Students told to steer clear of “provoking” parties

Moulana Jameel said fanning the feelings of hatred in the name of religion was against the teachings of Islam

LAHORE: Students should not join political and religious parties that are provoking violence on campus because religion and politics are not meant for creating turmoil and conflicts, said Moulana Tariq Jameel.

He was delivering a lecture at Punjab University Directorate of Students Affairs at Faisal Auditorium on Wednesday.

He advised the students not to become a tool of such politicians and Molvis who were taking them towards negative directions. "We are Muslims and this is the only introduction to us. We must not divide ourselves into sects. People who are dividing us into sects and the politicians who are using our Ummah for their own vested interests are terrorists."

Moulana Jameel said that fanning the feelings of hatred in the name of religion was against the teachings of Islam. "According to our Sunnah, we must not cultivate hatred against anyone in our hearts. If our youth would forget to build their character, nothing could save them from a debacle," he said. He added that high moral values and forgiving others on their mistakes were their biggest assets. "All the prophets wanted us to be good human beings."

Punjab University Vice Chancellor Dr Zakria Zakar said that knowledge and tolerance were interconnected. The administration would make the university an emblem of knowledge, peace and welfare, he said, adding that knowledge could not flourish where there was violence.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 1^st, 2018.