Seerat Conference, Organised By The Lahore High Court Bar Association At Lahore

SEERAT CONFERENCE, ORGANISED BY THE LAHORE HIGH COURT BAR ASSOCIATION AT LAHORE SEERAT CONFERENCE, ORGANISED BY THE LAHORE HIGH COURT BAR ASSOCIATION AT LAHORE MESSAGE FROM Mr. Justice Irshad Hasan Khan, Chief Justice of Pakistan [18th February, 2000] It gives me great pleasure to extend my warm greetings to the office‑bearers and members of the Lahore High Court Bar Association as well as participants of the Seerat Conference. The Conference is in line with the efforts of the Bar to 'discuss and deliberate upon the life, struggle and achievements of the Prophet of Islam, so as to draw appropriate conclusions and guidelines. I commend the efforts of the Bar in organising such an event of far‑reaching significance, which besides its intellectual input and spiritual value would also be of practical use. The life pattern of the Holy Prophet and the principles, he followed, offer an emulative model to others. The Holy Qur'an explains the purpose of the life and mission of the Prophet in the following words: ‑Ye have indeed, as the messenger of Allah, a beautiful and perfect pattern (of conduct to follow)." Elsewhere the Qur'an states: "We sent thee not, but as mercy for all creatures The Holy Prophet having completed the prophetic cycle, therefore, is prescribed as a model to be followed by the succeeding generations, at all times and in all climes. On the completion of his life span, the Qur'anic prophecy was fully established as he succeeded in transforming the life, behavioural pattern and societal conditions of Arabia altogether. The Arabian society, which in the pre‑Islamic period reflected barbarity, savagery and chaos, became civilised, humane and socially and politically organised. The Prophet of Islam possessed in his personality the qualities of an affectionate father, loving husband, benign ruler and just administrator. His philosophy and teachings reflect these qualities, to be imbued and emulated by the succeeding generations. They offer a great deal to modern rulers, leaders and judges. The Qur'anic Injunctions to judge in accordance with the commandments in the Holy Book and Islamic principles of equity and justice were followed by the Prophet and the Pious Caliphs. This is amply demonstrated in their rulings and judgments. The Prophet particularly emphasised upon the supremacy of law and equality of all persons before the law. In a tradition reported by Imam Bukhari, it is stated that once a delegation of prominent Quraysh elders approached him for seeking ' remission of sentence of a convicted thief. The Prophet was visibly annoyed with such a gesture. He told the delegation that nations before them were destroyed because when a person of high social status committed theft, they let him off, but when a weak person committed an offence, they inflicted punishment upon him. He then vowed that he would not spare even his daughter (Fatimah), if she were to be found, guilty of an offence. The administration of justice in Islam is a serious and onerous responsibility. Rulers and judges are ordained to establish justice, no matter how difficult the conditions and how harsh the situation. Says the Holy Qur' an: "O, Ye who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest ye swerve, and if ye distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well -acquainted with all that ye do." The Bench and the Bar accordingly have to draw appropriate lesson from the Injunctions of Islam, available in the shape of Holy Qur'an and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad. They have to stand firmly as protector of the honour, property and rights of all, in particular, the weak and vulnerable as against the strong and resourceful. They have to shun distinction and discard discrimination on any ground or basis, whatsoever. While administering justice, they should not be influenced by any consideration of worldly, influence or gain. They should treat all people who come to seek justice equally. The best tribute to the Prophet is to seek guidance and inspiration from his practices and teachings. May God Almighty guide us to do justice, complete justice and in doing so, be not swayed by any worldly considerations.