La-Takfir Conference: ‘Forcible imposition of religion has nothing to do with Islam’

Civil society celebrates slain rights activist Khurram Zaki's cause of religious tolerance

KARACHI: Conservative and liberal leaders got together at the La-Takfir Conference to celebrate Islam's message of peace and tolerance as upheld by slain activist Khurram Zaki.

The conference, organised by Civil Progressive Alliance Pakistan at Amroha Ground, Incholi, on Saturday, was probably the first of its kind, where leaders from both sides of the aisle approved of a single-point agenda against extremism.

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The event was attended by Muslim, Christian and Hindu scholars as well as leaders from political parties, including the Muttahdia Qaumi Movement and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

Religious scholar Quratulain Haider formally began the event with a speech wherein he quoted verses from the Holy Quran, translating that there is no compulsion in religion. Those who forcibly impose their thoughts on others have nothing to do with religion, he said, referring to radical elements like the Taliban, Sipah-e-Sahaba and other militant organisations.

Citing a verse from the Holy Quran, he said the one who kills an innocent person will remain forever in hell. "Now it is on the people who they will listen to: Allah or the [radical] cleric," he said.

Talking about his experience with Zaki, who was shot dead in May this year, Haider said the activist always opposed the 'Takfiri' elements who called others kafirs [infidels] and encouraged violence in the name of religion.

He asserted that a society that considers such radical elements rightful and allows their practices in mosques and other places can never progress. He urged the government to take 'serious' measures to uproot extremism.

Senior PPP leader Senator Taj Haider said the flames of hatred must be put out before they set ablaze the entire country. He said that collective efforts of political parties and civil society were needed to uproot evil.



Activist Jibran Nasir maintained that one of the reasons behind violence carried out in the name of religion was the rivalry between sects. "It must stop now," he said. "All sects should act against elements within their lines involved in hate mongering."

At the event, a tribute was also paid to all the activists and scholars killed for opposing extremism.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 18^th, 2016.