Will Orya Maqbool Jan and Asif Hameed (son of late Dr. Israr)
also strongly condemn the violent protests by TLP? Their names are missing in
the list below and unfortunately they have been patronizing TLP one way or the
other, at one time or another . . .
Religious scholars in Pakistan condemn violent TLP
protests as un-Islamic
The religious scholars from different schools of thought have
strongly condemned the ongoing violent protests by Tehrik-e-Labaik Pakistan
(TLP), describing them as immoral, inhumane, un-Islamic and unconstitutional.
Referring to different Islamic injunctions, the Ulema believed
that killing and injuring the police officials, road blockades, violence and
disruption of normal life in the name of Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon
Him) and for fulfillment of their demands was in no way permissible by Islam.
In their video messages, they were unanimous in the view that
violent protests and attacks on the personnel of army, police or other security
institutions, who provide masses with security and protection, should in no way
be allowed by the government.
Maulana Raghib Naeemi, in his video message, said besides
disturbing law and order in various parts of the country, including Rawalpindi
and Islamabad, such violent protests also caused economic loss and various
problems for the people such as mobility and traffic disruption.
He said instead of blocking roads and staging sit-ins,
such gatherings should be dispersed after registering their protest over the
issue.
Zia Ullah Shah Bukhari said as love and respect for the
Holy Prophet (PBUH)) was the foremost priority of every Muslim, they would
never allow any disrespect for him.
“I would appeal to the religious leaders and people
involved in the protests that their actions should not disrupt normal life, and
cause difficulties and hurdles in the way of the general public, including
students, patients, hospital workers, public and private sector employees
etc.,” he added.
Sahibzada Hamid Raza of Sunni Ittehad Council said they
also carried out peaceful protests against the publication of blasphemous
caricatures and the statement of French president.
He, however, added that given the regional and
international situation as well as the challenges faced by the country on
domestic and foreign fronts, any violence or violent protests would not only
dent the objective of the protests but would also bring a bad name for Pakistan
at international level.
He said disrupting the peace and security situation in
the country would be tantamount to providing an opportunity to the
anti-Pakistan elements at home and abroad to benefit from the situation.
Allama Iftikhar Hussain Naqvi said since Islam is a
religion of peace and harmony, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) himself faced various
difficulties but never caused any pain to others rather created ease for
others. “Our Holy Prophet (PBUH) always responded even to the illiterates with
logic and argument,” he added.
While strongly condemning the attitude of French
president on the issue of blasphemous caricatures, he also criticized the TLP
leaders for staging violent protests in the country that caused martyrdom and
injuries of police personnel.
“This attitude is neither human nor Islamic as well as
against the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Killing a human is the
killing of the whole humanity. It is not any service to Islam,” he added.
He urged the government to protect the life and property
of masses, and take stern action against such miscreants.
He, however, added that the issue should immediately be
taken to the National Assembly for discussion and decision.
Allama Iftikhar Hussain Naqvi appreciated Prime Minister
Imran Khan for taking up the issue of blasphemy and respect for the Holy
Prophet (PBUH) at international fora and hoped that he would continue raising
his voice on the issue.
Moulana Yaseen Zafar said any party or group had the
right to present its demands but maintaining peace and order was also its
responsibility.
He said the government should also take the issue to the
parliament for discussion. Violence should be avoided, and a prudent approach
and strategy should be adopted to deal with the situation, he opined.
Dr Pir Ali Raza Bukhari, Member of AJK Legislative Assembly
and Sajjada Nasheen of Dargah Basahan Sharif, in his message said the whole
Muslim world felt pain of any blasphemous act in any part of the world.
He appealed to the protesters to register a peaceful
protest as their right but any violence or arson in the name of protest could
neither be afforded by the country nor was it permissible under Islamic
teachings.
Pir Ali Raza Bukhari said the issue of France should be
left up to the parliament and also urged the parliament to make a legislation
to restrict the blockade of roads in the name of protest demonstrations.
Mufti Shahid Javed questioned the protesting party as to
what was the fault of innocent people whose properties were being burnt down
during the violent protests.
He said the credit for highlighting the issue of
blasphemy at global level went only to the incumbent government. He questioned
who was responsible for people killed during the violent protests and others
who died in ambulances stuck up on the blocked roads.
Maulana Abdul Kabeer Azad said that violent protests in
the name of Islam negated the teachings of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
He said that neither the government nor masses would
allow any group or party to indulge in violent protests and attack the
personnel of army, police or other security institutions, who provide masses
with security and protection.
Qari Syed Sadaqat Ali said that though any Muslim cannot
be a true “Momin” without loving the Holy Prophet (PBUH), yet Islam did not
allow any religious party or group to impose its views on the government or
people in violent manner causing loss of
life and property.
The violent protests and damaging public property should
not be allowed by the government as it will not only create unrest in the
country but will also put a negative effect on Pakistan’s repute at
international level, he added.
Sahibzada Zahid Mahmood Qasmi described the violent
protests by TLP as immoral, unconstitutional and un-Islamic.
He said that any group or party can present its demands
before the government or state, and then it was the government or state to take
up the issue at relevant local and international fora in the way it considered
appropriate.
He referred to the publication of blasphemous caricatures
in France in the past as well and said that resolutions were adopted by
National Assembly, Senate and provincial assemblies against such acts.
The government had also registered its protest with
France and raised the issue at different forums including the Organization of
Islamic Conference, he added.
- DAILY TIMES (April 17, 2021)
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