Patron saint: ‘Redefine patriotism in line with Islam’

No room for terrorism in Islam, former NA speaker says

MULTAN: Former National Assembly (NA) speaker Fakhr Imam said on Friday that patriotism had to be redefined in line with Islamic tenets to curb sympathy for terrorists.

Imam made the remarks while speaking at a seminar organised by the Tanzeem Caravan-i-Shams on the final day of the urs of Hazrat Shah Shams Sabzwari. Imam likened sympathisers of terrorists to sleeper cells. He said such elements ought to be identified to rid the nation of terrorism. The former NA speaker said staying true to one’s country was far superior than pledging allegiance to erroneous religious doctrines. He said all sects ought to unite against terrorism.

Imam said there was no room for terrorism in Islam. He said all great saints of the Indian subcontinent had furthered love, brotherhood and harmony. Imam said it was a must to follow in their footsteps to rid the nation of terrorism.

Hazrat Sabzwari’s successor Makhdoom Tariq Abbas Shamsi said thousands had converted to Islam due to the teachings of Hazrat Sabzwari. He said Muslims had to reclaim their lost prestige. Shamsi said the need for this had become pressing. Shamsi said the Muslim world was over three centuries behind others when it came to education. He said true Islamic values ought to be inculcated in the coming generations to save them from the scourge of terrorism.

Shamsi said non-Muslims used to convert to Islam after getting inspired by the exemplary conduct of Hazrat Sabzwari. He said the character of a Muslim ought to be an inspiration for others. It was a travesty, Shamsi said, that Muslims the world over were being branded terrorists due to the individual actions of a few nefarious elements.

Urs roundup

The three-day 756th urs celebrations of Hazrat Shamsi had commenced on Wednesday amid tight security.

Hundreds of devotees from places across the length and breadth of the nation participated in the celebrations. “I have come all the way from Rajanpur to pay homage to the great personage. I come every year,” devotee Amir Aslam said.

21 CCTV cameras were installed in the shrine’s vicinity to monitor proceedings. Five walkthrough gates were installed at the shrine’s entrances and exits. 30 traffic police officials were deployed to facilitate smooth flow of traffic and facilitate devotees. 150 other policemen were tasked with ensuring foolproof security on the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 4^th, 2016.