"Martyrdom our aspiration, sacrificing for faith, homeland an honour": Tahir Ashrafi

Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) Chairman and National Paigham-e-Aman Committee (NPAC) Coordinator Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi on Friday said Muslims considered sacrificing their lives for their religion and homeland an honour, adding that martyrdom was their aspiration and they were not afraid of it

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th May, 2026) Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) Chairman and National Paigham-e-Aman Committee (NPAC) Coordinator Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi on Friday said Muslims considered sacrificing their lives for their religion and homeland an honour, adding that martyrdom was their aspiration and they were not afraid of it.

Addressing the Friday congregation regarding Hajj guidelines at Grand Jamia Mosque Bahria Town Lahore, he said religious scholar Maulana Idrees, who taught Hadith, was martyred last week only because he spoke about the Quran, Sunnah, peace and Pakistan. “If this is a crime, then we will continue committing it because martyrdom is our aspiration,” he said, adding that religious leaders could not remain silent while innocent Muslims, children and women were being killed.

Referring to recent terrorism incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Tahir Ashrafi termed them an attack on Pakistan and alleged that hostile elements were funding people in Afghanistan to target innocent citizens in Pakistan. He said cowardly enemies could only attack unarmed and innocent people as they feared confronting the armed forces.

Tahir Ashrafi said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had played an important role in preventing a third world war and added that Pakistan also contributed towards improving relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

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Highlighting the importance of Hajj, he urged financially capable Muslims to immediately make the intention to perform Hajj, saying severe warnings had been mentioned for those who avoided pilgrimage despite having the means.

He appreciated the facilities provided by the Saudi government for pilgrims and advised intending pilgrims to strictly follow Saudi laws and regulations, avoid sectarian debates and devote maximum time to worship during Hajj.

He said the government of Pakistan had made excellent Hajj arrangements last year and expressed hope that similar arrangements would be ensured this year as well.

Ashrafi said Hajj taught patience, perseverance and sacrifice, urging young pilgrims to respect elders and give them priority in transport and other facilities. He also warned against performing Hajj without official permission, saying it could damage the country’s reputation and create difficulties for families.

He said Pakistan was among the countries awarded last year for making excellent Hajj arrangements.