OUR CORRESPONDENT
KOHAT: The District Administration Kohat has on Saturday organized an Ulema Conference to promote national unity, interfaith and religious harmony.
Deputy Commissioner Kohat Abdul Akram was the chief guest of the event while the conference beside others, was also attended by the officers of the District Administration, Chairman Islamic Studies Kohat University Qaiser Bilal, District Khatib Mufti Shafiullah and large number of eminent scholars and imams of Kohat.
Addressing the Conference, Deputy Commissioner termed national unity and religious tolerance as the need of the hour and said that the district administration is taking practical steps to bring together scholars of all schools of thought on one platform. He while appreciating the role of Ulema, said that they are the main pillar in promoting religious and social harmony. He added that Ulema are the strong pillars of the society who are called the Heirs of the Prophets and their role is not limited to mosques but also has a central position in national intellectual guidance. He emphasized that solutions to religious and social problems should be sought in the light of the Quran and Sunnah and not through social media or unreliable sources.
Deputy Commissioner said that it is important to take minor temptations seriously in the beginning because these small temptations lead to big losses. The Quran commands us to research and verify every news and this awareness is most necessary in today’s era. He clarified that Islam is a complete code of life which is not limited to worship only but also emphasizes justice, honesty, family responsibilities and social justice.
Referring to the words of Hazrat Ali (RA), he said that worship is not only prayer or fasting but also fulfilling responsibilities and rights of the people are also part of worship. He regretted that we have limited the Quran to rituals only, while the need is for us to understand the Quran, act upon it and make it a part of our lives. He said that the only way to national salvation and unity lies in adherence to the Quran and Sunnah and unless we act upon it, success cannot be imagined.
The Ulema participating in the conference, highlighted the issues of inter-Muslim unity, tolerance, forbearance and religious harmony and appreciated this positive step of the district administration.
The Ulema reiterated the resolve through mutual consultation that all schools of thought will demonstrate cooperation and solidarity with each other so that peace, brotherhood and religious harmony can be further strengthened in Kohat district.
At the end, special prayers were offered for the development and security of the country and shields were also distributed among the speakers.
