Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Sectarianism is a serious threat to the very existence of Pakistan and to the Muslim world, said Fazlur Rehman Khalil, the leader of Ansarul Umma.

“It (sectarianism) is a form of racism which should be condemned by all Muslim and human-loving people,” the founder of Harkatul Mujahideen said in a statement issued to the media.

He warned the Muslims that Sunni-Shia tussle was not in the interest of Islam and the Muslim world. The key enemy of the Muslims – United States – and its allies have constantly been hatching plots against the Muslims by instigating Sunnis and Shias against each other, he said. “It is part of my faith that Shia-Sunni clash is not at all in the interest of Pakistan and its people.” Khalil – who is also a key leader of Difa-e-Haramain Sharifain (defence of the Two Holy Mosques) – highlighted numerous challenges being faced by the Muslim world due to their internal differences. “A lasting solution to all such challenges rests in the unity of Muslims at all levels,” he said.

He said that all Muslims, irrespective of their sect, should ensure unity among their ranks to foil the conspiracies of their common enemies. About the agenda of Difa-e-Haramain Sharifain, he said it had nothing to do with sectarianism. “The organisation was formed with a sole purpose to unite all the Muslims against all those who want to divide them on sectarian grounds,” he said.

“Being a worker of Difa-e-Haramain Sharifain, I request all the Muslims affiliated with different sects, including Deobandis, Barailvis, Shia and Ahle Hadees, to join our organisation to make Pakistan a strong fort of Islam,” he said, adding that this would help reinforce the defence of the Holy Mosques – Makkah and Madina.

Referring to a recent statement of the Supreme Leader of Iran Sayyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei on the Hajj arrangements, Khalil said that the Saudi rulers should not be criticised for a stampede at Haram Sharif last year.

The last week’s statement by Khamenei came after the Iranian pilgrims missed the current Hajj season due to serious differences between Tehran and Riyadh over Hajj preparations.

The Saudi government wanted the Iranian government to ensure a peaceful role by its pilgrims during Hajj, which was not accepted by Iran.

Khalil said that the Saudi rulers should not be blamed for the absence of Iranians from Hajj, because being a host to about two million pilgrims it was their prime responsibility to ensure a peaceful atmosphere for all the participants.

“Demonstration and rallies at the holy places during Hajj is not acceptable to the Saudi government and also to the other participants,” he explained.

It would be incorrect to say that the Saudi rulers had always remained unsuccessful in providing better facilities to the Hajj pilgrims, he firmly said, and added that the facilities being offered to Hajj pilgrims were always remarkable.

He set aside a notion that the Saudi rulers disallowed the Iranians due to some prejudice, and said that hundreds of Iranians from other countries had been welcomed for Hajj.

Referring to a demand by a few countries, including Iran, that Hajj arrangements should be made by a collective management of some Muslim countries, Khalil termed it unwise and impracticable. “Saudi rulers have vast experience in making all the required arrangements for a smooth Hajj. They are well trained in discharging their obligations to facilitate the Hajj participants, including men, women and the elderly, in performing their religious responsibilities.”

Appreciating the measures adopted by the hosts for ensuring a peaceful and smooth Hajj every year, the Ansarul Umma leader said that the Saudi services reflected the commitment of the government leaders to facilitating millions of Hajj pilgrims.

There also existed a well-organised system in the Saudi Ministry of Hajj for further improving the facilities for the pilgrims, he said. “This ministry remains in function throughout the year not only to further develop its administrative structure but also to remove its previous year’s shortcomings. It also maintains a regular contact with all Muslim countries to exchange their mutual experiences before and after Hajj.”He said it was an undeniable fact that the Saudi rulers had been offering all possible comforts to their guests as part of their religious obligation, and it had nothing to do with politics.

He said that more than 800 flights carrying Hajj pilgrims from different countries landed at the King Abdulaziz International Airport everyday, and all the guests were treated well upon their arrival and departure.