Imam-i-Ka’aba: Islam has no place for terrorism, sectarianism

• Sheikh Saleh calls Islam a religion of peace, love and fraternity

Imam-i-Ka’aba Sheikh Saleh Bin Muhammad Ibrahim on Sunday said that Islam is a religion of peace, love and fraternity and evil designs of those, who are wrongly interpreting its teachings for their ulterior motives can be frustrated by Muslims by forging unity among their ranks.

Speaking at the concluding session of centennial celebrations of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-F (JUI-F) here at Azakhel, he said that there was no place for terrorism, militancy and sectarianism in Islam as Muslims believe in oneness of Almighty Allah. Quoting a verse from the Holy Quran, he said that confrontation and conflicts lead to failure and unsuccessfulness in life.

He urged the people to strictly follow the teachings of Quran and the Sunnah (life and sayings) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) for achieving glory and success here and the life hereafter. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who is mercy for all the worlds, had also laid stress on peace, tolerance, brotherhood and mercy for the entire humanity, he added.

He said that Islam therefore has nothing to do with violence, terrorism and sectarianism, as it embodies the teachings of Quran and the Sunnah and not that version of extremists which they were projecting for their vested interests. He said that terrorism lead to economic imbalance, unemployment, inequality, chaos and anarchy in the society, and hindered growth of progress and development.

The Imam-i-Ka’aba strongly condemned all those elements, who linked Islam with terrorism and wrongly interpret its teachings for accomplishment of their ulterior motives. He said that teachings being given at the Islamic seminaries had great importance for complete eradication of terrorism and called for active role of Islamic scholars in creating awareness among the masses against the menace.

He asked the Islamic scholars to deliver special sermons about peace and harmony as enshrined in Islamic teachings. He said that Quran and the Sunnah were a complete code of life, providing solution to every problem, and advised the people to strictly hold the rope of Almighty Allah and not involve in differences, conflicts and confrontations.

He urged the Muslims to shun sectarianism and forge unity. He said that the Islamic scholars of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia stood united for the guidance of people. Today, all the Muslims stood united for the protection of holy places, including Haramain Sharifain, he said. He also said that the Muslims had a lot of expectations from Pakistan, which was a very important Muslim country.

Pakistan’s unequivocal stance regarding the protection of holy places was highly appreciable, he added. He said that the Muslims were facing many challenges, which could only be addressed through unity. He said that he was impressed with the discipline exhibited by the people and arrangements made for the historic JUI-F congregation, which gave a message of peace and solidity to the world.

Later, the Imam-i-Ka’aba led Zuhar prayer and offered prayers for the progress and prosperity of Muslims, Pakistan and liberation of occupied territories of Muslims throughout the world, including Jammu Kashmir and Palestine.