No room for violence, extremism in Islam: minister
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah on Saturday said that there was no room for violence, extremism and terrorism in Islam – a religion of peace and tolerance. Winding up the discussion on Seeratun Nabi (PBUH) in the National Assembly, he said that in 1974, the PPP-led government started holding annual Seeratun Nabi (PBUH) conferences at the government level. He said that around 30 percent of the world population consists of Muslims, but “unfortunately these countries had to face chaos despite the fact that the citizens were the followers of the religion of peace”. Khursheed Shah said that no Muslim could claim the life of his fellow Muslim brother, as “killing of one human being is tantamount to killing the whole of humanity”. He said that ideal peace could be maintained across the world by following the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the golden principles of Islam in letter and spirit. “Islam provides us with a complete code of ethics, but unfortunately, we are divided on a sectarian basis. The people involved in bomb blast and subversive activities were misguided elements and were distorting the true image of Islam.” The minister said that a handful of elements were trying to impose their own specific agenda in the garb of Islam and were not only shattering peace and tranquility in the country, but were also bringing a bad name to Islam. “Any follower of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and a true Pakistani can never be part of such a satanic attitude,” he said. The minister said the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a source of prime guidance for the entire humanity, and a practical depiction of the teachings of the holy Quran. He said that it was the need of the hour that the nation follows in the footsteps of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) by rising above all groupings, religious and political differences, and maintaining unity, solidarity and fraternity in its ranks. Khursheed Shah said that justice and equality were the foundations of a progressive society. He said the government was doing its best to provide justice across the country, without any discrimination, and it was the only government in the country’s history that had not politically victimised any person or group. He said it was against the spirit of the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) if any one individual or a single school of thought sought to monopolise people and attempted to impose upon others any exclusive interpretation of the religion.
Categories: Islam in the press
First,the current Minister of religious affair in Pakistan should be congratulated recognizing the important aspect of true Islam and its peaceful message for mankind that must be practiced by all who call themselves Muslims. Perhaps he will further reflect, (if he survives, I pray to God Almighty that he does for the good of Islam and Muslims and Pakistan.)
Secondly, perhaps he could easily explain and invite all Muslims, in Pakistan and in the whole world to truely follow the Holy Prophet of Islam, that a Muslim is one who says he is a Muslim and then behaves like one. There is no compulsion in religeon nor any person or any entity has any right to declare any one to be something against that declaration.
Thirdly, ignorance is the worst enemy Pakistan (and many other countries of this world)are facing. I have firm belief that ultimately truth shall prevail and ignorant shall feel ashamed before their Creator. I pray that day may dawn sooner than later for the good of all mankind. Ameen.