Peshawar – The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Department of Auqaf, Hajj, Religious and Minority Affairs successfully concluded a provincial- level Qirat and Naat competition, held in connection with the Ashra-e-Rahmatul-lil-Alameen celebrations, here on Tuesday.
The event, themed “Religious Tolerance, Interfaith Harmony, and Promotion of Peace in the Light of Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH),” brought together prominent and aspiring Qaris and Naat Khawans from across the province to pay tribute to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Auqaf and Religious Affairs Muhammad Adnan Qadri, who attended the ceremony as chief guest, emphasized that the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) serves as a beacon of light for all humanity.
“In the contemporary era, it is only by adhering to the teachings of Seerat- un-Nabi (PBUH) that society can foster peace, brotherhood and true interfaith harmony,” the minister said. He lauded the department’s efforts in organizing the event and congratulated the position holders.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Auqaf Ata-ur-Rehman expressed his gratitude to participants who had travelled from various districts. He said such competitions were vital for connecting young people with religious values and honing their skills. The secretary subsequently announced the names of the winners, who were awarded cash prizes and certificates of appreciation.
Mutahida Ulema Board Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Maulana Ehsanul- Haq also addressed the gathering. He reiterated that Islam is a religion of peace and security, urging believers to protect the rights of minorities and practice mutual tolerance. He urged religious scholars to use their platforms to eradicate extremism and promote peace.
The ceremony, attended by religious scholars, departmental officials and members of the public, concluded with special prayers for the progress and prosperity of the province.
Meanwhile, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister (SACM) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Transport and Mass Transit Samiullah Khan said the blessed month of Rabi-ul-Awwal reminded Muslims of the birth of the great and blessed personality whom Allah Almighty sent as a mercy for all humanity.
He said the blessed arrival of the Seal of the Prophets, Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (PBUH), brought the world out of the darkness of ignorance, oppression and misguidance and blessed humanity with the light of knowledge, peace, justice, love and guidance.
In his message on the occasion of 12th Rabi- ul-Awwal, the Special Assistant said the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent not only for Muslims but as a mercy for all humanity. The blessed Seerah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) teaches brotherhood, tolerance, equality, service to humanity, good character, peace and harmony.
He said the Holy Prophet (PBUH) laid the foundation of a society in which human dignity, rights and welfare were given fundamental importance.
The SACM said 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal conveyed the message that people should shape their lives according to the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), promote love, brotherhood, justice and tolerance in society, and make the noble example of the Prophet’s life their guiding principle.
Similarly, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Syed Fakhar Jehan, in his message on the occasion of Eid Milad- un-Nabi (PBUH), said that the 12th of Rabi- ul-Awwal was a day of devotion, happiness and gratitude for the entire Muslim Ummah, as on this blessed day, the Mercy for all worlds and the Seal of the Prophets, Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), graced the world with his blessed arrival.
He said the birth of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was a great blessing from Allah Almighty and a source of guidance for all humanity.
The minister said that through his blessed life, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered a comprehensive message of peace, justice, compassion, love and brotherhood for humanity, which would remain a guiding light for generations to come until the Day of Judgment. The teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) enlightened people about human dignity, equality, the rights of others and the welfare of society.
