ISLAMABAD, Oct. 11 (APP): President Arif Alvi on Wednesday emphasized the effective role of mosques and pulpits in educating children as well as preaching social issues through Islamic teachings. did.
According to the Press Wing of the Presidential Secretariat, the President chaired a conference on the role of mosques and pulpits in social development in Aywan-e-Sadr.
The meeting was attended by Caretaker Minister of Religious Affairs Aneeq Ahmed and ministers of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. Concerned state secretaries of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and chief secretary of Gilgit-Baltistan were also present.
The President said mosques and pulpits are sources of education and community ties, and play an important role in social training and the formation of an Islamic society.
Providing education to the 27 million children who are out of school is a major challenge, and this requires thousands of schools, he said, adding that around 250,000 schools across the country are needed to improve literacy rates. He added that a certain mosque could be utilized.
The President suggested that children could be taught religious education, modern technology, and mosque education during Fajr and Zuhar.
He also called on ulema, khateebs and religious madrassas to play their role in social reform and eradication of social evils such as backbiting, intolerance and fake news.
He added that population growth, women’s rights, interreligious harmony and the promotion of tolerance are important social issues.
He praised the role of ulema, mosques and pulpits during the coronavirus pandemic, saying they had raised public awareness.
The President said ulema also have the potential to raise public awareness on various issues such as diseases, malnutrition, and physical and mental debility.
Social ties will be further strengthened by strengthening religious, educational and social activities, he said.
During the meeting, the participants also submitted various proposals regarding the role of Ulema in various important national and social topics.