Daily Times

Sir: A 14-year-old Christian Nauman Masih was burnt alive by some unknown youths in Lahore a few days ago. After hearing this sad news, I felt really depressed. These types of incidents are becoming common in Pakistan. Being a Muslim, I am very disappointed with this type of attitude by my fellow Muslims. This religious hatred will lead us nowhere. This type of treatment of non-Muslims is not allowed in Islam. Muslims are instructed in the Quran to treat non-Muslims politely and courteously in a spirit of kindness and generosity, provided they are not hostile towards Muslims. Allah says: “God does not forbid you from those who do not fight with you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes — from dealing kindly and justly with them. Indeed, God loves those who act justly.”

When a Christian delegation from Ethiopian churches came to Medina, the Prophet (PBUH) opened up his mosque for their stay, hosted them generously and personally served them meals. He said, “They were generous to our companions, so I wish to be generous to them in person.”
If Allah and His Prophet (PBUH) want us to treat minorities in a good way by providing them food, clothes and shelter, then how can we neglect their teachings? Instead of working for a common objective of making Pakistan a peaceful place, we are dragging it towards destruction.
SARA KHAN
Lahore