16 October 2004	Saturday	01 Ramazan 1425

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 15: President Gen Pervez Musharraf has urged countrymen to follow the true spirit of Islamic teachings that foster peace and mutual co-existence and reject terrorism and sectarianism as abominable and heinous crimes.

"The real aim of Islamic teachings is to open the avenues of peace and justice for all human beings, to eliminate the darkness of oppression, which surely are not liked by Allah Almighty," he said in a message at the commencement of the holy month of Ramazan.

The president said Islam is the religion of peace and mutual co-existence and ensures the continuation of struggle for peace and tranquillity, welfare of humanity and mutual tolerance and brotherhood.

"Terrorism, oppression, violence and sectarianism are regarded as abominable and heinous crimes in Islam," he added. He urged every Muslim to avoid these acts as the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) says: "Facilitate people and don't create difficulties for them. Tell them good news and save them from hatred and narrow mindedness'.

The president said: "It is a blessing of Allah Almighty that He has once again bestowed upon us the opportunity to benefit from the blessings of the Holy month of Ramazan."

He heartily congratulated the nation and the Muslim Ummah on the commencement of the holy month. In his separate message, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz urged the nation to shun extremism and intolerance and promote virtues of discipline, unity, tolerance and sacrifice "for an enlightened and moderate Pakistan".

He vowed to root out the scourge of terrorism and sectarianism from the country. He urged the nation to join hands and confront those inciting hatred and sectarianism in the society.

He said Pakistan was created to establish an enlightened and moderate welfare society where everyone was free to perform their religious and worldly obligations. "We should always keep this objective in view and ensure that our deeds are in accordance with the teachings of Islam," he said.

The holy Ramazan brings blessings for the Muslims every year and those who are fortunate can seek Allah's blessings during the month, he added. "We should bow our heads and thank Almighty Allah for giving us this opportunity to reap the blessings of this holy month," Mr Aziz said.

He said the importance of fasting and its impact on the humans could be judged from the fact that it was declared an essential part of teachings by all the prophets.

Researchers in medical science have declared fasting the best practice for good health. It induces self-restraint and creates an awareness about good deeds and the need to fight evil, he said.

This objective, he added, could only be achieved when one observed fasting in its true spirit and refrained from doing things which made it a mere formality of remaining hungry and thirsty. "Allah Almighty does not need this," he added. -APP