al Habib Ali Al Gafri, a senior preacher, also delivered lectures on the occasion.Among the audience were Ahmed bin Shabib Al Dhaheiri, Deputy Chairman of the Federal National Council, Mohammad Saad Obeid, Egyptian Ambassador to the UAE, a number of other foreign diplomats and the official In-charge of the Orthodox Church in Abu Dhabi. -- (KT, 11 Jan 08)

Islam teaches peace, brotherhood, tranquility : Khawaja Attaullah

ISLAMABAD, Jan 11 (APP): Caretaker Minister for Religious Affairs, Zakat and Ushr Khawaja Attaullah Khan Taunsa Sharif said it is sacred duty of every individual in the Islamic society to work for restoration of peace and harmony in the society.
In his message on the commencement of Muharram-ul-Haram here, he said it is duty of the Muslims to protect the lives, property and honour of his fellow citizens and root out the nefarious designs of anti-social elements.
“It is an irrefutable fact that Islam fully guarantees peace and security. Establishment and restoration of peace, tolerance, unity and brotherhood are the hallmarks of this divine and universal religion of Islam,” he said.
According to Islam, murder of an innocent individual tantamount to the murder of an entire humanity. Therefore, it is the sacred duty of every individual in the Islamic society to work for the restoration of peace and order in our society, he said.
The Minister said that Muharram-ul-Haram, month of peace and tranquility demands from the faithful to promote such values of life.
He urged people from all schools of thought to pursue and follow peace, brotherhood, accommodation and tolerance which are the golden principles of Islam.
He said every individual should have the right to perform and profess all the religious rituals according to his or their own traditions and as such no body should be harassed on personal grounds or without any reason.
He added this is the right path based on the teachings of Islam and Sunnah which was invariably followed and loved by the companions of Holy Prophet (PBUH), Ahle Bait, martyrs of Karballa and all elders of the Muslim Ummah.