PESHAWAR, March 1: NWFP Governor Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah has said that Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) and his companions laid down their lives at Karbala for the supremacy of Islam.

"This sacrifice is a source of enlightenment of both heart and mind for the followers of righteousness," he said. In a message on the eve of Yaum-i-Ashur, the governor said: "The incidence of Karbala is greatly linked to the wellbeing of entire humanity and the struggle for the establishment of justice based system.

It also carries the lesson for the entire Ummah not to lose patience and courage at any hour of test. "Centuries have passed but the remembrance of the great sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) and his faithful are still alive in the hearts and minds and will remain so till the doomsday.

"In fact they have set such unparalleled signs of courage, steadfastness and the supremacy of rightfulness, which would not only remain alive forever but also enlighten and recharge the struggle of those who are fighting against oppressions and tyranny.

"The incident of Karbala teaches us the lesson to remain resolute against the evil forces. The great Imam and his devoted fellows have proved that true Muslim will lay down their heads but never bow it before the false.

"Keeping these realities in mind, we must have to follow the footprints of the devotees of Islam for upholding these cherished goals as our deliverance also lies in it.

"Today when we are paying tribute to the martyrs of Karbala, the day demands us to root out sectarianism, keep our ranks and files united and follow the teachings of Imam Hussain (R.A), which are practical demonstration of upholding the right and fighting against the false."In it lies our salvation and this is the only way to pay befitting tribute to those true sons of Islam," he concluded. - APP