New Delhi, 26 August (H.S.): Delhi Legislative Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, addressing an Eid Milad-un-Nabi programme organised at Bara Hindu Rao on Wednesday, said that the true measure of strength does not lie merely in one’s ability to punish, but in choosing forgiveness despite having the power to seek revenge.

Referring to the life of Prophet Muhammad, Gupta said it conveys an enduring message of honesty, trustworthiness, compassion, patience and forgiveness. Recalling the hardships and persecution endured by the Prophet, including instances when stones were thrown at him, Gupta said that when the conquest of Mecca eventually took place, he had both the authority and the power to seek retribution. Yet, he chose the path of forgiveness.

Gupta said the Prophet could have taken revenge, exercised his power and settled old scores, but instead chose to forgive.

The Assembly Speaker said Prophet Muhammad was so renowned for his honesty and integrity that even his opponents entrusted their valuables to him for safekeeping. He said the Prophet’s teachings place a clear responsibility on society to stand with the vulnerable, support those in distress, care for women and the disadvantaged, and provide food to those who are hungry.

Gupta said that if a person has eaten while their neighbour remains hungry, their responsibility has not been fulfilled. He also recalled the belief that bringing a smile to the face of someone who is in distress is itself a noble act of service to humanity. Serving another human being, he said, is a profound moral responsibility in its own right.

Gupta said the significance of Eid Milad-un-Nabi is not confined to commemorating the Prophet’s life, but also provides an opportunity for introspection about the extent to which his values are reflected in people’s daily lives. He said that whenever society speaks of patience, integrity and standing with the vulnerable, it should remember the path demonstrated by Prophet Muhammad.

Highlighting Delhi’s Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb and spirit of social harmony, the Assembly Speaker said this represents the true character and message of the national capital. He noted that the call to prayer and namaz can be heard alongside the ringing of temple bells. People exchange greetings and distribute sweets during Eid, while the same warmth and fraternity can also be witnessed during Diwali.

“This is our culture, our values and our tehzeeb,” he said.

MLA Imran Hussain of the Ballimaran Assembly constituency and Chief Imam of the All India Imam Organisation, Dr Imran Umar Ahmed Ilyasi, were also present on the occasion.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar