Source: AsiaNews
Dewan Bahadur S P Singha is on new 10-rupee stamp. He opted for Pakistan in a critical vote in the Punjab legislature at the time of partition. Christians and Muslims welcome the recognition, a sign that Pakistan is trying to promote interfaith harmony.
Islamabad (AsiaNews) – Pakistan Post issued a commemorative postage stamp honouring Dewan Bahadur S P Singha, a Christian leader who, as a Member of the Punjab Assembly, supported the partition of British India and the creation of Pakistan in 1947.
Christian and Muslim leaders welcomed the initiative, calling it an important step towards recognising the role played by minorities in nation building.
A mock-up of the postage stamp was unveiled last Saturday at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the official residence of the President of Pakistan.
Speaking at the ceremony, Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain said that dynamic nations always remember those who serve their country. He said Dewan Bahadur had rendered unforgettable services for the establishment of Pakistan for which the nation was thankful to him.
The 10-rupee stamp (US$ 0.10) is the fourth of its kind, and was created to mark the anniversary of independence. The first was released in 1948 with the approval of the founder of the country, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, also known as Quaid-e-Azam, or great leader.
“It is very important to acknowledge the contribution made by minorities in the creation of Pakistan,” Suneel Malik, director of the Foundation Peace and Human Development, told AsiaNews.
“We need to raise awareness about historical facts, because there is a wrong perception among the masses that only Muslims made sacrifices during partition, and that Pakistan came into being in the name of the Islam, which means protecting the interests of Muslims and glorifying only one religion rather than respecting all religions practiced by its citizens.”
Shazia George, a Christian feminist and member of the Punjab Commission on the Status of Women, praised the decision to recognise a Christian national hero. Issuing a postage stamp is “an olive branch at a time when intolerance and extremism are rife in Pakistan, and the Armed Forces are cracking down on elements sowing hatred, prejudice, and terror.”
Even for Zakir Shaheen, a secular Muslim human rights activist and regional manager at the South Asia Partnership Pakistan (SAP-PK), this “is great news. At this point in time, I really appreciate the step taken by the government. We must acknowledge the efforts and sacrifices made by minorities in the foundation and progress of Pakistan.”
This way, “we can promote religious harmony, tolerance and the spirit of nationalism, as well as promote the vision of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who dreamt of equal rights for all citizens without any discrimination.”
Categories: Asia, Christianity, Interfaith tolerance, Islam, Pakistan, The Muslim Times
ADVICE TO YOUNG MEN & GIRLS.
You may be sure that wisdom is good for your soul.Get wisdom and you have a bright future.Wisdom is offers you long life as well as wealth and honor. Wisdom can make your life pleasant and lead you safely through it…
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PROPHET MUHAMMAD (SAW) SAYS ABOUT CHRISTIANS;
JEWS, CHRISTIANS AND MUKMIN ARE ALL ISLAM.
[Take] the religion of your father Abraham. [God] has named you (Jews, Christians, Mukmin ) all the Muslims of the past (the Prophet Ibrahiim) and so is in [the Qur’an] is, that the Messenger a witness over you, and that ye may be witnesses over all men, … QS 22:78.
To each among you have We prescribed a Law and an Open Way. If Allah had so willed, He would have made you a single people, but (His plan is) to test you in what He hath given you: so strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to Allah; it is He that will show you the truth of the matters in which ye dispute. QS 5;(48).
You will certainly find that the closest of them in friendship with the believers are those who say, “We are Christians.” 45 That is because among them there are priests and monks, 46 and because they are not arrogant. QS 5;(82)
Say Muhammad: “We believe, in Allah and the revelation given to us and to Abraham Isma`il Isaac Jacob and the Tribes and that given to Moses and Jesus and that given to (all) Prophets from their Lord we make no difference between one and another of them and we bow to Allah (in Islam).” QS 2 :136.
Not all of them are alike; a party of the people of the Scripture stand for the right, they recite the Verses of Allâh during the hours of the night, prostrating themselves in prayer. (113) They believe in Allah and the Last Day; they enjoin Al-Ma’ruf (Islamic Monotheism, and following Prophet Muhammad SAW) and forbid Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and opposing Prophet Muhammad SAW); and they hasten in (all) good works; and they are among the righteous. (114) And whatever good they do, nothing will be rejected of them; for Allah knows well those who are Al-Muttaq QS 3;(115) .
Verily, this Brotherhood of yours is a single Brotherhood and I am your Lord and Cherisher: therefore serve Me (and no other). (92) But (later generations) cut off their affair (of unity), one from another: (yet) will they all return to Us. (93) Whoever works any act of righteousness and has Faith― his endeavour will not be rejected: We shall record it in his favour. QS 2:192-94.
To each is a goal to which Allah turns him; then strive together (as in a race) toward all that is good. Wheresoever ye are, Allah will bring you together. For Allah hath power over all things. qs 2:(148)
Surely, those who have believed, and the Jews, and the Sabians, and the Christians — whoso believes in Allah and the Last Day and does good deeds, on them shall come no fear, nor shall they grieve. (Al Quran 5:69)
Verily! Those who believe and those who are Jews and Christians, and Sabians, [] whoever believes in Allâh and the Last Day and do righteous good deeds shall have their reward with their Lord, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve QS 2;(62)
MUSLIM PEOPLE WERE SO HAPPY.
The Roman Empire has been defeated, In a land close by: but they, (even) after (this) defeat of theirs, will soon be victorious, Within a few years. With Allah is the Decision. In the Past and in the Future: on that Day shall the Believers / Muslim rejoice, With the help of Allah. He helps whom He will, and He is Exalted in Might, Most Merciful. QS.30:2-5
DO NOT JUDGE OTHER BELIEF
James 4:12 God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor.This golden rule is found also in Islam.
O you who believe, no man should ever scoff at other men. May be, the latter are better than the former. QS 49;11
Surely, your Lord is best aware of those who go astray from His way, and He is best aware of those who are on the right path.QS 6;117.
My conclusion.
1. Jews,Christian and Mukmin are all Muslim / Islam. (Monotheist)
2. Good Jews,Christian,were called believer, but those who agaisnt Prophet Muhammad (saw) called “Kafir.” or Extremist Jews Christian.
May Allah will forgive our sins, Ameen.
Love is the seed of peace, happiness and prosperity.
Hatred is the seed of the darkness, violence, and murder.
These golden messages / wisdom are the messages should be taught to our Children, grandchildren and the next generation at home and school.
“Our Lord, give us PARADISE in this world and PARADISE in the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of Fire.”QS 2; (201)
For You from My Heart.
All those who read shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; O Allah, be my witness, that I have conveyed your message to your people.
Wassalamu’alaikum wrwb–With all my love.