Ulema have divided people on basis of religion: Prof Rafiq Akhtar

LAHORE: Well-known religious scholar and writer Prof Ahmad Rafiq Akhtar has said that ulema have divided the nation on the basis of religion and sects, and now a new sect has been created in every street.
Every Aalim who is able to understand only one Ayat of the Holy Quran has created his own sect. These ulema divided people on the basis of religion and then divide their respective areas among themselves on the basis of that division, he adds.
He was delivering a lecture on the topic of “Confusion in Religious Thoughts and Solution to It” at the annual academic session February 2015 in Gyara area of Gujjar Khan. The professor said today people are not recognised by their being a Muslim but because of their headgears and their outlooks. He said whosoever would part ways with the mainstream Muslims would be led astray.
Prof Akhtar said that one should stay the path of knowledge, wisdom and logic while talking of religion and should not indulge in blind following. A large number of people from various walks of life including politician Azam Swati, Shoaib Suddle, Dr Jalil, Ayatullah Durrani, Zumarrad Khan, Khalid Qureshi, Khalid Yaqoob, ex-chairman Wapda Shamsul Mulk, Dr Brian, Naeem Akhtar Mian, Najeeb, Israr Kasana, Zoraiz Lashari attended the lecture.
Prof Akhtar said even the companions of Holy Prophet (PBUH) would develop difference of opinion on various issues, but they would resolve their issues only through logic and religious knowledge.