Religious harmony is essential

The reprinting of blasphemous caricature by Charlie Hebdo has led to a wide range of unrest throughout world

Unless we foster religious harmony, tolerance and patience, no one will reach the goals of peace and stability in any corner of the world. No one can neglect the fact that the recent act of violence in Paris and the reprinting of a blasphemous caricature by the French magazine, Charlie Hebdo, led to a wide range of unrest throughout the world. This act by the French magazine has put all those Muslims, who have been in opposition to and denounce terrorism but are in favour of religious harmony and tolerance, in a difficult position. It is very hard for them to remain mum over the publication of the blasphemous caricatures.

The recent brutal terrorist attack on Peshawar schoolchildren led to the creation of an unprecedented consensus against terrorism amongst the Muslim ummah in general, and Pakistan in particular. The attack on the Charlie Hebdo office on January 7, causing the loss of at least 12 lives, has further cemented global unity against terror and extremism. Almost all leaders from Muslim countries have denounced the act of violence and extended sympathies to the French government and the bereaved families.

But the French magazine’s act of reprinting the same caricatures in reaction has hurt the cause of fostering global unity against terrorism and fanatics. This provided an opportunity to all those circles who perhaps oppose this global unity against terrorism in Muslim countries in general and Pakistan in particular. Now, such elements are not only denouncing legislation regarding military courts for deciding the fate of terrorists, but are even making attempts to project terrorists as “mujahideen”. Since the re-publication of the blasphemous caricatures, protest rallies and the publication of condemnation statements in the media are in progress throughout Pakistan. But the “complete silence in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait” and several other Arab states is ironic. It seems that only Pakistan and its people are being projected as believers in extremism or intolerance.

There is no place for violence, aggression, injustice, insult and disgrace in any religion, faith or belief. All religions, holy books and divine messages through all means and ways advocate love, respect, tolerance, patience and justice. Only terrorists, criminals and evil people, irrespective of race, religion and colour are blaming Islam and other religions or holy books and personalities for the promotion and support of heinous criminal and terrorist acts. World leaders must realise their responsibilities at this crucial stage for bringing an end to violence, aggression and terrorism. This will be made possible only through the promotion of trends of religious harmony, patience and tolerance.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 28^th, 2015.