January 20, 2007	Saturday	Zilhaj 29, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 19: Speakers at the 28th International Hussainia Conference, held here Friday, called for the formation of a united Muslim forum at the international level to face the upcoming challenges.

They urged the West not to label Muslims as terrorists and stressed that Islam was a religion that preached peace and tolerance.

Around 1,400 ulema and mashaikh from across the country participated in the two-day international conference and eulogised of Imam Hussain (AS).

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Muhammad Ejaz ul Haq urged the nation to show unity and foil the designs of the evil forces, working to create disunity among the Islamic Ummah.

Chief Minister Sindh Arbab Ghulam Rahim stressed the need for projecting the true image of Islam and propagating peace and tolerance.

He urged the religious scholars belonging to all sects to make concerted efforts for bringing religious harmony in the country.

The custodian of the shrine of Hazrat Shaikh Abdul Qadir Geelani, Pir Hamid Jeelani said the entire life of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) was a beacon of light for the Muslims. “During the battle between good and evil, Imam Hussain (AS) presented the true character of a Muslim,” he remarked.

The head of Muslim Conference Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan said the lofty sacrifices made by Hazrat Imam Hussain and his family were a source of permanent guidance for the Muslim world.

Leader of Pakistan Awami Tehrik Agha Murtaza Poya in his speech said the Karbala battle carried the message of joint struggle against evil forces.

Renowned scholar from the US, Imam Luqman Ali Ansari, stressed the “need for self-conscience.”

He said affection and harmony could be used as an effective method to address the imminent problems.

Syed Sabtain Shaikiri of World Muslim Scholar’s Association and Syed Mehdi Raza Shah Subzwari, Sajjada Nashin of Hazrat Qalandar Lal Shahbaz, highlighted the great sacrifices of the battle of Karbala.

Chairman Markazi Imam Hussain Council Dr Ghazanfar Mehdi said that Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) “sacrificed everything while truly following the path of Islam for the protection of Shariat-i- Muhammadi’s principles.”