ISLAMABAD, Jan 29: President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Monday said the best way of paying homage to Hazrat Imam Hussain (A.S) was to follow his teaching, face hardship with fortitude and promote the message of Allah with missionary zeal.

In their separate messages on the occasion of Youm-i-Ashur, they said: "May Allah grant every Muslim the ability to lead his life in accordance with the injunctions of Quran and Sunnah."

President Musharraf said: "It is the Youm-i-Ashur, a sad and gloomy day which reminds of the short but valiant struggle waged by the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and beloved son of Hazrat Fatima (R.A), at Karbala for upholding the principles of truth and righteousness, advocating Islamic and human values and warding off forces of evil. Such an example can only be found in the annuals of Islamic history.

"The incident is really unique. It will always provide a ray of hope in the face of tyranny and guide those pious ones who are determined to reach their destination.

"Offering sacrifice of his own life and the lives of the members of his clan is such a gesture by Hazrat Imam Hussain (A.S) that carries great significance for the Muslim Ummah. He set an everlasting example of bravely facing off persecution and oppression and enlivened the Muslims spirit of freedom who were looking for truth."

The prime minister in his message said: "The day of Ashur carries special significance for the Muslims as on this day the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), Hazrat Imam Hussain (A.S), the faithful members of his clan and followers offered unparalleled sacrifices to uphold the cause of Islam and the supremacy of truth and justice.

"The day saw the unique chapter of Islamic history unfold and draw a clear line of demarcation between virtue and vice. Hazrat Imam Hussain along with handful of his companions faced the grim situation with endurance and determination, bravely fighting off the forces symbolising tyranny and oppression. The way of Hazrat Imam Hussain is thus known as ‘Uswa-i-Shabbiri’ in history.

‘‘We should rise above prejudices, feelings of mutual love, brotherhood, unity, tranquillity and the way of justice. Having affection for the Prophet (Peace be upon him) and his clan is a part of our faith. This affection and love calls upon us to follow their teachings and seek guidance from each and every facet of their lives."