Fighting extremism: Muslims urged to promote diversity, tolerance

Scholar says extremism and terrorism are against the messages of Islam and Sufism.

ISLAMABAD: Muslims need to broaden their vision, work for betterment of fellow human beings, irrespective of caste, creed and religion, and focus on character building of young generation by engaging them in good deeds and spirituality to bring harmony and coherence in one’s own life and society.

This was the crux of the speech made by Secretary General of Islahee Jamaat and Aalmi Tanzeemul Arifeen Sahibzada Sultan Ahmad Ali at a conference on Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Punjabi mystic poet Sultan Bahoo at Jinnah Convention Centre here on Sunday.

While discussing the rising intolerance and religious extremism, he said that the killings, barbarism and fanaticism were against the message of Islam, which calls for love, humility, peace and harmony.

He was dismayed over the current bizarre situation, saying the forces of darkness have let loose a reign of terror in the country. “This is antithesis to the very teachings of Islam and the mysticism.”

He said that Muslims need some soul-searching and self-reflection to get out of the current morass of uncertainty and despondency.

While delving on the history and evolution of Islam in the South Asian Subcontinent, he said despite strong resistance and difficulties, it was the steadfastness, strong character and commitment of Sufis and saints (mystics) that the universal message of the religion spread in this region. They succeeded in striking a balance in society and kept the colliding forces at bay. “During the colonial era, hatred and discord was spread in society through an organised conspiracy to turn people against each other. Our literary treasure was taken away from us by removing Arabic and Persian languages from syllabus and academic institutions,” he said.

Ali called for character building of the Ummah. “Muslims must be aware of world temptations and inner desires and how to avoid them and reshape nourish and transform our character.

The conference was presided over by chief patron Islahee Jamaat and Aalmi Tanzeemul Arifeen Sultan Muhammad Ali. A large number of people including students, teachers and professionals attended the event.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 26^th, 2015.