ROD interfaith building campaign ( a Policy for the year 2010)

ROD-CC (URI) 2010 Policy



On Monday, Feb 15th 2010 Ray Of Development -Coperative Circle (ROD-CC)[URI] held a meeting of its Central Executive Committee and underscored that to create a better, paece loving, democratic and interfaith harmonious society in Pakistan. ROD-CC is ought to start a campaign for forging of Interfaith Peace, Love, Brotherhood & Harmony.

In the absence of Chairman of Mr. Ferhan Mazher (ROD Chairman) Rosy Dewan led the meeting and informed all the central board members , as well as, volunteers to act according to the plan devised by ROD Rights Leaders to forge unity in the ranks of Pakstani people and think above their own faith or disputes and put them aside. She also urged them to repose complete trust in the policy of ROD-CC rights leaders that it would go futile instead it would surely bear fruit of peace, love, harmony, brotherhood and interfaith unity.

Nadeem Samuel(Supervisor Jail Ministry, ROD-CC),Asher Emmanuel (Office Assistant), Rustam Masih, Jawad Mazhar (Media Advisor and Office Manager, ROD-CC), Imran Mazher (Executive Member,ROD-CC), Justin Mazher (Christian clergyman & volunteer,ROD-CC ), Ms.Danish Mazher (In-charge-Women Wing,ROD),Asher Laal (Transportation Manager,ROD-CC),Adnan Saeed(Executive Member, ROD), Ms. Shabana(Member Executive Committee, ROD-CC), Ms. Rukhsana (Memeber Executive Committee, ROD-CC)and Ms. Rosy Dewan (General Secreatry, ROD-CC) participated in the ROD-CC (RUI) meeting and it was anchored and chaired by the General Secretary ROD as well as ROD-CC (URI) Ms. Rosy Dewan.

Mrs Zareena Emmanuel (Co-Ordinator of the ROD -CC URI)also showed up at such a milestone event.

After the session it was anounced that ROD-CC (URI) would work for the promotion of work through :-

1) Street Theater/s.
2) Workshop/s and Trainig Session/s.
3) Impartation of awareness against the harms of religious intolerance by all means
including Print, Electronic/ online media.
4) Flier/s would be printed out and distributed amid the masses.
5) Students would be inculcated about the benefit/s of Interfaith Peace, Love, Unity,
& Harmony.
5) Fund would be raised by ROD-CC through Charity Program/s, appeal/s to URI and
personal donation in favor of Jawad Mazhar (Offioce Manager,ROD-CC[URI]), House
No. 43, Rehmat Park, Shaadi Hal Wali Galli, University road, Sargodha 40100,
Punjab, PAKISTAN.
---------------- Jawad Mazhar ends for ROD-CC -------------

International day of peace 2008, celebrations in Sargodha

Written by: Ms Khadijah Shah (Rays of Development Organization)

SARGODHA, PAKISTAN: International Day of Peace was celebrated today on the September 21, all around the world. United Religions Initiative (URI) Pakistan showed its crucial presence on this event. On the September 20, ROD CC URI organized a function at Christian Primary School, Chak 79NB Sargodha. From the Rays of Development Organization (ROD CC URI), Chairman Ferhan Mazher, Nadeem Samuel, Imran Mazher, Noman Sharjeel, Adnan Saeed, Adil Naseem and Asher Emmanuel played their crucial attendance in the function. The Chief Guest of the function was Rev. Zahid Kamal (PCCC)

The function took a start by the student of class 5, Iqra Basharat, who recited some Biblical verses. After that, Sumera Murad of class 5 uttered Naat (song for Hazrat Muhammad PBUH). Asher Emmanuel, the stage secretary, introduced all the imperative members of the function.

Nadeem Samuel (ROD) was called on stage, who informed the crowd about URI, its aim, structures, motives and achievements. He revealed that URI is an International Campaign for creating peace amongst different religions. “At the dawn of the 21st century, there is a new spirit of peace emerging throughout the world”, he said. “People of all nationalities, religions and ethnic backgrounds are coming to recognize that we are a part of the family, sharing one precious planet”, he told. “Whatever are the differences, we can all agree that peace on earth is good for everyone, as well as the highest calling of all our religions”, he added.

Samuel told the audience that URI Pakistan has been a leader in promoting and celebrating the international day of peace. URI principles and preambles were conveyed to people by Samuel during his speech. He told that ROD is also the part of this international peace campaign.

Sehrish Khalid of class 4 then sang a poem about ‘Peace.’ Iqra Basharat, Nomi Lazar, Shiza Komal and Komal Fariad sang a song ‘Naghmay Aman Kay Gaein’ meaning ‘lets sing the songs of peace.’

Ferhan Mazher, Chairman (Rays of Development Organization), came to the rostrum and told the children about the activities of URI. Mazher informed the children; The United Nations started it off desiring to bring harmony in all religions and casts. “The 2008 IDP offers a particularly strong opportunity for support by people of faith, because September 21, 2008 falls during holy month of Ramzan”, Mazher said. URI encourages Muslims to organize ‘Peace Aftars’ to break their fast on this evening, and to have the announcement at the Dhohar prayers, he said. URI encourages Christians to organize the IDP in church services and ring church bells at 12 noon, he informed.

“All the people of faith are invited to pray for peace on September 21, or on the closest day for their own warship services”, Mazher told the audience. Mazher motivated the children that all prayers for peace are welcomed, including the ‘Universal Prayer’, “Peace Prevails on Earth.”

Chairman Ferhan Mazher affirmed, “Imagine the impact of so many prayers all around the world focused on peace”. The co-operation circles of URI Pakistan would hold events of peace as well as extend the effort to establish awareness in the public on the day of peace, he told. Pakistani local print media should play its part by publishing such events, he wished. “We will make September 21 a day for all of Pakistanis to lead the global focus on peace, he assured. “On this day of peace, let us promise to make peace not just a priority, but a passion” he quoted UN general secretary. “Let us all begin with this one day to make peace on earth a reality for this and future generations” he stressed.

Then Shaista Iqbal, Sehrish Khalid, Nisha Saleem, Naila Arif and Waseeqa Yaqoob came to sing the song, ‘Aman Ka Shezada Aya’ meaning ‘The Prince of Peace had arrived’.

Rev. Zahid Kamal thanked URI and all the participants as well as the public. He stated that URI and ROD are doing a wonderful job. He informed the students that differences are to be celebrated and not hated. Let us celebrate diversity and individuality. The differences add colors and flavors to the world.

Madam Zareena, the Principal of Christian Primary School, thanked URI and ROD for organizing the stunning program. She stated that such programs are very much beneficial for the upcoming generations as they provide them with awareness, understanding and alertness.

There were about 150 students who attended the function in the consideration of teachers named Tooba Emmanuel and Fouzia Auston. ROD CC URI brought sweets and candies, which were distributed amongst all the students of the school. The students were poor children and belonged to different religions; Sunni Muslims, Shia Muslims, Ahmadis and Christians. All the children in the end stood in lines, holding play cards in their hands, on which ‘MAY PEACE PREVAIL ON EARHT’ was written. Then all the community in that school raised slogans as followed:


“May peace prevail in Pakistan;
May peace prevail on Earth.”

Source,
Ferhan Mazher
Rays of Development Organization, Sargodha.

To see the photos of this event click of the following link.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/11026729@N07/sets/72157607387836991/

Christians and people hailing from various faiths lit candles as a token of interfaith unity and peace.
Written by: Jawad Mazhar (ROD)

Sargodha, Pakistan (ROD) June 1st, 2008: A large number of people from Christianity, Islam, Shiites, Bhais and various other faiths aggrouped at United Christians Church Noori Gate, Sargodha, Pakistan to observe the ‘Symphony of Peace Prayer’, under the auspices of ‘Rays of Development CC (ROD CC)’ United Religions Initiative (URI), Sargodha, Pakistan. The ardent prayers, prayed for ecumenical peace, love and unity and abolition of interfaith intolerance, extremism, violence and disputes by lighting up the candles on Sunday June 1st, 2008.

The service was presided over by Mr Nadeem Samuel (ROD CC). Ms Rosy Dewan (ROD CC) recited the chapter of "Love" from the Holy Gospel. Later Rev Fr Mukhtar Alam delivered a sermon about forging Interfaith Peace and Love in the Pakistani Society. He underscored on the obliteration of all sorts of religious hard line thinking, fundamentalism, extremism and war. During his sermon he said that Jesus Christ is the prince of peace and love. Fr Alam further added that as being Christian all of the Christians are letters of Christ, hence it’s the spiritual responsibility of every Christian living upon the face of earth to spread the Christ’s message of peace, love, tolerance and forgiveness.

After the sermon all the participants of the peace prayer lit candles and rose to their feet. They joined their hands and swayed while singing hymn of transforming the world into a better, peaceful and loving place to dwell.

Mr Ferhan Mazher, the chief of ROD CC said that each one of us should think wider and broader. He said that we must leave mutual showdowns behind and reach out for interfaith peace, tolerance and love. He stressed upon the need of reciprocal understanding of each other’s faith. Mazher added that its duty of every responsible human being to transform the world into a peaceful place to live in. Spurning interfaith violence he said, we should respect each others thoughts and beliefs.

Mrs Allama Shabbir Naqvi says about creation of Interfaith Peace and Harmony.

"Unity without verity [truth] is no better than conspiracy"

The views of Allama Mrs Shabbir Naqvi, the preacher at 10-Area Imambargah as well as the Principal of Zarghona College, Wah Cantt

According to her the sectarian harmony could be brought through negotiations but to some extent. We should not discuss those matters which can only result in disputes. We should LIVE AND LET OTHERS LIVE TOO. Pakistan is the state of multi-cultured sects. The two main sects of Muslims are the Sunnis and Shiites. We now have several sub sects like Sipah-e-Mohammadi, Barelvi, Deobani, Wahabi, Sipah-e-Sahaba and many more. These sects are in open conflict most of the time. For example, some people think that the Shiites are non Muslims. They don’t ponder on this fact that they are also the believers and followers of Hazrat Mohammad PBUH. They are those people who have tried to keep the mighty sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain AS alive; it was the sacrifice which was for the restoration of Islam and for all Humanity. But some people disagree with it and they believe that those people are blessed who kill Shiites. The point is that some extremist and aggressive people are present in both these sects as well as in other religions. They try to add fuel to fire by guiding people on the wrong path. Here we can see bomb blasts everywhere especially in the mosques. Why is it so? Whether it is a Chapel, a Mosque or a Temple, God is present everywhere. The point is that the Muslims in Pakistan are in majority and there are also minorities. So we should not only root out the wrong conceptions amongst the Muslims but we should also show respect to other religions as well.

These days not only in the matter of religious beliefs but also in the political believes people oppose each other violently. Sad to say that Pakistan is not a pure state anymore because of such unjust and cruel people who are fed up of their lives and they throw their lives in suicide bombings and also take the lives of millions of innocent people. Our leaders and Government are also involved in the corruption cases. Just for the sake of gaining power they can slaughter others. The leaders only provide benefits to the area to which they belong. Due to this the unity of our provinces is gone. They are demanding for a separate nation and want to be free and independent. Besides this our education system is also in rags. Admissions are not given to the deserved students on merit. Admissions and jobs are given to those who are recommended through bribery even when they got lowest percentage.

The balance is totally missing in the state which can only be brought back through ACCEPTANCE and FLEXIBILITY. All the people, no matter what they believe, and no matter whatsoever their religion is, they are all Pakistanis and belong to one state. They should either forget about the prevailing differences or not discuss them. As we worship our religions we should also worship our holy motherland. According to her the solution of all these problems is in the lesson of

Quaid-e-Azam that is UNITY, FAITH AND DISCIPLINE. If we all love our motherland and become sincere to it then there is a chance for the betterment of the country. Bribery, corruption, extremism, inflexibility and black marketing should be eliminated. We can only bring sectarian harmony in Pakistan by joining hands together and re-model our lives in religious, political, social, moral and economic backgrounds.

To conclude we should think that Pakistan is our religion, our belief, our heart, our soul, our belief, our tradition, our province and are Mother. As it is said,

“He who experiences the unity of life sees his own self in all beings, and all beings in his own Self, and looks on everything with an impartial eye.”

Written by: Khadijah Shah

Children perform at stage to forge Interfaith Peace & Harmony at X-mas & Eid-ul-Ezha

Written by: Jawad Mazhar (ROD)

Chak # 79 NB, Sargodha,Pakistan:At the joyous, happy and auspicious occasion of Christmas and Muslim Eid-ul-Ezha, Rays of Development (CC URI) (ROD CC) Sargodha, held an elegant and colorful Children program at Christian Primary School, Chak (Village) # 79 NB Sargodha, Pakistan on Dec 23^rd. During the program Children of the school presented tabloos, Songs and quiz competition about the events of Christmas and Eid. Children conveyed the messages against Child labor and abuse and to forge Interfaith Peace, Tolerance and Harmony among the followers of diverse faiths and sects dwelling in Pakistan.

Chief Guest of the event was Pakistan Campus Crusade for Christ (PCCC), National Director Mr Shahid Kamal. Addressing the gathering Kamal said that Pakistan is our home, and we, regardless of our faith or sect should create unity in our line, co-exist peacefully and work for the prosperity and development of the nation.

Later PCCC’s National Director Shahid Kamal distributed prizes among the winners of the quiz competition and children who performed well in the drama that portrayed the events of birth of Jesus Christ at Bethlehem.

Rays of development CC, Chief Ferhan Mazher pressed that we are all equivalent citizens of Pakistan and therefore, there must be no discrimination on the basis of color, creed, sect or tongue in our Society. He maintained that to achieve a prosperous and developed Pakistan, we should pay more attention to the education of Children, against child labor and child abuse and build interfaith peace and harmony. He appealed to the audience to publicize the message of Love, Peace, Harmony, Tolerance and anti-child labor and child abuse in the society.

Other eminent guests of the ceremony included Principal, Government girl’s high school Mrs. Amtul Kulsoom, Principal Christian primary school Mrs Zarina Emmanuel, Rev Zahir Khan, Muraad Khan and Justin Mazher.

Let's pledge to make every day, a day of Peace

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Written by: Jawad Mazhar (ROD)


Sargodha, Pakistan, Sept 24th, 2007: Let's all forget our past quarrels, hatred and conflicts and look forwards to the dawning of a new day of love and peace, said Rev Fr Mukhtar Alam.

All of us, the followers of different faiths, believers of various gods, should co-exist peacefully in a single society, Advocate Mustansar Bajwa defined Peace according to the Pakistani legislation.

Islam is the religion of love, unity, understanding and honesty, Islam doesn't enforce any thing, Engineer Malik Nazir explained the teachings of Islam on account of peace and tolerance.

These three honorable guests were talking to the participants of a study circle conducted by Rays of Development (ROD) Cooperative circle (CC) under the aegis of United Religions Initiative (URI) at the occasion of International Day of Peace announced by the United Nations Organization (UNO) on Sept 24th ,2007 here at Sargodha, Pakistan.

Participants of the study circle were people of all ages and all walks of life from the grass root level of the society. Study Circle commenced with the recitation from the Holy Quraan & Holy Bible. Students of St Paul's High School presented garlands of roses to each of the Honorable Guests as a token of love and respect. Hosting the Study Circle Mr Zimran Elias (ROD) shared and discussed aims and objectives of URI with the audience. Azeem (ROD) and Shahzeb (ROD) earned admiration and a round of applause by singing a song of Peace.

Mr Jawad Mazhar (ROD) read and translated the message of Secretary General of UNO, Ban Ki Moon.

During the discussion and suggestion session, Mr Nazir Wilson and Mr Yousaf Siraj shared their experiences with other participants. Both the eminent elders from the society appreciated such activities and underscored on the need of such programs. They said that study circles of this kind would pave the path to prosperity, interfaith peace, tolerance and harmony.

Chairman ROD Mr Ferhan Mazher thanked all the participants and honorable guests. He said that it is the prime objective of ROD to create a society, free of all sorts of discrimination, violence, unrest and intolerance. He added that to achieve this goal we must neglect each others short comings, faults and slip-ups; and take care and respect rites of each other.

Report recommended by:
Ferhan Mazher
Chairman of Rays of Development CC, Sargodha, Pakistan
www.raysofdevelopment.org

ROD helps socio-economically deplorable Muslims on Eid-ul-Fitr festival

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Written by: Jawad Mazhar (ROD)

On Friday Oct 12th, 2007 almost two days ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, Rays of Development Organization (ROD) distributed Eid gifts among the appallingly poor inhabitants of a slum consisting of approximately 350 huts, situated on the outskirts of Sargodha city. Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated on the 1st of Islamic month of Shawal after the conclusion of Islamic holy month of fasting, the Ramadan, to commemorate the start of the descending of Holy Quraan. Eid is the day of triumph after 30 days of fasting, exceeding joy and felicity. It is the day when children wear new colorful garments and get their Eidi (Gifts/Money) from their elders. Poor people are given alms and the families exchange gifts especially home made sweets and Pastas.

According to Islamic teachings, the month of Ramadan is considered to be the most sacred month of the Islamic lunar year. During this month Muslims not only fast but completely avoid or try to avoid all sorts of evil and sins. In this month the Muslims worship,
pray and reciting Holy Quraan through out the nights as it is assumed that angels descend from heavens to grant the blessings to the true worshipers.

ROD team started distributing Eid-ul-Fitr gift packs at about 03:00 PM on Oct 12th and distributed 400 Kgs of Pasta, with each packet weighing 0.5 Kg. According to the figures more that 1000 residents of these huts got their Eid-ul-Fitr gift from ROD.

Muhammad Riaz 70, the Head of the slum told ROD team that it is the first time that some one has arrived to their threshold to help them. He said that after meeting ROD team he is convinced that good people still exist in the world. Concerned slum chief requested
ROD team, with visible tears in his eyes, to start a school for their children at the slum, as their children are wasting their time hanging around here and there, simply because there is no school for them.

Chairman ROD MR Ferhan Mazher said, the principal objective behind the distribution of Eid gift packets was to forge interfaith peace and harmony among the dwellers of Pakistan, belonging to various faiths and sects. He also said that Eid should not be celebrated lavishly but by helping the poor and needy, he appealed to all the big-hearted and generous to come forward and extend their hands to help Rays of Development Organization (ROD) establish a school for the uncared and underprivileged children of this slum. He added that this school would be the best Eid Gift for the residents and children of these huts. Chief of ROD also thanked all the donors as well.

Special thanks to following for Donations:
Shaleem Imram, Talia Naeem, Ayesha Khan Niazi, Muhammad Waseem,
Syed Hashim Raza Bokhari and Khadijah Shah

ROD team including:
Nadeem Samuel, Imran Mazher, Shaleem Imram, Adil Naseem, Ashir Emmanuel, Azeem Rustam, Adnan Saeed, Imran Muneer, Muhammad Waseem, Zimran Elias & Jawad Mazhar

Report recommended by:

Mr Ferhan Mazher,
Chairman, Rays of Development Organization, Sargodha, Pakistan
www.raysofdevelopment.org