President, PM urge Ummah to promote love, shun hatred in Ramazan
By Asim Hussein

ISLAMABAD—Congratulating the faithful at the commencement of holy month of Ramadan, President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Wednesday urged upon the Ummah for elimination of hatred, promotion of love and help for the helpless.
"Islam is the religion of peace and security. It guarantees fraternity, unity and tolerance among its followers. Moderation is the basis of Islam. It distinguishes Islam from other religions and gives it a prominent place. Islam emphasizes upon moderation, enlightenment and mutual respect among its followers and those of other religions. The welfare and well-being of humanity is in desisting from extremism in the eyes of Islam", they maintained.
"This is the month of immense blessings and salvation. Muslims throughout the world fast during this month, which inculcates the lessons of patience, perseverance and sacrifices. Real spirit of fasting is in desisting from disobedience of Allah Almighty with all the commitment of heart and soul and controlling evils trends. The same Holy Month witnessed the revelation of Holy Quran which is an eternal code of life for all societies and times. The message of Holy Quran is the elimination of hatred, promotion of love and help for the helpless. Only these values guarantee the welfare of the Muslims", they underscored.
President General Pervez Musharraf said, "This month has special significance in the eyes of Almighty Allah, since He has declared it as His Month." He said, "The history of Islam is witness of the fact that the act of fasting is the source of will to survive and struggle in the most difficult circumstances. The Muslims never hesitated in meeting the demands of justice in the light of high moral values and teachings of Islam in order to establish peace and protection for all. Therefore, we should also commit ourselves to fulfill the responsibility assigned to us by the nation and our religion to promote and project the teachings of Islam."
"It has been observed that the prices of items of daily use soar in Ramazan. It is a condemnable trend. I appeal to the traders to keep the rates of items of daily use at a reasonable level and in good supply throughout the year, particularly during Ramadan. I shall also appeal to them to discourage and avoid hoarding and profiteering so that the common people could meet their requirements easily. This is not only an act which falls in the category of responsibility towards the nation but will also cause their salvation in the eyes of Allah Almighty", he underscored. "We should also exercise discipline, unity and solidarity which are the lessons of this month. We should also keep strong check on the intentions of those out to promote and perpetuate injustice, lawlessness and sectarianism", he held.
In his separate message, the Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said, "We are immensely thankful to Allah Almighty that He has once again given us opportunity to take advantage of His blessings during this month. The biggest blessing of this Holy month is the revelation of Holy Quran. This book is the source of eternal guidance for the humanity. The recitation, hearing and comprehension of Holy Quran is source of blessing and living our lives in the light of its principles is the cause of our salvation."
"All forms of worship are important at their own place but Almighty Allah likes the service of His creature. Fasting makes Muslims realize the pangs of hunger and thirst. We are immensely obliged to Almighty Allah that He has given us another opportunity to serve His creature. This Holly month necessitates the prosperous to take care of the poor and the weak. The businessmen can serve humanity by keeping the prices of the commodities under control. This will guarantee their salvation in the world hereafter", the PM said.
"I pray for all the Muslims to take advantage of the blessings of this month. I also pray to Almighty Allah to nourish the sentiments of unity, tolerance, love and respect among all Pakistani brothers and sisters. I also pray Almighty Allah to give us the strength to be His real followers, to comprehend real purpose of establishment of Pakistan and to enable us to make Pakistan stronger and stronger day by day", he said.