![sunni muslim demonstrators shout slogans during an anti shia protest in karachi photo afp sunni muslim demonstrators shout slogans during an anti shia protest in karachi photo afp](https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/pic1600073824-0/pic1600073824-0.jpg)
Why are anti-Shia sentiments on the rise in Pakistan?
Between 2001 and 2018, approximately 4847 Shias were killed in incidents of sectarian violence. Some databases estimate over 10,000 innocent lives were lost during this time. The statistics are evidence of the blatant disregard for Shia lives, the complacency of State institutions and their failure to protect minorities. However, these statistics are not reflective of the (micro) aggressions that a Shia living in Pakistan has to live through.
Since the beginning of Muharram 2020 (1441 AH), there has been a stark increase in hostility towards the Shiite community. Among incidents that have been making the rounds on social media, there are: Shias being forced to profess their respect for certain personalities – equivalent to the ‘Jai Shri Raam’ chants by Hindu Nationalists – which is not consistent with their history, discrimination in the workplace because of their faith, harassment in public places while transiting to/from a majlis, mob raids because they displayed their controversial beliefs on social media, and an FIR being lodged against a three-year-old boy for hosting a majlis.
The list does not include the more severe offences, such as the murder of Qaiser Imran in Kohat, the attack on a procession in Okara, the desecration of an Imambargah in Lines Area, or the detainment of over a dozen Shia ulema. A series of events are blamed as the root cause of this hostility. One being the practice of Tabbarra, during which Shias oppose those who caused harm or were enemies of the Prophet (PBUH) and his family – a core belief of their faith that they have practiced throughout the history of Islam. The second one being the practice of reciting Ziarat-e-Ashura, a Shia prayer to the fourth Imam, Husain Ibn Ali (A.S) and the martyrs of the Battle of Karbala which is attributed to the fifth Imam, Muhammad Al-Baqar (A.S). The ziarat also includes the practice of Tabbarra, whereupon the fifth Imam and all Shias send God’s curse on Yazid, Muawiyah and Abu-Sufyan.
As logic dictates, the recitation of this ziarat dates back to approximately 1300 years ago. Millions of Shias across the globe recite it each year on the 10th of Muharram, yet this year its recitation was a focal point of conflict. The Human Rights Commission Pakistan took notice of the 40 blasphemy accusations that were hurled in the past 30 days, with most of the accused belonging to the Shia community, and a few to the Christian and Ahmadiyya community. Moreover, Punjab Police’s crackdown on hate-speech against the Prophet (PBUH), his family and his companions resulted in many prominent Shia ulema being detained.
Where the State failed
It is clear that elements within the State are exacerbating the differences that already existed between Sunnis and Shias to further a political vendetta. While addressing the hate-mongers on religious grounds, it must be noted that the utmost respect of the companions of the Prophet (PBUH) was never a core part of either sect’s belief. Had it been so, God would not have revealed Surah Munafiqun. The topic has only been made a point of conflict in contemporary history for political reasons.
Pakistan’s geopolitical position has made it home to many proxy wars, specially the biggest one in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and Iran. The two countries have exploited Pakistan’s own national security challenges against Afghanistan and India to create a foothold. Pakistan has political objectives aligned with the Kingdom’s ideology, considering its economic dependence on them. Arguably, as a security State, the country’s establishment has had the primary role in dictating its foreign and domestic policy. In order to deal with its external security threats, the establishment nurtured and strategically utilised these Wahhabist and Salafist organisations. However, international pressure to disband such organisations led the establishment to take some sort of an action against them. For instance, Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan was banned in 2002 by Pervez Musharraf under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997 and was banned again in 2012. However, it continues to operate under a different name, Ahl-e-Sunnat-Wal-Jamaat (ASWJ), led by Aurangzeb Farooqui and Ahmed Ludhianvi.
Their organisation enjoys liberties that barely any terrorist outfits in the world do, with freedom to assemble, engage in hate speech, incite violence, run for public office and even become a Member of Parliament. Recent events have shown that the National Action Plan is nothing but a tool that the establishment uses as it wishes, to perhaps curb political opponents and rogue elements. The plan, or any piece of law for that matter, has barely been used to protect the citizens of Pakistan. The Tahaffuz-e-Bunyaad-e-Islam bill which was being pushed by members of the Punjab assembly to become law was devised by a panel of All-Sunni parliamentarians, including Muavia Azam, a member of ASWJ. Shortly after compiling the entire bill, Muavia Azam took a copy of it to his father’s grave. His father, Azam Tariq, was a leader of the banned SSP, accused of over a dozen murders and jailed for his involvement in terrorist activities. To imagine that in Naya Pakistan, policymaking is inspired by the ideology of terrorists is not preposterous. Considering ASWJ released a list of 70 PTI candidates that it backs in 2018, but no one saw the red flags then.
Where the Sunni allies failed
A manifestation of the State’s implicit support for religio-political organisations with a hate-spewing agenda was the recent ‘Azmat-e-Sahaba’ March carried out in Karachi. From the get-go, the March’s purpose was to intimidate the religious minorities and reiterate Sunni supremacy in Pakistan. The march was hosted at the same location as the Markazi Juloos of Ashura, an annual procession. Its hosting parties included major parties such as Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam but also right-wing parties such as ASWJ and Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan. Their widespread propaganda had helped build a narrative where moderate Sunnis previously disaffected by religio-politics also supported this cause. They are unaware of the motivations and the causes of these protests and have failed to educate themselves about the Shia view of Islam. As mentioned earlier, there has not been a change in the beliefs that Shias hold or practice, organisations have only used their disaffected class to lead them astray and fuel sectarian hatred in the name of religion. There has been a deafening silence by the elite moderate Sunnis of our country over the increase in prejudice against Shias. Many enjoy privileges that they have previously used to redirect attention towards global issues, such as Black Lives Matter, but often tend to ignore the persecution of ethnic or religious minorities back home. As a Shia, I have spent every Muharram living in this country answering the countless questions regarding my faith and debunking myths regarding our practices. Yet those who vehemently oppose our beliefs and would go to the lengths of ostracising and persecuting our community on the basis of their understanding of Islam are either bigoted or ignorant. They have barely spent any time understanding the Shia faith.
Where the Shias failed
This is not to say Sunnis are not allowed to have a difference in belief, but instead they should not expect Shias to uphold their ideals. Perhaps, this is the first mistake that the majority of Shia ulema have made. Arguing that we must forget all our differences and become united as one Muslim Ummah has led us where we are today: a State which does not allow its sectarian minorities to follow its beliefs freely and assimilate into the mainstream Sunni faith. The first step should always have been tolerance and coexistence. Our Sunni citizens do not have to accept us despite of our beliefs but in spite of them. Shias should not have to mellow their stance on controversial topics because it hurts the sentiments of the status-quo, especially when there is no religious or legal basis for their outrage. Once the majoritarian sect has learned to coexist with the minorities, the Ummah can proceed towards being united. Secondly, Shias have played a significant role in the exclusion of Ahmadis in the name of religion. Although their rhetoric, more often than not, has been politically charged, they only paved the way for the Sunni supremacists to come for them next. For instance, the first public figure of the opposition to condemn Atif Mian’s inclusion in the Economic Advisory Council was the Pakistan People’s Party’s Shehla Raza (she has since apologised for the incident and issued a clarification). Many ulema at our Majalis continue to maintain a hostile tone towards Ahmadis in Pakistan.
Additionally, for the community to be truly strengthened, it needs to be more inclusive and welcoming of not only religious and ethnic minorities, but also for all genders. Our religion is indeed the fruit that Hazrat Zainab (A.S) bore in Yazid’s courtyard, alone as a captive. Then why have Shia ulema and leaders chosen to divide us further?
Growing up in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, I have learned how to deal with bigots, understand who is worth educating, and when to remain silent. However, I have always considered this country my own. I, along with my entire family, have lived our lives as responsible citizens. If I go abroad, I miss the Azadaari that we have practiced over the years back home. Then why is it that I have to now prove my Pakistaniyat to Sunni supremacists by professing to their version of Islam?
The same place that I have called my house now suffocates me. It has forced a law-abiding citizen whose family has worked in different sectors for the betterment of this nation to consider seeking asylum elsewhere. How many dead bodies must we shoulder before it is one of our own? Should we wait until it’s one of our own before we decide to leave everything we know behind and journey to a foreign land? The issue is systemic and persistent in our institutions, but how come the masses continue to be indoctrinated by these false narratives? Is this the religion they have learned? Are we really going to sit quietly and enjoy our privilege while an innocent community is persecuted to fulfill a foreign agenda?
Our progress as a nation is dependent on investment in our people, for the better. Those in power are willing to provide the poor and weak with a gun, but not the pen. For they know, once we have the pen, we will know what is right. We must pick up the pen, before there is no one else to write for.
COMMENTS (28)
Pakistan’s biggest enemy is intolerance practiced by its society. As a Bangladeshi I saw that in 1971. Pakistan’s enemy is within itself, ready to explode and tear apart the country. Reading this article reminded me of the days of 1971 when the Bengalis were looked down upon as kafirs and the soldiers of the Pakistan Army were also brain washed into believing it. The consequence was disastrous and need not be repeated. Lessons have not been learnt. Fifty years on. intolerance and hatred in the Pakistani society reigns supreme and there is no change. Mind you, these are the works of a few persons, so short sighted and ignorant that they cannot look beyond their own feet and who spread the germs of hatred that is consumed by the society.
The beliefs which Shias have been following are undoubtedly centuries old however historically these beliefs and specially tabbarra were not witnessed by Sunis because these acts were limited to Majalis. The era of internet and smart phones has enabled the Sunni masses to witness these beliefs and its very easy to ignite them to the extreme extents. we need to find out whether Tabbarra was openly practiced by Shias in Pakistan since its inception or its more visible in the last 10 to 15 years with influx of smart phones and easy access to internet along with options to upload such videos on you tube or other channels. i would suggest that lines should be drawn and care should be taken to not let such speeches get public that can instigate the Sunni sentiments and if such care is maintained than Shias can follow their religious ceremonies without getting head on with Sunnis. We need to go back to the era of Imam Bukhari and find out what were the limits which were being followed in that era , where there was such a respect for Shia Ulemas that Imam Bukhari R.A took so many Hadith from them, respected them and accepted them as Muslim Brothers. We need more harmony among us and we cant just let Pakistan face sectarian issues because enemies of Pakistan have only one agenda to destabilize the only Muslim Nuclear Power, which has the capability to lead Muslim Ummah and to become one of the most powerful countries of the world.
If someone publicly uses abusive language against my father then how can you expect me to bear with such person. Prophet's (peace be upon him) companions are more honourable to us than our parents. Don't incite people to violence by publicly insulting them.
The Prophet's (PBUH) companions are dear to the shia as well, although the difference is that the shia believe that certain individuals caused harm to the Prophet's (PBUH) family and those people are not held in high esteem by Shias . @Usman don't you think it's naive to think that only your point of view is correct? And as a shia with lineage tracing back to the prophet this really comes down to injustice being done to my forefathers. Whereas I believe certain speakers at majalis within the shia community should not be so firebrand, let's read some history by neutral (non Shia/ Sunni) sources and call a spade a "spade"
wow; thanks for the bold article which went into the details of the problem.
A very thorough and honest deep dive into the history and current situation of Shia persecution. As a Sunni, I admit I am woefully ignorant about Shia beliefs and am glad to see a Shia voice being elevated in the mainstream media. As a country created to protect a persecuted religious minority, Pakistan has failed it's Shia, Ahmadi, Christian, Hindu, Sikh and other citizens. It starts with us in challenging our mentality and speaking out against hate.
Seems like a few people in some agency spewed yet another disastrous plan to destroy Pakistan by shooting in the foot. Just when Pakistan started to make progress after being 30 years of terror infested war zone, this has started to happen. Wouldn’t it be best if Pakistan just said “thanks but no thanks” to the Arab money which has brought nothing but terrorism in Pakistan.
Great article. I think both India and Pakistan have to learn how to respect the rights of minorities in their respective countries.
Conspiracy to create internal strife by the enemies of Pakistan.
The basic problem is a will to stay accept differences and learn to live with divresity. Pakistanis have been tutored to hate Hindus,Jews ,sikhs and non-Muslims because of the only one Islam and to reject all others. Theses same people will also reject Ahemedias, Hazaras,,Bengalies, Baloch, Shias in varying degrees depending on situation .Even if they live in Birmigham,France or US they will reject the others in varying degrees in different situation. Hindus of India, Muslims of Indonesia,Malaysia ,EU.UK,USA have been tutored to accept minorities. Pakistanis have been tutored to reject the others especially minorities
Being of mixed (Shia-Sunni) origin, I will be outspoken on this subject. Caliphs were not appointed by Allah. They are NOT part of the religion. Afterall we accept that Islam was completed within lifetime of the Prophet. Issue of caliphhood was political. While Sunni Ulema have no problem is calling Shia revered figure Abu Talib (father of Ali) as Kafir, but they don't want their revered figures be criticised. While Sunni Muslims are talking about "lynching of Musilms" in India, they are silent about Shia killing in Pakistan !!
Please go back to beginning of the month Muharram until 11th of Muharram and ask yourself why are they cursing at the companions of the Prophet PBUH so openly? And ask yourself why did Sunnis never before take streets like this against Shiah gatherings? Maybe because shiahs are doing something to provoke the Sunnis? Respect is mutual. It is some extremist shiahs that started this and they should put an end to provoking Sunnis by cursing at Sahabahs, and that should be your belief also if you're a Muslim. Islam does not allow cursing at anyone like this to offend another sect that is living in your neighborhood.
I don' think so. In fact, in my opinion, Sunni Shias are getting along pretty fine. Maybe, it is just one area where the hatred prevails. This act of some deranged violent people does not define the Sunnis as a whole. Maybe, it is just a single gang behind all the killings, which is defaming the entire country.
Why do we expect minorities to comply with majority views. Do we expect Muslims in India to stop reciting Kalima, proclamation of faith, since it hurts hindu feelings? All parties should learn tolerance and decency!
Such a thought provoking article!
Then Sunni scholars should also prohibit themselves from calling Muavia and Abusufyan the finest sahaba and shut there mouth as these historic personalities are regarded as mainstream of battle of Karbala by Shias with firm belief.
On one hand, paying basic bills has become very difficult, on the other hand, generally speaking, our morals have only been degrading with non-existent law and order enforcement - making it very easy to vent personal frustrations towards anyone where there are no consequences.
I think the more difficult surviving becomes, the more hostile average people turn towards the weak around them. On one hand, paying basic bills has become very difficult, on the other hand, generally speaking, our morals have only been degrading with non-existent law and order enforcement - making it very easy to vent personal frustrations towards anyone where there are no consequences. It is ironical that the cause of these agitators - religion, is precisely what they themselves are offending! I think the only solution is for the scholars of the majority sect to improve the overall moral standard of the nation, and peace will just follow.
@Al-Ansar... Define Sacred? if sacred means the Khulafa e Rashideen and Ummahat ul Momineen then there is a clear fatwa by leaders of Shia clergy that its haram despite the differences, anyone doing it is totally at fault. But in the guise of this if you are asking us to forget the perpetrators of oppression against Prophet and his family then I am sorry this is where we Shias draw the line...and the sad part is everything becomes a blasphemy in this country, but never a blasphemy charge is labelled against the "family-heads" that were responsible for Badr, Siffin and Karbala. The only grievance i have against my sunni brothers is that they dont even read their own history and Hadees books, its all there!. Lastly, I summarize our view of the sahaba, "Anyone who remained loyal to Prophet's (PBUH) family after his death is RaziAllah for us, and anyone who was involved in harming them is worthy of Lanat." now you read and decide who had what role in history after Prophet's (PBUH) passing.
The Writer want to remain Anonymous because the story he has written is completely incorrect . In fact Shia community should refrain in using bad words against our beloved SAHABAS . We respect and love people the SHIA community as well .
no one should allow to speak bad about sahaba , we openly condemn such activities
Same thing happened to the Ahamdis and the Shia 's did not care? Didn't they know it will be their turn next? It was inevitable to me many years ago , that this would catch up with them too. Sad but unfortunately true.
Isn't all this ironic? It was Ahmadis who were the first proponents of the two-nation theory. Today they are persecuted. It was Muhamad Ali Jinnah who was a Shia and agitated to get a separate nation for Indian Muslims. but today his own community is at the receiving end. Bengali Muslims fight for Pakistan but in 20 years they decided to separate. This is called Karma. It comes to bite you.
There is no anti-shia element in the state. Just shia's scholars must refrain from calling sacred personalities (The Sahaba) with bad names, because there are utmost sentiments of Sunni muslims towards these holy persons. Sunni should respect shia religion and vice versa.
Why the onus is only on the minority? Decency is indeed expected from Shias while practicing their faith but why can't majority accept minority's faith? Do you mean Muslims in India should stop reading Kalima Tayyaba since it hurts Hindus when they reject Hindu gods in proclamation of their faith? All is well between Shia and Sunni in the western world. How?
What did Yazid, Muawiyah and Abu-Sufyan do?
Very well put
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