ISLAMABAD, March 31: President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz have urged the nation to present the true face of Islam before the world, and prove by their acts that Islam is a religion of peace and harmony.

In a message on the eve of Eid Miladun Nabi, President Musharraf urged the nation to shun extremism and follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to regain the glorified image of Muslim Ummah.

He said it was a matter of grief that the Muslims had diverted from the upright path and had become slaves to their vested interests, malicious desires and self-created limitations which was affecting the collective image of Ummah.

“Abomination, ignorance, obstination, egoism and extremism in our views have ruined ourselves. Lack of wisdom, radicalism and our shortcomings have captured our minds and hearts” the president said.

The prime minister in his felicitation message to the nation said: “We need to prove from our words and deeds that Islam is a religion of peace and co-existence. Its golden principals have great ability to provide basic outline in resolving worldly affairs and creating a peaceful exemplary society.”

Prime Minister Aziz said today’s world was confronted with various problems, to which solution could be found in the light of Quranic teachings and Seeratun Nabi.

He said, “Every aspect of the Seerat (life and practices) is a complete code of guidance for humanity and the entire life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is an open book before us.” —APP