Gathering of Religious Scholars
At Lal Qilla Ground, Karachi and Hyderabad

24 November 2011


Religious leaders of Different Schools of thought Molana Tanvee-ul-Haq Thanvi, Molana Asad Devbandi,
Molana Asad Thanvi, Allama Abbas Kumali, Molana Jamil Rathor, Mohammad Nasir Khan Qadri,
Dr. Amir abdullah Mohammadi, Allama Oan Naqvi, Shah Siraj-ul-Haq Qadri and others are
listening Mr. Altaf Hussain's telephonic address

MQM PLATFORM GIVES A LESSON OF SECTARIAN HARMONY: ALTAF HUSSAIN
RELIGIOUS SCHOLARS SHOULD PROMOTE HARMONY AND BROTHERHOOD DURING THE MONTH OF MUHARRAM

KARACHI: 24TH NOVEMBER 2011

Founder and Leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) Mr Altaf Hussain said that the platform of the MQM gives the lesson of sectarian harmony. The objective behind acts of worships of all schools of thought is the same hence there should be no hatred towards anyone on the basis of religious beliefs. The issuance of religious edicts on this basis could also not be justified. It is a part of our creed as Muslims to believe in the unity of Allah, finality of the prophethood of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) and the Holy Quran. Reverence to the companions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and love for the People of the House was also incumbent upon us. He expressed these views while addressing a gathering of religious scholars in Karachi and Hyderabad in connection with the arrival of Muharram.

Mr Hussain said that the belief in the oneness of Allah connects the Muslims to Allah and the holding belief that Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) consummates the religion. We can believe in the unity of Allah by saying that there is no god but Him but the belief would not be completed unless we say that Muhammad (PBUH) is the messenger of Allah. Belief in the prophethood of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) was mandatory and mere belief in the unity of Allah was not sufficient.

Mr Hussain said that the Holy Prophet removed all the distinctions of race, language, colour, rich and the poor. The Quran stresses not to fall in schism. When we believe in Allah, the finality of the prophethood and the Holy Quran then there should be no distinctions and discriminations among Muslims.

Mr Hussain said that Imam Shafi’I, Imam Hanbal, Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Maalik and Imam Jafar Sadiq strove to understand the true spirit of the religion. No imam had ever forbidden the teachings of the other, and neither did they call them as un-Islamic. There is no difference on acts of worship among the followers of various schools of thought and the underlying motive in each case is the same. It is only on the way of performing the acts of worships that there are some differences. Hence no one should be hated on the basis of his religious persuasion.  

Mr Hussain said that if the intentions are genuine and the spirit is true then the Shias and the Sunnis can offer prayers in the Jinnah Ground together and there is no question of sectarian discord. The platform of the MQM gives a lesson of sectarian harmony.

Mr Hussain said that the four Righteous Caliphs Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (RA), Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA), Hazrat Othman (RA) and Hazrat Ali (RA) were highly respectable for us. Hazrat Ali (RA) has his own importance among the companions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as he loved him particularly. When we love the Holy Prophet (PBUH), we should also respect all those who were dear to him.

Mr Hussain appealed to the religious scholars and the public to maintain sectarian harmony during the month of Muharram. He asked the MQM office-bearers and workers to co-operate in the holding of gatherings in the months of Muharram and Rabi-ul-Awal. He praised the Co-ordination Committee, MQM parliamentarians, and members of the Ulema Committee of the MQM for working tirelessly in order to promote unity among Muslims, religious tolerance and sectarian harmony.