Lahore (Special Report: Abdul Hafeez Chaudhry) Addressing a Christmas event organized by the School of Religion and Philosophy at Minhaj University Lahore in collaboration with the Seventh-day Adventist Church and the Directorate of Interfaith Relations, Minhaj University Lahore, Deputy Chairman Board of Governors, Minhaj University Lahore, Professor Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri said that all religions teach humanity the lesson of love, patience, peace and service to humanity. No religion teaches hatred, all the prophets of Allah conveyed the message of peace and monotheism.
He said that social harmony is possible only when the followers of different religions respect each other’s beliefs and feelings. Prejudice and hatred-based attitudes are obstacles to the path of peace and development. Director Interfaith Relations Minhaj-ul-Quran International welcomed the leaders of different religions upon their arrival at the event. Head of the School of Religion and Philosophy, Professor Dr. Hermann Roebuck delivered the welcome remarks. President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Dr. Rev. Dr. Gee Sangya and Dr. Lee from South Korea attended the event as special guests. In their speeches, the guests appreciated the initiative of Minhaj University Lahore in organizing the event on the occasion of Christmas.
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The guest speakers said that the chairman of the university, Professor Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri, always spoke about interfaith tolerance. Leaders of different religions participating in the ceremony emphasized the importance of promoting interfaith tolerance and unity and love. The ceremony was attended by Reverend Samuel Nazir, Qari Khalid Mahmood, Pastor Aslam Ghauri, Mr. Samuel Pyara, Samson Salamat, Nokhaz Khokhar, Pastor Mazhar Bhatti, Reverend Dr. Markus Fida, Pastor Khurram Shahzad, Pastor Mudassar Siya, Professor Dr. Stephen, Madam Kulsoom, Professor Nasir Jan, Reverend Robin Qamar, Pastor Amjad Nemat, Miss Iqra Shahbaz and other guests. At the end of the ceremony, a Christmas cake was also cut and Director Interfaith Minhaj-ul-Quran International Sohail Ahmed Raza thanked the guests for attending the ceremony in his closing remarks.
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Abdul Hafeez Chaudhry, a senior journalist of the daily Tehreek, said that this event has emerged as an important effort to promote interfaith harmony, unity and tolerance at Minhaj University Lahore. Organized by the School of Religion and Philosophy and in collaboration with the Directorate of Interfaith Relations, the event was held on the occasion of “Seventh Day Adventist” and Christmas, which clearly conveyed the message that social harmony and brotherhood can be promoted through education and religious awareness.
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Professor Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri highlighted the basic principles of all religions in his address, which include love, patience, peace and service to humanity. He said that no religion has taught hatred, and all the prophets of Allah have spread the message of monotheism and peace. This statement makes it clear that Minhaj University Lahore considers religious harmony and interfaith dialogue as part of its educational and social responsibility.
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The Deputy Chairman also clarified that social harmony is possible only when followers of different religions respect each other’s beliefs and feelings. Prejudice and hate-based attitudes are not only an obstacle to peace but also to social progress. This perspective is especially important in today’s controversial times, when religious-based conflicts and disputes are creating divisions in societies.
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The event was attended by the President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Dr. Reverend Dr. Gee Sangya, and Dr. Lee from South Korea, which added to the international significance of the event and the value of interfaith relations. In his address, the chief guest appreciated the initiative of Minhaj University and highlighted the university’s services in promoting interfaith tolerance.
The guest speakers also recalled the message of interfaith tolerance of the university’s Chairman, Professor Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri. This shows that the leadership of Minhaj University has always been engaged in efforts to promote religious harmony and social unity.
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The participation of leaders of different religions in the event, such as Reverend Samuel Nazir, Qari Khalid Mahmood, Pastor Aslam Ghauri, and others, reflected that interfaith dialogue in the field of education is a powerful tool for social harmony. Such initiatives promote religious respect, tolerance, and a spirit of peace among the youth and students.
The Christmas cake cutting and the warm welcome of the guests show that religious celebrations can also be presented as an educational and cultural experience, which not only promotes religious awareness but also human values.
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Director Interfaith Minhaj-ul-Quran International, Sohail Ahmed Raza, thanked the guests in his closing remarks, which is proof that the university appreciates its participants and will continue to take continuous steps to strengthen interfaith relations.
