KARACHI:
Religious scholars belonging to various Islamic schools of thought have agreed on a 20-point code of conduct to promote peace and inter-sect harmony in the country. The code focuses on the protection of non-Muslims by restricting any controversial speech by any institution or individual irrespective of religion, from being carried on television, print and social media. While all sects will have the right to preach their message, they need to be careful so as not to violate the sensibilities of another sect.
Such a semblance of equality and tolerance perfectly aligns not only with Islamic ideals but also with the vision of our Founding Father. Everyone has a right to practice their own religion peacefully but within certain parameters of course. Only by curbing all forms of hate speech and actions will this country ever find a way out of the grip of sectarian violence. The state is responsible for law and order, and individuals or private institutions cannot take justice into their own hands, regardless of their agenda.
Instead, Ulema need to diplomatically solve the political issues they have with others so that the situation is not escalated to the point of violence — something that should not even be taken as the last resort. The very word “Islam” mean peace, and only by following this idea can we pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future.
Javed Iqbal
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, October 8th, 2020.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
