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Muslims charities organize Xmas gift ceremonies for underprivileged Christians. (IOL photo) |
LAHORE — Nazir Masih, a 45-year-old sanitary worker, was not able to buy Xmas gifts for his three children because of the simmering financial crisis in the country.
But thanks to Al-Khidmat Foundation, the charity wing of Jammat-e-Islami, the country’s largest Islamic party, he now can.
"I was worried about how to make my children happy on this sacred occasion, but then one of my colleagues told me about Al-Khidmat’s Xmas gift scheme," he told IslamOnline.net.
"All I had to do was to get myself registered at the charity’s office," added Masih, who draws a salary of Rs 4000 (80 dollars) per month.
He was then invited to a Xmas gifts ceremony organized by Al-Khidmat in the northeastern city of Lahore, one of many held across the country.
Like thousands of underprivileged Christians, he received gifts and food coupons to Christmas.
"I am very happy that I am going to give gifts to my children on Christmas."
Christians make up three percent of Pakistan's 170 million population while Muslims account for 95 percent.
Almost 60 percent of the Christian population follows the Protestant Church, while the remaining 40 percent are Catholics.
They mostly reside in the northeastern province of Punjab and work as sanitary workers, paramedics or teachers.
A majority of Christians belong to low income bracket.
The minority is represented in the government, Senate as well as national and provincial assemblies.
Duty-bound
Muslim leaders believe they are duty bound to help their Christian compatriots to celebrate Christmas
"This is the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (pace and blessings be upon him) who used to take care of his neighbors irrespective of their religious affiliation," Mohammed Hussein Mahanti, the JI Karachi Chief, told IOL.
"Being a majority, it is our duty to take care of minorities. We don’t want to make them feel that they are segregated. We want them to feel that they are amongst us, and have the same rights which being a majority we have."
Although Christmas is not celebrated in Pakistan with the same passion like in Europe, the US or other Christian-dominated countries, activities to mark the event are quite noticeable.
TV and radio channels air special programs on December 25, a closed holiday in the country, while newspapers print supplements on Christmas.
The government has announced an additional holiday for Christians on December 26 on the occasion of Christmas.
Churches and popular hotels have been dressed up for the occasion and Christmas trees are on display.
Leaders of Jammat-e-Islami and Jamiat Ulema Pakistan visited different churches in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Islamabad and other cities to greet bishops on Xmas.
"I have visited various churches along with my other colleagues," said Mahanti, who is also the head of Al-Khidmat’s Karachi chapter.
"I requested the bishops to hold special prayers for peace and harmony among all Pakistanis."
"This altruism shown by my Muslim brothers is a lesson for those who have been preaching for clash of civilizations or religions," said Masih.
"We all are the creation of God and we all want to live in peace and harmony."
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