LAHORE:
Over 200 religious scholars have issued a decree against suicide attacks and deemed them ‘unlawful’ under the Islamic law, according to local media sources.
The ulema claimed that the philosophy behind the Islamic state, Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan, Al Qaeda, Boko Haram and other ‘so called’ Jihadi outfits was ‘misleading’, as per sources.
Such groups operated in un-Islamic manners and their thinking was flawed because of poor knowledge and mere ignorance, stated Maulana Zia ul 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, it was claimed.
“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, according to sources.
An ulema board would be set up to counter the narrative of terrorist organisations like the TTP and IS, authorities claimed.
A movement called “Eradicate Terrorism and Save Country” would also be launched, said the Maulana, according to reports.
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, according to sources.