Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf on Wednesday unveiled nine-points to address the contemporary internal, external challenges faced by the country, emphasizing national harmony and tolerance among masses.
The points were unanimously formulated by prominent scholars from all schools of thought during the second meeting of the National Ulema and Mashaikh Council that met here with Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf in the chair.
The minister said that the council emphasized the teaching of Islam to promote peace, solidarity, and unity among Muslim countries and to curb the menace of extremism, terrorism, and hate.
Condemning the aggression of India and Afghanistan against Pakistan, the Council reiterated its resolve that all Islamic scholars stand with the Pakistan Army and would not hesitate to render any sacrifice for the nation.
The Minister stated that Salah and Zakat are fundamental pillars of Islam, therefore, the Council agreed that a week of Salah and Zakat should be observed to promote awareness and education on their observance.
He said that the council directed all clerics and preachers to avoid passing controversial or derogatory remarks against any sect, religious figure, or Fiqh, educating the masses to understand any action regarding religious violations or sensitive religious matters falls exclusively under the jurisdiction of legal institutions.
“Fatwas and Sharia rulings can only be issued by authentic, well-known, and authorized religious institutions,” the Minister added.
Sardar Yousuf apprised that the Council had urged preachers to emphasize tolerance, discipline, and adherence to the law in their sermons to prevent provocation, suspicion, and conflict.
“The sermons and speeches will include topics such as self-improvement, collective welfare, social responsibility, moral training, education, health, cleanliness, environmental protection, women’s and children’s rights, and humanitarian service,” the minister added.
Similarly, the prevailing issues in society – such as unemployment, drug abuse, ignorance, moral decay, and social deterioration – will be discussed from a reformative perspective.
The Council urged scholars to address the intellectual and critical questions of the youth in a dignified and reasoned manner, keeping in view the growing restlessness among them in various respects.
The Council also emphasized the adoption of modern communication skills, principles of effective oratory, and scientific reasoning in public statements, along with the positive use of social media.
The Minister said that the council had agreed that no statement or action should be taken that creates distrust or incitement against state institutions, the judiciary, the armed forces, or the administration.
Moreover, any justification or support for terrorism, extremism, hate speech, or armed struggle should be strictly avoided.
Welcoming the defense pact between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Council described the agreement as a symbol of strength and unity in the Muslim world.
“We congratulate the leadership of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the entire Islamic world on this agreement. It stands as a testament to the fact that the two Holy Mosques are the center of our devotion, and love for them is an integral part of our faith,” the Minister said.
Sardar Yosuf also announced various committees after deliberations by the council members on important issues.