Youth must beware of elements deceiving in name of religion: Imam-e-Kaaba

ISLAMABAD: Imam-e-Kaaba Dr Sheikh Abdullah Awad Al Juhany on Friday said the Muslim youth have the power to change fate of their societies but they were vulnerable to negative elements who deceive people in the name of religion, therefore, they should beware of such elements.

The Imam-e-Kaaba said this during his Jumma sermon at the Faisal Masjid and addressing a seminar on “Youth and Contemporary Challenges: Religious and Scientific Vision” organised by International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI).

Federal ministers, parliamentarians and diplomats of Islamic countries were amongst the thousands of faithful who offered Friday prayers behind the Imam-e-Kaaba. On the occasion, Imam-e-Kaaba specially prayed for peace and prosperity of Pakistan and the entire Muslim Ummah.

Addressing the mammoth gathering, Abdullah Awad Al Juhany said both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy a warm relationship with each other built upon strong foundations. He said Islam is the world’s best religion, which preaches unity, harmony, love and brotherhood.

Addressing the seminar, he said the Muslims are the followers of one religion and one Allah and they should help each other in difficult times. He furthered that the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) had stressed the fact that Islam has ended racial differences.

Dr Abdullah Awad highlighted the importance of youth in the light of teachings of Islam and termed youth as most precious asset of Muslim Umma. "Our success in this world and the hereafter lies in the pursuance of the Holy Quran and Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)," he said.

He urged the people to follow the path of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). The Imam said Islam is a universal religion and it is spreading across the world and all Muslims are proud of it. The seminar was also addressed by Ambassador of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Nawaf Saeed Al-Malki who said that KSA was the leading country in the world which had taken meaningful steps to keep youth away from negative attitude. He continued telling that the government had established a special centre to improve intellectual skills of the youth and keep them away from destructive mindset. He said Pakistan and KSA are time-tested friends who have history of sharing grieves and joys.

Pir Noorul Haq Qadri, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, said in the seminar that youth are backbone of any nation and they can lead to prosperity and leading the world if nurtured in the light of Islamic teachings.

Senator Raja Zafarul Haq, while speaking in challenges of Muslim youth and role of media, said that utilisation of new media and appropriate application of media skills can double the pace of the country’s prosperity.

The IIUI Rector Dr Masoom Yasinzai said on the occasion that the university is an omen of love and unity among KSA and Pakistan. He thanked Custodian of the Holy Mosques for continuous support and cooperation with university. The seminar was also attended by senators, MNAs, diplomats, IIUI high ups and other prominent figures. A university crest was presented to Imam-e-Kaaba at the end of the event.