Suicide attacks un-Islamic, say ulema

Published May 18, 2015
Ulema said the philosophy behind the IS, TTP, Al Qaeda, Boko Haram and other so-called jihadi outfits was misleading.—AP/File
Ulema said the philosophy behind the IS, TTP, Al Qaeda, Boko Haram and other so-called jihadi outfits was misleading.—AP/File

LAHORE: Some 200 religious scholars have issued a decree against suicide attacks and termed them unlawful under Islamic law.

The decree issued at a conference of ulema here on Sunday said the philosophy behind the self-styled Islamic State (IS), banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, Al Qaeda, Boko Haram and other so-called jihadi outfits was misleading.

Such groups operated in an un-Islamic manner and their thinking was flawed because it was based on poor knowledge and ignorance, said the decree released to the media by Maulana Ziaul Haq Naqshbandi.

The so-called jihadi outfits were unmindful of the conditions that must be met before declaration of jihad. Furthermore, the elements involved in sectarian killings were guilty of ‘fasad’, as Islam did not allow killings in the name of sect.

“The Islamic government is bound to crush such rebels,” said the decree.

It described the elements opposing polio immunisation campaign as “misguided people”. “And those killing women health workers are the worst criminals,” the decree said.

Those who attack worship places of non-Muslims are the worst sinners and protecting non-Muslims is mandatory for an Islamic state, according to the decree.

Maulana Naqshbandi said the conference had decided to observe Friday (May 22) as a day for peace and love. On the day, sermons would be delivered in about 400,000 mosques against unlawful killings, he said.

An ulema board would be set up to counter the narrative of terrorist organisations like the TTP and IS.

A movement called “Eradicate Terrorism and Save Country” would also be launched, said the Maulana.

Religious leaders of other countries would be approached to get endorsements for the decree, he added.

Maulana Naqshbandi said the conference had also called for “international legislation” against blasphemy.

Published in Dawn, May 18th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
Updated 29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

It is clear that going after militant groups inside Afghanistan unilaterally presents its own set of difficulties.
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...