Dear Kids, Assalam-o-Alaikum!
You must have celebrated Eid-e-Milad with traditional zeal and added enthusiasm. Celebrating the Birthday of our beloved Prophet (PBUH) in a befitting manner is not just about festivities, but about learning and reflecting on the life of the Prophet (PBUH) who is the role model for all of humanity. True to the most honored title of “Rehmatulil Alameen”, given by God, the Prophet (PBUH) is really “a blessing for all worlds”. With his kindness and compassion, honesty and truthfulness, and treating people with respect and honor, he taught us to consider others as part of our own, reach out to them and extend all kinds of help to the poor, the ailing and the needy; be kind to elders and affectionate to younger ones; work hard for the betterment of nation and state. It is because Muslims are just like one body, as the Quran says, “The believers are brothers to each other”. (Surah al-Hujurat, Verse 10) The Prophet (PBUH) said, “A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim. He does not oppress him, nor does he leave him at the mercy of others.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Dear Children!
As young minds of Pakistan, you have the potential to bring about ‘change’ by following the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH). His life is a guiding light for us. He was an embodiment of truth. His honesty made him trustworthy. It was his truthfulness and honesty that even the infidels of Makkah had given him the titles of Sadiq (the true) and Amin (the honest). His life’s most significant message for us is to speak the truth, at all costs. When infidels tried to allure him by offering him a bargain, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) unequivocally said: “By God, if they put the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left on condition that I abandon this course, until God has made me victorious, or I perish therein, I would never abandon it.” Similarly, his followers like Hazrat Bilal (RA) and Hazrat Ammar (RA) stood firmly by the truth, despite facing cruel and brutal treatment at the hands of infidels. In fact, each one of his Companions (RA) exemplified patience and humility, and stayed firm in the most turbulent times. The Quran bears witness: “…and those who are with him (the Sahaba) are strong against unbelievers, but compassionate amongst each other.” (Surah Al-Fath, Verse 29)
Dear Friends!
The teachings of the Quran, the Sayings of the Prophet (PBUH) and the character of the Sahaba (RA) tell us that our faith must be so logically and pragmatically strong that no false aspersion should be given a way to dent or damage the truth of our belief. We should be educated enough that we are able to differentiate between what is true and false, and what is right and wrong. See what the Quran says: “O believers, if an evildoer brings you any news, verify ‘it’ so you do not harm people unknowingly, becoming regretful for what you have done.” (Surah al-Hujurat, Verse 6) The Prophet (PBUH) said, “It is an evil mount for a man to rely upon what others merely assert.” (Sunan Abi Dawud 4972) It clearly shows that the Prophet (PBUH) disapproved of this way of speaking, and commanded honesty and verification of any news. Hazrat Umar (RA), the Second Caliph, set a high standard of verifying information, even from an eyewitness account.
In today’s era of AI-powered technological advancement where social media is being used for spreading false and fabricated news, the need to verify news becomes more important. It is obligatory for us all to follow the rules set by the Quran and the Prophet (PBUH) in this regard. Social media is now an important part of our lives. It’s essential to understand both the power and the dangers that come with it. Mostly, it is being used for negative purposes like spreading misinformation and disinformation aimed at harming Pakistan and maligning its Armed Forces. You must be mindful of what you see and share online. Always think twice before forwarding any kind of unverified information. Ask yourself first, “Is this true? Does it spread kindness? Or hate?” It is our duty to stand by the truth, and protect Pakistan from its harms.
Remember that to be a responsible and smart user of social media, it is important to be cautious and vigilant. Let’s stop the spread of hate speech, rumors or negative content. Let’s beat the propaganda with logic. The future of Pakistan is in your hands. With the right knowledge and awareness, it is you who are to protect your country from those who are hell-bent upon harming it through digital means. You will not lose, you will not fail. Pakistan is blessed to have you, the frontline soldiers! You are destined to win.
Farooq-uz-Zaman
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