MUSLIM leaders yesterday urged resolve to promote, and maintain peace, and solidarity as proclaimed in the scriptures for the mutual benefit of all citizens.

Sheikh Abubakar Zubeir, Chief Sheikh and Chairman of the National Muslim Council of Tanzania (Bakwata) said that over the weekend in Dar es Salaam during the 29th Al Mustafa International Festival on Quran and Hadith.

He said the teachings of Islam invite people to live a peaceful life based on theism, justice, and purity adding that peace is an eternal constitution and without peace, union, and solidarity, there will be no development.

“Wherever in my homily, I always preach about peace and solidarity because it has a great role to contribute to our country’s development,” he said, adding: “Peace has been stated in the Qur'an and hadith as the source of the first and second teachings of Islam that Islam is a religion that is harmonious and peaceful, full of love and compassion.”

Hossein Alvandi Bahineh, Chargé de Affaires and interim Head of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Tanzania vowed to strengthen peace and collaboration among the two countries.

He pledged to strengthen collaborations with Tanzania for the mutual benefit of the two countries as illustrated in the scriptures.

“We must always promote peace to enable our people to exercise development and prayers as the Quran instructs,” he said.

Sheikh Dr Alhad Musa Salum, the Chairman of the Tanzania Reconciliation and Peace Association (JMAT) emphasized on the importance of unity among the people, especially Muslims.

“The Qur'an commands that if your enemies desire peace, welcome it. But if they incline towards peace, then incline towards it, and put your trust in Allah. He is the Hearer,” he cited.

He said Muslims believe that justice, forgiveness, and reconciliation are important in peace-making because; all humans were created equally by Allah.

He also said that Muslims believe that Allah is just and he will treat everyone with fairness and justice.

Dr Salum called on fellow Muslims to be as one as the founder of Islam prophet Muhammad (SAW) insisted during his lifetime.

Al Mustafa Ali Tagavi, the principal of Al Mustafa Islamic College, Tanzania said the festival's aim was to bring together Muslims and emphasize the importance of unity.

He said the festival involved reading and citing the Quran to end the holy month of Ramadan.