KARACHI: JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has accused certain forces of fueling sectarianism to create division among religious scholars whenever calls for the imposition of an Islamic system in Pakistan arise.
Speaking at a digital media convention in Karachi on Saturday, Fazl stated, “Sectarianism is encouraged whenever there are calls for an Islamic system, and some forces manipulate these divisions.” He emphasized that while sectarian groups exist, they only clash at the behest of outside forces.
Fazl also criticized the country’s moon-sighting system, noting that the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee operates without a legal framework. He argued that a proper law would allow for accountability and prevent the escalation of disputes among scholars.
In addition, he expressed concern over the lack of a code of conduct for Muharram processions, blaming this omission on deliberate actions to provoke conflicts between religious groups.
On the relationship between religion and the state, Fazl denounced the idea of separating the two, arguing that religion is often blamed for social unrest when, in fact, factors like ethnicity and provincialism also play significant roles. He pointed out that conflicts among various ethnic groups, such as Baloch, Pashtuns, Sindhis, and Mohajirs, have also contributed to unrest.
Fazl further criticized recent legislation, including the banning of marriages under the age of 18, claiming that such laws contradict Islamic teachings. He argued that laws are often made under pressure from external bodies like the IMF and the UN, rather than in accordance with religious principles.
In closing, Fazl condemned the media for focusing on politicians’ vices, stating that exposing individuals’ weaknesses is a grave sin. He called for a more ethical approach to news reporting and urged a focus on distinguishing between halal and haram actions.
