Islamabad – On the solemn and spiritually significant occasion of the beginning of the new Hijri year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari extended heartfelt messages to the people of Pakistan and the broader Muslim Ummah. As the Islamic calendar resets with the sacred month of Muharram-ul-Haram, both leaders emphasized the timeless values of sacrifice, truth, justice, and brotherhood that define this holy month.
In their messages, the two leaders not only extended their prayers for peace, prosperity, and harmony but also highlighted the enduring lessons from Imam Hussain’s supreme sacrifice at Karbala, which remains a moral compass for Muslims around the world.
The Spiritual Significance of Muharram and the New Islamic Year
The Islamic New Year, which begins with the month of Muharram, holds deep spiritual and historical importance. Unlike New Year celebrations in many cultures that focus on festivity, the Islamic New Year starts with solemnity, reflection, and remembrance. Muharram is considered one of the four sacred months in Islam, and it is particularly revered due to the tragedy of Karbala, where Imam Hussain (RA) — the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) — and his companions laid down their lives to uphold justice and Islamic principles.
Muslims around the world, particularly followers of the Shia sect, commemorate this month by reflecting on the values of courage, patience, and unwavering commitment to truth that were exemplified in Karbala. It is a time of mourning, spiritual renewal, and collective prayer.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif: Honoring the Legacy of Our Forefathers
In his message to the nation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid rich tribute to the unmatched sacrifices made by the Prophet’s family and their supporters during the tragedy of Karbala. He remarked:
“Muharram reminds us of the unparalleled sacrifices of our ancestors. Our forefathers gave their lives for the cause of truthfulness, patience, and perseverance. Their example continues to illuminate our path.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (RA) was not merely a historical event but a timeless struggle for the upliftment of Islamic values and the triumph of good over evil. He described the month of Muharram as a source of moral and spiritual guidance that teaches lessons of social harmony, interfaith tolerance, and human dignity.
“We should light the torch of love and brotherhood in our lives and aim to create a pure society that reflects the welfare of humanity,” said Shehbaz Sharif.
He concluded his message by praying for peace and stability in Pakistan and across the world, expressing hope that the new Hijri year would mark the beginning of a new era of unity and cooperation among nations.
President Asif Ali Zardari: A Call for Unity, Justice, and Progress
President Asif Ali Zardari also shared his thoughts on the arrival of the new Islamic year, underscoring the spiritual and societal responsibilities that come with it. In his message, the President called on the people to make justice, tolerance, and sacrifice a part of their daily lives.
“Allah Almighty has granted Muharram-ul-Haram a higher status than other months. It is a time to reflect on our actions and purify our intentions,” said the President.
He urged Pakistanis to embrace values such as unity, brotherhood, and national solidarity, which he said are critical for the country’s continued progress.
“We must embed principles of fairness, good behavior, and compassion in our national character. Only by doing so can we build a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan.”
President Zardari concluded with a prayer for the new Hijri year to be a messenger of goodness, peace, and unity for the nation and the entire Muslim Ummah.
Lessons from Karbala: A Timeless Moral Framework
The tragic yet inspiring events of Karbala in 61 AH (680 CE) represent a defining moment in Islamic history. Imam Hussain (RA), along with his family and companions, stood up against tyranny and oppression, choosing martyrdom over compromise with an unjust regime. The battle was not fought for political power but to preserve the core principles of Islam — truth, justice, and dignity.
Every year, Muharram serves as a spiritual mirror for individuals and societies, reminding them to resist oppression, speak against injustice, and uphold moral integrity regardless of the cost. Leaders across the Islamic world echo these themes in their messages during this period, and Pakistan’s leadership is no exception.
Pakistan’s Need for Unity and Social Cohesion
In recent years, Pakistan has faced numerous challenges, including political polarization, economic instability, and rising extremism. Against this backdrop, the messages from the President and Prime Minister take on added significance.
Calls for interfaith harmony, national unity, and social justice are not merely ceremonial—they are urgent needs in a country striving for stability and progress. The leadership’s emphasis on these principles during Muharram signals a broader desire to foster inclusive governance, religious tolerance, and mutual respect among the people.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of a society driven by compassion and brotherhood reflects Pakistan’s aspirations to be a welfare state, grounded in Islamic values and democratic ideals.
Prayers for Regional Peace and the Muslim Ummah
Both leaders extended their prayers beyond Pakistan’s borders, acknowledging the suffering in regions like Gaza, Kashmir, Syria, and Yemen, where Muslim communities continue to face violence and injustice. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in particular expressed hope for an end to regional tensions, particularly those affecting the Muslim world.
The Prime Minister’s message included a heartfelt prayer:
“May the new Hijri year lead to a complete end to tensions in the region, and may peace prevail across the Muslim world.”
In a time when divisions within and between Muslim countries have become more pronounced, such calls for unity and cooperation carry immense importance. Muharram is a time for collective reflection, and Pakistan’s leadership is leveraging this moment to advocate for global Muslim solidarity.
Conclusion: Embracing the Values of Muharram for a Better Future
As the Islamic calendar turns a new leaf, the messages from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring relevance of Karbala’s moral teachings. The values of truth, sacrifice, tolerance, and unity are not confined to history—they are blueprints for a just and compassionate society.
The new Hijri year is more than just a symbolic change of date—it is an opportunity for renewal. By internalizing the lessons of Muharram and striving toward collective well-being, Pakistan can move forward with strength and resilience.
In the words of Imam Hussain (RA), “I have not risen to make mischief or to seek power. I have risen to seek reform in the nation of my grandfather. I want to enjoin good and forbid evil.” Let these words echo through the hearts of leaders and citizens alike as the country steps into the new Islamic year.
