RAWALPINDI: Tehreek Nifaz Fiqh-i-Jafaria (TNFJ) chief Agha Syed Hamid Ali Shah Moosavi has announced a code of Azadari for Muharram and rejected restrictions on new programmes of majalis and mourning processions.

“If new cities, madressahs, mosques can be built why new programmes of Azadari and Miladun Nabi cannot be held? Why is there a restriction on in-house majalis?” he said at a press conference.

He also said no ruler and politician will retain their positions if they recognised Israel.

“We only follow the ideology given by Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah for Palestine and Israel.”

He said Zionists were trying to pitch Muslims against each other and the Muslims should remain cautious of these conspiracies.

Answering a question, Agha Moosavi said only financially strong countries can have a successful foreign policy. He said Organisation of Islamic Cooperation acts on the dictation of certain kings and that’s why it does not summon a meeting on Kashmir.

“Ending the Ottoman Sultanate was a part of the greater Israel agenda,” he said.

Agha Moosavi said under the 19-point code of Azadari, people should keep a close eye on enemies of the religion and motherland. The beliefs and ideologies of others should not be interfered.

Discrimination in the name of religion, school of thought and language should be prohibited. Calling any recognised Muslim school of thought as non-Muslim should be considered as a cognizable offence.

Safety measures may be adopted against Covid-19 because precaution is the source of salvation. Full protection should be provided to processions under the Junejo-Moosavi Agreement of May 21, 1985.

Ulema, waizeen and zakireen should promote brotherhood and unity, present their ideologies in a positive manner and do not offend anyone. All issues should be resolved through the local administration and the Muharram committee of the TNFJ.

Participants and their vehicles should be thoroughly checked before allowing them to take part in Azadari programmes. Muharram azadari cells should be set up at the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Religious Affairs and at the federal and provincial levels so that any issue can be resolved immediately.

Published in Dawn, August 23rd, 2020