Sectarian reconciliation: Counter-narrative stressed

Workshop analysed need to look inwards to identify roots of sectarianism

ISLAMABAD: The roots of sectarian violence are grounded in religious narratives. Among religious narratives, the most powerful is takfeer - to declare someone a non-Muslim - which transforms differences of interpretation between religious sects, by instigating bloodlust and thus resulting in extremism.

These views were expressed by eminent religious scholars who had gathered for a five-day workshop to develop a counter-narrative, and framework for sectarian harmony in Pakistan, that concluded here on Thursday.

The workshop was organised by the Peace and Education Foundation (PEF), in collaboration with Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue (IRD), International Islamic University.



They said the manipulation of religion to justify acts of brutality against minority sects, was the reason for sectarian violence in the society.

CII former president Dr Khalid Masud, while tracing the rise of extremism in Muslim history said that political factors led to the beginning of rifts after the death of Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh).

He said Takfiriyat in its extreme had pushed certain groups towards acquiring power and had led them towards sectarianism and terrorism.

Pips Director Muhammad Amir Rana said, “We will need to focus on the domestic factors to root out sectarianism from Pakistan.”

They discussed how class differences, poverty and social and economic deprivations caused most of the problems in the society, icluding sectarian violence.

The participants also stressed that regardless of religious differences, everyone must focus on common grounds to interact with each other.

Starting off the debate, Peace and Education Foundation Executive-Director Rashad Bukhari emphasised that religious scholars had a responsibility to frame a practical strategy to overcome the threat of sectarianism.

The conference thus concluded with a declaration that a counter-narrative and framework for sectarian harmony will be prepared and presented to religious scholars for approval and for dissemination to the public.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 5^th, 2016.