Muslims should make concerted efforts for the propagation of the teachings of the Holy Quran as well as the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Imam-e-Kaaba Al-Shaikh Abdul Rehman Al-Sudais averred this while addressing as chief guest in a function arranged by Punjab Quran Board, here on Thursday.
Imam-e-Kaaba stated that dignity of Muslims was attached to the Holy Quran. 'This holy book was not revealed for recitation only, but to think, understand and practice the teachings of it ', he dilated. Adding further he said: 'It is strange that we talk about the Holy Quran but attach ourselves with the things that are against the teachings of the Holy Book. Quran provided us guidance in every walk of life. Muslims should settle all their matters in the light of the teachings of the Holy Book', he pointed.
Imam-e-Kaaba said that the Holy Quran remained a precious asset of Muslim Ummah and a beacon light for the Muslims, as this Holy Book changed the course of human history and civilisation. He further said that Chief Minister Punjab Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi was playing a commendable role for the quality printing of the Holy Quran and propagation of Islamic teachings.
Chief Minister Punjab, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and Chairman Punjab Quran Board Qari Hanif Jallundhari also spoke on the occasion. Provincial Minister for Auqaf Sahibzada Saeed-ul-Hassan, Ulema of various schools of thought and district and Tehsil Nazims from all over the province were also present.
Imam-e-Kaaba said that Holy Quran was panacea for all spiritual, mental and psychological ailments. He said that he was delighted over the efforts of the Pakistan government for the promotion of the teachings of the Holy Quran.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister, Chaudhry Pervaiz EIahi said that government was making sincere efforts for the unity of Muslim Ummah at international level as well as promotion of Islamic teachings at the national level.
In order to propagate the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), he said Punjab government was setting up a Quran Complex and Seerat Academy in Lahore at a cost of Rs 550 million where educational facilities for male and female students in Seerat-e-Nabvi (PBUH) and other branches of Islamic studies would be available up to MA and PhD level.
He said that in order to preserve old and rare manuscripts of the Holy Quran, a Quran Museum will also be established in the Quran Complex. He said that a Quran Library would also be set up where translations and interpretations of the Holy Quran in different languages would be preserved.
He said that government had made arrangements for the quality printing and recycling of the frayed copies of the Holy Quran under Quran Board while Quran Mahals had been set up at Tehsil level throughout the province for this purpose.
The CM further said that the meeting of Quran Board was of historic nature in the sense that it was being attended by Imam-e-Kaaba Al-Sheikh Abdul Rehman Al-Sudais. He also thanked Saudi King Khadim al Harmain al Sharifain Shah Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz on behalf of the Punjab government and Quran Board for the visit of Imam-e-Kaaba.
He said that Pakistan government led by President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz firmly believe that unity of Muslim Ummah and a joint approach of the Muslim world were essential for countering the existing critical situation being faced by the Muslim Ummah.
Chairman Punjab Quran Board Qari Hanif Jallundhary said on the occasion that a permanent institution namely Punjab Quran Board had been set up by the present government for the printing of the Holy Quran after recycling of the old and frayed copies of the Holy Book. He said that special attention was being paid to the quality printing of the Holy Quran in the light of the instructions of the chief minister.
Later, a meeting was held between Imam-e-Kaaba Al-Sheikh Abdul Rehman Al-Sudais, Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and Ulema of various schools of thought. Punjab Governor Lieutenant General Khalid Maqbool (Retd) hosted a lunch in honour of Imam-e-Kaaba at Governor House.
Imam Saheb praying for the solidarity and integrity of the country on the occasion asked for steadfastness to the tenets of Islam and stressed for unity amongst Muslim Ummah. The Governor Khalid Maqbool turned emotional while Imam-e-Kaaba was offering prayers for the solidarity and progress of the country.
Moreover, Imam Saheb also addressed a convention of Jamiat Ahle Hadith at Alhamra Hall where he advised Pakistani nation to shun parochialism and unite on the principles of Quran and Sunnah. He appreciated services of religious parties and religious scholars for service to Islam.
After attending a number of functions in the provincial capital on Thursday, Imam-e-Kaaba Al-Shaikh Abdu-Rehman Al-Sudais left for Islamabad. Punjab chief minister bid him farewell at the old airport. A large number of government functionaries were also present at the airport. Punjab Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi also presented a picture album of the visit of Imam-e-Kaaba to him.