Pulwama Suicide Attack and Fatwa by Pakistani Ulama: Still a Call for Accountability
By Ghulam Ghaus
Siddiqi, New Age Islam
9 July 2024
Indian Ulama Should Regularly Counter the Anti-India
Narrative Perpetuated by Pakistani Ulama
This Article Examines the Historical Context
and Implications Of An Old Fatwa Issued By Certain Pakistani Ulama, Which
Emphasizes The Sanctity Of Human Lives And Prohibits Killing Non-Muslims Within
Islamic Nations. However, A Critical Examination Reveals Elements Advocating
for Violence in The Name of A "Struggle for Freedom" In Kashmir. The Article
Calls for A Nuanced Analysis of Such Rhetoric, Considering The Socio-Political
Complexities and Ethical Dilemmas of Justifying Violence for Political Ends. By
Examining Both the Commendable and Contentious Aspects of the Fatwa, A Deeper
Understanding of the Intersection Between Religious Doctrine, Political
Ideology, And Human Rights in Conflict Zones Is Sought.
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Pulwama was the single deadliest attack in
Indian-controlled Kashmir since 1989
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Several
years in the past, within the bustling city of Lahore, located in Pakistan, a
significant event unfolded that sparked discussions among scholars and Ulama
hailing from various sects. As reported by BBC Urdu, this particular moment
gave rise to a coordinated effort, resulting in the issuance of a pivotal
fatwa. This pronounced religious edict deliberated upon and emphasized a
resolute position asserting the unequivocal prohibition of engaging in suicide
attacks within the public domain of the Islamic state.
This
collective undertaking marked a watershed moment in the ongoing discourse
within the religious spheres, prompting contemplation and deep reflection among
adherents and scholars alike regarding the sanctity of human life and the
ethical boundaries within the purview of Islamic teachings. The reverberations
of this pivotal fatwa echoed far and wide, serving as a beacon of ethical
standards and a call for unity in upholding the sacred tenets that underpin the
faith. This potent declaration not only drew attention to the necessity of
preserving peace and safeguarding human life but also underscored the
collective responsibility incumbent upon the community to uphold the principles
of compassion, tolerance, and understanding in an increasingly complex and
interconnected world.
The fatwa,
with its gravity and authority, unequivocally proclaimed that individuals who
engaged in such violent acts were to be deemed as going against the very
essence and teachings of Islam. This decisive proclamation aimed to uphold
peace and stability within the community, emphasizing the sanctity of life and
the preservation of mutual respect among individuals. It served as a poignant
reminder of the values that unite the people of faith, underscoring the
importance of compassion, understanding, and the rejection of violence as a
means of conflict resolution.
The
issuance of this fatwa not only stood as a testament to the collective wisdom
and moral consciousness of the scholars and Ulama involved but also resonated
profoundly across the broader Islamic community, reinforcing the principles of
harmony, coexistence, and the rejection of extremism.
In a solemn
declaration, Mufti Muneebur Rahman made a significant announcement regarding
the issuance of a fatwa tailored specifically for the current circumstances
prevailing in Pakistan. The decision to decree this fatwa stems from the grim
reality of rampant violence that has plagued the nation for over a decade and a
half. Reflecting on the grim toll of the past fifteen years, the country has
borne witness to a distressing number of killings, many of which have occurred
in brutal attacks involving bomb blasts targeting public spaces and religious
sanctuaries alike.
The gravity
of these incidents prompted the esteemed Mufti Muneeb to take a firm stance
through the issuance of this fatwa, denouncing the wanton bloodshed that has
marred the peace and security of the land. This religious edict serves as a
clarion call to end the cycle of violence that has brought untold suffering to
communities across Pakistan, emphasizing the sanctity of life and the imperative
of upholding peace and harmony within society.
According
to the fatwa, which is a legal ruling in Islamic law, it is considered
forbidden to take the life of a non-Muslim citizen residing in an Islamic
country. This prohibition is rooted in the teachings of Islam, which emphasize
the sanctity and protection of all human lives regardless of their faith. Islam
places great importance on the preservation of life and property, and as such,
it mandates that individuals must respect and safeguard the rights of others,
including non-Muslims. By upholding these principles, the Islamic community
strives to create a society where everyone is treated with dignity and
fairness, irrespective of their religious beliefs. Therefore, the fatwa serves
as a reminder of the ethical responsibilities that individuals have towards
their fellow citizens, fostering a culture of peace, tolerance, and respect
within Islamic societies.
The fatwa
in question was actually issued several years ago, and it includes certain
positive directives that align with Islamic jurisprudence. However, there is a
specific aspect to consider where the Mufti Muneeb leans towards offering a
more political justification within the specific context of Pakistan, rather
than strictly in line with Islamic principles. This particularly pertains to
the situation in Kashmir. While the fatwa explicitly prohibits the killing of
non-Muslim residents in an Islamic nation, the Mufti's assertion that this
prohibition does not apply to the struggles in Kashmir is highly contentious
and raises significant objections.
In the wake
of the devastating Pulwama attack, which tragically claimed the lives of
numerous Indian security forces in a horrific suicide bombing incident, it was
crucial for us to reflect on the harrowing events that transpired on that
fateful day. The assailants behind this heinous act were linked to the
Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) group, based in Pakistan, who brazenly admitted to
orchestrating the attack through a statement provided to a local news agency. However,
it is essential to highlight that their actions starkly contradict the
fundamental principles of Islam, which unequivocally denounce such acts of
violence, especially suicide bombings, as outlined in a comprehensive article
penned by this humble writer [Ghulam
Ghaus Siddiqi] and published on Newageislam.com. The repercussions of the
Pulwama attack reverberated not only across the region but also served as a
stark reminder of the need to address extremism and safeguard the sanctity of
human life.
In the
aftermath of the heinous Pulwama terror strike which claimed the lives of 40
CRPF personnel, the Dargah Ala Hazrat in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, emphatically
called upon the government to eradicate terrorism and uphold the sanctity of
human life. Rooted in the teachings of Islam, the Dargah stressed that
terrorism has no place in the religion and unequivocally denounces any
association between Muslims and acts of terror. Sajjadah Nasheen Subhan Raja
Khan, in condemning the Pulwama attack, emphasized that such atrocities not
only bring shame upon humanity but also tarnish the principles of Islam.
Moreover,
expressing heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the Dargah
wholeheartedly stood in solidarity with the martyrs' loved ones during this
time of profound loss. Notably, the Dargah underlined the imperative for the
Muslim community to unite against those who seek to sow seeds of terror and
discord.
In addition
to the Dargah, Indian Ulama from diverse schools of thought united in a
resounding denouncement of the despicable Pulwama attack, firmly calling for
stringent repercussions against all perpetrators involved. It is profoundly
imperative to acknowledge and commend the resolute stance assumed by the Indian
Ulama in unequivocally condemning the tragic events in Pulwama. Their vocal
rejection of violence, coupled with their impassioned plea for justice, serves
as a poignant testament to their unwavering dedication to fostering peace and
communal harmony within the nation. Throughout history, the Indian Ulama have
remained pivotal in advocating for religious tolerance and facilitating
cross-cultural understanding among the various sects in India. Thus, their
unwavering stand against terrorism and all forms of violence emits a potent
message of unity and solidarity that resonates throughout the nation and
beyond.
Conversely,
it is disheartening to witness the unwavering support exhibited by certain
Pakistani Ulama towards their respective political and military authorities,
under the guise of propagating Islam. Their misguided employment of religion to
endorse acts of violence and terrorism propagates a perilous trend with
far-reaching implications for regional peace and stability. It is critical that
we address this growing concern promptly, as it harbours the potential to
thwart the endeavours of peace-loving individuals and communities striving
towards a harmonious future.
Given the
divisive narrative perpetuated by certain Pakistani Ulama, the onus falls upon
the Indian Ulama to refute these narratives at an ideological level, thwarting
any attempts to exploit Islam against India. By upholding and promoting the
authentic tenets of Islam, which are rooted in principles of peace, empathy,
and harmonious coexistence, the Indian Ulama can effectively counter extremist
ideologies that aim to divide communities and incite violence. Through their
dedicated efforts in disseminating awareness and nurturing constructive
dialogues, the Indian Ulama play an instrumental role in constructing a more
inclusive and tolerant society.
The
significance of the Indian Ulama's role in combating extremism and championing
peace cannot be overstated. By courageously confronting those who endeavour to
sow discord and animosity, the Indian Ulama are not only upholding the core tenets
of their faith but also contributing significantly to the collective welfare of
society. It is paramount that we extend unwavering support and encouragement to
their tireless endeavours aimed at fostering unity and mutual understanding
among disparate communities within the diverse fabric of India.
The tragic
incident in Pulwama served as a stark reminder of the cost of terrorism and the
urgent need for collective action against its perpetrators. As investigations
revealed the involvement of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist group
harboured in Pakistan, it becomes increasingly clear that concerted efforts are
essential to combat the scourge of terrorism and safeguard peace and harmony
for all.
When the
suicide bombers devised their plan to launch an attack on the Indian security
forces, they were systematically indoctrinated with the corrupted and distorted
interpretations of Islamic teachings. This manipulation led them to carry out
their devastating attack without any hesitation. It is crucial to hold certain
Pakistani Ulama accountable for their involvement in this twisted narrative.
These individuals, who issued a fatwa suggesting that taking the lives of
non-Muslims in Islamic nations is unacceptable, yet indirectly justified
violence in the context of Kashmir's so-called fight for “freedom”, must be
questioned in the aftermath of incidents like the Pulwama attack. Their
political narrative needs to be consistently challenged, drawing upon the true
essence of Islamic teachings that unequivocally denounce acts of terrorism,
including suicide bombings, under any circumstances. The need to address the
root causes of such extreme ideologies and to promote a genuine understanding
of Islam that promotes peace and compassion is paramount in countering such
violent acts.
Let me make
it explicitly clear that my intention is not to cast blame on all the Ulama of
Pakistan without distinction. It is important to emphasize that my critique
pertains to a specific subset of Ulama, rather than a blanket condemnation of
the entire community. This distinction is crucial in avoiding generalizations
and stereotypes. I believe in fairness and accuracy, acknowledging that there
are diverse perspectives and practices within the realm of Ulama in Pakistan.
Therefore, it is essential to be discerning and nuanced in our assessment of
individuals and groups, understanding that each must be evaluated on their own
merits. By clarifying this point, I seek to promote understanding and avoid
misconceptions that may arise from broad-brush statements.
Pakistani
Ulama can be categorized into two groups: those who promote a moderate,
harmonious interpretation of Islam and those who advocate for extreme, radical
beliefs disguised as Islam. The former advocates for an inclusive, open-minded,
and progressive understanding of the faith, while the latter advocates for
extreme, radical beliefs. Supporting and appreciating the voices of those who
promote peaceful narratives and denouncing those who advocate for harmful
discourses can help combat radicalization and promote tolerance, mutual
understanding, and respect. This can foster unity, cohesion, and peaceful
coexistence at both local and global scales.
Through the
dissemination of this article, we extend a heartfelt invitation to the esteemed
Indian Ulama to consistently and fearlessly refute the Pakistani Ulama who,
regrettably, have been known to distort Islamic teachings for partisan
political motives and military ventures, especially when directed towards
India. By initiating open dialogues and vigorously challenging any
misinterpretations or exploitations of Islam, the Indian Ulama have the
invaluable potential to staunch these insidious efforts, thereby laying the
groundwork for a more amicable and empathetic rapport between the peoples of
India and Pakistan. It is through the power of conceptual clarity, critical
analysis, and spiritual integrity that the Indian Ulama can play a pivotal role
in reshaping narratives, dispelling misconceptions, and nurturing a sustainable
foundation of respectful coexistence and shared understanding within the
socio-political landscape of the Indian subcontinent.
References:
BBC Urdu Report:
’عام مقامات پر خود کش حملےحرام ‘: آپ کی رائے؟
Dargah Ala
Hazrat Report:
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A regular columnist with NewAgeIslam.com,
Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi Dehlvi is a classical Islamic scholar with a rich Sufi
Madrasa background and expertise in English-Arabic-Urdu translation.
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-politics/pulwama-suicide-attack-fatwa-pakistani-ulama/d/132663
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