TERRORIST and extremist ideologies, rooted in the Salafi Jihadi school of thought, distorted the concept of Jihad in Islam, exemplified by Al-Qaeda’s 9/11 attacks planned in Afghanistan. Osama bin Laden pledged allegiance to Mullah Omar and Deobandi Hanafi principles, influ-encing the Afghan Taliban. Despite this, Islamic scholars resisted, issuing Fatwas to de-nounce Al-Qaeda and ISIS. Notably, Maulana Hassan Jan declared suicide bombings unlaw-ful but was assassinated by Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. Similarly, Maulana Sarfraz Naeemi mobilized Ulema against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) but was killed in a suicide attack. Dr. Allama Tahir ul-Qadri and Mufti Muneeb ur-Rehman also issued Fatwas against suicide bombings, sparking a broader awakening among scholars. These efforts culminated in the 2018 Paigham-e-Pakistan Fatwa, representing collective Islamic wisdom against terrorism and extremism.
The unanimous Fatwa, Paigham-e-Pakistan, has garnered endorsement from Muftis of all sects of Islam, including Ahle-e-Hadith, Barelvi, Deobandi and Shia, and has been ratified by all federations of Islamic seminaries in the country. Notable figures like Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani and Mufti Muneeb ur-Rehman played crucial roles in its formation, with thou-sands of dedicated Muftis endorsing it nationwide. It has gained approval from Imam-e-Kaaba in KSA and Jamia Al-Azhar in Egypt, cementing its credibility globally. Conse-quently, the Pakistani government has adopted it as a national narrative against terrorism and extremism, providing comprehensive guidance on Jihad, terrorism, suicide bombings, Shariah enforcement, Takfir, and the rights of non-Muslims in Islamic countries. The Paigham-e-Pakistan Fatwa upholds Islamic law, prohibiting non-state actors from declar-ing Jihad and waging war. It emphasizes Pakistan’s status as an Islamic state, granting legal authority to government, defence forces and law enforcement to punish violent groups. It re-jects the labelling of security forces as non-believers and denounces armed upheaval for Shariah implementation. Violent ideologies disrupt order and escalate conflicts, contradicting Islamic legal principles and worsening international relations.The consensus Fatwa in the Paigham-e-Pakistan maintains that suicide bombings are strictly forbidden in Shariah, punishable by hellfire. Terrorist leaders who promote such acts are committing major sins and crimes. This Fatwa aligns with the consensus of Sunni jurispru-dence over the past 1400 years, emphasizing the grave unlawfulness of suicide. Suicide bombings are condemned as a tactic of fear and intimidation, bearing severe consequences for the perpetrator, who carries the burden of the sins of those they murder. Additionally, the exploitation of young children for such acts is decried, as it violates fundamental Islamic principles. On the problem of Takfir, a unanimous Fatwa declares that an individual or a private group could not pronounce a Muslim a non-believer to commit violence against him. The Fatwa further asserts that Takfir does not apply to established Islamic sects or sacred jurists. Paigham-e-Pakistan Fatwa prohibits Muslims from taking the law into their own hands over the issue of blasphemy, and it outlaws the enforcement of Shariah by non-state actors. In this regard, Ulema recommended strict action against terrorist and violent extremist groups for making Takfir an instrument of fear and intimidation in society. Moreover, they advocated for religious and cultural freedom for non-Muslims in Pakistan to lead a peaceful life.The contents of the Paigham-e-Pakistan Fatwa prove that Muslims could only choose the path of Jihad under a legitimate state authority, and individual terrorist groupings like Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and ISIS are taking the wrong stance in this regard. We are living in the era of mass deception in the name of Jihad, and it has become obligatory upon us to adhere to the Quran’s instructions to confirm the veracity of news before reacting to it. In this regard, the youth need to be cautious about terrorist propaganda on social media and networking fo-rums.
The restoration of the caliphate and waging jihad for persecuted Muslims could be ideal for every Muslim; however, people need to be aware of terrorist groups like the TTP, which exploit Islamic ideology for ulterior motives. Youth must reject those leaders and groups that glorify violence and terror in the name of Islam, jihad, the Caliphate, the Quran, and Shariah, and we should only follow mainstream muftis, Ulema, and Islamic scholars who oppose terrorist movements and project the real teachings of Islam.
Finally, the Paigham-e-Pakistan Fatwa has strengthened the hearts and minds of the people of Pakistan and their security forces to deal with terrorist and violent extremist outfits with iron hands. Print, electronic, and social media forums, as well as mosques, should spread this message. Madaris, schools, colleges, and universities should appreciate it as a superior Is-lamic narrative to tackle terrorist and violent extremist ideologies in Pakistan.
The author holds an M.Phil degree in IR from Quaid-e-Azam University, and a contributing columnist on issues of violent extremism and militancy. (X @radiant_j_007)
