PESHAWAR, March 24: NWFP Governor Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah has said Yaumi-i-Ashura is a solemn occasion to shun sectarian feelings, which are undermining the national integrity and Islamic fraternity, and to revive the lesson of Islamic brotherhood.

He said this in a message issued on the occasion of Muharram 10, falling on March 25.

The message says: “Yaum-i-Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, carries immense significance in the history of Islam as it reminds us the supreme sacrifices offered by Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) and his devoted companions for upholding the true principles of Islam.

History never witnessed devoted and committed followers like those who fought the battle against tyranny and high handedness in the name of Islam. By doing so Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) and his devoted companions safeguarded the basic philosophy of Islam, which is based on total submission to Almighty Allah and following his Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The right path chosen by the Shuhada-i-Karbala, who have always been held in high esteem by all schools of thought in the Islamic world, must remain a beacon light for the entire mankind. Today the entire Muslim Ummah is paying homage to Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) and his devoted companions who laid down their lives to uphold the truth and principles of justice.

‘‘In fact their firm and unflinching stand to refuse to submit before the forces of oppression and tyranny is a beacon light for all the suppressed and oppressed people, the World over. It teaches us the lesson of steadfastness even during unfavourable circumstances and odd hours.”—PPI