ISLAMABAD (TNS) The Government of Pakistan is striving to promote interfaith harmony. Harmony between religions and sects is a need of the modern era, a sentiment that has been alive in every era. According to Asghar Ali Mubarak’s research, the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees religious freedom and equal rights to all citizens, regardless of religion or belief. These principles reflect the vision of the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who declared tolerance, unity, and harmony as the foundation of the Pakistani nation.
World Interfaith Harmony Week offers us a valuable opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to these noble values. Interfaith understanding is directly related to the daily lives of ordinary citizens. Where there is harmony, children go to school without fear, places of worship are safe and open, neighborhoods are filled with confidence, and livelihoods are found and maintained in a dignified manner. President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari says that Pakistan is committed to promoting interfaith harmony at the national and international levels and to playing a constructive role in global peace and understanding. Pakistan is a society rich in religious, cultural, linguistic, and ethnic diversity. Our constitution guarantees religious freedom and equal rights to all citizens, regardless of religion or belief.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Office, on the occasion of the World Interfaith Harmony Week, President Asif Ali Zardari said in his message that on this occasion of the World Interfaith Harmony Week, which is being celebrated from February 1 to 7, 2026, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Pakistan and the international community. This occasion reminds us of the shared values that include peace, compassion, mutual respect, and coexistence, and which are the basis of all religions and belief systems.
President Zardari said that Pakistan is a society rich in religious, cultural, linguistic, and ethnic diversity. On the contrary, intolerance and division affect social life, put a negative pressure on local economies, and weaken the sense of security on which families depend. Therefore, promoting respect and dialogue between religions is not an abstract principle but a practical necessity for social stability and well-being. In this era of conflict, division, and growing intolerance, interfaith communication has become more important than ever. Meaningful interaction, education, and dialogue between followers of different religions are indispensable for addressing prejudices and misunderstandings. President Zardari said that in addition to its moral importance, interfaith harmony is also fundamental for social solidarity, sustainable peace, and shared development. Islam, like other great religions, teaches justice, peaceful cooperation, and respect for human dignity. Values such as compassion, kindness, and tolerance are common to all religious traditions and remind us that our common humanity is stronger than our differences. By rejecting all forms of extremism and promoting mutual understanding, we can strengthen trust and solidarity in our societies.
The President said that I appreciate the efforts of religious leaders, scholars, teachers, civil society organizations, and young people who are working to promote dialogue and harmony between communities. Their services are crucial in promoting respect, combating hatred, and guiding future generations to see diversity as a source of strength. Let us renew our commitment to protecting the values of interfaith harmony, respecting the rights of minorities, and working together for a peaceful world.
May this week move us towards meaningful action, informed dialogue, and mutual respect. Pakistan is committed to promoting interfaith harmony at the national and international levels and to playing a constructive role in global peace and understanding. According to the Persian syntax, the word “harmony” means creating space in the heart and mind for each other. In other words, it means treating each other with tolerance instead of intolerance, cooperation instead of conflict, and tolerance instead of violence. Harmony can be interpreted as “circles” in Arabic. The sphere of harmony is considered desirable in any area of human life to normalize tension and balance the imbalance of mutual attitudes. However, the sense and perception of its importance and necessity with regard to religious identities have always been felt by serious classes. In the present era, the need for harmony, first between different religions and then between Islamic schools, should be understood as one of the important requirements of this era, because at present, the human world is under the influence of two types of conflict or tension in terms of religion:
The first tension is between religiosity and irreligiosity. At present, irreligion and atheism are bent on distancing humanity from all kinds of religion and dharma or depriving it of all kinds of heavenly, moral, and value teachings. This temptation of irreligion is targeting religiosity badly. Therefore, from the point of view of religion, we must The modern era demands that they at least save their respective nations from being trapped in the clutches of atheism and irreligion; because if we, the followers of all religions, want to serve humanity well by sitting together, keeping our own specific values in mind, it is relatively easy, whereas it is difficult to put forward any theory or formula for harmony with irreligion, which is a value-free attitude or method, on the basis of which we can save humanity from surrendering to animal values. Therefore, in comparison to irreligion, the followers of all religions, while adhering to their own values, should sit together for commonalities and principles. This is a need of all religions at this time, and the leaders of all religions also have a responsibility in a way. Similarly, if we come to the sects related to Islam, then inter-sectarian harmony seems more necessary than inter-religious harmony. Because, in addition to the intense global tension between secularism and religiosity, humanity is currently under the influence of two religious conflicts: intolerance and unbalanced attitudes between the world of infidelity and the world of Islam. The world of infidelity, in the case of the Islamic world, is suffering from the worst Islamophobia in history. It is subjecting all Islamic sects to all kinds of economic, social, media, and armed warfare simply because they are called Muslims. The world of infidelity does not make any distinction between our internal discriminatory identities in this cruel behavior. The Western world, while targeting the people of Islam, distinguishes between Shia and Sunni. It has no interest in dividing the followers and non-followers, nor is the distinction between Deobandi or Barelvi a source of distinction for it. It is busy making us its own prey without discrimination. Therefore, it is an urgent and essential requirement of the modern era that all sects related to Islam, while holding onto their respective religious identities, become the best manifestation of unity and harmony in the face of the forces hostile to Islam, and admit that the religion of Islam, which exhorts us to come together on common ground and common ground with non-Islamic religions, why can’t its followers come together to defend Islam and protect themselves against infidelity? Rather, the great leaders of all sects have always left excellent examples of coming together on commonalities and principles, including the Pakistan Movement, the Constitution Movement, the various periods of the Khatm-e-Nabuwwat Movement, the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal, the Alliance of Religious Schools, and the Message of Pakistan. Such unity among our great leaders teaches us that our religious diversity is never a cause for conflict, but rather that intolerance-based factionalism is our tragedy. Therefore, the modern era demands that we rise above intolerance towards each other and become the best example of promoting harmony for commonalities and principles. In our time, this can also be called the basic requirement of Islam. Despite religious differences, for harmony between religions and sects, consensus on principles and principles is a Quranic command: ‘The Qur’an is the explanation.’ Say, O People of the Book! Let us come to something that is equal between us and you (being Muslims): “Be kind to non-Muslims.” The sanctities of all religions should be respected: In interacting with each other, along with respecting the sanctity of all religions, human respect and honor should also be kept in mind. At no time should the unity and respect of humanity be affected or forgotten due to religious differences. The Quran states: “And We have honored the children of Adam.” “All humanity is the children of Adam (peace be upon him), and Adam (peace be upon him) was created from dust.” Provocations based on religion and sect should be avoided. In the event of conflict and confrontation, insulting comparisons should not be made between religions and religious figures. The act of insulting and belittling each other should not be done openly, not even through hints, allusions, and ambiguous words, but rather each other should be mentioned in such unambiguous words that do not give rise to misunderstanding. Can take:Our mutual differences are undoubtedly a reality, but these differences should be avoided from being made public, expressed, and spread in public gatherings, highways, intersections, and markets, and should be kept limited to educational institutions in their respective circles with complete honesty and integrity, so that the fitnah of group conflict cannot arise. It is the responsibility of religious leaders to prevent and avert such fitnah: The Quran states, “And fitnah is more severe than killing.” “Explain to people only those things that they can understand.” Similarly, their places of worship were given complete protection. Also, people engaged in worship in these places of worship according to their beliefs and practices were advised not to be attacked, and orders were also included to keep their religious office holders and administrative officials in place. Moreover, they were left completely free in determining and appointing the people responsible for their religious offices. Similarly, protecting their honor, dignity, life, and property was considered among the duties of the civil state. Moreover, despite the evils of the Jews on the occasion of Khaibar, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) had provided financial protection to the Jews: Beware! I do not consider it lawful to seize the property of those who have made a covenant and have covenanted unjustly. Praise be to Allah! Our Islamic teachings are very clear regarding the religious, social, financial, and administrative rights of non-Muslim minorities. The attitude of the people of Islam towards non-Muslim minorities has always been and should remain consistent with these teachings, and there is no room in Islam for discrimination against any non-Muslim in the name of religion. Now it is also the responsibility of our scholars and government officials to protect all kinds of religious, political, social, and economic rights of our non-Muslim subjects and provide opportunities for the development and development of the country. It is certain that the determined role of the Government of Pakistan for the rapprochement between different religions and sects at the national level will prove to be very positive, God willing. It is expected that the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Honorable Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, will fulfill the duty of interpretation from this national journey of harmony to the international journey. In line with the World Week of Interfaith Harmony, it is necessary that this journey of harmony between religions and sects should be based on mutual respect, consideration, tolerance, and mutual cooperation and agreement on national issues. This is “Madraat” in Sharia terminology. At this time, a positive concept of religious harmony has appeared before us. Moreover, despite the misdeeds of the Jews on the occasion of Khaibar, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) provided financial protection to the Jews: “Beware! I do not consider it permissible to seize the property of people who have made a covenant and have covenanted unjustly.
After the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), his rightly guided caliphs (may Allah be pleased with them) also kept this good Sunnah alive, and during the conquests of their eras, special orders were given for leniency, justice, tolerance, and protection in the case of non-Muslim opponents. Special emphasis was even given to the protection of the animals, crops, and gardens of the newly conquered people, while the order to provide all kinds of protection to children, the elderly, women, and those limited to pure religious activity has been kept alive in every era. “Indeed, the religion (true and acceptable) in the sight of Allah is only Islam.” “Islam is superior, and it will continue to be superior, and there will be no superiority over it.” Allah has based man and human civilization on globalization. From Hazrat Adam (peace be upon him) to the great leader of humanity, Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (peace be upon him), all the prophets (peace be upon him) have been teaching their nations about unity and harmony, mutual brotherhood and love during their respective eras. This practice of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) was a model and practical example for the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them). Therefore, after the blessed demise of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), when the era of the Rightly Guided Caliphate came, the Rightly Guided Caliphs (may Allah be pleased with them) trained in the School of the Prophet (peace be upon him) also followed the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him) during their respective eras of caliphate, maintaining religious harmony and giving non-Muslim citizens all the rights that Muslims enjoyed in any Islamic state. Their honor and dignity, property, places of worship, trade, and business were protected in the same way that the rights of Muslims were protected. In this regard, when the biography of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is studied, it is clear that he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) raised the flag of reform in a society that, although it had many virtues, was also socially active in it, including religious extremism, oppression and violence, religious hatred and narrow-mindedness. Those who accepted the call of the Prophets (peace and blessings of Allah be upon them) to monotheism and entered the realm of Islam were made miserable by the preachers of disbelief and polytheism.
They were not only forced to leave their homeland, but were also subjected to oppression and violence, and deprived of the right to life, or, demonstrating religious prejudice, were given such painful punishments that they even drove nails into their hands and feet. In this regard, in the Holy Quran, we find many incidents of Nimrod, Pharaoh, and other deniers and enemies of the prophets. The Prophet (peace be upon him) promoted an environment of religious harmony through his blessed life and conduct and also emphasized its social necessity and importance, as a result of which the existence of religious hatred and narrow-mindedness was shattered.Considering today’s global situation, we see that humanity is trapped in violence and extremism. Religious, political, and intellectual extremism have diverted man from the path of moderation. The teachings of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) can play a very effective and positive role in the establishment and formation of a global civilization. Here are a few recommendations that the Muslim Ummah can then develop within itself the ability to fulfill the duty of leadership and leadership of the human world by following them: In order to get rid of the difficulties, sufferings and problems faced by the Muslim Ummah, especially the people of Pakistan, in the present era, the entire nation should collectively repent from all kinds of sins, shortcomings and misdeeds in the light of the biography of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and the teachings of the Quran, because Allah Almighty loves and loves those who repent and remain pure. Instead of teaching the biography of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) as a compulsory or optional subject in the education curriculum, at least B.A., B. It should be included in the curriculum as a compulsory subject at the SC, BS levels, so that individuals with Islamic thought and spiritual nature can be prepared for society, and they can follow the good example in practical life and form a righteous, religious, and spiritual society. An environment of collective justice should be promoted within the society by following the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and the rightly guided Caliphs (may Allaah be pleased with them). By following the example of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), social life should be built on such lines that feelings of brotherhood, love, mutual sympathy, brotherhood, sacrifice, service to humanity, harmony, tolerance, tolerance and mercy can be promoted among the members of the society and an atmosphere of unity and togetherness should be created among them. Seminars and conferences should be organized on the subject of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) so that the general public, and especially the younger generation, are aware of the importance of following the example of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and that they consider following the example as their religious responsibility. At the private level, more and more programs related to the Seerat-e-Tayyaba should be broadcast on the media so that people’s minds can be formed on the right scale. In order to convey the message of peace and security, brotherhood and love, harmony and tolerance of Islam to non-Muslims, such institutions should be established with a missionary spirit that would produce trained individuals who would be walking examples of the Seerat and example of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) in both academic and practical terms, so that they would be inspired by their own and others’ good deeds and be drawn towards the golden teachings of Islam. Better and good relations should be established on a human basis with the followers of other religions in Pakistani society at all levels so that an atmosphere of mutual love and harmony can be established in society and social peace and stability can be practically strengthened.
