Charles warns
against misinterpreting religion
RAWALPINDI—Britain’s Crown Prince Charles has said that Islam is a
religion of peace and brotherhood and the problems being faced by the
world could be solved by following the teaching of Islam.
Addressing a ceremony during visit of Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU)
on Tuesday, Prince Charles said Pakistan and United Kingdom have deep
and historic relations and participation of women for the bright future
of the country is indispensable.
Spouse of Prince, Camilla Parker, British Ambassador and others members
of delegation were present on the occasion. Vice Chancellor FJWU Dr.
Najam Najma also spoke on the occasion.
The promotion of education in the country especially among the women is
a need of hour as well as to avert clash of civilizations, Prince
Charles remarked. Prince Charles urged the students to learn more and
more about science and information technology and put Pakistan out of
energy crises. While appreciating the steps taken by Government of
Pakistan for the promotion and development of women, he said women could
play a vital role in the development of Pakistan.
He went on to say that number of Pakistanis living in various cities of
the country including Gujrat, Mir Pur and Jhelum are playing a vital
role for the development of United Kingdom.
He expressed grief and sorrow over the destructive earthquake that
struck Pakistan last year in which more than 73,000 people were killed
and left 3.5 million people homeless.
Prince Charles said he would visit earthquake-devastated areas of Azad
Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) during his current visit.
Commenting on scholars and heroes of Pakistan’s history, he said Sir
Syed Ahmad Khan had started to impart education according to need and
requirement of that time among the Muslim of sub continent adding that
he was inspired by the personality of Allama Iqbal.
Jalaluddin Roomi four hundred years ago stressed the need of better
relations between Islam and other religions, he noted. Prince Charles
further added that clash of civilizations could be averted by following
the teaching of Islam and Quran.
Prince Charles on Tuesday said all the great religions provide an
ultimate source to the truth but warned against its misinterpretation
may lead to misunderstandings and hatred. In a speech to the students of
Fatima Jinnah University here, the Prince of Wales urged the students to
stand up for truth, fairness and civilised values, particularly at a
time when ignorance and prejudice were prevalent and were so dangerous.
He rejected the accusation that religion was bringing misery and strife
in the world and said “religion itself is not the problem - it is surely
human misinterpretation of the sacred texts handed down to us that can
lead to such appalling misunderstanding and hatred.”—Agencies |
