|
 In
the Name of God the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
As
the first Ambassador of Afghanistan appointed to Australia
I warmly congratulate the Muslim community on the arrival
of Eid-ul-Fitr.
I
especially give my good wishes and heartfelt thanks to
all those in the community who have given material and
moral support to Afghanistan during the long years of
the Soviet occupation and the devastation that followed
under Taliban rule.
I
am sure that I share with all of you the hope that during
the happy days of Eid that we, as well as the younger
members of our families and our children in particular,
will enjoy this time and all that it has to offer.
With
the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan I also hope
that we all have taken the opportunity to increase our
piety, strength of character and our determination to
do good. I believe that it is an excellent part of our
faith to allow us to have this opportunity every year
to rebuild our personal strengths and to reflect on ways
to increase the modest and temperate thinking and behaviour
that was the message of the Holly Prophet (s). It is good
to recall the example of the life of the Prophet (s) himself
as he lived in peaceful harmony and engaging co-existence
with all.
We
unhappily also need to reflect how this peaceful and temperate
message was hijacked in Afghanistan and caused Islam and
Muslims to become associated with terrorism and violence.
This was to the point that the international community
needed to intervene in our country. Afghanistan now needs
to co-ordinate and involve itself in the efforts of the
world community both Muslim and non-Muslim to rebuild
the nation.We need the assistance of all of you in this
enormous task and to help us give a bright future to the
Afghan people. Keep in mind the responsibilities you have
as Muslims to assist the orphans, widows and the destitute.
We need you and your continuing generosity so that Afghanistan
can be rebuilt and be an example of success internationally.
Over
the years many of you have spoken to me about the situation
in Afghanistan. I often gave warning of the radical and
extremist ideas that were arising and being acted upon
in Afghanistan. You will recall my great concerns as to
how these would affect the whole world and also cause
great damage to Muslims and their reputation. Tragically,
these warnings were not listened to and now we must live
with the consequences. I ask you all to ensure that the
temperate and peaceful message of Islam is conveyed by
your words and behaviour and that you denounce non-Islamic
activities done in the name of Islam.
While
we need to live with the realities of the past it should
not diminish our enjoyment of the happy time of Eid with
our families, friends and community. This time is also
an important celebration of our faith and our renewal
in it so I wish you all a happy and enjoyable time with
hope and faith in the future.
Mahmoud
Saikal
Ambassador
Embassy
of Afghanistan – Canberra
4
December 2002
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