Harmonious society: Children should be taught peaceful, inclusive teachings of Islam

With the world suffering from the menace of terrorism, violence and sectarianism, it is necessary to teach children about the peaceful and inclusive teachings of Islam to build a harmonious society.

This was stated by speakers at a two-day national conference on “Inclusive and peaceful society in Pakistan: challenges and opportunities”. The national conference had been organised by the Islamic Research Institute (IRI) at the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI).

Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) Chairman Dr Qibla Ayaz, in his keynote address, highlighted the importance of Islamic teachings for building an inclusive society. He said that a non-violent attitude is an Islamic legacy, adding that it had been an attribute of the prophets.

He stressed the need for promotion of historiography to introduce youth with cohesive and peaceful Islamic teachings.

National cohesion, he said, is an exquisite example of the Islamic vision of peace. Talking about the inclusiveness in societies and its success, the CII chief said that societies which practice such attributes are respected.

Dr Ayaz further said that there is an urgent need to convert challenges into opportunities for progress. He called upon faculty and schools to nurture youth in an environment that may lead to discouraging sectarianism in the society.

IIUI Rector Professor Dr Masoom Yasinzai said that their university is focused on producing balanced human resources who are enlightened with Islamic teachings.

He hoped that the five-year action plan for peace, cohesion and inclusiveness, devised by the Paigham-e-Pakistan forum, will help build a peaceful and inclusive society.

Talking about economic stability or lack thereof in the society, he said peace must be prioritised as it is a prerequisite for a strong economy.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 9^th, 2020.