Ulema call for accepting supremacy of law, Constitution

ISLAMABAD: The religious scholars on Wednesday called for accepting supremacy of the Constitution, law and state of Pakistan by refraining from creating mistrust and anger against the state institutions, armed forces, judiciary and executive through any statements and practices.

A large gathering of religious scholars from different schools of thoughts, which was organised under the umbrella of National Ulema and Mushaikh Council, also denounced any armed struggle, extremism, terrorism and activities meant to create hate. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, presided over proceedings of the event which through a declaration, also called for taking preventive measures against blasphemous material, messages based on fake news against any religion, sect or nation on social media. “There is need to create awareness particularly among youth for positive use of social media”, the declaration said.

The meeting also noted there was a need to promote Islamic teachings to put an end to extremism, terrorism, hate environment for achieving ultimate goals i.e. unity of Muslim Ummah, national unity and peace.

The gathering of Ulema also strongly condemned aggression against Pakistan by Afghanistan and India and paid tributes to the prime minister, field marshal, leadership of armed forces, officers and soldiers and the whole nation over success of Markaa-e-Haq. The Ulema congregation also called for promoting culture of ‘Salaat’ and ‘Zakaat’ and suggested for observing a week in this connection. It says that it was authority of concerned institution to undertake judicial process to decide sensitive religious matters.

“Any individual or group of people do not have any right to take decisions in this connection”, the declaration said.

It was also declared that Khateeb, religious scholars and Zakreen in their sermons and speeches should not talk about controversial religious matters and also refrain from ridiculing individuals and creating hate against them. “They should also advise public to obey law and create patience and discipline in their lives”, the declaration said. It was also declared that to issue decrees and giving decisions on relgious matters is right of authorized and renowned religious bodies and institutions.

The second meeting of Ulema and Mushaikh Council also welcomed Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and congratulated the leadership of two countries and the whole Ummah.

Earlier, addressing the meeting, the Minister for Religious Affairs said that Ulema and Mushaikh always play any important role for causes of religious harmony and peace. He said that a detailed discussion was held with Ulema and Mushaikh and promoting ‘Salaat’ system and other important issues during the meeting.

Prominent among those who attended the meeting include Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Maulana Muhammad Yaseen Zafar, Dr. Raghib Hussain Naeemi, Allama Arif Wahidi, Professor Sajjad Qamar, Shah Awais Noorani, Maulana Anwaarul Haq Haqqani, Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, Mufti Syed Kifayat Hussain Naqvi, Maulana Tayyab Qureshi and Qari Mahboobur Rehman.