Time to reflect

Eid Miladun Nabi, which falls today, on 12th Rabiul Awal, marks one of the holiest days on the Islamic calendar for Muslims of all sects and all schools of thought. The day has its significance in the fact that it marks the day when the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was born and the entire month is in fact considered hugely auspicious and a time of happiness. As is the case around the Islamic world, the day will be marked across the country in traditional fashion, with the distribution of sweets, the lighting up of buildings and the recitation of naats and other devotional renditions. But for us in Pakistan, and in many other nations, the significance of the day is a special one. It should be reminding us of the extraordinary tolerance and spirit of mercy the Holy Prophet (pbuh) demonstrated throughout his lifetime and the example he set for all of us to follow.

This day is a time to think about why so much hatred has taken over the Muslim world. Yes, there are geopolitical realities and political decisions involved in the turn towards extremism that we see in so many nations, including our own. But as true believers, we should all be able to rise above these forces and recognise that true strength can lie only in unity and observance of our faith in its actual sense. While observing Eid Miladun Nabi we should also consider how joy can be given birth to once more. Such joy would mean an environment in which all groups of Muslims are able to live without fear and also respect the religious beliefs of others. Religion after all should be a force that brings people together rather than pulling them apart or being used as a means to persuade people to take up guns and grenades. As we recall the extraordinary features of the Holy Prophet (pbuh)’s life and the many examples he laid down of social equality, justice for all and acceptance for others, we should remember that 12th Rabiul Awal is a day we should use to attempt to reignite this spirit in all our societies and by doing so save them from the violence that has so sadly become associated with Islam.