Muslims have traditionally celebrated Eid Miladun Nabi, the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), and the Muslims of Pakistan will join their co-religionists in this celebration with fervour and enthusiasm today. However, in 2013, the anniversary should provide another occasion for evaluating the position in which the country stands, because this Eid Milad is falling just before a general election. The people of Pakistan have to compare the sublime message of the Holy Prophet (pbuh), the fraternity, mercy and peace that he preached, and the violence and mayhem being committed by the militants, claiming to massacre in the name of a religion which preaches peace towards all mankind.
Eid Milad also provides an opportunity for Pakistan to reflect on how well we have protected the weak in our own society, as recommended by the Prophet (pbuh). With no sphere of life in which he did not provide an excellent tradition, Muslims must look into their hearts to see whether they are doing justice to his example. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) provided a model of tolerance and goodwill and patience towards all mankind, and all religions. The massacres being conducted today, in the name of Islam, are a clear sign of those who have never followed the religion in its true spirit. Those elements causing division in society, preaching hate, intolerance and false pride must be advertised as a danger to the health of our nation and the security of our future. The Prophet (pbuh) introduced modernity in a dark era, while in the present day, regressive forces would plunge us back into darkness in the name of religion.
Not just the government but also the electorate face a general election soon. Whereas the government should look closely at the example of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) on how to tackle the problems it faces, the people must also look to it for guidance on how to choose the representatives they will have for the next tenure. Patience and honesty, by both the public servants and the tax payer are required. Every person, doing their assigned job with integrity and dedication is the simple placebo that could take our nation to great new heights. The Prophet's message and example in his own life, is a simple and elegant one. May God give us the wisdom to understand and emulate it.