TERRORIST and violent extremist ideologies, based on the Salafi Jihadi school of thought, subverted the concept of Jihad in Islam, with Al-Qaeda manifesting it in the 9/11 attacks in 2001. Afghanistan’s soil was used to plan these attacks. Osama bin Laden had pronounced an oath of allegiance to Mullah Omar and Deobandi Hanafi. Salafi Jihadi ideology significantly influenced the Afghan Taliban. Islamic scholars resisted the falsification of Jihad’s intention to perpetrate suicide bombings and terrorist attacks around the world.
Renowned scholars, such as Maulana Hassan Jan and Maulana Sarfraz Naeemi, issued Fatwas vehemently refuting the ideologies of Al-Qaeda and ISIS, unequivocally condemning the heinous practice of suicide bombings. Tragically, both scholars fell victim to the violence they opposed, assassinated by extremist factions. Despite these profound losses, their unwavering commitment to combating terrorism inspired a broader movement within the scholarly community.
Following their lead, prominent figures like Dr. Allama Tahirul Qadri and Mufti Muneebur Rehman amplified the message against extremism, issuing their own Fatwas denouncing terrorist activities. These collective efforts stirred a groundswell of support among scholars from all Islamic schools of thought, culminating in the historic Paigham-e-Pakistan Fatwa of 2018.
Endorsed by Muftis representing diverse sects, including Ahle-e-Hadith, Barelvi, Deobandi, and Shia, Paigham-e-Pakistan gained widespread recognition and acceptance. Its credibility was further affirmed by esteemed institutions such as the Imam-e-Kaaba in Saudi Arabia and Jamia Al-Azhar in Egypt, solidifying its status as a unifying force against extremism within the Islamic world.
Recognizing its significance and impact, the government of Pakistan formally embraced Paigham-e-Pakistan as the cornerstone of its national narrative in the fight against terrorism. Thus, the collective wisdom and unified stance of Islamic scholars have been instrumental in shaping a path towards peace and tolerance in Pakistan and beyond.
The Paigham-e-Pakistan Fatwa provides comprehensive guidance on critical issues such as Jihad, terrorism, suicide bombings, Shariah enforcement, Takfir, and the rights of non-Muslims within Islamic countries. It emphasizes the legal doctrines of Islam, particularly highlighting the prohibition of non-state actors engaging in combat or declaring Jihad. This stance underscores Pakistan’s status as an Islamic state, granting legal authority to its government, armed forces, and law enforcement agencies to combat violence within its borders.
Furthermore, the Fatwa firmly rejects the practice of dubbing security personnel as non-believers, prohibiting attacks against them. It also condemns all forms of violent groups, including terrorists and rebels, and prohibits armed upheaval for Shariah implementation within Pakistan. This stance aligns with Islamic jurisprudence, aiming to prevent disorder, rebellions, and sectarian conflicts within Islamic states.
Regarding suicide bombings, the Fatwa maintains a consensus among four Sunni jurisprudences, denouncing such acts as unlawful in Shariah. It highlights the severe consequences of suicide bombings, branding them as “Haram” and emphasizing the perpetrators’ accountability for the sins of innocent lives lost. Moreover, the Fatwa condemns the exploitation of children in terrorism, highlighting the inhumanity of such actions. It underscores the importance of upholding Islamic principles, particularly in protecting innocent lives and promoting peace and justice within Muslim communities and beyond.
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.
In the current era, deception in the name of Jihad is rampant, urging adherence to Quranic teachings to verify news. Youth must remain vigilant against terrorist propaganda on social media. While the idea of restoring the caliphate and defending persecuted Muslims is appealing, awareness of groups like TTP, exploiting Islam for their agenda, is crucial. Rejecting leaders and groups promoting violence in Islam’s name is imperative. The Paigham-e-Pakistan Fatwa empowers Pakistanis and security forces against extremism. Media outlets, mosques and educational institutions should propagate this narrative to combat terrorism effectively.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Rawalpindi.
