Daily Times

The murderer has confessed. He
killed a Muslim — a kalima-go (someone who recited the Kalima) — who only asked for the course of justice to be followed. One is reminded of the Holy Quran, which says in Surah Al-Nisa (04:093) “If a man kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell, to abide therein (Forever): And the wrath and the curse of God are upon him, and a dreadful penalty is prepared for him.”

Mumtaz Qadri’s worldly matters should be decided by the process of law and in the afterlife the matter will be with God Almighty.

But what has happened in the streets of Pakistan is another matter. A strange conduct has been shown by a section of the ‘black coats’ and ‘religious’ politicians. ‘Black coats’ collected in numbers and shouted slogans in favour of the murderer! The prosecution lawyers were intimidated. The extreme-right politicians followed this, as did some professed religious groups. They took out a procession in Karachi comprising of madrassa students and made fiery speeches. Holding Salmaan Taseer responsible for his own death! Heavyweight leaders of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam–Fazl (JUI-F) and Jamaat-e-Islami were among the speakers. The sad event of the murder had occurred some days ago, then what was the purpose of this rally? I can only wish that they would hold their tempers and leave the matters to law and justice and not make intimidating postures. Unfortunately, the Jamaat-e-Islami of Maulana Maududi, or Maulana Amin Islahi or even Mr Naeem Siddiqi is no more. It is now a party that tasted power in General Ziaul Haq’s regime and enjoyed the intimidation by ‘danda’ (stick). It strives for the same clout and the present leadership expresses hatred and issues ‘fatwas’ (edicts) without any sense of social responsibility. On the other hand, the party of Maulana Fazlur Rehman is out of power, which they managed to enjoy in almost all regimes. The JUI-F represents a certain school of thought in religion and is accommodative of terrorists. The JUI-F did not support the Swat operation or the South Waziristan one. During its control of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) it shielded the Taliban and, under the excuse of political negotiations, provided them the opportunity to re-group and strengthen themselves with arms and men and the funds flowing in from powers interested in weakening Pakistan. So such political groups fan the hatred and division to consolidate their support from potential activists, hence the exploitation of madrassa students in Karachi.

Even more poisonous is the ‘radicalisation’ campaign in society by those who take illiterate mullahs’ word as the teaching of Islam. Islam by all definitions is the religion of peace. All mannerisms taught promote peace. The ‘salam’, the ‘Bismillah’, the prayers, and God being ‘Rehman’ and ‘Rahim’, underscore the spirit of Islam. Islam also seeks unity and cohesion among the believers. Then why are the leaders of political parties trying to divide? Why is the word being spread around in favour of a murderer? It is being done at all levels in society, amongst women, the young and at the workplace. This is ‘radicalisation’ and this is an effort to divide the polity and to consolidate political clout by providing a ‘religious’ base. Is it not ‘fitna’ (lure) or ‘fassa’ad’ (mischief). Such things neither serve the country nor do these serve the religion.

One would also expect the learned ulema to ponder if such divisive actions would fall into the category that is indicated in the verses of the Holy Quran, which says; Surah Al Baqrah (02:011) “When it is said to them: ‘Make not mischief on the earth,’ they say: ‘Why, we only want to make peace!” (02:012) “Of a surety, they are the ones who make mischief, but they realise (it) not.” (02:204) “There is the type of man whose speech about this world’s life may dazzle thee, and he calls God to witness about what is in his heart; yet is he the most contentious of enemies.” (02.205) “When he turns his back, his aim everywhere is to spread mischief through the earth and destroy crops and cattle. But God loveth not mischief.”

Humans are expected to maintain peace on earth. We all need to strive for it. Our beloved country is facing so many challenges, would it not be better to work for humanity and avoid divisive actions? Intolerance has been on the increase for years and it will not serve us well. Political leaders should be working for national harmony if they are sincere to the country and the nation. After all, we have a democratic system and we are governed by the representatives of the people. Lawyers in particular are from a noble profession and they must lead by example. The common man on the street looks up to them and their leadership is what determines the actions of the less educated. If sanity is to be restored in society, then all of us — particularly the leaders — have a great responsibility. So is the responsibility of those who manage the country, especially the men in positions of power. Every individual must read the Holy Quran personally and understand the message of Allah. Any further information should be sought from the life of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). Finally, we do not need to get intimidated by the appearance and ‘costume’ of someone who means to oppress, suppress and intimidate in the name of religion.

The prime minister has made a statement on the floor of the House about the blasphemy law. The matter should now end.

The blood of Salmaan Taseer must make everyone realise that tempers have gone too far. That individuals are taking the law into their own hands like they did in Sialkot and in Islamabad and at many other places. All political leaders, responsible scholars, pious religious individuals and the media must work on a war-footing to defuse the situation, to restore sanity, to de-radicalise attitudes, to promote tolerance and harmony. We all owe it to ourselves and to the nation.

The writer is a culture and media management specialist, a researcher, author, director and actor