ISLAMABAD, Jan 19: President Pervez Musharraf and caretaker Prime Minister Mohammadmian Soomro have urged the nation to rise above sectarian differences and radicalism and strengthen peace and brotherhood in society through Islamic teachings.

In their separate messages on the eve of Ashura, they asked people to foster unity in their ranks to counter the forces spreading dissent in society.

President Musharraf said today Pakistan was passing through such circumstances which required the spirit of Usswa-e-Shabbiri – the doings of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) – to be followed for the country’s defence.

He asked the nation to work hand-in-hand for the projection of prosperity and eradication of ignorance in society.

The president said the day of Ashura has a special importance in Muslim history which marks the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) along with his companions in Karbala for raising the voice for truth.

“Fraternity is considered an important moral attribute in Islam. If each other’s beliefs and faiths are not respected and the people are forced to adopt your own views, and also they are not allowed to express their ideas and tenets, then this creates suffocation in the society and also gives way to develop prejudice and narrow-mindedness,” he said.

President Musharraf said such situation also hinders intellectual and developmental progress, whereas love and brotherhood develop pleasant atmosphere and projection of great human values.

He said Ashura taught the spirit of sacrifice for the sake of great objectives, and one should not withhold from offering sacrifice while fighting against evils.

He prayed to Allah to help and guide all to follow the righteous path.

Prime Minister Mohammadmian Soomro in his message urged people to control their emotions and foil the design of those trying to divide them.

“We should inculcate the spirit of sacrifice, peace and harmony, forgiveness, tolerance, love and affection.”

He said the forces spreading dissension and conflict in society were once again active in the country and terrorists were playing with the lives of innocent people and the sanctity of mosques and places of worship was being trampled.

However, he said: “By rising above radicalism, sectarianism and regional linguistic prejudices, we should inculcate the spirit of sacrifice, peace and harmony, forgiveness, tolerance, love and affection to counter such elements.”

The prime minister said Ashur was a day for the Ummah to renew its pledge to always strive for supreme human values and righteousness and truth.

On this day, Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his followers set an example, through their supreme sacrifice, which would always serve as a beacon of light for Muslims.

He said the 10th of Muharram has a special significance not only in the history of Islam but also in other religions.

The prime minister said as the love for the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions was part of the faith, every Muslim greatly reveres Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS).

“This reverence and love calls for promoting greater Islamic values among ourselves and fight the forces creating conflict and disharmony in the society,” he said, adding that these were the values on the basis of which the first Islamic society was established in Madina.

The grandson of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions steadfastly fought the forces of tyranny and sacrificed their lives for the preservation and protection of these values.