PESHAWAR: People from different walks of life, including intelligentsia, media, civil society, and religious scholars, gathered at the launch ceremony of “Paigham-e-Pakistan” –- a book published to discourage extremism and promote the image of peaceful Pakistan.
The Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Iqbal Zafar Jhagra, was chief guest at the occasion.
The Islamic Ideological Council Chairman, Qibla Ayaz; Rector of the International Islamic University Islamabad, Prof. Dr. Masoom Yasinzai; Director General of the university’s Islamic Research Institute, Ziaul Haq; and religious scholars from different schools of thought also addressed the ceremony.
Haq said the book was prepared by the Islamic Research Institute, the Higher Education Commission and Wifaqul Madaris (central board for religious seminaries).
The book contains religious decrees from more than 1,800 religious scholars condemning terrorist and suicide attacks, and asking Pakistanis to follow the law of the land.
He added that the religious scholars played a positive role when the country faced terrorism and extremism.
Yasinzai said President Mamnoon Hussain tasked the International Islamic University with drafting the national narrative and the university’s Islamic Research Center prepared the text of the book in consultation with religious scholars and academia.
He said the book stresses that jihad can be declared only by the state and that armed resistance against an Islamic state is tantamount to rebellion in Islam.
Ayaz said emphasis must be laid on inclusive citizenry as all citizens, whether Muslims or non-Muslims, have equal rights.
He added that the policymakers should benefit from the book and make policies in line with the book’s guidelines. He said religious scholars of all sects in Pakistan agree on the book.
“The current situation in Pakistan shows that order has been restored in the country but we need to make efforts for peace now,” he added.
Jhagra said the book was the need of the hour to counter extremism and promote positive thinking, especially among the younger generation, and to contribute to national development.
He said the book would benefit not only Pakistan but would also prove fruitful for the Muslim world, and the world in general as it promoted non-violence and a true, peaceful image of Islam.
He said that anti-state elements always exploited people’s religious sentiments, but the book explains Islamic teachings and portrays their true interpretations.
“Paigham-e-Pakistan” has the joint decree of 1,829 religious scholars hailing from different schools of thought. It was issued on Jan. 16, 2018.
Ayaz told Arab News that the book would have a great impact as most people in Pakistan respect religious scholars.
“In order to promote the book, either the entire book or its summary should be included in syllabi of schools, colleges and universities,” said Ayaz, adding that seminars should be held on this book and it should be highlighted in the media as well.
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