Inter-sect harmony: Call for measure to check sectarianism

Ulema suggest frequent meetings, exchange programmes between sects

Religious scholars have called for steps to promote inter-sect harmony and check increasing sectarianism in the society.

They were speaking at a two-day conference on “Inter Sect Harmony --- Strategy for Mutual Understanding” at the International Islamic University (IIUI)’s Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue (IIIRD), said a press release.

IIUI Rector Dr Masoom Yasinzai highlighted the role of religious institutes and leaders in promoting peace, tolerance, respect for faiths and sects. He said that publishing offensive caricatures in the name of freedom of expression was unfortunate.

Riphah International University Vice-Chancellor Dr Anis Ahmed said that comparative study of religions, based on research, should be included in the curriculum and taught without any prejudice. He also suggested exchange programmes between madaris of different sects.

Allama Muhammad Ramzan Tauqeer of Jamiatul Najaf, DI Khan, said that commonalities between different sects should be highlighted and the minor differences should not be given hype.

Maulana Zahidur Rashidi said it was necessary to hold frequent meetings between religious leaders of different sects.

The conference was also addressed by former Islamic Ideology Council chairman Dr Khalid Masood, Maulana Mufti Muhammad Zahid of Faisalabad, Director General of the university’s Shariah Academy Dr Sohail Hassan, IIIRD Director Programmes Dr Talib Hussain Sial, Muhammad Mohsin Naqvi, Dr Abdul Ali Achakzai, Dr Syed Aziz ur Rehman, and Maulana Ainal Yaqeen.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 21^st, 2015.