Nation asked to make Pakistan a real Islamic state: President and Prime Minister's messages on Eid Milad

President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Thursday urged the nation to shun terrorism, sectarianism and communal confrontation to make Pakistan a real Islamic, moderate and enlightened country. In their separate messages on the eve of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (Peace Be Upon Him) falling on Friday (April 22) they urged the nation to forge unity and build a strong Pakistan by adhering to the golden teachings of Islam and by following in the footsteps of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
In his message, the President said, "This is also enshrined in the teachings of Islam and obligatory upon us to promote harmony and make Pakistan a real Islamic Welfare state."
The President said the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal is a sacred month of the Islamic calendar in which the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) was born.
"Birth of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) carried a message of peace and harmony for entire humanity and Allah Almighty bestowed the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) with a blessing of becoming the harbinger of love, affection and peace for the mankind," he added.
The President extended heartiest felicitations to the Muslim Ummah and particularly to the people of Pakistan on the auspicious occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (peace Be Upon Him), the President's message said.
He added the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) is a symbol of blessing for humanity and taught the mankind the lessons of love, affection, harmony and brotherhood. "Teachings of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) for reverence and dignity to the human life are a beacon of light," the President added.
This day, he said, demands from us that as Muslim we should, not only, work for preaching the true teachings of Islam for promoting global peace, eternal love and harmony but also stand firm and committed to achieve the revered goals enshrined in the teachings of Islam.
"This is the trait of a true Muslim and follower of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) and also a way forward to win the hearts of mankind, secure a respectable place for our country amongst comity of nations and promote the true image of Islam," President Musharraf said.
He added, "Being the followers of the Holy Prophet, the Prophet of blessing and love (Peace Be Upon Him), and citizens of a country created in the name of Islam, we owe the responsibility to make Pakistan a real Islamic welfare state by following the teachings of Islam based on enlightened moderation and revered moral values and purge society of the menaces like sectarianism, terrorism and communal confrontation."
"Let us all pray to Almighty Allah for our security and protection, progress and prosperity of Pakistan and enabling us to follow the teachings of the Holy Prophet in true essence," the President's message concluded.
PRIME MINISTER'S MESSAGE: Following is the English rendering of Prime Minister's message: Message of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on the auspicious occasion of 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal, 2005.
"I congratulate the Muslims on the auspicious occasion to mark the birthday of Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) on Friday (April 22).
The Allah Almighty pronounced the birth of Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) as a great blessing, not only for the Muslims of the world but also for the entire humanity. Every faithful is duty-bound to thank the Allah Almighty for this blessing and the best way to do so, is to follow the teachings and life of Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), and by spreading the message of peace and brotherhood so that we may earn the distinction of a true believer."
"In today's world, the political, cultural, educational, social, economic and trade conditions have totally changed. Many nations are today vying for control over these areas. Under these circumstances, it is vital to rejuvenate the Islamic Ummah and particularly Pakistan.
We have to build our country on the principles of self-reliance, in the light of lofty, moderate, enlightened and rightful teachings of Islam and by following in the footsteps of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
By the grace of Allah, the government has prepared a plan of action. We have given up the practice of seeking assistance from outsiders and planned to build our country by utilising our own resources."
"On this auspicious occasion, it is my request to you to stand united on every national issue and support the government. Let the world know that we are a living nation, enriched with qualities of unity, solidarity, courage and determination, meeting the requirements of modern times. May Allah guide us all. Amen."