Ulema declaration

The unanimous declaration of condemnation of the Data Darbar attacks by a cross-section of ulema from all Muslim sects is, unto itself, a welcome development. However, we have seen this movie play out before. It is very easy for the leading scholars of each sect to come together to agree on the bleeding obviously, but it seems far more difficult to convince the rank-and-file members of seminary staffs that a more tolerant and accepting message of Islam must be preached, both to the public and the seminary students. We do not deny the sincerity of the ulema who made the declaration but we would like to see some more action on their part. They are not politicians, after all. If they wish to claim the mantle of moral leadership in Pakistani society, then they need to create mechanisms to ensure that their tolerant and humane message becomes the reality of the curriculum.

Contrary to common perception, the official curricula of most seminaries do not include intolerant messages. The actual intolerance comes informally, in the form of lectures at seminaries and sermons in mosques. The government has limited legitimacy when it comes to initiating and enforcing these reforms. It has tried several times and failed. However, the leading Islamic scholars of the country have more credence in the audience that needs most to be targeted by this message of tolerant coexistence with other sects. Yet for that to happen, scholars and seminary teachers need to stop being defensive to the point where they deny they even have a problem. An admission of a problem is the supreme sign of confidence and moral strength, not weakness. And when it comes to preaching the difference between right and wrong, there is simply no room for compromise. The ulema need to match their words with tangible actions.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 6^th, 2010.