Clerics of all religions condemn terrorism

Lahore: Muslim scholars representing varied schools of thought, here on Sunday, urged the society in general to acknowledge contribution made by madaris in meeting educational as well as other crucial needs of a significant proportion of children across the country.

Addressing the Payam- e- Amn Convention organised by Pakistan Ulema Council – Sindh chapter, they said many of these children may be from marginalised sections, but generally comprise kids from cross sections.It would be wrong to assume that they  have no role in the development of the society as many of them have achieved unusual distinctions in realms of modern day education, they said urging government as well as society in general to contribute towards the cause of updated education and skills for students attending these formal school.

The ulema, joined by activists from different religions and political parties said concerned quarters needed to support the cause and help madaris in promoting the principles of Islam that are mainly focussed on equality and equity, closely linked to the concept of justice, crucial for progress and prosperity.

Ulema on the occasion also suggested need to make public names of religious schools allegedly involved in promoting terrorism.

They said recent disclosure  by Federal Interior Minister that certain madaris were being used by terrorists and some  were also receiving foreign funds, warranted that identity  of such schools be made public without any  delay.”This is extremely important and relevant as vast majority of our madaris, run by different bonafide schools of thought, are mainly catering to the basic needs, including food and education, of vast majority of the country’s children,” said  President, Pakistan Ulema Council Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi.

The convention was also addressed by leaders from Jamiat- e- Ulema-e- Islam, Jamiat-e- Ulema-e- Pakistan, Pakistan Peoples Party, Pakistan Muslim League (N), Muttahida Qaumi Movement along with President, Hindu Panchayat Council and the  Bishop of Karachi.

Speakers including religious scholars and political activists were unanimous on the occasion that difference of opinion on the basis of school of thought  has not been nor is an issue in the country and it were the unscrupulous elements  who are trying to promote extremism and terrorism under the pretext of religion.

They said large responsibility lies upon religious scholars to guide the masses and promote the actual message of their respective religions, that is, basically to promote mutual respect and shun “extremism”.

President of one of religious Councils, Allama Jaffar and his counterparts representing different other schools of thought, said literal meaning of “Islam” is “Peace”. Under the concept of Muslim society there exists no distinction between Muslims and non-Muslims and protection of the latter’s right is incumbent upon Muslim rulers, they said.

Maulana Zahid Mahmood Qasmi, Allama Tariq Madni, Senator Dr. Abdul Qayyum Soomro (PPP), Bishop Nazir Alam, Maulana M Ismail, Advisor to Azad Kashmir’s Prime Minister for Religious Affairs, Maulana Yousuf Qasuri, Maulana Siddiqui (Barelvi), Maulana Muhammad Sajid, Pandit Shyam Laal, Qari Allah yar, Prof. Muhammad Salfi, Bishop

Ijaz representing the Diocese of Karachi, Prof Saif Salfi (representing Ulema- e- Ahl-e- Hadees), Shahnawaz Butt, Mushtaq Awan, MQM’s Abdul Haseeb, Chaudhry Ali Akber Gujjar of PML – N (Sindh)  were the key speakers on the occasion.

The speakers on the occasion taking strong exception to target killings in Karachi, causing deaths of doctors, lawyers, religious scholars besides the unfortunate  Peshawar and Shikarpur tragedies resolved to play their respective roles to prevent such incidents.

They while urging federal and provincial government to realise their responsibilities also sought extreme  caution and vigilance on part of citizens. “We are with our armed forces and law enforcers in the ongoing war against terrorists,” said the speakers.

All Muslim scholars were of unanimous opinion that the current unrest in the country, attributed to religion- based extremism, was a manifestation of conspiracy against the religion itself as well as the country. Reiterating that all of them were on same page in addressing the issue through promotion of the culture of tolerance, they also reaffirmed their commitment to promote harmony among various schools of religious thought as well as among various faiths in the country.

Prof. Muhammad Saif Salfi urged his counterparts, representing different schools of thought to also keep vigil in their ranks and see that religion is not allowed to be exploited under any condition.”Unity in our ranks is the need of hour and this is also a matter of Muslims’ survival,” said Allama Jaffar urging Muslims to realise the severity of situation.

Pandit Shyaam Laal said his community condemns all acts of terrorism. Bishop Joseph Kurt said the conference organised by Pakistan Ulema Council rekindled his hope that peace would be restored in the country. “It was our vote in 1946 that proved crucial is formation of Pakistan,” he maintained.

The Bishop also referred to services rendered by Christian community in the fields of health and education across the country without any discrimination.

Speakers as well participants eulogised Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi for his efforts in promoting inter-faith harmony as well as efficiently advocating the cause of religious schools functional across the country.