ISLAMABAD: Stressing the need for disseminating the message of Islam through character and education, Grand Mufti of Egypt Dr Shawki Ibrahim Abdel Karim Allam said that the terrorists were hell-bent to tear apart the fabric of entire society, therefore, the world should take a decisive action against them to eliminate the menace once and for all.
He said this while speaking at an International Conference titled “Promotion of Religious Tolerance in Light of the Teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)” here on Thursday.
He said that every Muslim should play his/her role in portraying a true picture of Islam, as fake Islamic organisations, created by enemies to give a bad name to Islam, have been involved in the mass massacre of people in the name of religion. “We have to take measures to completely eliminate the menace of terrorism and extremism,” he added.
The Grand Mufti said that collective efforts were needed to frustrate the designs of terrorists and extremists, besides checking the promotion of terrorism on social media by disseminating the message of Islam through ‘character and education’.
The Grand Mufti of Egypt said that “as a Muslim, we have a responsibility to play our due role for the betterment and prosperity of society and the entire world.”
The cleric also said that the terrorists are spreading their nefarious designs using social media and internet as a tool, so there is a need to evolve an efficient strategy in view of these threats.
Grand Mufti Shawki Ibrahim went on to say that Egypt had rendered great sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
On the occasion, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said that the seerat of Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) teaches tolerance, harmony and peaceful coexistence.
He said that the National Ulema and Mashaikh Council and National Commission for Minorities have been constituted to promote religious harmony. Besides that, he added that National Seerat Conferences were being held annually for spreading the peace message of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
Meanwhile, State Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Pir Amirul Hasnat Shah said that the enemies were trying to promote hatred among various sects of Islam and implementing Paigham-e-Pakistan in letter and spirit would make the country peaceful.
Speaking at the occasion, Dr Yasin Zafar said that the society was facing multiple challenges and more concerted efforts were needed for promoting religious harmony.
Hanif Jalandhri said that Islam preaches self-respect and tolerance and non-Muslims were enjoying equal rights in Pakistan. He added that the Ulema were united against the menace of terrorism and extremism.
Dr Attaur Rehman said that state terrorism should also be condemned besides criticising individual terrorism. “Kashmiris and Palestinians are being subjected to the worst state terrorism,” he added.
Pandit Channa Lal said that non-Muslims were enjoying complete religious freedom in Pakistan, and urged for removal of hate material from the curriculum.
