RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Peoples Party leader and President of the Progressive Welfare Organisation, Muhammad Amir Siddiqui, has said that Islam is a beautiful religion which grants honour to relationships, and friendship holds a special status in the faith like other bonds.
In a statement issued in connection with International Friendship Day, observed across the world on July 30, Siddiqui said the day was aimed at strengthening peace and friendship among people, countries and cultures.
He said Allah Almighty sent His beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) as a mercy, adding that all the beauty of the universe was by virtue of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). He said there could be no greater friend than Allah, who removes sorrow and grief from those He befriends.
Siddiqui said the companions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), including Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), Hazrat Umar (RA), Hazrat Usman (RA) and Hazrat Ali (RA), set exemplary standards of friendship and did not hesitate to sacrifice their lives for him.
He said Allah had described the hardworking labourer as His friend, but in the present era labourers and workers were facing difficulties. He added that poverty, inflation and the prices of gas, electricity and food items had made life difficult for the people, leaving everyone worried in the prevailing circumstances.
Siddiqui urged people to care for one another, saying friendship was one of the best relationships and should be respected. He said it was better not to put friendship to unnecessary tests, adding that honouring friendship with a true friend was a noble act.
He said Friendship Day provided an opportunity to remember good friends and thank them.
